M&P 9L CORE accuracy and ammunition

[sw1519]

I have had an M&P 9L CORE for a few months and have put probably 1,000 rounds (or so) down range with it. I have been fairly disappointed with the accuracy of it thus far. I carry an M&P Pro 40 on duty and it is the most accurate handgun I have ever owned...even comparable to my 1911. I'll shoot my 40 and have very good accuracy/grouping and immediately switch to my 9L and have poor accuracy/grouping. I expected the 9L to be comparable in accuracy and that has not been the case thus far. I have done some research online and have found that there are some cases of (at least) the 5" 9mm barrels being inaccurate. Additionally, I have seen that people are swapping barrels to fix the problem. Before I go that far, I haven't tried shooting different grain loads yet. I typically shoot 115 grain FMJ Federal loads. My question thus is, have any of you 9L owners or maybe FS 5" 9mm owners had the same problems? If so, are you swapping barrels or have you had success with changing to a different load? If so, what size of load are you running? Thanks in advance to any responses!

 

[jeffhughes]

I have a Pro 5", it's very accurate with 124g and 147g ammo.

 

[fred5876r]

My understanding is that S&W has recently switched from a 16inch twist to a 10 inch on the 5 inch barrels for better accuracy. Perhaps you have one of the older ones. Also I just read in another thread that the 5" guns are zeroed for 147 gr. bullets. I have had my 9L C.O.R.E. for only a few days and one match, but my impression is it is a very accurate gun. I use 147 FMJ @ 130 PF, and it shoots to point of aim on the factory iron sights.

 

[sw1519]

Outstanding information. Thank you for your replies. I will try those weights and see if it helps.

 

[DanTana]

Storm Lake and KKM use 1:16 and 1:20 rate twist respectively.

 

[jeffhughes]

If you have a CORE you have the new barrel.

Mine is an old barrel, but shoots great...