M&P 22 Pistol Takedown Lever Question

[colhazard]

[Creampuff]

Opposite here. It is such a tight fit, and I have use a flat head screwdriver to get a little leverage to initiate pulling the lever out. Once it breaks free after the first 1/2 inch, then it does reach that 2nd stop.

But mine doesn't pull out freely.

[colhazard]

Creampuff, do you see something holding it from the frame, like a pin or spring? Or do you feel something is holding it from the bottom of the barrel assembly inside (which may be difficult to see with all that grease). Thanks.

[Creampuff]

I just took it apart a second ago. Looks like there is a u shaped channel in the frame, and the outer lip of the u-shaped channel is just slightly smaller than the diameter of the take down lever. If you try to pull it straight out, then the take down lever gets caught by the lip of the channel.

My guess...is that too many people complained about the tightness of trying to lift the take down lever, that maybe S&W response was to widen the channel just a touch?? That's purely internet speculation on my part, not to be taken for any true value.

Regardless, if your pistol functions properly, then I can't see any problems because the take down lever doesn't look like it has any role in keeping the barrel fixed into the frame. So that you have much more play than the S&W 22that are too tight like mine, means just make sure you don't lose the lever when you are cleaning. You are fortunate, at least you don't need a screw driver to remove the lever

[colhazard]

I don't see that channel on the U shape of the frame, everything is level so there's nothing stopping it from getting pulled all the way off the frame. Thanks for the info, creampuff, that helps a lot. I thought I lost a spring or broke something tiny and lost it in the thick grease. But then again if there was something there, it would stick to the thick grease

I really couldn't get any info on the net about this "new" version that doesnt match the manual's description of the takedown and all those Youtube Videos about it. I also tried calling Smith and Wesson but its a long wait on the phone so I hanged up twice.

Thanks again.

[Creampuff]

I don't see that channel on the U shape of the frame, everything is level so there's nothing stopping it from getting pulled all the way off the frame. .

Oh.sorry, the channel I am referring to is the channel in the frame that holds the take down lever. The channel is just slightly more narrow than the diameter of the tail end of the take down lever. As a result, it doesn't pull straight out.

[Lamski]

Mine is slightly tough to wiggle out but when I take it out in the right angle it sometimes comes all the way out. I would say it's normal as long as it all locks in with the lever up and in place. Shouldn't be a problem to remove it all the way to clean... Just pop it back in when you reassemble it.

[11HE9]

Mine is similar to yours (OP). I tend to go a little "above and beyond" normal operator maintenance anyway, so it wasn't a big deal when the take down lever came out. Everything locks up tight on reassembly

[Bubba_Leon]

Mine was relatively tight at first, but with use and several cleanings it's relaxed a bit. Definitely not free and easy,but no extra force or tools necessary.

[colhazard]

Thanks for the responses. I was able to shoot it yesterday. 200 rounds and no issues. The sight is just off from factory and web search turns up most people have the same experience hitting to the left with a brand new pistol.

I sighted it this morning by clamping the pistol securely on my jawhorse, removing the slide and then peeking through the fixed barrel to a paper bullseye. Putting back the slide without the guide rod and spring, I was able to confirm that the factory sighting is off to the left. So I just loosened the rear sight screw and adjusted to center. It should come close, just have to test it at the range again.