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Old 07-22-2020, 12:34 PM
hotlynx16 hotlynx16 is offline
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Default New M&P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide

I just bought my first pistol from Academy and it is a M&P9 shield no safety. It was the only one they had in my price range. I thought it was a new gun but after looking on line I found they started making it in 2014. Anyway I get it home and was checking it out and I found it is extremely hard to pull the slide back. Even my twin brother that has several pistols had a hard time pulling it back and said that it was not right. Academy paper work says "all sales final". Do I need to bring it to a gunsmith to get his opinion? Has anyone heard of this?
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Old 07-22-2020, 12:40 PM
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Shoot it. Shields are known for being stiff, especially at first, even for short barreled pistols. (Full size pistols are easier to learn on)
To lock the slide back, insert an empty mag first.
Cornered cat web site is about shooting pistols, by women, for women, but has a lot of good info for anyone on racking techniques and other gun handling.
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Old 07-22-2020, 12:49 PM
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Hi OP. I cant speak on your specific Shield, but yes in general their slides can be difficult to manage. Technique and practice can definitely help, noting for some (like myself) with hand issues SW also offers the EZ models.
I will add the Shield mags can be tough to fully load, many of us will use a Uplula Magloader for keeping that process easy.

Perhaps a trip to a range that has solid staff to help can get their feedback as well. They may be quite informed on Shields.
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Old 07-22-2020, 12:50 PM
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Some people do have difficulty racking the 9mm Shield. 4 years ago I gave one to my GF for her bday and she struggled with it at first. She learned some techniques that helped and it became her favorite pistol for a time. The spring will loosen up a bit after you shoot it some. There are many YouTube videos on the subject of how to rack a pistol.


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Old 07-22-2020, 01:05 PM
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Thanks for the reply's, my brother, told me about the Uplula Magloader and I have one coming.Also I didn't see much oil on the thing either. My wife bought a full sized S&W about 4 years ago and I shot it a few times and never had any issues racking it but it was confiscated by the police when she shot it in the air with a city ambulance sitting out front, she was mad about their service. She passed in 2019. like a dummy I didn't get a receipt for it when they took it. I found out about the EZ model after I bought this but things are scarce around here, ended having to order ammo on line, paid $38 for 50 rounds of 9mm. Academy only had 4- 9mm pistols in stock the one I got an the others were over $550 and up!

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Old 07-22-2020, 01:28 PM
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I bought my Shield 1.0 several years ago and have put several hundred rounds through it and it is still unacceptably hard to rack. Sometimes I can get the slide all the way back and the slide stop will not engage the slide. I have no problem with my M&P full size. I still carry the Shield though. I had planned to shop for the 9EZ or Compact 2.0 in March but that's when the run on the gun stores began and prices went up so I'll wait and deal with it.

For those that have the Shield 2.0, is the slide any easier to rack?
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Old 07-22-2020, 01:33 PM
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The Shield 9 is a good pistol, but it's one of the hardest-to-rack semi-autos on the market. What you're experiencing with your new Shield sounds completely normal. It will get a bit easier to rack with use, but not much. It is especially difficult to reinstall the slide when reassembling a new Shield after cleaning it. For that reason, I recommend the Handi-Racker, a simple but very effective tool for racking slides. Here's their website:

Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

Good luck with your new Shield, and welcome to the Forum!
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Old 07-22-2020, 01:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tradewind36 View Post
...
For those that have the Shield 2.0, is the slide any easier to rack?
I have a Shield 45 (all Shield 45s are 2.0), and it is way easier to rack than my 1.0 Shield 9. It is also far more accurate. As a result, my Shield 9 has become a safe queen, and the 45 is the one I take to the range or carry when I don't feel like carrying my main EDC, my M&P 40c.
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Old 07-22-2020, 07:44 PM
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ArachniGrip Slide spider might be of interest to you.
I am getting one for my M&P Bodyguard 380 (small slide).
I sold my 9mm Shield and got a M&P 9mm EZ because of difficulty
in racking the slide (arthritis in hands) and loading mags.
You have a great gun, and as mentioned above, there are many
YouTube videos that show different techniques on racking a slide.
Welcome to the forum!

