Got my Shield last weds and got out today to check function. The 6rd mag I could only get in 3rds and the 7rd mag I could get 4rds in, no matter how hard I pushed! When I got home I used an Uplula and still only got 3rds and 4rds in the mags. I took both mags apart and there was nothing wrong with either mag.Of course I had a hard time getting the 7 rd base plate on with the locking clips. After I got the mags back together I took the Uplula and when I got to the 4th rd I hit the uplula HARD and got the rest of the rds in each mag. Right now the mags are loaded full and will let them sit for at lest a week ! Anybody have a hard time loading the mags?

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Jeff
N.R.A. Life Member

Have not heard that one. Did you run the mags to check function ? By the time frame should I assume you took the one with the thumb safety ? If you did, what do you think ?

If you mean (on the mags) did I push down the follower? No I did not. I ordered the Shield W/O safety and the only one my LGS could get. He told me that I had the only Shield 45 in the state. I just won't use the safety.

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Jeff
N.R.A. Life Member

No, I mean did you load the mags into the pistol & shoot to see if they operated properly & didn't cause an issue? I have an Uplula mag loader & recommend them but, as I'm sure you know, you should be able to load your mag without one. Having trouble getting that last round in is one thing, not being able to get in the last 3/4 rounds... ??

Jeff, I apologize, congratulations on the new pistol. Hopefully this will quickly & easily work itself out and the pistol will make you (even with the TS) a very happy man.

Yes, picked up mine today and posted this issue in another thread..Called S&W and was told to get a loader....wah !!

Same guy I called a few months ago on another issue....cranky.

My mags started out hard to load, but I got all of the rounds in and now after several days they are getting better. I am loading mine with my old fingers.

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To be forgiven, I must forgive

The magazines truly suck. Impossible to load without a loader.

Been my experience with the Shield 9mm as well. No surprise here.

I load any new magazine to full capacity and let it sit for at least 48 hours. I also lock the slide back on a new gun and let it sit for the same period of time before firing the weapon. This allows the new springs to take most of their initial "set" and makes it easier to manipulate and reduces the possibility of spring related failures during the initial break in period. Continued firing and loading will make things even better, as it does with any firearm I've ever had experience with.

I have not had problems such as described here personally, although many new mags are very difficult to load to the max by hand. As mentioned, every one ought to own an Uplula loader, as they take much of the work out of reloading even well used mags. They are certainly a wonderful thing to have for new mags. I'm not saying there is not an internal issue with the mags mentioned here, but using the loader to load them fully (if they can be loaded at all) and letting them sit will improve things significantly. That's been my experience!

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So long ... Ken

I picked up my Shield 45 last night, and my magazines loaded with no issues at all. I was expecting to have to use my loader after reading the posts on here, but I didn't need to.

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S&W Shield 45
S&W 500 Magnum

I guess maybe it is time to buy a Uplula loader.

I bought a Shield .45acp yesterday and the magazines are stiff and hard to load past 3 or 4 rounds. I worked hard and managed six in each mag. I'll hopefully hit the range this weekend if time permits. Either way the mags are staying loaded until range time. Hopefully they will loosed up a bit with use.

On the plus side. The .45 sure feels better in my hand than my 9mm and I really like my 9mm. I love the stippling on the .45 and may have my 9mm done to match. The slight addition in height on the .45 means I can get my pink on the grip without the extended magazine. On my belt I really can't tell much difference between the two so that is another plus for the .45 Shield.

I measured the thickness.of both and the .45 is about a 1/32 in. wider so the difference isn't noticeable.

The trigger on my .45 feels about like the trigger on my 9mm now it has had a few hundred rounds through it. Out of the box the .45 trigger was much better with no gritty feel.

I often carry my Glock 30SF but if the Shield .45acp shoots well I suspect the Glock will end up just being my house gun.

I've always preferred handguns in calibers beginning in 4. I have a feeling the Shield .45acp will make it to the never sell list.

Okay now it is time to order a mag. loader and Trijicon HD sights.

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Bill Bates