Silly question.....

[rosborn]

A few weeks ago someone started a discussion about purchasing an M&P 40. One of the participants said that when he was purchasing his he noticed that it had been manufactured some years prior and asked the gun shop if he could purchase a newer model instead. I don't remember the outcome of the conversation (i.e. if he was able to purchase a more current model) but it got me to thinking - how can you tell when your firearm was manufactured? I own a M&P 40. I love it and wouldn't trade it in for a different model but how do I determine when mine was manufactured?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[ken158]

A quick way is to look at the date on the fired case envelope that comes in the box.

 

[rosborn]

Thanks Ken. Mine says 05-14-2010. Cool.

 

[BigRich315]

Plus, given the popularity of these guns, I doubt any you find new in a shop will be too old.

 

[agksimon]

There's a four digit code on the box. The first number is the year of manufacture and the next three is the day of the year it was made.

 

[chuck s]

Nice tidbit. Mine is 9071. Looks right as I bought the pistol in May 2009.

-- Chuck

 

[S&W Rover]

I just got a "new" M&P40 a few weeks ago from a major gun supplier -- and it was made in June 2008.

The immediate issues were -- old style (breaks easier) striker and old style magazine followers. The night sights are "old style" with Trijicon inserts, no problems there, except they are, by definition, 25% "used up" based on age.

And, of course, it does not have the new-style larger sear spring present in M&P's made after September 2010.

After I complained, the vendor gave me a credit to pay for updated parts, which I have on order with S&W. I am going to ask Apex to install the larger sear spring.

Buying on the web does not allow you the chance to check for dates -- I had asked for a new one -- and this may be even more critical if you are worried about getting the new style sear spring (most vendors are probably only getting those now). Buying on the web also means you may get a gun with a minor flaws, with no chance to inspect the gun in advance. On the other hand, the prices tend to be a lot better than your local gun store.

I'm okay with my experiences with that large vendor and continue to recommend them -- and avoid tagging them and re-tagging them with this one instance, which they made right (that's why I don't mention their name here -- it is over and done). The only caveat to buying from them or anyone on line is, beware - there is a bit more risk buying on line, even from the big companies.

If you need a M&P with the new striker and the new sear spring, go to a LGS and check the dates (and inspect the parts to be sure!).

 

[PersonalSecurity]

a quick way to tell is to check the rear sight. The newest model has a "stepped" rear sight (for racking the slide on your belt, boot, holster, etc). The old style has a "sloped" rear sight.

To my knowledge, this is the last upgrade SW made - so if it has the sights it has all the other updates.

Steve

 

[sonny]

I just got a "new" M&P40 a few weeks ago from a major gun supplier --

and it was made in June 2008. The night sights are "old style" with Trijicon inserts, no problems there, except they are, by definition, 25% "used up" based on age.

If I can assume that your night sights were assembled about June 2008, then your sights, by definition, are only 13% "used up".
Note that 12.3 years after manufacture, that your rear sights will then be reduced in intensity by 50%.
Because of the laws of radioactivity, this also means that your sights will still be at 25% of their original intensity after 24.6 yrs. So I think your sights still have a long ways to go.
As a matter of personal preference, I like my night sights to be on the "dim" side. The new bright ones will blot out the target at night, and they also light you up if the perp manages to get behind you at all.
YMMV
Sonny

 

[Martya]

rosborn, thanks for bringing this up. I would never have looked. I just bought my new M&P45 from a shop 10 days ago. The fired case envelope says July 2009. It is 1 1/2 years old already.

What is the convention here? Should I gripe, or return it? Is the "older" style striker and smaller sear spring good enough or does that detract from the value or safety? Should I get the updated hardware (at least have them contribute to it?)

This isn't a big shop, I am sure they knew how old it was, maybe they should have said something?

Or is this something that can happen and I should just get on with life?

 

[GaryM&P]

When I go to buy my next one I'm going to look for a blue box. They changed from a black box to a blue box about the same time they changed to the bigger sear spring with corresponding "big hole" sear housing. That was around September 2010.

ETA: When I say "blue box" I am referring to the hard case that the gun is shipped in.

 

[Meztiso]

As mentioned, if you get a model with the rear stepped sights then you should be good to go with a newer M&P.

I didnt know about the blue box but it sounds like a good tip to me.