As a die-hard revolver guy, I really wanted to like the Shield. Am I doing something wrong or just be bad luck with the Shield? I am having issues with assembly/disassembly. That's why I sold my first Shield. This should be an easy, straight forward process. The pistol disassembled fairly easily. When I out it back together, the recoil pin/spring under the barrel sticks out. Also, the slide does not lock back with a magazine in or out. Even when I push the slide catch up. Now the slide won't go back far enough for the slide relase to rotate in it's slot on the slide. Now I remember why I wanted to stick to a simple basic revolver. If this is in the wrong forum, please move it.

Attached Images

KIMG0154.jpg (78.8 KB, 141 views)

__________________
otis

I think you need to have someone show you how to install the recoil spring. If it is even slightly out of position when you put the slide back you will have exactly what you are experiencing. It's really simple once you get it. But if you haven't handled many semi-autos it can be a little tricky. Don't give up!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Try post #23 here:

Guide rod/recoil spring issue Shield 9mm

Any clues as how to get it apart again? Do I just keep cycling the slide until the guide rod finally releases?

__________________
otis

I whacked it with a rubber mallet and got it to release. I will be cognizant to make sure the open end of the spring is facing up. Is there a better aftermarket guide rod/spring assembly available?

__________________
otis

it sounds like you're not lining the guide rod up center of the barrel lug and it's getting caught where it's not supposed to.

the issue of the slide release sounds like your're not pulling it back all the wya. the shield 9mm spring is VEEEEEEEEEEEERY tight until a few hundred rounds down range. you can try hand racking it a few hundred times and leaving it all the way locked back (if you can get it back) for a week with the slide lock engaged to give the spring a little bit of a set.

Few problems in life can't be fixed by whacking it with a hammer.

You'll also want to make absolutely sure the round plate on the end of the spring assembly fits completely square (vertically and side to side) on the barrel notch.

Thanks all. I will leave the slide racked for a while. I also ordered the one piece guide rod from ssguiderod.com. Has anyone else used these? Are they finicky as to how the spring is oriented as well?

__________________
otis

Gunsmithing 101...

If it doesn't move and should, use a hammer....

If it moves and shouldn't, use glue....

HaHa

__________________
CERAKOTE Svcs.
Class 01 FFL

Clicking on that link goes to another search page. Cutting and pasting link in new page works...FYI

__________________
CERAKOTE Svcs.
Class 01 FFL

I had the very same issue happen to me once with my PC Shield 9mm. The pistol has functioned flawlessly. 500+ Rounds now with several different brands of ammo, FMJ, hollow points. Then once, out of the clear blue sky, when I was reassembling I noticed as I mounted the slide on the frame it didn't feel quite right and the slide stop would not engage the slide stop notch. It moved into the notch but would not stay there. I thought,"Ugh, where's my G26?" LOL

Hmm, okay, removed the slide and to my eyes the guide rod assembly looked perfect. Obviously though something wasn't right. I removed the Guide assembly, rotated it, placed it back, and like greased butter the slide slid onto the frame and all was well. It's most definitely finicky and should've/could've been manufactured better.

Don't give up on the Shield quite yet. Keep shooting it, cleaning it, "lightly" lube it.

P.S. Keep us updated on how things go with the new guide rod assembly, and after a few hundred more rounds. Good Luck to you.

Attached Images

	IMG_5807.jpg (78.7 KB, 32 views)
	IMG_5809.jpg (95.0 KB, 32 views)

I think gonerydin nailed it. Any problems I've had with reassembly of my Shield have been self induced. It's not too difficult to get that recoil spring assembly just slightly out of position and it doesn't work the way it should. Just take a little extra care in putting it back in and it is fine.

__________________
America First

If you can't fix it with a hammer you can't fix it!!!

Problem seems like simply not enough experience with semi autos

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Good questions.

I ordered one for mammas Shield9. It has a single stage spring instead of the 2 stage OEM spring. It also seemed a bit weaker than the OEM spring which is why we got it to assist her in racking the slide. Installed it and was quite pleased.....

At the range....the gun had never had a failure to speak of and when mamma shot the new RAS the gun experienced a 50% failure rate. When she gave it to me I had no problems with it.

Apparently her wrist strength was right on the edge of being capable and the weaker RAS took it below that line. Threw the OEM back in and no issues so I sold the new one. Moral of the story? The strong OEM spring makes up for some weak wrist(ing) in the long run and will return the slide to battery.

BTW...didnt seem finicky at all.

Wow. I have never seen that before and I have been shooting and disassembling Simi autos for over 25 years. I even reassemble a 1911 blindfolded. It did not have a guide rod though. It would have been much easier if it did.

A hammer is a tool that is used to find the most expensive part adjacent to the thing you want to pound on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I find my Shield much more finicky about RSA alignment than my Glock. Got to be just right or no go. Then again, maybe it is easier to get the Glock RSA to be "just right"?