Have all M&P Issues been resolved?

[SWAT Lt.]

Hmmmm. Two free mags, huh? That does it, I'm going to go by and check the M&Ps out today or tomorrow in person to see which one I'm interested in. The 9 is cheap and pleasant to shoot. The .45 is a .45, and the .40 is big enough for carry with high capacity to boot (yes, I know the 9mm with good ammo will do the job also). Plus, .40 ammo is easier and cheaper for me to acquire. I can't buy all 3 so I've got some thinnin' to do. Decisions, decisions. Thanks again for the info!

 

[10mm Sonny]

Make sure the one you buy has a serial number starting with MPS.

The early ones starting with MPR have a weak finish on the slides. (At least S&W warranty is cool about exchanging them for the better newer ones.)

 

[Brander]

I have one of the early M&P40's. No problems at all. I think the 'problems' have been greatly exaggerated.

 

[APismoClam]

I don't mean to be a ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead party-pooper, but the mag drop problems that have been experienced by some with the M&P pistols are real, and their owners are understandably upset about it, especially due to the fact that the problem still isn't fixed after multiple trips back to S&W for repair.

My personal experience with the M&P pistol line has been cursed by the mag drop problem on all three of my (former) M&P pistols (40, 40C and 9C). After sending my pistols back two times each for mag dropping, I had enough and gave up. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the M&P's ergonomics and simplicity of design. That makes my disappointment of my expectations for the gun even stronger.

I've come to the following conclusions regarding the M&P pistol design, regarding the design of the mag catch specifically:
1. The mag catch spring is too weak and offers too little resistance to inadvertent actuation.
2. It's all too easy to just bump the mag catch button and have the mag pop out under recoil, due to an unprotected mag release button (not flush with the frame) and to minimal engagement area between the mag catch tooth and the cutout in the magazine. I can "bump" the mag catch button on my XD pistols until the cows come home, but the mags stay put.
3. The mag to mag-well tolerances are too sloppy and the mag just flops around inside, providing an even greater chance the mag will disengage from the mag catch, especially on the compacts.

To all those who claim their M&P is "problem free", I am anxious to know if your M&P pistols (40, 9, 40C or 9C) are free of any or all of the three characteristics listed above.

 

[patentmike]

"inadvertent actuation"?
"just bump the mag catch button"?

You probably won't like to read this, but if you press the button while you are firing and the mag falls out, everything is functioning fine but the operator.

 

[APismoClam]

I wrote "bump", not "press".

There is a big difference.

I have to "press" the mag release button on every other pistol I own to get the mag to release. That includes Sigs, Glocks, XDs, Rugers, metal-framed S&W autos, etc. They are nowhere close to being as sensitive to inadvertent actuation as my M&Ps were.

I have also read first-hand accounts of M&Ps popping their mags while holstered due to incidental contact with the holster or belt.

I would like to see the M&P's mag catch redesigned so that it requires a deliberate press to get the mag to release, just like my other pistols do.

 

[Jupiter]

I have a very low SN: MPA035x and it's been flawless from day one.

 

[Brander]

I have an early M&P40, SN:MPA04XX.

I have never experienced an 'inadvertent actuation' with it.

I did have than happen once though with a Glock 34 during a competition while I was shooting left handed. It was embarrassing--the mag popped out and landed in the lane half way through my string.

 

[flipinsacto]

The only issue I have is where to find extra mags for my M&P 9mm?? None at Natchez, been on backorder at Midway USA since May!! I even tried to order one straight from Smith & Wesson...backordered! Can anyone tell me where I can find a 10-round mag...standard, not compact. Jeez...California...what can I say

 

[woodspirits]

I have a M&P9 (#MPJx-)purchased new in August. It is a fine range gun and shoots accurately and comfortably in my hand. Mine does very well with cheap ball ammo.

My fault with it is the mag release button is much to easy to activate (it would release mags in a well-fitted leather holster when carrying until I ground the mag release button down) and there is considerable slop in the magazine to magazine well dimension.

I will keep it as a fun range gun but would not trust it as my CCW until this problem is resolved.

 

[10mm Sonny]

Originally posted by woodspirits:
My fault with it is the mag release button is much to easy to activate (it would release mags in a well-fitted leather holster when carrying until I ground the mag release button down).

