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Smith & Wesson M&P

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This article is about the semi-automatic pistol line. For other uses, see Smith & Wesson M&P (disambiguation).

The Smith & Wesson M&P (Military and Police) is a polymer-framed, short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistol introduced in the summer of 2005 by the American company Smith & Wesson. It uses a Browning-type locking system. While targeted at law enforcement agencies,[2] the M&P is also widely available on the commercial market.

Smith & Wesson M&P
A Smith & Wesson M&P40 with a detached magazine
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2005–present
Used bySee Users
Production history
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Produced2005–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Cartridge
ActionShort recoil, locked breech
Feed systemDetachable box magazine
SightsIron sights

History

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The M&P is a hybrid evolution of the Smith & Wesson Sigma and Smith & Wesson SW99 design but does not share parts compatibility with the Sigma. The M&P design has an improved trigger and enhanced ergonomics that allow for end-user customization. An industry standard Picatinny rail and a higher grip has been afforded with an improved grip and beavertail. Many of the ergonomic study elements that had been incorporated into the Sigma and the Smith & Wesson SW99 were brought over to the M&P. The improved trigger weight and feel and the unique takedown method (not requiring a dry-fire pull of the trigger) were meant to set the M&P apart from the popular Glock pistols.

Design details

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The M&P is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol. This trigger system prevents the firearm from discharging unless the trigger is fully depressed, even if the pistol is dropped. An internal lock and/or magazine disconnect are available as options and an optional external thumb safety became available in 2009.[3]

The pistol frame is made out of Zytel polymer reinforced with a stainless steel chassis. The pistol comes with four removable and interchangeable grip inserts and features a 18° grip angle. The slide and barrel are made of stainless steel, that after hardening is treated with a proprietary nitriding process called Melonite. The Melonite process produces a matte gray non-glare surface with a 68 Rockwell C surface hardness rating. The pistol has a low slide profile which holds the barrel axis close to the shooter's hand and makes the M&P more comfortable to shoot by reducing muzzle rise and allowing faster aim recovery in rapid shooting sequence. The slide has four contact points with the frame. This was done to make the rail system self cleaning, by leaving room for any dirt or small foreign objects to fall out of the weapon.[4]

As the slide of the pistol enters battery, the striker engages the sear. At this point, the striker is held back in a partially cocked condition. When the trigger of the M&P is pulled, the trigger bar first engages the firing pin safety plunger, lifting it upward, and releasing the firing pin safety. At the rearward extreme of the trigger bar's travel, it engages the sear. The sear is rotated downward by the trigger bar, fully cocking, then releasing the striker. The striker makes contact with the primer of the chambered round, which in turn ignites the gunpowder and propels the bullet forward. According to M&P gunsmith Dan Burwell, the angle on the rear face of the sear creates a camming action against the striker. This camming action moves the striker to the rear very slightly during the trigger pull, thus finishing the "cocking". This system is similar to the partially tensioned striker found in the Glock series of pistols. When the pistol cycles for the next shot, the striker will be automatically pre-set in a 98% cocked position. Because the striker is only 98% cocked prior to the trigger being pulled, Smith & Wesson classifies the M&P's action as "striker fired (double action only)".[5][6]

The M&P factory trigger is of the jointed type and has a trigger travel of 7.6 mm (0.3 in) and is rated at 29 N (6.5 lbf). The M&P45c models have a slightly higher rated trigger pull of 31 N (7.0 lbf). The competition oriented M&P40 Pro Series have a reduced trigger pull of 20 N (4.5 lbf) due to the installation of a Smith & Wesson performance center sear. Massachusetts approved models have a trigger pull of 45 N (10 lbf).[7] The pistols are delivered with two magazines.[4]

The standard iron sights are of the three dot type and made of steel. Both the front and rear sights are dove-tailed into the slide, and can be horizontally drifted to adjust for windage correction.[4] An integrated Picatinny rail can be found underneath the slide on the front of the frame for attaching tactical lights, lasers and other accessories.

