I just purchased my new S&W shield 9mm today Sunday 3/17/13.
(Happy St. Patrick’s day)

I took the gun home to clean it before I took it to the range and while reassembling it
I couldn’t get the slide to go all the way back to latch the lock. After breaking down the
Gun several times, I final found the obstruction.

What I found was the large recoil spring was protruding out at the stop making it wider at that point
Right at the end of the coil on the end that’s facing the chamber. It prevented the slide from going into
The lock position. If I rotate the entire spring assembly and place protruding coil facing the barrel
Everything is fine. I rotated it again towards the bottom the same problem occurred, could not rack the
Slide back and latch it. ( see attached Pictures).

It looks like the large spring was wound incorrectly. I have not even fired the gun yet, its only 2 hours old.

I have a concern that if it rotates and prevents the slide from going back bad things might happen.
Any one have this problem?

S&W shield 007 (2).jpg

S&W shield 002 (2).jpg

__________________
Tspan

Call S&W and I'm sure they will send a new one at no charge.

Storm40

I already wrote them with pics.

thanks,

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Tspan

i had the same issue with my shield the first time i went to clean it took it back apart several times. the slide would stop just short of the catch. finally went back together and shot just fine. I will look for the spring issue when i brake it down to clean and reply again.