Can you add Magazine Disconnect or Safety?

[Gearhead36]

After reading through this whole thread, I find that I like the idea of a MD. I have no delusion that I will use the feature to disable a weapon in the midst of a firefight, but I like the idea of being able to render the weapon disabled or fully enabled (with a round in the chamber) with a simple mag insertion or removal. There are several scenarios where I think this could be useful. For example, I've toyed with the idea of OC (open carry). But I'm a bit concerned that someone might try to take my weapon and use it on me. If the mag is out, no problem. And I could fairly quickly re-arm it with a quick mag insertion. Given how slow I am drawing from concealment, I bet I could draw from an OWB holster, and insert a mag more quickly. That would be about the same speed as Israeli Carry, but with IC, someone could still use the gun on you.

And given all the Glock ND's from things getting caught on the trigger while re-holstering... mine also has the manual safety. ND's have occurred from a string from a windbreaker getting caught. And with a manual safety, I feel that I can safely lighten the trigger pull, too. A light SA trigger is considered safe on a 1911, right? So no, I don't think that the OP is stupid for wanting this. Frankly, I think that it was a mistake for S&W to remove the MD from the M&P.

 

[Looktwice&miss]

If you have the sear block with the 1/8" plunger it should allow a safety to be added. You can go to speedshootersupply.com and order the parts, about $25 plus shipping. It's something I also want to do since my 4 other M&P's have safeties. If you look on how the sear block fits into the frame you should be able to see some space on each side under the slide rails and that is where the safety fits.

 

[Rastoff]

Wow, this thread went off the rails really quickly. I apologize to the OP for the abysmal behavior of the forum members here.

The value of the mag disconnect is irrelevant. The value of the thumb safety is irrelevant. What is relevant is what the OP wants. Yes, you can add a thumb safety to any M&P and you can add a mag disconnect. The only issue is how much work are you willing to put in?

To add a thumb safety all you need is the right sear block and associated springs. All recently made M&Ps already have the frame cut to receive the thumb safety.

To add a mag disconnect all you need is the lever and a small spring.

All these parts can be had here: https://www.speedshooterspecialties.com/store/

Also, to answer another poster's question, there is one thing that the M&P series can do besides weigh less than the Gen 3 pistols: they have a 22LR pistol on the same platform for cheap training.

-Erik

Sorry Erik, but your premise is faulty. You're correct that Glock doesn't make a gun chambered in .22LR. However, there are several makers of slides and barrels chambered for .22LR and they will cost much less than an M&P 22. So, in fact, it's cheaper to buy a Glock and then a slide/barrel to install on the Glock.

It'd be easier to educate the wife than to change the gun.

You know nothing about women if you think it's easier to change a woman's mind than build a gun from scratch.

 

[Gearhead36]

Sorry Erik, but your premise is faulty. You're correct that Glock doesn't make a gun chambered in .22LR.

I believe that he was referring to the Gen3 S&W semi autos.

 

[Sergntmac]

Update:

Please note that I have been away from semi-automatics for many years, almost 40 years now. But, it's never too late to make a change.

I traded my two M&P 9c pistols for two M&P 45c pistols and I now have manual safeties. Visited the range today and shot about 100 rounds through each pistol. Nice. Very nice.

The trade-off here was firepower, i.e. 12 round mags for 8 round mags. However, this trade-off is balanced out by moving up to a .45acp from the 9mm. I do favor the larger caliber and I laid in a supply of Remington "Golden Sabre" 230g. JHP for duty use. Over the years there has been a lot of improvement in handgun ammunitions and again, very nice. About 950fps at the launch with impressive expansion upon the primary target. Over-penetration and threat to secondary target is greatly reduced, the 9mm is still a bit too hot for my needs, i.e. "urban development", if you get my point.

Problem I am facing now is magazine capacity. S&W advertises 8 round mags, and they are so marked. But, I cannot load more than 7 rounds in any of the supplied mags. Will this improve as time passes?

If I purchase more "genuine S&W" mags from eBay, will I have the same problem?

What color mag spring should I look for?

The discussion over a MD is closed, IMHO. It has already saved my life in a fight over my gun. Anyone who has not fought to that extent, save your breath. Anyone who thinks it cannot happen to you, think again. Those of us who carry a handgun in the line of duty know one thing. There is a gun at every call. If you try to take mine, don't expect to be home for dinner.

Help on magazine capacity for the M&P 45c is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Y'all be safe.

 

[Gearhead36]

OK. Are these the parts needed?
Mag Safety Lever
Mag Safety Lever Spring

If so, is there a writeup somewhere detailing how to install these parts?

 

[Rastoff]

I believe that he was referring to the Gen3 S&W semi autos.

Ooops, I rescind my comment.

Help on magazine capacity for the M&P 45c is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Many have had trouble getting that last round into a new M&P mag and not just in .45ACP. The last round is stiff, but can be done.

First, take your mags apart and ensure the spring is not bound up. This has been seen in a few mags. Second, assist yourself by getting one of these:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Maglula-UpLULA-Universal-Pistol-Magazine/dp/B001HBHNHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458420705&sr=8-1&keywords=maglula+uplula+speed+loader"]Amazon.com : Maglula UpLULA Universal Pistol Magazine Loader : Gun Magazine Loaders : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QkD2BM-eL.@@AMEPARAM@@41QkD2BM-eL[/ame]

It makes loading much easier. It also gives you a little more leverage for that last round.