M&P9 changes

[attrapereves]

Can someone provide info on when S&W changed the specs on the full size M&P 9mm? I seem to recall them changing the barrel and also the slide/barrel lockup.

I recently purchased a new in box pistol, but noticed that it was made in 2012. I am a little worried about accuracy issues with this model.

 

[martybee]

A call to S&W CS stating your concerns should get you some clarification
on your doubts about accuracy.

mb

 

[Saudade]

There is no single date, sku, or serial number that designates incorporation of all the updates. Both of my mid-2013 M&P9 (a FS and Compact) had the new barrel but the old trigger bar and slide stop.

You said "new in box" not simply "new". Who did you buy it from?

Have you fired it yet and verified there's a problem?

There are a lot of threads that discuss the differences in twist rate and it's effect on accuracy.

 

[RalphMP9FS]

My 9-13 M&P9 FS has all the updates. As mentioned, there are several threads on how to identify your model updates. Working off memory, all the updates were completed by June or July of 2013 I believe.

 

[MichiganScott]

I've found that even the older Smiths that may have had accuracy problems will outshoot over 90% of their owners.

Shoot it. When you can outshoot your M&P, then call S&W.

 

[attrapereves]

Looks like this gun has the newer slide stop.

Measuring the lockup gap with a feeler gauge, I get .009".

 

[Mushki]

It's rarely the arrow. Most of the time it's the Indian.

 

[attrapereves]

Finally shot the pistol today. Now I remember why I've bought and sold two of these before. The trigger isn't terrible (like some people say), but it isn't great either.

I think the biggest problem I have is getting consistent groupings. I think my Mossberg 500 with 00 buckshot at 50 yards has a more consistent grouping. The M&P45FS I used to own shot better than the 9mm, but still didn't shoot as tight as my 45 Glocks and 1911s.

Thinking I was having an off day, I picked up my Glock 26 at the same distance. Shot a nice tight group. I also picked up a friends SIG P226. Never shot a SIG before. Shot a nice tight group.

I'm thinking that the M&P9FS model (the older ones at least) is inherently less accurate than other pistols, but also that the trigger doesn't help matters.

I haven't decided whether I'm going to keep this one, or let it go.

 

[actionpistol]

Mine shot terrible groups also like two separate groups. No not me cause with my revolver can shoot 1 inch groups at 25 and same with a couple of 1911s I have this is off the bench of course. I had a bar sto barrel installed match fit and this fixed the problem. I won the gun at a shoot so I didn't mind putting money into it. Darn shame about the accuracy cause the gun fits and feels great.

 

[Repr650]

Sorry to go off topic but quick question,

Were these modifications also done to the .40SW models or 9mm only?

 

[attrapereves]

Sorry to go off topic but quick question,

Was these modifications also done to the .40SW models or 9mm only?

As far as I know, S&W has changed the sear and trigger mechanisms on all of the M&P models. That's why the later models have a better feeling trigger.

However, the barrel on the full size 9mm model has been changed a few times over the years.

 

[marine6680]

I could not shoot mine very well until I put in an Apex trigger kit... Might give that a try.

 

[Repr650]

As far as I know, S&W has changed the sear and trigger mechanisms on all of the M&P models. That's why the later models have a better feeling trigger.

However, the barrel on the full size 9mm model has been changed a few times over the years.

And the only way to find out is by calling Smith and Wesson?

 

[marine6680]

My 2014 made full size had the MIM sear... Though people said they went with a machined version sometime before that.

Maybe they were playing with the geometry and used machined until they had new molds made for the MIM process.

Either way, mine was mushy. Replacing the trigger itself helps, as the thin poly hinged trigger feels like it flexes and adds to the mushy feel.

Replacing the sear with an apex helps as well. Though the sear spring they provide in the kit may be heavier than stock, meaning just replacing the sear may make for too light a trigger. So the whole kit may be better.

 

[Bkreutz]

And the only way to find out is by calling Smith and Wesson?

No (that's the short answer, long answer to follow) You can tell the twist rate by using a jag, patch, and rod. Insert into the barrel, pull the assembly through the bore and watch how far the rod rotates. A 1:10 barrel (the latest version) will rotate 1/2 turn on a 5" barrel (a bit less on a shorter barrel) a 1:18.75 (previous version) will rotate about half as much as the newer barrel (so about 1/4 turn)

Look at post 4 of this thread to see the change in the external part of the barrels. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/260897-midway-has-m-p-9mm-barrel-back-stock.html

 

[Saudade]

I not a fan of the hinged trigger on my M&Ps. It does seem "flexy" which contributes to the mushy trigger. I also feel 3 stages to a full reset (finger off the trigger). Once when the trigger bar slides off the striker block, one when the trigger bar slides off the sear (this IS the reset), and finally when the upper trigger stops but the lower trigger still moves forward. These are pretty distinct on slow fire. I doubt I would feel any of them in rapid fire.

I put the PC Sear, the H trigger bar and updated slide stop in my 9c, with a little polish action and a few hundred rounds. Quite an improvement. Tweaked the trigger bar loop a bit. Still feels like it has the same trigger pull weight. Still has the flexy trigger.

My FS has the S trigger bar and new slide stop. The trigger bar has close to 1000 rounds so it already lost the grit. I can feel the bar sliding off the striker block, and then the reset.

My Shield is completely stock. The trigger seem thicker and less flexy. I can feel when the trigger bar slides off the striker block but a small fraction of an inch more resets it. I feel this only on a very slow release.

Some of my other handguns use the split trigger (none of them start with a G, ) These seem much more solid and predictable.