919-388-1991
Scroll down to see holster options for the M&P full size 4.25 inch barrel
The Smith and Wesson “Military and Police” moniker can be traced back to the Military and Police revolver introduced in 1899. The M&P of that era (the Model 10) was widely used by military and police forces throughout the world and became the standard by which all other medium framed revolvers were judged. The M&P revolver also served as the launching pad for the .38 S&W Special cartridge.
During the Summer of 2005, Smith and Wesson introduced the new Military and Police model, a polymer-framed, short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W.
The M&P is a hybrid S&W Sigma and SW99 design, but does not have any parts compatibility with the Sigma. The M&P design has an improved trigger, enhanced ergonomics, a picatinny frame rail, and replaceable back straps that allow for end-user customization. The M&P can also be taken down for maintenance without the need to pull the trigger, which sets the M&P apart from the popular Glock pistols.
The M&P is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol. This trigger system prevents the firearm from discharging unless the trigger is fully depressed, even if the pistol is dropped. An internal lock and/or magazine disconnect are available as options and an optional external thumb safety became available in 2009.
The M&P’s frame is made out of Zytel polymer reinforced with a stainless steel chassis. The pistol comes with three removable and interchangeable back straps. The slide and barrel are made out of hardened stainless steel that is treated with a proprietary nitriding process called Melonite. The Melonite process produces a matte black surface. The M&P’s bore axis helps to make the M&P more comfortable to shoot by reducing muzzle rise. The slide has four contact points with the frame.
As the slide of the pistol enters battery, the striker engages the sear. At this point, the sear is held back in a partially cocked condition. When the trigger of the M&P is pulled, the trigger bar first engages the firing pin safety plunger, lifting it upward, and releasing firing pin safety. At the rearward extreme of the trigger bar's travel, it engages the sear. The sear is rotated downward by the trigger bar, fully cocking, then releasing the striker. The striker makes contact with the primer of the chambered round, firing the pistol. When the pistol cycles for the next shot, the striker will be automatically pre-set in a 98% cocked position. Since the striker is only 98% cocked prior to the trigger being pulled, Smith & Wesson classifies the M&P's action as "striker fired". The M&P factory trigger is of the jointed type and has a trigger travel of 0.3 inches and is rated at 6.5 pounds.
The M&P 9mm and .40 S&W feature a 4.25-inch barrel. The pistols are 5.5 inches high, 7.5 inches long, and about 1.2 inches wide. They hold 17 rounds in 9mm, and 15 in .40 S&W (and .357 Sig). The M&P weighs approximately 27 ounces. There are many M&P variants being produced today. These variants will include models with an ambidextrous thumb safety, models without a manual safety, models that are ready for red dot optics, and some that are in other colors, like flat dark earth.
Here a couple of the more common questions that we’ve seen regarding holsters for the M&P full size models:
#1 - I have the M&P with the ambi safety. Do you offer a holster to fit it? I’ve tried fitting it in a holster for the standard P30 without a safety, but the safety keeps getting disengaged during the draw?
This can be a common problem with holsters that have a body shield. In many cases the body shield will be pushed out slightly by the safety and not cause a problem (on Don Hume holsters, for example). On MTR Custom models, please use the order notes section to tell us you have a thumb safety model and MTR can mold a place for the safety into the body shield.
#2 – Do you offer holster that will fit my M&P with a light (or laser) attached to the rail?
At this time, our only option is MTR Custom Leather. They can make holsters to fit the M&P with many of the popular lights and lasers attached. Please feel free to call us (919.388.1991) to discuss your particular needs.
#3 - What if my M&P has a red dot on it? Do you have a holster that will fit?
Like the Glock pistols, the M&P is a great pistol to customize. If you have a red dot on your M&P, please call us before ordering so we can discuss options with you. Don Hume holsters will not fit pistols with red dots mounted to the slide.
#4 – What about other modifications, like stippling, different sights, or different triggers?
Stippling, triggers, and sights typical do not affect holster fit. However, if you are running sights that are taller than factory, like suppressor height sights, than there will most likely be a fit issue with Don Hume. If you have tall sights, please call us (919.388.1991) to discuss MTR Custom holster options.
Any of the holster models listed below are available in a version to fit the M&P full size.