Smith And Wesson M&P 10mm Problems And Their Solutions
M&P 10mm pistols have become an increasingly popular choice for concealed carry and home defense. Unfortunately, these firearms come with their own set of problems that can cause them to malfunction.
Users who used this gun reported some common problems: Failure To Feed, Recoil Spring Issue, Slide Fails to Return to Battery, Failure To Fire, Magazine Issue, and Trigger issues.
In this article we’ll look at some of the common issues associated with M&P 10mm pistols and discuss solutions for resolving them. We’ll also provide tips on how to keep your M&P 10mm pistol running smoothly.
Quick Overview of Problems And Solutions
Contents
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 10mm Auto |
| Capacity | 15+1 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) |
| Height | 5.47 inches (13.9 cm) |
| Weight (Empty) | 30.15 oz (855 g) |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Sights | White Dot Front, Adjustable Rear |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Thumb Safety, Passive Trigger Safety |
| Sight Radius | 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) |
Common Smith And Wesson M&P 10mm Problems And Their Solutions
1. Failure To Feed
You’re not alone if your M&P 10mm is experiencing “failure to feed” errors. This issue has been known to occur in several models of the 10mm and can be extremely frustrating.
First, check the recoil spring assembly. If the tension on the slide is too high or too low, it can cause a failure to feed malfunction because it affects how smoothly and reliably the ammunition is fed into the chamber from the magazine.
Recoil springs are designed to be replaced regularly, so if you’ve been using the same spring for years, it may be time to invest in a new one.
Second, make sure that your magazine is clean and functioning correctly. Dirt or debris can build up over time and impede the feed lip from moving freely when rounds are loaded into the chamber. This can cause jams and misfeeding.
Be sure to inspect your magazine for any dirt or debris, and if necessary, you can use a cleaning solution to ensure it is functioning properly.
Finally, when all else fails, try using a different brand of ammunition. Different brands are loaded differently and have case dimensions that vary slightly from one another- so if your M&P 10mm isn’t feeding your current ammunition reliably, switching to another brand may help the issue.
2. Recoil Spring Issue
One common issue some M&P 10mm owners have reported is a recoil spring issue. This issue can cause the pistol’s slide not to lock back after the last round has been fired.
The recoil spring is a key component of all semi-automatic guns. It helps absorb the gun’s energy when it is fired and in turn, cycles the action back into battery.
Over time, it can become weakened or worn out due to use and must be replaced with a new one.
Fortunately, replacing the recoil spring on an M&P 10mm is a relatively easy process. You will need to obtain the correct recoil spring for your gun, and then remove the existing one.
Be cautious when removing the old spring, as it can be under tension and dangerous if not handled properly.
3. Slide Fails to Return to Battery
It’s important to take the time to inspect your gun regularly and pay attention for signs that indicate a problem is occurring.
If you start noticing your gun jamming, having difficulty chambering rounds or returning to the battery, it’s important to look into it and fix any issues as soon as possible.
The first thing to do when diagnosing this issue is make sure that all of your parts are in good condition.
Ensure the slide and frame aren’t too worn out or misaligned and check for any dirt or debris causing an obstruction. Also, ensure the firing pin block isn’t sticking or malfunctioning.
If you can’t find the cause of the problem after inspection, it’s important to take your gun to a certified gunsmith.
4. Failure To Fire
If your M&P 10mm has trouble firing, there are a few possible causes. First, the gun could be dirty or need lubrication.
This can lead to irregular or incomplete rounds being fired from the chamber. Second, you may have the wrong ammunition in the magazine.
Ensure you’re using the correct caliber of round for your handgun. Finally, you may need to replace the firing pin or springs in the gun. Contact your local Smith and Wesson service center for assistance if all else fails.
It’s also important to ensure you use the correct grip while shooting. A proper grip will place your finger on the trigger at just the right angle, helping to prevent any misfires.
5. Magazine Issue
If you are experiencing loading issues with your S&W M&P 10mm, it’s important to understand the cause of the problem before attempting any DIY fixes or repairs.
It could be an issue with the magazine itself, such as a broken spring, or it could be due to a foreign object blocking the feed lips on the magazine such as dirt or debris.
Once you determine what’s causing the issue, cleaning and lubricating the magazine may help to resolve the issue.
