When you start accessorizing the M&P40, you need to choose items that keep the weight down, but add additional functionality to the weapon. Improvements to the M&P 40 are few, but we’ve found four of the best M&P 40 accessorieson the market.
Meprolight Tru-Dot Night Sights
The S&W M&P 40 comes with a decent pair of sights, they are certainly functional, and they can get you on target. However, they are quite spartan. They are for use during the day and are weak at night. A good set of night sights improves the weapon’s versatility, and when and where it can be effectively used. The Tru-Dot Night sights are a favorite for military and law enforcement. They glow intensely at night and are extremely easy to pick up in dim or low light situations.
The Meprolight night sights (see full specs) are perfect for home defense scenarios so when something goes bump in the night, you can bump back. Their uses aren’t limited to just night time uses, however. Buildings can often be much dimmer than the light outside. Imagine being in a movie theater and having to rely on day sights only. A good set of night sights can go far for you.
The Tru-Dot night sights are perfect for the M&P and specifically fitted for them. Installation is very simple, and can be done at home. If you’re unsure of how to, a gunsmith will be happy to help. The Meprolight sights are some of the brightest in the world, and they last 15 years before they begin dimming. Meprolight night sights work well during the day, and easy to engage with regardless of the light conditions. They’re easily among the best S&W M&P 40 accessories you can buy.
Safariland ALS Concealment Holster
If you have an S&W M&P 40 you need a safe and reliable way to carry it. A 5-dollar made-in-Taiwan holster isn’t going to do it (not we have anything against Taiwan, mind you). Holsters not specifically designed for a weapon can be problematic. These holsters may be too small or too large, and in either case, it’s not safe. Companies like Safariland produce high-quality holsters that are fitted for the exact weapon you are carrying.
Safariland is famed for making extremely high-quality holsters. The ALS concealment is of course designed for close to body concealed carry. This is an OWB holsterthat uses a paddle. The benefits of the paddle are the fact that you don’t need a belt, and it can be placed nearly anywhere on the waistband. The Safaril and ALS is a simple holster the uses an active retention device. The device is placed on the inside of the holster and is deactivated by the thumb when the weapon is drawn.
This device will hold your M&P 40 tight and secure against the body. This makes it easier to carry a full sized weapon in a concealed manner. The ALS holster is lined with a soft material to prevent the finish from being scratched or rubbed wrong. The ALS holster is built specifically for the M&P pistol, and it’s lines and curves. The Safaril and ALS holster is an excellent addition to comfortably carry your M&P 40 and also one of the best M&P 40 upgrades.
Fobus Double Mag Carrier
The M&P 40 uses double stack magazines to feed the weapon. A double stack magazine is quite thick, and if you want to carry extra magazines you’ll need a specific magazine carrier. One like the Fobus Paddle magazine pouch. This is specifically designed to hold double stack magazines. The Fobus is a double magazine pouch, so you end up carrying a total of three magazines including the one in the gun.
The Fobus magazine pouch is not only designed for double stack magazines but also just for S&W M&P magazines. The pouch is made from polymer so it will not rot, rip, or fray. It does not need to be oiled and is weather proof. The pouch uses a paddle that secures the holster to your body. The paddle is rubberized, which keeps it comfortable against the skin and keeps it from slipping and sliding out of place.
The design uses a passive retention, friction based design. This makes it possible for the shooter to draw the magazine from the pouch with ease. The magazine pouch uses a steel reinforced rivet attachment system to keep the pouch connected to the paddle. The pouch is easy to conceal and is incredibly comfortable through day to day use. This is, hands down, one of the best Smith and Wesson M&P 40 accessories you can buy.
Streamlight TLR-1
The S&W M&P 40 has a full-length dust cover, equipped with a Picatinny rail. This rail is specifically there for accessories like the Streamlight TLR-1. That front rail is perfect for a flashlight or laser. The TLR-1 is designed to be used with a full sized handgun like the M&P 40. It’s a large but lightweight light. The TLR-1 delivers 12,000-candela peak beam intensity, which is bright enough to temporarily blind an opponent.
The TLR-1 (see full specs) shines brightly with 800 lumens. Night sights work well, but a flashlight will work better if you don’t mind the extra bulk. However, the best bet is to combine night sights with a flashlight. The TLR-1 is machined from aircraft grade aluminum with an anodized finish. The light is designed to work well even after extended use and the light heats up.
One of the biggest benefits is the light can be mounted with one hand, and you never risk putting your hand in front of the muzzle. If you need to ditch the light for any reason you could do so with ease. You also have the ability to choose a combined light and laser model with the TLR-1. This should be on anyone’s list of the best S&W M&P 40 accessories.
The M&P
Do you have to upgrade the M&P40? No, it will work well without these accessories. However, an M&P 40 can be improved significantly with just a few accessories. If you want to conceal carry an M&P 40, a holster will be necessary for safe carry. And if you want to be ready for anything, you’ll need to be ready at night too, right? You also may need that reload if you run out of ammo or if you have a magazine break or malfunction. A few accessories can make a big difference. Good luck!
