Ultra tight recoil spring on Shield

[2tango2]

I took my .40 Shield apart last night for its initial cleaning as I plan on going to the range this morning

It comes from the factory pretty wet. Smells like the used Shooters FP10 to lube it up. Pretty much just wiped down the excess oils and ran a few patches down the barrel with Mil Pro 7. Finished up by lubricating per manual. Used Tetra Grease on rails

When I went to put it back together I thought I was doing something wrong as I couldn't get the slide to lock back in order or flip the breakdown switch back into the locked position Even with putting a magazine in the slide would not lock back I could see that the slide wasn't going back far enough to line up the cutout in order for the flip up to take place

Finally after taken it down numerous times to see if I was doing something wrong I was able to get it to lock back in order to flip switch up.

Now I'm a normal size guy and have a decent amount of strength but this thing is a bear lol. I thought for sure I was doing something wrong

I find also that I have a very difficult time releasing the slide with an empty mag in it. This is when pulling slide back and using slide release button If I drop the mag no problem

I guess the question is, does the Shield spring loosen up with use? I'm about to go to the range and put 100 rounds of WWB 165gr through it

I can see where someone with below avg strength would have a difficult time here. Heck even avg strength people

Does what I'm explains sound normal or do I have jacked spring? Compared to my new FS 9 it is amazing how much stiffer the double recoil spring is

[OKFC05]

Compared to a full-sized gun, the short barrel double springs are noticeably stiffer, as they must be to work in the shorter space.

I find also that I have a very difficult time releasing the slide with an empty mag in it. (using the slide catch)

Yep, dang near impossible; don't even try it that way with an empty mag. Drop the slide the correct way by removing the empty mag and pulling back the slide. With an empty mag in place, the follower is pressing up on the slide catch to be sure it locks open.

[Old cop]

Dropping the slide w/an empty mag inserted will fail every time on almost all autos, they're supposed to work that way. Don't feel bad, this almost drove me nuts until I asked someone w/more knowledge.

[2tango2]

Oh I know but I'm talking about pulling slide back and pushing down on the release button That is damn near impossible too unless I go hulkamaniac on it lol

[jajo]

Only 2 range sessions with my new Shield so far, but it is getting easier to rack, and release the slide.

I think I've put 300-350 rounds through it.

More grip area and leverage with my FS M&P 9mm, plus 2400 rounds down range, and it's smooth as butter. I think the Shield will get better with use, maybe not this good though.


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[bobnieder]

I read a poster saying that he had used "Frog Lube" on the recoil spring -- I just soaked it with M-Pro 7 clp for several hours before removing the excess, and it seemed to help. I think you're right that it's just going to take several boxes of ammo cycled through it to loosen things up. I enjoy the relatively soft recoil for .40 cal. shooting my Shield. I was concerned that it would be more pronounced in such a small, light gun, but it has been great!

[BIGMAC116]

Only thing I can think of is ***maybe*** you put the recoil spring in backwards? It shouldn't be that dang difficult to rack.

[2tango2]

Nope....spring is in right

Went to range today and shot 100 rounds

The Shield performed and functioned flawlessly Gotta say though, I found the recoil pretty stout compared to the 9mm Shield I fired a week or so ago. I do have a 9mm barrel on the way from Guns and Gear

So all in all the Shield functioned fine, the nut behind the trigger needs to be tightened though lol

I followed up shooting the Shield with 50 rounds thru my FS 9. It felt like shooting a .22 lol. Love the FS, will grow to love the Shield. Bought a Sticky Holster for it too


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[Smitty357]

I have a can of lube that I use at my business, since i'm a locksmith. Most people dont realize that locks also need lubrication from time to time because they have moving parts (rotating cylinder, springs, pins, etc). Anyways, down here in Louisiana the humidity is terrible. Most people like to spray graphite in cylinders up north (not much humidity). But down here the humidity causes the graphite to gunk up and over times causes the locks to stick.

Long story short, i have a distributor that sells the lube i use on my locks. I have used this for 10+ years on locks as well as a few of my rifles. The lube (if u let it air dry), dries but leaves a Teflon coating (no graphite) no harmful material and can be used on anything. The coating is basically a protection barrier from ****, sort of like waxing your car. I basically spray all my internals down with this lube and let it dry. After it dries, i then dab a small bit of gun oil on the usual oil places.

Over time ive noticed my guns are much easier to clean. And the internals dont show as much wear on them as they do without the lube. This stuff in my opinion, is a damn good investment.

