Sending my baby for servicing....

[garand4life]

I called S&W to ask about sending my M&P 40 for servicing. THe slide release is incredibly difficult to operate because it sits so close to the frame. So much so I can not operate the release left handed using the ambi slide stop release. The Customer Service person sent me a label explaining that they would update the gun to the standards of the current release. Does anybody know exactly what to expect will be done. He was not able to detail the changes that will be made. If any of you have had this experience previously I would love to get some insight. Especially on turnaround time from S&W since this is my primary carry and home defense gun. Without it I will be relying on my AR for home service and carrying only my surefire and a pocket knife till it's return.

[tombogan03884]

 Only advice I can offer is that you need another pistol for times like this.
Maybe another long gun as well, just in case.

[Jackel]

well, lets be real here, the chances of you getting robbed are pretty slim. even more so for a few weeks while your gun is at the factory.

.02

[tombogan03884]

Depends on what part of Ohio. There's places in Mt. where you need to be concerned about safety 24/7.

[twyacht]

My full size 40 M+P, was purchased Feb/March 08, and as a left hander, it was much harder to release the slide stop left handed. However, with my left hand index finger, it would release from the left side of the pistol, no problem.

So,
I literally kept working it and working it. The actual "stopping catch" is on the left side, and with the wrap around slide stop release to the right side, I found a pushing in and down was helpful. You can see how high it catches in the slide from the left side of the pistol, how much does it take to release it?

Manually sliding the slide back, lifting the slide stop, and repeating seemed to really help.. Removing my slide, examining the slide stop, I have a small area of the black finish removed from the catch. You may just need to have a hair taken off to loosen the release from the right side.

When was yours purchased? How many rounds? I have an MPZ serial prefix. I expect they will  it up around the slide stop on the left side and maybe even replace the slide stop itself. I don't know about the turn around time for the M+P.

 Could an option be a local gunsmith? It sounds like a minor fit and finish kind of thing?

[Sponsor]

[GUNS-R-US]

Had to send my 9c back to the factory for repair of the striker. It took about 4 weeks for the turnaround. But I would recommend not using the slide release. Instead I would try using your off hand to release the slide by grasping the top rear portion of the slide pulling rearward and releasing it to return forward. This way you can maintain a better positive grip on the gun with you shooting hand. If the gun still shoots I wouldn't send it back until you have at least 1000 rounds through it. As these kinda parts tend to need some breaking in. I also agree with Tom, you need a second gun!

[david86440]

I think S&W had my ppk/s for about 3 months when I sent it to them for the recall.

I certainly wouldn't go unarmed even for a week. I think everyone should have redundancy in critical areas whatever they may be, esp when it comes to protection.

[twyacht]

I think S&W had my ppk/s for about 3 months when I sent it to them for the recall.

I certainly wouldn't go unarmed even for a week. I think everyone should have redundancy in critical areas whatever they may be, esp when it comes to protection.

I think the S&W Walthers, went to the Houlton, ME facility. They had my Walther for 7 weeks. Either way, I'm still on the bubble about sending it back.

IMHO, I think a local gunsmith should have a look at it, kinda a "second opinion" he might spot a solution that may take a couple of days without it, vs a couple of weeks.

Has it been fired a lot?

Can you post pics of the slide stop assembly? I would like to see if it has broken in like mine.

[garand4life]

There's no damage. I have looked it over every way possible. The issue is that it is very difficult to activate because it sits so close to the slide. With the release on the right side of the frame its impossible for me to activate under normal operation. My understanding from my reading is that this was a known issue on first release models and was replaced by a version that is more easily accessible. My serial number prefix is MPB

[twyacht]

Since the MPB does indicate an earlier production, it may be something that later models like mine MPZ don't have. I would still consider a local gunsmith to look at it.

I can't imagine with all the M+P's out there, that this isn't just a little Fluff & Buff issue. however, the slide stop being so close to the frame may be something to just take advantage of the return policy, and let them make it right.

Mine is not that close, perhaps a later variation in production. can some pics be posted of the slide stop release?

Field stripped would be ideal, just curious to any variations.