Magazines sticking in M&P9

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

I have owned this M&P9 full size for several years now, and i love it. It's the Cabela's FDE version, and it feels really good shooting. Swapped barrel for a threaded one, have flared magwell from 10-8 as well as their extended base pads. My friend just bought a black one, and big difference...his mags fall freely from the magwell, and mine are "tight"...i mean, there is resistance whether inserting empty or full mag the entire length of the magazine, and even a full mag needs to be pulled out...i guess i always just thought it was a quirk of the M&P, but after using my friend's, went to the gun shop and tried the two they had -- dropped freely...swapped my buddy's mags, same problem...
I found online a few instances of this prob, but not really any results...some say contact S&W, and some say they won't fix anything (since i swapped barrels)...is there a common fix for this that i can do, what do you guys recommend?

 

[bullfrog1108]

I'd try swapping the mag release for a new one.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

I don't think that will have any effect -- as you can see from the photo, i tried to remove as many possible issues as possible...that is the frame without slide, barrel, backstrap, or takedown tool...thats a fully loaded (17rd) magazine sticking less than 1/4 way in the magwell, and it feels consistently tight the entire way in...if i push the mag release without pulling down on mag, it won't even budge or make a sound...it's literally like the magwell was made smaller than spec...

 

[ATF]

There's something wrong there. Think you need to speak with Cabelas maybe they did order a different spec. no gun should behave like that.

 

[A.J. Stoner]

Is there a certain sticking point or is it evenly tight through the whole length of the well?

 

[Bkreutz]

I seem to recall that this problem came up before and it was with a FDE pistol. I've never had a problem with any of my 4 M&P's with mags hanging up (they're all black ). Maybe the FDE coloration affects the "stickiness" of the plastic?? Seems odd that the only two instances of sticky mags was with FDE colored ones. Or.... maybe the process for doing the FDE coloring allows the grip to warp?? Just a couple of WAG's.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

Is there a certain sticking point or is it evenly tight through the whole length of the well?

Once the resistance begins on the mags, it feels evenly tight throughout the entire insertion/extraction of mag until about where it shows in the pic...i'm guessing it's where the mag narrows and isn't touching sides of magwell at all...i'm hoping that S&W will still help me out since i don't have original barrel (swapped in threaded one)...i have never worked with their CS...
Is there any S&W reps that frequent the forum by any chance? I am just curious if they have seen somethin like this before, and if they can give me an idea of what S&W might do here...

 

[A.J. Stoner]

I suspect there is just too much plastic somewhere from the molding process. If you feel around inside the grip there will be a ridge about 2 inches in where two pieces of plastic are joined. They should be more or less flush. If not that is likely the problem.

If so a small square of fine sandpaper could be used to even it out. Just be careful and do it in small stages, testing it along the way so that you don't go too far. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself I'm sure a gunsmith would do it fairly cheaply.

I suspect S&W will regard your warranty void from the modification. They are very touchy about modifications even if they are obviously unrelated to the problem; likely for legal reasons.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

I suspect S&W will regard your warranty void from the modification. They are very touchy about modifications even if they are obviously unrelated to the problem; likely for legal reasons.

And that's what worried me...dammit...well, email sent to S&W earlier, we will see what they say...

 

[Bkreutz]

And that's what worried me...dammit...well, email sent to S&W earlier, we will see what they say...

Or you could send it in without a barrel since that isn't what your problem relates to. If they ask, just say "Sorry, I didn't think you needed that.".

Personally I'd want to investigate the cause for the "sticking", it's obviously not normal. If it was me, I'd put some kind of indicator compound on the mag (Lamp black, rub a pencil on it, etc) and put it in the pistol, take it out and see where it is binding and then go after that place with a file. I also lube the outside of my mags with either silicone spray or case lube (Dillon spray on). You can see from my picture of my well worn mags (the picture was taken at around 40K rounds) that the wear marks are above the inch and a half mark, so your observation of yours dropping free once they get to that point makes sense. Maybe the wear marks on mine will give you an idea where to look for high spots in your pistol. Good luck.

 

[marine6680]

Are there any permanent mods to the pistol?

A barrel can be changed back easy... Unless you sold or otherwise no longer have it.


But you can always ask S&W, as the barrel is not related. Do they give them any identifying info, and if they say they will not due to the barrel, try again the next day, and do as suggested. Send back only the frame and let them fix the problem.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

No perm mods, but i no longer have original barrel...i got prepaid shipping label to 2-day FedEx it to them for further investigation...the directions said to remove accessories, ammo, and only ship parts that needed service, so i sent frame and the 3 original mags that came with it, along with the info they wanted in a note about the malfunction and my ammo...
Now for the waiting game...

 

[Bkreutz]

Hopefully they will take care of it. Now if it was me, I probably would have attacked the magwell with a file, but I can't leave anything stock. I think Smith would go into shock if I sent one of mine in to them.

 

[uechikid]

I have the same problem with my FS but not with either of our compacts. It doesn't really bother me and I might not have ever paid any attention except there was another thread some time back that made me want to check. I think Rastoff started that one.
I suppose if I competed it would make a difference.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

Hopefully they will take care of it. Now if it was me, I probably would have attacked the magwell with a file, but I can't leave anything stock.

The file is my backup plan if they wont cover it...

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

I have the same problem with my FS but not with either of our compacts. It doesn't really bother me and I might not have ever paid any attention except there was another thread some time back that made me want to check. I think Rastoff started that one.
I suppose if I competed it would make a difference.

Found Rastoff's thread, thanks...you're memory is better than google...i sent him a msg to see what he ended up doin, he definitely seems to be more practiced in handguns than myself, and hope he will have some guidance in case S&W won't fix it for me...