Question for Shield

[sdoklahoma]

Hello,

I am a new gun owner that just got a new Shield 9mm from Academy today. I was field striping it and noticed nicks on the interior of the gun just above the take down lever (shown in picture since I don't know the name of this part). You can definitely feel the indentions of these nick, and it is not just dirt. I am kind of annoyed at myself since I didnt see it when I bought it, and Academy has no return policy... Is this a big deal and will it get worse with more rounds fired? Will it impede accuracy if this part is important? Should I contact S&W to get it fixed?

Also any tips on getting the slide stop notch loosened without damaging or voiding any warranties? I literally cannot use it to close the slide with and without the mag.

I appreciate any help on if this is a defect or if I am worrying for nothing. I am really new with firearms so I would greatly appreciate any advice you all can give!

[sdoklahoma]

Sorry for another question, but is it normal for the barrel to be loose/shakey when the slide is locked back?

[S&W Rover]

I don't think those nicks are "normal" but I believe they are inconsequential. The rails on your pistol are so new they are still all black; as the pistol wears (from movement of the slide) you will see shiny worn spots develop on those rails where they contact the slide. How did the nicks get there? I don't think they could be caused by the barrel. They may be tap marks from when the pistol was assembled and the locking block was tapped downwards into the groves that position it inside the frame. Or was the lower part of the pistol dropped? I don't think it matters as long as the pistol passed a functions check.

It is normal for the barrel to move around when the slide is locked to the rear and the barrel is tipped up. The barrel lug stops and then sits loosely on the forward locking block so the barrel can pivot and move.

My new Shield also has a tight slide stop lever. The Shield is one tight pistol when new. The springs are stiff. As your recoil spring assembly breaks in, it will be easier to move the slide to the rear, easier to lock the slide stop lever upwards with your finger, and easier to move it down.

Other opinions?

[Bleek Gilliam]

Yes it'll loosen up over time. You'll also find it easier to work the slide stop when the mag is loaded versus empty.

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[manderle]

Originally Posted by S&W Rover

My new Shield also has a tight slide stop lever.

If you read the manual your wording is correct - a slide STOP, not a slide RELEASE. Isn't meant to release like a 1911 but by slingshotting the slide.

[jim46ok]

Originally Posted by sdoklahoma

Sorry for another question, but is it normal for the barrel to be loose/shakey when the slide is locked back?

Yes. During "battery" or "lockup" the barrel is supported at the breech area and the slide opening in front. Some play is very common on semi-auto pistols.

[ScaryWoody]

It looks by the photo that the nick is probably from when the slide was aligned. That area of the rail is more of a guide to get it to align before the beefier part which the slide rides on.

[OKFC05]

Strongly suggest you take a basic pistol course from a qualified NRA instructor to learn the basics of pistol care, handling, and marksmanship. It will save wasted ammunition, frustration, and trial and error.
NRAInstructors.org - Portal for NRA Certified Instructors, NRA Education and
Training

[Shield9mm]

Originally Posted by ScaryWoody

It looks by the photo that the nick is probably from when the slide was aligned. That area of the rail is more of a guide to get it to align before the beefier part which the slide rides on.

That would be my thought as well.


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[sdoklahoma]

Originally Posted by OKFC05

Strongly suggest you take a basic pistol course from a qualified NRA instructor to learn the basics of pistol care, handling, and marksmanship. It will save wasted ammunition, frustration, and trial and error.
NRAInstructors.org - Portal for NRA Certified Instructors, NRA Education and
Training

OKFC05, I am also from Oklahoma (OKC) so do you know places that provide good one-on-one training and good ranges you recommend? I will definitly do that NRA online course! I am going to wait a few months to learn the basics of firearms before I even start to pursue getting my CCW permit.

Thanks everyone for all the help!

For that possible damage, I have not fired any rounds or dropped parts. I literally bought my Shield about 48 hours ago. I was also very slow and careful when realigning the slides so I don't think I caused the damage. Would you recommend that I just leave it be, and see if it gets worse after going to the range? Since this is metal-to-metal contact, and the nicks are kind of rough on the outside..is that an issue? Should I contact S&W to see if they will fix it now or will they able to fix it for free down the line if it gets worse?

[S&W Rover]

I think those nicks are a one-time deal.

If you look at the pic below, which is mine, you can see the wear mark where the locking lug on the bottom of the barrel impacts the transverse bar on the locking block (at the red arrow). The barrel lug is the only moving part that goes near where the nick marks are on yours, but I don't think the barrel can slop around so much (left and right) that it could impact the locking block along that side rail. If it did, that would be a bad thing.

Thus I don't think you will get more nicks on that rail through normal operation.

You could cycle the slide by hand a bunch of times and do a function check to build confidence that all is okay.

Keeping an eye on that area to see if another nick shows up is a great idea, though. If another one shows up, or if you continue to have serious questions about the functioning of the gun during cycling by hand, I would call S&W and get an authorization to ship it back. They might be able to take a look at your picture via email, and give you some idea what is going on. It is better to be fully confident.

[hoc9sw]

You can Call (maybe better than emailing) S&W CS and describe it. If you wait, you will get caught up in the July / August vacation period.

The digs in the rail may not be significant, but you need to be confident in it. As to the loose barrel, that is, as others have mentioned, completely normal when not in battery.

BTW - there are very few stores or dealers who will take back a firearm. They will probably help you getting it shipped back (I know my Academy will), although S&W is really good about arranging shipping labels and pickup.

[swsig]

I have wear areas like that in the same location on both sides of my M&P 40 Compact. It has just gone past 9000 rounds with no issues. Put a light amount of lube on it and forget about it. If you have problems while shooting, then contact S&W.

As to the Shield 9 slide catch, they all do that, The Shield's recoil spring assembly is very stiff, especially when new. It doesn't loosen up much with use, but somewhere between 500 to 1000 rounds, it should become easier to rack. As others have said, the slide catch is not a release. You chamber a round by using the slingshot method -- pull the slide back as far as you can, and release it completely. Let 'er fly. Do not "ride" the slide with your hand.

Welcome to the Forum, and enjoy your new Shield!

[OKFC05]

[QUOTE=sdoklahoma;139606465]OKFC05, I am also from Oklahoma (OKC) so do you know places that provide good one-on-one training and good ranges you recommend?




The Defensive Shooting Academy of Tulsa Homepage
For everything you could ever want in training, from intro to combat, contact Marshall Luton at tdsa.
USSA and Oil Capitol are great clubs in Tulsa.


You might as well get the SDA course right after basic. The shooting in the SDA course is a very simple demonstration of your ability to load and fire the pistol safely. The laws are the vital part of the SDA course.


Will at H&H in OKC is pretty good at basic instruction, and H&H does en mass SDA courses. OKC gun club is THE outdoor range in OKC, but membership is limited.


I am so far in the SW corner of OK I can see TX from the range, so not handy for you.

[sdoklahoma]

Awesome, thanks everyone for the tips and feedback! If the slide gives me any trouble later on, then I will contact S&W.