I really don't mind the magazine disconnect, but I am planning on using it in an IDPA match next weekend, and thought it would make the "show clear" a little simpler.

Has anyone done this and happy or unhappy with the results?

I haven't shot it yet, since removing the disconnect, but it didn't appear to alter the trigger pull any.

While my 3913 still has the disconnect, my 4516 does not. No difference in the triggers.

To remove said disconnect is simple enough, it will not effect the trigger press at all, and as long as you do not use this pistol for self defense and remember to re-install it if you sell it, it is really up to you.

Where you can get yourself in it deep (Legal wise) is if you use this pistol as your defensive weapon or if you sell it without it in there.
Either way, it COULD be a real issue for a prosecutor who hates gun owners or for civil lawyers who will use this against you in court.

Fortunately for me, I had the "under" on how many posts it would take before this internet myth popped up.

Next up, "If you don't carry the same ammunition as your local PD, you'll go to jail."

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Can open, worms everywhere.

One can hope there's a special place in the hereafter for rules rangers. And the folks who wrote the IDPA rule book.

I've been using magazine disconnector equipped sidearms for over 25 years and feel your pain. I'd suggest actually reading the rule book (It's on the IDPA website.). If the relevant section says to the effect "lower the hammer" rather than "pull the trigger" you've got them. Print out that section and use the safety to lower the hammer. If they protest, whip out the paperwork. You have every right to use the safety/decocker. Comments about the superiority of the system of your handgun are optional-as are snide remarks about not needing to pull the trigger to dis-assemble your pistol if appropriate.

Now, if the rules state,in effect, "pull the trigger"(and you have an unenlightened RO); simply have an extra, unloaded or blue training mag (inert duplicate) and use it to allow the trigger pull to lower the hammer.

I'll also note that the evils of the devices are vastly overblown. Before I retired we had a discussion about the devices on a restricted access website for LE firearms instructors. Within 24 hours we had over 25 documented saves, after 30 days, no documented casualties.

Unlike the gent above, I don't dismiss the possibility of legal consequences, faint though it may be in your area. Especially in a civil suit where it may be used to demonstrate recklessness. Note the use of the word "may".

The following is an exert from an articular written by Massad Ayoob.......

I did not remove the internal lock, for the simple reason that I’ve seen a prosecutor raise hell about a deactivated safety device when trying to establish the element of recklessness that is a key ingredient in a manslaughter conviction. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defendant was so reckless that he DEACTIVATED A SAFETY DEVICE ON A LETHAL WEAPON, and so arrogant that he thought he knew more about the gun than the factory that made it!” That’s a mountain I’d rather not have to climb in court, nor debate in front of twelve jurors selected in part by opposing counsel for their lack of knowledge of firearms.

Now Gray, if you would like to compare your credentials with Mr Ayoob, then please go right ahead and show how many wrongfully accused people you have saved from a life in prison...

Here's a link, maybe you should read it.
Massad Ayoob >> Blog Archive >> INTERNAL GUN LOCKS

What I would like to see is a case citation, not speculation. Which is all you or Ayoob have.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Bought the gun used, it came that way. GARY

Never considered removing the mag disconnect in any Smith pistol,
39-2, 439, 59, 559 or 5903 used in IDPA or pre IDPA action pistol that I have competed in. IPSC doesnt count for me because I shot a 1911 or DA
revolver.
Mag out,show an empty chamber, drop slide and hammer down.
Never a mention of any non compliance. Use of the hammer drop is a normal part of the manual of arms for these pistols.
Jim

Wow, I don't know if your being arrogant or ignorant here....

Try doing a google search with this title.

LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF HANDGUN MODIFICATIONS AND NON-FACTORY STANDARD REPLACEMENT PARTS

This should give you a weeks worth of reading.

Brownell's has the nylon plunger and spring in stock, it will cost you less then 10 bucks with shipping.

