I just picked up my S&W M&P Pro with the CORE adaptation. I wanted to field strip it to remove the preservatives applied at the factory and run a patch through the bore. I also wanted to change the medium grip backstrap to the large.

The owners manual indicates. "to access the frame tool, ratate it 1/4 turn (either direction) and pull it out of the frame."

I am unable to rotate it, or pull it from the frame. I have the slide locked and have removed the magazine.

Any suggestions?

Thank you for your time.

It can be a real PITA to remove. You can also take it down like a Glock by turning the take down lever and then dry fire it the slide comes right off.

Be sure the weapon is clear before trying this method.

Removing the tool can be difficult, the slide does not have to locked back to remove it from the butt of the grip. Use a pair of pliers if necessary, pad the jaws and twist left or right 90 degrees. Once you get the tool removed you can wipe it with a silicon gun rag that will make it a lot easier to install and remove in the future.

With the magazine removed (and the chamber cleared), slide the flat part of the "tool" against a counter top and then turn the whole pistol. This will rotate the tool, if you have difficulty pulling it out, catch the edge of the tool that is now sticking out on the same edge of the counter and use that to pull it out.

In truth, it is only used by most to change back straps, not for field stripping. After the first removal with pliers, many never touch it again. It is a backstrap retaining pin with an unnecessary secondary usage design.

Once you get it out, take a nail file and very slowly reprofile the catch tab on the tool. You can make it much easier to remove. Of course, don't over do it.

This is not a part that wears much through use, ESPECIALLY if you don't use it. 😆🔫

Once it's removed several times it comes out a lot easier. I use it to flip the sear pin down and back up for slide removal and to release the magazine plate retaining pin to clean them.

You can use the toe of a magazine to pry it out, once you've turned it 90 degrees. They're a bear to get out sometimes, and the guy at the LGS, who attended the S&W armorer's school advised that this is how they were taught to remove them if they were stubborn.

I put mine in a vise and slightly tightened. I then rotated the gun. It then came out easily. Put it back together the same way.

S&W will be happy to sell you another one if you bugger up the original. Buy two. Ask me how I know.

I now put silicone spray on both the tool and the slot it locks into. I really don't want to buy a third.

Thank you all for the responses. I used Dennis The B's method, and launched the tool across the room. Thank goodness I was inside and the room was small, as it only took me a short while to find it. I now have the large grip installed, and the only time I will remove the frame tool is to replace it with a new one. Thanks again.