Why Upgrade Your M&P 40?
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40. It’s a name that resonates with reliability, a reputation built on a robust design and a proven track record of performance. This polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun has become a favorite among law enforcement officers, civilian shooters, and competitive marksmen alike. Its balanced feel, manageable recoil, and generally excellent ergonomics have solidified its position as a top choice. But even the best can be made better. This article dives deep into the world of M&P 40 upgrades, exploring the options available to truly optimize your handgun, maximizing its potential for enhanced accuracy, improved handling, and a significantly personalized shooting experience.
The M&P 40, a workhorse by design, is also a highly adaptable platform. Whether you’re looking to refine your target shooting skills, increase your comfort during range sessions, or even just give your pistol a unique touch, the aftermarket offers a vast array of enhancements that can transform your firearm. From a simple change of sights to a complete trigger overhaul, the possibilities are nearly endless. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of M&P 40 modifications, providing expert insights and recommendations to guide your upgrade journey.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s explore why upgrading your M&P 40 is a worthwhile endeavor. The benefits extend far beyond mere aesthetics; upgrading can deliver substantial improvements in various aspects of your shooting experience.
Improving Accuracy is a core reason many shooters choose to upgrade. While the M&P 40 is accurate out of the box, even slight improvements can translate into tighter groupings and more consistent shot placement. Upgraded sights, barrels, and trigger components can all play a significant role in boosting accuracy, enabling you to shoot with greater precision and confidence.
Enhancing Trigger Performance is another major benefit. The factory trigger on the M&P 40, while functional, often leaves room for improvement. A longer trigger pull, combined with a less-than-crisp break, can sometimes hinder accuracy. Upgrading the trigger can address these issues, offering a smoother, lighter trigger pull with a shorter reset. This can lead to faster follow-up shots and improved overall control. A refined trigger helps you better manage the nuances of each shot.
Improving Ergonomics also plays a key role. How a firearm feels in your hand significantly influences your shooting experience. Some shooters find that the factory grip on the M&P 40 can be further improved for a more secure and comfortable hold. Grip sleeves, backstraps, or a change of grip angle can often drastically improve the feel of the handgun, leading to better control, faster target acquisition, and reduced fatigue during extended range sessions.
Personalization is another significant aspect of the upgrade process. Beyond functionality, many shooters enjoy customizing their firearms to reflect their personal style. This might involve swapping out grip panels, selecting a unique finish, or adding aesthetic touches that set your M&P 40 apart. Personalizing your firearm can increase your enjoyment of the shooting experience and instill a sense of ownership.
Key Upgrades and Recommendations
Now, let’s get into the specific upgrades that can transform your M&P 40, offering tangible performance improvements and an enhanced shooting experience.
Sights
The sights on your M&P 40 are your primary aiming interface, and they play a critical role in your accuracy. The standard factory sights on the M&P 40 generally provide a basic three-dot configuration, adequate for general use. However, they may leave room for improvement when it comes to low-light performance or fast target acquisition. Upgrading your sights is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your shooting.
Upgraded Sight Options open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Night Sights are a must-have for shooters who operate in low-light environments. These sights utilize tritium vials, which glow brightly in the dark, allowing for quick and accurate target acquisition when ambient light is minimal. Several high-quality brands are available, including Trijicon and XS Sights, both known for their durable and reliable night sights. These are an excellent investment for self-defense or tactical applications.
Fiber Optic Sights excel in brightly lit conditions. These sights incorporate fiber optic rods that gather ambient light, creating bright, easy-to-see aiming points. This can be particularly helpful for fast target acquisition in daylight or in well-lit ranges. Fiber optic sights are often favored by competition shooters due to their speed and visibility.
Adjustable Sights offer the ultimate in customization. These sights allow you to fine-tune your point of impact, which is particularly beneficial if you reload your own ammunition or compete in shooting sports. They often feature adjustable windage and elevation, enabling you to dial in your sight picture with precision. These are frequently found on competition-focused firearms.
Trigger
The trigger is the heart of the shooting process. It’s the direct interface between you and the firing mechanism. The quality of your trigger has a huge impact on your ability to hit your target accurately. The factory trigger in the M&P 40, though generally reliable, often benefits from upgrades.
The Factory Trigger typically features a pull weight that is heavier than what some shooters prefer. The break can sometimes feel mushy, and the reset may be lengthy. These characteristics can make it more challenging to achieve precise shot placement. The good news is that these can easily be improved.
Upgraded Trigger Options provide significant improvements to the trigger pull.
