S&W M&P40 & M&P40L Pro Series C.O.R.E.

[rraisley]

This series has the slide cut, ready for optics. Is it otherwise identical to the M&P40?

Is the M&P40L, and standard model with 5" barrel, able to swap out to lower caliber barrels like the others (standard length and C)?

 

[rraisley]

Still no response on this. I see that there is a 5" barrel Pro series /without/ the sight preparation (C.O.R.E.), so I'm assuming that Pro gives you a somewhat lighter trigger and 5" barrel, and C.O.R.E. adds the sight mount prep.

As I'm currently thinking about the Mako mount (ordered it, in fact, for my 9C), I was considering (almost hoping the Mako won't fit my 9C) of getting a full size. My idea (I think) would be the M&P40L Pro without CORE. Actually, they don't seem to call the Pro 5" without CORE a 40L, but that's what it is. Model 178032. Then I'd get the 9mm barrel, assuming they make one, to convert the .40 to 9mm.

If that works, then I'd love to have the 9mm barrel that I buy ported. Storm Lake makes them, with a list of $175, which is higher than I'd like, but like the idea of the porting. If I can't get the long barrel ported, then I'd just buy the M&P9 Pro, and not bother with the .40. I really don't care to have the .40, but if I'm going to buy a new barrel, might as well have both calibers.

Lastly, I'm assuming the .40 and 9mm take different magazines, right? (I swear I read you could use the same mag for both, but see both for sale, so I'm probably wrong there.) And NO other mods, right?

Anyhow, does that sound like a reasonable plan?

 

[thomasinaz]

A 40L can be converted to 9mm with an aftermarket barrel, like Storm Lake, EFK, or KKM, etc... I believe they size the barrel lock-up surfaces to mate the 40 slide with the conversion 9mm. I'm pretty sure you have to go to 9mm mags though, based on the smaller case diameter. I have seen some internet people who claim you can use 40 mags with 9s, but haven't tried this myself.

To convert my 40L to 357 Sig, I used a KKM barrel, with good results. (No other makers offered a barrel for the L.) Of course both of these calibers have the same size rim and case diameter. Hope this helps....

As far as the CORE thing I have no idea.....

 

[rraisley]

Thanks, thomasinza. Finally, someone responding.

 

[JimSr]

The M&P-9 CORE consists of a M&P-9L (5" barrel) PRO with the slide cut for optics. It is also available in 4.25" barrel.
My M&P-9L with TruGlo TFO sights is 3 years old & has never failed during 3 courses at Front Sight, Nevada, with a total of 1800 rounds, plus hundreds of range rounds locally.
I have recently added the M&P-9 VTAC, primarily for the sights from VTAC. Time will tell if this was a good decision on my part.

 

[kcabear]

I like the new "Enhanced Palm Swells" on the CORE model. I emailed S&W about buying a set and they said to email them back in a few months. They look to have more grip and some kind of design. To me they look really nice compared to some of the stippling jobs I've seen.