Be SAFE and Shoot often!
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Old 07-22-2020, 08:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hotlynx16 View Post
Thanks for the reply's, my brother, told me about the Uplula Magloader and I have one coming.Also I didn't see much oil on the thing either. My wife bought a full sized S&W about 4 years ago and I shot it a few times and never had any issues racking it but it was confiscated by the police when she shot it in the air with a city ambulance sitting out front, she was mad about their service. She passed in 2019. like a dummy I didn't get a receipt for it when they took it. I found out about the EZ model after I bought this but things are scarce around here, ended having to order ammo on line, paid $38 for 50 rounds of 9mm. Academy only had 4- 9mm pistols in stock the one I got an the others were over $550 and up!
You probably want to buy ammo for the range, and ammo for self defense. $38 for 50 rounds of Speer gold dot is ok ( I guess these days it is).

But for practicing, look for something like CCI Blazer 115 gr. Or for something with a little more pep what I use is Winchester Nato 124 gr. Both are much cheaper than $38.

You can, and probably should shoot some of the expensive stuff to see how your gun reacts, but that gets expensive fast. SO for general practice get something more reasonably priced. Try a place like TargetsportsUSA for online ammo.
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Old 07-22-2020, 08:09 PM
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Smith & Wesson(R) Shield 9mm & 40 cal Guide Rod by Stainless Steel Guide Rods • Stainless Steel Guide Rods

It’s a game changer, reduced the rack by 40% and it’s a superior product.
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Old 07-22-2020, 08:12 PM
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Since nobody has mentioned it, when racking the slide, pull with your slide hand and push with the hand on the grip.

A small thing but it can help.
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Old 07-22-2020, 08:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
Shoot it. Shields are known for being stiff, especially at first, even for short barreled pistols. (Full size pistols are easier to learn on)
To lock the slide back, insert an empty mag first.
Cornered cat web site is about shooting pistols, by women, for women, but has a lot of good info for anyone on racking techniques and other gun handling.
Solid post right there. Never seen that site before today. The site may have a target audience of women, but it has lots of good info there for everyone. Thanks OKFC05.

OP, start here:

Rack the Slide | Cornered Cat
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Old 07-22-2020, 09:13 PM
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Try turning the pistol sideways . Make a fist and pinch the back of the slide between your thumb and forefinger . Push and pull like AlHunt suggested . The spring is stiff and the slide thin . Hard to grip on top .
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Old 07-22-2020, 09:32 PM
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You may want to look at the TacRack slide racker. It replaces the slide end cap. I have one on my Glock 43 and really like it. I will probably be ordering one for my Shield as well.
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Old 07-23-2020, 09:48 AM
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Lock the slide back and let it sit for about a week, it will help.
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Old 07-23-2020, 12:39 PM
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Same issue here. My hands have become super sensitive as I get older, it becomes very painful for certain tasks. My Shield Compact was a struggle I became tired of, good gun, bad hands. I traded it for the Shield EZ and life has been good since. I know the ammo load is smaller but it is a pleasure to operate.
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Old 07-23-2020, 12:40 PM
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If you are pulling on the slide, you are doing it wrong. As others have stated, push with your strong hand, while holding the slide with your weak hand. My wife had issues until she learned the proper technique, and now she can rack any gun given to her. She is a tiny 5' 3" Thai woman.

Here is a video that shows the proper technique.

An Easier Way to Rack the Slide on a Gun - YouTube
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Old 08-02-2020, 03:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kye4some View Post
Smith & Wesson(R) Shield 9mm & 40 cal Guide Rod by Stainless Steel Guide Rods • Stainless Steel Guide Rods

It’s a game changer, reduced the rack by 40% and it’s a superior product.
Ordered it and received it yesterday, it is somewhat easier to rack, I need to get it to the range and put a few rounds through the Shield.
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Old 08-02-2020, 04:08 PM
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Read the owner's manual. Clean and lube the pistol as directed (it does not take much lube). Run about 500 rounds of ball through it. Clean and lube it again. Run at least 200 rounds of carry ammo through it. Clean and lube again. I bet it will be a lot easier to handle after that.
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Old 08-02-2020, 05:08 PM
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My Shield 1.0 (no thumb safety) taunted me when racking and loading mags when new. Called me "girlie man". After a few hundred rounds of some "spicy" loads and an Uplula, it now respect my authoritah.
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Old 08-02-2020, 06:50 PM
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There's a reason they came out with the 9mm EZ. Now, you have discovered the reason. The problem is typical of most sub-compact centerfires, and the gun can be managed using proper techniques. Learn those and get used to it, or -- it's trade-off time.
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Old 08-07-2020, 10:26 PM
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Default Thanks for all the replys

