This has to be the most difficult slide to rack that I've ever seen...'Had S&W send me a new recoil spring assembly, but still very difficult to rack...There's no binding of any type....'just hard to pull...I've put "sand-paper" style grip-tape over rear slide serrations, and that makes manipulation much easier...'but...I shouldn't have to do that....Slide moves freely along frame rails with barrel & RSA removed...Don't know if there's a problem, or not, but that grip-tape over the rear slide serrations, shouldn't be needed....Thanks in advance.

Have you handled different handgun so you can compare both?

You may need to change your technique to make the racking easier.
First of all use "over the top" method. Second, don't pull the slide, but push the frame the other hand.

Shields can be very difficult to rack for some; their mags are no easy task to load either without using a Magloader.
I deal with arthritis so after 2500 rounds in mine I moved to an EZ model. Others can use alternative rack methods with success, just depends on the person.
But I would say that the OP’s Shield does not have any mechanical issues, it is just harder to manipulate.

Shooting it a bunch helped break mine in.

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Slava Ukraini!

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SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

I wonder sometimes if this site is dominated by bots.
Seems like a high percentage of threads are "lack of common sense" complaints.
An account is created and the sole purpose seems to be to complain.

OP has been here 15 years.

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Slava Ukraini!

You're the one complaining. I'm sure you meant no harm, but this proves (I think) my aphorism, "The problem with common sense is that everyone thinks they have it."

Maybe you could go to a gun store and compare it to a full size, and to another Shield. But short guns are usually harder to wrack than long ones. There's a device you can screw on the back to make it easier to thumb & forefinger. If that interests you, I will be happy to try to find it.

You're the one complaining. I'm sure you meant no harm, but this proves (I think) my aphorism, "The problem with common sense is that everyone thinks they have it."

Maybe you can go to a gun store and compare it to a full size and another shield. But short guns are usually harder to wrack than larger guns. There is a device you can install on the rear to make it easier to thumb & forefinger. If you're interested, I will try to find it.

Check out a "Recover Tactical Charging Handle" I just ordered one to install on my Shield 1.0 $19.95 + shipping. Good reviews on YouTube

My Gen 1 Shield eased up considerably after 500 rounds; but is still much harder to rack the my Compact 9.

My M&P Shield 2.0 40 S&W was hard to rack when new. The more I shot it the easier it racked. Don't think it will ever be as easy as my M&P 2.0 9mm 5" though. Love both guns. Compare it to others and shoot it some more and I hope it works out for you.

May want to try a Vickers Slide Racker. They're cheap and make a world of difference and are relatively unobtrusive.

Thanks, BUT the Vickers is only for Glocks - NOT S&W Shield.

It was always surprising to me how people could have difficulty racking the slide of a pistol. I was blessed with size XXL strong hands. They come in handy, except when buying gloves. But the past month or so has been an eye opener. I've got a problem with my left hand. Can't pinch grip anything with my thumb. Seeing the doctor soon. I've overdone it recently cutting down dead ash trees on my property, so hopefully it's just temporary inflammation. It's given my a whole new sympathetic view towards people who struggle racking a slide. Luckily I carry either a 642 or a BG380, which I can still rack.

To the OP - I'd do what others have suggested and try to compare yours with other Shields. I'd think if yours came with an overly stout recoil spring it would have affected gun function.

One other thought. Do you have other pistols, and are you able to rack them OK? Just to eliminate the problem being your grip, as opposed to the gun.

Good luck,

Striker fired 9mm pistols with small slides always come with heavy recoil springs. It's in the nature of the beast. Small hammer fired pistols have lighter recoil springs because the hammer spring resists recoil during normal operation. With a striker gun the recoil spring must do all the work. Sig also tend to fit larger, heavier slides to their pistols than other manufacturers. Physics says you can run a lighter recoil spring if the slide is heavier, and vice versa. My Kahr CW9 has a featherweight slide so the recoil spring would support a truck.

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Release the Kraken

This is his thing, same in the 10mm MP thread. Some people get upset when people discuss problems with their S&W products, but it's good to have the info out there.

