M&P Parts? Where are they?

[tbird]

I have been trying to find parts to update one 9fs and for spares for others. Have not been able to find them. Local M&P armorer has advised me that even he can not get parts and that smith will only send him replacement parts for weapons he is doing work on or they have to be sent in. What gives we used to be able to buy factory replacement parts? Sorry for long question but everyone else around me is a Glock fanboy or girl and they can get anything they need. Is this the way it will be from now on? Thanks, tbird

[OKFC05]

Brownells shows about 30 parts available for the M&P, including at the moment, replacement 9mm barrels!! Many parts are now factory installed only.
Look under schematics for available parts list.

[Saudade]

If it's a Shield you're looking for, then parts seem to be available only under warranty servicing.

For Fullsize/Compacts, try Speed Shooter Specialties and G&R Tactical. Also Brownells and Midway.

[tbird]

Thanks OKFCO5, Saudade I have tried those as late as Thursday and when I tried to place an order they would show temporary out of stock or no back order. I even called and as advised that due to demand they were out of stock and when they did get any they sold out asap. That is why I was asking if this is normal or just sign of the times. I really love my M&Ps but have already had some minor problems that required replacement and was trying to have in stock in case.

[riverfox]

That's really great! Those us of that purchased an S&W can't even get parts for the pistol we purchased from the company that took our money. What happened to customer service and supporting those who have supported them. Kind of sad.

[tbird]

Riverfox, I know what you mean I started carrying a S&W the day started at CPD (long enough ago it was a model 66-3 )and have carried a k or j frame or both ever since except for time on my all expense paid tours for Uncle Sam. I had started carrying 9fs until the Shield came along. Now have fs compact and his and her shields to keep the wheel guns company. I am really disappointed that we can't buy support parts. The M&P fits my small hands the best, but with the parts issue I may have to go back to the good old stand by 1911 but in 9mm. Love my smiths but almost afraid to really use them due to lack of replacement parts. All of my firearms are well used not safe queens ,well almost all the 66 F comp my wife gave me has a nice soft place to rest. Ah the good old days are quickly becoming a distant memory. Sorry the History/ Psychology / Sociology teacher slips out every now and then.

[Smooth1]

This is exactly why I sold my shield. It's crazy not being able to obtain parts even from an armorer. To me it's like buying a new car & having to send it back to the factory for service. No thank you I'll stick with my GLOCKs

[shawn mccarver]

I have said this before, but it bears repeating. If S&W wants to be a serious player in the LE market, which admittedly is not that big, but which causes commercial sales gains because "we" want to buy what "they" have, then they need to do the following:

Introduce a new, modular version of the M&P, with a user-removable, replaceable serial-numbered chassis.

The new pistol must be reliable out of the box. It must not have mysterious magazine drop issues, automatic slide going forward from inserting magazine (I have actually seen that RFPs from agencies have begun to include this as a disqualifying malfunction, apparently to "write out" the M&P), mysterious failure to fire issues because the striker hits the primer too lightly (they need to understand that people use ****** ammo with hard primers, and their guns should cause it all to go "bang"), and it must not use springs that depend upon tampons to make sure they do not vibrate themselves to death. It must be rugged, yet accurate and reliable under all conditions. And it must fit, with adjustable grips, at least 95% of the hands out there, without battering the knuckle of the thumb as did the SIGMA, and as has now been reported with the Ruger American Pistol.

They must offer armorer's tools, and armorer's classes everywhere and often and to anyone who wants to attend, not just to large agencies.

They must have replacement parts and magazines everywhere.

They must have high quality magazines that are the same price-range as the Glock magazines. Ideally, each pistol should ship with three magazines (one in the pistol and two spares).

They must have sights that can stay in place with rough handling and without depending on tiny hex screws, yet can be user-removed and replaced. They must have sight adjustment tools, and different height rear sights to adjust elevation, and those must be readily available everywhere. Ever try to find FACTORY rear sights of different heights? Well, don't waste your time.

They should promote red dot optics for LE use, and the ability to mount one should be on every model, not just "competition" models. No one would think of fielding an M4 without a red dot, and in a few years, it will be the same for pistols. Red dots are not just for competition or long guns. They are for LE use, and even concealed carry.

They must have at least three, and preferably four, sizes of this new pistol, one of which must be the same size and capacity as the Glock 19.

Anyone want to bet that when or if S&W gets around to introducing its promised "next generation M&P" it will have all of the above? That is not a bet I would be willing to take, given S&W's recent track record.