Returned one Shield and bought another

[b.guggenmos]

I bought my first Shield two weeks ago at Cabela's. I am a revolver person and have limited experience with semi-automatics. I handled and operated the Shield that was displayed at the counter. No problem. I purchased it in 9mm with out safety. I am left handed.

Upon bringing the Shield home I opened the box and tried to lock the slide back. Could not do it. I have some arthritis but not that bad. Finally after pulling back ridiculously hard on the slide I got it to lock. I was able to do it a couple times and my hands were very sore. At that point I took it back to Cabela's and returned it for a 442 revolver.

So after reading about how some are very difficult to operate the slide lock and others are not or get easier with shooting I went shopping again.

Right out of the box this Shield in 9mm with no safety was night and day difference in the slide lock. While still tight it is very manageable and the salesman also carries a Shield and said it will get better with use.

I guess I don't really have a point other than to make sure you operate the Shield you are going to purchase. It feels great and I can't wait to hit the range. Now I need to decide the fate of the 442?

Brian

 

[Bob O]

Probably got one with a bad RSA.....it happens. Glad you got a better one.

 

[JMichaelTX]

Upon bringing the Shield home I opened the box and tried to lock the slide back. Could not do it.
. . .
So after reading about how some are very difficult to operate the slide lock and others are not or get easier with shooting I went shopping again.

Right out of the box this Shield in 9mm with no safety was night and day difference in the slide lock.
. . .
I guess I don't really have a point other than to make sure you operate the Shield you are going to purchase.

I experienced a similar difference between different production units of the M&P Shield. I would also strongly advise trying/testing the slide, safety, and takedown lever of the actual unit you plan to buy.

It's hard to understand how there can be this much variation in production.

 

[rjm6120]

Good post and public service announcement suggesting doing a little research before going shopping and doing some function checks. Saves a good bit of frustration later. As for the 442, you could either hang onto it in case you gain some interest in small revolvers later on, or try to sell it on this forum. I'm sure someone would snap it up in a short period of time if the price is right!

 

[Scopes]

I'm not sure about the "gets easier" part. Switching springs may be the answer as it is going to take quite a lot of movement to see any loosening.

 

[martybee]

I'm not sure about the "gets easier" part.

It certainly became easier for me. I was about to sell my Shield after only a couple of mag's. shot. The RO at my LGS&R showed me how to put an empty mag in the gun and lock back the slide. From there I was able to drop the mag, either reload, or take down the piece for cleaning. Now after 600 rds. I have little or no difficulty with any aspect of the operation of the gun.

mb

 

[PirateJim]

I'm not sure if it "got easier" because things loosened up, or if it seemed to become easier because I'm used to it, but I can attest that for one reason or the other it became less of a problem for me over a bit of time. I would also second the suggestion of using an empty magazine if you're having trouble. I too have an arthritic condition and from time to time my Shield's slide lock balks even now. I don't fight it, just grab a mag and get on with it.

Also, for what it's worth, the classic method of racking the slide by holding the gun out with the strong hand and pulling the slide back with the weak works fine with 1911's, or most other full size service pistols. But the Shield's tight recoil spring that is giving problems with locking the slide back is also a bear to rack that way. Holding the slide with the weak hand (in your case right, since you're a lefty) up braced against your chest/rib cage and "pushing" the frame forward with the strong hand can be a lot easier. It may also help with locking that slide back.

Don't ease the slide down into place after racking it, let it snap forward as it would after firing a round. This helps assure that the extractor engages and the slide goes fully into battery.

Enjoy the Shield. Great little big gun.

 

[b.guggenmos]

I just returned from the range and put 150 rounds through my Shield. What a great little gun. I am so glad I tried a second one and purchased it. Very easy to shoot. Recoil is not bad at all. I just used some 115 gr. fmj ammunition I had on hand. The magazines are a bit of a challenge at first especially to get that final round in. They also both seemed easier to load neat the end. I have read about the Uplula but I really don't intend to shoot this gun a lot.

