M&P mag release modification?

[dukefan70]

I've had a recurring problem ever since I got my M&P9c. When I drive, my bodyweight sitting against the seat pops the mag release (righty carrying IWB). So God forbid I ever have to draw my weapon, I'd be an action comedy gag when my mag fell out.

I stopped topping off the mag (so 9+1 instead of 10+1). That helped take tension off the mag release but still the same problem. So I don't carry it IWB if I have another option, usually Glock 19.

I've looked into other carry positions and they just aren't practical for me, and I don't want to get rid of the M&P. I've tried different holsters and customizing those. I've looked for a low-profile mag release but can only find extended ones, and can't find a stronger mag release spring either. So I know it's an easily replaceable part, but before I go customizing my mag release...

Any experiences with this? Opinions/suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[92G]

What holster you using?

have you tried one that covers the mag release?

 

[transamkid86]

Try useing a kydex holster

 

[dukefan70]

I got a kydex holster that did cover the mag release, but not by much. It still would pop from my weight pressing on the kydex pressing on the mag release. Also at this point I have to weigh the cost of buying and trying quality holsters vs. trying a mag release mod. I don't have this problem with the Glock just because of the mag release design. I like both weapons. Just figured input from other people couldn't hurt.

And by the way I'm fit and about 160 lb. so that's not the issue hahaha.

 

[Cloverleaf Firearms Group]

I actually cut away all of the material covering the magazine release on my kydex holsters (if there is any). The holster is usually to blame 99% of the time in my personal experience. I don't run my mag release on left side of gun anymore though, so it really doesn't matter.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[SJan]

Get a better holster, or like Cloverleaf says, trim away the holster over the mag release.

 

[dukefan70]

I actually cut away all of the material covering the magazine release on my kydex holsters (if there is any). The holster is usually to blame 99% of the time in my personal experience. I don't run my mag release on left side of gun anymore though, so it really doesn't matter.

Your mileage may vary.

Probably should have mentioned this, but I already tried that with my kydex holster. It's been that way for a while now. And it is a quality kydex holster I have one from the same company for the G19 and another OWB for the M&P45 and they've been great. Trex-arms.com. The one for the G19 doesn't even cover the mag release to begin with and it's never been a problem. Don't know if it's different after Gen 2 but its much harder to actuate accidentally.

 

[noxin]

I like clover's suggestion of putting the mag release on the other side to deal with this. It's going to take a TON of practice to adjust to it, but it is doable.

 

[Cloverleaf Firearms Group]

I like clover's suggestion of putting the mag release on the other side to deal with this. It's going to take a TON of practice to adjust to it, but it is doable.

Yes. It definitely takes some practice... but (spoiler alert) you've been doing it all along with your AR15

 

[SJan]

Yes. It definitely takes some practice... but (spoiler alert) you've been doing it all along with your AR15

Meh. A pistol is not a rifle. They are operated differently. The mag release on your pistol is behind the trigger, on your AR it is in front. You do not insert the mag into the grip of your AR.

Not trying to talk you out of it, but just because I use my trigger finger on the mag release on my AR, for me that's not reason enough to do that on a pistol as well.

If a person has otherwise unovercomable trouble reaching the release with their thumb, that to me, would be reason to swap to the other side and use trigger finger.

In the OPs situation, The holster is probably the problem, not the operator. If it turns out to be a gun problem, spring tension or whatever, fix it and carry on. I had a Comptac holster that needed to be trimmed around the release, no big deal.

 

[Cloverleaf Firearms Group]

It's not my idea by a long-shot, and I've been doing it successfully for a while. I don't advocate it for a majority if people. It's just an option.

 

[xtry51]

I had a discussion in a private class last week where the instructor suggested if you don't have the same dexterity in your non-dominant hand, it might make more sense to run the mag release flipped so mechanics are easier when using your other hand. He offered it as food for thought, not a "you should do this".

I run mine "regular". never had an issue with a holster dropping a mag on Glock or M&P. Crossbreed Supertucks and bladetechs.

 

[Pinion]

I shoot righty and prefer the left handed mag release. I started shooting with an HK USP though so I'm used to reaching with one of my pointer fingers instead of the thumb. Luckily a lot of the pistols I shoot can be converted L/R release.

 

[KMM696]

If you want to try making your own low profile mag catch, it's a $4.62 part from Brownells. There have been some running changes to that part as well. The metal insert that slots into the magazine has been changed since the M&P was first introduced, as the early ones (like mine, which is how I became aware of this) were wearing out too quickly and allowing mags to drop when you didn't intend it. My initial recommendation would be either call S&W and see if they'll send you a new mag catch, or order one from someone. Try it unmodified, and if that doesn't work try making a low profile out of it.

I've used my trigger finger on the mag catch since I started shooting semiautos, because I'm a lefty. It would work, but it would require a serious training investment. First, I'd try modifying your existing holster, or trying some new holsters as the next cost/time effective measure.

Good luck!

 

[dukefan70]

Sorry guys life happened...got away from the thread for a few days. About the whole switching the mag release to the other side thing...for me personally, I'd be very uncomfortable doing it. Is it overcomeable with training? Sure, but after years of having the mag release in the same spot on virtually every semi-auto shot or owned, I'm gonna be really up front and say I do not have the time or money to train that much to be confident that in a life or death adrenaline dump situation I'd be good to go with a mag change. It's the reason I won't carry a Walther with a trigger guard mag release. I try to keep my training methods as universal as possible so if I ever use or carry a different semi-auto the major motions are all the same. For example using the overhand method to release the slide not only for greater purchase when fine motor skills may diminish under stress but also because while most semi-autos have a slide release, some do not. The overhand method will get it done on any semi-auto every time. Again, I'm no expert but these are just my reasons for my systems I've developed over a measely 8 years of gun ownership compared with many of you.

Again, thanks for ALL the ideas. Anything that gets the wheels turning upstairs is a good thing!

 

[xtry51]

As stated before, if you train with an AR, you already are used to the mag release on the other side. So there really is no training gap for learning it.

As to the training gap in general, you should be training with both hands anyway on pistol, so it's no different than learning to use your offhand.

 

[Lignum Vitea]

If you want to try making your own low profile mag catch, it's a $4.62 part from Brownells. There have been some running changes to that part as well. The metal insert that slots into the magazine has been changed since the M&P was first introduced, as the early ones (like mine, which is how I became aware of this) were wearing out too quickly and allowing mags to drop when you didn't intend it. My initial recommendation would be either call S&W and see if they'll send you a new mag catch, or order one from someone. Try it unmodified, and if that doesn't work try making a low profile out of it.

I've used my trigger finger on the mag catch since I started shooting semiautos, because I'm a lefty. It would work, but it would require a serious training investment. First, I'd try modifying your existing holster, or trying some new holsters as the next cost/time effective measure.

Good luck!

Good advice, I have an early 40c that the mag would spring in the holster without me knowing. S&W sent me the new mag catch. With that installed I shaved down the release removing the stippling & then some. Problem solved.