First time owner - M&P .40 with loads of questions

[Ryme]

Hello,

In the next day or so I will be picking up my shiny new M&P .40 from my local gun shop. Needless to say I'm a little excited. Growing up I was taught gun safety by my father at a young age and have shot a verity of different pistols and rifles, but we are talking quite a few years ago. As a first time owner I shopped around and did my research and picked the M&P because of the quality, brand reputation, feel and reviews. So yes, I've done my home work but still have lots to learn. Throughout this process I have come up with loads of questions lots of which have been answered by friends, but maybe you guys/gals might have some additional input. Last but not least I am buying this gun for home defense and target shooting mainly. I am taking a CC class tomorrow night just to be "ready" if I want/need to carry. So if you are ready, here we go.

Exact Model I am getting

#1. Magazines 15rd (not clips) - Seem to be about nonexistent here in CO. I went to a gun show here in the Denver area last weekend and found one used factory mag with an $80 price tag on it. I almost told the guy where to shove it. Anyone know where I can get extra mags at this point? The kit comes with two, but I would like to have four or six if possible.

#2. Sights - I really like reflex sights, but don't know if they are practical or functional on pistols. I have read a few threads in regards to this topic but didn't get any solid information. I found one very nice looking reflex sight for the M&P but that sucker is $310 and not going to happen. Also from what I understand I may need to get a top rail?This is it

#3. Cleaning kits - Is it ok to get just a small cleaning kit from Outdoor World or similar place? Anything I should look out for or stay away from?

#4. Holsters - I have been told the holster that comes with the range kit is junk. Is this true? I didn't get the range kit, but I got to look at one at the show and it seemed.....ok.... and I found where I can purchase it separately if you guys approve. Also are holsters that are outside of your belt known by a different name then ones that go inside your belt/pants? The full size M&P that i am getting might be a bit big for concealing inside my belt, but I am a big guy (6'3) so it might not be as much of a problem. Any recommendations in the $50-$60 rage would be good.

#5. Tac Light - Brands to look at / stay away from. I'm not made of money so bang for buck is good to keep in mind.

#6. Something I learned today - So from what I have read they are on the 3rd Gen on the M&P series. Is there a way to verify what Gen the gun is by looking at it? S/N identifier or something? Also what changes/improvements have been made between generations?

For the moment that is all I can come up with, but I'm sure there are more. I know that some of these might be easy questions, but I thank you in advance and offer any computer advice I can give in exchange. I've been a computer pro for 10 years running.

Oh and I almost forgot, the main reason for the CC is that the wife and I are going to be camping/quad/dirt bikeing a lot this summer around CO and UT and as I mentioned above I just want to be able to carry something and not have to worry about where/how it is. Better safe and above the law if it's possible.

Thanks again,

-Ryme

 

[Rastoff]

You are jumping in with "both feet" as they say. Good for you. You've purchased a great gun and will be happy with it.

So, I will follow your lead and attempt to answer your questions:

1. You will have to be patient on the mags. Everyone I know of is sold out. Keep your eye on the S&W site and they will show up there eventually.

2. Pass on the reflex sights. Those are great, but not for your purpose. Self defense necessitates the ultimate in ruggedness and instant readiness. Reflex sights take batteries and they will die at the worst possible time. Save the reflex sights for competition. Learn to use your sights properly and you'll be happier.

3. Any cleaning kit is fine as long as it has the right sized brush. I like Frog Lube. It is a Cleaner, Lubricant and Protectant(CLP).

4. Look at CompTac for a reasonably inexpensive Kydex holster that is good quality. If you want a holster that is better look to R. Grizzle leather holsters.

Holsters come in many varieties. What you are asking about is either Inside the Waistband(IWB) or Outside the Waistband(OWB). I prefer OWB and I carry a M&P 45 so, carrying your .40 OWB will be more comfortable and still easily concealed. Of course IWB is easier to conceal, but you might need a larger waistband in your pants.

5. SureFire. Sorry, there are no inexpensive alternatives in this department.

6. On the blue case there will be a small bar code with a 4 digit number on it. The first number is the year of manufacture and the next three numbers are the day it was made. I don't know about the three generations you speak of, but I'll bet you lunch yours was made only a couple of months ago. That will make it the most current of any generation series.

Alternatively, you can look at the date on the little envelope the fired case comes in. The guns are usually test fired within a few days of being finished.

These guns do not sit on the shelves. So, yours is going to be a really new one.


Congrats on the gun. Let us know how you feel about it once you've put a few rounds down range.


As for self defense, you have much to learn young padowan. Don't worry, we'll guide you in the right direction. Just get the gun home and put a few rounds down range first. Then we can discuss defensive shooting.

