Do you have a model in mind? Or a caliber? Or S&W customer service?
All the above, any of the above?
All the above, any of the above?
s&w M&P pistols
the good, the bad and the ugly lets hear it
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
Simple minds are wondering Why ?the good, the bad and the ugly lets hear it
I can only talk about the Shield Plus, as I have 3 of them.
One word - "Awesome"
One word - "Awesome"
Oh well, he's not been back since he posted the question.
I'm a fast typer (if I don't sidetrack myself - like just now).
The bad:
The full size 9MM, .40 S&W and .357 SIG pistols aren't as accurate as I'd like them to be.
I've had issues with a couple of my old 1.0 full sized pistols that took awhile to diagnose/fix (timing and sear flutter).
I've had issues with a couple of the full size guns where the trigger bar would ride up over the right side safety lever and release the sear when the safeties were fully "UP".
I wish the Shield/Shield plus pistols had the same style ambidextrous safeties as the full sized M&Ps.
I wish the 9's and 40's and the Shield Plus had stainless steel magazines like the Shields and .45 acp models.
The good:
One of the best feeling/fitting handguns I've ever carried/shot. Feel awesome in my hand.
I like the availability of the ambidextrous thumb safeties.
I like the availability of the .40 S&W chambering.
I like the easy availability of spare parts to put away for whenever/whatever.
I like it that they offer ported pistols from the factory.
I like it that they offer Optics Ready pistols from the factory.
I like the looks of the 5" slide guns even though I don't carry them concealed.
I like it that they have stainless steel magazines for some models.
I like the FDE color on those pistols.
I like how accurate the Shield and Shield Plus 9MM pistols are and wonder why the full size pistols don't shoot like that.
I may think of more later.
I'm a fast typer (if I don't sidetrack myself - like just now).
The bad:
The full size 9MM, .40 S&W and .357 SIG pistols aren't as accurate as I'd like them to be.
I've had issues with a couple of my old 1.0 full sized pistols that took awhile to diagnose/fix (timing and sear flutter).
I've had issues with a couple of the full size guns where the trigger bar would ride up over the right side safety lever and release the sear when the safeties were fully "UP".
I wish the Shield/Shield plus pistols had the same style ambidextrous safeties as the full sized M&Ps.
I wish the 9's and 40's and the Shield Plus had stainless steel magazines like the Shields and .45 acp models.
The good:
One of the best feeling/fitting handguns I've ever carried/shot. Feel awesome in my hand.
I like the availability of the ambidextrous thumb safeties.
I like the availability of the .40 S&W chambering.
I like the easy availability of spare parts to put away for whenever/whatever.
I like it that they offer ported pistols from the factory.
I like it that they offer Optics Ready pistols from the factory.
I like the looks of the 5" slide guns even though I don't carry them concealed.
I like it that they have stainless steel magazines for some models.
I like the FDE color on those pistols.
I like how accurate the Shield and Shield Plus 9MM pistols are and wonder why the full size pistols don't shoot like that.
I may think of more later.
Another like and an important one for me.
Thought of another one. With some models, if I can't find a model with thumb safeties I can buy the non-safety model and purchase/install the safeties myself. I've done that with the last two full sized M&Ps I've bought.
Who else designs pistols with both safety and non-safety models and also sells the parts to allow you to convert them to the style of operation you prefer.
Now, CZ does make the Omega series guns that come with decockers installed and safeties in the case to allow you to convert them to ambidextrous thumb safeties. And, CZ has stopped producing some of those models so about the only ones left you can do that on are the P07 and P09 pistols. Sadly, the P01 Omega is done. Sad for guys that like safeties anyway.
Thought of another one. With some models, if I can't find a model with thumb safeties I can buy the non-safety model and purchase/install the safeties myself. I've done that with the last two full sized M&Ps I've bought.
Who else designs pistols with both safety and non-safety models and also sells the parts to allow you to convert them to the style of operation you prefer.
Now, CZ does make the Omega series guns that come with decockers installed and safeties in the case to allow you to convert them to ambidextrous thumb safeties. And, CZ has stopped producing some of those models so about the only ones left you can do that on are the P07 and P09 pistols. Sadly, the P01 Omega is done. Sad for guys that like safeties anyway.
The good. I have 3 of them, 2 9mm and a Performance Center 45. They are the best shooting pistols I have. I also have 2 Shield Plus pistols, both optics ready. I have a dot on one of them. I have dots on the 9mm compact and 1 on the 45. They are exceptionally accurate.
