M&P striker identification

General Firearms Handguns - Semi Auto
1

I am looking at an M&P 9 at a local store. After searching, I haven’t been able to find out how to identify the generation of the striker in the gun.

Did they start putting gen5 strikers in the M&Ps after a certain date? (so I could look at serial numbers)

If not, could someone post comparison photos of the strikers so I could make sure I’m getting a Gen 5?

Edit: I know it is 2012 and the striker problems have been in the past… the only reason I am asking is because it is an M&P 9 with a threaded barrel. I know this handgun is discontinued, and am wondering what striker is in it

2

Here is a good post explaining the differences. ETA: of the earlier ones.

https://www.m4carbine.net/showpost.php?p=601771&postcount=21

3

This is what I have from my notes when I was researching the M&P9’s. I bought it in April 2011 and received mine in May 2011 so I think these particular notes on the strikers could be from June 2010 to April 2011.

“The NEW Strikers are Silver !!! This is what they look like from Brownells Checked and mine has the new one.”

Also in Sept. or October of 2010 they updated the sear blocks to the bigger plunger. Which is highly recommended if you go with the Apex FSS & Trigger kit. Or if you’ll use it as a CCW, just an extra precaution.
Now I don’t for sure what generation the silver looking one is though, the one at the time of my notes was the newest one. Or maybe I just thought it was?

I’m sure someone will chime in and correct the issue.

4

At one point, S&W transitioned from black strikers to silver ones. So if you have a silver one, you at least know it’s not the most ancient style.

As for whether there have been multiple generations of silver strikers, that’s a mystery. It’s not as if sharing this information would be in support of S&W’s customers :rolleyes:

Seriously, I’ve learned more about M&P pistols from people like Randy and Grant than I do from S&W themselves.