On the M&P series...

[Slater]

I have quite a few firearms buffs at my workplace, and we get into discussions about "A vs B". Regarding the M&P series, I've talked to a couple guys who say that they'll definitely buy one "when all the bugs are worked out".

Not having any personal experience with the M&P, is this gun still a work in progress or have most of the issues been ironed out?

[ra2bach]

tell them it's time. all the bugs have been worked out...

[G34Shooter]

I thing most of the major kinks have been ironed out, though IMO it needs trigger work (Apex Tactical's DCAEK is my choice). Here's my perspective on the M&P so far:

http://mp-pistol.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=25202

And a review of my FS9 from my friend who is more a Glock/1911 guy



http://thepackingrat.net/2010/10/09/...onal-overview/

[Hmac]

I gotta say, after many years with my good ol' P229 .40, I was looking for something that was a little cheaper to shoot in courses and 3-gun. A game gun. I've never cared for the Glocks (no offense meant). I hadnt had an opportunity to shoot an M&P, but I bought a 9L just to see if I'd like it. I was fully prepared not to like the gun. First trip to the range, I felt justified in my suspicion as I noticed I was pulling shots to the right and shot it fairly poorly. I figured "in for a penny..." and installed a DCAEK. Holy schnickies....I was shocked at how well I could knock those plates down. I'm still suspicious of the construction, but I don't think I've ever shot a handgun consistently as well as I shoot this thing now, and I have to say it's been totally reliable in about 2000 rounds.

[RSA-OTC]

I've had my M&P45 3 months now and have close to 2000 rounds thru it and untold dry fires without snap caps.

I had my first failure last night during an IDPA match where a round failed to fire. It was the first round of the match and after clearing that round I had no other problems over the next 76 rounds fired. I was firing my own 200 grain LSWC reloads. Upon inspection of the round the primer hit was WaYYYYYY off center. All the other brass recovered had the primers center punched perfectly. I have yet to figure out why that primer strike was so out of character.

My competition results since I got this gun has gone up appreciably.

I have to say I love this platform & would recommend it to anyone.

[GermanSynergy]

tell them it's time. all the bugs have been worked out...

Yes... It's time, mkay.....

[John_Wayne777]

I have quite a few firearms buffs at my workplace, and we get into discussions about "A vs B". Regarding the M&P series, I've talked to a couple guys who say that they'll definitely buy one "when all the bugs are worked out".

Not having any personal experience with the M&P, is this gun still a work in progress or have most of the issues been ironed out?

Here's the thing about handguns in the modern market: There is never a time when all the bugs have been worked out of every product. I'm personally a fan of the M&P and I own several, but they are not on par with 3rd generation 9mm Glocks in terms of reliability and absence of issues. This does not mean that they are bad guns or a bad risk for your average purchaser, just that the odds of purchasing one that has issues is higher than we might like. When you buy one that works, it tends to work splendidly. When you buy one that has issues generally they are evident fairly early on and S&W is usually good about fixing the problem even if it may take 2 trips to get it done in the extreme cases.

I think it's most accurate to say that while they are not completely bug free, it's highly unlikely that they're going to become completely bug free anytime in the near future. They aren't perfect, but they aren't bad...so if somebody wants one there's no time like the present. If you can, see if you can obtain an LE model from a dealer like G&R since they go through a little more stringent QC.

[m39nut]

Yes, the earlier versions did have some bugs but from my experience Smith has always been very, very good about fixing issues. I have an early M&P( late 2006 ) and they sent me a new mag release without question and fixed the gun when I had extraction issues. I think if you get a new one with the Mass trigger block I think the last major issue of dead triggers has been fixed. Also, I do recommend Apex sears since they make it feel like a whole different gun.

For me I would use either the M&P or the Glock depending which feels better for you.

[TehLlama]

Glock is still making improvements to their pistols, so nothing is ever settled.

That being said, now that it's possible to order M&P's that have been worked over with Apex parts, and the increasing availability if aftermarket sights and magazine extensions, the timing is no longer relevant - if it's the most logical pistol in the price range, do it.

If I didn't find myself rocking an involuntary semi every time I handle a 1911, I'd own nothing but similarly equipped M&Ps.

[Magsz]

JW basically summed up this thread.

I was going to post something to the same effect as what he said but there is no need.

Long story short, they're good guns, they're not perfect but if you understand that fact, the odds are you will walk away from your purchase a supremely happy camper.