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Sidearms & Scatterguns M&P Compact Story and Questions

P

Patrick Musthaler

Private
Minuteman
Apr 18, 2011
8
0
46
South East, MI
#1
Fellow Hide Members,

What better way to get my first posting out of the way, then with a quick story and some questions.

Went out shopping for my first compact HG about 8 weeks ago; since I'm a knuckle dragger with big paws, few compact HGs actually felt good to me. Of the four that felt good; each was rented and fired back-to-back, with the M&P feeling and handling the best. Naturally, I picked up the M&P Compact in 9mm, making this my first Smith and Wesson product as well.

During the second range session or after about 150 total rounds, every third round was a FTE. Following a good cleaning it seemed to be okay, until I hit a little over 100 rounds; again FTE on every third to fourth round. Since the HG was less than 2 weeks old at this point, I contact S&W customer service; who asked I send it in for repairs. Since the problem occurred with 3 different S&W brand magazines, and two different 115gr FMJ loads (Winchester and Remington); I agreed to send it in for repairs. Within 24 hours I received a postage paid return label and shipping instructions.

Following several weeks of hearing nothing, received an email with tracking information, finally getting my M&P back from S&W over the weekend. Paperwork included with the HG stated they; "replaced extractor, modified barrel, test fired, and now meets spec." Tried contacting S&W customer service this afternoon and discuss the concerns below; only to learn they are on shut down until the 12th.

My Issues and Concerns:

I can't see any "modifications" to the barrel; wear marks are in the same places as before and there zero signs of work being performed.

The slide and bolt face are covered in brass residue; slide actually has brass marks that look to have been liquid at one point, then drizzled on the slide. There are also metal shavings (steel) stuck to the slide along with more slide rattle than before.

Far as the extractor is concerned and this my personal favorite. Extractor looks the same, minus what looks like a filed edge of the extractor.

Also noticed loaded magazines now require a heavy slap to full engage the frame.

Other than resale value, I can't see anything else that changed. Anyone have a history with these types of issues and/or service with or from S&W?

Unfortunately, I haven't had time to function test the HG and/or confirm the invisible repairs (to me) didn't affect the accuracy. Just as well, since I am currently fuming mad and wanting to insert this HG up S&W @ss; only wish it was a fullsize or a 500 Revolver.

Thanks
 
#2
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Definitely doesn't parallel my experience. My slide rusted and they replaced it and had the gun back to me inside of 7 days. S&W's customer service is second to none as far as I've experienced.
 
#4
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I understand the HG needs to work in the end, and that it and I didn't get off to a good start; but IMHO a carry piece needs to be 100% - or what is the point. I also agree that I shouldn't make any decisions until after the work is proven - good or bad. I hope to hit the range this week and start putting some lead down range. I'll be sure to update this posting with the results, pro and/or con.

Just sharing my experience with S&W, and what I view as very poor craftsmanship. Very disappointing the thing has spent more time in the OEM's repair shop than my hands, only to now look and feel worn inside and out; truly doesn't seem like money well spent.

Thanks again for the response and advice.
 
#6
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I have had really good luck with their CS. One of my compacts had rust, I sent it in and they exchanged the whole slide assembly. I also asked them to check the striker and mag catch (there were revisions along the way) and from what I can tell they "updated" those parts.

Their repair order or whatever they call it they send back with the gun is very vague..

Regarding return shipping notification, there was none in my experience either. If I recall it was about a week from when I shipped to when I received.

Post some pics if you can..
 
#7
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Took the advice and started cleaning up my M&P; when I found what I believe to be a new problem?

Anyone seen anything like this before?

Thanks

DSC00005.jpg


Sorry, I was refering to what looks like a chunk of steel missing from the slide rail frame - I suppose, not sure what to call it.

DSC00009.jpg
 
#8
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

That's the locking block. Definitely not normal and needs a trip back.

Fortunately it's free. I would also not conclude that this is typical with S&W; it's not. I carry a S&W almost every day in the summer.
 
#9
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jay5oh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had really good luck with their CS. One of my compacts had rust, I sent it in and they exchanged the whole slide assembly. I also asked them to check the striker and mag catch (there were revisions along the way) and from what I can tell they "updated" those parts.

Their repair order or whatever they call it they send back with the gun is very vague..

