First Thoughts on the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin
For years, the Smith & Wesson M&P series has been a cornerstone of the modern pistol market, respected for its reliability, ergonomics, and value. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless firearms and accessories come and go. The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine promises to uphold that reputation.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a desire for increased capacity in my M&P 40 for range training and potential competition use. Factory magazines are always the preferred choice for reliability, and I was specifically looking for a steel magazine with a higher capacity than the standard 10-round options available in my location. This 15-round magazine offered a significant advantage.
Upon receiving the magazine, the first thing I noticed was its robust construction. The black steel body felt solid and durable, immediately inspiring confidence. The inclusion of an FDE base plate was a slight surprise, considering it wasn’t explicitly mentioned or pictured during the purchase, but it didn’t detract from the overall impression.
Compared to aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this OEM magazine felt superior in terms of build quality and materials. I’ve had issues with polymer magazines cracking or feeding improperly, so the steel construction was a welcome change. This feels like a product I can rely on.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the FDE base plate was unexpected, the overall quality and construction of the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine were encouraging. I was eager to put it to the test and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range under typical conditions: sunny skies with a slight breeze. I loaded the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine with a variety of 40 S&W ammunition, ranging from standard FMJ rounds to heavier self-defense hollow points. I wanted to ensure it could handle different loads reliably.
The magazine seated easily and locked into place with a positive click. Throughout the first 100 rounds, I experienced no feeding issues or malfunctions. The rounds chambered smoothly, and the slide locked back consistently after the last round was fired.
I didn’t experience any significant issues during the initial use. The FDE base plate, while aesthetically different from my other magazines, did not affect the functionality in any way. It took no time at all to become confident in this magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it in various conditions, including a dusty, dry training environment and a slightly damp outdoor match. The performance has remained consistent.
The steel body has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. There are a few minor scratches, but the finish has held up well, and there is no evidence of rust or corrosion. Maintenance is simple: I typically wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session.
Compared to some of the aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this OEM magazine is a clear winner. It cycles ammo much more consistently. It offers superior reliability and durability, and its consistent performance gives me confidence in my firearm.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine is specifically designed for Smith & Wesson M&P pistols chambered in .40 S&W. It boasts a 15-round capacity, providing a significant increase over standard capacity magazines in restricted areas, or simply more rounds between reloads.
The magazine body is constructed from durable steel with a black finish, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. The base plate is Flat Dark Earth (FDE), which may or may not match existing magazines. It is of OEM origin, meaning it’s manufactured to the same standards and specifications as the magazines that come standard with Smith & Wesson firearms.
These specifications directly impact the magazine’s performance and overall user experience. The steel construction ensures durability and reliability, while the 15-round capacity offers a tactical advantage in various scenarios. The fact that it is an OEM part ensures that it will function properly in your firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It feeds ammunition smoothly and reliably, and it locks the slide back consistently after the last round is fired.
One of its strengths is its consistent feeding, regardless of the type of ammunition used. The magazine’s spring tension and internal geometry are optimized for reliable operation. A minor weakness is the potential for slight variations in finish, as evidenced by the FDE base plate, but this does not affect its performance.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine meets and exceeds expectations for an OEM magazine. It delivers reliable performance and enhances the overall shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine is functional and straightforward. The steel body provides a solid and reassuring feel. The FDE base plate provides a decent gripping surface for removing the mag.
The magazine is user-friendly and requires no special tools or expertise to operate. Loading rounds is relatively easy, although a magazine loader is recommended for extended range sessions. The spring tension is firm, but manageable.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. The black finish is durable and resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Maintenance is simple: disassembling the magazine for cleaning is easy, and all parts are readily accessible. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin magazine does not come with any additional accessories beyond the magazine itself. However, several aftermarket accessories are available, such as magazine loaders and base plate replacements.
The magazine is compatible with most Smith & Wesson M&P magazine pouches and carriers. Aftermarket base plates are available in various colors and materials. This allows users to customize the magazine to their specific preferences.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Feeds .40 S&W rounds smoothly and consistently.
- Durable Steel Construction: Built to withstand regular use and abuse.
- 15-Round Capacity: Offers a higher capacity than standard magazines.
- OEM Quality: Ensures proper fit and function in Smith & Wesson M&P pistols.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- FDE Base Plate: The FDE base plate may not match other magazines.
- Potentially Higher Price: OEM magazines can sometimes be more expensive than aftermarket options.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin?
The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin is perfect for: competition shooters, tactical training enthusiasts, and anyone who wants increased capacity and reliability in their Smith & Wesson M&P .40 pistol. It is also ideal for those who prioritize OEM quality and reliability.
Those who should skip this product are: individuals in states with magazine capacity restrictions, or those who are strictly looking for the lowest-priced magazine option available, regardless of quality.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine loader to speed up the loading process, especially during extended range sessions. If the FDE base plate is a concern, aftermarket base plates in black or other colors are readily available.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin
The Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin is a reliable and durable magazine that delivers consistent performance. The unexpected FDE base plate is a minor aesthetic issue that does not affect its functionality.
At $37.99, the price is justified by the OEM quality and increased capacity. If you’re looking for a dependable magazine for your Smith & Wesson M&P .40, this is a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 40 Smith & Wesson (S&W) 15 rd Steel Black Body/F – 40 S&W Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, OEM Origin to anyone who values reliability and performance. Upgrade your M&P today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!