Disappointed with new M&P 9

[CavScout 00]

Just ordered a brand new M&P 9. Test fire was 02/04. After good initial cleaning and lube I noticed that the slide stop/release is so hard to release its almost border line of needing struck by an object. I can get it to drop but it takes two thumbs and a lot of pressure. I did it 3 times to see if it would loosen up but quit because i was putting so much pressure it felt like it might break.

I went to my local gun shop and looked at some new ones there. They didnt have the issue at all. One 40 was a little tight but felt like it could be broken in easily.

I had a buddy look at it that is an M&P goro and informed me that they come stiff. He said he has never seen or heard of one being that hard after handling it. I watched his face turn a couple of shades of red trying to release it and he couldnt.

Looks like ill be contacting S&W before even shooting the thing. This could have been avoided if they would just have checked it.

 

[OKFC05]

If you are trying to release the slide stop on an unloaded new gun, I'm surprised you can do it at all, especially with the magazine in the gun. How easy is it if you drop the mag and slingshot the slide? Close OK?

 

[CavScout 00]

If you are trying to release the slide stop on an unloaded new gun, I'm surprised you can do it at all, especially with the magazine in the gun. How easy is it if you drop the mag and slingshot the slide? Close OK?

I was doing it without a magazine, tried with a magazine to see if it had some weird feature that required a magazine in it to work. Same result. I can sling shot it fine. I expect it to be a little stiff where its new, but not inoperable.

I own 10 semi auto handguns and have never seen one that tight. It obviously an issue if other brand new ones can do it just fine.

 

[MichiganScott]

It is a slide lock, not a slide stop or release. The gun was never designed to have that part used to drop the slide.

Insert the empty mag and pull the slide to the rear. It will lock open. Drop the mag, pull the slide to the rear and release. The slide will snap forward. You do not operate a M&P like a 1911. If you had inserted a loaded mag, your pistol would now be loaded.

 

[motorcyclejoe]

If you are trying to release the slide stop on an unloaded new gun, I'm surprised you can do it at all, especially with the magazine in the gun. How easy is it if you drop the mag and slingshot the slide? Close OK?

Agree. But I would think your buddy would have told you this. I have a FS 9 and 9c and I've never been able to release the slide with an empty mag in place - unless I pull the slide back to release the pressure from the follower.

 

[CavScout 00]

It is a slide lock, not a slide stop or release. The gun was never designed to have that part used to drop the slide.

Insert the empty mag and pull the slide to the rear. It will lock open. Drop the mag, pull the slide to the rear and release. The slide will snap forward. You do not operate a M&P like a 1911. If you had inserted a loaded mag, your pistol would now be loaded.

You mean to tell me that a handgun targeted for Military and Police does not have a slide release?

I figure this would be well known if that was the case because I don't know an instructor that would recommend a firearm without a slide release. One hand weapon manipulation scenarios would be a no go.

If that's the case why does it seem like mine is a minority and other M&P's are able to do it?

 

[RaginRog]

I release the slide by pulling it back and releasing. I've never liked releasing the slide by way of the lock/release. Mine are still a little stiff even though each of my M&Ps has over a 1k rounds.

 

[427mach1]

You mean to tell me that a handgun targeted for Military and Police does not have a slide release?

I figure this would be well known if that was the case because I don't know an instructor that would recommend a firearm without a slide release. One hand weapon manipulation scenarios would be a no go.

If that's the case why does it seem like mine is a minority and other M&P's are able to do it?

I think you will find that most modern pistols have a slide STOP, not a slide RELEASE. Many people mistakenly refer to them as a slide release. While it is possible to make it function as a slide release, it is not recommended. Read your owner's manual and you will see it is referred to as a slide stop. My M&P manual shows a slide stop. My Ruger manual shows a slide stop. Glocks have a slide stop.

One hand operation is possible buy hooking the rear sight and pushing forward on the grip, thereby moving the slide rearward.

 

[RaginRog]

I also meant to add that I was a little disappointed with mine. However, I realized for its price point, USA manufacturing, and warranty it makes for a good value, and good pistol. I've been a gigging musician on and off since 2006, and find there is a paradigm here. For example Fender American made guitars and basses are very good instruments stock. However, dump $2-300 into one on better electronics and pickups and it significantly improves a good instrument. Pistols are the same, particularly M&Ps. S&W gives you a weapon that is reliable, and with the help of the aftermarket industry can turn into an amazing pistol.I by far enjoy shooting my M&Ps over my S&W revolvers and my pricey Sig P226.

