Out of the box it was a "bear" to pull back. Did a full cleaning to get rid of the storage lube (I think it's a dry storage lube) and then fresh lube. While I was cleaning, I'd take a little break (watching a movie) and just kept running the charging handle back and forth (with some pressure added) on the slide, that seemed to help quite a bit.
After a full cleaning, lube, inspecting each part and reassembly I just kept working it back and forth with everything (bolt, springs, butt back on, re-installed). Didn't "slingshot" the bolt, just road it back and forth so many times I lost count. With the fresh lube and constant cycling, it did help quite bit. Almost a night and day difference. After more break-in firing, it should ease up even more. But, I think it will be a two finger pull charging handle for a straight even pull back charging. Got to remember, these are brand new and have fresh tooling, tolerances will be at there best on this first run. Good thing in my book. Hope this helped.
NOW FOR EVERYONE ELSE. Best suggestion for everyone. READ THE MANUAL FIRST !!! I don't care how experienced or un-experienced you (think) you are. This is a new "animal" on the block. Seems to have a dry storage lube, SO CLEAN THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF IT WITH A GUN FRIENDLY CLEANER !!! THEN USE A PROPER GUN LUBE MADE FOR WEAPONS !!! NO DICKIN' AROUND WITH MAMBY PAMBY HOMEMADE CLEANERS & LUBES !!! It has different materials through out the whole weapon. It's a Pistol round, Collapsible, Carbine made for short to (extended) medium range use. Think of it as a Full Size M&P on Steroids.
Smith & Wesson did their homework on this one and come out with an OUTSTANDING WEAPON. SO, don't screw it up cutting corners !!!