The S&W manual states to "lower the yellow sear deactivation lever" when field stripping the Shield, and to "...verify that the yellow sear deactivation lever is in the lowered position; it must be protruding into the magazine well..." prior to sliding the slide back on.

I have seen videos where people do not lower the sear deactivation lever and just pull the trigger to release the slide, and when reassembling the weapon, I have NEVER seen anyone lower the sear deactivation lever prior to sliding the slide back in place.

So...I am confused. Can this damage the gun? I am no technical weapons expert by any means, but I do want to understand/know the inner workings of my weapon and why they are designed as they are. Thank you in advance.