[2tango2]

What's odd is I have an XD-S which also has a double recoil spring and I can rack no problem at all

I noticed with the Shield is that sometimes it feels like that one last 1/8 of an inch to get the slide fully back needs well like a double pull like a hitch. Hopefully not a bind but like I said it functioned flawlessly at the range today

Have some liquid Frog Lube....maybe I'll dip the spring in that and then wipe


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[robkarrob]

Lubing the spring is not going to reduce the spring tension. Springs are heat treated to maintain the tension, which is good. You don't want to be replacing recoil springs every 200 rounds. Like all springs they will fatigue a little over time. But you not going to see much pressure drop. The stock springs are 16 pounds +/- and after some use they may lose a pound or so. The recoil springs slow down the recoil of the slide, and power the slide forward to load the next round and lock back into battery. The design of the double springs causes extra pressure just prior to full recoil. I have measured the pull, which is close to 16 pounds, but jumps to near 19 pounds at the last 1/4 inch of recoil.

It is a small framed gun with a small slide. It is a little harder to rack the slide back, than on a larger sized gun. Also I can not release the slide lock with my thumb. It is a small release lever and unless I push very hard with my thumb, I can't get the slide lock to release the slide when locked back. It is not worth the extra pressure on my thumb, so I release it by pulling the slide back. Some of my other guns are very easy to release the slide lock, using my thumb.

Bob

[shoots]

The shield does have a strong spring. But, you should be able to work it. Given that you did not reverse the spring placement, it is stronger than many full size springs. I can release the slide by pushing the slide release button. I am certain with some break in, you will have no problems racking the slide and pushing the slide release button.

[KentB]

Originally Posted by 2tango2

What's odd is I have an XD-S which also has a double recoil spring and I can rack no problem at all

I noticed with the Shield is that sometimes it feels like that one last 1/8 of an inch to get the slide fully back needs well like a double pull like a hitch. Hopefully not a bind but like I said it functioned flawlessly at the range today

Have some liquid Frog Lube....maybe I'll dip the spring in that and then wipe


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I find that my Shield 9mm has a very strong recoil spring also.
My XDS is much easier to rack than the Shield.
I'm heading to the range later this week to see if a few boxes of ammo help. Please keep us posted on how yours works out.

[Smitty357]

Originally Posted by KentB

I find that my Shield 9mm has a very strong recoil spring also.
My XDS is much easier to rack than the Shield.
I'm heading to the range later this week to see if a few boxes of ammo help. Please keep us posted on how yours works out.

I've put both my Shields side by side with a few XDS at the range. Although my springs were probably tighter when new, after a considerable amount of use they are now just as easy as the XDS. Even my ole lady and her friends can rack either of the shields without a problem.

With that being said, ive shot a few XDS and i always go back to my Shield. For some reason my accuracy isnt that great with the XDS (maybe its the .45). But i have no problems with .45 in my other pistols. My little brother even sold his XDS because he also wanted the Shield after shooting mine a few times. He literally gave his XDS away because he had no use for it after he got the Shield.

If you guys are having that big of a problem. Maybe you should eat some more Wheaties.

[bobnieder]

Ouch! 'Tis Wheaties y'll be givin' us, is it?

Hard, cruel hard it is.

I'll be after keepin' th' Shield, I will!

[2tango2]

lol on the Wheaties heh

Good to hear that the spring did loosen up to same as the XD-S. Only 150 rounds through it, a lot more too go downrange

[joebreed]

I just got my Shield over the weekend and I'm having the same issues you described. I resolved the slide release issue by lightly sanding and polishing the slide release. I also polished the mags to make them nice and shiny! The recoil spring is still an issue but I'm hoping it will fix itself over time. As I pull the slide back it hits a "stop" and then have to pull a lot harder to get it back for the slide catch to engage. Other than that I love it!

[2tango2]

Originally Posted by joebreed

As I pull the slide back it hits a "stop" and then have to pull a lot harder to get it back for the slide catch to engage. Other than that I love it!

Yep, that is exactly what I have noticed. I will say though that after 100 rounds it already seems a lot easier to rack.

A file this under fwiw....as far as releasing the with an empty mag in it, with the 7 rounder I ccan pull back and depress slide release and it goes forward with really not much effort. The 6 rounder requires a lot more effort.....the value of this info? Probably not much but what else can you expect at midnight when I probably should be in bed lol


Really looking forward to that 9mm barrel coming

[jfd]

Shield's (I have both 9 and 40) DO seem much tighter, especially for re-assembly, than any other new gun I can ever remember owning. They also DO loosen up and become easier to reassemble with time and lots of range time. Just shoot the h...out of them and enjoy doing it.

