LF Arms M&P Magazine Release Extension on CCW

[drew-67]

Hi Everyone,
I've had my M&P 40 full size for a couple years now and love it..However, the one thing that has always bothered me is I can not manipulate the magazine release without breaking grip,,so for me I have gotten to the point that I just use my support thumb to do it, as then I can maintain my grip.
Well, I recently starting doing more drills, as I've had a bit more time, and once again started thinking it sure would be nice to be able to manipulate the mag release properly with my grip hand thumb...So started doing some internet such and found the LF Arms M&P magazine release extension..I've ordered one and look forward to trying it after reading positive reviews. Gotta say though, I am a bit concerned about this and carrying and the potential that it may be accidentally pressed and release the magazine..Anyone use these? Thoughts? Thanks for any help

 

[Bkreutz]

My question is,,, "What are you using the pistol for?" If it's for protection then my answer is that if you get to the point where you have to reload, shifting your grip to release the mag is the least of your worries. If you're using this for range work, speed is not an issue (or shouldn't be). If you are competing, then an accidental mag release isn't really an issue. I found the best modification I made was to remove the "shroud" that covers the back part of the release button, that way I don't have to reach over and around to get to the button. I don't carry this so accidental release isn't an issue. First picture is before, second is after.

 

[B0308]

Bkreutz,

Simple, but elegant solution for you situation, thanks for sharing the info.

 

[Llando88]

Hope it works out for you better than me.

I had a Costa Catalyst. I sold it after dropping the mag accidentally at the range, twice.

I then tried a LF mag release, standard size, thinking it might be different. I did not like it either.

I tried selling it at a loss, no takers, so I gave it away in a Karma thread.

 

[drew-67]

Thanks for the replies...I don't compete at this point, and most likely not anytime some. I use my M&P 40 for EDC whenever possible, otherwise it's my 642. Honestly, I am pretty comfortable with the speed of reloading the M&P by manipulating the magazine release with my support thumb..I've been practicing doing it this way for a while and like the fact that I can maintain complete grip and control with my shooting grip hand and my support thumb is right there to press the magazine release on the way to get the new magazine. I've also practiced doing tactical reloads whereas I don't press and release until after I've retrieved the spare magazine and have it up and ready to insert.
The thing is, as whenever I go to training courses, it's taught that this is not correct procedure to use the support hand. So would like to get it correct if possible. I can do it with my grip hand thumb, but i have to break considerably and don't feel that I have near the control through the whole procedure..I do realize that if I have to reload in a defense situation, this maybe the least of my worries, but I want to prepare and do my
Best to make my training the best it can be. Thanks again!

 

[PapaBear9x19]

Thanks for the replies...I don't compete at this point, and most likely not anytime some. I use my M&P 40 for EDC whenever possible, otherwise it's my 642. Honestly, I am pretty comfortable with the speed of reloading the M&P by manipulating the magazine release with my support thumb..I've been practicing doing it this way for a while and like the fact that I can maintain complete grip and control with my shooting grip hand and my support thumb is right there to press the magazine release on the way to get the new magazine. I've also practiced doing tactical reloads whereas I don't press and release until after I've retrieved the spare magazine and have it up and ready to insert.
The thing is, as whenever I go to training courses, it's taught that this is not correct procedure to use the support hand. So would like to get it correct if possible. I can do it with my grip hand thumb, but i have to break considerably and don't feel that I have near the control through the whole procedure..I do realize that if I have to reload in a defense situation, this maybe the least of my worries, but I want to prepare and do my
Best to make my training the best it can be. Thanks again!

There are situations where you might want to top off your pistol (proactive reload) in a fight. This is one reason using your support hand to depress the mag release isn't ideal. It won't be available to retain the magazine. It will also be farther away from the magazine you are seeking to insert. That costs time too.

If you are reloading from your "workspace", your muzzle is already away from the threat anyway, so maintaining a perfect grip on the pistol isn't really as important as it seems at first. The more you train, the more this becomes apparent. You will also learn that your support hand won't always be available in a fight.

Tactics on self defense are vastly different from competition. My advice is spend the money on more ammo to practice proper reloads, instead of competition equipment that is designed for something else. Leave the fancy stuff to the gun game guys.

There are lots of drawbacks to mucking with the mag release and making it bigger on a carry gun.

 

[drewm@p40]

What size grip are you using I don't by any means have large hands and with the small grip with very little movement of my thumb on strong hand I can easily hit mag release on my fs40

 

[drew-67]

What size grip are you using I don't by any means have large hands and with the small grip with very little movement of my thumb on strong hand I can easily hit mag release on my fs40

I use the medium insert...It does not make a difference for me by using the small, because the difference between the small & medium has to do with the palm swell..I am up high on the grip with my web (thumb & trigger finger) so the insert doesn't change the distance to the magazine release unless I was to use the "Large" insert as that comes up the back strap..Thanks!

 

[drew-67]

Hi all, just to follow-up..
Just to clarify from my original post; it's not that I mind breaking "perfect grip", my thought is that I have to roll the grip enough where it just isn't as secure in my hand as I would like..and in a real situation this could only be worse.
Anyway, I received the new magazine release yesterday and had decided I was going to it least try it and give it a fair chance...
Well, I gotta say so far I love it,, it is just perfect. It's not any longer at the inner point, but the angle is reversed and the outer point is longer. For me this makes it possible to manipulate the magazine release with my shooting hand thumb while maintaining a secure grip..it does have to rotate slightly. The difference is, as with the angle on the original mag release you have to go around the shroud and straight in to activate with the point of thumb,,whereas with the new one, I can activate it with more leverage.
From a tactical point of view, I have complete control using one hand reloads if this became the only means possible..Also when using two hands, all my support hand has to think about is going to the spare magazine.
As far as my concern with "accidental magazine release", at this point I don't see any issue at all. I've tried intentionally trying to get it to release while holstered, also while lying flat on table etc. so far I have NOT been able to cause it to release in these manners. I will continue to evaluate and build my trust level. But i gotta say I am very pleased..Thanks!

 

[drew-67]

Hi all,
Just thought I'd post a quick follow-up since I've had a month to evaluate..I can honestly say I have had no issues with the extended release. However, I have now removed it and went back to my factory release..The reason being is I use this as one of my CCW and the benefits of having it on are not worth the chance of an accidental release. Also, now that I have practiced proper technique, I no longer have an issue activating the factory release...go figure
Anyway, I will say if one was going to compete, this would be a good option and I am glad I tested it out. Thanks!