Any truth to this rumor RE: M&P ?

[cshoff]

I heard a rumor today that "several large law enforcement agencies out West" were having problems with "barrels blowing up" on M&P pistols. No mention of caliber or which agencies, but I thought if there was any truth to it, somebody here would know.

Thanks!

 

[Fastbolt]

One barrel was damaged in a M&P 9 in use by LASD. The back story I later heard was that it had been 'modified' by a user at some point.

That info originated in an agency in-house memo (which was eventually circulated online) when a number of M&P 9's were pulled from an academy class after some functioning issues had been experienced by the academy class.

The M&P 9's were replaced by older stock Berettas ... and the functioning problems continued to occur with the Beretta's. I heard the issue was eventually determined to be the ammunition being used apparently not providing sufficient power to normally cycle the guns.

Last I was told the M&P 9's are back in service for continued testing and evaluation.

 

[Fastbolt]

BTW, sent you a PM.

 

[cshoff]

Thanks Fastbolt. I appreciate the information.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I heard a rumor today that "several large law enforcement agencies out West" were having problems with "barrels blowing up" on M&P pistols. No mention of caliber or which agencies, but I thought if there was any truth to it, somebody here would know.

Thanks!

I do not believe it. There was a thread on here about how the LA Sheriff's Department pulled M&Ps from a current recruit class for some issue, but whatever "it" was, it is not widespread.

In fact, another thread more recently said that NYPD has now approved the M&P 9mm for purchase by officers starting in 2010. In addition, S&W issued a recent press release (you can find it on their web site) saying DEA had approved all of the M&P models for use.

 

[XTrooper]

With numerous law enforcement agencies now switching to Smith's M&P line of pistols, this rumor very likely originated from somewhere within Austria.

 

[Firehouse]

It's probably due to the recent thread from a "block" lover about how so much better blocks were than M&P's on a certain forum from a certain new member that turned out to be a troll that wound up being banned and his thread(s) wound up getting deleted. Does that make sense?

 

[safearm]

LASD did termporarily suspend use of the M&Ps due to some problems. One problem, the barrel exploding, was due to a non standard, i.e., non S&W, replacement barrel. Other problems were caused by the Win-clean ammunition they were using. The Win-clean ammo also caused problems with the Berettas.
As far as I know, LASD has authorized the use of the M&P again, but I haven't seen anything in writing.

 

[Ed333]

Win-Clean problem?

LASD did termporarily suspend use of the M&Ps due to some problems. One problem, the barrel exploding, was due to a non standard, i.e., non S&W, replacement barrel. Other problems were caused by the Win-clean ammunition they were using. The Win-clean ammo also caused problems with the Berettas.
As far as I know, LASD has authorized the use of the M&P again, but I haven't seen anything in writing.

What is the reported problem with Win-Clean? I have a friend with elevated lead level who uses nothing but Win-Clean, and I have been considering, since I am showing a consistently raised level in my blood tests.

 

[cshoff]

Thank you to everyone for all of the information. I appreciate that you were able to confirm my suspicions.

 

[safearm]

Ed,
There have been a number of reports of failures to fire with WinClean, as well as failure to eject. The LASD problems were traced to FTE problems with WinClean, not with duty ammo; S&W modified the ejectors and the M&Ps are back in service, for both duty and off-duty carry with LASD. (Note: The same thing happened with the Berettas, but I haven't been able to find out if the Berettas were modified in any way.)
Some of the FTF problems are due to the lead free primers; apparently they are not as reliable as standard primers.
I've used 9mm WinClean in my converted Model 637; is does fire much cleaner than other brands of ammo. Since it was in a moonclip, I didn't have any FTE problems, and didn't personally experience any FTF, but there are numerous reports, so I'd use it with a fair amount of caution.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Saw this on the Shooting USA web site, dated 8-19-09:

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --- Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old firearms maker, announced today that the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department has chosen to equip all of its officers with Smith & Wesson Military & Police (M&P) Series pistols and with M&P Series tactical rifles. The M&P45 pistol and M&P15 tactical rifle will be issued respectively as the primary duty firearm and standard issue patrol rifle.

M&P45 Polymer Pistols
The Raleigh Police Department has purchased 911 Smith & Wesson M&P45 mid-size polymer pistols. The new duty sidearm, chambered in .45 ACP, will replace early-model Smith & Wesson pistols previously issued by the department. During the evaluation process for a new pistol, the M&P45 was noted for its advanced ergonomics, ambidextrous operating controls and flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of applications. In addition, the ability to customize the M&P pistol through the use of three interchangeable palm swell grip sizes was a preferred option during range drills and individual officer evaluation.

M&P15 Tactical Rifles
The Department has also placed an order for 60 M&P15 tactical rifles. The semi-automatic rifles will be issued to select officers upon the completion of a certification course. While reviewing new options for patrol rifles, the Raleigh Police Department compared the M&P15 against other competitive rifles. After the evaluation process, the M&P15 was acknowledged for its reliability and high-grade components as well as for the training and support services offered by Smith & Wesson. Raleigh PD plans to buy an additional 340 rifles at the beginning of their new fiscal year.

"We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Raleigh Police Department and we are especially pleased that they have chosen the M&P Series for their new duty firearm requirements," said Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson. "We look forward to supporting these officers with firearms that have earned the respect of police agencies both in the United States and abroad."