M&P 40L Custom Build - Limited

[AwfAxis]

Decided to put together an M&P 40L for shooting Limited/Major in USPSA/IPSC. Not ready to drop several thousand on a 2011 frame and build, so here it is. Tried to keep this around $1k, but I went over a bit.

Started as a hatchling from GB.com for $575. Added the following:

1. Polishing of trigger components and hook adjustment.
2. Slide porting, nose job and Cerakoting by DPCustomWorks.com
3. Adjustable FO sights by Williams Gun Sight Co
4. Red grip insert by DamatoCustomStippling.com
5. APEX FSS Trigger (Poly), USB and comp springs.
6. KKM Drop in Match Barrel.
7. Speed Shooters Brass Magwell and Brass pin.
8. Extended Mag Release (Catalyst) by 21st Century.
9. 15 and 16lb springs (to see if either is better).
10. 5 Taran Tactical magazine extenders 140mm - 20 rnd
11. 4 additional magazines to make 6 total.

Anyway, ended up around $1400 complete. The mags and extenders were not thought of originally. A competition belt, speed holster and speed mag pouches will be another $300.

Here's the pics from hatchling to completion. Already shot a few hundred rounds, as seen by the barrel scoring.

 

[Rastoff]

Looks nice. Are you shooting better?

 

[raylo]

Oh YEAH!! Now that looks nice. I have a 9l on order and would like to do something similar. I would like to send the entire frame to Damato for stippling. Looks great.

 

[jwalts27]

Kinda looks like the Costa Edition by ATEI

 

[AwfAxis]

Looks nice. Are you shooting better?

Been shooting M&P 9's up until now. Just started shooting in general in June. Last month, I got my first classification; C in Production. Since starting USPSA in July, managed to work up from dead last to 50% overall in scoring. My latest classifiers have been in B territory, but my earlier scores will keep me here a while.

This 40 sure kicks differently, and I have to work on controlling the muzzle flip. In my first test, I tried the same double-tap speed/flow as comfortable on my 9's, and went from Alpha-Charlie to Alpha-Mike (on average).

At my skill level, all these updates are all cosmetic. No excuses for me. But a lot of fun anyway.

I'm not going to compete with this yet until I've put in enough practice sessions where I can control the muzzle. I had recently stopped blinking on the shot, but found myself doing it again with this one.

 

[joestacey06]

2. Slide porting, nose job and Cerakoting by DPCustomWorks.com

Can I ask what the bill was for this? I want to get my 9c ported. PM me if you'd like.

 

[AwfAxis]

Can I ask what the bill was for this? I want to get my 9c ported. PM me if you'd like.

This is where I found the person to do the slide (see link below). Price breakdown is on this post.

I had the engraving removal, porting, front nose job (not priced), and Cerakoting done. DP also swapped the sights for me. All for $215, including return shipping. The nose job was traded for the old sights. I sent the new sights and slide only.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/176479-m-p-picture-thread-18.html#post137445537

 

[datsthat]

Any difference in the different recoil springs?

 

[Venenoindy]

Looks good.

 

[x10x10]

what kind of groups does that match barrel shoot, Did they tune the lockup and how does that feel?

 

[AwfAxis]

Any difference in the different recoil springs?

Finally got out for some practice. Tried both springs, and maybe the green one (came originally on the 40) seemed a bit harsher. The blue one comes on the 9mm's. Maybe taking some weight out of the slide made the heavier spring unnecessary. (I believe the blue is 16lbs, and green 17).

I'm using factory ammo these days, and if I start working on lighter loads, 12-14lb springs may be needed.

 

[AwfAxis]

what kind of groups does that match barrel shoot, Did they tune the lockup and how does that feel?

I don't have the goods needed to do some real bench shots, so my groups are victim to my skill. I did set up a folding table and paced off a 25 yard target. Outside of a few flinch shots (yes, even at rest), I could get all my hits inside a 6" radius. I was also tweaking the sights a bit too. Love these Williams sights. The adjustments are crisp clicks, and the stability is good.

I'm finding however that my follow-up shot during a double-tap suffers. This puppy has much more kick than my M&P Pro 9.

The KKM is a "drop in", so there was no fitting or tuning once purchased. The lockup is a little tighter than the factory barrel. I notice this just as the slide goes into battery. There is absolutely no wiggle of the chamber when ready to go.

I had no issues other than when I didn't get the magazine seated all the way. Shoving 20rnds in the Taran's makes the full mag tough to seat. Have to give it a good firm spank.

 

[Hock]

Finally got out for some practice. Tried both springs, and maybe the green one (came originally on the 40) seemed a bit harsher. The blue one comes on the 9mm's. Maybe taking some weight out of the slide made the heavier spring unnecessary. (I believe the blue is 16lbs, and green 17).

I'm using factory ammo these days, and if I start working on lighter loads, 12-14lb springs may be needed.

I have a 40FS that I have done quite a bit to. Haven't touched the slide yet but am planning on it in the future.

I have changed out the factory guide rod and spring for a tungsten guiderod and a 17lb recoil spring. I shoot 165 grain most of the time, 180 grain the rest, and have had no problem with the action of the pistol. These two items alone reduced the recoil significantly. With everything else added to it I would have to say it easier to handle than my one friends SW9VE. After the holidays I plan on trying out some heavier springs to see if that yields any better performance.

If your looking to reduce the muzzle flip I definitely recommend ditching the factory guide rod and spring assembly for the heavier tungsten.