M&P 380 magazine problem???

[Traveler000]

Just got my new M&P 380 today at Gander Mountain in Lake Mary, FL, took it to the GM Academy and love shooting it. Great little GUN! Only one terrible issue, you have to push the magazine release to fully insert the magazine. Magazine stops half way in until you push the magazine release. Thought this was a problem, so went and talked to the Salesman and Gunsmiths there and they said this was normal for this S&W, no problem. Is this normal for S&W MP 380?

 

[gboling]

I am not familiar with the 380 but it shouldn't be normal. Is the problem with a full magazine, empty magazine, action open or closed?

 

[handgunner356]

They have been that way on all the BG380s' I've had, both with and without lazer.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I think you will find that it shows up mostly if you try to ease the magazine in, as opposed to "slamming it home." And, you should not slam it home as that runs a risk of feed lip deformation. I find that it happens with different makes, and that it seems to smooth out with use.

 

[Johnmuratore]

I've never had that happen with mine, with the slide open.
Does it happen with one in the tube and the slide closed?

 

[FLSTFI]

Mine was like that. I called S&W and they said that is not how it should be and to send it back. Instead, I slightly depressed the release and inserted and removed the magazine numerous times. After some time I could then push the magazine in without depressing the release as long as I used a little force. It seems to be getting better with time.


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[DocSunShine]

The new M&P bodyguards are all like that. Nothing technically wrong with the gun although I think Smith shoulda found a way around that before the gun was released. Minor issue though considering the gun is a last ditch kinda weapon.

 

[Traveler000]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for those that responded.

It happens in any configuration, magazine empty or loaded, slide open or closed. Either designed that way or an error in manufacturing the magazine release. I disassembled and inspected it closely, there doesn't appear to be a bevel on the release, and there is no way to force it in without damage to the release or clip. I have already emailed S&W and will post my reply when received.

I hope this was not a conscious decision of S&W, because of so many greatly thought out features on this model, and a real DREAM to shoot. I own a Model 60-4, M&P 9, others, and for the first time I have to give them low marks for this feature which really detracts from the quality of the weapon.

 

[rwd]

I had the same problem until I ran 100 rounds through it. I notice if you pushed the mag in firmly or quickly, it would slide in without pressing the mag release. I think the problem is the plastic part that holds the mag in the mag well has a squared off edge on it. Until you round it off a bit by inserting a magazine into the well a few dozen times without using the button, it will hang up. Here is a picture looking up into the well. Notice how the plastic edge is starting to round off from the magazine hitting it?

 

[Traveler000]

Thanks to FLSTFI and rwd. Cycled magazines dozens of times with the magazine release pushed only a little, and can now insert magazine without getting hung up or by pressing the magazine release at all. Never saw a S&W do this or they should give warnings/instructions on how to do it.

 

[cubsfan16]

I'm having this problem with my brand new Shield, it feels like it's hitting a brick wall. I can't even slam it in. Only way to get it in is to lock the slide open.