[ArnisAndyz]

Playing around with the "auto-slide drop when you agressively insert a mag" feature I found that if I only have 2 or 3 rounds in the mag, the slide won't drop. I think the spring in the mag has enough cushion to absorb the shock. With a full mag it drops every time.



I really like that the M&P does this but I've others call it a design flaw. It makes for a really fast reload, you just have to be sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. My gun did this out of the box, but not everytime...after a little polishing it drops reliably with the right amount of pressure on the insert.



Does your M&P do this and whats your take?

 

[ToolMaker]

Does your M&P do this and whats your take?

Mine only does it after LRF. Good feature.

 

[BSTOCK]

It's not supposed to but if your really slam the mag home the slide sometimes does drop. I think S&W has a warning on this.

 

[ArnisAndyz]

Is it a warning not to do it or a warning that it could happen? I'll have to reread the manual.

 

[YukonGlocker]

It is normal. When you slam a mag in, it exerts enough force to force the slide back just a hair. Of course with rounds in the mag, the slide stop does not catch the slide when it returns. This will be exaggerated the further you point the muzzle up while slamming a mag home.

 

[BSTOCK]

Is it a warning not to do it or a warning that it could happen? I'll have to reread the manual.

Page 17 in bold red print.







WARNING; DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE WHEN INSERTING A LOADED MAGAZINE INTO THE PISTOL. EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE COULD CAUSE THE SLIDE TO MOVE FORWARD, CHAMBERING A ROUND AND MAKING THE PISTOL READY TO FIRE.

 

[Puffy]

I'm good with it. I see no problem.

 

[snscott]

EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE

I guess it depends on each individual pistol as to what counts as "excessive"? Happened to me and I don't think I used "excessive" force. I was taken completely by surpise and did not think: "Oh wow, I really slammed that one in there that time".



If it really was a "feature", that would be fine -- as long as it did it EVERY time I inserted a loaded mag... but it doesn't do it absolutely EVERY time. I had it doing it pretty consistently right after a range trip and subsequent cleaning -- but today, I could not make it happen consistently.



FWIW, I understand some of the early HK USP's did the same thing, but apparently they changed something to "fix" it. I've never had it happen with my 2005 USP.

 

[BSTOCK]

EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE

If it really was a "feature", that would be fine -- as long as it did it EVERY time I inserted a loaded mag... but it doesn't do it absolutely EVERY time.

I have no problems with it either way as long as it's consistant. When I insert a mag I expect the same action or in-action every time.

Mine does not drop the slide no matter how hard I insert the mag. Fine with me. I just don't like surprises.

 

[YukonGlocker]

Glocks can do the same thing. Some are more finicky about it than others. My M&P has not done this, but I have not slammed the mags to try it.

 

[swingset]

If it's a flaw, I hope all pistol makers include this error in their designs. It's awfully fast and efficient for reloads.

 

[91101]

I've tried this several different pistols, including:

M&P 40

SW99

5906

4006

1066

1006

Browning BDA 380

Bersa Thunder 380

1911

They all drop the slide except for the 1911..

 

[Gregchico]

Before the pistol was released to the public (I think, or at least released to those of us in California), the TV show Shooting Gallery (on OLN) had a 30-minute info-commercial like episode on the M&P and its development. The main guy shooting and talking (not Michael Bane) said it was a feature to have the slide go forward. I have yet been able to get it to go home when forcefully inserting a loaded magazine, I wish it would, I like it when my H&Ks to it.

 

[coati858]

Just for the record (in case someone is keeping track), my M&P 9 does not exhibit this feature.



Background:

100 rounds fired to date.

My M&P 9 came with bulged slide "release" and uses 10-rd mags since I'm in CA.

 

[ArnisAndyz]

If you want it to drop easier polish up the contact point on the slide and catch, you may even have to change the angle slightly if the catch is tight. Just don't overdo it or your gun won't lockback at all!

 

[Tsquare]

Cool! Mine does it. Not fired yet, MPF5XXX S/N. Extended slide release lever.

 

[MilitaryPower]

Mine does it too.

 

[tglee]

During my armorers course the S&W Instuctor insisted that this is "an unintended consequence of the physics of force applied to the pistol during magazine changes."

 

[tony218]

mine does it

 

[ledge]

Mine does it. 6 months of at least 200 rounds a week, usually with 10 rounds in a 15 round mag, I don't remember it not dropping forward with anything over 3 rounds since probably August. Of course, I've screwed up if I shoot to slide lock.