Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit

The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit is designed as a replacement for the factory pins in Smith & Wesson M&P pistols. Marketed for its precision fit and ease of disassembly, it aims to offer an upgrade over the standard roll pins. However, with a price tag of just $14.99, expectations should be tempered.

Like many, I am constantly looking to improve the reliability and longevity of my firearms. This is especially true for my Smith & Wesson M&P, which I use for both range practice and as a potential everyday carry. The thought of upgrading the existing pins for something more durable and easier to manipulate piqued my interest.

My first impression upon receiving the Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit was…underwhelming. The pins themselves appeared fairly standard, and the finish seemed rather thin. Compared to similar offerings from companies like Apex Tactical or even the factory S&W parts, these didn’t immediately strike me as an upgrade.

I chose this kit over others mainly because of the Ed Brown Products name, expecting a certain level of quality. I was also swayed by the promise of easier disassembly and re-assembly, as dealing with roll pins can sometimes be a hassle. Unfortunately, my initial excitement was quickly replaced with skepticism.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit during a routine range session with my M&P 9mm. The installation was straightforward, requiring only a punch and a few minutes. Everything seemed to fit as it should, and the pistol cycled normally through the first few magazines.

The shooting conditions were fairly standard, dry and sunny, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I didn’t notice any immediate improvement in the feel or function of the pistol. However, after about 100 rounds, I started to notice some slight wear on the finish of the pins, particularly around the edges.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds fired, the durability of the Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit started to concern me. The finish on the pins was wearing off significantly, revealing the bare metal underneath. While the pins themselves were still functional, their appearance was deteriorating rapidly.

Cleaning and maintenance were no different than with the original pins. However, given the poor finish quality, I found myself inspecting them more frequently for signs of rust or corrosion. Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket parts, these pins definitely fell short in terms of long-term durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit

Specifications

• The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit includes three pins: one grooved rear frame pin, one front frame pin, and one trigger pin for M&P 1.0 models; or two frame pins and a trigger pin for M&P 2.0 models. These pins are designed as replacements for the factory roll pins.
• According to Ed Brown Products, the pins are manufactured on Swiss type machines for a precise fit. This precision is intended to make disassembly and re-assembly easier than with standard roll pins.

Performance & Functionality

The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit functions adequately as a replacement for the factory pins. They hold the frame and trigger components in place as intended. However, the promise of improved performance or ease of use is not significantly realized in practice.

The primary weakness of this kit is the poor quality of the finish. This contributes to rapid wear and detracts from the overall appearance of the firearm. While the pins do their basic job, they don’t meet the expectations set by the Ed Brown Products name.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit is simple and functional. The pins are dimensionally accurate and fit snugly in the M&P frame. However, the lack of attention to detail in the finish detracts from the overall build quality.

The pins are generally user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for installation. However, they do not offer any significant ergonomic advantages over the factory roll pins. In fact, the factory pins might even feel better over the long run given the poor finish quality of the Ed Brown Products pins.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit is questionable due to the poor finish quality. The rapid wear suggests that these pins may be more susceptible to corrosion and degradation over time. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and maintain their functionality.

Maintenance is straightforward, as the pins can be easily removed and reinstalled using standard tools. However, the need for frequent inspection due to the finish issues adds an extra step to the maintenance routine. This is not ideal for anyone looking for a truly low-maintenance upgrade.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit itself does not offer any specific accessories or customization options. It is simply a replacement for the factory pins. However, the user can combine it with other aftermarket parts to further customize their M&P pistol.

The kit is compatible with most standard M&P accessories, such as aftermarket triggers and frame modifications. However, given the issues with the pin finish, it may be best to focus on other upgrades that offer more tangible benefits. These pins are not compatible with the Shield Plus.

Pros and Cons of Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit

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Who Should Buy Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit?

The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit might be suitable for someone needing to replace lost or damaged factory pins on a budget. However, those looking for a genuine upgrade in performance or durability should consider other options. It might work for casual range shooters looking to replace lost pins, but that’s about it.

Anyone prioritizing long-term durability and aesthetics should skip this product. There are better aftermarket options available, albeit at a higher price point. Shooters using their M&P for duty or self-defense should definitely invest in a more robust solution.

A must-have modification would be to apply a protective coating to the pins to prevent further wear and corrosion. However, this adds extra cost and effort, negating the value proposition of the kit. It might be worth it to purchase these pins and then immediately have them coated to prevent any kind of wear.

Conclusion on Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit

The Ed Brown Products Smith & Wesson M&P 3-Pin Kit is a disappointing offering that falls short of expectations. While it functions as a basic replacement for factory pins, the poor finish quality and lack of significant performance improvements make it a questionable value. The Ed Brown Products name carries a certain weight, and this product simply does not live up to it.

The price of $14.99 may seem reasonable, but it is not justified considering the issues with durability and aesthetics. There are better aftermarket options available that offer more tangible benefits for a slightly higher investment. Simply put, these are cheap replacement pins.

I would not personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a genuine upgrade for their M&P pistol. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality kit from a reputable manufacturer. Ed Brown Products can do better, and so can you when choosing your M&P upgrades. Look elsewhere for your upgrade and don’t fall for the allure of cheap replacement pins.