Regarding return shipping notification, there was none in my experience either. If I recall it was about a week from when I shipped to when I received.

Post some pics if you can.. </div></div>

Sorry man, already cleaned the brass mess off the slide and the extractor mod is too small for my current camera skills - lol. I'll keep trying though. Got cleaning happy instead of camera happy, had a date with the range planned for Wends....

Honestly: I also didn't have a photbucket account and/or know how to post pictures here until about 5 minutes ago - also just received a crash course on how to get close up pictures that aren't all blurry and worthless. Someday before I die, I might know how to use all the crap laying around here.
 
#10
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

That's far from my experience with S&W's customer service. My wife's M&P .40c was locking open with one left in the mag; we sent it back and had it back within a couple weeks and it's run flawlessly since then.

Regarding your latest post, I would say that's definitely not normal and needs to be repaired. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until Friday to talk to them. When you do, voice all of your concerns that you've voiced here and see what they do. It looks like you may have received an odd gun out - it does happen with every company out there. I've heard many more stories of people who love their M&Ps and have no problems with them whatsoever than I have stories like yours. Hopefully S&W will correct your problem expeditiously and in full.
 
#11
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I'll look at my 9C & 9FS tonight but I *think* that ugly divot infront of the spring is "normal".

I have read about it somewhere...either the swforum or mp-pistols forum.
 
#12
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I'd still go out and run a couple hundred rounds through it to determine if it functions or continues to be a jam-o-matic.

Then at least when you call CS you can report the ding on the locking block as well as the continued extraction issues the pistol has.
 
#13
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Locking block...aha correct terminology...it was escaping me, thanks.

I just searched "S&W M&P 9 locking block" and the consensus is "normal in the manufacturing process of that part". Both of mine have it as well.

http://mp-pistol.com/boards/index.php?/topic/29909-9-pro-front-sight-and-locking-block-issues/

http://mp-pistol.com/boards/index.p...l__+locking++block__fromsearch__1#entry298112

http://mp-pistol.com/boards/index.p...l__+locking++block__fromsearch__1#entry256074

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesso...lease-help.html
 
#15
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arbiter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard it's considered normal as well... </div></div>

Still shouldnt be acceptable however in imo
 
#16
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpmuscle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arbiter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard it's considered normal as well... </div></div>

Still shouldnt be acceptable however in imo </div></div>
Point is the gun should run, its normal and does not affect how well these guns perform. My issue is that with a first post the OP comes on here responds to an issue he has been having gets the gun sent in, gets it back then complaines without testing to see if the gun works now or not. Don't bitch about something unless there is something to bitch about. How does the gun shoot? Are you still having FTE issues or not? Smith and Wesson has always been great CS everytime I have delt with them and when you make as many guns as they do there is going to be some that have to come back for some minor work because lets face it not all the issues will self explain on the fire line in the shop.
 
#17
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Displacer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I understand the HG needs to work in the end, and that it and I didn't get off to a good start; but IMHO a carry piece needs to be 100% - or what is the point. I also agree that I shouldn't make any decisions until after the work is proven - good or bad. I hope to hit the range this week and start putting some lead down range. I'll be sure to update this posting with the results, pro and/or con.

Just sharing my experience with S&W, and what I view as very poor craftsmanship. Very disappointing the thing has spent more time in the OEM's repair shop than my hands, only to now look and feel worn inside and out; truly doesn't seem like money well spent.

Thanks again for the response and advice.
</div></div>
Not trying to be an ass but again get out and shoot it or shut up. If a problem is still there then complain but you don't even know and are still bitching. And I have had the same divot on my block for the last 6,000 rounds and never had an issue one.
 
#18
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

My M&P 40's locking block isn't like that. Other then car wash soap causing the gun to rust in spots and me not cleaning it in two and a half years and then not oiling it for I honestly don't know how long with the predictable results fortunately happening on the range, it hasn't had a single problem. Everyone else I know with M&P's reported no problems at all.
 
#20
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DonniePD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This thread is reassuring of why I will not switch to M&P over my Glocks. Granted all of mine were sent to Glockworx for grip jobs and added beaver tails. </div></div>
I used to shoot glocks and switched due to all the crap going wrong with my glocks. Second,third and the worse fourth gen.
 
