right hand slide lock/slide release fix?

[Marshal Tom]

I am a lefty and have operated almost every kind of action over the years from revolvers to semi auto's. I have recently been trying to switch to semi's with ambi controls. I leave the mag release as is because I have found that I can operate it with my left hand index finger just fine.
I have a switched to a Glock Gen 5 with an ambi slide lock/slide release and it works just fine however my M&P 2.0 compact, not so much! I read about that issue before purchasing but went ahead anyway. The left side, for a right hand shooter works just fine but not so for the right hand release for a lefty. Has anyone come up with a fix for this problem? I am well aware that I can slingshot it but I want to be able to utilize the slide lock/release when doing a reload if I choose to.

 

[BC38]

I feel for you leftys. It has to be a pain to try to adapt to a right-handed world...

 

[jurek]

It has been discussed several times.
Unfortunately M2.0 lever is redesigned to be a "slide stop".
There are few option you may consider:
1. Shoot a lot and wait. It somehow becomes better, but do not expect it to be even close to Glock Gen5.
2. Do small gunsmith work.
- polish slide stop/release assembly
- using file and sandpaper, round the top far end portion of the lever, which interacts with slide notch.

If this is gonna be your carry pistol, I would not do anything more.
If this is just range pistol, you can remove small metal bar which sits in front of left side of the lever. This actually locks the lever in place and prevents "auto load". But be careful - this can be considered as a huge gun modification.

 

[tjkoko]

I feel for you leftys. It has to be a pain to try to adapt to a right-handed world...

But most chemicals that compose our body are considered left handed in the way (EDIT) that they shift polarized light!

 

[BC38]

But most chemicals that compose our body is considered left handed in the way it shifts polarized light!

"...So, I've got THAT going for me..."
Bill Murray as Carl in Caddyshack

 

[KCC703]

The slide lock on the 2.0 optics ready has much more purchase than my older 2.0. Larger lever helps with slide release. I haven’t checked, but it may be possible to get the lock assembly from S&W.

 

[bulls-i]

The slide lock/release on my original Shield was difficult, but doable. The slide lock/release on my Shield Plus is just about impossible.

 

[SoCalDep]

The slide lock on the 2.0 optics ready has much more purchase than my older 2.0. Larger lever helps with slide release. I haven’t checked, but it may be possible to get the lock assembly from S&W.

I really like the new enlarged slide releases on the 2.0 OR guns, but one should be aware, if using a Safariland ALS holster, that if they use a “Nub” for the ALS, the enlarged release has a tendency to snag on it.

I’d say the slide release being difficult to manipulate is probably the most consistent “issue” with the 2.0, especially with the right side (left hand).

We have found that repeated locking and releasing of the slide will usually wear it in (when it’s real tough we recommend to take an unsharpened #2 pencil and use the eraser end to release the slide... The leverage makes it easier until it can reliably be done with the thumb). In some cases it is extremely difficult and requires replacement of or modification to the slide stop/release (we don’t let the individual do it - must be armorer staff or S&W).

In much more isolated incidents, the molding of the frame has just enough extra material around the right side lever to not allow it to be depressed enough to release the slide. In this case the material must be removed for the lever to function.

I don’t recommend doing any modifications unless you know what you are doing. The lever is supposed to release the slide when you push down on it and if it doesn’t it’s a warranty issue and S&W will take care of it.

Don’t listen to the people who erroneously claim that the slide stop is not designed to be a release as an excuse for the gun not functioning correctly. The M&P is an awesome gun but nothing is perfect, even those manufacturers that claim “perfection”.

 

[jurek]

the slide stop is not designed to be a release as an excuse for the gun not functioning correctly.

Interesting conclusion... so are you saying that gun is not functioning correctly the way it was designed by manufacturer?

 

[SoCalDep]

Interesting conclusion... so are you saying that gun is not functioning correctly the way it was designed by manufacturer?

The slide stop was designed to release the slide. Why do you think they put serrations on top? Why do you think pushing down releases it? Why does every one of the S&W professional shooters use it to release the slide?

My conclusion is not interesting… it’s fact.