There are ten-round magazine versions of each pistol available for the California, Massachusetts, New York, Washington State, New Jersey, Australian, and Canadian markets. Novak tritium night sights are an available option for both the full-sized and compact versions. Another optional accessory is the stainless steel lanyard pin. The new pin replaces the original solid plastic pin with one that has a stainless steel ring embedded for use with a lanyard.[8]

Variants

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Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield with LaserMax centerfire lasers

The M&P is available in 9×19mm Parabellum, .30 Super Carry, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, with barrel lengths of 79, 89, 102, 104, 108, 114, or 127 mm (3.1, 3.5, 4.0, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, or 5.0 in). The .357 SIG chambering has been discontinued.

 
Smith & Wesson M&P45 Full Size

The M&P9 JG is a standard size Champion series variant named for Julie Golob and fitted with a Warren Tactical rear sight and a fiber optic front sight. Besides the three standard black grip inserts it comes with two small and medium-sized pink grip inserts. A portion of the proceeds from sale of these models will go to a breast cancer awareness charity and an awareness ribbon is etched on the slide of the pistol.[9]

In 2007 the full-size .45 ACP version of the M&P was introduced sporting a 114 mm (4.5 in) barrel. This model also won Handgun of the Year in 2007.[10]

In 2008, Smith & Wesson introduced new versions of the M&P: the M&P45 Mid-size, the M&P45 Compact, the M&P9L, and the M&P Pro Series. The M&P45 Mid-size sports a 102 mm (4.0 in) barrel and a full-sized grip, and the M&P45 Compact targets the concealed carry market with its 4" barrel and shorter grip (with eight or ten-round capacity).

 
A S&W M&P9 Shield. This is the Performance Center version. This version has a ported barrel.

In 2011, Smith & Wesson released the M&P22, a cosmetically similar handgun chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The internal construction and blowback operation of this rimfire cartridge variant is the same as the Walther P22, which Smith & Wesson used to import into the United States, and completely differs from the centerfire M&P variants. Rather than the three-dot sights found on other models, the M&P22 has a single dot on the front sight and notch rear that is adjustable for elevation and windage.[11] In 2013 the scaled-down M&P22 Compact was released.

In 2012, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P Shield in 9mm and .40 S&W. The Shield is a subcompact single-stack magazine variant of the M&P line. The Shield has roughly the same silhouette as the M&P Compact but is considerably thinner at less than 1-inch in width. The Shield is the first M&P to incorporate an improved trigger with positive reset.[12] In 2016 a .45 ACP variant Shield was added to Smith and Wesson's product line.[13] The .45 ACP Shield variant has a 5.1 mm (0.2 in) longer barrel, measuring in at top length of 84 mm (3.3 in), and exhibits larger overall dimensions.

In 2014, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P Bodyguard 380 in .380 ACP. The M&P Bodyguard is functionally identical to the previous released Bodyguard 380, which it replaces. The M&P-branded Bodyguard removes the integrated laser sight of the previous pistol and brings the aesthetics in line with the rest of the M&P product line. Unlike the rest of the M&P pistols, the M&P Bodyguard is not striker-fired. It is a more traditional double-action-only hammer-fired pistol intended for personal protection, concealed carry or as a law enforcement "back-up" gun.[14]

In 2017, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P M2.0 series. Changes include a full-length steel chassis, a rough textured grip, and the improved trigger system of the Pro series.[15]

In 2018, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P 380 Shield EZ. As the name suggests, the Shield EZ has a number of convenience features including an easy-to-rack slide and an easy-to-load magazine.[16] In late 2019, Smith & Wesson added a 9mm offering to the Shield EZ line.[17] Both the .380 and 9mm variants feature an internal hammer.

In spring 2021, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P Shield Plus in 9mm.[18] An evolution of the M&P Shield, the M&P Shield Plus, among other improvements, utilizes a double-stack magazine to increase capacity at the sacrifice of a slight increase in width.

