9EZ Slide locks every cycle, no sling shot

[Vernw]

Everything was fine to start with on my 9EZ, slide lock pretty stiff to release slide, and I can’t remember if I tried the sling shot slide release method or not. I’ve only got one working hand, my left was put back together with a fused wrist, fingers that don’t bend or grip anything, and a missing thumb after a near fatal car accident. After 30+ years of competition shooting semi-autos (ISPC/USPCA, Bullseye, IDPA, etc.), I had pretty much resigned myself to revolvers for daily concealed carry. Doing a sling shot release is pretty tuff for me. Decided to try a 9EZ, and it’s better, especially after going with some night/glow sights with a vertical leading edge. Better, at least somewhat.

Then I did a field strip to clean and switch the mag release button to the right side, then on reassemble I got the slide stuck (probably depressed the grip safety in my one handed fumbling). Got it loosened up, but after putting it back together I discover every time I rack the slide the slide lock pops up enough to lock the slide open. No mag, empty mag, mag with dummy rounds, it always locks open. Won’t sling shot either.

With slide removed, I notice the slide lock sits about half way up its moveable travel. I can push it down flush with the frame easily with my finger, but it goes right back to half extension when I remove my finger. Don’t know if that’s related or not, but felt it was worth mentioning. I also have switched the mag release to the right side. Other than that, gun is as left from the factory.

Any suggestion or ideas what I did wrong? Or more importantly, how to fix it?

 

[Vernw]

No one has any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Protocall_Design]

With the slide lock going up halfway, it wouldn't take much to go a little more and catch the slide. You need to get that fixed. Figure out why it's doing that. Maybe there's a spring out of place, or otherwise not assembled correctly.

 

[Vernw]

Does the 9EZ have a slide lock spring? I don’t see one, and it doesn’t act like there is one. With the slide removed if I turn the frame upside down the slide lock will completely open/deploy. Maybe I messed something up when I moved the mag release to the right side of the gun?

 

[Protocall_Design]

As a revolver guy, I don't know the specifics of that gun. Maybe some of our auto guys can be of further assistance.

At any rate, there should be something holding the slide stop down until the magazine follower pushes it up.

 

[Tu_S]

There's a small spring on the slide lock lever pin that pushes against the rest of the fire control/trigger assembly. From the comment that the lock was hard to operate, I would guess the spring was out of position and binding things up until you finally broke it.

 

[Vernw]

Do you have a picture or procedure I can use/follow to check this? Or an exploded parts diagram for the 9ez?

 

[Tu_S]

YouTube really is your friend on things like this

You can skip to around 13:00 to see the spring, although if you want to fix this yourself you probably want to watch all of it.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGWndzZkJfg&t=1279s[/ame]

 

[Vernw]

Searching for that,appreciate the info. Don’t see a link in your reply though…..

 

[Tu_S]

Searching for that,appreciate the info. Don’t see a link in your reply though…..

Not sure what you mean, I see the video, titled "S&W M&P Shield EZ complete Disassembly", in my reply.

 

[Vernw]

Hmmmm…. Sorry, I don’t see that at all. I’ll find it from the name you just gave me. THANKS!

 

[Protocall_Design]

You don't need a link, you just click on the arrow in the middle of the picture, and watch it right there.

 

[Vernw]

Sorry, no picture showing on my end so no arrow to click on. Maybe not working since I’m on an ipad? Regardless, i found the vid and am watching it again right now….

Thanks for the assist