 

[Ryme]

Thanks for the answers Rastoff. Yes, I am jumping in with both feet, which is totally my style. When I was a teenager I had a huge interest in guns, but lived on the East Coast in an area where guns were a no-no and only got to shoot with my Dad at a vacation house he had in the Mts. From there girls, computers, beer took over my hobbies (and in that order too haha) but I'm finally out on my own, married and making enough money to track back to a hobby that didn't fit a 15 year old.

1. I had a feeling that was the answer I was going to get. Any idea on how long the wait will be or has been? I've only been looking for the last two weeks or so and "out of stock" hasn't changed.

2. Understood. However in the future I would like to get something smaller to carry like this awesome little thing and get a reflex for the M&P. But we'll see. For now we'll stick with what get.

3. I spoke with the Frog Lube guys at the show and will see if I can find it here locally.

4. I think the best route here will be to find a place that has a verity and try them on. I want to get something for carry and also something for the range that is easy access.

5. I will check out SureFire tomorrow.

6. Exactly what I wanted to know! Thanks!

This has been the longest 7-9 days since... my wedding...

Thanks for all of the info and if anyone else has anything to add please feel free. I'm doing as much research as I can at this point so all suggestions are welcome.

 

[Lineman73]

Ryme,

You are definitely getting your feet wet!!! You seem to have your head on straight and are searching for knowledge. Hopefully, we will lead you in the right direction. Just keep in mind that nothing you see here (outside of firearms safety) is absolute. Your likes and dislikes will carry a lot of weight. Be willing to experiment to find what truly works for you!!

In answer to your questions, here we go:

1. I checked all the usual spots for M&P40 15 round magazines; S&W, Midway USA, Brownells, Sportsmans Guide and even Cheaper Than Dirt. They are all on backorder. Just keep checking these spots. They will be getting some soon.

2. I agree with Rastoff, skip the reflex sight. While great for shooting competition, these sights are too ***ile for daily carry and the abuse of outdoor activities. Go with a good set of Trijicon Night Sights instead. This is an upgrade you will never regret!!

3. For cleaning, nothing on the face of the earth is quicker or better than the Bore Snake. CLP or Frog Lube are great cleaner/lubricant/preservatives. Both work great.

4. When it comes to holsters, this is where it REALLY gets personal. I have good size box full of holsters I have tried over the years. The box holds those that didn't make the cut!! I have gone the full route. From extremely inexpensive nylon to top of the line fancy exotic leathers. At the moment, my M&P's ride in a Blackhawk Model #48 Compact Askins Concealment black leather (Italian, yet even!) open top holster that I really like. It holds the pistol high and close to the body with adjustable retension and prints very little. My box says you are going to try a lot before you settle on a holster that you like. I'd send you the box if I thought it would save you some time and money.....but like I say this part is personal!!!

5. As for lights, Surefire and Streamlight are two of the best in the business. Pick what you like here. Brighter IS better!!

6. I'm not sure of which generation is which. I know that Smith has spent a lot of time working on triggers, trigger reset and magazine release systems. The triggers have improved over the last few years, but I'm a bit of a snoot when it comes to triggers. My days of shooting competition still haunt me!! I have replaced the factory sear in all of my M&P's with an Apex Hard/Fully Machined Sear. It will cost you $41.95 from Apex and after viewing Randy Lee's installation video on the Apex website, it is a piece of cake to put in. It will eliminate the creep in the trigger take up, lighten the pull to around 4.5 lbs, eliminate all overtravel and noticeably speed up the trigger reset. Well worth the cost and the effort.

Hope my running on has helped in some way. Enjoy your new pistol! Shoot it often and shoot it safely. I hope you never have to use it for anything but recreational shooting!!

 

[Maddmax]

Doing your homework,then jumping in with both feet is always the best. The mags are going to be a tough one for awhile. Problem is everyone has gone nuts either stocking (hoarding) their own because who knows what's coming.... and then there's the ones (that might not even own a weapon) out for just the profit making of it all. ...Free? Enterprise? Once the dust settles and people start getting their heads above their lower waist lines again,the bottom "could" fall out and prices will get back to a more normal or even some sales and deals. "Free enterprise" in reverse So don't get in a big rush for mags just yet. You've heard of Sheep,Sheep Dogs and Wolves ??? Sheep are good at two things,grazing and stampeding. Don't get caught in the stampede,"we're" keeping an eye out for the big bad wolf.

Anyway,those reflex sights. You'll need a "mount" that attaches to your lower frame. Mounted on the slide will just beat it to death in short order. It is do-able. But carry and holster aren't going to work.

