While not dismissing the problem I would venture to guess that the vast, vast majority of Shields don't have this problem...mine doesn't. Given that this pistol is the number one selling of it's category then it's failure rate # would be larger accordingly and we tend to hear about every single one.

Sorry to the OP for the frustration of a new gun not working right but S&W will take care of it. Once you're fixed up you will be very happy with it.