Checked one out at a gun store today, a model 13250 with Tritium night sights. The slide could not be released by thumb alone. I had to grip the slide with my left hand to release the slide.

Is this by design or a break-in issue? My SD9 VE slide can be released by thumb alone and it has functioned that way since new.

Thanks.

Break-in helps. The edges of the side stop are pretty sharp stamped metal and don’t slip off the slide easily.

I believe that the lever on the Shields is a "Slide Lock Lever" & not intended to be a "Slide Release Lever" but of course can be..
As stated above when new there is a sharp edge to the sheet metal & after some use it will round over some & work as a "release" a bit better..
Don't think I would try an round it off with a file or sandpaper as once you go too far it will no longer catch the slide & you'll need a new one.
Some handguns are by design meant to be used as a slide release lever.
My Hk USPs come to mind with a HUGE Lever meant to be pushed down
With Use it will get better or train around it by pulling back the slide to release the stop..

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

It's by design, but over time, it can be overcome.
I use the thumb of my support hand to release my slide.

Here's the Manual for the Shield Plus Model in Question
"Slide Stop Lever"
https://www.smith-wesson.com/sites/d...13156_nc_0.pdf

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MightShowYouHisSmith&Wesson

I had an original Shield. Slide release was difficult but doable with just my right thumb. Got a new Shield Plus & slide release was IMPOSSIBLE, and very difficult even with 2 thumbs.

Looked at u-tube and found guys using a nail sanding file to trim the sharp edge. Like they said - do it very carefully. Sand a little & try it out. Keep doing this over and over and over. Exactly what I did. And it worked. Its still not easy, but doable with just my thumb.

P.S. Get over whatever YOU think its supposed to be. It works however you want - lock or release - so just let it go.

Or simply do it the proper way. After inserting a full magazine in the gun, pull back on the slide, & release it. Works every time. GARY

The Shields are very stiff when they are new in the box.
recoil springs, magazine springs, slide locks, safety....everything needs to be oiled up and used up. Shoot the Snot out of it!

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm

Not at today's ammo prices.

By design it is made to function as a lock and a release. It often does not function properly as a release because the factory saves money by not adjusting it to release. The instruction manual gives a simple, universal method for releasing a slide lock. Such instruction in no way infers it is the ONLY way that lever can be used.

Calling it a release is not a misnomer and everybody understands to what you are referring. The internet language police have a hard time accepting variations from their limited knowledge.

Using the release is a faster and easier way of closing the slide. While the overhand and slingshots methods also work, they are slow and not infallible.

As suggested, simply remove the slide, raise the lever and progressively polish the edge of the “stop” that engages the slide. I use 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Keep trying the release with the slide on until it is almost right. Stop. Let the final polish be from normal cycling.

On an empty mag, it's pretty tough to release with your thumb. Try inserting a loaded mag and it's much easier. Try inserting that loaded mag after shooting a couple hundred rounds and it works just fine. No sanding needed. At least in my Shield + sample of 1.

On my Shield 2.0 is almost impossible to release when the weapon is empty (no mag).

At the range when I insert a new full mag it is much easier. That said I am a sling shoter most of the time, so it does not matter to me.

Personally I would NOT file anything down. Yes break in will help this over time. I also totally understand the want/need to use this to release the slide...I think it is faster and less prone to malfunctions than the sling shot method, especially for users that do not train a lot. The big "Pro" for the sling shot method is that it works on ALL semi-auto pistols regardless of the brand.