I love my Streamlight. Mounts under the slide,has a VERY bright light and laser. Works with just the light. Just the laser. Or both. Good battery time. My laser is zeroed at 25 yards and has stayed put for a couple years now. I do adjust for distance (in my head) for closer distance. The newer Streamlights (I think) also have a strobe. They are tough as nails,not the cheapest date out there...

Holsters. Good luck. I have one for doing anything and everything. A few collect dust in my parts bins. Yes,bins. Gotta think ahead. No one's mentioned reloading. ...yet.

Hard to beat that Frog Lube if you go by the directions.

Bore Snake is ok. I'm old school and still go with the the old brushes & patches,Hoppes in the barrel.

As for actual parts. OEM is best when you can.Same for mags. There is some great after market "stuff". DON'T be afraid to ask.

This IS the best and friendliest site for info. Even for some of those "off brand" weapons.

Stay Safe and welcome aboard.

 

[Ryme]

Good news! Just got the call from my local shop and my paperwork came back approved. Now I've got a bit of a time crunch on my hands. My CC class is tonight directly after work so I think I'm going to sneak over at lunch and pick it up.

Now to go and check out some of the recommendations you guys have made.

 

[Ryme]

Holy expensive Batman! - Handgun WeaponLights They do look awesome though. Maybe a future upgrade.

My buddy owns the same gun and has this - Amazon.com: Smith & Wesson Flashlights Miniature Weapon Mounted Light (Black): Sports & Outdoors Any objections? He got it on sale for $40 and says it goes on sale often. It also comes with a universal mount. From what he tells me it's very easy to put on and take off which is a major plus.

Lineman73, I'm very tempted to take you up on that box of holsters. Maybe we could work out a deal where you send the box and I pay for any that I like and send the rest back? If this is something you might be ok with we can talk in PM to figure out details.

These do look nice, but can you explain how they work? SA137Y HDNS - Trijicon, Inc. Green lamps? I'm a bit confused, do they light up / require a battery?

 

[ginzo]

I am a new M&P 40 owner also. Listen to these guys! I just bought a full size in Dec. and they gave me a ton of tips that made my 1st range experience very successful. Love the weapon (gun). At this point I don't even have to try any others, I'm hooked on mine.

 

[Rastoff]

My buddy owns the same gun and has this - Amazon.com: Smith & Wesson Flashlights Miniature Weapon Mounted Light (Black): Sports & Outdoors Any objections?

I wasn't going to go into lights, but since you asked...

Remember the old adage; you get what you pay for. This is especially true with things like sights and lights. There is a reason I recommended a SureFire. Yes, they are expensive, but there is a reason.

My main beef with that cheesy S&W light is lack of a pressure switch. Remember, lights work both ways. In a low light situation, you want the ability to turn your light on for just a moment. Also, you NEED the ability to operate the light with a full firing grip. There isn't time to turn the light on and then get the proper grip.

Then there's the issue of a special holster just to accommodate the light. Then it adds weight. Then it needs batteries. Then...

I would become comfortable with handling and shooting the gun first, then consider adding a light. I'm not saying lights are useless. I'm just not sure you need one now.

These do look nice, but can you explain how they work? SA137Y HDNS - Trijicon, Inc. Green lamps? I'm a bit confused, do they light up / require a battery?

I have similar sights on my Ed Brown. No, they don't use a battery and after 12 years or so, they will dim to the point where they are no good. The are bright enough that you can see them easily in the dark, but not so bright they bother your night vision.

You won't see them glow in the day light. But, in low light conditions they are very nice. Worth every penny. I will probably be adding these, or something just like them, to my M&P 45.

 

[vince_ross]

These do look nice, but can you explain how they work? SA137Y HDNS - Trijicon, Inc. Green lamps? I'm a bit confused, do they light up / require a battery?

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The sights have a tiny coated glass tube filled with Tritium and as it gives off its radioactivity, it "reacts" with the coating of the glass tube causing it to glow. It puts off very low levels of radioactive material, so you will only be able to see it in low light.

 

[spricks]

Congrats on your decision to purchase the M&P.

I did buy the range kit, and the blade tech level one holster is fine if want a retention only holster. I use mine, however I also bought a blackhawk sepra that is also a paddle holster but level 2, meaning not only rention, but a button that is pushed before releasing the pistol...very easy to use, but also a second level of safety.

Keep in mind that any lights, or lasers you add to your gun will also require a holster to accomidate the added hardware.

I love the factory sights, and would give them a try before I make any changes....good luck

spricks

 

[Ryme]

Mission Success!