The bad, nothing. They eat anything I have put in them. Always go bang when I pull the trigger.
The ugly, only if you need to take the frame apart. Comes apart easily, but goes back together much harder. The Shield Plus 13 round magazine is really a 12 round magazine to get proper functionality from the pistol.
The bad, nothing. They eat anything I have put in them. Always go bang when I pull the trigger.
The ugly, only if you need to take the frame apart. Comes apart easily, but goes back together much harder. The Shield Plus 13 round magazine is really a 12 round magazine to get proper functionality from the pistol.
Rangerman, don't know if you're loading problem on the Shield Plus is the same cause as many of us had but there are some threads here with links to you tube videos showing the cause and the fix for that last round issues. I know S&W should just send mags out that work, but sometimes manufacturers either miss problems during testing or they figure its not worth the cost. Did you know the new Equalizer pistols come with a nice magazine loader in the box? A $30 mag. loader. Had to have been cheaper to fix the magazine follower issues than to add a nice mag. loader in with the new pistols to help load the mags.The ugly, only if you need to take the frame apart. Comes apart easily, but goes back together much harder. The Shield Plus 13 round magazine is really a 12 round magazine to get proper functionality from the pistol.
A link to a good thread describing the magazine follower issues (with pictures and a you tube video) and instructions on how to fix it.
Shield Plus 13 Round Magazine Disassembly | MP-Pistol Forum
I've done that fix on all my Shield Plus 13 round magazines. It helps but they still are extremely tight when inserting them on a close slide. I really like the way they work much better with 12 rounds. I carry the gun with the 10 round magazine with one in the pipe and the 13 is my backup loaded to 12. If I can't get it done with 23 rounds, I doubt that one more will matter. I've been using the Uplula loader for years. They work great.Rangerman, don't know if you're loading problem on the Shield Plus is the same cause as many of us had but there are some threads here with links to you tube videos showing the cause and the fix for that last round issues. I know S&W should just send mags out that work, but sometimes manufacturers either miss problems during testing or they figure its not worth the cost. Did you know the new Equalizer pistols come with a nice magazine loader in the box? A $30 mag. loader. Had to have been cheaper to fix the magazine follower issues than to add a nice mag. loader in with the new pistols to help load the mags.
A link to a good thread describing the magazine follower issues (with pictures and a you tube video) and instructions on how to fix it.
Shield Plus 13 Round Magazine Disassembly | MP-Pistol Forum
I typically underload all mags, but Gock mags, by 1 anyway. I've previously had issues with Beretta and Hk USPc mags not locking the slide back - after being loaded 100% for several months. I had to replace all those springs with +10% springs to solve the issue....
So, I dropped back to underloading by 1 round on almost all of my mags, and I have had no further issues. So, my 13 round Shield Plus mags just have 12 rounds in them. I haven't bothered to do the "fix."
So, I dropped back to underloading by 1 round on almost all of my mags, and I have had no further issues. So, my 13 round Shield Plus mags just have 12 rounds in them. I haven't bothered to do the "fix."
I've always run them filled up - till this new 2.0 .40. I put the +2 bases on the 15 round magazines I've used on the 9MM magazines (M&P and CZ) and .40 S&W (M&P and CZ). I can get that 16th round in just fine. Using that uplua loader to try to force that 16 round in makes me cringe. I swear something is about to break and I just stop. 16 rounds of .40 is going to have to be okay in those five magazines.
Sometimes the internal geometry just gets in the way.
Sometimes the internal geometry just gets in the way.
My 13 round mags work fine with no modifications, though I’ve used an UPLULA for quite a few years now.
The only mags I download are 30 round AR mags (to 28).
I keep most all of my pistol and rifle mags fully loaded; many for years at a time. The majority of the pistol mags are M&P9 17 round mags, eight round .45acp 1911 mags, 10 round 9mm 1911 mags, 12 round M&P9c mags, 12 round P365 mags, 17 round FN 9mm mags, 15 round Wilson EDC X9 9mm mags, 18 round Canik 9mm mags, 12 and 15 round 10mm XD(M) mags.
I’ve never changed a mag spring; even on the 20+ year old 1911 mags, and 16+ year old M&P9 mags. They get dropped in the sand at the range weekly, and I’ve never taken any apart to clean them. I never put oil or anything inside them except ammo; and they all do just fine. That includes during the 1500 round count training weekend courses. My M&Ps, 1911s, and Caniks can all go over 1500 rounds between cleanings with no malfunctions. That said; other than training weekends, all my carry guns get cleaned every time they’re shot. BUT IT’S NICE TO KNOW THAT THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE CLEAN TO FUNCTION RELIABLY. 👍
The only mags I download are 30 round AR mags (to 28).
