Yesterday I had a piece of the frame break off inside my M&P 22 (original, not compact) and wanted to share with you all. Thankfully this happened at home and not while the gun was being used! I had removed the magazine and was clearing the action before transport; as the slide slid forward to resting position a chunk of metal fell out through the magazine chamber.

Here's a link to high-res pictures of the damage.

There's a cast metal tab that sits in front of the internal hammer and acts as a hammer stop. It is cast as part of the left side of the frame and does not attach on the right. It looks like a stress crack formed in the corner that attaches the tab to the rest of the frame, and after enough hits from the hammer it finally gave up. I'm not sure if the root cause is a casting fault, a hammer block fitment issue, or something else. There's a little indent in the base of the hammer that looks suspect. I will be sending it to S&W for repair.

This pistol has fired about 3500 rounds, nearly all of which have been Federal bulk 38gr CPHP. It has treated me extremely well up to this point. I'll update this thread when I hear back from S&W.

-Laird

Attached Images

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I've seen this happen when people drop the hammer with the slide off. I'm not saying this is your issue. My wife and I have thousands of rounds through ours and haven't had this issue. When was yours purchased?

This one was purchased in summer of 2012. The little ballistic test casing/pouch that came with the gun was dated April 2012. I usually drop the hammer during cleanings but always try to cushion the blow... maybe I don't cushion it well enough!

-Laird

This is why i don't like cast metal inn guns! Up the price 50$ and mill steel instead! How deep do you break the pistol down when cleaning? Seen pics of the internals, and they do not look to strong...


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Interested to hear what S&W says, these were in the running for suppressor host not so much anymore.

One more reason they went to the c version

I just picked up a compact and it seems much sturdier than the Walther/gsg made full size. Now just waiting on my suppressor stamp.

Smith & Wesson called yesterday, 19 days after I shipped it, 14 days after actual receipt and 7 days after receipt notification. Since the frame is damaged they are replacing the firearm and wanted to coordinate the dealer/FFL to deliver through. When asked about an ETA they said that they are currently out of stock but have an order pending from Walther in Germany. They wouldn't/couldn't give an estimated date because the order had not yet cleared US Customs. They did offer to replace my FS M&P22 with a M&P22 Compact if I liked, but I declined. The FS grip fits my hand much better than the more Shield-sized 22 Compact. Overall another case of great customer service and support from Smith & Wesson.

-Laird

Laird; take the compact. It's a better pistol.

The shipment from Walther finally made it through to S&W. My replacement M&P22 has a tracking number and a delivery date of April 1. Overall I'm pleased but had this been a daily carry pistol I certainly wouldn't have had the patience to wait 2 months for the replacement.

-Laird

I picked up the replacement M&P22 yesterday, new in case and plastic bag from Walther. Cleaned up all the excess machine oil they apply at the factory and put my Tru-Glo TFO night sights back on. All was excellent as far as fit and action, just in need of some breaking in to loosen things up. The printing on the slide is better quality than my original 2012 - looks sharp!

-Laird