Sheepdogged
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You may have heard the "next-generation M&P pistol" was submitted to the military in January, and rumors floated that it would be revealed at Shot Show. Like the Glock 43 last year, gun enthusiasts and early adopters were saddened when it didn't happen. I am hopeful it will make its debut at the NRA show (like the G43 eventually did). That said, what are your predictions or wish list items for improvements to the M&P pistol line? Better yet, have you heard any rumors worth mentioning?
Love him or hate him, James Yeager told me he was told in 2014 or 2015 that there was going to be a Glock 19-size M&P, and that it would be revealed at Shot Show 2015. Then it was said it would be at the NRA show in 2015, but we were disappointed once again.
Smith & Wesson did, however, come out with the M&P22 compact which is very Glock 19-like in size (as far as grip length). In fact, it's pretty perfect because there seems to be more room for your fingers, so I'm thinking that the next gen of M&Ps will include a Glock 19-size pistol similar to the M&P22 compact (with a longer barrel of course).
Furthermore, searching for a new pistol to replace the Beretta M9, the U.S. Army Contracting Command's RFP for the XM17 MHS (Modular Handgun System) says, "the MHS will consist of the handgun(s)..." and "[e]ach proposal will consist of either a two (2) handgun solution (one full size and one compact), or one (1) handgun solution that meets requirements for both a full size and compact weapon."
Considering the success of the Glock 19 in military and police circles around the world, and the recent adoption of the G19 by U.S. Naval Special Warfare, I think the Glock 19-size M&P is likely going to enter the competition. After all, it's a lot more cost efficient to have one handgun than two.
I don't have the detailed RFP, only its summary solicitation, but ArmyTimes reported that the "modular element is key" and the "Army wants a gun that can be adjusted with different-sized grips." Since the modularity is a requirement of either one or two separate guns (full-size and compacts), I'm assuming they're talking about replaceable backstraps, but a "modular" system like the Sig P320 system might be on the table as well. It's a lot cheaper than having two guns and changing out the frames allow a single pistol to fill the role of full-size/compact better than even the venerable Glock 19. Although I don't think it's fully appreciated, there's something to be said about the Sig P250/320 design. Having independent small, medium, and large frames allows for a more custom fit because no part of the frame has to serve as a one size fits all solution. In other words, the frame modularity freed Sig to customize the every dimension of the grip. In my hands, the P320 feels better than even the VP9 (as subjective as ergonomics are).
I also think the introduction of the new SW22 Victory may give us a clue about the grip texturing. It looks a lot like what's being used on the Sig P250/320 pistols in my opinion. I haven't felt a Victory to compare it with, but many people would like to see a more aggressive texturing than the current M&P line offers (including me). Personally, I think the FN FNS pistols have the best texturing in the industry, but they take time to get used to for some people. In the final analysis, I think the the industry is moving towards having the most aggressive texturing possible that won't rub your skin raw or ruin clothing. I'm not predicting anything as aggressive as the FN, but I'm hoping for something along the lines of Sig, Glock, or HK.
The SW22 also includes "Finger Cuts for Easy Magazine Removal," something the current generation of M&P pistols lack, and given the success of the HK VP9 and Sig P320 pistols that have them, I'm pretty sure the 2nd generation of M&P pistols will have this feature.
Personally, I'd like to see a recontouring of the grip as well, but that may just be me. I love the palm swell effect, but I don't care for how thin it is toward the slide. I prefer the thicker top portion of a Glock or FN pistol grip (though I do like the palm swells both of those pistols lack).
Lastly, I imagine the PVD coating S&W is using on some of their pistols will be used (i.e. M&P9 VTAC and M&P9 LE). According to Mrgunsngear who spoke to S&W customer service, the new finish scores a 75 on the Rockwell scale which is allegedly better than the tennifer coatings we've seen on Glocks and Walthers.
Anyway, I'd be interested to know your thoughts or any information you have about what the next gen of M&P pistols will look like.
Love him or hate him, James Yeager told me he was told in 2014 or 2015 that there was going to be a Glock 19-size M&P, and that it would be revealed at Shot Show 2015. Then it was said it would be at the NRA show in 2015, but we were disappointed once again.
Smith & Wesson did, however, come out with the M&P22 compact which is very Glock 19-like in size (as far as grip length). In fact, it's pretty perfect because there seems to be more room for your fingers, so I'm thinking that the next gen of M&Ps will include a Glock 19-size pistol similar to the M&P22 compact (with a longer barrel of course).
Furthermore, searching for a new pistol to replace the Beretta M9, the U.S. Army Contracting Command's RFP for the XM17 MHS (Modular Handgun System) says, "the MHS will consist of the handgun(s)..." and "[e]ach proposal will consist of either a two (2) handgun solution (one full size and one compact), or one (1) handgun solution that meets requirements for both a full size and compact weapon."
Considering the success of the Glock 19 in military and police circles around the world, and the recent adoption of the G19 by U.S. Naval Special Warfare, I think the Glock 19-size M&P is likely going to enter the competition. After all, it's a lot more cost efficient to have one handgun than two.
I don't have the detailed RFP, only its summary solicitation, but ArmyTimes reported that the "modular element is key" and the "Army wants a gun that can be adjusted with different-sized grips." Since the modularity is a requirement of either one or two separate guns (full-size and compacts), I'm assuming they're talking about replaceable backstraps, but a "modular" system like the Sig P320 system might be on the table as well. It's a lot cheaper than having two guns and changing out the frames allow a single pistol to fill the role of full-size/compact better than even the venerable Glock 19. Although I don't think it's fully appreciated, there's something to be said about the Sig P250/320 design. Having independent small, medium, and large frames allows for a more custom fit because no part of the frame has to serve as a one size fits all solution. In other words, the frame modularity freed Sig to customize the every dimension of the grip. In my hands, the P320 feels better than even the VP9 (as subjective as ergonomics are).
I also think the introduction of the new SW22 Victory may give us a clue about the grip texturing. It looks a lot like what's being used on the Sig P250/320 pistols in my opinion. I haven't felt a Victory to compare it with, but many people would like to see a more aggressive texturing than the current M&P line offers (including me). Personally, I think the FN FNS pistols have the best texturing in the industry, but they take time to get used to for some people. In the final analysis, I think the the industry is moving towards having the most aggressive texturing possible that won't rub your skin raw or ruin clothing. I'm not predicting anything as aggressive as the FN, but I'm hoping for something along the lines of Sig, Glock, or HK.
The SW22 also includes "Finger Cuts for Easy Magazine Removal," something the current generation of M&P pistols lack, and given the success of the HK VP9 and Sig P320 pistols that have them, I'm pretty sure the 2nd generation of M&P pistols will have this feature.
Personally, I'd like to see a recontouring of the grip as well, but that may just be me. I love the palm swell effect, but I don't care for how thin it is toward the slide. I prefer the thicker top portion of a Glock or FN pistol grip (though I do like the palm swells both of those pistols lack).
Lastly, I imagine the PVD coating S&W is using on some of their pistols will be used (i.e. M&P9 VTAC and M&P9 LE). According to Mrgunsngear who spoke to S&W customer service, the new finish scores a 75 on the Rockwell scale which is allegedly better than the tennifer coatings we've seen on Glocks and Walthers.
Anyway, I'd be interested to know your thoughts or any information you have about what the next gen of M&P pistols will look like.