In November 2021, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P M2.0 chambered in 10mm Auto to the M&P M2.0 family. Smith & Wesson offers a 4.0 in (101.6 mm) barrel compact model and a larger 4.6 in (116.8 mm) barrel model. Both models with have a 15-round magazine capacity and are built on the M&P45 M2.0 frame. The M&P M2.0 10mm Auto features a new M2.0 flat face trigger and comes with an optics ready slide from the factory. An unloaded 15-round 10 mm Auto magazine weighs 88 g (3.1 oz).[19][20][21]

In January 2023, it was announced that a 5.7x28mm variant, the M&P 5.7, will be released with a new gas-operated, locked-breech, rotating threaded Tempo Barrel System and a 22-round magazine.[22][23]

Model Barrel length Cartridge Capacity[a] Dimensions[b] Weight[c] Frame color
mm inches
M&P22 104 mm (4.1 in) .22 LR 10 or 12 41 × 140 × 191[d] 1.6 × 5.5 × 7.5[d] 680 g (24.0 oz) Black
M&P22 Compact 91 mm (3.6 in) .22 LR 10 38 × 127 × 170[e] 1.5 × 5.0 × 6.7[e] 430 g (15.3 oz) Black
M&P 22 Magnum[24] 110 mm (4.35 in) .22 WMR 30 29 × 150 × 213 1.13 x 5.9 x 8.4 620 g (22 oz) Black
Compact 89 mm (3.5 in) 9mm 10 or 15 30 × 109 × 170 1.2 × 4.3 × 6.7 620 g (21.7 oz) Black or Dark Earth
.40 S&W 10 620 g (21.9 oz)
.357 SIG 10 630 g (22.2 oz)
Full Size 108 mm (4.25 in) 9mm 10 or 17 30 × 140 × 191 1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5 680 g (24.0 oz) Black or Dark Earth
.40 S&W 10 or 15 687 g (24.25 oz) Black or Dark Earth
.357 SIG 10 or 15 720 g (25.5 oz) Black
M&P9L 127 mm (5.0 in) 9mm 10 or 17 30 × 140 × 210 1.2 × 5.5 × 8.25 710 g (25.2 oz) Black
M&P9 Pro Series 108 mm (4.25 in) 9mm 10, 15, or 17 30 × 140 × 191 1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5 680 g (24.0 oz) Black
M&P9 Pro Series 5" 127 mm (5.0 in) 9mm 10, 15, or 17 30 × 140 × 210 1.2 × 5.5 × 8.25 680 g (24.0 oz) Black
M&P40 Pro Series 108 mm (4.25 in) .40 S&W 15 30 × 140 × 191 1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5 680 g (24.0 oz) Black
M&P40 Pro Series 5" 127 mm (5.0 in) .40 S&W 15 30 × 140 × 216 1.2 × 5.5 × 8.5 740 g (26.0 oz) Black
M&P45c – Compact Size 102 mm (4.0 in) .45 ACP 8 30.5 × 121.9 × 181.0 1.2 × 4.8 × 7.125 740 g (26.2 oz) Black or Dark Earth
M&P45 – Mid-Size 102 mm (4.0 in) .45 ACP 10 30 × 140 × 191 1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5 790 g (27.7 oz) Black or Dark Earth
M&P45 – Full Size 114 mm (4.5 in) .45 ACP 10 30 × 140 × 197 1.2 × 5.5 × 7.75 840 g (29.6 oz) Black or Dark Earth
M&P 10mm M2.0 – Mid-Size 102 mm (4.0 in) 10mm Auto 15 33 × 142 × 183 1.3 × 5.6 × 7.2 790 g (27.8 oz) Black[25]
M&P 10mm M2.0 – Full Size 117 mm (4.6 in) 10mm Auto 15 33 × 142 × 201 1.3 × 5.6 × 7.9 830 g (29.3 oz) Black[26]
M&P Shield 79 mm (3.1 in) 9mm 7 or 8 24 × 117 × 155 0.95 × 4.6 × 6.1 540 g (19.0 oz) Black
79 mm (3.1 in) .40 S&W 6 or 7 24 × 117 × 155 0.95 × 4.6 × 6.1 540 g (19.0 oz)
84 mm (3.3 in) .45 ACP 6 or 7 165 (length) 6.5 (length) 580 g (20.5 oz)
M&P Shield EZ 93 mm (3.675 in) .30 Super Carry 10 173 (length) 6.8 (length) 610 g (21.6 oz) Black
93 mm (3.675 in) .380 ACP 8 170 (length) 6.7 (length) 520 g (18.5 oz) Black
93 mm (3.675 in) 9mm 8 172 (length) 6.8 (length) 660 g (23.2 oz) Black
M&P 5.7 127 mm (5 in) 5.7×28mm 22 215.9 (length) 8.5 (length) 760 g (26.7 oz) Black
M&P Bodyguard 380 70 mm (2.75 in) .380 ACP 6 19 × 104 × 133 .75 × 4.1 × 5.25 340 g (12.0 oz) Black
M&P Shield Plus 79 mm (3.1 in) .30 Super Carry 13 or 16 28 × 117 × 155 1.1 × 4.6 × 6.1 550 g (19.3 oz) Black
79 mm (3.1 in) 9mm 10 or 13 28 × 117 × 155 1.1 × 4.6 × 6.1 570 g (20.2 oz)
  1. ^ rounds per magazine
  2. ^ width x height x length
  3. ^ without magazine
  4. ^ a b with thumb safety, 30 mm (1.2 in) wide without
  5. ^ a b with thumb safety