I will keep it as a fun range gun but would not trust it as my CCW until this problem is resolved.

Try switching sides.

 

[RichardC]

Just put 160 rounds through the new 357Sig M&P yesterday. One light primer strike, shots hit slightly left for three shooters but no other problems.

 

[cxm]

CDNN has M&P 9 and 40 mags.

V/r

Chuck

Originally posted by flipinsacto:
The only issue I have is where to find extra mags for my M&P 9mm?? None at Natchez, been on backorder at Midway USA since May!! I even tried to order one straight from Smith & Wesson...backordered! Can anyone tell me where I can find a 10-round mag...standard, not compact. Jeez...California...what can I say

 

[Mausermike]

Of course, mag drop is one reason why many of the old school European pistols have the release at the heel.

Am I the only person that agrees that a heel release is the best for a service pistol? Its going to be a pretty rare event changing mags in a real world defensive shooting situation.

 

[SWAT Lt.]

I'll pass on the heel release even though they are more secure. Mag changes may be rare in the civilian arena but actually not so much so in law enforcement. Many OISs have a large number of rounds fired. Sometimes the bad guy won't go down, sometimes the bad guy doesn't get hit, sometimes both. It's unfortunate because a lot of rounds fired increases the risk to the public, but mag changes (whether at slide lock or tactical [topping off])aren't uncommon.

Honestly, I am still leery about the M&P due to the mag drop thing, light primer hits, and FTEs. It's too bad as the 2 free mags and $50 rebate make the M&P VERY attractive. I think I'm going to wait a little longer before I buy one. The "P" in M&P is for "Police" and having mags drop inadvertantly is BAD.

 

[patriot747]

I purchased my M&P 9 Compact back in August of this year. I have run a few hundred round through it and have had no problems. I use it as my carry piece and is small enough and light enough, even with the 12 round mag. I wouldn't use an "in-the-waistband" holster though (too bulky for that). I use a paddle and it is comfortable enough.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Mausermike:
Am I the only person that agrees that a heel release is the best for a service pistol? Its going to be a pretty rare event changing mags in a real world defensive shooting situation.

Yep. You are.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by patentmike:
"inadvertent actuation"?
"just bump the mag catch button"?

You probably won't like to read this, but if you press the button while you are firing and the mag falls out, everything is functioning fine but the operator.

That is funny. "Inadvertent actuation" sounds sort of like "negligent discharge."

 

[growr]

My M&P .40 Full size now has over 7000 rounds and is STILL flawless in every regard. The trigger just keeps on getting better and better! It is now my main match gun. Were it not for the fact that my main carry gun is my 3913, I would have NO hesitation in CCW my M&P. Yes it is THAT good!!!
Randy

 

[nm38special]

Originally posted by APismoClam:
I don't mean to be a ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead party-pooper, but the mag drop problems that have been experienced by some with the M&P pistols are real, and their owners are understandably upset about it, especially due to the fact that the problem still isn't fixed after multiple trips back to S&W for repair.

My personal experience with the M&P pistol line has been cursed by the mag drop problem on all three of my (former) M&P pistols (40, 40C and 9C). After sending my pistols back two times each for mag dropping, I had enough and gave up. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the M&P's ergonomics and simplicity of design. That makes my disappointment of my expectations for the gun even stronger.

I've come to the following conclusions regarding the M&P pistol design, regarding the design of the mag catch specifically:
1. The mag catch spring is too weak and offers too little resistance to inadvertent actuation.
2. It's all too easy to just bump the mag catch button and have the mag pop out under recoil, due to an unprotected mag release button (not flush with the frame) and to minimal engagement area between the mag catch tooth and the cutout in the magazine. I can "bump" the mag catch button on my XD pistols until the cows come home, but the mags stay put.
3. The mag to mag-well tolerances are too sloppy and the mag just flops around inside, providing an even greater chance the mag will disengage from the mag catch, especially on the compacts.

To all those who claim their M&P is "problem free", I am anxious to know if your M&P pistols (40, 9, 40C or 9C) are free of any or all of the three characteristics listed above.

I have mixed emotions about this post...in as much as I assumed the mag drop problems with my M&P were my fault some how. I had planned to use this gun as my primary carry weapon but I dont want to be tapping and racking all the time! Now I hear that sending it back to S&W doesn't help. Dayum! What do I do about this????