Is this typical?

[GusChiggins]

First post here and very new to handguns. Been shooting for a couple months. Just picked up an M2.0 Compact and noticed that the magazines are pretty tough to insert when my carry ammo is in. Didn't notice this on the first range trip with only practice ammo, but with the carry ammo I have to push quite forcibly to get the magazine seated if the mag is at capacity. Goes in fine with just 14 rounds. Again, I'm very new to handguns, so I'm curious if this will improve over time. I haven't noticed this with my other handgun when cycling carry ammo at the range.

Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks!

 

[jnichols2]

It is fairly common in the auto loader world. It's due to the new springs being a bit stiff, and will work in with use.

 

[Flyingfool]

A few thoughts.

First M&P mags are notorious for being difficult to load until the springs break in. Many have good luck leaving the mags fully loaded for several days or even weeks when not in use to help "relax" the springs.

There should be zero difference whether training ammo or self defense ammo as they are exactly the same diameter. The difference could have been that IF you were not loading the mags during training at the range to full capacity. But your carrry mags to full capacity. Also during training did you "+1"? If not then you were seating the full mag with an open chamber. Now in carry if closed chamber and full mag, with new mags it will be very hard to seat rhe mag as you have the push the too bullet down into the last little remaining space for the mag spring to compress.

Finally, it is up to you, but if you are so new to hand guns, and this weapon in particular (great carry gun BTW!), you may want to think about getting significant self defense training prior to carrying. The more training I get, the more I realize I don't know, and realize how many people are out there carrying every day that maybe don't have the training that they owe themselves, their family and the public. I'm not trying to accuse you of being unsafe. I'm just saying we all don't really know what you don't know.

 

[swsig]

One word: Uplula. It makes your magazine loading problems go away. Here's a link: maglula | Tools for loading and unloading magazines

 

[PPS1980]

Welcome aboard. Two issues - load the mags, leave them, and let the springs get broken in and inserting the magazines when the slide is back and the chamber open is always going to be easy compared to loading with the slide forward. Enjoy your new weapon and keep practicing!

 

[GusChiggins]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've had basic pistol training and do plan to do a defensive pistol class in the very near future, along with some private lessons when time allows. That's really important to me.

Your feedback makes sense. Thanks!

 

[Rastoff]

It's all about technique. Shouldn't make any difference between different types of ammo.

This was made with the Shield, but the technique is the same for all magazine fed guns.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edTo5M5WT8s[/ame]

 

[NCW Ray]

One word: Uplula. It makes your magazine loading problems go away. Here's a link: maglula | Tools for loading and unloading magazines

He's having trouble inserting/locking the loaded mag into the gun...not loading the mag.

 

[GusChiggins]

He's having trouble inserting/locking the loaded mag into the gun...not loading the mag.

Bingo, though I do love my uplula. I've got everything worked out now via the comments. Just needed that reassurance that I wasn't overinserting or something since it was just more difficult to lock in than other pistols I've handled. All good now!

 

[swsig]

He's having trouble inserting/locking the loaded mag into the gun...not loading the mag.

Oops. Reading comprehension is down today. Too much Christmas "cheer".

 

[feelinlucky]

He's having trouble inserting/locking the loaded mag into the gun...not loading the mag.

The same issues that cause trouble loading the mag can also cause trouble inserting/locking the loaded mag into the gun.

The springs in new mags have a lot of tension, but that's only part of the problem. The rubbing surfaces of the parts in new mags are a bit rough and create a lot of friction.

Both problems will take care of themselves with a little use. The springs will lose some of that tension, and those moving parts will smooth out.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Practice and a little wear make perfect. Enjoy. Welcome!