Users

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Map with M&P users in blue

Current users

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Failed bids

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References

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  1. ^ "Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Packs 22+1 Rounds of Firepower!". 17 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Smith and Wesson M&P Pistols Adopted by 276 Police Departments in the USA". Guns, Holsters and Gear. 1 February 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  3. ^ "S&W M&P pistols now with thumb safety (sic)". The Firearm Blog. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Quinn, Jeff. "Smith & Wesson's New M&P .40 S&W Pistol" Gunblast Web site. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  5. ^ Scarlata, Paul. "Smith & Wesson M&P: A Semiautomatic Pistol Worthy Of Its Name". Shootingtimes.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  6. ^ "Product: Model M&P9". Smith-wesson.com. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  7. ^ "MA Compliant Trigger Pull". Smith-wesson.com. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014.
  8. ^ Quinn, Jeff. "Smith & Wesson's 9mm M&P Semi-Auto Pistol" Archived 7 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine Gunblast Web site. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  9. ^ Ramage, Ken (2008). Gun Digest 2009: The World's Greatest Gun Book. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. p. 182. ISBN 978-0-89689-647-5.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Handgun of the Year Award 1992 through 2011". Shooting Industry Magazine. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  11. ^ "Smith & Wesson M&P22 Review". Shooting Times. 5 June 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  12. ^ Metcalf, Dick. "Palm-Size Power: The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Review – Guns & Ammo". Gunsandammo.com. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  13. ^ "First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield". 20 May 2016.
  14. ^ "New from Smith & Wesson: the M&P Bodyguard 380". Tactical Network International. 2014. Archived from the original on 2 June 2014.
  15. ^ "The New Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0: Making a Great Pistol Even Better—Hands-On Review". 2 January 2017.
  16. ^ "M&P 380 SHIELD EZ". smith-wesson.com. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  17. ^ Hammer, Jens (11 December 2019). "Smith & Wesson Announce New Shield 9mm EZ". ammoland.com. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  18. ^ Manfredi, Lucas (15 March 2021). "Smith & Wesson unveils new M&P Shield Plus amid surge in first-time gun ownership". Fox Business. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  19. ^ Add A Millimeter! Smith & Wesson Introduces The 10mm M&P 2.0 – First Shots
  20. ^ NEW Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 in 4″ or 4.6″ Optics Read
  21. ^ Smith & Wesson M&P Now Goes 10mm
  22. ^ "Smith & Wesson Drops $699 M&P 5.7 Pistol with 22-Round Mags". 17 January 2023.
  23. ^ "Smith & Wesson Introduces Full-Size 5.7x28mm Pistol to M&P Lineup". 19 January 2023.
  24. ^ https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-22-mag [bare URL]
  25. ^ "M&P 10mm M2.0 – Mid-Size" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 January 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  26. ^ "M&P 10mm M2.0 – Full Size" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  27. ^ "Smith & Wesson to Equip South Australia Police Force". 7 January 2009. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  28. ^ Millar, Paul (29 April 2010). "Victoria Police switches to semi-automatic weapons". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
  29. ^ "New pistol chosen for Victoria Police". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 April 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
