Smith & Wesson M&P Catastrophic Failure Update

Published on April 23, 2014
Duration: 14:24

This video provides a technical analysis of a Smith & Wesson M&P pistol's catastrophic failure, attributing it to a combination of out-of-spec ammunition and a firearm design that allows out-of-battery firing. The host, a seasoned firearm reviewer, details the incident, the manufacturer's response, and discusses broader industry issues with firearm malfunctions and liability.

Quick Summary

A Smith & Wesson M&P pistol experienced a catastrophic failure due to a combination of out-of-spec ammunition and a design flaw allowing out-of-battery firing. Smith & Wesson denied liability, while the ammunition insurer covered costs. The host, an experienced firearm analyst, emphasizes shared fault between manufacturers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Incident Recap
  2. 01:08Resolution and Customer Service
  3. 02:21S&W Ammunition Policy
  4. 03:21Replacement Firearm
  5. 05:21Technical Analysis: Out of Battery
  6. 06:38Casing Failure Theory
  7. 09:26Final Conclusion
  8. 12:26Industry Context

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The catastrophic failure of the Smith & Wesson M&P pistol was attributed to a combination of out-of-spec ammunition and the firearm's design, which allowed it to fire out of battery, meaning before the slide was fully locked forward.

What was Smith & Wesson's response to the M&P failure?

Smith & Wesson denied liability for the catastrophic failure, stating their policy is to not cover issues where ammunition is deemed the cause. They offered the owner a small discount on a replacement firearm.

What is 'out of battery' firing in a firearm?

Out of battery firing occurs when a round is discharged before the firearm's slide is completely locked forward. This can happen due to ammunition issues or firearm malfunctions, and it means the chamber is not fully supported, leading to potential catastrophic failures.

Who was found to be at fault for the M&P failure?

The host concluded that both the ammunition manufacturer, due to potential spec issues with the rounds, and the firearm manufacturer, due to a design that permitted out-of-battery firing, shared fault for the catastrophic failure.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from The VSO Gun Channel

View all →