I ordered a new frame tool today for my M&P and noticed that they had an option for one with a lanyard loop. Since it was cheaper and afforded more options rather than less, I figured I’d buy it. But it got me thinking - does anyone still use lanyards on their pistols? Obviously it would be more for military/LEO applications, not for me as a CCWer, but are these even used anymore?
Whether they’re used or not, I’d be leery of trusting to put one on something that the lanyard could potentially twist out of the gun. Maybe losing both the frame tool and the backstrap.
If they had a lanyard loop integral to the frame, sure, for duty carry, but not CCW.
Somebody at S&W had an incomplete attack of The Clevers, it seems. 
I like lanyard loops if done right. I have to wonder about the M&P after finding out how easy it was to pulled the nubs off my take down tool on my old one:o:(.
The takedown tool doesn’t twist unless the magazine is out, so you’d have to have the magazine out of your gun with the lanyard exerting a lot of force to get it to come out.
I use a lanyard a fair amount. Several times a year I gig by canoe in swamps (at night) so if you drop it, it’s gone. If I’m canoing and I go overboard, it’s a little extra security. I also ride MX bikes, quads, and horses with my pistol. basically, if it’s an integraded lanyard loop, I only see it as a plus. On my CCW I don’t give a shit, on my outdoor carry it’s almost a must.
When I was an Army MP in ROK, part of our uniform was a white pistol lanyand worn through the right epaulette. This was fine if you were working the gate, but not so good on town patrol. One night a dirtbag grabbed my lanyard as he resisted apprehension and I got rid of the damn thing.
Lanyard loop on my M&P .45.
Yes. EDC on my “Bad Neighborhood” rig.
Not on my EDC, but attach one to my M9 when deployed.
At home, I have never used one.
Our CO, like most I would imagine, required us to use one at all times. I saw once where it was helpful. One of our guys was chasing someone and his M9 fell out of his POS Eagle holster. It went flopping after him until he stopped giving chase. It was pretty funny afterwards.
A far as an LE standpoint our shield guys use them, and I use one in rural operations. I have looked down and noticed the bail open on my 6004 after doing some low crawling.
I’m alittle lost… whats it for exactly?
I also used if for retention when outdoors. Kayaking, swimming, diving, skiing, parachuting and urban ops in the military. Only time I’ve used it on my personal time was canoeing and some hunting.
CD
Weapon retention. They were originally designed for cavalry units IIRC.
Where do you guys buy your lanyards?
The one shown I got for $0.10 at Brigade Quartermasters when they were going out of business, and prissed it up with 550 cord and a strap from one of my MOLLE packs.
Blackhawk makes some, Gemtech makes some, Buffer Tech makes some, or you can make your own:
I used one extensively while deployed, and use a lanyard every summer while doing operations in aircraft. Hate to drop a pistol from 500 feet or so. If I recall correctly, mine is a Blackhawk or something, with coiled cord and a wide velcro loop that attaches to the belt or wherever.
Just a word of caution, it is easy for a lanyard to interfere with reloading. I changed the attachment point to my M9 to a small metal clip I scrounged somewhere that stuck out to the rear of the pistol so it would be out of the way as much as possible. Any time I have every used a lanyard, the pistol is a secondary weapon, not the primary, so it is in itself the “emergency reload” or backup to the long gun.
If you are using the right holster, a 6004, you don’t need one. Just extra gear to get in the way and get hung up on something.
I know this is a REALLY OLD thread but do any of you use the M&P lanyard frame tool on M&P 9s or 40s…or do you just use on the M&P FS 45?
Reason I ask is that S&W only sells these for their FS .45s. However, their frame tools fit the 9/40/45. Crazy but true.
I stipple and sell M&P parts - thinking of carrying these…but this is the only thread I can find discussing this particular part and use.
Thanks in advance - sorry for digging up old topics!