Thanks again. I really like this Forum! For those of you on the fence buy one! Brian

 

[whittsailor]

I'd hang on to the 442 since it's much easier to pocket carry for those times when you want to carry that way.

 

[Zoner]

slide release

once again you really don't need to use the slide release for anything on a Shield. If the slide is locked back with ammo in the mag just pull the slide back slightly and let go. If the slide is locked back on a empty mag push mag release button and let the mag drop a bit(I use my shooting hand to prevent the mag from coming all the way out of the gun) and pull back slightly on the slide,it will go forward if the empty mag is not fully locked in. If you want to lock the slide back insert empty mag and pull slide back, it will catch on it's own......Mike

 

[JMichaelTX]

once again you really don't need to use the slide release for anything on a Shield.

I'm not sure I'm clear on your procedure.

If I have a loaded Shield (rounds in mag and chamber), and I want to fully unload, inspect the chamber, and show someone else the gun is clear, how would you do this without manually engaging the slide stop?

 

[ChiefStealth]

Release and remove the loaded magazine. Insert empty magazine. Pull slide back. The loaded round will eject, and the slide will lock to rear on empty magazine. Inspect chamber. Optionally, remove the empty magazine. You never touch the slide release lever.

 

[mj2008]

As to the fate of your 442 if your not short of funds I would keep it. I bet there will be days where your just going to want to load your revolver and stuff it in your pocket. I have semi's and revolvers that I can carry but most days I find it more convent to pack one of my 5 or 6 shooters.

 

[JMichaelTX]

Release and remove the loaded magazine. Insert empty magazine.

OK. This requires that you have an empty mag.
If not, then you have to use the slide stop.

Seems easier, and safer, to just use the slide stop. That way I don't have to inspect the "empty" magazine to make sure it is actually empty. It should be obvious, but why add an extra step?

 

[ChiefStealth]

OK. This requires that you have an empty mag.
If not, then you have to use the slide stop.

Absolutely true.

Seems easier, and safer, to just use the slide stop. That way I don't have to inspect the "empty" magazine to make sure it is actually empty. It should be obvious, but why add an extra step?

The question, from a previous post was, "..how would you do this without manually engaging the slide stop?"

 

[b.guggenmos]

once again you really don't need to use the slide release for anything on a Shield. If the slide is locked back with ammo in the mag just pull the slide back slightly and let go. If the slide is locked back on a empty mag push mag release button and let the mag drop a bit(I use my shooting hand to prevent the mag from coming all the way out of the gun) and pull back slightly on the slide,it will go forward if the empty mag is not fully locked in. If you want to lock the slide back insert empty mag and pull slide back, it will catch on it's own......Mike

I did not try that. Guess I will have to go shoot it again! I may go ahead and keep the 442 as well but I should have got the no lock version. Thanks again for the tips. Until recently I had never clicked on the M&P tab here on the forum. You guys are alright! Brian

 

[sschrick]

To the OP: you really got lucky in that Cabela's actually took back the first gun and let you get a new one. Usually, once you walk out the door, it is up to the manufacturers to take care of issues.
Keep the shield, shoot it and trust me the recoil spring assembly and mag springs will get easier to manipulate. I am just shy of 200 rounds and very noticeable difference. It will get easier and smoother.
Also, very good lesson learned, always inspect the ACTUAL gun you plan to take home.

 

[Fleshwound]

My shield 9mm slide was really hard to lock back too. Arthritc wrists dont help. I toughed up and shot 200 rounds through it and it works great now. I love this gun.. I shoot it very well with critical defense 124 gr. 3'' at 25 yards. I might get another!

 

[M29since14]

Glad you got your problems with the Shield straightened out. Definitely hang on to your 442 if you possibly can afford to. You "deserve" to have both.

 

[b.guggenmos]

I will most likely keep the 442. Thanks again for the tips on the Shield. I look forward to another trip to the range. I am a bit disappointed in S&W in that the first Shield was virtually unusable out of the box. Maybe they need a bit better quality control?

Brian