I called S&W CS today about the Takedown Lever Retaining Wire, the news was not the best. I was told to expect a 5 to 6 week turnaround plus shipping time. Natalie suggested I first check with a gunsmith. My gunsmith quoted an even longer turnaround.
You know what they say about necessity being the Mother of Invention.
1. I couldn't use a hand to hold the slide back to expose the spring, I needed that hand to work. I used a plastic clamp to lock on the recoil guide rod. Then I got my head strap flashlight.
2. I used two small screwdrivers and some leverage to straighten the spring somewhat. It wouldn't quite go into the track, but I was able to finish by tapping on a small punch.
THE SLIDE CAME OFF !!
3. The only damage was to the spring itself, but it's $3.95 plus shipping at Midway. The total will probably be $10. It may be possible to just stay with the slightly mangled spring, but why trust your life to it just to save $10 ??
It lookes like my Shield will be back in business when the spring comes in. I'll make sure to do the repair
BEFORE my third cup of coffee.
Closing Comments: I encourage everyone to read Nonuthin's thread. He linked it here in thread #6. It only takes a second to do the inspection he describes while cleaning the gun. If the spring needs to be tapped back into place, it's real easy
WITH THE SLIDE OFF.
Trying to manipulate that spring with the slide on, because it jammed and popped out, is a nightmare.
Thanks again to Nonuthin.