[2tango2]

Originally Posted by jfd

Just shoot the h...out of them and enjoy doing it.

That's the plan!




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[DJFaninTN]

well after an afternoon at the range and about 150 rounds down range I came home ready for a good cleaning.

taking it apart and cleaning .... no problem.

putting the slide back on ... good lord man.

after a few cuss sessions I finally got it back on. how can it be that hard to do? so what do I do? I disassemble the stinking thing and try it again.

after a few more cuss sessions I hike my skirt up and finally get it back on.

the wife came home and looked at my hands. looked like I had been sliding down a tree and trying to grab on. well at least she got a laugh out of it.

btw.... the range time was well worth it.

[2tango2]

Originally Posted by DJFaninTN

well after an afternoon at the range and about 150 rounds down range I came home ready for a good cleaning.

taking it apart and cleaning .... no problem.

putting the slide back on ... good lord man.

after a few cuss sessions I finally got it back on. how can it be that hard to do? so what do I do? I disassemble the stinking thing and try it again.

after a few more cuss sessions I hike my skirt up and finally get it back on.

the wife came home and looked at my hands. looked like I had been sliding down a tree and trying to grab on. well at least she got a laugh out of it.

btw.... the range time was well worth it.

Lol yep!!! I was wondering how could I have screwed it up so bad hat it won't go back together right

Put another 150 rounds through it tonight and it is much easier to rack and break down and put back together. It does loosen up considerably the more rounds through it


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[mudman bob]

After 3,000 rds my Shield is still difficult to release the slide, using the tab. I am happy with that though, because I don't think the spring has weakened enough to replace.

[nickel plate]

Originally Posted by 2tango2

I took my .40 Shield apart last night for its initial cleaning as I plan on going to the range this morning

It comes from the factory pretty wet. Smells like the used Shooters FP10 to lube it up. Pretty much just wiped down the excess oils and ran a few patches down the barrel with Mil Pro 7. Finished up by lubricating per manual. Used Tetra Grease on rails

When I went to put it back together I thought I was doing something wrong as I couldn't get the slide to lock back in order or flip the breakdown switch back into the locked position Even with putting a magazine in the slide would not lock back I could see that the slide wasn't going back far enough to line up the cutout in order for the flip up to take place

Finally after taken it down numerous times to see if I was doing something wrong I was able to get it to lock back in order to flip switch up.

Now I'm a normal size guy and have a decent amount of strength but this thing is a bear lol. I thought for sure I was doing something wrong

I find also that I have a very difficult time releasing the slide with an empty mag in it. This is when pulling slide back and using slide release button If I drop the mag no problem

I guess the question is, does the Shield spring loosen up with use? I'm about to go to the range and put 100 rounds of WWB 165gr through it

I can see where someone with below avg strength would have a difficult time here. Heck even avg strength people

Does what I'm explains sound normal or do I have jacked spring? Compared to my new FS 9 it is amazing how much stiffer the double recoil spring is

I had the same thing happen with my new 9mm Shield a couple of days ago while reading the stripping and assembly instructions and performing the first cleaning before the first shooting. After MANY, MANY attempts to re-assemble the slide and having it not going back the full rail distance to rotate the take down lever back up to secure the slide, my wrist was at the point of laceration from the front sight-this is a VERY heavy/stiff recoil spring.
The Shield recoil spring has a full round butt plate that wedges into a notch at the barrel lug, unlike a similar fit on my .45 Colt Combat Commander which has an eliptical cutout on the recoil spring butt plate that makes for a perfect centerline replacement match.

The fix: The Shield recoil spring needs to be PERFECTLY placed horizontally and fore and aft in the slide. I saw that although the recoil spring was PERFECTLY placed vertically as per figure 35 and 36, it was a degree or two off parallel to the edges of the slide as per figure 33 and 34. Once I made the Figure 33 and 34 re-alingnment, the slide traveled full length and I was able to reset the take down lever abeit a VERY stiff slide to rack.

[t1.8matt]

i was having the same problems with the slide reassembly and slide release. i was able to fix the assembly problem by cleaning the gun and just disassemble and reassemble a bunch of times and constantly racking the slide after it was put back together. for the slide release, i had seen that youtube video about sanding down the back of the slide release ever so slightly with 600 grit sandpaper, that worked perfectly. it's still a little hard to press, but i figured after i shoot it, it will loosen up a little more, so i didn't want to go to far with it. i am going to polish the back of it with 1000 grit, just to smooth it out a little.

