[pistolpacker]

New to the forum...hello to all.



Last weekend I traded my Hi-Power 9mm that I've had for 28 years for a M&P 9mm compact. I haven't ever had a chance to fire it yet.



I notice that the mag release button can be moved to the oppostite side. I'm right handed and it seems that my thumb comes into contact with the mag button very easily. I was wondering what the general feeling is for moving the mag button so that it is released by the index finger instead of the thumb. Should I be concerned about accidentally releasing the magazine with my thumb? It sure seems possible, especially if in a stressful situation.



Regards

 

[choochboost]

From shooting my HKs, I got used to using the index or middle finger of my strong hand to depress the ambi mag release. I have come to prefer it that way. The first thing I did when I got my M&P was switch it to the right side.

 

[Fallschirmjäger]

I'm most comfortable with using my trigger finger to press the magazine release.

 

[Honcho]

As a left-handed shooter, I've had to get used to depressing the mag release with my index finger, so I'm actually better with it than my thumb. Same goes for the slide release, although my M&P is training my somewhat retarded thumb to do the job.

 

[coltman1985]

This is what is so nice about the M&P, one can now make choices based on what works best for them!!

Just make sure you practice enough so as to not "fumble" if a crisis arises!! Have fun and shoot safe :wink:

 

[ront]

Interesting, I haver been thinking about switching the mag release so that I could use my index finger. It sounds like this is something that may be quite common.



Ron

 

[luvmy40]

I switched mine to the right side because I was definitely hitting the release when firing. I like it better this way. I have also added a spacer to the mag catch spring to stiffen it up a bit, but I never dropped another mag after switching the release.

 

[pistolpacker]

Well, I finally shot my new compact today (original poster). Whenever I had a proper hold on the gun I had no problems with the mag button. However, during a draw and fire exercise I didn't get a good hold on the grip and my thumb hit the release button. Out dropped the mag. We all know that that if we ever need our weapon for SD there is a very good chance that we will be in a hurry, whether drawing from a holster of just grabbing it off the nightstand. The odds are good that we will not have a proper grip and the last thing that is needed is to drop the magazine.



I therefore decided to move the button to the right side. Yes, I am aware that it is possible that I could also hit the release button in this configuration but by testing it a few times, it seems to be less likely. I'll find out more when I go shooting again.



As a sidenote, I don't think the button has enough travel and could be part of the problem.



luvmy40: I don't understand how you use the spring spacer you mentioned. It is a torsion style spring and I don't see how a spacer could be used. Maybe you could clarify?



Regards

 

[luvmy40]

I laminated 2 pieces of .063 Kydex around a 1/16" drift punch and shaped it to fit the recess in the mag well.

It adds just enough tension to make it very unlikely to accidentally release the mag.



I had already removed some material from my release button and shifted it to LH configuration. This had solved my mag drop issue, but I like the extra tension on the release.



Check out the "mag release issues" sticky There is another bandaid posted for the spring tension that is easier to do than mine.

 

[pistolpacker]

luvmy40: many thanks....very creative. I'll check the other posts. Glad to hear that shifting the button location was a big help. That was my hope.



Regards

 

[DHart]

Yes, the mag catch release button is too easy to accidentally hit on the M&P. Switching the mag catch over to the opposite side can be an effective aid in reducing or eliminating mag drop problems - for a time, anyway - on an M&P... but the rub is that if you like to shoot and/or carry other guns also, having some guns with the mag release on one side and another with the mag release on the opposite side seems like a recipie for disaster. If you only shoot and carry an M&P, I'm sure you can adapt to using your index finger to release the mag without worries of developing a bad habit for other guns... until you decide to own/carry other guns...

 

[mikenkansas]

Welllllllllll now......... I'm not sure the mag release is too easy to hit on the shooter's thumb side but I do like how it comes under the love (as opposed to the index) finger on my right hand after switching it.



As for switching guns: where's the safety? which way is safe? Got a double action revolver? Which way does the cylinder release go: in, forward, back???? And where exactly IS it on a Dan Wesson?

 

[Ruprex]

towards body if you carry. This will prevent you from bumping it on things and releasing the mag. Be kinda messed up to try and shootonly to find the mag fall out.

 

[txharleyrider46]

Yes, the mag catch release button is too easy to accidentally hit on the M&P. Switching the mag catch over to the opposite side can be an effective aid in reducing or eliminating mag drop problems - for a time, anyway - on an M&P... but the rub is that if you like to shoot and/or carry other guns also, having some guns with the mag release on one side and another with the mag release on the opposite side seems like a recipie for disaster. If you only shoot and carry an M&P, I'm sure you can adapt to using your index finger to release the mag without worries of developing a bad habit for other guns... until you decide to own/carry other guns...

+1...I moved mine to the right side because I'm a south paw...but it just didn't feel right after getting used to using my index finger on my other guns...so I moved it back to the left...I don't want to have to think about which gun I'm carrying and make a mistake that could cost me my life!

 

[DHart]

Hey Tex... what are ya ridin'? RK Custom for me... totally lovin' it!

 

[txharleyrider46]

Hey Tex... what are ya ridin'? RK Custom for me... totally lovin' it!

FLHPI Roadking...police edition...dressed with RK classic saddlebags...fairing and tour pack...lovin mine too. 8)