Opinions on M&P's new metal frame?

[rbuzz]

I just picked up a new M&P PC Competitor which I'm very happy with. One of the main reasons for buying it was because of it's new aluminum frame. I generally prefer to heavier steel frame in a competition oriented pistol and wanted to try the closest thing M&P has to offer, an aluminum frame M&P.


I'm just curious just what do owners think of the newly introduced metal frames on the M&Ps, whether it be the Competitor or the M&P9 M2.0 Metal. Do you feel that the metal frame is a noticeable advantage or not a big deal? Do you shoot your metal frame M&P better than your polymer versions? Is a metal frame M&P worth it? Did you buy it specifically for the aluminum frame or because you liked a M&P in a different color than black? And just your general thoughts about an aluminum frame M&P.


Like I said, I just picked up my new Competitor and it is fast becoming one of my favorite pistols, but I'm not sure just what part of that is because of the aluminum frame. It's about the same weight as a polymer frame, so it doesn't add any significant weight to help mitigate recoil. It doesn't seem to be any more comfortable or fit my hand any better than my polymer M&Ps. In fact I think my M&P 2.0 Compact feels better in my hand. And as far as being more rigid and flex free as S&W claims, maybe I'm just not that sensitive, but I'm hard pressed to see any real difference. And yet I love the total package. I'm just not so sure that really has anything to do with the aluminum frame.


Since it seems that several manufacturers are going with all metal frames now, and some are even coming out with all steel frames, I wonder if S&W will eventually follow and come out with an all steel M&P.


So what about it, do all of you metal frame M&P owners feel that it is worth all the hype and extra expense, or are your polymer M&Ps about the same?

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Hickok45 seemed to really like them...

Cheers!

 

[Michaelp57]

Honest outlaw did a review of it and said that he liked it, but didnt shoot it much if any better than his polymer framed version.

This might be a stupid question, but would the metal frame be compatible with a 4.25" m&p40 M2.0 slide and barrel? If smith and wesson wont give us a metal m&p in their own cartridge, I wouldn't mind making my own.

 

[IAM Rand]

I got the regular 4.25 inch barrel and loooooove it. I put a Votex Vemon on it and it is great to shoot. I have come full circle, I started carrying a metal frame pistol for duty and eventually I have come back to metal. In training for the red dot use I fired about 800 rounds in 2 days without a hicup.

I am loving the direction that Smith and Wesson is going. I have a little hesitancy with the FPC but, also like this direction. Hearing a couple of issues with them but, also hearing much good with them as well. They may have a few things that they need to fix but, I am so glad that they came out with a PCC.

 

[hardluk1]

Hickok45 seemed to really like them...

Cheers!

Hickok45 really seems to like all handguns !

rbuzz Does it really matter what others think now that YOU own the aluminum frame model ?

The weight difference is a wash. Like some of the guys that make a living or supplement there living shooting handgun fine no real plus side to this new m&p over the polymer frame models . The looks of the competitor means nothing to me and the mag well can be added to polymer models if really needed .

I'm a 40sw shooter and have a ported 5" pc 40sw sku:11824 and prefer it over the metal frame model even with 40sw loads but there is a 9mm model . Even the guy with a competitor I got the swap guns with found the difference shooting mine to be no different other than texture on the poly frame . You now own a competitor so deal with it .

 

[rbuzz]

I like mine so I'm dealing with it just fine. Just curious if others have noticed a big difference in the metal frame vs polymer frames. Personally I like the idea of a metal frame, but have to admit that IMO there isn't much of a difference in how a metal frame M&P shoots vs a polymer frame M&P.

S&W likes to extol the virtues of their all metal M&P line, whether it's actually better or just a marketing ploy. It's just interesting to hear how other metal owners feel about their experience to see if they feel the same about their pistols too.

Good luck with your 40SW. I've had a M&P PC 5" ported pistol with Apex parts for years and love it, despite how many feel the 40SW has too much recoil.

Like the old saying goes....different strokes for different folks.

 

[hardluk1]

40sw has to much recoil ! I can't feel the difference in a hot 9mm and a hot 40 and my carry ammo is underwood 155gr gd . But then I'm an old seasoned reloader so if I want a lite poop fart loads I can make that too starting with a 135gr bullet and 940 fps loads . Just got'a remember to change from the 20lb recoil spring to the 13lb recoil spring or its a single shot! When my oldest grandson was 8 years old he had a blast shooting a 40sw instead of a 22lr and 9mm . Did not take him long before hot underwood 40sw loads and standard 45 acp was fun for him by 9 .

MY old hands are still on the rough side so the 2.0 poly frame pistol feel good and the metal frame is fine for 9mm if the inserts hold up long term . Since there has been a few problems with those all ready only time will tell . Good luck .

 

[STORMINORMAN]

At 1300 fps and 582 ft lbs that's some HOT carry ammo, hardluk1!

Right up there with some of the factory 10mm fodder...

