[Jhp147]

Has anyone been to one? Seen or heard of one? It looks like it might be just a tiny bit more complicated than the Glock course. Will you be able to get by with a complimentary pin-punch and a cheap screwdriver (only for the mag catch spring)?

 

[K]

Well, Im not sure where to begin.



Yes, there is an armorers course and I have been to it. It would be slightly more difficult than the Glock course, IF it was taught correctly and completely, the way it should have been. But the instructor we had, had VERY LITTLE KNOWLEDGE of the MP, design principles, changes that were made, ideas behind what SW did, how the gun operates, etc.



A pin punch set, small hammer and maybe small screwdriver should suffice. I dont know b/c the instructor did not bring or have anything for us, except a single small slave pin, that we really didnt need and could have used a small screwdriver to do the same job.



We were not shown, taught/instructed, or allowed to take out the extractor or sear assembly. We had to look at pictures and were verbally told what would happen.



Very poor course for dept armorers and lack of knowledge on instructor's behalf. It was not harder than the Glock course b/c we only took the gun apart one time, together as a class. Thats it. Not multiple times of disassembly/assembly, or practical disassembly/assembly or written test. Also did not have a cut out of an MP or even showed how the parts works together or how the sear assembly works. Ive learned more here than in the armorers course.

 

[Jhp147]

Oh, man, I had a senior moment (or at least a middle aged moment) as I now remember your post and even a short reply I made hoping S&W got their stuff together if they want to get the market. I'm glad I asked this again though as the detail you provided is of a great deal of use. Did you go ahead and write their LE sales people about your dissatisfaction? Sometimes I think I'd like to take a job doing something in LE sales when I retire, this would be perfect. I figure the travel would do wonders for my marriage.... :wink:

 

[MTSO453]

Wow, I am surprised to read this. I went through a Gen III course last summer and it was put on by Smith. The Instructor was new to Smith and was very knowledgeable and helpful. The area Smith rep was present as well and he was also very knowledgeable. We had a small class so we had more than enough time for repetition. I thought it could have been a day shorter.



Was your class put on by Smith? I assume it was.



I was told by Smith rep that if we transitioned our entire department over they would give us a armorers course and transition course for free. Is this what you got?

 

[Erick Gelhaus]

John Sanchez, the W/C L/E rep, has put on at least one armorer's course. Unknown when he has more scheduled.



Erick

 

[choochboost]

I took the course with John Sanchez in SoCal. It was a very informative class. John is a good guy.

 

[David Smith]

My M&P school was taught by Paul Smith. He was a very switched-on instructor & it was done very thoroughly & professionally. I've been to a # of factory schools & it was the best of the 1 day courses I've seen.

 

[shrews]

Armorers course

Just returned from IALEFI ATC in San Antonio. Paul Smith was the Instructor

and was very knowledgable and made learning easy and fun too. Funny guy.

Most students were LE FI's and Dept.Armorers. Full class.

A pistol for all students plus a couple of small punch and pin sets at each table.

I brought my own tools that came in handy, such as the WIHA chip lifter I

bought from SA XD Armorers course.

Have a good needle nose and tweezer also. Preferably magnetized at tip 'cause

there's a few really tiny parts!! Magnifying glass w/light also is handy!! Oh, did I

forget to have three hands if possible.

Pretty good Armorers Study Guide too. Written test at end of long day fueled

by constant coffee and power rings breaks!!

Only a complete ID10T would fail let alone miss a question or two!!

Sorry if this is long-winded.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!later..........mr.t.

 

[ke4jar]

Smith & Wesson Armorers Course being held in Martin County, Florida the second week of June,2008.



Steve