M&P Shield 45 Problem
- Thread starter HandgunMan
- Start date
Just pulled my M&P PRO SERIES 40 CORE, to see if it appeared to be built with higher standards than my Shield 9mm or 45 ACP. I didn't see it. Of course, there could be more precision in triggers, but overall, I certainly don't see cheaper or less quality standards with the Shields.
I don't use Davidson's (Gun Genie) for S&W, Ruger, and Springfield guns. These companies have excellent warranties on their own, and they pay for shipping. If you have to return a gun to Davidson's for replacement or repair, you have to pay the shipping. (Actually, you take it back to the gun shop, and pay their rate for shipping, which isn't nearly as much as FedEx or UPS.) The only way I would buy a gun that didn't have a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service is through Davidson's.
Problem racking the slide when loaded of my new 45 Shield
I have yet to shoot my new 45 Shield as I have a very hard time to initially rack the slide back to chamber a round. It has a tendency to hang up as I try to pull the slide back and to takes way too much force to perform this activity. Nothing like any of my other many semiautomatics. Seems like the slide might be catching/rubbing on the shells in the mag as the slide moves to the rear.
When I bought the gun the slide move as it should, but when I load the mag at home, that's when there is so much resistance moving the slide back to put a shell in the breach. I have not fired the gun yet as I am not comfortable the way the slide is funcoining when loaded. Will be calling S&W tomorrow. Anyone else have an issue like this?
I have yet to shoot my new 45 Shield as I have a very hard time to initially rack the slide back to chamber a round. It has a tendency to hang up as I try to pull the slide back and to takes way too much force to perform this activity. Nothing like any of my other many semiautomatics. Seems like the slide might be catching/rubbing on the shells in the mag as the slide moves to the rear.
When I bought the gun the slide move as it should, but when I load the mag at home, that's when there is so much resistance moving the slide back to put a shell in the breach. I have not fired the gun yet as I am not comfortable the way the slide is funcoining when loaded. Will be calling S&W tomorrow. Anyone else have an issue like this?
The Shield does in fact, rub the slide across the shell. You'll feel it, and possibly see some brass on the machine marks. It has strong springs, but I haven't felt it's too much to rack.
Thanks for your comments. Headed out tomorrow to put some holes in some targets.
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My Shield 45 has same issue. With a loaded mag. It was nearly impossible to rack to load a round. If I locked the slide open then insert loaded mag. It would load a round fine. The Shield fires fine. Love the feel.
Called SW and shipped it to them about 4 weeks later got my tracking notice it was one it's way home. Called again to see what they found. Notes were "fires fine nothing found". I already knew it fired correctly. It was a racking issue. Was told to clean it when I received it back. Of course. And try it out.
I only have 2 issues with my service. If they couldn't find a problem they could have called me before sending it back. Maybe I could have explained it better on the phone compared to a note. And, be a little friendlier when I call. We all get busy.
Granddad
Member
Rough start for the OP. I've had my 45 Shield for 2 months and 650 rounds, now, and it has been fantastic (and the price, unbeatable). New guns, especially very small new guns, can be tight and even feel a little rough when hand cycling. A little range time takes care of these "issues" most of the time.
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I agree completely. I own all 3 Shields and an M&p 9. My Shield 40 was as you say "a little rough when hand cycling" but turned out to be a wonderful addition. I've run roughly 300 rounds through my Shield 45. After about 200 rounds I tried cleaning it again to see if that would help. At take down we notice alot of brass shavings. Looking at a few spent shells you could see noticeable marks. Like a rough file was taken to them. Completely ruining them for reload. On the slide where it slides along the next round the machine work is very rough unlike my other m&p.
I love all my m&p's. And I'm sure this will be taken care of
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I have also noticed the rough machining in the slide. My 9mil shield has a much smoother machined surface doesn't mar the next shell. The rough surface leaves metal filings from the next shell being chambered. And it does mess up any reloading.