As for the racking stiffness, all the shields I've owned were noticeably harder to rack than their competitors. For someone reasonably healthy with normal arm and grip strength it's noticeable but not a deal breaker, but I could see it being annoying if those factors change.

To the OP - You may want to check out TacRack by Wright Shooting. They make a slide racker for the Shield that replaces the slide end cap.

LVSteve is right on. I have a 1.0 Shield 9 with over 5,000 rounds on it, and it's still the hardest-racking semi-auto I own. It's even harder to rack when reassembling it after a field strip. But there is an effective solution not mentioned above, the Handi-Racker. I have one and it works great. Here's a link to their website: Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

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What, me worry?

I too find the slide difficult to rack on the shield, more so than other guns, but that’s the nature of the tiny firearm IMO. As mentioned above, I’ve adjusted my technique to “over the top” and push the frame with good results. I have considered the Recover Tactical Charging Handle (also mentioned above) so the Mrs could better enjoy the shield at the range, but looking at the TacRack… I just might prefer it. Thanks for the info.

OP, just browse through the "similar threads" listed below.

I have a 1.0 Shield. Yes it's harder to rack than my other semi-autos. Likely due to the combination of stiff recoil spring and narrow slide. There is a "technique" to it. You'll find it in the similar threads.

With it, I don't need any "gadgets" but ymmv.

I added that gripper on the end of the slide, makes it oh so much easier.

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jlh, I don't want to be mean but I just have to ask -- how do you end up buying a gun you cannot physically operate properly? Every subcompact
centerfire pistol I know of has a bugger of a recoil spring -- nature of the beast -- and is a bit of work to rack. And if it's hard to rack in the store, before you buy it, it is not going to get better once it's home.

There are gadgets and mods you can apply to your gun to help, and hopefully your physical condition is not so poor that you cannot improve your hand and grip strength. But your ultimate solution may be to find a larger, but easier to operate, pistol. A revolver is pretty handy for folks who are slide-impaired...

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Pisgah

Racking the slide and not riding the slide forward is key to any semi auto. The technique I use and teach is to use both arms, not just one arm or the other. The more muscles you use the less each of those muscles has to work. When someone can’t rack the slide in the usual manner of grabbing the slide with their non shooting hand (weak hand) and pulling it back people always say instead of pulling back with the weak hand grab the slide with the weak hand and hold it now push the pistol forward. While this might work for some you are just telling people to use a different set of muscles. Why not use both techniques rolled into one, Grab the slide as usual with the weak hand and pull back,while pulling the slide back with the weak hand push the gun forward using your strong arm. By using both you basically have twice the strength as you are using both hands/arms to accomplish this task. Now instead of letting go of the slide hoping it is all the way back just continue to hold on until you basically rip it right out of your weak hand. You will not be riding the slide or letting go before it is all the way back.

The OP has 5 posts in 15 years - I don't think they're going to respond.

But you bring up a very good point - how did the OP come into possession of a pistol that they can't operate?

Which brings to mind a thread I started a few years ago. Maybe it's time to revisit it:

Rant: Vanishing Original Posters on the Forum

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What, me worry?

I've never had a problem racking a slide until I bought a 2.0 shield. As my wife says, I'm not getting old, I have arrived. Between arthritus, carpel tunnel, soft "old man hands" and bursitus, I just don't always have the hand strength to rack this thing easily. The push/pull technique helps, but even handier was one of those Recover Tactical Slide Rack Assists. Gives the gun a set of ears about like the EZ pistols have. No modification of the gun required, it's just clamps on with a nut and bolt. Well worth the twenty bucks on Amazon.



They make them for other guns too, but the Shield is definately one.

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John 3:16 .

Thanks to everyone for all the responses. Yes, I'm very much still "around," but don't post to forums very often, but do monitor them. The problem is the narrow slide, coupled with the stiff, recoil-spring, but I've found a technique that works for me. Again, thanks for the many responses.

and putting in little springs

I love my Shield 2.0 but have arthritis in my hands and wrists. Now that I’m also in my 70’s I no longer have the strength to grip even on a good day. My solution was the Recover Tactical Charging Handle and I can now operate the slide without issue.

The recoil spring is heavy, no question, so don’t get discouraged because the Shield is a great pistol.

