Smith & Wesson M&P info help

[calshooter1]

I'm looking at some used M&P handguns and want to know if there are different generations of the M&P? If there are can someone brake down the differences between them.

[Shenaniguns]

Only 1 generation, but the newest models will have the most up to date upgraded, newest generation parts.

[calshooter1]

any change logs?

[Shenaniguns]

I don't know of one, just get a model from September 2010 or newer if possible.
It will have the newest striker, sear block, sights and possibly a better overall trigger and have most of the kinks worked out. My newest compact made 07/09 needs the newer striker and upgraded sear block modified by Apex Tactical, I already have the DCAEK and RAM from them

[GlennG31]

I agree with Shenaniguns. If you're gonna get an M&P, you might as well get a brand new one as that one will most likely have all the latest parts installed. I purchased a new M&P40 at the end of September, and I picked it up in October. Mine definitely has the newer, beefier, silver-colored striker. Also, from what I've read on the M&P forums, the magazine follower design has gone through a few rounds of changes over the years. The newer M&P40 mags have "40" stamped on the follower now. I'm not sure if this is also the case for the M&P9 mags. Poke around in the M&P forums like I did, and you'll get a lot of good information.

[scootle]

Darn, I think my new M&P9 dates back to August of 2009 production code (9243). Oh well.

[imtheomegaman]

Here is a thread from another board that breaks down the serial numbers nicely:

http://mp-pistol.com/boards/lofiversion/index.php?t360-0.html

[GlennG31]

Darn, I think my new M&P9 dates back to August of 2009 production code (9243). Oh well.

Don't get me wrong. The M&P series is a great pistol no matter what year you got it. But it's similar to how automakers are constantly making tweaks to a particular model of a car. Of course a 2010 car model is going to have all the latest and greatest stuff. But that's not to say that the 2005 model is a piece of crap, either. The 2005 model is still going to be pretty good, but maybe not great compared to today's standards. What I'm saying is that I wouldn't worry too much about your 2009 M&P. Shoot it and enjoy!

[scootle]

Don't get me wrong. The M&P series is a great pistol no matter what year you got it. But it's similar to how automakers are constantly making tweaks to a particular model of a car. Of course a 2010 car model is going to have all the latest and greatest stuff. But that's not to say that the 2005 model is a piece of crap, either. The 2005 model is still going to be pretty good, but maybe not great compared to today's standards. What I'm saying is that I wouldn't worry too much about your 2009 M&P. Shoot it and enjoy!

Yeah, it's no big deal if I end up gutting it and replacing it all with Apex innards anyhow, amirite?

[Longbow]

Tweaking based on real-world experience can be good.

Sometimes changes are made to ease manufacturing, create shortcuts, or cheapen production.

Not all change is good.

Just sayin'.

Cheers,
Longbow

[Shenaniguns]

Don't get me wrong. The M&P series is a great pistol no matter what year you got it. But it's similar to how automakers are constantly making tweaks to a particular model of a car. Of course a 2010 car model is going to have all the latest and greatest stuff. But that's not to say that the 2005 model is a piece of crap, either. The 2005 model is still going to be pretty good, but maybe not great compared to today's standards. What I'm saying is that I wouldn't worry too much about your 2009 M&P. Shoot it and enjoy!

In theory that may be true, but my FS9 had the older striker assembly and had 2 failures to fire with a 50 round box of RWS ammo on the first strike. After putting in the newest striker with a heavier striker spring and a few other tweaks, I have had no failures since with RWS or any ammo. The post 8/10 models also have the newest sear block also gives you a lower chance of a dead trigger aka sear bounce. Since I'm well aware of these problems, I still bought my compact since it was on sale and will address both issues before I'm carrying it for my CCW.

[Shenaniguns]

Tweaking based on real-world experience can be good.

Sometimes changes are made to ease manufacturing, create shortcuts, or cheapen production.

Not all change is good.

Just sayin'.

Cheers,
Longbow

Like I said in the post above, in theory this is true but with the M&P it is not so right now.

[GlennG31]

Yeah, it's no big deal if I end up gutting it and replacing it all with Apex innards anyhow, amirite?

This is true. Apex will make it all better for you.

[GlennG31]

In theory that may be true, but my FS9 had the older striker assembly and had 2 failures to fire with a 50 round box of RWS ammo on the first strike. After putting in the newest striker with a heavier striker spring and a few other tweaks, I have had no failures since with RWS or any ammo. The post 8/10 models also have the newest sear block also gives you a lower chance of a dead trigger aka sear bounce. Since I'm well aware of these problems, I still bought my compact since it was on sale and will address both issues before I'm carrying it for my CCW.

I see your point. I know that every new handgun model that comes out will have its share of teething problems. I'm just glad to know that S&W is making all these changes to end up with a better quality product.

[viet4lifeOC]

Oh dear. I just bought a brand new M&P 9mm from thegunsource.com and Apex hard sear, USB, and RAM. So with the new and most up-to-date parts...was it a waste buying the Apex parts?

Thanks