I may take it to my local gun shop/smith and have them run it through the slide's cycle. If they feel I'm not just imagining things, I'll see if I can get S&W to let me rerun it for adjustment.
I really appreciate everyone's input on my issue.
I have also noticed the rough machining in the slide. My 9mil shield has a much smoother machined surface doesn't mar the next shell. The rough surface leaves metal filings from the next shell being chambered. And it does mess up any reloading.
I may take it to my local gun shop/smith and have them run it through the slide's cycle. If they feel I'm not just imagining things, I'll see if I can get S&W to let me rerun it for adjustment.
I really appreciate everyone's input on my issue.
Quick update. Went to the range Monday and ran about 200 rounds through the 45 Shield and it functioned very good. I had no problems with the slide. Was initially stiff as I indicated earlier, but the function of the slide loosened up as you responders stated earlier.
Very happy with this gun and look forward to using it at the range and as one of my carry weapons. Thanks again to all.
Very happy with this gun and look forward to using it at the range and as one of my carry weapons. Thanks again to all.
Bonephish
Member
I polished the slide ramp and mine is smoother to rack. Also added Ameriglo sights and ordered the Apex trigger & kit.
I like my .45 Shield and alternate edc with my 9mm Shield using the same holster.
Same issue...
I purchased the .45 shield and am having same issue. Fires great but will not chamber a round with any more than 2 or 3 rounds in the magazine and sometimes not even then. When I do get a round chambered it functions great and is very accurate. Looks like I will be calling S&W Monday. I was curious how yours functions now that you got it back or did you have to call again and send it back? Thank you.
I purchased the .45 shield and am having same issue. Fires great but will not chamber a round with any more than 2 or 3 rounds in the magazine and sometimes not even then. When I do get a round chambered it functions great and is very accurate. Looks like I will be calling S&W Monday. I was curious how yours functions now that you got it back or did you have to call again and send it back? Thank you.
Drill Sergeant
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I've learned. . .
Great thread. I was interested in the Shield in .45acp, however this thread has changed my mind. I'll wait until I no longer read about S&W initial and service concerns with this model. That may be some time, as from what I have been reading, manufacturers are selling everything they produce and that means plenty of guns flying out their doors.
Don't even think about flaming this thread. The original thread was criticized, "because the only thing really that you have to complain about is that the gun was not functioning properly from purchase and they are delayed due to being backed up. Other than those two things if you get you're pistol back in a reasonable time than you should have nothing else to expect. the weapon did not function properly from the purchase." Seems like good reasons to me. I think he has the right to expect that the firearm function properly.
I have had quality control issues with a new S&W revolver recently and the repair was not completed in a stellar manner. I decided to live with the weapon and handle the problem myself.
I think this is one reason why so many lust after or miss the 'older' S&W models. It's not necessarily that the new ones with locks are poorly designed, it's more likely that the QC and service is not what it once was.
Great thread. I was interested in the Shield in .45acp, however this thread has changed my mind. I'll wait until I no longer read about S&W initial and service concerns with this model. That may be some time, as from what I have been reading, manufacturers are selling everything they produce and that means plenty of guns flying out their doors.
Don't even think about flaming this thread. The original thread was criticized, "because the only thing really that you have to complain about is that the gun was not functioning properly from purchase and they are delayed due to being backed up. Other than those two things if you get you're pistol back in a reasonable time than you should have nothing else to expect. the weapon did not function properly from the purchase." Seems like good reasons to me. I think he has the right to expect that the firearm function properly.
I have had quality control issues with a new S&W revolver recently and the repair was not completed in a stellar manner. I decided to live with the weapon and handle the problem myself.
I think this is one reason why so many lust after or miss the 'older' S&W models. It's not necessarily that the new ones with locks are poorly designed, it's more likely that the QC and service is not what it once was.
BigDog48
US Veteran
I shot a similar target grouping with my Shield 9 first time to the range. Many hundreds of rounds later, no complaints. Carry it almost every day.
Enjoy!!
