I don't always consider a production update an improvement. Sometimes it's a cost saving measure. Look at Sig. Many of the FCG parts that used to be milled, or forged, are now cast, metal injection molded, or even plastic. Look at the PTR rifles. The bolt carriers & heads used to be quality HK imported licensed parts which never had problems. Now they are made in the USA, & break, as they are not hardened properly. So in my experience, unless S&W issues a recall for me to send in my gun because of safety problems, I'm not changing anything, as that "production upgrade" could have been a "cost saving" production change. My 4 year old M&P40c has the black firing pin, & I'm not changing it as it works fine. After 30+ years in the auto parts, & gun business, I've learned "newer isn't always better". GARY