[marinepilot81]

Anyone know any tricks to disassemble the weapon without a tool or reaching into the weapon to mess with that lever?

[nwilliams]

pens, car keys, sometimes my finger if I haven't cut my nails in a while:D

Anything a few inches long with a narrow or pointed tip should work.

[armed85]

I use my finger to push the lever down.

A 5.56mm/.223 Rem cartridge works too.

Those cartridges are quite handy. A front slight adjustment tool... A punch for a firing pin retaining pin...

Good for killing terrorists too :D

[tsix]

I seem to recall some discussion about pulling the trigger and holding while racking the slide back, then while still holding the trigger, release the slide take down lever and release the slide stop lever. However, I also recall that this leads to broken parts (don't remember what parts). This also circumvents the purpose of the sear disconnect lever, which is to prevent the need to pull the trigger when field stripping the pistol.

To me it is easier to just use an old casing or a pinky finger (I have skinny fingers) or other object. YMMV!

Let us know if you find one that works...

Oh yeah, Remember to be safe!

[The Lone Haranguer]

I can't quite get even my little finger down in there, so I use a thin pointed object (e.g., ballpoint pen, thin screwdriver, pick), to flip down the lever. I have concerns that the takedown tool (which also retains the grip backstraps) retention detent could eventually wear and loosen, although this would take several hundred takedowns, if it ever happens at all.

It is not necessary to perform this step at all. If you are certain there is no round in the chamber, all you have to do is let the slide return to its battery position and pull the trigger.

[Black Adder LXX]

I use a screwdriver. I don't want to use the tool, either...

[Mortech]

I fixed that issue by simply disabling the damn mag safety .

[FieroCDSP]

Seriously.... Use the lever. The parts might be cheap to replace (sear and maybe the striker), but right now they're on near constant back-order and you'll have to wait for them to come in. I'm sure Smith could identify exactly what had caused the sear to crack/chip that way, and make sure you actually pay for your mistake. Why should they pay to fix it when it clearly says in the manual to use the lever?

I'm not trying to come down on you hard, I've just seen this thread too many times. FWIW, anything with a narrow point works. I use a mechanical pencil most of the time, but anything that'll fit in there will work.

[rbernie]

I fixed that issue by simply disabling the damn mag safety .How did that impact the need to trip the takedown lever thingee to drop the searamabobber out of the way of the slideamajiggy?

[The Lone Haranguer]

I seem to recall some discussion about pulling the trigger and holding while racking the slide back, then while still holding the trigger, release the slide take down lever and release the slide stop lever.
This is not necessary. After you pull back and lock the slide and turn down the takedown lever, let the slide go forward to its "in battery" position and pull the trigger, then finish removing the slide. You have to do this with Kahrs, too. It does make a good case for having a home "clearing barrel." ;)

I fixed that issue by simply disabling the damn mag safety .
This is not the same issue as the takedown/field stripping procedure.

[elderboy02]

I just use my cleaning rod since it is already out.

[1911user]

I removed the little take-down lever (while doing a trigger job) and simply dry fire to release the striker and slide. It does not have to be complicated to field strip the pistol just because a few tired cops (with Glocks) had ND's while cleaning duty weapons. If warranty work is ever required, I'll reiinstall the mag disconnect and takedown lever before sending it back.

[TomN]

I use my pinkie finger to pull the level down, or if I'm in a hurry, I just make sure that the chamber is empty and pull the trigger a-la Glock.

[karry]

anyone know where i can find info on how to take my .40 completely apart please?

[Hanafuda]

"AGI" (American Gunsmithing Institute) has a great video on the M&P. Includes field strip, full, and I mean full, detail strip, and some informative commentary by the host. Actually they have videos like that for all kinds of guns. It's up to you whether its worth what they're charging.