Trigger Kits are a popular choice, often including the trigger, sear, striker spring, and other necessary components. Brands like Apex Tactical are renowned for their trigger kits, which typically offer a lighter pull weight, a shorter reset, and a much smoother overall trigger feel. These kits can dramatically improve your shooting experience, making follow-up shots faster and more accurate.
Individual Trigger Components can also be upgraded. You might choose to replace only certain parts of the trigger system. You could select a new trigger shoe for a different feel and enhanced ergonomics. Upgrading the sear, striker, or trigger bar can also contribute to a lighter, crisper pull. This approach allows you to tailor the trigger feel to your specific preferences.
Grip and Ergonomics
How your M&P 40 feels in your hand impacts every aspect of your shooting performance. Upgrading the grip and improving overall ergonomics can make a significant difference.
The Factory Grip on the M&P 40 has a comfortable feel, but some shooters may desire something more substantial or grippy. Upgrading the grip can enhance your control, improve handling, and increase your comfort.
Upgraded Grip Options offer several pathways to improve the feel and handling of your M&P 40.
Grip Sleeves/Wraps provide an excellent solution for enhanced grip and control. These rubber or polymer sleeves simply slide over the existing grip, providing a more tactile and secure surface. Brands such as Hogue and Talon Grips offer a range of grip sleeves with various textures and colors. They offer improved grip in wet conditions or when wearing gloves.
Backstraps provide an additional layer of customization. The M&P 40 features interchangeable backstraps, allowing you to tailor the grip size to your hand. By selecting a backstrap that fits your hand perfectly, you can improve your overall comfort and control.
Barrels
The barrel is a critical component. It directs the bullet, influencing its trajectory and ultimately, its accuracy. Upgrading the barrel can lead to significant improvements.
The Factory Barrel, generally, is well-made but may be built for all-around use.
Upgraded Barrel Options open the door to enhanced performance.
Threaded Barrels allow for the attachment of suppressors or compensators, which can reduce recoil, muzzle flash, and sound. Threaded barrels are popular for tactical applications or recreational shooting. Remember to adhere to all local laws and regulations regarding suppressors and accessories.
Match-Grade Barrels are engineered for exceptional accuracy. These barrels are typically crafted with tighter tolerances and are often made from premium materials. They are a popular choice for competition shooters or those seeking to extract the maximum accuracy from their M&P 40.
Magazines and Magazine Releases
While often overlooked, small upgrades can significantly improve your overall shooting experience. Enhanced control and faster magazine changes can be achieved with the right components.
The Factory Magazine Release is generally functional, but can sometimes benefit from a slightly more aggressive design for easier and faster access.
Upgraded Magazine Release Options often include extended releases.
Extended Magazine Releases provide a larger surface area and extended reach. This allows for faster, more intuitive magazine changes. These are especially helpful for shooters with smaller hands.
Other Accessories
There are other accessories worth consideration.
Weapon Lights/Lasers can significantly enhance your capability in low-light scenarios. They provide illumination for target identification and situational awareness.
Slide Milling can be employed to install red dot optics on the slide. This is a popular upgrade for competition shooters and tactical applications.
Installation and Considerations
Once you’ve selected the upgrades you want, it’s time to think about installation.
DIY Versus Professional Installation is something to consider. Some upgrades, like grip sleeves or backstraps, are relatively easy to install yourself. More complex modifications, such as trigger kits or barrel swaps, might require some experience or may be best left to a qualified gunsmith. It’s always best to prioritize safety and your skill level.
Compatibility is critical. Always ensure that the upgrades you select are compatible with your specific M&P 40 model. Different generations of the M&P 40 may have slight variations.
Safety is of paramount importance. Always handle firearms safely and follow proper procedures during installation and use. Make sure you completely clear the firearm before any disassembly. If you are unsure of a procedure, consult a professional.
Conclusion
Upgrading your M&P 40 is an excellent way to enhance its performance, improve your shooting experience, and personalize your firearm. By carefully selecting and installing the right upgrades, you can transform your handgun into a more accurate, reliable, and enjoyable tool.
This exploration has highlighted some of the best M&P 40 upgrades. From enhanced sights to improved triggers and a more comfortable grip, the possibilities are extensive.
Take the time to research and choose the upgrades that best align with your shooting goals and preferences. Remember, a well-upgraded M&P 40 is a reflection of your dedication to the craft of shooting.
Remember to stay within all applicable laws and regulations in your area regarding firearm modifications. Safe shooting and responsible gun ownership are always the most important aspects.
