I am anxiously waiting for my birthday present next tuesday, an M&P 9C. I have seen various youtube videos regarding field stripping, and having to push down the little lever in the magwell. Some folks use a screwdriver, some folks use the little tool attached to the outside of the magwell. Which is better to use, and is there any way to release that lever without a tool? I am an M&P newbie so I appreciate the feedback! Want to make sure I can clean her up as soon as I open the case up!
M&P 9C field strip question
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southchatham
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It doesn't matter what you use. I use a little screw driver that I keep in my cleaning kit. It's just faster than removing the little tool. If you have tiny fingers you may be able to push it down. If you have a model that does not have a magazine safety I think you can just pull the trigger instead of pushing the lever down, not sure though as I have the magazine safety on mine. Good luck.
Also, don't be alarmed if you have to hold the take down lever down when trying to remove the slide. It likes to pop back in place on the compact models.
Also, don't be alarmed if you have to hold the take down lever down when trying to remove the slide. It likes to pop back in place on the compact models.
Last edited:
clockworkjon
Member
I have a full size, but I never use the tool because I just can't get the damn thing out of the grip! I've used my pinky finger, a screwdriver, some random plastic pointy tool I got with a soldering set years ago, etc. Whatever you can get in there to do it will work.
I've also tried the trigger pull thing but it didn't work. Probably just did things in the wrong order.
I've also tried the trigger pull thing but it didn't work. Probably just did things in the wrong order.
xopher88x
Member
I use a small screw driver as well. It's been stated that repeated removal of the back strap tool can cause it to have a loose fit so I leave mine alone once I settle on the back strap size that fits me the best.
If you have to field strip and you're in the field without your little screw driver, pulling the trigger works too.
If you have to field strip and you're in the field without your little screw driver, pulling the trigger works too.
I use a cheap plastic ball point pen with the ink cartridge removed. The hole in the tip prevents a slip and the plastic won't scratch anything if it does slip.
clockworkjon
Member
Ok, so trigger-pull method. Just curious, am I close:
1. Lock slide back
2. Flip take down lever down
3. Pull back slightly on slide
4. Pull trigger
5. Remove slide normally
Or do I have 3 & 4 reversed? Am I making this more difficult than it needs to be?
1. Lock slide back
2. Flip take down lever down
3. Pull back slightly on slide
4. Pull trigger
5. Remove slide normally
Or do I have 3 & 4 reversed? Am I making this more difficult than it needs to be?
I never use the take down tool in the grip either...I usually take it out once, to change the grip insert, and then I leave it in place. It is usually very tight, and I don't want it to be loose! Besides, I can use just about anything...pen, pencil, small screwdriver, etc...a lot quicker than I can take out the tool and then reinsert it.
EvilBetty
Member
That lever is there to make the gun safer while cleaning / dissembling. I almost never use it.
Check the gun is safe and unloaded.
Pull back the slide.
Flip the take down lever.
Ease the slide forward.
Pull the trigger.
Remove the slide.
Check the gun is safe and unloaded.
Pull back the slide.
Flip the take down lever.
Ease the slide forward.
Pull the trigger.
Remove the slide.
A bucket of sand beside your cleaning bench is a great safety item to prevent all those embarassing questions about why you shot a hole in the wall. In fact, if you always point a gun at the sand before dropping the hammer, it will also probably remind you to clear the gun first.
Like insurance, it will just be a waste--maybe.
Like insurance, it will just be a waste--maybe.
EvilBetty
Member
I like it!
Though a stuffed ground hog full of sand might be more decorative, yet remain functional.
Though a stuffed ground hog full of sand might be more decorative, yet remain functional.
The reason that I like pushing down the sear disconnect lever (as I think it's called) is that it makes me confirm there is no round in the chamber. Of course, I have other pistols that don't use this mechanism, and I have to safety check them as usual, so I always do with any handgun...but this is just one point that I like about pushing the lever.
chuck s
Member
The M&P disassembles exactly as a Glock.
1. Clear the pistol.
2. With the slide to the rear rotate the take down lever.
3. Manually close the slide.
4. Pull the trigger.
5. Remove the slide off the front of the pistol.
Lever? Tool? You're kidding me!
-- Chuck
1. Clear the pistol.
2. With the slide to the rear rotate the take down lever.
3. Manually close the slide.
4. Pull the trigger.
5. Remove the slide off the front of the pistol.
Lever? Tool? You're kidding me!
-- Chuck
There is no reference in the owner's manual stating that you must pull the trigger during the disassembly process. Mine disassembles very easily without pulling the trigger.
M&PStrapped
Member
When I first got my 40c, the take down lever stayed down but after a couple of months it wouldn't stay down. Drove me nuts. Maybe I was nit pickin but, I sent it in to Smith and Wesson and had it back within 2 weeks and now it works great. Customer service was outstanding!
MMac
Member
I saw somewhere where if you lift up on the spring rod the take down lever will stay without popping back up - works for me and allows me to release the slide then pull the trigger and the slide almost shoots off. Much easier than pulling out the tool and flipping down the little thingy inside.
starman041
Member
During most of my law enforcement career I was involved in firearms training. I spent several years as Academy staff and later as the training division commander.
Our department weapon was the Glock. One of the things I disliked about the Glock was that you must pull the trigger to disassemble it. To my mind, this is a design flaw in the weapon.
When I was over training I lobbyed (in vain) for the Sheriff to get clearing devices for the gun range.
We finally got them after a FBI agent had a NG when cleaning his Glock and put a round through the cleaning room wall. A tree outside stopped the bullet.
No disrespect to fellow members of this forum, but I cannot understand why someone would bypass a safety device to save a few seconds during disassembly of their M&P.
One of the many reasons I own an M&P is because you can take it down without having to pull the trigger.
Just my humble opinion, which my wife often points out, has questionable value.
Our department weapon was the Glock. One of the things I disliked about the Glock was that you must pull the trigger to disassemble it. To my mind, this is a design flaw in the weapon.
When I was over training I lobbyed (in vain) for the Sheriff to get clearing devices for the gun range.
We finally got them after a FBI agent had a NG when cleaning his Glock and put a round through the cleaning room wall. A tree outside stopped the bullet.
No disrespect to fellow members of this forum, but I cannot understand why someone would bypass a safety device to save a few seconds during disassembly of their M&P.
One of the many reasons I own an M&P is because you can take it down without having to pull the trigger.
Just my humble opinion, which my wife often points out, has questionable value.
