My FS M&P 9mm is coming back from S&W for accuracy issues....

[Der Biermeister]

I am interested in this thread because I own a FS 9 that was test fired at the factory in 08-15-07. So my gun is approaching 6 years old. I bought this gun from a buddy not quite a year ago. Ron is an expert shot and instructor, also a former DEA agent. He buys many many guns as investment purposes. (Currently he owns approx 40 handguns.) He swore my gun had only been fired 10 times, and I believe him because the gun appeared to be brand new with absolutely no finish wear. He provided a target from his one time at the range with this particular gun. All shots are within one quarter quadrant of the one-inch red #10 circle. This from a distance of 7yds (21 ft). While I can see at least 6 outlines -- and with the quadrant blown out, there is no reason to believe it wasn't 10 shots. I kid you not - he is THAT good.

I can't get anywhere close to that -- DUH -- the best I can do is to keep most all of my shots within a 6" target. But -- I make no claims to be any kind of an expert shot. I am relatively new to the handgun game, even though -- what must be a lifetime ago -- I qualified with a .45 back in '61 in the Navy.

I love this gun, and it is my Home defense (nightstand) weapon. I have TruGlo sights on it, a Viridian X5L laser/light, and an Apex trigger mod. So -- what is not to be happy about? Really nothing, but I have now read so many threads regarding the inaccuracy of this weapon - blamed primarily on older style barrels, that I sometimes wonder if I could improve my groupings by opting for a new barrel. BUT -- within a split second I am then reminded of the test-target I keep in the gun's box. How can you improve on perfection when the gun is in the hands of someone who really knows his sh**? So, there'll be no calls to S&W, or replacement barrels. I just thought I would toss my story into the mix here about FS 9s.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I am interested in this thread because I own a FS 9 that was test fired at the factory in 08-15-07. So my gun is approaching 6 years old. I bought this gun from a buddy not quite a year ago. Ron is an expert shot and instructor, also a former DEA agent. He buys many many guns as investment purposes. (Currently he owns approx 40 handguns.) He swore my gun had only been fired 10 times, and I believe him because the gun appeared to be brand new with absolutely no finish wear. He provided a target from his one time at the range with this particular gun. All shots are within one quarter quadrant of the one-inch red #10 circle. This from a distance of 7yds (21 ft). While I can see at least 6 outlines -- and with the quadrant blown out, there is no reason to believe it wasn't 10 shots. I kid you not - he is THAT good.

I can't get anywhere close to that -- DUH -- the best I can do is to keep most all of my shots within a 6" target. But -- I make no claims to be any kind of an expert shot. I am relatively new to the handgun game, even though -- what must be a lifetime ago -- I qualified with a .45 back in '61 in the Navy.

I love this gun, and it is my Home defense (nightstand) weapon. I have TruGlo sights on it, a Viridian X5L laser/light, and an Apex trigger mod. So -- what is not to be happy about? Really nothing, but I have now read so many threads regarding the inaccuracy of this weapon - blamed primarily on older style barrels, that I sometimes wonder if I could improve my groupings by opting for a new barrel. BUT -- within a split second I am then reminded of the test-target I keep in the gun's box. How can you improve on perfection when the gun is in the hands of someone who really knows his sh**? So, there'll be no calls to S&W, or replacement barrels. I just thought I would toss my story into the mix here about FS 9s.

From everything I've read, the much older models seemed to be okay and somewhere along the line they changed the barrel geometry and that's when accuracy issues where coming up. I've heard it's the locking block, barrel, recoil assembly and so forth.

I can only go by my experience as fact that the FS 9mm I owned in mid 2012 was incredibility inaccurate even after two trips back to S&W and a new barrel. Straight out of the box after not shooting a M&P for awhile, my 3/13 FS 9mm was and is getting 2.5" groups. IMO, S&W QC/production and/or machinery was afoul there on the 9mm FS barrels. Maybe they outsourced the barrels at that time like they do other parts, I don't know.

I'm just glad they fixed it. Now that Shields are flooding the market, I hope they can do something about the lack of 17rd 9mm magazines.

 

[Red Grant]

Let me send some queries.

The newest ones I've been using don't seem to have any inherent or practical accuracy issues, though.

Thanks. I look forward to hearing what you find out. I appear to have some time as I can't find an M&P 9FS with the thumb safety anywhere around here. I'd order off of Gunbroker but I want to make sure I get one from recent production.

 

[Handyandy]

I had good luck talking with a man named Jason at S&W customer service. Was very professional. The phone number I used was (800)331-0852 EXT 4125. HTH

Thanks, I'll try him Monday.