Good day all.
I am new to the S&W forum and new to the world of semi-auto weapons but I am convinced that this forum is the best I have been on and so I would like to thank you all for making it such a comfortable and inviting place for a greenhorn to learn the ins and outs.
My question here concerns the "Gritty Trigger Syndrome" of the M&Ps and the seeming lack of action on the part of S&W to correct this problem and is the M&Ps a good enough pistol for me to pay out the kind of money they are going for these days and then spend 20/25% of the cost to get a likeable/normal/more user friendly trigger?
I went to S&W for a semi-auto pistol after reading tons of reviews and found the M&Ps doing very well. Though 90% of the complaints/problems/knocks were about the trigger and most folks seem to be okay with the outlay of extra cash and the time to fix it. I know, to each his own but is this gun really worth this effort?
Sorry for being so long.
Thank you and Welcome Aboard
To answer your last question first. Yes,it is worth it.
From my experience with all 9 M&P handguns that I do still own,I have yet to have a problem with the so called "grity triger". Mine were all tack drivers out of the box and DID require some break-in time just like any new weapon does. Any new weapon I purchase,the first thing I do is strip it down for a good cleaning to get all the storage factory lube out of everything as the manual says to do. Some not all skip this,reading the manual and just go shoot it. I also always check for burrs and rough spots as I'm cleaning and GENTLY de-burr and polish any rough spots as I go and also fit to see how the parts feel. I also have been using Frog Lube and apply as directed,using de-natured alchol to clean any left over lube completely off. Then heat the parts with a blow drier until hot to the touch and apply the paste form with a "flux" brush getting into all the "nooks & crannies" of the weapon,DO STAY AWAY FROM THE FIRING PIN, (NO worries,Frog Lube is polymer safe). Let sit to season for 60-90 minutes (I still supply some heat to keep the parts warm. Doing it out in the hot sun works great if it's warm out). I then go about wipping all the parts off with a soft rag reassembling the weapon as I go,also running a couple clean patches through the barrel. Then put a very tiny drop of liquid Frog Lube on all the lube points (as directed by the S&W manual). Take it out and start to get the weapon broken in. Fairly "gently" at first,letting the barrel and parts season themselves. ...not getting too hot first time out. Might shoot 100-200 rounds taking my time and "enjoying the trip".. Check targets for group size,patch holes and go shoot again,taking my time,getting use to the weapon. It also helps heat season temper the barrel. Gets warm enough and stays warm,gets and stays warmer as you shoot and check targets. Then I go home and take the weapon back down,wiping all the parts off with a soft rag (you'll be amazed how easy any dirt falls off) and maybe a soft brush like a tooth brush. Also checking all the parts for any wear signs as I go. Then re-Frog Lube using my blow drier for heat and letting season once more,wipe off with a soft rag and re-assemble as before and lubing as per S&W directions (remember FL liquid goes a long way). Next time out you can "play shoot em up" a bit harder getting the barrel more seasoned. Clean with a soft rag only this time,check weapon again,light lube with the FL as per S&W manual and your all set.
As for the gritty trigger. That does go away the more you shoot it. Some people like dry firing along with shooting to get there. I suggest snap caps if you also choose to do that. It will take a good 500+ rounds to get it broke in and trustworthy enough (for many) to CCW. I'd rather stick the $100-$200+ into ammo breaking it in and getting rid of the "gritty" feel,than just throw parts at it.
Also. If S&W were to take care of this "problem" in house,it would also raise the cost of the weapon a few hundred $$$ to have people sitting around buffing,pollishing and fitting parts. I'd rather keep the lower cost on the M&P's,spend it on bullets and a little elbo grease. And remember,more people complain about a problem than praise a good point. A greater percent of the tens of thousands of people that do own them aren't saying anything and just going with the getting it broke in before trying to fix it first.
I have zero issues with that "gritty feel" or the "re-set" issue and I've been shooting handguns WELL over 40+ years.