I'm going to try to whip up something close since Hodgdons lists a Longshot load with that bullet that's in the ballpark. Don't have a metal-frame in 40 S&W to shoot them from, but my "Plain Jane" 1.0s & the FTX will probably suffice?

Cheers!

P.S. re: metal vs. plastic frames... The CZ75 is still a joy to shoot even after all these years (and rounds)!

 

[sotexas]

I have a Metal and a Competitor and couldn't be happier. I shoot both very well and will work the Competitor into competitions (LGR) after practicing with my new optic. I shoot the Metal better than my other M&P's which led to the Competitor purchase. The Metal has no optic and I don't use a rest. The Competitor will be tested with Optic at the range Tuesday.

 

[sotexas]

I like mine so I'm dealing with it just fine. Just curious if others have noticed a big difference in the metal frame vs polymer frames. Personally I like the idea of a metal frame, but have to admit that IMO there isn't much of a difference in how a metal frame M&P shoots vs a polymer frame M&P.

S&W likes to extol the virtues of their all metal M&P line, whether it's actually better or just a marketing ploy. It's just interesting to hear how other metal owners feel about their experience to see if they feel the same about their pistols too.

Good luck with your 40SW. I've had a M&P PC 5" ported pistol with Apex parts for years and love it, despite how many feel the 40SW has too much recoil.

Like the old saying goes....different strokes for different folks.

Don't know how I forgot to add your statement to my previous post. I find the accuracy to be slightly better on normal pace shooting and better on rapid follow up shots.

 

[rimfireshooter]

One concern I have is that the frame is Cerakoted and I have heard this doesn’t hold up well. What have you heard about this?

 

[rbuzz]

Personally I haven't heard anything mentioned about that....YET. It's a new model so I doubt that any of them have been handled or shot enough to worry about so soon.

But believe it or not, I did consider that though and that's why I chose to get the 2-tone version. The finish on the black slide is a hardened nitride finish which S&W calls Armornite. It is a much more durable finish than the Tungsten Cerekote slide, so it should last longer.

That being said, Cerekote is a pretty good and durable finish, but it will undoubtedly start showing holster marks pretty quickly. The hand grip of the frame consists mainly of the black polymer textured panels so that limits the amount of contact that your hand actually has with the Cerekote part of the frame, so hopefully that won't become a problem either.

 

[GTS197]

Shot the metal for the first time yesterday. I have several poly-framed M&Ps and didn’t think there would be that much difference; I was wrong. Noticeably less recoil and the extra 3oz wasn’t anything worth mentioning. Plan on getting one soon.

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[sotexas]

One concern I have is that the frame is Cerakoted and I have heard this doesn’t hold up well. What have you heard about this?

I have had no issues with my guns. If the Cerakote starts to show wear I will simply Kote again. I have an EMP and a custom Commander both Cerakoted.

 

[Gman556]

Shot the metal for the first time yesterday. I have several poly-framed M&Ps and didn’t think there would be that much difference; I was wrong. Noticeably less recoil and the extra 3oz wasn’t anything worth mentioning. Plan on getting one soon.

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How far away were those groups fired from?

Thanks

 

[GTS197]

How far away were those groups fired from?

Thanks

7 yds.


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[markmiela]

I like mine a lot. I didn’t at first but now I carry the metal most of the time.

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[Ethang]

I will let you know next week...

 

[Maddmax]

I have a Metal and a Competitor and couldn't be happier. I shoot both very well and will work the Competitor into competitions (LGR) after practicing with my new optic. I shoot the Metal better than my other M&P's which led to the Competitor purchase. The Metal has no optic and I don't use a rest. The Competitor will be tested with Optic at the range Tuesday.

Same here, I have (added) both and also very happy. I always (try to) get first run, fresh tooling, right out of the box. Can't really say mine shoot "better" (but they certainly don't shoot worse) and are very comfortable. I like the new aggressive grips. Both triggers are good and getting better just like my other M&Ps. No optics, I prefer OEM iron sights, hits 8" steel at 25 yards, I'm happy, "tack drivers" at 7 yards. Old school, Irons are more natural for me. No batteries to fail.

I did take the Mag Swell/flare off the Competitor handgrip. After looking at the (4) Mags, the ends looked more like "buffers" if dropping mags on the run (I don't drop mags) and I didn't like the thought of NOT being able to use ANY M&P FS-17 round OEM mags in it (never had an issue reloading over the years). Extended Mag release is fine and out of (my) way, easy to get to. Liked it so much I have the two tone on order.

 

[hardluk1]

7 yds.


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7 Yards !! ha . My wife has a early 4.25 core that shot groups more like buck shot when new . Dow the road apex made there gunsmith fit barrel that only needed the hood filled back 2,5 thousands to fit and run . This old man wears tri-foacls but with a 2moa green dot shooting 5 shot groups of 1.25" 25 yard is possible . polymer frame and all . Cheaper too than a metal frame 2.0 version .