The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is a popular and reliable handgun, but like any firearm, it can benefit from upgrades to enhance its performance, reliability, and overall shooting experience. This guide explores some of the best upgrades available, categorized for clarity and focusing on practical improvements rather than purely cosmetic changes. We'll cover upgrades targeting ergonomics, accuracy, reliability, and defensive capabilities.
Enhancing Ergonomics and Grip:
The M&P 40's grip is already quite comfortable for many shooters, but several upgrades can personalize the feel and improve control.
1. Aftermarket Grip Panels:
Replacing the factory grip panels with aftermarket options significantly impacts the feel and texture. Consider materials like:
- G10: Offers exceptional durability and a grippy texture, even in wet conditions.
- Polymer: A more budget-friendly alternative providing a good balance of grip and comfort.
- Aluminum: Provides a slimmer profile and a different feel compared to polymer or G10.
Choosing the right material and texture depends on your hand size and shooting style. Experimentation might be necessary to find the perfect fit.
2. Grip Extensions:
For shooters with smaller hands, grip extensions add length and girth to the magazine, improving control and reducing recoil. These are particularly beneficial for rapid firing and follow-up shots.
3. Magwell:
A magwell funnels the magazine into the gun's receiver, significantly speeding up reloading. While not strictly an ergonomic upgrade, it directly impacts the shooting experience and is beneficial in dynamic situations.
Enhancing Accuracy and Trigger Pull:
Improving the accuracy and trigger pull of your M&P 40 can elevate your shooting ability.
4. Upgraded Trigger:
Many aftermarket triggers aim to improve the trigger pull's weight, take-up, and reset. This can lead to increased accuracy and faster follow-up shots. Options range from drop-in replacements to more involved custom installations. Research carefully to choose a trigger that fits your skill level and desired feel.
5. Sights:
Upgrading the sights is a relatively inexpensive but highly impactful upgrade. Consider:
- Night Sights: Crucial for low-light situations, these sights offer enhanced visibility in challenging environments.
- Fiber Optic Sights: Provide excellent daytime visibility with bright front sight posts.
- Red Dot Sights: While requiring a mounting plate (often requiring milling of the slide), red dot sights offer rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy at various distances. This often requires professional installation.
Enhancing Reliability and Functionality:
Reliability is paramount in a defensive handgun. These upgrades focus on bolstering the M&P 40's performance.
6. Upgraded Recoil Spring:
A heavier recoil spring can help mitigate recoil, particularly with hotter or heavier ammunition. This can improve accuracy and reduce felt recoil.
7. Enhanced Extractor:
While less common, a stronger or enhanced extractor can improve reliability in feeding and extracting spent cartridges. This is mainly beneficial if you're experiencing malfunctions with your factory extractor.
8. Extended Slide Release:
An extended slide release lever provides a larger and more easily accessible surface area, improving speed and reliability of slide manipulation.
Conclusion:
Upgrading your Smith & Wesson M&P 40 can significantly enhance its performance, reliability, and overall shooting experience. However, it's crucial to remember that any modifications should be done by a qualified gunsmith if you're not comfortable with the process. Choose upgrades based on your individual needs and skill level. Always practice safe gun handling and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