 

[scooter123]

The correct terminology for this device is Slide Lock and it always has been identified as such. I can also state with absolute certainty that there are some semi auto handguns that have no external controls for the Slide Lock because many firearms designers consider releasing the slide with the Slide Lock to be somewhat abusive. To put it simply, the most correct method for releasing the slide is by slingshoting it.

Now, I'm not saying you can't thumb the Slide Lock to release the slide, about 30 years of TV and Movie actors using this technique for dramatic effect proves that it can be done. It has also proven to be a good technique for adding a bit of drama to a scene in a movie or TV show. Just be aware of where this bit of gun handling originated. If you want to continue to copy some actor then you are perfectly free to contact S&W and ask them to stone the lock notch on your slide for an easier release. I don't know if they'll actually do that but it can't hurt to ask.

 

[MichiganScott]

You mean to tell me that a handgun targeted for Military and Police does not have a slide release?

I figure this would be well known if that was the case because I don't know an instructor that would recommend a firearm without a slide release. One hand weapon manipulation scenarios would be a no go.

If that's the case why does it seem like mine is a minority and other M&P's are able to do it?

The first thing I do when I buy a firearm is read the Owner's Manual. Smith and Wesson repeatably calls the part in question a "slide stop". On page 17 of the manual, they instruct the owner to pull the slide to the rear to drop it from the locked position. Nowhere does S&W instruct the shooter to use the part in question as a slide release.

Your "problem" has been discussed ad infinitum on this board. Call the mothership on Monday and request they send a call tag for repair. Be prepared to receive the pistol back in 4-6 weeks in the condition it was in when you returned it.

Or you can just shoot it and it will eventually loosen up enough for you to use it in a manner different than which it was designed. I believe the part has been re-engineered and beefed up so breakage is no longer guaranteed if you use it improperly. If it breaks, S&W will still repair it.

 

[Arik]

I figure this would be well known if that was the case because I don't know an instructor that would recommend a firearm without a slide release. One hand weapon manipulation scenarios would be a no go.

The same way us lefties do it. By using the slide. Most guns arnt ambidextrous

 

[Elliot45]

CavScout 00, I too thought the same same as you regarding the 9mm M&P Pro I just purchased. Nice to know that it isn't a slide release on a S&W but it is on my Colt Gold Cup, my Springfield XDS, my Browning Buckmark, my Beretta and several other semi-automatics. Unfortunately I can live with this but not the jams and other issues I'm having on my Pro that I mention in my recent post. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in your thinking about the slide release. Regards, Jim

 

[427mach1]

CavScout 00, I too thought the same same as you regarding the 9mm M&P Pro I just purchased. Nice to know that it isn't a slide release on a S&W but it is on my Colt Gold Cup, my Springfield XDS, my Browning Buckmark, my Beretta and several other semi-automatics. Unfortunately I can live with this but not the jams and other issues I'm having on my Pro that I mention in my recent post. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in your thinking about the slide release. Regards, Jim

Jim, you might want to read your instruction manuals again. The XDS and Colt Gold Cup show a "slide stop". The Beretta models 39/29/92 show a "slide catch/hold open". You are correct regarding the Browning; it is designated as a "slide release/stop latch".

 

[walkin' trails]

..... Or you can sent it back to S&W for warranty service. My 9c had the same problem. Just got it back and it works. And some of us have been around long enough that we sometimes revert back to our original training and use. the lever to drop the slide...

 

[ATF]

I release all my guns onto a loaded mag using the slide lock. Never had a problem, but I was taught never to do it on an empty mag because that slams the slide. YMMV.

 

[CavScout 00]

If a military and police firearm has a non functioning slide release and the mall ninjas call it part of the weapon and defend it. Then this has to be the jabroni edition of all firearms.

I will gladly take my money back

 

[CavScout 00]

I release all my guns onto a loaded mag using the slide lock. Never had a problem, but I was taught never to do it on an empty mag because that slams the slide. YMMV.

Yep and i dont eat lead paint for a hobby either. Read my post above.

 

[CavScout 00]

Jim, you might want to read your instruction manuals again. The XDS and Colt Gold Cup show a "slide stop". The Beretta models 39/29/92 show a "slide catch/hold open". You are correct regarding the Browning; it is designated as a "slide release/stop latch".

I hope your a spokesman for smith and wesson. Id love to take this firearm to any professional instructor and bable the **** you just said. They would be preaching do not buy the m&p

 

[ATF]

Yep and i dont eat lead paint for a hobby either. Read my post above.

With respect I don't know anyone who would buy a gun without racking the slide and testing the trigger and reset at least a dozen or two times.

Something is wrong so either send it to S&W or see if your gunshop can sort it out. Anyway hope you get the matter resolved.