Smith & Wesson M&P Catastrophic Failure Update

Published on April 23, 2014
Duration: 14:24

This video provides an in-depth analysis of a catastrophic failure involving a Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. The host, demonstrating high technical expertise, discusses the incident's resolution, S&W's policy on ammunition-related failures, and theorizes the cause as a combination of out-of-spec ammunition and the firearm's ability to fire out of battery. The owner opted for an M&P Pro Series C.O.R.E. as a replacement.

Quick Summary

A Smith & Wesson M&P pistol experienced a catastrophic failure due to a theorized 'out of battery' discharge, potentially caused by out-of-spec ammunition and the firearm's design. Smith & Wesson generally denies liability if ammunition is deemed the cause of such failures.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Incident Recap: M&P Catastrophic Failure
  2. 01:08Resolution Process & Customer Service
  3. 02:21Smith & Wesson Ammunition Policy Explained
  4. 03:21Replacement Firearm: M&P Pro Series C.O.R.E.
  5. 05:21Technical Analysis: Out of Battery Firing
  6. 06:38Casing Failure Theory & Ammunition Specs
  7. 09:26Conclusion: Shared Fault Analysis
  8. 12:26Industry Context & Design Oversights

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Smith & Wesson M&P pistol to fail catastrophically?

The catastrophic failure is theorized to be a combination of out-of-spec ammunition and the firearm's mechanical design, which allowed it to fire out of battery. This means the round discharged before the slide was fully locked forward, leading to unsupported chamber pressure.

What is Smith & Wesson's policy on firearm failures caused by ammunition?

Smith & Wesson generally denies responsibility if any ammunition, whether factory-loaded or reloaded, is identified as the cause of a firearm failure. This policy applies regardless of the firearm's mechanical state at the time of the incident.

What replacement firearm did the owner choose after the M&P failure?

Despite the previous catastrophic failure, the owner decided to upgrade to the Smith & Wesson M&P Pro Series C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) model as their replacement firearm.

Can firearms fire out of battery, and what are the risks?

Yes, some firearms, particularly certain striker-fired designs, can have the capability to fire out of battery. This is a dangerous condition where a round discharges before the slide is fully locked, potentially leading to catastrophic failure due to unsupported chamber pressure.

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