#22
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I just must be real lucky. I have two Gen 4 Glocks that I shoot weekly and a Gen 3 I shoot every now and then. Plus, a Serpa holster and have never had any problems with any of them. I probably should by a lotto ticket
 
#23
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DaddyRat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So did the gun ever get shot after being sent in for repairs or was this just a useless biotch session???? </div></div>
I am sorry to say I think it was the latter of the two. I think there should be a rule about bitching any product until a certain post count. I just get tired of first time, one time bitching posts.
 
#24
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

So it's been nearly two weeks now...does the handgun still exhibit failure to feed or eject symptoms after returning from S&W? Besides cosmetic complaints, does the gun go BANG every time, or not?
 
#25
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

9mm M&Ps are notorious for FTE. Extractor is a POS. And a PITA to replace. There are aftermarket extractors which solve the problem that S&W seems unable to do.
 
#26
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rgkeller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 9mm M&Ps are notorious for FTE. Extractor is a POS. And a PITA to replace. There are aftermarket extractors which solve the problem that S&W seems unable to do. </div></div>
What experiance are you coming from? Even if you have to fix one they are no PITA to change. I work on these all the time and have yet to have a POS extractor much less a PITA to replace.
I was just wondering what experiance you have to make such a call? I have not seen a huge (notorious) issue with the extractors.
 
#27
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

I've ran several thousand rounds through my m&p 9c with zero problems. I've never had a FTF or FTE. I hope you get it all worked out, because it really is a great gun.
 
#28
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Thanks for all the positive feed back... cough, cough... I have been very busy with work and have not had a chance to get online. I will apologize for that.

I get the point that more than one of you made about one time posts and walk - I really was hoping to have an update on the M&P by now, but I don't; following the responses received in the first couple days, I made the call not to shot it and simply return it. I don't feel broken steel is normal wear, regardless of how many people say it's normal; "because yours is that way and shoots just fine"...

I'll let you all know the outcome of this ordeal - but it might take a couple weeks.
 
#29
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Displacer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the positive feed back... cough, cough... I have been very busy with work and have not had a chance to get online. I will apologize for that.

I get the point that more than one of you made about one time posts and walk - I really was hoping to have an update on the M&P by now, but I don't; following the responses received in the first couple days, I made the call not to shot it and simply return it. I don't feel broken steel is normal wear, regardless of how many people say it's normal; "because yours is that way and shoots just fine"...

I'll let you all know the outcome of this ordeal - but it might take a couple weeks.
</div></div>
Well from a person who works on these all the time compared to a guy who just looked at his first I didn't say it was normal wear because it is not wear it happens while being manafactured. I am glad you and I have never had to deal with each other because you will never be happy with that gun due to the fact that you have no idea what a good working gun should look much less operate one. Please don't use this as a carry gun because I doubt you should carry anything. JMHO
 
#30
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Quick Update:

After not hearing anything for several weeks, called S&W this afternoon. Long story short, I'm walking away with a full refund. I guess in a way, S&W made me happy - as this is over and I will not lose my @ss selling it as a used firearm.

It had already been replaced with a H&K USP Compact in 9mm. Following thousands of rounds and a perfect service record from a full-size USP in 45 ACP, I didn't hesitate buying another HK product. Pleased to say there is currently 500 rounds down the pipe of the new USP Compact and I have had zero problems.

Thanks for all the opinions and suggestions concerning my former M&P 9C.
 
#32
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

Congratulations on the new H&K! Five hundred rounds with no malfunctions of any kind is quite impressive, a true benchmark of any quality firearm... I am glad that the folks at S&W have finally brought closure to you and your family after such an egregious ordeal, which has lasted all of 29 days. Give me a break, you sound like a whiny tool.
 
#33
Re: M&P Compact Story and Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Emorse4487</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations on the new H&K! Five hundred rounds with no malfunctions of any kind is quite impressive, a true benchmark of any quality firearm... I am glad that the folks at S&W have finally brought closure to you and your family after such an egregious ordeal, which has lasted all of 29 days. Give me a break, you sound like a whiny tool. </div></div>
I knew they would give him back his money because when you get a whiney bitch who doesn't know anything about guns and expect him to have any reasoning skills you will always fall short.
Proof is in the first post. I have flagged this guys name just to make sure I don't even try to buy or sell to him.
 
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