[00dahc]

Go to 8:40 in this video... it looks pretty easy to assemble to me.

I haven't gotten mine yet.

S&W M&P Shield 9mm Review - YouTube

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by 00dahc

Go to 8:40 in this video... it looks pretty easy to assemble to me.

I haven't gotten mine yet.

S&W M&P Shield 9mm Review - YouTube

Good video, thanks for posting.

[Dikinalaska]

Yup, same issue with reassembly and using the slide stop. I just did as though everyone else did and muscled through getting it back far enough to flip the takedown lever. I can use the slide release lever just fine while empty by pulling back on the slide, and of course when I insert a loaded mag all I do is pull back a little and it racks itself just fine. When I insert a full mag after the slide is locked back I don't even try using the slide release. Learned this method at my LGS while trying to operate the lever on an XDs while it was empty and the slide was locked back. Took skin off my thumb before I finally swallowed my pride and asked what I was doing wrong lol. Now I hardly ever use the slide stop lever at all in any of my pistols, just pull the slide back and let it go. I'm sure all you experienced guys knew this, but I didn't so I thought I might pass it on just in case.

[2tango2]

fwiw, I bought a Shield 9mm yesterday and broke it down for a Frog Lube treatment last night. After I finished it went back together and was able to rack the slide without a hint of what my 40 gave me.....was it the Frog Lube? Shrug ...who knows but I don't have to bust out my Hulkamaniac to rack the slide heh

[zotzer]

Mine was the same at first. The only way I could reassemble the Shield and reset the take-down lever was to install an empty magazine. It is better now after about 400 rounds through it.

And, not trying to start a flame war or anything, but it is a slide-lock, and not intended to be a slide release. I always hand-rack anyway, but see this pop up frequently as a problem with the Shield, when it is not a problem at all, but intentional.

[Dikinalaska]

Originally Posted by zotzer

Mine was the same at first. The only way I could reassemble the Shield and reset the take-down lever was to install an empty magazine. It is better now after about 400 rounds through it.

And, not trying to start a flame war or anything, but it is a slide-lock, and not intended to be a slide release. I always hand-rack anyway, but see this pop up frequently as a problem with the Shield, when it is not a problem at all, but intentional.

Lol, I actually figured one or the other was technically correct but I didn't know which one. That's why I used both in my post. Thank you for correcting me.

[glocksocks]

I was also having the same issue as described above. I did notice, however, as stated by others here, if you keep installing the RSA, eventually, you find that sweet spot where you will finally rack the slide with ease.

I looked at the spring and I found the issue... Check out how the spring goes above the top of the RSA... When I install it correctly, I insert it and have to move the base over to one side to mash the spring down straight. Now that I'm looking for it, I can install it where it works 100% of the time. I'm thinking about getting S&W to send me a new RSA though... I just bought this gun today and don't want to go through this every time I field strip this thing. My hands are also KILLING ME.

[shoots]

The recoil spring may be the cause of some of the problems. I have noticed sometimes it may need to be adjusted sometimes. Given that the springs are inserted correctly front forward, rotating sideways solves the problem. For whatever it is worth, it worked for me.

[glocksocks]

Originally Posted by shoots

The recoil spring may be the cause of some of the problems. I have noticed sometimes it may need to be adjusted sometimes. Given that the springs are inserted correctly front forward, rotating sideways solves the problem. For whatever it is worth, it worked for me.

Yea, if I adjust the RSA a few different ways, I can finally get it where it works but you shouldn't have to do that. I'm not even going to fire this weapon until I get the new RSA from S&W. Kills all the joy of owning a new firearm... Especially one that I've been searching for for a freakin' year.

[Gyver]

I just bought my 9mm Shield a couple days ago. Haven't fired it yet, but while playing with it, I too noticed the same issue as many others have seen regarding the slide grinding the last 1/4" or so before making it to the slide release lever detent. Sometimes even stopping before making it to the slide release lever detent and then needing to rack the slide pretty hard to get the last 1/4" out of it.
Good news (I guess), I think I have solved the problem, but hopefully a few others can verify my findings.