You could also call S&W and ask if that pistol was shipped without it, some agency's (Like the FBI) asked for them to be deleted.
If your was, there should be a safety warning under the ejection port.

Ignorance is not a defense in the eyes of the law, or the IRS ; )

I could see a prosecutor saying something like: "Every used gun you buy should be sent to a qualified gunsmith to ensure it is in, or returned to, it's normal, factory specifications and operating status."

Remember, you're the bad guy. If you used that gun, you've most likely murdered someone. All to be decided is if it was justified.

I'll stop here, since you've declared yourself and I don't want to get in trouble with the mods.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

My 3913 does have the disconnect, but my 4516 no dash which came from the original owner has no disconnect, or warning. Now I'm not saying I'm rushing out to disable the feature on my 3913, but neither am I running out to re enable it on my 4516. GARY

WR Moore has an extremely well written post. Read it again, especially those who come off hyper-active with an agenda.

There is nothing wrong with picking a side in a divisive issue and making your case. The problem with the pro-safety, "factory features only" crowd is that they burn excessive energy preaching from a pulpit to folks who don't need or don't care to be preached to.

I'm an example of that group. More than a dozen S&W pistols and the number is growing. I'm totally passionate about them but I carry heartless, soulless tupperware.

If you want to plead a case for factory features, learn a lesson in tact and courtesy and do it like WR Moore does. Because when you do it in the manner that you do... you're being obnoxious and lowering the quality of this forum dramatically.

Didn't mean to start a thread that would cause this. Though I knew the debate existed.

I was asking the question to find out if anyone had experienced any mechanical problems or problems putting the disconnect back in once it was out, etc etc. I wasn't referring to legal problems.

The first IDPA match, in which I used a Smith with MD, the SO had no problem with me using the decocker. However, after reading the rule book, I saw where it recommended (or required...can't remember which now) using an empty mag to pull the trigger after showing clear. It wasn't a big deal, but still was easier to just pull the trigger versus pulling out an extra mag and doing so.

The example here is part of my annoyance with a magazine disconnect safety. For me (and I have mentioned this elsewhere), the feature bothers me most on my Model 52 pistols.

I can't lower the hammer without a magazine. Which is a genuine annoyance and also goes against a strict routine of safety -- I am not suggesting that it is unsafe, but it goes blatantly outside the normal process of clearing a handgun.

On a DA/SA 3rd Gen, the thumb lever will lower the hammer. But not on my target 52's. So I simply cannot put that hammer down without a mag in the gun. Very much outside my normal process for clearing a handgun.

I've also always been in the camp that little safety "features" muddy the waters for safe gun handling.

My 3913 does not have the mag disconnect - but I bought it used, many years after it was made. My 3953 does have the mag disconnect.

Most discussion on the benefit or drawbacks of the mag disconnect focus on a scenario where the user is using the gun on the range, in a contest, or possibly is fighting over the gun with someone else.

I think there is another case where the disconnect may have utility. That would be when someone picks up a gun without a magazine and thinks the gun must be empty. Stupid, yes, but it happens. And if that pistol has a mag disconnect, the person can't squeeze off a round. I can seem how this could happen.

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S&W Rover

This is why I prefer the mag safety, as a possible technical advantage/edge in a struggle. It also makes me feel safer about locking up a loaded gun while I run into the PO or another restricted zone, as well as freeing me from worry over possible legal ramifications.

I think that whichever side of the debate you come down on, it's probably better to have all of your 3rd Gens in the same configuration to avoid any possible confusion.

To the OP, If I could try to politely restate what I was trying to say, if you are going to use this for sport or competition, then removing it is no big deal. If your other pistol is one that did not come from the factory with it, then that is fine as well.
With the 3913 just be sure to save the two parts and remember to put them back in if you sell it, and don't use it as your primary defensive weapon.

I am only offering advice to help avoid a possible legal nightmare, Please feel free to follow it or ignore it.