M&P Shield .40 slide lock issue?

[lumberjack2003]

I recently purchased the m&p 40. I have found that with no magazine present, the slide will not lock in the fully open position. If the mag is present, full or empty, it will lock open just fine. I can rack the slide and hold it back while I contort my hand to lift the slide lock manually, but it won't do it on its own. This doesn't seem to be correct, but maybe I'm just crazy? Anyone have some guidance on this issue?

[Houdini1953]

The slide is designed to lock back with an empty magazine if you rack the slide on it's own. Without a magazine the gun will rack and go into full battery as if you had a magazine with bullets in it. To lock the slide back you must manually push the slide stop as per the manual. Now If you are having a hard time engaging the slide stop while pulling the slide back then that could be an issue!

[insomniac]

the follower on the magazine pushes up on the slide stop when the mag is empty.

without the mag in the pistol, nothing is pushing up the slide stop unless you do it manually.

[lumberjack2003]

Ok, I guess all is well then! Thanks very much for your feedback!

[w1cny]

Thanks for the tips. I'm 72, and my thumb is aching from trying to actuate the slide lock. Magazine in, magazine out, it will not lock.
Bob

[MSG Glenn]

Well old-timer (I can say that because I'm also 72, lol) I guess it goes to prove that we are no longer the supermen we used to be. With use I no longer have too many problems holding the slide open while working the slide stop. There has to be & I'm sure I heard that it's the case that the recoil spring on 40C pistols are even stiffer than on the full size M&Ps. I have fewer problems with my 4 year old M&P 40 than on my compact. The first time I opened the case of my new gun & racked the slide I noticed the difference.

How are you opening your slide? With the thumb facing you or using the slingshot method? I've found it's worlds easier using the overhand non-slingshot method & instead of just pulling the slide back I push the gun forward at the same time all the while my thumb is on the slide stop exerting upward pressure. You slide will only lock open automatically with an empty magazine.

Isn't fun loading those new mags? Again I had no problems with my older full size but it sure was impossible getting that last round in the compact until I got an Uplula loader. And I considered myself physically fit, Army Strong, lol.