The recoil spring is a beefy dual-spring assembly.
Each coil measures an outer diameter of .465".
Due to the amount of pressure the spring has, it kind of warps and leans to one side or the other as it sits around the spring rod assembly. I measured the worst-case warp from the outermost spring coils. It measured .520". So there is a bit of a warp to the spring.
The cavity that the recoil spring sits into has an inside diameter of .492". The spring tolerance is a bit tight, but it does fit (.465" diameter spring into a .492" diameter cavity).
However, since the spring has a warpage of .520", it actually scrapes against the inner sides of the cavity (silver channel under the front slide rails). When I slowly rack the slide, I can feel the individual coils of the spring scraping against the cavity.
I am figuring that when I rack the slide and it stops about 1/4" from the rear, a coil spring must have gotten stuck on the front side of the metal cavity opening.
After a bit of playing, I disassembled, rotated the recoil spring a little, then reassembled. Tested the slide again. Still sticks. Repeated again and again until I did find a point that I was able to rack the slide all the way back without any grinding.

This racking problem is probably not an issue when shooting since the recoil force is plenty to overcome a slightly sticking spring coil. But over time I am guessing there will be significant wear marks and scoring on the recoil spring and the cavity in which it sits.

I attached some pics to show what I found.
I used whiteout on the one pic to better highlight the scrapes from the spring when racking the slide.

Thoughts?

[glocksocks]

Yea, the spring that I had was worse off. The spring was so far over the top of the rsa, I couldn't even get it to seat. The new one they sent me was as you described, I had to find that spot where it didn't grind. Gun performs just fine and am happy.

[Edmo]

All things being equal, there are two ways most modern semi-auto pistols control the slide speed during recoil... The first is slide mass or weight and the second is spring tension. They balance these two based on the recoil energy of the round being fired.

If they reduce the weight of the slide (as with most smaller guns) they have to increase spring tension. It is that "no free lunch" saying rearing it's head.

You will find the springs will become easier to work after a few range sessions. They will then stabilize into a slightly lighter "feel" than they were when new. They will always be stiffer than your other guns with full sized (read: heavier) slides.

Edmo

[Dino1]

I believe I read in the manual that their is an orientation of the spring when replacing it. the end of the coil had to face upwards. It may have been another pistol manual I read it in, but I have always replaced mine doing this.

[kodiakpb]

That is correct

[Stratajema]

I had the same problem where the slide could not be fully retracted when the recoil spring was in 2 out of 6 rotated positions. The flat recoil spring is made like sh-t and I sent my Shield back to S&W for that problem and other problems.

I can't believe some Shield owners have accepted the recoil spring working in only some rotated positions. You think the recoil spring won't move when fired? You think a company like S&W shouldn't be hassled because of their ****** quality control of the flat spring?

The replacement recoil spring works in all rotated positions but the flat spring on it was also poorly cut and bent.

[vernSL]

I always struggle to get the slide to lock back after putting the Shield back together. Last time I cleaned it, my hands and slide were all lubed up and the gun flew out of my hand because I was struggling to get the slide back enough to engage the slide lock. The gun ended up being fine, but my sights got a bit marked up and got shifted. I will have to look into putting the spring in with the end pointing outward. I can rack the slide fine when the gun is together, it's just when I'm putting it back together that I struggle to get it back that last 5% to where it will lock back.

[vernSL]

Emailed S&W to see if they'll send me a new recoil spring assembly. Says it can take up to 5 days for a response though.

[glr in SC]

Good to see that I'm not the only guy that is not happy with the design of the recoil assy on the shield. I've been putting up with the same issues you guys talk about since I got the gun 2 months ago. I've put about 400 rounds through it and I can't tell any difference yet. I tried to contact S&W customer service a couple of times yesterday and was put on hold for longer than I was willing to wait. Finally sent them an email requesting they send me a new recoil assy or tell me where I can buy one. They can't be that expensive, but they aren't selling any shield parts to Midway or other vendors yet. Who knows, a new one may be just as bad as the one I have.

[Sandie]

I am new to this forum, and have a brand new M&P Shield. I cannot for the life of me totally get the slide back far enough to push the slide lock up and lock the slide. Being a woman I have tried all the techniques people talk about for women, pushing dominent (right) hand forward and left hand back at the same time while gun is pointed down range. Some of the guys at the range had trouble and found that the slide must be pushed past the slot to push the slide lock up. Also, one of them broke it down and then could not get the thing back together until the he removed the spring and replaced it a couple of time, it looked like the spring was a little bowed to me. To shoot this gun I have a guy rack it back, I load the magazine, and push(Hard to do) the slide lock down which racks the bullet up into chamber. Once shooting it, it is GREAT very accurate etc. This is not my first gun S+W 380 Bodyguard which was perfect for me until I had to fire it, trigger way to long a pull. So will sell to relative. Bought the S+W M&P Shield to carry concealed etc but man that spring is tight and I am not a weakling but cannot get it to rack back after much trial and tribulations!!!

