S&W M&P9: Sloppy Slide to Frame Fit?

[Ben86]

I really like my S&W M&P9 a lot. However, after owning it for about 6 months I have recently noticed the slide (when fully forward) has more side to side wiggle than any of my other guns. I think its been like this since day one, but I'm not 100% sure. If I had to estimate it would be about 1mm worth of movement to either the left or right. It does not move when locked back. I have a S&W M&P45 and 9mm compact, and they have a tiny bit of wiggle but not as much. I was wondering if any other M&P9 owners could chime in and tell me if this is normal, and if so perhaps why they do it that way.

It doesn't seem to effect accuracy or reliability as I shoot this gun very well and have never had a malfunction.

 

[voyager4520]

One of my Glocks does the same thing, if I shake it side to side I can actually here it move around on the frame.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Polymer guns are notorious for less-tight slide to frame fit than steel guns.

Mine (an M&P Pro) isn't particularly loose.

Unless you find accuracy particularly bad, I woulnd't be concerned, as barrel to slide fit is far more important than slide/frame fit. If you get reasonable groups from a rest, when evaluating accuracy, don't worry about it.

You can also visit the S&W Forum (a different site) and see if they have any comments on the gun, and methods for tightening it up -- if that is something you want to do. That forum is one of the BEST I've encountered for thoughtful, expert answers to questions about S&W problems.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I doubt if you have any problem. No polymer-framed gun I have seen has a tight slide-frame fit. Even some metal-framed pistols with full length rails can be a little sloppy.

 

[TonyT]

The S&W M&P's and Glock are not designed the same way as 1911's. The wobble you notice is irrelevant.

 

[Ben86]

I'm glad to hear that it's common. I suppose it wouldn't effect accuracy since the sights are aligned with the slide not the frame.

I'll check that S&W forum out, there are quite a few other questions I have about this gun that I'd rather not bother CS with.

I like this gun so much I have adopted it as both my HD and CC gun. Conceal carrying a full size gun isn't so bad when it's your favorite.