Just got my shield. Fine, fine gun. Everything is great, but the slide release is really stiff. From experience, will it loosen up? Other than that, the gun is classic S&W, put together about as good as it could be. Unlike many, I love the safety. Needs a little effort to engage it, but comes off with a sweep of the thumb. My first striker fired gun, so the safety is reassuring, at least for now. Going to run a box of ammo through it this afternoon.

You can see my post about my problem with the last rd in mag.

The slide release should loosen up. Mine was stiff but after 350 rds this past few days it is much easier to use.

I just broke down the gun and cleaned it (no need, it was spotless) and added a couple of drops of oil as recommended. I tell you, the fit of the parts of S&W guns is unmatched. I looked at the ruger lc9 in detail. I don't doubt its a quality gun, but the trigger and hand grip just don't cut it. The Shield is quality from one end to the other. Maybe not the best concealed carry in terms of bulk, but I believe the quality is unmatched. Hopefully, my opinon won't change after shooting it this afternoon.

Its not a Slide Release its a Slide Stop! Look at the owners manual picture it is clearly stated. Old school with guys that have shot 1911's for years utilize the term and if memory serve's me correctly, on the 1911 it was a slide release. Today once the mag is in in a tupperware gun you pull the slide to the rear till it stops, then let it go, called slingshoting the slide. In some instances with the M&P's if you slam the magazine in sometimes the slide goes into battery without slingshoting. Good luck with your new toy.

I also don't use my slide stop as a slide release. I power stroke the slide to chamber a round.

Yeah mine was unusable it was so tight but better after break in. Like others have said most of time I just pull and release slide. Years of shooting fullsize and pro don't think I ever even used the slide release. Jam a mag reload and slide releases w/o fail. Makes for fast smooth competition reloads. Would be nice if my shield eventually does that.

Your memory is not serving you correctly. It is indeed called a slide stop on the 1911 as well. However, on both guns it may be used to release the slide if so desired.

The sling shot method is preferred because it's universal and will work on all semi autos. Pressing the slide stop is faster. There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods. It's a personal choice. Pick the one that works best for you.


Rebshield,
Yes, it will get better as time and use accumulate.

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