Hello all I'm new here and somewhat new to firearms as well. I recently purchased a new Shield 9 for my fiance and she is having difficulties racking the slide. I've read a lot of threads on this issue and some possible fixes so I have researched. I came across the DPM system for the aftermarket rod and spring and saw that some said it fixed the issue while others said they don't recommend putting in an aftermarket rod\spring. I have reached out to two companies including DPM and they both say their system will fix the issue along with dramatically reducing recoil. I was just wanting to get some additional input from everyone here. I'll post the links to both systems below. I'd really appreciate anyone's input. Tha ks in advance! I should add that I am working on technique with her as well and would only resort to this if she just can't get it.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield & Shield M2.0 – DPM Systems Technologies Ltd

Smith & Wesson(R) Shield 9mm & 40 cal Guide Rod by Stainless Steel Guide Rods • Stainless Steel Guide Rods

I personally haven't experienced enough recoil on my Shield 9 (gen 1) to merit "reduction". As far as racking issues are concerned, mine racked hard for the first 500+ rounds, slowly easing and settling in, to where now it is a rigid rack compared to something like a Ruger LC9s, which I can accomplish with two fingers, but is far more relaxed than Day One.

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Eric

I have and am using a SS guide rod on two Shields. Both have been completely reliable and without worry. I don't know anything about the other option.

Ok great, thanks to you both!

In fact , I don't know of a single subcompact 9mm on the market that has an easy-to-rack slide. A strong recoil spring is simply a necessity of the chopped-length pistol design. If you're looking for real solutions without the potential of messing up a good gun, there are basically two options: 1) increase hand/wrist/shoulder strength and learn to deal with it, or; 2) trade in the Shield and get either a larger, easier-to-rack pistol (the 9MM EZ comes to mind) or a revolver.

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Pisgah

I had a Shield (PC) in 9mm and ran about 2500 rounds thru it. Great gun but as arthritis dug in my thumb/wrist, handling it (racking etc) just became too much. So traded into a new EZ Shield 9 which works great for my needs.
OP, while i cant offer tips on replacing components on your Shield, I can suggest (unless you already own one) a Uplula Magloader. The Shield mags (non-EZ models) can be really tough to load. The Uplula makes it a simple task which helps keep range and practice time more enjoyable.
Just an fyi.

Unload the gun. Double check. Now rack the slide 100 times.(or more) Then leave the gun with the slide locked back for a few days. Be sure you have cleaned and lubed to pistol correctly..
You do not need to replace parts.



Learn to the rack the slide by holding the slide firmly and pushing the bottom frame forward, rather than trying to "Pull" the slide back. Have shown many women ( a few men) shooters how to do this, It is a world of difference.

Overhand grip on the slide with weak hand, forward push with strong hand
Push rather than pull.

Thanks for all the help everyone! It's much appreciated.

1) Put a bunch of rounds downrange. That's needed for testing anyway. Mine got somewhere around 7-800 in a couple of sessions - started with ball, then carry ammo. That will do a lot to loosen things up.

2) Get her a gym membership. Weight training is generally good for us anyway.

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NHI, 10-8.

Simply put, new recoil springs are very hard to rack. As they wear in through cycling, they relax some.

Racking technique is the key, as explained above.

Accelerated break in by hand cycling (cheap) or shooting, along with leaving the slide locked back during storage for a while, all help.

A new aftermarket recoil spring set up will help. The OEM spring set up is manufactured to work at a profitable cost. As with many aftermarket accessories, better design and more expensive solutions can work. First follow the above advice to see if more expense is really even necessary.

Did you buy the pistol sight-unseen, from an online dealer, or did you purchase from a LGS?

If from a LGS, did she try racking the slide before purchasing, or did you buy it FOR her? Most stores do allow people to manipulate the slide and trigger pull.

As for what to do, now that you/she has it, visit the 'Cornered Cat' website for tips and tricks to assist in slide manipulation. It's a VERY useful website.

Practice racking, and shooting any semi auto is the answer to your fiance's issue.
But you could let her pick out her gun. As suggested previously maybe Shield 9EZ would be a bit easier for her.

Thanks all! We will follow the advice of just practicing and breaking the gun in. I purchased some grip tape and a dovetail shaped slide assist. I'm confident between those and practicing will get the job done. I really appreciate everyones help!

As mentioned, technique and hand strength are the keys.

Building hand strength is not fun, so separating the hand strengthening from the range practice will be helpful.

I'd suggest buying a pair of mechanics gloves to make gripping easier and less abusive to your racking hand. Practice racking every other day, but not to fatigue. Have her pick a number of repetitions, one or two repetitions is fine to start.

If it's difficult one day, then skip the practice. Patience rules !!! Long term success is the goal...

Will

The current recoil spring assembly on my Shield 9 has 3,200 rounds on it, and it has loosened up only slightly since new. It has become easier for me to rack when loading ammo, but it is still very difficult to rack when reassembling after cleaning and lubing. My wife cannot budge the slide at all, so I bought her a SIG P250 .380. It's small, light, has a 12-round magazine, and can be racked with two fingers. Unfortunately, it's no longer being made.

Had I known about it at the time, I could have saved myself a lot of money, and bought a Handi-Racker instead of the P250. A Handi-Racker is a simple and inexpensive device that allows anyone to rack any semi-auto. I bought one in case Mrs. swsig needs to rack the Shield, or any of my other semi-autos. It works exactly as advertised, and I recommend it. Below is a link to their website. The videos at the bottom of the page give a better idea of how it works than the drawings do.

Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

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What, me worry?

This is the method my wife uses. She has weak wrists despite having carpel tunnel surgery in both of them. She has no difficulty racking the slide on her M&P 1.0 4.25” and Shield 9mm’s.

I believe that there is a ring or ears that you can add to the back of the slide to help get a grip and rack the slide. I believe that either may be incorporated into the rear slide plate. NDZ Performance or TacRack offer these.

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otis

Google "S&W Shield charging handle"

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otis

The necessity of being able to rack the slide in the field eliminates the Handicap Racker or other such devices that won’t be carried.

Rear slide attachments could be helpful I guess, but I really believe the “hold slide-push grip” method is the key. If that won’t work, the Shield is likely the wrong gun for the shooter.

We recently got my wife a racker for her glock 19. It just makes the rear of the slide a little wider so it's easier to grab. I think that for some the ability to grip the slide strongly enough is more important than the strength to move it in relation to the frame. In other words if their hand slips off the end of the slide 1/2 way through the racking, then having or lacking the strength to be able to pull it or hold doesn't much matter.

The 9mm S&W EZ is one of the best handguns. I have ever used in my approximately 48 years of carrying handguns. while both on duty and off duty and concealed carry. That is my opinion for what it worth

I agree with the comments above about the 9EZ. I went from a Shield 9MM 1.0 to the 9EZ and everything about the 9EZ is easier to operate. The trigger pull is about half of the 1.0 shield and the racking force is half as well. My accuracy has improved with the 9EZ as well. Yes it is a little bigger than the Shield but with a proper holster and cover garment is just as easy to conceal.

Thanks everyone! I got some of the GT-5000 grip tape and the Recover Tactical rack assist. So I'm gonna put those on today. I'm confident that between those and practicing technique she'll get the hang of it in no time. Thanks again, I really appreciate all the responses!

DPM System Technologies? It's all Greek to me!