M&P 22 Compact Elevation Screw backs out

[dcashel]

The rear sight elevation adjustment screw on my M&P22 Compact moves between 1/4 and 1/2 turn after shooting a mag or two through the firearm. After shooting, I keep having to turn the adjustment screw back to the correct position.

The have only adjusted the rear sight elevation adjustment screw about 1/2 turn from the factory setting so I do not have the adjustment screw set to an extreme setting. When I turn the elevation adjustment screw I hear a click.

Is there anything that I can do to stop the rear sight elevation adjustment screw from moving when I shoot the firearm?
Here is the response that I received from Smith and Wesson. Anybody got a better solution??

"The best option to prevent any creep it to place a very small amount of thread lock (blue semi permanent) on the screw and let it dry. Then place the screw in the assembly. This should give the screw some friction to prevent the creep from vibration. A very small amount should be used to coat thinly one side of the threads."

 

[Looktwice&miss]

Locktite would be the go to solution. A second option would be to put something spongy underneath the sight to help it give more pressure against the screw or maybe find a replacement spring that is stiffer.

 

[shakyshoot]

You can definitely Loctite a screw without actually locking it. Either do it the way they said or apply it, let it dry for only 15 minutes or so, then screw it in to about where you want it. then just turn it 1 or 2 clicks every half hour or so for a few hours. If it does lock up on you, just soften it with heat from a soldering iron.

 

[erok210]

Does anyone know what the factory set position for zero? I need to do this procedure because my screw keeps backing out. I've tried to zero the sight with a laser, which is three turns to the left after being screwed in all the way.

 

[TAROMAN]

I have had great results using Vibra-Tite.

Should work well on your sight screw.

Locks and seals threaded fasteners of virtually any size.
Prevents fastener loosening due to shock and vibration.
Fasteners coated with VC-3 can be easily adjusted, removed, and reused.
For internal, female, or external, male, fastener threads.

 

[erok210]

Here's what I did to avoid using Locktite. I cut down a very small finishing nail that would fit into the hole under the screw, but who's head would not push through. I cut the nail part down to just less than the thickness of the sight's platform. Walla! I now have clicks between adjustments. Should you need pictures, let me know.

I'll post back let you all know how this works out.

 

[Jim1392]

As S & W said put something on it to hold it in place since they have NO fix for this issue. I've gone though this 2 times already with mine. The first time I lost the spring and screw when it flew off. It took a month to get the spring since they told me it was back ordered. The second time it came off I found the screw and just lost the spring. Again they told me it was back ordered. After 7 weeks they were still telling me it was back ordered even though as we all know they were still producing new gun's. On the 8th week I spoke to a fellow and he finally relented and agreed I had waited WAY too long. So he put an order in to pull one from production. Two weeks later the spring arrived. Now I monitor the screw after every magazine. I've considered the use of locktite but haven't used it yet. And I searched the web and there are no after market springs. And I've tried to buy extra's from them but I'm still waiting since they are still saying they do not have any in stock.

 

[erok210]

@Jim1392 I lost my spring too (last week), and they got it to me in a week! Good timing for me.

 

[Jim1392]

@Jim1392 I lost my spring too (last week), and they got it to me in a week! Good timing for me.

Thanks I'm glad the timing was good for you. I wish I had the same experience. Even though I can't complain overall since this is the only bad experience I've had with C.S. They've been great every time I've had to send a gun into them. I have about 60,000 rounds through this gun and they've replaced the roll pin that was walking out and the firing pin. Both with shipping on their dime both ways. I'm going to give them a call and see what's going on with the couple I have ordered.

 

[erok210]

@Jim1392 Any advice on zero'ing the site now that the screw came out?

 

[erok210]

Update! I fired 100 rounds today with my "fix" of a nail head in the small hole under the height screw and it worked perfectly.

 

[Jim1392]

@Jim1392 Any advice on zero'ing the site now that the screw came out?

When I received my spring I just screwed it all the way down. It surprised me that I only had to take it 4 clicks to the left (or up) and I was pretty much dead on. Now I've been just keeping my eye on it to make sure it doesn't move after each magazine has been fired. If it starts moving again I'm going to try the locktite suggestion on the screw threads.

 

[That One Guy]

Mine tossed the screw and the rear sight blade before the first mag was even emptied. Smith replaced the entire rear sight and it's been good ever since.