M&P Shield feed ramp finish?

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MikeFL86

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Hey guys, I'm new here but I joined because I love Smiths and thought y'all would know more about this than me. Yesterday I bought a brand new S&W M&P Shield and when I got home and disassembled it I was greeted by something I thought was odd.

For the purpose of full disclosure, I'm a first time M&P owner that's used to Glocks. I have not shot this pistol yet.

The barrel's feed ramp looks like it was supposed to be nitrided but the finish didn't take in one area or something. I've included pics to show you what I'm talking about. See the shiny streak? Is that normal?

Sorry for the crappy cell phone cam pics.

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Is there supposed to be some sort of finish there?
 
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There might be some residue of Melonite coating on the barrel but all you would need to do is take a brass brush and smooth out the feed ramp so you have a nice shiny and smooth surface there to accommodate well FEEDING a round into the barrel quickly.

After a range session I always brush off my feed ramps til they are nice and shiny but that is just me, it seems no matter what ammunition that I put in my M&P they all feed properly but I want a smooth shiny feed ramp just to make me feel better!

I would have a Shield now but I did not ask for the 9 I told them I wanted a 40 and all they got was two 9's today and it might be a couple of more weeks before those are distributed by S&W.

If your new M&P is anything like the larger ones that I own you will soon be like me with at least one if not two of all of them!
 
That sounds like a good idea. It seems to feed just fine when I cycle it by hand.

Anyone know if they make a mag loader compatible with this thing, btw? Stuffing the seventh round into the flush magazine is rough. Can't imagine repeatedly doing it on the range.
 
Houdini1953 said:
There might be some residue of Melonite coating on the barrel but all you would need to do is take a brass brush and smooth out the feed ramp so you have a nice shiny and smooth surface there to accommodate well FEEDING a round into the barrel quickly.

After a range session I always brush off my feed ramps til they are nice and shiny but that is just me, it seems no matter what ammunition that I put in my M&P they all feed properly but I want a smooth shiny feed ramp just to make me feel better!

I would have a Shield now but I did not ask for the 9 I told them I wanted a 40 and all they got was two 9's today and it might be a couple of more weeks before those are distributed by S&W.

If your new M&P is anything like the larger ones that I own you will soon be like me with at least one if not two of all of them!
Click to expand...

By the way, thank you for your help and I do enjoy the feel of it. It's a lot more ergonomic than my Glock. I'm interested in seeing your range report when you get your .40! I want to know how much the little gun recoils with that fast round.
 
MikeFL86 said:
That sounds like a good idea. It seems to feed just fine when I cycle it by hand.

Anyone know if they make a mag loader compatible with this thing, btw? Stuffing the seventh round into the flush magazine is rough. Can't imagine repeatedly doing it on the range.
Click to expand...


Get an UpLula...it is the best loader I have ever had, and a breeze to use.

UpLULA Pistol Mag Loader Unloader Polymer Black

There are other sites that may have it cheaper, but I have always found Midway to be great to do business with.
 
MikeFL86 said:
That sounds like a good idea. It seems to feed just fine when I cycle it by hand.

Anyone know if they make a mag loader compatible with this thing, btw? Stuffing the seventh round into the flush magazine is rough. Can't imagine repeatedly doing it on the range.
Click to expand...
I have three UpLULA's one always in my car one in my range bag and one at the house and yes even with an UpLULA a new magazine will be hard to get the last round into, but after you have loaded it several time and also keep them loaded the spring will weaken enough for you to more easily get that last round in.

Anyone with a semi should have one unless they like tearing up their fingers and thumbs trying to load their magazines!
 
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When someone gets a Shield 40....me to would like to know recoil and impressions.....waiting for them to show up...have an LCP 380 and a 709 Slim 9mm right now.
 
It's hard to tell from your photo, but do you see a shiney spot running up the feed ramp, in to the chamber? If so, that's normal.
 
Glocks do the same exact thing over time, and it actually helps with feeding.
Some folks polish them to a mirror finish also, though I dont anymore.... legal **** and all.
 
upLULA and M&P shield problem

Talked to several dealers about using the upLULA with the 9mm Shield and they both said not to use it especially with the 7 round mag.

It is noted in the information on upLUA website not to use with S&W 7 round single stack mag.

Is anyone using it with the Shield successfully?

Thanks
 
The one I use that you have to squeeze works just fine for me with the Shield. I used it at first when the mags were brand new and very stiff. I can load by hand now.
 
Glad to hear your works

Thanks

They were telling me it would damage the mag. I'm waiting for Email from the manufacturer.
 
Designermale said:
Thanks

They were telling me it would damage the mag. I'm waiting for Email from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...

I've used it with mine with-out any problems. I don't recommend "pounding" it down when you are filling the mag (like on the larger M&P mags if you're "speed" loading). I DO set the mag on a hard surface or my leg and just push down hard enough to load a round. I don't "baby" the mag by any means,but as thin as the mag is,it's more to keep it "square with the loader. I use it on my Colt 1911 and those mags aren't much different.

I suppose some "Darwin award winner" twisted it or did something goofy and wants a new mag... A little common sense and you shouldn't have any problems.
 
Go shoot the thing. Feed ramp looks OK. Put rounds down the pipe and be safe
 
Designermale said:
Thanks

They were telling me it would damage the mag. I'm waiting for Email from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...

UPDATE Go to the link in GKC's #5 post. It tells you what mags the UpLULA won't work with. It's the S&W 7 round 9mm SS (Single Stack). Beak too wide ,does not enter between feed lips.

The Shield has 9mm staggered mags and the beak does fit between the feed lips. It's your gun,your call. But like I said,it does work with both of mine.
 
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