Hello,

I purchased an M&P Shield from Bass Pro today. I noticed that the slide was sticking when racking all the way back, past the slide stop engaging. I broke the gun down and inspected the RSA (picture attached below). I had a very difficult time getting the RSA back in. When I finally got it where it would push forward to seat in place, I racked the slide but the slide wouldn’t go back far enough to engage the slide stop. I broke the gun down again and reseated the RSA. It took me about 10 tries reseating the RSA to get it where the slide would go back far enough to engage the slide stop. I did notice, however, if I pulled really hard, it would jolt back all at once. It’s like something was stopping the slide. Upon further investigation, I noticed the spring goes above the top of the RSA. If I install the RSA at an angle, it bends the spring in place when installing… This is the only way I can get it installed where the gun will run. I believe I've found similar threads on this but no one has gone as far as identifying the problem... I emailed this to S&W a few minutes ago...

More than a few people have experienced this problem with the Shield 9mm RSA.

Rotating the RSA has helped some. But that is not a permanent solution since the RSA can rotate to its problem area while firing it.

You're correct - that doesn't look right. I'd give S&W customer service a call. I wouldn't doubt they'd send you a new one.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

This is the 40 shield. Well, I really want to shoot my new gun today so I think I feel OK doing so and will replace the RSA when I get it from S&W. I already emailed them requesting this. Thanks for the replies.

It is the same problem with the 40 S&W as it is with the 9mm. The flat spring on the RSA has poor quality control.

arrgg... I couldn't even bring myself to shoot my new gun today. All the freakin' joy I had for finding this gun is gone. o well, whenever S&W responds to my email and sends me a new RSA, the joy shall return.

There were two posts during the past month or so about the replacement RSAs that were sent also had the same defect. So the solution could be to find a 3rd party RSA for the Shield. I searched and haven't found one.

I've been biting my tongue for a while when I read about the RSA issues. I LOVE MY SHIELD, but when I see people online ask, "Why is S&W selling Shields for so cheap? They could put a MSRP of well over $500 and still sell them...," I just roll my eyes. Original springs and replacement springs having this apparent problem is a bummer.

I have not handled too many pistols, but I was surprised when I first took down my Shield and there was no round cut machined into the barrel where the RSA fits. My SW99s both have those, and it makes seating the spring to the barrel with correct alignment a literal snap. Then I read where people have to make sure the Shield's spring is in the exact spot and then pray there isn't a wave bulging up somewhere. Corners were cut. That's why the pistol is cheaper than its full-size and compact siblings.

An awesome design could be awesome-er.

The annoying thing is that it should be a relatively easy "fix" by adjusting the spring coiling machine and cut-off method...

I'm wondering if S&W simply took someone's "stock" spring, and then just cut it down to the length needed as a way to save money, but if so, they need to revisit the economics of this, as the cost of all those replacement recoil spring assemblies they're sending out has to be adding up.

Still waiting on my RSA replacement from S&W. They sent me the order number on 05/28. I'm thinking there's a problem with the shipment... Shouldn't take 8 days to ship an RSA.

It "shouldn't", but I think it depends on who is pulling and shipping the part. The customer service person I spoke with at the time said "he'd" just drop one in an envelope and send it, and the recoil spring assembly showed up about three days later. Another (in-stock) part I ordered took almost two weeks, but it also had all the paperwork to show that it had gone through their regular process.

Well, got the RSA in. It looks a lot better than the one that came installed. I threw it in there with no problems and felt VERY smooth now. Took it out today and put 50 rounds through it. No issues. Now I have to figure out this trigger pull, couldn't hit freakin' paper. argh.

Here's a tip for you, GET A REVOLVER. BTW, S&W offers an excellent line of revolvers in a wide variety of calibers. Seriously, leaning how to master the double action trigger on a revolver will improve your trigger skills to a level that will allow you to shoot well with any type of trigger. Another benefit is that you won't ever have to bend over and pick up your brass, they are a very tidy and polite type of firearm that are very considerate of their owners that don't spew valuable cases all over the place.

As for the recoil spring issue, in some respects that is an issue that goes hand in hand with producing a semi this small in calibers as powerful as the 9mm & 40 caliber. Put a 40 caliber cartridge next to a 25 ACP and you'll begin to understand the challenge involved in trying to build a 40 caliber pistol it the size envelope of what was once a 25 ACP pistol.

That said it's becoming obvious that S&W needs to tell their spring supplier that it's time to fish or cut bait, meaning start getting it right or they will find a new vendor. BTW, I expect that these springs are made by an outside supplier simply because flat wire springs are difficult springs to make and Artwork in a certain way.

Update on the RSA. I've shot this pistol some more with NO issues at all. Love it! I did notice when cleaning that I had that slide lock issue again. had to rotate the new RSA around and it was fine. I've noticed the end or the coil on the base has to be facing towards the frame, not the barrel, to function properly. Easy enough I guess. Love the GUN!!!!! Can't wait to get my quickclip in from Crossbreed then I'll be all set.