This is my first square gun that I picked up today. First task was to field strip and clean/lube it and get to know it better.

Getting their tool out of the grip required pliers to turn it as I broke a nail and bruised my thumb and it didn't even budge. Now, it seems fine but that first removal was a bear.

Loading the magazines was just as difficult. At around 8-10 rounds, I thought the rounds were going to be bent from the high force required to get them in. I removed them at about half way and started over which seemed to go easier.

Is this just normal new gun characteristics?

BTW, the M&P has a great feel and I'm sure its a winner. I can't wait to get to the range and see what it does.

I just picked up and a Shield and at first it felt tight. It was that bad to field strip, but the magazines were a pain to get rounds in. I felt as if I was going to break my thumbs trying to get more and more rounds in. I softened them up by leaving the mags full at capacity overnight locked up in a case. Much easier to load when I finally took the gun out to the range.

You don't have to use that tool. Use whatever to push the little lever down.

Do yourself a favor and purchase a UpLula mag loader. They are only about $20-25 and are a must for shooting semi autos

You don't even have to push the sear disconnect lever down...once you clear the pistol, and make sure it is unloaded, turn down the lever on the slide, release the slide and pull the trigger (just like a Glock) and the slide will come off.

Absolutely! The UpLula is right up there next to sliced bread and indoor toilets! (Not that I am recommending bread in the toilet, but you get my drift...I hope. )

After an initial cleaning and lube, and leaving the mags loaded, things have really loosened up.
After only 200 rounds everything has really settled in and is working smoothly.

I meant to mention in my earlier message, you shouldn't use the frame tool too often. If you do, it will get loose in the frame, or so I have read. I've had a number of M&Ps, and I just put the size back strap on that fits me (small) and then I don't take the tool out again.

Thanks! That's what I'm hoping for. It was pretty clean except the bore but it is ready now. Mags are fully loaded so I hope they get more friendly. I hope to put a bunch through it later in the week.

Thanks for all the tips!!!

+1 for the UPLULA. Mine gets borrowed a lot at the range and I think I've helped sell so many that I should ask for a commission.

These guns do loosen up with use. I use my 'take down' tool/backstrap pin regularly and have no issues with it getting too loose.

If you are a new gun owner, I suggest you follow the instructions in the manual to take down this pistol - and for cleaning instructions too.

Just make sure it's clear before using the trigger trick.... I almost got shot this way (No joke) over christmas.

My brother just learned that trick and I was going to show him how awesome Flitz metal polish works and told him to grab his barrel.... Well the day before he had learned that trick.... For some reason he was rushing and thought the magazine had been removed from before.... Well he racked it back and hit the take down lever and pulled the trigger......


He chambered a round and it went off, If I had been a foot to the left he would have gotten me in the gut. the front sight gashed his hand up and he put a hole in the wall. A hard lesson was learned that day and my ears rang for two days..... his rang for a week as I made fun of him at every chance I could.... But in the end I can joke about it all I want, but the fact is I almost got shot by my own twin brother in my fathers house. Always check.

Yea, I don't remove the tool very often. You can push the disconnect lever with just any little do-dad. I remember the first time I tried to take it out. I really thought it was a joke, but it got looser with use.

__________________
Endeavor to persevere. <><

even though your location says CO, are you sure you werent sold a CA or MA version of the m&p? I can fit 17 in my m&p just fine.

No, it isn't a restricted version. Mags show 17 on the side. They did take 17 each but, it wasn't easy. I'm not new to handguns -- just new to the semis.

Hmmm... And i'm throwing this out there. I wonder what the chances of the wrong springs being loaded in the mags.

Agreed 150%, it works perfect on single stack and double stack mags. No problems at all, and it is a MUST have.

+nn on the UpLula. I thought there was something wrong with ME when I went to load my 9C by hand. I struggled to get 9 shells in, and could not do the 10th. I got the UpLula, and it's magic. Although getting the 10th one in is pretty tight, given the room the UpLula's lever takes up. Sometimes I have to squeeze that one in by hand, but at least I'm not worn out by the other nine.

Speaking of 10, I wonder why my 9C came with 10 round magazines, and I hear some others come with 12? It's not a state requirement, and since I've gotten 17 round mags for it, but was just curious.

New Member and hello to everyone. I picked up an M&P compact 9 last week and after cleaning it went to the range to try it out. I only had Remington 115 gr JHP rounds. (Nothing else available.) The pistol was "stiff." The slide was a bear to rack, the mags were tough to load and eject and the trigger felt sandy.

For 46 rounds she grouped pretty good. The trigger eased a bit, but the slide was still really tough to rack. At the 47th round the pistol jammed with the slide about 1/4 inch from battery. By that time my hands were raw from racking the slide and I was unable to clear the jam. One of the larger shooters at the next booth was able to eject the round. The casing looked deformed as it met one quadrant next to the bullet. It appeared as if the bullet did not enter the barrel, but was caught against it at an angle.

A visual examination did not reveal a damaged feed ramp or anything out of the ordinary.

Anyone have any ideas? This should not happen on the first box of bullets.

There, I fixed that for ya.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

I hope you did not scar the grip tool with your pliers!

I don't even bother with the grip tool any longer. It stays put and is never removed.

As to the magazine loading, it seems the older I get, the more I appreciate the Uplula tool. I suggest leaving the mags fully loaded for a few weeks and next time around, it might just be a bit easier.

great stuff, LMAO!

My gun shop said one is supposed to be a 10 rounder, and one is supposed to be a 10 rounder with a +2 extension. Mine is new and came with two 12 rounders. No extensions.

Remind me some day to tell you about my "Elvis" impersonation!