Are Shields Prone to Limp Wristing?

[Houser52]

My Shield has never had any problems with firing, ejecting or going into battery. I've tried shooting it with different bullet weights, powders and primers. I've shot it with a limp wrist, upside down, gangsta, etc. and it hasn't missed a beat.
The more I shoot it the smoother it gets.

 

[davemercer]

My Shield had initial problems with failure to extract/eject about once a mag. Smith replaced extractor, but still problems. I cycled the slide 800 time pulling back fully and only a few problem over about 500 rounds. I can see wear/rub marks on slide rails. I think mine was tight and needed wearing in. Also think problems more likely with weak ammo.

 

[speedyquad]

If you have issues with limp wristing, pick up a 5 lb dumbell, and just roll your wrist whilst holding it out in front of you.

Or pick up a dynaflex or NSD powerball for like 20$.

They help loads with strengthening the forearms.

Powerball - Discover a new fun gadget that is great for strength building, fun, exercise and for rehabilitation including arthritis, rsi and carpal tunnel sufferers

limp wristing a firearm generally does not come from a weak wrist, it comes from allowing the wrist to not be firm enough to counter act the recoil.

 

[OKFC05]

When I get a new student who simply does not follow instructions on how to hold a handgun, I use an exercise that often gets the point across:
I have them hold the EMPTY pistol and I stand beside the gun holding the top of the slide, driving the slide back to lock as it does while firing. If the gun nearly goes back to their face, I stop pushing and ask them to HANG ON TO THE GUN. They soon get the idea to lock arms and control the recoil rather than letting the gun rest on their hands like they were releasing a bird.

 

[Talking Monkey]

Update:
Went to the range again yesterday with my wife and made sure she had a proper high grip on the gun (thanks speedyquad). Also worked on how to control the recoil using OKFC05's technique above. Between the two of us, we shot 100 rounds (50 Blazer Brass 115gr, 50 Speer Lawman 115gr) with no failures. I think we can definitely chalk the earlier failures up to limp-wristing.

Although there's still a bit more muzzle flip than I'd like to see, she's doing much better with it. Before when she shot it, it was flipping up while also twisting to the left quite a bit, now it's just straight up and not nearly as bad. Thanks for all the feedback and great coaching tips!

 

[speedyquad]

i'm glad it helped and that the shield is running goof for you. it being a smaller firearm, there will be more recoil/muzzle flip/etc.

 

[ironhead7544]

You need ammo that will work 100%. It is possible to get injured which will interfere with your grip. I was once hit with a thrown cement block. Hands were a little numb after that.

I test my carry loads by extreme limpwristing. If it fails the test, I get hotter ammo or go up in bullet weight until I find something that will work under any conditions. Dont forget one handed and weak handed.


Sometimes it is better to just get another type of pistol. It must work for you.