M&P 40 slide release button

bacardi

bacardi

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Hi guys,

I just bought M&P 40, and I found that the slide release button is so hard to press down to release the slide when the magazine is in. I have to use two fingers to release the button using the slide release button.
On the other hand if there is no magazine in the firearm, I can just use one finger to release the slide using the button. Is this normal???

The other thing is the little tool rest inside the grip to change the grip size. I follow the instruction to turn 1/4 way but it is so darn hard to pull out. I have to use a cloth to pull it out so it won't hurt my finger.

Are these 2 things are very common on new M&P 40? Are they hard just because they are new?

Please help.
 
Hi -- I don't know what's going wrong with your slide release, but it sounds like the upward pressure of the magazine is holding it very hard. Possibly a burr or roughness on the frame or magazine is keeping it from operating smoothly? It shouldn't be as hard as all that to operate...perhaps you should get a second opinion at your range or gun dealer who can actually look at it.

The grip pin is usually pretty hard to remove at first...it will loosen up after a while. That being said, it's better that it's tight. Once you get the right grip adapter installed, it's best to leave it alone.
 
I had the same problems with mine. Don't worry, after you shoot it, the slide release will be much easier to manipulate. I also had the same issue with the tool, it was so stubborn that the first time I had to use a set of pliers to remove. Don't do what I did, as it left a bite mark on it. If you remove the tool a couple of times with the cloth method, it will be easier to remove later on.

I do want to mention that with my M&P 40, I've noticed a couple of times when I was at the range, if I'm loading a mag into the well with the slide back and if the mag is loaded with a little more force, the slide will automatically release...is this happening with yours?
 
The "auto" slide drop is well recorded in several pistols (the M9 does it too) it actually occurs because the 'slap' comes at about a 45 degree angle. If you consciously make an effort to seat the mag directly upwards, you'll find it doesn't happen. Some folks actually practise that forward slap.
 
wonton said:
I do want to mention that with my M&P 40, I've noticed a couple of times when I was at the range, if I'm loading a mag into the well with the slide back and if the mag is loaded with a little more force, the slide will automatically release...is this happening with yours?
Click to expand...

Happens with my m&p9 as well. I kinda like that it does though
 
enefgee said:
The "auto" slide drop is well recorded in several pistols (the M9 does it too) it actually occurs because the 'slap' comes at about a 45 degree angle. If you consciously make an effort to seat the mag directly upwards, you'll find it doesn't happen. Some folks actually practise that forward slap.
Click to expand...

Sorry but I have no idea what are you talking about. I think you are talking about completely different think.

I am only asking why is it the slide release button is so hard to press. The slide release button is the button above the mag release button.
I have to use 2 fingers to press it to release the slide when the magazine is in the firearm.
 
bacardi said:
Sorry but I have no idea what are you talking about. I think you are talking about completely different think.

I am only asking why is it the slide release button is so hard to press. The slide release button is the button above the mag release button.
I have to use 2 fingers to press it to release the slide when the magazine is in the firearm.
Click to expand...

My M&P slide release is very stiff as well. Rather than just jam the release down hard, there are 2 things you can do:

1) With a full mag inserted, pull the slide to the rear a slight bit and release. The slide will return to battery (fully forward) and load the first round from the mag.

2) With an empty mag inserted, pull the slide to the rear a slight bit, push the slide release down with your thumb and allow the slide to return to battery.

Some manufacturers recommend using these procedures all the time, as there is less stress on the slide lock parts.
 
fuchsix said:
My M&P slide release is very stiff as well. Rather than just jam the release down hard, there are 2 things you can do:

1) With a full mag inserted, pull the slide to the rear a slight bit and release. The slide will return to battery (fully forward) and load the first round from the mag.

2) With an empty mag inserted, pull the slide to the rear a slight bit, push the slide release down with your thumb and allow the slide to return to battery.

Some manufacturers recommend using these procedures all the time, as there is less stress on the slide lock parts.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the suggestion. :)

I am aware of those 2 things, but I'd like the idea of using the button. I like the sound when it snaps. :D

I am not aware that it actually bad for your gun to do that though.
 
