M&P 9 FS magazine issue for lefties

[bloodlord77]

Greetings. This is just a heads up for any southpaw M&P 9 1.0 owners. I have a full size 1.0, and a 2.0. When I purchased my 1.0, I switched the mag release over to accomodate my left handedness. When I shot a fully loaded mag, the follower would hang up as it reached the mag release causing a FTF malfunction with about 6 rounds left in the mag. I contacted S&W, and was sent new followers which also had these same issues. I shaved off the corner of the follower just enough to clear the tab on the mag release. It would then, function properly, and empty the whole magazine. I had zero issues with them since then. Fast forward to last week, I purchased a 2.0 full size, and swapped the mag release over to the left side. Both magazines functioned properly. No malfunctions whatsoever.
I decided to try my 2.0 mags in my 1.0, and the same FTF malfunction happened regularly. I have M&Ps in all calibers. 9mm, .40, .45, and 357 SIG.
All my M&Ps are fullsize, yet the only one I've had this problem with is the 9mm. Have any lefties out there experienced this same issue? And to any southpaw who owns an M&P 9 1.0, be sure to check the functionality of your magazines. If you shave too much off, it will not lock back on an empty mag.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Not a lefty. Having arthritic hands, my right thumb is bent enough that it just doesn't function well with the right hand mag release.I shoot right handed and use my middle finger to release the mags. I changed all 4 of my M&Ps( 3 are gen 1, one is 2.0) to the "left hand" release and have had 0 problems .

 

[Coastie762]

I'm a lefty. Years ago I had the same issue with my 9mm M&P FS after changing over the mag catch. Like you I contacted S&W, they provided replacement followers which did not correct the issue.

Thinking about it a bit, I decided to try and correct the problem by modifying the mag catch itself. I ordered a couple of replacements from Speed Shooter Specialties (they were cheap and if I screwed one up, no biggie).

The mag catch contains a metal tab (the actual catch) embedded in a plastic body. What I found upon receipt of the replacements was that there was a difference in how far the tab protruded from the catch body. I selected one that protruded the least, installed it in the gun and found it worked perfectly. Gun functioned without a hitch and no problems with mag retention.

I subsequently purchased a couple additional M&Ps in compact and FS. They all functioned without problems after swapping over the mag catch. It is possible S&W had some tolerance issues with the catch early on that was corrected later in production.

 

[bloodlord77]

I'm a lefty. Years ago I had the same issue with my 9mm M&P FS after changing over the mag catch. Like you I contacted S&W, they provided replacement followers which did not correct the issue.

Thinking about it a bit, I decided to try and correct the problem by modifying the mag catch itself. I ordered a couple of replacements from Speed Shooter Specialties (they were cheap and if I screwed one up, no biggie).

The mag catch contains a metal tab (the actual catch) embedded in a plastic body. What I found upon receipt of the replacements was that there was a difference in how far the tab protruded from the catch body. I selected one that protruded the least, installed it in the gun and found it worked perfectly. Gun functioned without a hitch and no problems with mag retention.

I subsequently purchased a couple additional M&Ps in compact and FS. They all functioned without problems after swapping over the mag catch. It is possible S&W had some tolerance issues with the catch early on that was corrected later in production.

Ahh. Swapping out the mag release is most surely the best solution to this issue. I wonder if the 2.0 mag release is compatible with the 1.0? I guess I have some tinkering to do. Thanks.

 

[Coastie762]

FYI, I just checked Speed Shooter Specialties, the mag catch is listed as in stock, cost 3.00. Its been awhile since I ordered from them but IIRC they had reasonable shipping costs for small parts.

 

[Linejudgemick]

I had the same issues with an M&P9C I used to have. Light sanding of the followers solved the problem, but I don't have it anymore. I now have an M&P40 FS and a 40C. I have and use 9mm barrels and magazines for both of them. I've never had that issue with either of them.

 

[Rastoff]

Lefty here.

The mag catch is the one aspect of a pistol that seems good for a lefty. With it on the left side, I use my middle finger to operate the mag catch. Don't have to change my grip to operate it and I'm usually faster than right hand shooters with it on the left side.

Leave it on the left and you'll find it easier and faster to operate. This is true of all pistols not just the M&P.