How to Disassemble a 40 Cal. S&W Semi Automatic

How to Disassemble a Smith & Wesson Sigma Pistol

By Gus Stephens

Introduced in 2006, the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber M&P Compact handgun was the company's first major venture into polymer-framed service sidearms. The semi-automatic .40 M&P -- an industrial style, no-frills design -- is marketed primarily as a duty pistol for police officers and military personnel. It features a Zytel polymer frame, and a stainless steel barrel and slide. The magazine holds 10 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. The .40 M&P comes standard with steel-ramp-dovetail front sights, and steel Novak Lo-Mount rear sights. Tritium sights are optional. The barrel measures 3.5 inches, and the weight of the .40 M&P is 21.9 ounces.

Step 1

Point the pistol in a safe direction.

Step 2

Press the magazine release on the left side of the trigger guard, and remove the magazine.

Step 3

Grasp the grooved sides of the slide with thumb and forefinger. Pull the slide back to its rear limit. Press up on the slide-stop switch to lock it in the open position.

Step 4

Visually verify that the chamber and magazine-well are clear of ammunition.

Step 5

Locate the frame tool at the bottom of the pistol grip. Rotate it one-quarter turn in either direction to remove it from the gun.

Step 6

Push the sear-activation lever downward into the magazine-well; use the frame tool.

Step 7

Move the takedown lever -- on the left side of the gun -- clockwise to the down position.

Step 8

Grasp the top of the slide; unlock it by pulling slightly toward the rear. Move the slide forward -- gradually -- to decompress the recoil spring. Remove the slide from the end of the gun.

Step 9

Turn the slide over. Remove the recoil spring -- and the recoil-spring's guide assembly -- from the slide.

Step 10

Remove the barrel from the slide.

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