I just recently picked up a Smith and Wesson M & P 9mm as my first handgun. It is FDE (flat dark earth) with VTAC warrior sights (also has trijicon print logo on the side). Yesterday I fired 180 rounds through the gun and it felt great! No issues other than when discharging the casings were shooting straight back into my chest or straight up and would hit the top of my head. Is this normal? Will it change after the gun has broken in? It doesn't cause any issues with the performance of the pistol but I would like to correct it if possible.

Here is a picture of the gun. Sorry for the quality it is taken with my phone.

Another side note: I know I wasn't limp wristing because 3 others shot the gun and had the same problem. I ran 180 rounds through it and the same problem occurred all day. I was using American Eagle 124 grain full metal jacket ammo. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Could it be the ammo? Maybe the spring?

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Try another brand of ammo. If it continues to do it, it probably has an issue with the extractor or ejector. If it's new, I'd contact Smith.

I don't see tactical green as an option at the S&W website.

You didn't mention ammo brand. Try a couple of other brands and if the problem continues either call S&W or whoever coated the weapon.

If it's a home done Duracoat job you might have something stuck to the extractor.

The gun is the Model M&P9 VTAC Viking Tactics.

Here is the link on smith and wessons website M&P9 9mm - Smith & Wesson

I was using American Eagle 124 grain full metal jacket ammo. I forgot to include that on my original post. My second post shows a picture of the gun as well as ammo type. It was purchased from a local gun shop brand new out of the box so I wouldn't think the duracoat would be the issue. I followed the manual to a T. Cleaned and lubed everything as specified by the manual.

I will try new ammo next time I hit the range. Any recommendations on type of ammo? I've only put 180 rounds through the gun. Could this issue go away after the gun has broken in?

It's possible that by working the extractor somewhat you could ease any issues. Clean the extractor area thoroughly, too. Since it is a factory finish and you have the warranty, if different ammo doesn't take care of the issue, I'd call for a shipping label and let the factory techs figure it out.

The main concern about ammo is that Winchester White Box (WWB) ammo tends to be somewhat problematic, at least in some guns. Try UMC ball or maybe some Blazer. The Blazer aluminum case 115 gr used to be loaded warm and might help.

+1 on the ammo. I've experienced that with before with certain ammo. I've shot probably 10-12 brands of ammo through mine and the only one I had that ejected straight back like that was actually the Blazer 115gr.

Its most likely the ammo or extractor try the ammo first and if its not send it back to S&W. They should fix it at no cost to you.

All I am seeing on the S&W site is FDE.

I believe his gun is FDE. The phone/camera color is a bit off. Look at the green cast to the black foam on the box.

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The gun is the M&P9 VTAC w/ Viking Tactics. I originally posted as tactical green but it is FDE (flat dark earth) finish. Sorry for posting the wrong description in my original post. It was described to me as tactical green at the gun shop and I took their word on it.

I appreciate all of the feedback on the ammo/extractor. If I have time this week/weekend I will get the gun back to the range to try out some ammo and let you all know how it goes. Other than the discharge issues I am in love with the gun. I had gone to shop with the intentions of purchasing a glock 19. After handling this gun it felt better than the glock and I also liked the sights. The color and texture was a seller as well. It drew me in because it was different and not like every other gun on the market.

Maybe after another 200 rounds I will have a better feel for the discharging issues. Any and all suggestions are welcome!

My S&W SDs both hit me on the head with shells -- for a while. It does sort of take the fun out of it, doesn't it? Now they've stopped doing it.

As pointed out, it might be ammo related, but I think if it had kept it up I would have bent the ejector a tiny bit to see if that changed the dynamics.

[QUOTE=S&W Rover;136441112]My S&W SDs both hit me on the head with shells -- for a while. It does sort of take the fun out of it, doesn't it? Now they've stopped doing it.

I agree! It won't keep me from shooting the gun by any means. Its only slightly annoying. After leaving the range I had gun powder all over my shirt from the casings and even on my forehead.

Either way I'll put some different brands of ammo through it then contact S&W if the issue still occurs. As far as price goes I spent $15 per box so I hope other brands of ammo won't cost me an arm and a leg.

Anyone have recommendations on holsters that will fit the gun? Will the sights cause issues with certain holsters? The 6th post in the thread shows a link to S&W's website with all the specs if that helps anyone with suggestions.

Thanks again for everyone's input

Well, what kind of holster are you looking for? Duty, concealment, range/game etc. Leather, space age material?

Most all manufacturers make holsters that will fit the pistol, there are a couple of million sold.

Just going roughly alphabetically and off the top of my head, there's Bianchi, Blade Tech, Galco, Mitch Rosen, Ken Null and Safariland. We're issued the Safariland 6280 in STX finish, I use a 528 (now supersceded in the catalog by the 529) for concealment and just got a Blade Tech Evolution for casual/farm.

My main use would be range/farm use. I will eventually get my ccw but it will probably be a few months down the road. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just something that is good quality and a decent price. Do you think the sights will cause issues with a holster?

Try different ammo. My Beretta 92A1 was throwing brass at 6:00 with american eagle and federal champion. I switched to higher quality full power 9mm and no more issues.

If you still have problems call S&W

1. Had the same issue with my M&P9 when it was new, but it got better after a couple boxes of ammo run through it. M&P9c never did it at all.

2. Holsters: Blackhawk! SERPA Sportster Paddle style, also have a Blackhawk! Askins leather holster, which is a belt holster, and is more comfortable, but fits so tight that drawing is kind of difficult. The SERPA has a positive engagement latch which would work for the ranch, but the paddle shifts and rubs some, however it is a quick draw holster do I like it for USPSA shooting. The leather would be comfortable for all day on a four wheeler or horse and the gun fits very snug, I don't know that I would trust it outdoors without a latch.

So I have a S&W M&P9 that was/is experiencing the same ejection issue. I sent it back to S&W for repair. Got it back in 3 weeks with the following items listed. 1: Barrel was modified and Ejector was replaced.... I was firing 115 grain from a variety of manufactures including Blazers before the repair. Finally got to the range and low and behold I was still getting hammered in the head with the casings with the 115g. I also brought some 124 grain with me and gave them a shot. BINGO!! every spent casing was at the 4:00. I'm hoping after I fire a few hundred 124g the 115g will also eject correctly. My brothers Ruger has never had an issue BTW

x2 on the Blackhawk Serpa. Only reason I dont like them is because you have to hover your trigger finger over the trigger as you draw. However, that is natural to most people and it will not be an issue.

Update... I replaced the ejector with one I got from Apex Tactical (APEX M&P Failure Resistant Extractor) and problem is solved.. After the first 50 rounds every 115g cartridge ejected at the 4:00 angle. Glad thats over with!!!!!!!!

I have a Bladetech holster for my M&P and like it a lot. They are far safer than Blackhawk SERPA holsters. With the SERPA there have been problems with unintentional discharges due to the design. Also there have been reports of not being able to remove the gun from the holster if dirt and debris get inside it. Many Tactical schools have made it a rule that you cannot use a Blackhawk SERPA. Some other options are Safariland Thumb drive holsters and if you want leather Galco, Milt Sparks, Bianchi, and Desantis all make great products with many options for the M&P.