Costa Catalyst M&P Extended Mag Release

Costa Catalyst M&P Extended Magazine Release

Costa Ludus and 21st Century Gunfighter have teamed up to produce the “Costa Catalyst” – the first extended magazine release for the Smith & Wesson M&P series of pistols. Seeing that the M&P was introduced in 2005, it’s odd that no one until now has created a commercially available extended magazine release. There is a definite cult following for the M&P, while it’s not as popular as Glocks or 1911s – there are plenty of recreational and competitive shooters, along with law enforcement that use them.

The factory M&P magazine release has a unique shape and contour, instead of being a circle or square flat face button it has more of an oval shape with an angle cut back towards the frame of the gun. The Costa Catalyst maintains the oblong shape, but instead contours out and away from the frame. The face of the Costa Catalyst has three raise ridges that provide a nice tactile feel and traction, whereas the stock release has very light texturing similar to the factory interchangeable palm swells.

For the past year I've primarily been training and competing with the M&P family of pistols, a full size M&P9 for defense and an M&P9L for competition. I've tried out multiple trigger kits, sights, holsters and magazine extensions – but the one piece of kit I desperately wanted was an extended magazine release. You see, I have a confession… I've got small hands. For me to consistently drop mags I need to break my strong hand grip (right hand for right handed shooters) so my thumb can reach the factory M&P magazine release. This means after reloading I need to readjust my grip before taking my next shot – readjusting means added time and added time when you’re not ready to fire isn't a good thing in a defensive situation or competition.

When I heard about the Costa Catalyst M&P Extended Magazine Release I knew I needed to give it try so I ordered up two, and I'm glad I did. The Costa Catalyst installs in just a few minutes, and the only tool you need is a small flat head screwdriver. Start by first making sure you M&P is unloaded, then field strip it. Next use the small flat head screwdriver to release the spring that holds the factory magazine release in. Slide the magazine release out while using the screwdriver or your finger to keep the locking spring clear. Simply reverse the process with the Costa Catalyst and you’re good to go.

With the Costa Catalyst installed I no longer need to break my grip to drop magazines, now I can just bring my strong hand thumb down to the release and press. You can also tell Chris Costa and the guys at 21st Century Gunfighter put some thought into the design. Instead of simply adding material and calling it a day, they contoured the release so it doesn't screw with the ergonomics of the M&P, and one of the biggest positives of the M&P is its ergonomics. While shooting with a thumbs forward grip my support hand (left hand for right handed shooters) barely touches the extended release – it’s so slight I can’t even feel it.

I also tried my Costa Catalyst equipped M&Ps in four different holsters, two Blade-Techs, a Raven Concealment Phantom and a Calculated Sentience Kaluban Cloak – the longer release didn't cause any problems. I could draw and re-holster just as before.

Those who aren’t afflicted by the small hand disease may not have a need for the Costa Catalyst Extended Magazine Release, but because of its ergonomic design I can’t see it hurting them.  Then there are those like me who have been waiting for a product like this and for $25, it’s well worth it.

Costa Catalyst M&P Extended Magazine Release
MSRP: $25
www.costaludus.com
www.21stcenturygunfighter.com
Install video by 21st Century Gunfighter – Click Here