S&W M&P Compact Problem.

[Just One Shot]

I recently purchased a S&W M&P Compact in .40 S&W. The gun shoots well, is easy to conceal and has a great trigger. The problem I have is with the mag release.

I carry it in a fairly stiff leather IWB holster @ the 5:00 position and I have noticed on more than one occasion that after sitting (especially in my car) when I remove the gun from the holster, or remove the holster with the gun still in it, the mag has been released and has dropped 1/8-1/4" from the mag well. I carry my XD .40 SC in the same holster and this has never happened with it.

This could be disasterous in a SD situation by hindering a follow up shot after sending the first round down range. This does not promote confidence in this platform for me. I contacted S&W to see if they have a solution but I wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this with their M&P.

[ericire12]

It sounds more like a holster issue.

[MikeBjerum]

I go with eric on this one.

I have both an xd and and M&P (both in 4"), and I think your issue is caused by the reason I prefer the M&P.  The xd's ambi mag release is recessed in the girp, and the M&P's mag release is larger, is flush with the grip and proud of the trigger guard.

This is a good reason to go to the gun shop, try out some new holsters, and add one more used holster to your box of "tried it but ..." 

I honestly believe that the bulk of holsters sold in this nation are actually in gunroom boxes because they didn't work in the trial and error process of getting set-up.

[scott.ballard]

Perhaps all you need is to relieve a bit of the leather where the mag release presses up against the holster.

I've had good luck using a sharp wood chisel and a bit of patience.

I have not experienced anything like what you describe with with either my M&P or XD pistols.

Stay safe,

[Walkeraviator]

I carry this exact pistol at 4 oclock in an MTAC holster and have had no issues at all.

BUt i do see where this could be a safety issue.  If yours is a standard M&P compact you wont have to worry about a follow up shot because the first round would never have gone down range thanks to the magazine safety.

[Sponsor]

[Just One Shot]

I carry this exact pistol at 4 oclock in an MTAC holster and have had no issues at all.

BUt i do see where this could be a safety issue.  If yours is a standard M&P compact you wont have to worry about a follow up shot because the first round would never have gone down range thanks to the magazine safety.

Mine fires without the mag. It has a warning on the slide in bright white letters informing me of this.

[Just One Shot]

I recieved an e-mail today from Steve Roach over at S&W. He mentioned that it could be the holster also.

I informed him that I went home and pulled it from the safe and that the mag would drop when you barely touch the mag release button and ask if they offered a stiffer mag spring.

This was his reply:

Hello John,
We do not offer a stiffer spring. If you send me your mailing address I can send you a new mag catch button.
Thanks,
SR

I e-mailed him my address and he replied:

Hello John,
I put one in the mail for you today.
Thanks,
SR

I'm extremely happy with the quick response and the overall cust. serv. They have some good guys over there at S&W.


 

[crusader rabbit]

Good to hear you got some quick action from S&W.  It has not always been so.  Could be you just got a weak mag release spring. Could be the new mag catch button will do the job.  Alll I know for sure is this:  Call it a "clip" and Haz will come over to your place and install that gun where you won't ever have that problem

[Just One Shot]

Good to hear you got some quick action from S&W.  It has not always been so.  Could be you just got a weak mag release spring. Could be the new mag catch button will do the job.  Alll I know for sure is this:  Call it a "clip" and Haz will come over to your place and install that gun where you won't ever have that problem

  Clip? My hairs too short to use a clip! 

[Just One Shot]

I recieved the new mag release button yesterday (3/15) and the one S&W sent is identical to the one I already have.

Since I now have a spare to return it to it's original condition (should I ever decide to sell it) I decided to modify the original mag release button.

I took it to work and cut it down on a belt sander. I removed about 3/16" by sanding it at an angle from the front to the back.

I exposed the small metal retainer under the head that goes from side to side that acts as a catch for the mag.

It doesn't affect the ability to hold the mag as the modified part is on the opposite end of the button away from the catch.

For cosmetic purposes I plan on using some black paint to touch up the tip of the shiney metal that I uncovered.

I reinstalled the now modified original button and it works fine. It clears the holster and it's still large enough to activate normally but it's now small enough that accidently releasing the mag with my holster or my thumb should no longer be a problem.

It no longer has the rough finish to match the grip but I will be a whole lot more comfortable CC this gun now that I don't have to worry about the mag dropping when I pull it from the holster.