Any fix for slide failing to lock back on last round?

[bigwheelzip]

Why talk about it? Call SW. They will fix it.

If it did not shoot, I would. I'd categorize this as an annoyance I'd rather live with than send it back.

I sent back a new 686+ that I'd searched for a year to find. It was returned in far worse condition than it was sent. After a second trip back, it was fixed, but it took months for both repair trips and was very exasperating. I will not do that again unless I have to.

 

[bigwheelzip]

If it's me I'd exhaust every option open to me before sending a gun back to S&W. My personal preference is to work on my own stuff though.

Wanted to give it try before I chalked it up as a "feature" of the gun.

 

[WA101]

I had the exact same problem when my Shield was new, and the problem was me. The thumb on my strong hand naturally rests in the Shield slide lock when using the the standard grip from my full size M&P. It takes very little pressure on the slide lock to keep the slide from locking back after the last round. The fix is simple! Keep your thumb off the slide lock!!

 

[Alk8944]

I didn't see any mention about the magazines except the one that posted the link to magazine cleaning. Have you tried your Husband's magazine(s) in your gun? How many magazines do you have, and do you have the same issue with all magazines? Magazine springs have a front and a back, and some a top and bottom too! It the magazine spring is installed incorrectly it will often not lock the slide open because the spring binds or doesn't have enough pressure to push the slide stop up. Finally, does the slide lock with an empty magazine when you pull the slide to the rear manually? If not it is most likely the spring is incorrectly installed!

 

[bigwheelzip]

I had the exact same problem when my Shield was new, and the problem was me. The thumb on my strong hand naturally rests in the Shield slide lock when using the the standard grip from my full size M&P. It takes very little pressure on the slide lock to keep the slide from locking back after the last round. The fix is simple! Keep your thumb off the slide lock!!

Beginning to think that it might be my thumb. I guess my husbands lock is a bit stronger.

 

[bigwheelzip]

I didn't see any mention about the magazines except the one that posted the link to magazine cleaning. Have you tried your Husband's magazine(s) in your gun? How many magazines do you have, and do you have the same issue with all magazines? Magazine springs have a front and a back, and some a top and bottom too! It the magazine spring is installed incorrectly it will often not lock the slide open because the spring binds or doesn't have enough pressure to push the slide stop up. Finally, does the slide lock with an empty magazine when you pull the slide to the rear manually? If not it is most likely the spring is incorrectly installed!

So far, I've only used the two that came with mine. Planning to try a swap as part of the troubleshoot. I'm sure about the re-assembly of the mag. It does lock back manually on an empty mag.

 

[MichiganScott]

Although possible, it's improbable that both of your mags have the same defect. After reading all the posts and the OP's answers, I was beginning to think it's operator error. However, one of the major complaints about the M&P series is that the slide lock is too stiff to use as a slide release. I also find it difficult to believe you and your husband hold your Shield differently than you both hold his.

If the problem continues with his mags, I'd send it back to S&W whether I wanted to or not. If the problem goes away with his mags, problem solved. Contact S&W and see about trading mags.

 

[texmex]

Simple fix. Trade it for a revolver. Semi-Autos are a passing fad.

 

[bigwheelzip]

one of the major complaints about the M&P series is that the slide lock is too stiff to use as a slide release.

I've read that same comment many times, but mine is very easy to release, and my husband's is fairly similar.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Simple fix. Trade it for a revolver. Semi-Autos are a passing fad.

I'm with ya Texmex, I never wanted a bottom feeder, but my husband convinced me to buy a few. The only one I like is my CZ-75B. My revolvers are the ones that "speak" to me, if ya know what I mean.

 

[Rule3]

The slide stop is just that, it is not intended as a slide release.

I have the same gun and a problem with the slide lock is not
a "feature" of the gun.

I have sent many (untold)number of guns back to SW for warranty and have always received excellent service. One of the main reasons for buying a product that the company stand behind.Call, they e mail you a Fed Ex label. call Fed Ex they come and pick it up,

Your gun, your choice, good luck.

 

[mkbruce]

I have the same issue with my Shield - very easy to put minimal pressure on the slide stop causing the slide to not lock back on the last round. No such issues on my 40FS or 40c, even when shooting mouse-fart 9mm through conversion barrels.

The issue is that the Shield is a small pistol and it's very easy for your right thumb to make contact with the slide stop. When I overcompensate (putting my right thumb in a spot where it can't possibly contact the slide release), I don't have the issue.

Perhaps the magazine spring is a little weak at the extent of travel when the magazine is empty and thus puts too little pressure on the slide stop, but fundamentally it's user error.....