I keep most all of my pistol and rifle mags fully loaded; many for years at a time. The majority of the pistol mags are M&P9 17 round mags, eight round .45acp 1911 mags, 10 round 9mm 1911 mags, 12 round M&P9c mags, 12 round P365 mags, 17 round FN 9mm mags, 15 round Wilson EDC X9 9mm mags, 18 round Canik 9mm mags, 12 and 15 round 10mm XD(M) mags.
I’ve never changed a mag spring; even on the 20+ year old 1911 mags, and 16+ year old M&P9 mags. They get dropped in the sand at the range weekly, and I’ve never taken any apart to clean them. I never put oil or anything inside them except ammo; and they all do just fine. That includes during the 1500 round count training weekend courses. My M&Ps, 1911s, and Caniks can all go over 1500 rounds between cleanings with no malfunctions. That said; other than training weekends, all my carry guns get cleaned every time they’re shot. BUT IT’S NICE TO KNOW THAT THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE CLEAN TO FUNCTION RELIABLY. 👍
Good to know.
I was about to post , asking how long can I keep my shield plus and 2.0 mags loaded.
I am in NJ so all my mags are pinned to 10 rnds.
I have 1 13rnds for my shield plus and 5 17rnds for my 2.0
I have 5 OEM 10rnds for shield plus as well.
I keep 2 for each gun loaded with Hornady critical defence. But I am thinking I want to load up the rest as well with regular FMJ to have a few extra on hand for an emergency.
I go to the range every so often so all regular ammo will rotate but the defense ammo is expensive so it will rotate once or twice a year.
I was about to post , asking how long can I keep my shield plus and 2.0 mags loaded.
I am in NJ so all my mags are pinned to 10 rnds.
I have 1 13rnds for my shield plus and 5 17rnds for my 2.0
I have 5 OEM 10rnds for shield plus as well.
I keep 2 for each gun loaded with Hornady critical defence. But I am thinking I want to load up the rest as well with regular FMJ to have a few extra on hand for an emergency.
I go to the range every so often so all regular ammo will rotate but the defense ammo is expensive so it will rotate once or twice a year.
I never load +1, by topping off the magazine, after putting a round in the chamber.I typically underload all mags, but Gock mags, by 1 anyway. I've previously had issues with Beretta and Hk USPc mags not locking the slide back - after being loaded 100% for several months. I had to replace all those springs with +10% springs to solve the issue....
So, I dropped back to underloading by 1 round on almost all of my mags, and I have had no further issues. So, my 13 round Shield Plus mags just have 12 rounds in them. I haven't bothered to do the "fix."
I really like your comment on the full-size thumb safety for the Shields. Thanks for the comprehensive list!Oh well, he's not been back since he posted the question.
I'm a fast typer (if I don't sidetrack myself - like just now).
The bad:
The full size 9MM, .40 S&W and .357 SIG pistols aren't as accurate as I'd like them to be.
I've had issues with a couple of my old 1.0 full sized pistols that took awhile to diagnose/fix (timing and sear flutter).
I've had issues with a couple of the full size guns where the trigger bar would ride up over the right side safety lever and release the sear when the safeties were fully "UP".
I wish the Shield/Shield plus pistols had the same style ambidextrous safeties as the full sized M&Ps.
I wish the 9's and 40's and the Shield Plus had stainless steel magazines like the Shields and .45 acp models.
The good:
One of the best feeling/fitting handguns I've ever carried/shot. Feel awesome in my hand.
I like the availability of the ambidextrous thumb safeties.
I like the availability of the .40 S&W chambering.
I like the easy availability of spare parts to put away for whenever/whatever.
I like it that they offer ported pistols from the factory.
I like it that they offer Optics Ready pistols from the factory.
I like the looks of the 5" slide guns even though I don't carry them concealed.
I like it that they have stainless steel magazines for some models.
I like the FDE color on those pistols.
I like how accurate the Shield and Shield Plus 9MM pistols are and wonder why the full size pistols don't shoot like that.
I may think of more later.
Can a person purchase parts to add a thumb safety to the 1.0 generation chambered in .40?Another like and an important one for me.
Thought of another one. With some models, if I can't find a model with thumb safeties I can buy the non-safety model and purchase/install the safeties myself. I've done that with the last two full sized M&Ps I've bought.