I have not had it to the range yet, finally able to get around after both knees replaced this year.Been concentrating on trying to get ammo, what a nightmare, got one box FMJ 115 (limit1)from one place for $19.99 then the charged me $16.89 for shipping,OUCH. I finally found a place that I got 6 boxes 124 FMJ for $108, free shipping.The only thing with the free shipping it took about 4 1/2 weeks to get them. I found 3 boxes defense hollow point for $32 a piece plus $20 shipping and now I see other sites selling them for $48-52 a box. I guess I should be happy with what I paid for. I am going to order a Handi-Racker. I have to wait on it because the delivery is 2 weeks and that is about the time I should be back home. Been staying at my brothers 60 miles away for my knee surgery's.I took the rack off and oiled it but almost didn't get it back on, my brothe had to help, I have it racked back as someone suggested and will leave it like that for a week or more!
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Old 08-07-2020, 10:46 PM
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You might wanna search a little harder for ammo. That's price gouging to the max.
Try Locked Loaded Limited ([email protected]) | Firearms and Gear I picked up 1,000 rounds of brass FMJ for $219.99 + $19.99 shipping. It's better to go to Facebook and look him up. He actually notifies you when he gets a shipment. He has a ton of steel FMJ he just got.

FYI if you want to know how old the Shield is look on the box on the white label and you should see 6 numbers like 071720 that is what mine reads. July 17 2020 some call it the built on date

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Old 08-08-2020, 12:20 AM
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Says 062420 on the box. What is strange is Academy does not show that model on their website? it is the no safety model. When I first started searching for ammo I found a 1000 round for $219 but my brother said "what do you need that much for?" I looked again the next day and it was out! Saw 500 rounds now they want $470 for it. Looked at locked online site and order a couple of things. Seems like all the ammo is going up north, I saw another store in Indiana and they had plenty of ammo but shut down their online to keep it for their store. All the stores around here are "ammo empty" !

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Old 08-08-2020, 01:33 AM
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062420 is when the gun was made. June 6 2020. Yours should be the Shield 2.0 9mm. Yes it’s going to be hard to rack the slide until you start shooting it or you can make sure it’s unloaded and sit and rack the slide while watching TV. I suggest you not listen to your brother because 1,000 rounds isn’t nothing. That’s just range ammo. You’ll run out quick.

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Old 08-08-2020, 06:29 AM
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You also might want to consider replacing the end cap of the slide with one made by TacRack. It gives you a little something to grab a hold of when racking the slide. Congratulations on your Shield. Yes, they can be hard to rack but they are a fine little pistol.
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Old 08-08-2020, 08:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hotlynx16 View Post
I just bought my first pistol from Academy and it is a M&P9 shield no safety. It was the only one they had in my price range. I thought it was a new gun but after looking on line I found they started making it in 2014. Anyway I get it home and was checking it out and I found it is extremely hard to pull the slide back. Even my twin brother that has several pistols had a hard time pulling it back and said that it was not right. Academy paper work says "all sales final". Do I need to bring it to a gunsmith to get his opinion? Has anyone heard of this?
I bought this gun right after they came out and had the same problem. My wife couldn't rack it and I was sure I made a big mistake buying it. Everyone said to get some rounds through it and so that's what we did. After approximately 300 rounds, problem solved. My wife is a healthy, fit, 72 year old and has no problem with it now (or any other of the weapons we regularly shoot). So.... go shoot it and have some fun, the problem will fix itself .
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Old 08-08-2020, 05:08 PM
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For the cost of putting several hundred rounds thru it to ease the spring I could buy a 9 EZ!
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  #30  
Old 08-08-2020, 09:26 PM
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mltndw3 mltndw3 is offline
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New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide  
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Default Sig 365

You are right about the cost of a few hundred rounds to solve the problem being expensive. At the time, options were more limited than now. I bought a Sig 365 and love it. It also comes with night sights. We shoot both guns but I now carry the Sig.
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  #31  
Old 08-16-2020, 10:42 AM
hotlynx16 hotlynx16 is offline
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New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide  
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Finally found some range ammo back in stock, got 1000 rounds of CCI blazers coming for $269. There are people trying to sell the same stuff for $479???. Saving my hollow points in my extra clip. Now to find a range near me. One place requires NRA membership and fill out a application similar to a back ground check. I only can find 3 in my area listed, I will call the 2 public ones next week to see if they are even open.
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  #32  
Old 08-26-2020, 03:44 PM
hotlynx16 hotlynx16 is offline
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New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide New M&amp;P9 Shield no saftey hard to rack slide  
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Well I finally got sick of this M&P9 shield no safety. Found a 2.0 EZ at academy and bought it, no problem racking it at all. Another issue I am having with the shield 1.0 is the 8 shot clip doesn't want to go in and latch when full. I was going to go to a range( first timer) this week but now we got Hurricane Laura!
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