  30. ^ "Smith & Wesson® Secures M&P Pistol Contract from Belgium Federal Police" (Press release).
  31. ^ "Blackhawk Awarded T-Series Holster Contract with Belgian Federal Police – Small Arms Defense Journal".
  32. ^ "Smith & Wesson Receives M&P Pistol Order From Canada's Halton Regional Police Service". 23 April 2008. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  33. ^ "Smith & Wesson Receives M&P Pistol Order From Canada's Halton Regional Police Service". 29 April 2008. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  34. ^ "St. Thomas Police Service Annual Report 2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 April 2011.
  35. ^ "Crown appealing decision to drop charges against S-CAP 11". 26 November 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
  36. ^ "Press release". Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  37. ^ "Press Releases". Archived from the original on 12 November 2006. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  38. ^ "Assault rifles and an armoured vehicle: 'We are a use of force'".
  39. ^ "No bang in Mumbai Police's new guns". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 8 April 2009. Archived from the original on 11 April 2009.
  40. ^ "Smith & Wesson Fills M&P9 Pistol Order for Iraqi Military and Security Forces". Earth Times. 30 October 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  41. ^ a b "Smith & Wesson Ships Orders for M&P Pistols To International Law Enforcement Agencies". PoliceOne.com. 28 August 2008. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  42. ^ "Entregan más recursos a la Policía de PR, Puerto Rico". Noticiasonline.com. 4 November 2009. Archived from the original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  43. ^ Rivera Puig, Miguel (4 December 2019). "Trueque de armas en la Policía". El Vocero de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  44. ^ "West Virginia State Police and Wyoming Highway Patrol Upgrade to New Smith & Wesson Pistols" (PDF). Smith-wesson.com. December 2011.
  45. ^ "Smith & Wesson Provides Firearms To Texas Officers". 13 May 2013.
  46. ^ "CHP Military Equipment Policy" (PDF). Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  47. ^ "Columbus Police Choose New Pistol | the High Road". 4 February 2007.
  48. ^ "Colorado Gun Laws". Colorado State Patrol – CSP. 6 August 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
  49. ^ "L.A. Police Selects S&W's M&P9 Duty Pistol". policemag.com. 25 August 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  50. ^ "L.A. Sheriff Selects S&W's M&P9 Duty Pistol". policemag.com. 25 August 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  51. ^ Demilt, Kristina (10 August 2021). "Los Angeles Police Department "LAPD" Selects FN 509 MRD-LE as New Duty Pistol". FN®. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  52. ^ "Mass and Vermont Troopers get Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols". policemag.com. 15 December 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
  53. ^ "San Antonio Police Department Converts to Smith & Wesson® M&P® Pistols" (Press release). 1 May 2013.
  54. ^ "Smith & Wesson M&P Pistol Authorized By U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration". smith-wesson.com. 14 January 2009. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  55. ^ "Mass. And Vermont Troopers Get Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols". 15 December 2011.
  56. ^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/767517/15464.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  57. ^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/767518/15730.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  58. ^ "GD OTS and Smith & Wesson team for US Army handgun system". Shephardmedia.com. 24 November 2014.
  59. ^ Slowik, Max (29 September 2016). "smith-wesson-military-police-gets-axed-from-army-mhs-trials". GunsAmerica Digest. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
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