Can 3 inch and 4 inch Shield Plus models swap frames?

shipwreck

shipwreck

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Does anyone know if I can swap frames from a 3.1" Shield Plus and a 4" Shield plus.

They are both Shield Plus models.

The reason I ask is that the 3" Shield Plus has a smoother finish with the cerakote coating. My 4" frame is uncoated and much rougher texture. I can grab the 3" frame and get my hand into position faster on than on the rougher frame.

I called S&W customer service - they gave the canned answer: "We don't recommend it because we are not test firing it ourselves."

Exact same gun, other than a 1" difference on the slide. It works with Berettas. This SHOULD work - but was curious if anyone has tried it.
 
shipwreck said:
"We don't recommend it because we are not test firing it ourselves."
Click to expand...

This has been and always will be the answer from any manufacturer.
Unfortunately such changes are on us, users. You have to try it on your own risk.

But to be honest - as you posted, the same components, just longer barrel and slide from muzzle end, which doesn't change anything.
I don't think S&W is manufacturing different frame for 3" barrel and 4" one.

Best you can do is swap the slide and dry fire. Do full function check and "pencil test".
And, please - do not forget to post results :D
 
jurek said:
I've just recalled myself. We got similar discussion already.
Check this out:
Swapping Slides on Shields
Click to expand...

Yea, I saw that - his was two different models. The 2.0 and the Shield Plus.

In that thread, it appears the guy had some issues and put it back.

Mine are two Shield Plus models - just with different slides.
 
shipwreck said:
Yea, I saw that - his was two different models. The 2.0 and the Shield Plus.

In that thread, it appears the guy had some issues and put it back.

Mine are two Shield Plus models - just with different slides.
Click to expand...

Yeah.. and that makes me think you should be good.
 
I am thinkinG I should be good. Was just wondering if anyone else had done it.

I started another thread about the finish difference on the Shield Plus frames - 3" is cerakoted. 4" is not. I asked if anyone else's was like that, or did they screw up and forget to do the cerakote on my 4" model.

Never really got an answer to that question here or on another forum either.
 
shipwreck said:
I started another thread about the finish difference on the Shield Plus frames - 3" is cerakoted. 4" is not. I asked if anyone else's was like that, or did they screw up and forget to do the cerakote on my 4" model.

Never really got an answer to that question here or on another forum either.
Click to expand...

It is hard to find the proper answer. If I remember it correctly, the first Plus models that showed at the stores had frame finished with Black Matte Cerakote.
I'm not sure it S&W still does it, so that might be the reason you have two frames with different finish.
 
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