In the M&P manual, S&W specifically states that the shooter pull the slide back when releasing the slide stop. Pages 16 and 22 are quite specific. It seems the "button" was designed as a slide stop, not a release.

When I did my pistol training, we were taught to always rack the slide back for 2 reasons. During a return to battery, the slide has compressed the spring a bit more, and will load with more force. This may prevent misfeeds, specially in a dirty or older gun with weak springs. The second reason was during clearing a malfunction. Google "tap rack bang" for the procedure. Having the same reaction for different actions makes a weapon easier to use.

In the end, it's your gun and how you use it is up to you. I doubt you'd wreck anything just hammering down the slide stop.

EDIT: Relevant thread found here: http://forum.pafoa.org/pistols-41/119369-s-w-m-p-slide-stop-very-tight.html
 
Last edited:
The slide stop is meant to hold the slide open. Pull the slide back in an overhand fashion to release.

I used to drop the slide the way you are describing before I was taught properly.
 
place your support hand over the slide, grip the slide and rack it wackwards. Dont use the slide stop. ever heard "tap rack bang"?

secondly, you can also slam your hand against the bottom of the mag. this will cause the slide to drop as well.
The M&P .40 was my duty gun. Trained, qualified and carried it on hip all day long. trust us.. dont use the slide release to release the slide.
 
hoochie said:
place your support hand over the slide, grip the slide and rack it wackwards. Dont use the slide stop. ever heard "tap rack bang"?

secondly, you can also slam your hand against the bottom of the mag. this will cause the slide to drop as well.
The M&P .40 was my duty gun. Trained, qualified and carried it on hip all day long. trust us.. dont use the slide release to release the slide.
Click to expand...

What's "tap rack bang"?
 
If you want to do it fast hit the slide stop. If you want to be tactical go over the top. Both my M&P's slide stop are easy to let off with or without a mag. I ease the slide down when the gun is empty.

Take Care

Bob
 
bacardi said:
Sorry but I have no idea what are you talking about. I think you are talking about completely different think.

I am only asking why is it the slide release button is so hard to press. The slide release button is the button above the mag release button.
I have to use 2 fingers to press it to release the slide when the magazine is in the firearm.
Click to expand...

I was replying to the post that immediately preceeded mine, as far as the slide stop being hard to release with a mag in the gun, it's not somethng I've experienced with either of my M&P9's but my M&P45 was initially a little stiff. It goes away after a few thousand rounds.
 
bacardi said:
Hi guys,

I just bought M&P 40, and I found that the slide release button is so hard to press down to release the slide when the magazine is in. I have to use two fingers to release the button using the slide release button.
On the other hand if there is no magazine in the firearm, I can just use one finger to release the slide using the button. Is this normal???

The other thing is the little tool rest inside the grip to change the grip size. I follow the instruction to turn 1/4 way but it is so darn hard to pull out. I have to use a cloth to pull it out so it won't hurt my finger.

Are these 2 things are very common on new M&P 40? Are they hard just because they are new?

Please help.
Click to expand...

Yes, That's because the follower is pushing up on the slide release. When the magazine is full, it will not be pushing up on the slide release, and pressing the slide release will be the same as when no magazine is in it.
 
bacardi said:
The guy is so fast on the video. I couldn't follow it.

I don't understand why he taps in the middle of it before he runs out of ammo then he racks (I assume it means pull the slide back). Why he taps and racks before he runs out of ammo? I don't understand this part. Help! :(
Click to expand...

This is an immediate action drill (known as an IA) - if you pull the trigger and it goes click instead of bang the procedure is as follows:

1) Tap the bottom of the magazine - this is because the most likely cause of a failure to feed is an improperly seated magazine - don't smash it, just firmly tap it to ensure it's seated

2) Rack the slide - this removes the round from the chamber, feeds a fresh one, and re-cocks the pistol, and

3) Bang - fire the gun.

This should be practised until it's second nature, just in case something bad happens at the worst possible moment.
 
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