update

I went to the range and a couple shooters with M&P's were there and we discussed the striker pin issue. They said there must be a problem call S&W. So I did.

Per S&W gun tech, if you have to push the striker block up to install the slide, the trigger bar is most likely faulty and or the spring that side loads it at the sear assy - send the gun back to them. He asks about the serial number. I gave him the serial number and he tells me this is considered a used pistol, it had been back to S&W for refurbish once and was resold as a used unit. It has no warranty. He said it must be marked on the frame. Nope, this is polymer, where do you mark it ? By the serial number, nope no markings anywhere.

So I take it to the sales area, range is at the shop where I purchased the unit, tell the owner the story and he first gives me the razzle-dazzle. Finally, he looks around in his files and paperwork, then agrees to refund my money. He said he would send it back to his distributor and they would send it back to S&W for repair. OK - call me when it returns and I'll consider buying it again as a used gun.

So, I'm back to the same condition as two weeks ago. I guess I'll start looking around again.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I purchased a 45 compact today. I've been on the fence but finally decided to take the leap. Compared to my G30 it fits my hand much better. I plan to get to the range tomorrow. But for now:

Q1
The fellow in the shop told me the "trick" (?) to reassembly. Be sure the sear release is pushed down in the mag well area, then push down the striker block before putting the slide on the frame otherwise the slide will not move back onto the pistol. He showed this to me and I must say I was a bit confused. I would expect the trigger bar to do this as you push the slide to the rear. But, it would not go on without pushing the striker block first. Is this correct or a function of new? There is no mention of it in the manual.

Q2
I looked at a parts view of the unit and I see it looks similar to a Glock in the striker area. I know the Glock runs dry in this area. Does the M&P like to be dry or with a light lube ? Again, no mention in the manual.

I remove the slide by dry firing and using the takedown lever much as I do any Sig.
I only lube the rails with a very tiny bit of teflon grease. No lube on the striker.

Q2: Never, ever put lube in the striker, and don't put oil all over the plastic parts in the frame assembly. Quick way to induce failures.

__________________
Science plus Art

um...follow the field strip instructions in the manual and you should be fine. It's really simplistic. I have no idea why your shop owner gave you those instructions. I've never had to "press down the striker block" or make sure the sear deactivation lever is down for that matter. Both of my M&Ps reassemble just fine. Soon your M&P will become your most trusted protector. My G22 and 17 are now in storage.

Never lube the striker.

I agree. I've never had any problems with a normal field strip as outlined in the manual. And I've had my M&P broken down entirely to do a trigger job. But after every match I just break it down as in the manual and clean. Don't use too much lube!