Who else designs pistols with both safety and non-safety models and also sells the parts to allow you to convert them to the style of operation you prefer.
Now, CZ does make the Omega series guns that come with decockers installed and safeties in the case to allow you to convert them to ambidextrous thumb safeties. And, CZ has stopped producing some of those models so about the only ones left you can do that on are the P07 and P09 pistols. Sadly, the P01 Omega is done. Sad for guys that like safeties anyway.
I was going to say yes till I looked up the parts on two websites I get parts from (Numrich Arms and Midwest Gun Works).
For some reason they don't show a safety specifically listed as being for the .40 S&W caliber pistols. The descriptions are confusing on both websites.
On the MGW website it will say 9MM and .45 acp in one part of the description for the spring and detent and then below that say its' for the .40, also. For the safety levers it may say 9MM or 9MM and .45, depending on which website you look at.
I always thought the three parts (safety lever, spring and detent) were the same for the 9MM and .40 S&W pistols.
Does your pistol frame have the little square plugs in the frame where the safety lever arms come through the frame? Some frames do and some don't. If you're does then if you call S&W Customer Service they should be able to tell you if the parts are the same for both calibers and they may even have some to sell you. I bought some recoil spring assemblies for 4" 9MM Shield 2.0 slides and S&W sold them to me cheaper than other on line dealers were selling them for.
All kinds of videos on you tube telling you how to remove the safety, none telling you how to go about installing the spring/detent and safety on the sear block.
For some reason they don't show a safety specifically listed as being for the .40 S&W caliber pistols. The descriptions are confusing on both websites.
On the MGW website it will say 9MM and .45 acp in one part of the description for the spring and detent and then below that say its' for the .40, also. For the safety levers it may say 9MM or 9MM and .45, depending on which website you look at.
I always thought the three parts (safety lever, spring and detent) were the same for the 9MM and .40 S&W pistols.
Does your pistol frame have the little square plugs in the frame where the safety lever arms come through the frame? Some frames do and some don't. If you're does then if you call S&W Customer Service they should be able to tell you if the parts are the same for both calibers and they may even have some to sell you. I bought some recoil spring assemblies for 4" 9MM Shield 2.0 slides and S&W sold them to me cheaper than other on line dealers were selling them for.
All kinds of videos on you tube telling you how to remove the safety, none telling you how to go about installing the spring/detent and safety on the sear block.
@M1A4ME : I don't own a M&P in .40. I wanted to buy one of the trade ins I saw advertised but they didn't have thumb safeties. That's why I passed on it.
I started shooting M&Ps in matches, and carrying them, in 2007. I haven’t had one go off when I wasn’t pulling the trigger yet.@M1A4ME : I don't own a M&P in .40. I wanted to buy one of the trade ins I saw advertised but they didn't have thumb safeties. That's why I passed on it.
I understand that some folks want manual safeties; I carried and competed with 1911s for over 30 years. That said; I know a few guys who carry them condition 0. Yep. They put the thumb safety on, holster the gun; then take the TS off. That works fine as long as you’re using a holster that properly shields the trigger; and you’re trained well enough to not put your finger on the trigger until it’s time to shoot. That’s the whole thing right there in a nutshell. Don’t pull the trigger and the gun won’t go off. The M&Ps have both the trigger blade safety, and the internal striker block. The striker block stops the striker from being physically capable of moving forward and impacting the primer of the chambered round; unless the trigger is pulled.
Personally; I prefer no manual safeties on a striker-fired pistol; but I do want one on a 1911. (At least until it’s holstered. 😉)
I'm still confused with the description/texts on both the MGW and Numrich web sites.@M1A4ME : I don't own a M&P in .40. I wanted to buy one of the trade ins I saw advertised but they didn't have thumb safeties. That's why I passed on it.
In the last couple of years or so I've bought two M&Ps that did not have thumb safeties. They did have the small square plugs in the frame on both sides that indicated the frame would accept the thumb safety levers/operation. I ordered the parts and installed them.
I bought those parts at either MGW or Numrich. MGW says I have no order history (crazy/wrong). Numrich lists the parts in my order by has no record of one of the parts I bought (shows the part number, but no description in the order but when I use the part number to try to see what the part was their system can't find it and doesn't give a description.) It's not hard to install the parts but I've got to do some more looking to see if I can figure out what's going on here.
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
MP-Pistol Forum
A forum community dedicated to Smith & Wesson M&P Pistol owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, performance, gunsmithing, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
