DPM Systems Magnetomechanical Recoil System for the S&W M&P Pistol

 

by Jeff Quinn

photography by Jeff Quinn & Boge Quinn

October 2nd, 2006

 

 

 

It has been almost one year since I first reviewed the DPM Systems multi-spring mechanical recoil system for the Glock pistol. Since then, I have met the owner of DPM Systems, Mr. Dimitrios Mantas, and looked over his products more in depth. He now has systems available for most popular semi-auto pistols. Basically, the mechanical recoil system consists of a stainless guide rod, in which are contained two captive springs, and another spring which slides over the rod. This third spring can be switched to more or less powerful springs to best suit the shooter’s choice of ammunition. The DPM unit replaces the pistol’s stock spring and guide rod, and can be installed in just a few seconds, without any tools.

The principle behind the three spring system is that is operates more smoothly than the stock unit, and provides a progressive increase of spring tension as the slide moves rearward in recoil, effectively cushioning recoil, and protecting the weapon from battering the slide into the frame as it ends its rearward travel. It works, and works well.

The latest DPM Systems unit that I have been testing is for the Smith & Wesson M&P .40 S&W and 9mm pistol. Having an accessory rail at the bottom of the frame just under the slide, the M&P can use the DPM "Magnetomechanical" system. This system is identical to the mechanical system internally, but adds a magnetic recoil dampener to the accessory rail of the weapon, which by magnetic action, slightly delays the opening of the slide upon firing, further cushioning recoil. I have not the scientific equipment nor the ability to prove the extent at which this works, but it is easily added to the accessory rail without tools, and still allows the use of a light or other accessory as the user desires.

DPM claims that their spring/rod system offers better control of the weapon and aids in accuracy, improves firing speed, and increases weapon reliability.  I found these claims to be true in tests on a Glock 19 a few months ago. I was anxious to try the DPM System on the Smith & Wesson M&P. With its superior ergonomics to the Glock, I suspected a very pleasant shooting experience using the M&P with the DPM System installed. As can be clearly seen in the "before and after" videos, once again, the DPM spring system works very well. I tried it with and without the magnetic dampener, and could see little if any difference on the 9mm pistol. Perhaps on a heavy kicker, such as a 10mm or .Plus P .45 ACP, the magnetic dampener will make a big difference. However, I did realize a noted difference in the feel, shooting speed, and control of the 9mm M&P with the DPM unit installed. While the 9mm is not a hard kicker, every little bit of help is appreciated in a defensive weapon, and the improvement provided by the DPM spring unit is a definite aid to fast, accurate shooting.  In both the before and after videos, I was shooting the same ammo; Cor-Bon 9mm Plus P 147 grain flatpoint ball. This is no powder puff load. It is quality high performance ammunition, and the DPM unit offered a substantial improvement in weapon control and speed over the stock spring unit. Note the lack of muzzle rise in the video after the DPM unit is installed. The video really tells the story much better than I can with words. In addition to aiding the shooter in accurate rapid fire shooting, the DPM System also cushions the slide to frame battering which occurs as the slide reaches its rearward travel, which should protect both the frame and slide from battering.

In addition to the unit for the S&W M&P pistol, DPM offers their spring system for most popular combat pistols, including the Glock, SIG, CZ, Beretta, and Walther models, with units for the 1911 coming soon.

The DPM Systems recoil reduction spring unit is made of quality materials, is built to last, and I highly recommend it. It gives the shooter a definite edge in both speed and control.

Check them out online at:  www.dpmsystems.com.

To order a unit for your pistol, if you reside in the United States, go to:  www.glockuser.com.

Jeff Quinn

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"Before" video: the S&W M&P in action without the DPM Systems Magnetomechanical unit.

 

"After" video: adding the DPM unit substantially decreases felt recoil and muzzle rise, making quick follow-up shots much more accurate.

 

 

Click pictures for a larger version.

 

DPM Systems' multi-spring mechanical unit replaces the stock recoil spring & guide rod.

 

 

The Magnetomechanical unit attaches to the pistol's accessory rail easily and without tools, while maintaining the ability to install an accessory under the unit.

 

 

Stock captive spring (left), DPM rod with springs (right), and Magnetomechanical unit (top).

 

 

Mr. Dimitrios Mantas, the man behind DPM Systems.