If it’s a more serious problem, you might need to replace or repair the magazine components for optimal performance.
If your M&P 10mm is having trouble dropping free from the frame, then several issues could be at play, causing this malfunction.
Ensure that all of your pistol’s parts are properly lubricated, and inspect for any signs of wear or damage that could prevent the magazine from dropping free. Depending on the issue, you may need to replace your magazine catch if it’s damaged or worn down.
6. Trigger Issues
Common issues with the Smith And Wesson M&P 10mm triggers include light strikes, accidental double-action fire, misaligned trigger bar/sear, and a gritty feel.
Several things, including worn or broken parts, incorrect assembly procedures, or lack of cleaning and lubrication, can cause these issues.
If your 10mm has an issue with light strikes, the first thing to check is that the firing pin safety plunger spring is correctly installed and working.
If not, this can cause light strikes since the firing pin safety plunger is not pushing up on the back of the pin as intended.
Checking the trigger bar/sear assembly is a good next step. For starters, ensure all components are in good condition (e.g., no cracks or deformities in the bar).
Ensure the bar and sear are in the correct orientation when assembling. If all looks good, check the engagement between the bar and sear for any binding or play.
Finally, properly lubricate your 10mm with a high-quality firearm oil or grease. This should help reduce any gritty feel and wear on moving components over time.
3 Best Alternatives To M&P 10mm
1. Sig Sauer P220 Legion
Is an excellent choice for those who prioritize solid construction and precision in their firearms. It is known for its trigger system, which is incredibly smooth and crisp, providing ultimate accuracy.
Additionally, the P220 Legion boasts a stainless steel slide with a durable, hard coat anodized finish for ultimate protection.
This gun is also equipped with a user-friendly accessory rail, perfect for those who like to add additional enhancements to their firearms.
2. Kimber Custom TLE/RL II
It is renowned for its supreme accuracy and reliability. Featuring a three-hole match-grade trigger, a full-length guide rod, and a beavertail grip safety, this gun offers a comfortable yet firm grip, allowing for an optimal shooting experience.
The Kimber also features stunning night sights, so you can shoot accurately no matter the lighting.
3. Glock 40 Gen4 MOS
It offers versatility and customization options, making it a top choice for gun owners. The gun is highly accurate and features a modular optic system, allowing for various sights and lenses to be attached.
Additionally, it is equipped with slide serrations, making it easy to manipulate even with gloves on.
The Glock 40 Gen4 MOS also has a comfortable grip, adjustable backstraps and a reversible magazine catch for added comfort and customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if I experience failures to extract with my S&W M&P 10mm?
A: If you experience failure to extract, ensure your firearm is properly cleaned and lubricated. Check for any obstructions or damage to the extractor and ensure it is properly engaged with the spent casing.
Can the Wesson M&P 10mm be carried concealed?
The M&P 10mm is a larger handgun and may not be suitable for concealed carry for some individuals due to its size and weight.
Are there any aftermarket accessories available for Wesson M&P 10mm?
Yes, aftermarket accessories are available for the Smith And Wesson M&P 10mm. These accessories can include sights, grips, trigger upgrades, and more.
Can I shoot hotter loads with this gun?
It is designed to handle the higher pressures of the 10mm cartridge, it is always important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and not exceed the specified limits.
Should I keep the original parts or consider aftermarket upgrades?
Some shooters prefer to keep their firearms as close to original as possible for reliability and resale value. In contrast, others may choose to customize their firearms with aftermarket upgrades to suit their preferences and shooting style.
Are there any potential issues with introducing an aftermarket barrel ?
Introducing an aftermarket barrel can impact the firearm’s performance and reliability if not installed correctly or if the barrel is of poor quality.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm handguns have had an impressive performance for many years.
However, despite their rugged reliability and powerful performance, these guns have problems. Malfunctioning magazines, firing pin issues, and barrel wear can all cause serious problems that can jeopardize safety or negatively affect accuracy.
Regular maintenance and care should be taken when using the M&P 10mm to avoid any of these issues.
It is important to ensure that a certified professional does any upgrades or modifications to maintain its standard of accuracy and performance.
Related Posts:
Smith And Wesson 460 XVR Problems
Smith And Wesson Governor Problems
Smith And Wesson SD9VE Problems
