First time shooting my new M&P 40C

2172 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by mikenkansas, Oct 31, 2007

FALbert

Discussion Starter · Aug 14, 2007

This is my first handgun in .40 S&W and I bought it for the purpose of carrying concealed. The ergonomics for me is outstanding. I have a generic nylon IWB holster made by Shooting Systems and that works but is not as comfy as I'd like so I need now to by a quality IWB too. And to think I've been lugging around a SIG P226 all this time, even in the summer.

Went to the range last night to try it out. Brought along 50 rounds of 180 gr. FMJ CCI Brass Blazer, 50 rounds of 165 gr. FMJ Federal AE, and 20 rounds of 180 gr. GDHP Speer Gold Dot. The gun was very pleasant to shoot. I did not think I'd like shooting it with the non finger rest magazine but it proved to be manageable. The range is limited to 5 rounds at a time only. The first two mags had the 180 gr. FMJ and in both instances, the slide locked open prematurely on the last round coming up. Ran the next two mags with the 165 gr. FMJ and those locked open properly on the last round though the nest two mags locked open prematurely on the last round using the same 165 gr. ammo. Tapping the mags on the bench to ensure the rounds are all lined up to the rear of the mag did greatly reduce the number of these incidents in subsequent mags with either brand of FMJ but I shouldn't have to do this!. I guess I'll be calling S&W to get that replacement spring for the magazine catch.

Accuracy was pretty good at 20 and 30 feet. Tried it at 50 feet and did not too well at all. Surprisingly those rounds that did connect were in the black. I don't get to shoot my handguns as much as I'd like and usually go thru an entire box of ammo before I settle in. The trigger in this gun is heavier than in any of my other guns. Still, I can live with it and plan on working on my skills to overcome the occasional flyer because of the heavier trigger.

Overall I am pleased with this purchase but will have address the magazine catch issue. Sucks having to be worried about clearing a malfunction in a brand new gun.

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FALbert

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 15, 2007

Though a possibility for some, my fingers do not touch the slide release at any time. The same is true for all my handguns, including a SA 1911A1 with extended slide release.

I usually shoot with two hands in a modified weaver stance, my thumb being pointed more forward than shown and the other hand wrapped around the other for support. My third letter is a T purchased last month. When I shot other people's Glocks, I have to remember to really lock my wrist otherwise I get stovepipes for limp wristing.

On the bright side, more evaluation is needed, which means I have to go shooting more often.

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FALbert

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 15, 2007

rjs said:
I always rest my right thumb on top of the 1911 safety and my support hand thumb right underneath pointed forward. So, when you shoot the 1911, you use your thumb to take the safety "off" and then reposition it below the safety? That's not the way I was taught and I'm afraid it's so ingrained in me now that I'm going to have problems shooting the M&P.

rjs

I don't rest my thumb on anything. I suppose if i had bigger hands there may be a practical benefit to doing this. My hands feel more natural wrapped around the grip on all my handguns as shown in the picture. I haven't "carried" my 1911A1 in ages. When I did, I used a Bianchi leather holster with a thumb strap safely allowed me to carried it with a round in the chamber. I also engage the safety. When drawing the 1911A1, I do use my thumb to swipe the safety off as I raise the pistol and reposition it underneath. I don't think you'll have a problem with the M&P. The slide lock/release is recessed unlike a 1911A1 and there is no protruding safety. So keep shooting the way you were taught until it ever becomes a problem.

Which reminds me, attending a good defensive pistol class is on my long list of "To Do" things.

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FALbert

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 31, 2007

I took the M&P 40C out for the second time a few days ago. Despite the initial misfeeds, I have been carrying my 40C since it is much more concealable than my other handguns. Brought two boxes of the same 180 gr. Blazer Brass I used last time. This time around, I had loaded the two new mags I received from S&W promotion a week in in advance. Some here have suggested that this may help break in the spring. Happy to report, NO PROBLEMS!

Now I'm just crossing my fingers that I don't experience magazine drops as I shoot it more.

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