Smith & Wesson Finally Built the M&P I Wanted

Published on May 9, 2026
Duration: 11:17

This video provides an in-depth review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD, a steel-framed variant of the popular M&P pistol. The reviewer, an experienced M&P enthusiast, details the firearm's performance, focusing on its improved weight, accuracy, and recoil impulse compared to polymer versions. He also discusses potential drawbacks, including grip texture, magazine release ergonomics, and quality control concerns observed in recent Smith & Wesson production.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD offers a significant upgrade over polymer M&Ps due to its steel frame, increasing weight to around 35 oz unloaded. This enhances stability, reduces felt recoil for a softer impulse, and improves accuracy, making it a more refined and controllable platform for competition and demanding use.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction: The M&P Gang and the Steel Frame Request
  2. 00:16Is the M&P Metal HD Competitive?
  3. 00:24Who is this Gun For?
  4. 00:37Personal Experience & Disclaimer
  5. 00:57First Impressions & M&P Fandom
  6. 01:15Pros and Cons of the M&P Metal HD
  7. 01:27The Gun Itself: M&P Metal HD Specs
  8. 01:37Steel Frame vs. Aluminum Frame M&Ps
  9. 01:53Weight and Feel: 35 oz Unloaded
  10. 02:06Competitor HD vs. Standard HD
  11. 02:19Grip Texture and Customization
  12. 02:29Smith & Wesson's Flat Face Trigger
  13. 02:44Trigger Weight and Duty vs. Competition
  14. 03:04The M&P Ecosystem and Apex Triggers
  15. 03:16Testing the Stock Trigger
  16. 03:23Trigger Take-up, Creep, and Reset
  17. 03:46Accuracy Test: No Vise, Just Shooting
  18. 03:53Addressing M&P Accuracy Concerns
  19. 04:03Tack Driver Performance
  20. 04:17Accuracy Comparison: HD vs. Polymer
  21. 04:22Recoil Management and Felt Recoil
  22. 04:35Friend's Reactions to the HD
  23. 04:43Return to Zero and Kimber 2011 Comparison
  24. 04:56Striker-Fired Format Experience
  25. 05:07The Gun Stays Put: Red Dot Window
  26. 05:22Value Proposition of the M&P Metal HD
  27. 05:26Slide Compatibility with Other M&P Slides
  28. 05:38Sponsorship: Barbell Apparel
  29. 06:05My M&P Metal HD Setup
  30. 06:18Internal Modifications (or lack thereof)
  31. 06:29Optics and Lights: Holosun 507 Comp & SureFire X300
  32. 06:38Calculated Kinetics Weighted Grip Insert
  33. 06:52Total Weight: 44 oz with Accessories
  34. 07:07Carrying the Heavy Setup: 4-5 Weeks
  35. 07:14Belt and Bag Recommendations for Weight
  36. 07:27Things I Don't Like About the HD
  37. 07:31Loose Front Polymer Piece Issue
  38. 07:54Recessed Magazine Release Problem
  39. 08:17Competitor HD Extended Mag Release
  40. 08:25Quality Control Issues at Smith & Wesson
  41. 08:31My First M&P Metal HD Had a Crack
  42. 08:55Warranty Replacement and Common QC Themes
  43. 09:13What's Going On at Smith & Wesson?
  44. 09:23Every Brand Has Lemons, But...
  45. 09:30Still an M&P Guy 100%
  46. 09:44Should You Upgrade to the M&P HD?
  47. 09:53Who Benefits Most from the HD
  48. 10:07Meaningful Evolution of the M&P Platform
  49. 10:16Is the HD Necessary for Average Owners?
  50. 10:24Polymer M&P Still Extremely Capable
  51. 10:34Refined and Controllable Platform
  52. 10:44Finally Feels Worth the Upgrade
  53. 10:47Your Thoughts on the M&P HD
  54. 10:57Competitor to Other Steel Striker-Fired Guns
  55. 11:00Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of the Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD over its polymer counterpart?

The M&P Metal HD's primary advantages stem from its steel frame, which significantly increases its weight (around 35 oz unloaded). This added mass contributes to a softer recoil impulse, improved stability, and enhanced accuracy, making it feel more substantial and controllable during shooting.

How does the trigger on the M&P Metal HD perform?

The M&P Metal HD features Smith & Wesson's flat-face trigger, which breaks at just under 4 lbs. While it has some take-up and creep, the reviewer found it to be good enough for most users, even for competition, and not an immediate candidate for aftermarket replacement.

What are the notable drawbacks of the Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD?

Key drawbacks include a potentially loose front polymer piece under the trigger guard, a recessed magazine release that can make reloads difficult without breaking grip, and recent quality control concerns observed in Smith & Wesson's manufacturing, such as cracks or chipped frames.

Is the M&P Metal HD suitable for concealed carry despite its weight?

Yes, the reviewer carries the M&P Metal HD (around 44 oz with accessories) daily for several weeks without issues, provided a very good, rigid belt and holster system is used to manage the weight effectively and prevent sagging.

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