 

[jurek]

The slide stop was designed to release the slide. Why do you think they put serrations on top? Why do you think pushing down releases it? Why does every one of the S&W professional shooters use it to release the slide?

My conclusion is not interesting… it’s fact.

but why "is not functioning correctly"?
It is not a bad design or bad functionality. It has been done for purpose.
Anyway.. as mentioned earlier, it is stiff and will loosen up with time. But will never be same as Glock.

 

[tjkoko]

I was always taught to "slingshot" the slide to release it. The part in question is called a slide stop and not a slide release. Consider that statement.

 

[jurek]

OP question:

Has anyone come up with a fix for this problem?

There is an answer in this thread.

End of the story.

Happy New Year !

 

[SoCalDep]

but why "is not functioning correctly"?
It is not a bad design or bad functionality. It has been done for purpose.
Anyway.. as mentioned earlier, it is stiff and will loosen up with time. But will never be same as Glock.

I already explained that some M&P 2.0 pistols’ slide release will not release the slide, even with significant force. That’s not super common but it exists and if the slide cannot release via the slide stop the pistol is not functioning correctly.

 

[SoCalDep]

I was always taught to "slingshot" the slide to release it. The part in question is called a slide stop and not a slide release. Consider that statement.

I have considered that statement and dismiss it. Since the invention of the 1911 pistol the design of the slide stop is such that it is obviously intended to release the slide. In fact, trial pistols from 1910-1911 have only the top of the slide stop checkered - clearly meant to assist in being pushed down to release the slide. This is explained on page 27 of the revised edition of the Vickers Guide Volume 1 when discussing the Special Army Model of 1911 (guns tested by the military) serial number 5.

The M&P slide stop also features serrations on the top of the slide stop, the ONLY purpose of which is to assist in pushing down, releasing the slide. The semantics of the name of the part have no bearing on it’s purpose or design. In fact, were it not meant to be used in such a manner, significantly more reliable designs would have been developed such as that in the HK P7M8 which would minimize the potential for malfunctions when accidentally interacting with the slide stop during firing.

There is nothing wrong with “slingshotting” the slide to chamber a round. There is also nothing wrong with using the slide release. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages and both are proper methods of manipulation.

 

[tjkoko]

Some time ago the same arguments were also presented at the 1911 forum by their adherents and detractors. And it sounds as if the part could use some "polishing".

 

[jurek]

I already explained that some M&P 2.0 pistols’ slide release will not release the slide, even with significant force. That’s not super common but it exists and if the slide cannot release via the slide stop the pistol is not functioning correctly.

Somehow manufacturer doesn't agree with "is not functioning correctly".
I don't see any more reason to argue about it.
The deal is simple. If there is anything that shooter doesn't like about one firearm... he purchases other model.
M&P M2.0 was redesigned according to LE agencies' request. I don't think they care about few left handed civilians

 

[SoCalDep]

Somehow manufacturer doesn't agree with "is not functioning correctly".
I don't see any more reason to argue about it.
The deal is simple. If there is anything that shooter doesn't like about one firearm... he purchases other model.
M&P M2.0 was redesigned according to LE agencies' request. I don't think they care about few left handed civilians

You don’t even make sense. I’m not sure you even know what point you’re trying to make. It’s certainly not based on experience or knowledge…

And it in no way provides any valid argument against what I’ve stated earlier in this thread.

What is your goal? To help? To make a point?

You’ve accomplished neither.

 

[Old cop]

I’m a leftie & have put hundreds of rounds through my M&P 2.0 Compact and the slide release on the right side will not drop the slide unless you’re Superman. We learned the slingshot method when my department switched to the Glock so it’s no big deal.

 

[jurek]

You don’t even make sense. I’m not sure you even know what point you’re trying to make. It’s certainly not based on experience or knowledge…

And it in no way provides any valid argument against what I’ve stated earlier in this thread.

What is your goal? To help? To make a point?

You’ve accomplished neither.

Just read first few posts.
There's an answer for the OP question.

With my last posts I've been trying understand YOUR arguments about M&P M2 not being a functional property without easily pressed lever to make the slide release.