What is the worse case scenario if the recoil spring/guide rod malfunctions?

Cleaning my Shield yesterday and the guide rod rolled off of the work bench onto the floor.
Spring went flying across the room.

Will be calling S&W Customer Service on the 12th for a replacement but this gives me a cause for concern.

This is going to be my main carry gun and it has to be 100% reliable.

Any thoughts?

Nick
West Virginia

Since there are many discussions about the Shield & since is the first time I've heard of this happening let's hope that your spring flying off was a fluke. There can be defects in any manufactured product regardless how reliable & well made it is.

I've never needed to use S&W's customer service but everyone I know or heard about say that's it's the best. I'm sure they'll make it right.

You might have to wait awhile for service because S&W is closed for summer vacation until Aug. 12. Call them anyhow. They probably have a skeleton crew working.

__________________
Former USN, Retired US Army

I called CS yesterday and got a recording.
They will be open for business Aug 12th.

I managed to get the spring back onto the rod assembly but it just doesn't look secure.

Keeping the gun disassembled until new rod assembly arrives.

Nick
USN/USCG Vet

May be worth a look see.. Brownells or Midway may have them. If so they ship fast you should have it in a few days.. Yes you will pay for it but I'm sure it's cheap and you will have a working gun on hand fast just incase you may need it.. I would still call S&W to get another one from them this will give you an extra you can have on hand.. This is what I would do anyway.. George

Thanks George.
Will have a look.

Nick
WV

Any pics of when it was split?

He's a pic. Couldn't zoom in any closer. The top edge of the spring is resting at an odd angle. Looks like it could come off at any moment.

Attached Images

Shield Recoil Spring Assembly 002.jpg (54.8 KB, 197 views)

I sent my M&P 9 back to S&W yesterday the end cap from the recoil spring was no longer attached to the blackboard cap.
The dealer felt it may be more than just a bad recoil spring and S&W have a look at it.