Ran out for lunch and was able to pick up my new M&P .40

Rastoff, I completely understand what you are saying about a light. Makes perfect sense that you would want one that turns on when you grip. The reason I said easy install and removal were key is because I would be taking it off if I were to carry or head to the range. It wouldn't be nessasary in those conditions. I would keep it on in the house or camping mostly where it would be useful. These are all ideas for upgrades all of which I want to do, but after this purchase I'm going to need to give my bank account a little while to recoup.

In regards to sights, thanks for the explanation. 12 years is more then worth the investment. Does red or yellow on the front sight make a difference or is it more personal preference?

Along with the gun they gave me three free hours at their indoor range which will come in handy in the very near future. I'm also going to be looking into free outdoor ranges near here. I'm sure there has to be some with all of the state and national parks around this area. Thinking back, I should have picked up a pack of targets at the show. I walked right by lots of them.

 

[Rastoff]

A simple 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper with a dot drawn in the middle makes a decent enough target.

State and national parks will not allow you to fire your gun there. Maybe a hunter can, but not just because you want to. However, you shouldn't have any problem finding a secluded spot in the wilderness to shoot at. Just be sure you're not using a giant piece of granite as a back stop. Ricochets are not fun.

 

[Rastoff]

I've seen some magazines on ebay, but you may have to pay a little more for them.

 

[Lineman73]

Well, Vince gave you a pretty good run down on the in's and out's of tritium sights. In normal light conditions they are the same as the S&W factory sights. However, when the light gets low, that is when the magic happens!! I keep my M&P 40 on the night stand at night. I can locate it easily by the low green glow of the night sights! Very comforting glow!!

I use a hand held Streamlight rather than gun mounted. That way I don't need a special holster or add extra weight to my pistol. Besides, all I need to do is go to the sound of the ruckus and put the poor soul that my dog is chewing up out of his misery!!! NEVER MIND THE DOG.....BEWARE OF THE OWNER!!

BTW, I checked the S&W and Midway USA sites.....15 rd M&P mags still on back order.

 

[Ryme]

So how is this for luck? The wife and I walk into the shop where our CCW class is being held last night and as we are making our way to the classroom she stops me and points to a rack with magazines hanging on it and says "Hey, aren't those what you are looking for?" Skeptically I took a closer look and she was right! S&W factory 15rd mags! Five of them just hanging there.

But we had to get into the class as it was about to start! My first thought was aww ****, they will be gone by the time we get back out here. Lucky for me on our first break they were all still there so I bought them out of stock. Four for me and one for my buddy. The best part was the $37 price tag which is even less then they are going for on S&W's website. Yesterday was an all around good day for me. I also highly recommend taking a CCW class even if it's not required in your state/county. I gained literally TONS of very useful information.

Going to stop on the way home and see if I can find some Frog Lube and hopefully head to the range after I give her a good lube.

One issue I found is that I couldn't get the tool out of the magazine well. I managed to turn it 1/4 turn but that sucker is stuck in there. Also when looking into the chamber I couldn't really tell exactly what it is that I am supposed to be pushing down to field strip the gun. If anyone could point me in the right direction or to a YouTube video that goes a little more in depth it would be greatly appreciated. I didn't want to break the thing on day 1 so I left it alone.

 

[Rastoff]

If they had any .45 mags I'd gladly pay you for 2 of them plus $6 to ship them to me in a USPS flat rate box. That was a good price.

The tool is in there pretty good. That's a good thing because it will become looser as time goes by. Just turn it 1/4 turn and pull kinda hard. If it's not coming out, turn it the other way and it might be easier.

There is a good picture of the sear deactivation lever on page 21 in the manual. You can't get it wrong because it's the only thing in there. The only other lever is the magazine disconnect and I don't think you have that.

Also, it's not something that is "pressed" it is rotated forward. Usually it's yellow. It would be easy to get to if the ejector wasn't right over the top of it.

Here is an alternate method for removing the slide:
Lock the slide back and ensure the chamber is empty.
Rotate the take down lever so it's pointed down.
Ease the slide forward.
Press the trigger.
Slide the slide off the front.

 

[Ryme]

Rastoff, the wife is going to go back on Fri to pick up my certificate because the lady forgot to print mine. I will have her check while she is there. That whole rack in the picture is S&W mags. I told the guy thank you for not price jacking.

 

[Remram]

Thanks to everyone for their insight, I also recently bought my 1st
M&P 40 and had the same questions.

 

[Rastoff]

I told the guy thank you for not price jacking.

I'm glad you told him that. Stores like that find their way to the top of my list and I go out of my way to give them my business.

Not surprisingly, stores that do jack up the price to take advantage of shortages find their way to the bottom of my list.