Picked up a new Shield for Wife and she doesn't like it

Retiredguns

Retiredguns

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We handled so many pistols in the store and while the Shield felt great in her hands, she is having a bear of time racking the slide in any manner. I'm trying to give her some pointers, but she gets discouraged. 118lbs soaking wet, but I know if she practices, she will get it. The Glock 43, Ruger LC(s Pro and Kahr CM9 were all easier and now she wonders why I bought the Shield.

She can rack my XDs .45 with ease, but the grip is too wide front to back and it kicks to much for her comfort. She can shoot a 9mm just fine, but I need to build her confidence with the S&W.

Is their an aftermarket recoil spring kit available that might help?

Thanks
Steve
 
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Leave the slide locked open for a few days. Maybe that will loosen the spring a bit. I don't know of any aftermarket RSA's for the Shield.
 
There is one online retailer. Not sure what it's called but I know it's the only one out there. Keep racking it, dry firing, lube it, take apart, put it back together, and rack it some more. It will eventually get looser.
 
As many have said before on this forum, one technique is to hold the slide steady with your weak hand and push the frame forward with the strong hand. Sounds like it wouldn't matter but I watched my LGS owner struggle with the slide on my Shield 40 (he has really bad arthritis) until I told him to try the method above and it worked for him.

The other thing is shoot it a bunch. After about 400 rounds the slide was noticeably easier to rack. No doubt that it is a robust little gun to operate. Make sure you get an Uplula mag loader if you are going to keep it! That will be the next struggle until the mags are broken in.
 
Rack it, shoot it for her. Rack it, let her shoot it! Do it together. After a few hundred rds. it will loosen up.
Do you have an indoor range where you can rent a hand gun? If you do try renting the Shield. It will no doubt have several thousands of rds. put through it. See if it is easier for her to rack, load. re-lease the slide, etc. Then you will know for sure if she still, "Hates it", or if she comes around to liking it better.

mb
 
Thanks folks, already have an Uplula in the mail as getting that 8th round in is hard for anyone! I did show her the technique above, but she is trying it too slow. I'm trying to describe and show her how to "snap" it. I'll get out to the range as soon as possible and shoot at least 300rds through it.
 
One of the reasons I went with the Shield is the fact that many say it has less recoil than some pistols such as the Glock. Maybe the stout spring plays a little part in that. I had a chance to buy an essentially new Glock 43 with night sights and 4 mags for $475. The Shield was only $340. I couldn't justify the extra $$ and I've never owned a Glock. Springfield, S&W, Ruger and Colt and have had good luck with them all.

She is prepping for her CC class, but there is no rush. I want her to be 100% comfortable with handling, shooting, breaking down, cleaning, etc.. before she takes the NRA basic pistol course.
 
Mine was quite a challenge at the start, and had some back-to-the-factory issues. It runs like a top now, but I will say the springs are still tight.

But I would also observe that I am now so advanced in medical issues that I can no longer easily rack a .45. The method discussed above is what lets me continue shooting anything with a decent spring. There are some youtube videos by some of the ladies that demonstrate it. Once understood, it works.
 
My wife really struggled with the slide on her Shield when she first got it. A lot of the problem was technique however her biggest problem was that she tried to baby it and gently pull it back. Seems this is a problem for most women as they tend to be too gentle. Once she figured out that no matter how hard she tried she absolutely could not rip the slide off the gun she now handles it fine.

Sigsavy got it in post #4 as that's how my wife now operates the slide. Tight grip and rip it back like you're trying to tear it apart.
 
Why are guys buy women guns and then let dollars help dictate the purchase . Sorry but if you can help her to find what is best for HER don't ?? Best to let the wife god in to a gun shop with out are "better " half and find what SHE can handle well . Maybe a 380 like a bersa thunder , or glock 42 or a sig p250sc380 would be best for a new smaller CC handgun shooter . OH the easiest to rack handgun you will ever find - P250sc 380 and loaded with 12 underwood 90gr gold dots at 1200fps is far better than 9mm shes uncomfortable with . Better to be comfortable with a handgun she can learn to dot the eyes with than one she struggles with . Given time and rounds down range she most likely will learn and like the shield but may not be the right handgun right now . That's how it has gone with my wife and 2 daughters . They bought there own and all have stepped up what they carry over time .

Now see if you can find a skilled female shooter or range instructor to help your wife out . If she can't rack a slide comfortably and easily how would she do under a high stress moment in time .

Heres a sure fired easy to rack handgun , One finger racker you manly type's . 1.05 wide slide and 20oz with a 15round extended mag as back up make a good starter handgun that can up upgraded to 9mm to 45 .
Sized like a m&p9c

Sig Sauer's P250 Sub-Compact .380
 
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It's too bad that she didn't get to actually shoot it before buying. Just fondling a pistol at the counter is not enough to pick a firearm now-a-days.

Until it loosens up, if racking is the only problem she has with the shield, get one of these to assist with raking. Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

Yeah... It's a gadget, but it does give people with limited dexterity/strength an option.

As mentioned, there's 1 aftermarket RSA out there, but it doesn't make racking any easier (that I've heard).

The RSA NEEDS to be as tight as it is, in order to function properly. Anything 'lighter' would cause functionality problems.
 
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While modern .380 loads are certainly an improvement, my Wife has shot a 9mm for years with no problem. The recoil isn't an issue, but rather just the stout spring. While watching funds is important, I don't consider the Shield a "budget" pistol, but rather a good bargain. The Glock 43, LC9s Pro & Kahr were all easier to rack, but the Ruger has a dangerous trigger, she hated the mile long pull of the Kahr and the Glock doesn't merit an extra $110 with plastic sights.

I am going to stick with the 9mm and I am sure her technique will come with experience. I reckon like mentioned, alot of rounds down range and practice handling will pay off. If it doesn't, then I have another carry pistol and we try again...
 
My wife and I both bought Shields when they first came out. She also has a M&P9c that she has had for years and operates without a problem. We carried and shot the Shields for 6 months and the slides never really loosened up. One evening she was doing dry fire practice while watching TV and made a comment that she really didn't like her Shield because of the difficulty with the slide. I told her I felt the same way, so the next day it was off to the LGS. She selected a new Sig P238 and I picked up a Ruger LC9s-Pro. She has carried the Sig daily ever since and loves the gun. She still carries the M&P9c on occasion, but the Sig is her favorite. She has always picked out her own guns and always shoots one before buying. The Shields were nice for awhile, but then made good trade-ins because of their popularity.

Retiredguns said:
The Glock 43, LC9s Pro & Kahr were all easier to rack, but the Ruger has a dangerous trigger
Click to expand...

The trigger on my LC9s-Pro is no different than the Shield with the exception being it is much smoother. There is no merit in your statement.
 
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Retiredguns said:
Glock doesn't merit an extra $110 with plastic sights.

I am going to stick with the 9mm and I am sure her technique will come with experience. I reckon like mentioned, alot of rounds down range and practice handling will pay off. If it doesn't, then I have another carry pistol and we try again...
Click to expand...

What's an extra $110 considering your wife's life could be at stake. Obviously money is not an issue since you state you'd keep the Shield anyway. She needs to be able to effectively operate whatever gun is chosen by herself and without aids. The plastic sights are irrelevant on a carry gun. I'd get the Glock.
 
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Remember that time back in 2009 when you did something that really made your wife mad? I didn't think you did. But she remembers. Get her set up holding the Shield properly and remind her of when you were naughty. I guaranty you she will rack that slide! :)
 
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