The M&Ps seem fairly well sorted now. I think they are as reliable as autoloaders get. I would put them ahead of CZ (and even Glock) in raw reliability. The CZ, however, would be more accurate.
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Moderator
The M&Ps seem fairly well sorted now. I think they are as reliable as autoloaders get. I would put them ahead of CZ (and even Glock) in raw reliability. The CZ, however, would be more accurate.
Let those who are fond of blaming and finding fault, while they sit safely at home, ask, ‘Why did you not do thus and so?’I wish they were on this voyage; I well believe that another voyage of a different kind awaits them.”
Christopher Columbus
Senior Member
About reliability within the M&P line, I remember that Texas DPS returned their first batch and backed out of the deal to adopt an M&P. I never knew the details and was not able to get straight answers from a couple DPS employees(friends) that might have known the facts. I suspect that the main complaint was perceived accuracy. With my background of having worked in state organizations big and small, I'm aware that money talks and B.S. walks, and at this point only God knows why Texas rejected this line. I flat out don't believe that Smith was dumb enough to endanger the Texas contract by sending out a first batch that was defective.
I own CZ, Colt, and Glock 9mm's in addition to a Shield that I enjoy carrying and shooting. Currently my LGS has a great deal on a new PRO 9, which has a wonderful trigger. The pistol feels really good in my hand, and the few times that I dry fired it at an imaginary spot on the wall, the sight picture did not wiggle or waver. I'm an old bulls eye shooter and life long 1911 enthusiast, and for me to say that a plastic gun has a wonderful trigger is a rare occurrence.
I have a few coins burning my pocket, and I'll end up buying a pistol that I want but not need. I just dread buying a pistol that might have reset/dead trigger problems or brass to the face issues or other nuisance concerns. I'd be happy to get a PRO 9 with a barrel giving me 5 inch 50 yard groups with good ammo. As an old grumpy, impatient man, I'll not waste much time shooting over a rest at paper. Instead I'll adopt my stunt shooting mode and shoot at orange painted, red food dye water filled gallon jugs at 100 yards while sitting in the front seat of my pick-up. Ammo will be Federal +P+ jhp from my sacred stash. I'll be able to determine very quickly if I consider the pistol to be suitable. Then I might shoot at paper.
Senior Member
The only way I got acceptable accuracy from mine was a fitted storm lake barrel from Grant. Prior to that, it was essentially a shotgun beyond 10-15 yards, except each pellet was fired individually. Also, had to return to S&W due to dead trigger issues (not sure what they did based on the paperwork they provided). Once you add that to the cost in terms of time and money, IMHO you are better off with an HK VP9 or Glock or some other striker I don't have experience with, or go to a non-striker platform. YMMV. They say the new ones are better, but having been a Beta tester, I won't spend money with them again.Originally Posted by williejc
Last edited by brushy bill; 07-20-16 at 22:06.
Member
I have a newer one (manf date 09/14 IIRC).
Accuracy is more than acceptable for a poly duty/combat sidearm.
The trigger was OK until I added safeties on it, that was a huge problem. Once I got the Apex kit, all was right with the world again.
Been thru a bit more than 1k rounds, and I haven't had a malfunction that wasn't ammo related.
Sent from 80ms in the future
Jimmy
Member
I can't recall what problems TDPS had with their M&Ps, but when Todd Green tested one a few years back I recall that it was a very durable pistol until the slide cracked at like 55 or 60k, something like that. Even though he's passed away, I think you can still read his weekly entries on pistol-training.
I don't personally like the M&P, but if I were going to buy one, now would probably be when I would be least concerned about the accuracy issues. If you get one that doesn't meet your accuracy requirements and you really like the pistol, you can always get Apex to fit a barrel for you. Just a thought.
Member
I keep hoping the supposed 2nd Gen M&P that was built for the MHS trials would solve the accuracy issues but I read recently that only the .40 version was submitted for testing. Has anyone heard more about this?
Senior Member
I purchased one last year after my agency switched to them. The specific gun I purchased was the 150922LE, which is a standard M&P9 with an additional factory threaded barrel in the box and 2 mags.As with any gun I purchase, I did my standard clean/lube regimen as I would if I was coming home from a day at the range. Lube was SLiP2000 EWL. My first mag at the range was with the threaded barrel and TiRant 9, and Fed American Eagle 147 gr ammo. First 50 round box of ammo I had 6 FTE's and 2 FTF's. 4 more 50 round boxes and no issues. Switched to the non-threaded barrel and almost identical malfunctions within the first few mags, it seemed to smooth out and finished the case of ammo without a hiccup. I now have about 5k through the gun, same ammo, most through the threaded barrel with the can attached. Only malfunctions Ive had since the first day out were related to a heavily carbonated piston assembly in the suppressor. Im not a fan of the trigger at all but havent changed anything since I want it the same as the work guns. If there was one place S&W could make an improvement it would be with the factory trigger, its kinda like snapping a limp carrot, long and mushy. It is reliable and hits what you want it to if you do your part.
Member
Am quiet happy with my two M&Ps. My Pro shoots into 1 3/4" and my compact has actually done 1 3/8, both at 25 yards. These are bench rest at 25 yards with my 147 grain handloads. This is with their barrels. I have changed out the triggers but their was not much difference. I just like the new trigger geometry better.
They have had not missfeeds and have proven very reliable.
Senior Member
Early guns had extraction issues and dead trigger issues.
It does appear that the extraction issue - like the 9mm accuracy issue - crops up every now and again with new M&Ps (I have a buddy who has an M&P that he absolutely loves the accuracy of, that he's had Bowie Tactical work over the trigger on, but can't make it through a magazine before it runs into extraction problems).
" Nil desperandum - Never Despair. That is a motto for you and me. All are not dead; and where there is a spark of patriotic fire, we will rekindle it. "
- Samuel Adams -
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