[glocksocks]

Originally Posted by Sandie

I am new to this forum, and have a brand new M&P Shield. I cannot for the life of me totally get the slide back far enough to push the slide lock up and lock the slide. Being a woman I have tried all the techniques people talk about for women, pushing dominent (right) hand forward and left hand back at the same time while gun is pointed down range. Some of the guys at the range had trouble and found that the slide must be pushed past the slot to push the slide lock up. Also, one of them broke it down and then could not get the thing back together until the he removed the spring and replaced it a couple of time, it looked like the spring was a little bowed to me. To shoot this gun I have a guy rack it back, I load the magazine, and push(Hard to do) the slide lock down which racks the bullet up into chamber. Once shooting it, it is GREAT very accurate etc. This is not my first gun S+W 380 Bodyguard which was perfect for me until I had to fire it, trigger way to long a pull. So will sell to relative. Bought the S+W M&P Shield to carry concealed etc but man that spring is tight and I am not a weakling but cannot get it to rack back after much trial and tribulations!!!

This is normal for the Shield, I had the exact same problems you speak over. Break it down, rotate the spring until you find the spot it likes. After you put a few hundred rounds through it, it will start being less picky about positioning of the RSA. No worries Carry my shield everyday and it's NEVER malfunctioned yet, even though I had the same issues you're having.

Edit -- my spring looks strange too, normal..... hard to release the slide... Normal, just pull back and release to go into battery for a bit. It'll loosen up. Enjoy!

[Shooter 9]

Just got my shield a few weeks back. Was searching for this problem and glad I found I was not the only one having an issue with racking the slide. Actually took it to my LGS today to have a look. What he found was exactly as posted here. The spring needs to be in that sweet spot or you're gonna need a gorilla to help rack the gun. To me, that is totally unacceptable. Sounds like some Kahr propaganda. You need to fire the weapon "X" number of times before it's reliable. S&W can kiss my arse...

[BClayton357]

I have a NIB Shield. It is ridiculous that the slide is this stiff. It takes all I have to pull the slide back that last 1/8 inch or so. I too have the XDS in 45 and yes you have to manhandle it a bit but it is no where near this difficult. Anyone that has shot a 1911 with a three inch barrel will tell you the recoil spring on a 3" 9mm doesn't need to be this stiff and non-linear. Break in is one thing, but if A shooter has to put $200 worth of ammo down range to get reasonable performance out of a gun something is terribly wrong. I am 90% certain that those of us with this problem have out of spec recoil springs. I shoot enough that I don't think anyone would be satisfied with a firearm like mine or 2tango2's. And I don't give a **** what the manual says , the SLID RELEASE and yes that is what it is, should release with the thumb of the strong had. The reason it doesn't is that ridiculous 50+ lbs of tension in the recoil spring. The fact is that Spring metal will weaken a bit with use and maybe at 30k+ rounds you might need to replace the spring. The break in might drop the tension by 5-10 % but that won't be near enough. I am going to call S&W next week. This is unacceptable at least to me. The trigger sucks too but that should get better and I didn't buy this piece to be a range gun. Sorry for the not so humble opinion on this matter, but I really don't believe those who have expressed the "you are weak, or you just gotta break it in" position have had the same problem the rest of us do. If I had been able to checkout this gun properly before buying it, I never in a million years would have bought a Shield.

[RobzGuns]

When y'all were in the store, do you not give your potential new purchase a once over (work/lock the slide, do a quick take down to inspect it, etc) before putting your cash/card on the counter, or do you just take a quick look, say 'that's nice', pay and go? How does one NOT notice this before they get home?

If you had noticed this while still in the store, you could have tried another Shield, or simply said 'No thanks... I don't like it....That spring's too tight'.
Why accept (buy) something that's so........ Unacceptable?

[Cokeman]

Half the guns I buy are bought online from a store in another state.

[RobzGuns]

Originally Posted by Cokeman

Half the guns I buy are bought online from a store in another state.

Your FFL does not allow you to inspect the merchandise before accepting? I would not deal with that person anymore.
If they had sent you a MA Compliant Shield by mistake, do you feel that you would still have to accept it?
But then, I no longer do any blind purchases.