M&P Shield 9MM

[AllenSmith]

I just purchased a new Shield, stripped it to clean it and noticed a couple of things. First, is the slide release supposed to be this hard to release? I do have a bum hand but I am hoping this is just because it is new.

Next, the slide seems to snag a little near the rear. Is this also because it needs breaking in???

 

[midlifecrisisbb]

Slide release firm

I have a new Shield as well. The slide release is very firm and the slide lock when pulling back has to be pulled way back for the lock to catch.
No complaints, just learning. This has been a great weapon so far.

 

[Ruger_Up]

I've had my 9 for a year now with no issues. It was very hard to rack at first. I left the action open overnight for a few days and it helped a lot. A few hundreds don't hurt either. [emoji6]

 

[NoogMan]

I've had my 9 for a year now with no issues. It was very hard to rack at first. I left the action open overnight for a few days and it helped a lot. A few hundreds don't hurt either. [emoji6]

What he said! It'll get easier over time, and locking the slide back does help. I know an Allen Smith in my area of SC! Good guy!

Craig

 

[MichiganScott]

What is being referred to in this thread as a "slide release" is called a slide lock by S&W. Although it can be used as a release, it was never designed as such. To release the slide, just pull it to the rear and let it go. It even works that way during take down.

As far as the snag the OP refers to, it's totally normal. I suspect it could be the point where the sear and firing pin come together.

 

[Horn]

Your Pistol is Fine

I just purchased a new Shield, stripped it to clean it and noticed a couple of things. First, is the slide release supposed to be this hard to release? I do have a bum hand but I am hoping this is just because it is new.

Next, the slide seems to snag a little near the rear. Is this also because it needs breaking in???

"Michigan Scott" below really explains your concerns well. It is a
slide stop__not intended as a slide release.
It sounds like you have a perfectly nice Shield. I for one have never had an issue with the trigger on my two Shields as they are
fine for a defensive carry piece. They aren't designed as range guns so the factory trigger is a safe trigger for defensive use.
Sights? Such is often a pretty personal decision. Changing them doesn't effect the mechanics or manual of arms.
I have found that the Pachmayer Grip Gloves gives me a better grip. For my personal use__I changed out the factory sights__that weren't bad at all___for Ameriglo night sights (With the orange front sight outline) for my personal needs.
All in all the M&P Shield would have served me well when I was
a detective. (Retired now) Back then it was a Colt Detective Special then replaced it with the S&W Model 39. Have been non_wheel guns since. But__even fine wheel guns did and still
have their place too.
Guns are like chicks. Personal choices. I feel S&W has done well with the M&P line.

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
-- George Orwell

 

[John R]

Put some rounds through it, it'll loosen up.

 

[RobzGuns]

First, is the slide release supposed to be this hard to release? I do have a bum hand but I am hoping this is just because it is new.

As mentioned, the Slide Stop is not designed to be used as a Slide Release, many people do use it as such, including me periodically. Because it's not designed to be used as a release, don't expect it to be easy. I actually use my support thumb to release it after inserting a fresh mag.

For future reference... As it's not designed to be used as a release, should you find that using it as such causes the first round to not feed, or cause the slide not to lock up properly, it is not malfunctioning... Just stop using the slide stop as a release and pull the slide rearward as it's designed to be done.

 

[ChicagoZman]

We've had some in the LGS where I work that you couldn't force to release if you used both thumbs at once, but the gun worked perfectly well anyway. Just use the overhand or slingshot method to release the slide and you'll be happy.

 

[ispcapt]

What is being referred to in this thread as a "slide release" is called a slide lock by S&W. Although it can be used as a release, it was never designed as such. To release the slide, just pull it to the rear and let it go. It even works that way during take down.

Just FYI. The original S&W auto manuals only described using the slide stop as the method of releasing the slide. There was no mention of using the slingshot method, only using the slide stop.

 

[RobzGuns]

Just FYI. The original S&W auto manuals only described using the slide stop as the method of releasing the slide. There was no mention of using the slingshot method, only using the slide stop.

Interesting... Were these early M&P Shield manuals, or other older Semi-automatics?
Mine was purchased in May '12 (one of the earliest Shields) and my manual does not say that.
Page 17 of my manual reads:

• To make sure that the magazine is fully and securely inserted, apply some removal pressure to the exposed portion of the magazine floorplate.
• Pull the slide to the rear and release it, allowing it to carry fully forward. This strips a cartridge from the magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel.

 

[MichiganScott]

Interesting... Were these early M&P Shield manuals, or other older Semi-automatics?
Mine was purchased in May '12 (one of the earliest Shields) and my manual does not say that.
Page 17 of my manual reads:

In the manual currently on their web site as a PDF, they call the part a "slide stop" and use the sling shot method to send the slide forward, both when loading the pistol and field stripping it.

 

[ispcapt]

Interesting... Were these early M&P Shield manuals, or other older Semi-automatics?
Mine was purchased in May '12 (one of the earliest Shields) and my manual does not say that.
Page 17 of my manual reads:

S&W was making autos for many years before anyone including them began making plastic guns. The S&W manual that came with my S&W 39 when it was issued described using the slide stop as the method of releasing the slide. That was also the method taught many places. The slingshot method was just another option. There are advantages to both methods.

 

[Saudade]

The earlier Gen 3's had big beefy slide stops (like a 1911) and could be used as a release. A few others of mine have "releases" (like my M9A1).

However, I prefer to use the overhand method so I'm consistent and don't have to think about how I release the slide.

 

[joestacey06]

That's why S&W includes a manual with every gun. So you can read it.

 

[Lockback]

The earlier Gen 3's had big beefy slide stops (like a 1911) and could be used as a release. A few others of mine have "releases" (like my M9A1).

However, I prefer to use the overhand method so I'm consistent and don't have to think about how I release the slide.

My sentiments exactly.
I use the same drill on every auto I shoot, including my 1911.