Slide Lock Issue on My Shield

[shieldfan]

I picked up a Shield and love the beauty. However, while trying to field strip it, I couldn't get the slide lock to engage (this is not a thread on releasing the slide, because I use the slingshot method). It seemed like the slide wasn't moving back far enough to engage the lock. After numerous attempts it was able to be pulled back far enough and engage and field strip. After examination it appears that the RSA spring might have been the issue. Is this something, that has happened to Shield owners before? Should I try and get another RSA or will it break-in over time?

P.S. I did a search but many say it breaks in over time, but that doesn't really sit right since it will be my primary carry gun.

[Jordanjf86]

Help and welcome to the forum. This seems to be a very common thing with the Shields. It is caused from the recoil spring assembly not being positioned in just the right spot. It has to be perfectly centered before you try to re install the slide. Most people say it resolves the issue just making sure it's centered.

[Jakpro]

You are not alone. I have a devil of a time getting mine to lock. It seems that I have to fiddle around with it several times before it will lock.

I have screwed around with the recoil spring assembly and it does not seem to help.

About half of the time, I have to put and empty magazine in it to get it to lock open.

[shieldfan]

Thank you for the welcome and posts...It seems like that is the only small issue for this great gun...I'm going to blow a couple hundred rounds through her and see if that helps...

Question, aside from the slide lock pain, have you had an issues? My friend has on and doesn't have any slide lock issue and shoots like a tack driver. That's why I picked one up.

[Jakpro]

No problems with mine.

[gnystrom]

It is just new and the springs are stiff. Most smaller pistols all have issues locking slides back. My I still struggle with my Shield from time to time.