sleepyone
Member
Ok, let me preface this post by stating I am ex-military, a hunter, a shooter and very well versed with semi-automatic handguns and have owned Rugers, XDs, several 1911s etc... I decided to get into the M&P platform and recently bought the .40 Pro Series in 4.25" and the full-size .45. I have put about 300 rounds through the .40 Pro and love it. I just received the .45 and have not had a chance to shoot it yet. Both these pistols are new.
The problem I have run into is the ambi slide release on both pistols is almost impossible for me to work with a single thumb. I have had carpal tunnel and cubitul tunnel syndrome on both hands/arms. I realize I have lost some grip strength but I have no trouble working any of the features on any of my other weapons. I have bolt actions, lever actions, pumps, ARs, revolvers etc. I don't have to force or exert any effort when operating these weapons.
About the only way I can release the slide on my M&Ps is to use my index finger and thumb to pull down both sides together or use one thumb to press against the other to work one side. Fortunately, it is not a deal breaker for me because the M&Ps are designed to release the slide and go into battery when you slam in a loaded magazine. I'm assuming this is a design feature and not a malfunction. Both of mine do it and so does my friends new standard M&P .40 full-size. Can anyone confirm this for me?
Why are the slide releases so stinkin hard to work? My friend stated that while it is not easy, he is able to work his with one thumb only. My XDs were not hard at all to work. What gives? Can you do anything to "loosen" the slide releases up for smoother operation or is the preferred method of operation to slam a loaded magazine in to release the slide? Is there an after-market kit that uses an over-sized slide release?
I do realize that Smith and Wesson calls it a slide stop in the manual. I am also aware of the overhand method of pulling back on the slide and releasing to load the chamber, but I really like the way my 1911 slide releases work and wish all others worked the same. Maybe I am trying to make something work in a way it was not designed.
The problem I have run into is the ambi slide release on both pistols is almost impossible for me to work with a single thumb. I have had carpal tunnel and cubitul tunnel syndrome on both hands/arms. I realize I have lost some grip strength but I have no trouble working any of the features on any of my other weapons. I have bolt actions, lever actions, pumps, ARs, revolvers etc. I don't have to force or exert any effort when operating these weapons.
About the only way I can release the slide on my M&Ps is to use my index finger and thumb to pull down both sides together or use one thumb to press against the other to work one side. Fortunately, it is not a deal breaker for me because the M&Ps are designed to release the slide and go into battery when you slam in a loaded magazine. I'm assuming this is a design feature and not a malfunction. Both of mine do it and so does my friends new standard M&P .40 full-size. Can anyone confirm this for me?
Why are the slide releases so stinkin hard to work? My friend stated that while it is not easy, he is able to work his with one thumb only. My XDs were not hard at all to work. What gives? Can you do anything to "loosen" the slide releases up for smoother operation or is the preferred method of operation to slam a loaded magazine in to release the slide? Is there an after-market kit that uses an over-sized slide release?
I do realize that Smith and Wesson calls it a slide stop in the manual. I am also aware of the overhand method of pulling back on the slide and releasing to load the chamber, but I really like the way my 1911 slide releases work and wish all others worked the same. Maybe I am trying to make something work in a way it was not designed.
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