I put the gripper thing on mine also. Works good

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Two Handguns every day

38Superman...I too am in my '70s, and don't have the hand-strength that I once had...I put some stair-grip-tape over the shallow scallops on the slide, and that solved my issue.

I have set here and read and re read this whole thread and you knowI can relate to every single post. Here’s the real issue I believe, the prospective gun loving customer goes to the
Gun store and lovingly fondles the purty new Shields and Kahrs and virtually All of the
Popular micro size semis and their mind will just NOT accept the REALITY that the slide is hard to operate. HE WANTS THAT NEW GUN !! The truth is ……..sometimes they get easier…sometimes you just adapt to it,….sometimes you just accept it for what it is and sometimes
When you are 85 like me and have a pretty good dose of old man Arther, you just give up and start carrying a revolver….like I do. But I still fondly remember my Shield9 and my Kahr CM9….��

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JAREDSHS
LEO(retired)

Another possible solution. I have installed this ArachniGrip pre-cut material to my Shield slide. (and Glock model 36) The add-ons are cut for the specific gun model and fit perfectly, without any permanent alterations to the slide.

I also suffer from similar strength and arthritis issues as most 70+ year olds.

Makes manipulation of the slide a breeze.

Home - ArachniGRIP | Parker, CO | Premium Pistol Accessories

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I’ve been carrying nothing but J-Frames for years. I recently inherited the Shield 9. After shooting it I couldn’t get over how nice it shot. I decided to carry it along with my pocket J-Frame. I probably don’t need the wing all the time but, I didn’t want to take a chance on having the weak hurting hand on a day I may be loading or unloading. I don’t need extra holes anywhere.

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Two Handguns every day

I thought about doing that too. Thanks!

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Resized_20211214_055051.jpgAfter searching around on the web, I found solutions to 'lack of pinch pressure' for my wrecked hands. There are a few vendors who can help.I don't carry, so that's a consideration for these handles being in the way. The SW Mag Release 'paddle' extension certainly helped too.

I have the original Shield9 and the newer Shield9 Plus. The original was really hard to rack especially when new. The Plus is better but not by much.

At the age of 66 I thought I was on my way to an EZ but someone recommended the Recover Slide assist. It absolutely works and I highly recommend it.

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I've owned dozens of concealed carry firearms alone, and my M&P9 Subcompact M2.0 is one of the easiest slides I've ever racked. It's probably not as easy as an EZ (I've never tried), but I imagine, being an averaged size guy, I won't have any problems racking it until I'm in my 90's. That's just my guess as a middle aged man with arthritis. In my opinion, this is one of the finest polymer subcompact 9mm pistols made. I've had a Glock 26 & 33 and a Glock 43 in addition to many other similar pistols, and as much as I LOVE the G26, I think the M&P version is just as good overall, and in some ways better. The stock trigger is amazing. People get hung up on details of a trigger too often in my opinion. I have just a two criteria. Is it easy to pull the trigger without the front sight vibrating and is the reset short enough to shoot rapidly? The answer is Yes! The trigger is as good as the one on my $1,600 SIG! No joke, and it racks easily. The extra weight (25.2 ounces as pictured) also makes it a much smoother pistol to shoot than a P365 or Hellcat. And I don't notice the weight compared to my Shield or similar pistols. If you have a good carry rig, you'll never be bothered by this weight in my opinion.

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Whether it is gun manufacturers, motorcycle manufacturers or any other manufacturers, very few ship their products with pre-stressed springs as it increases their costs. Breaking in will make a difference. Only you can determine if the difference is acceptable.

More lub. I have 3 M&P pistols, S&W MP Shield 40 Cal, S&W M&P9 M2.0 TS TLCI FDE 9mm Cal, and S&W M&P22 22 Cal. The Shield is by far the hardest to rack....

I have one. Out of the box, no more difficult to rack the slide than a 1911.

The fact someone sells EZ pistol is proof that they are hard to rack.

I have an M&P 2.0 and it is by far the hardest pistol, to rack, than any pistol i have ever tried. Not a deal breaker but incredibly hard to rack.

New mp40 shield in 40 cal w/3.1 barrel. Is there a definitive answer regarding my
Being able to convert to a 9mm w/o modification