Assembly Problem

[rchysell]

On my Shield, I tried to lock back the slide after installing the slide on the frame after cleaning the gun. It was extremely hard to try to get the slide locked back. The slide would go back to within about 1/4" from the slide lock tab, but go no further. After many unsuccessful tries, it appears that the recoil spring assembly has unseated itself and has locked up the slide. I am returning it to S&W for repair.

I have had problems locking back the slide before after cleaning. I have had no problem locking back the slide during sessions at the range. What am I doing wrong that would cause the problem locking back the slide after disassembly for cleaning??

 

[shoots]

Spring Binding

There has been many instances of the spring binding when reassembling. Some have disassembled and reassembled to fix it. Try that before sending back.

 

[bmc1284]

This is a VERY common problem with the Shield. You must have the recoil spring oriented the right way or it will NEVER lock back. When looking at the right side of the spring (when seated) the beginning of the spring coil must be visible.

 

[NCW Ray]

I just rotate the spring a 1/4 turn and retry it until it locks open. They're a bugger even when in the "right" position.

 

[cmlevy1952]

I have a little more to add re: this spring assembly. NIB Shield 9mm no safety. Immediately, read Manual and watch YouTube. I had no problem in field stripping other than finding the "yellow" lever but that got taken care of. Cleaned it, lightly lubed it and reassembled. Paid particular attention centering the spring per reviews. Have handled similar assemblies without a problem. When I get to racking the slide back ... will not lock. I note the spring/rod assembly protruding under the muzzle 1/2 inch. After a dozen attempts to lock it back, I call SW Customer Service.

Only suggestion was to take a rubber mallet and hit the rod lightly. I actually had a rubber mallet but when I gently hit it, nothing happened. I get label to send it back by email (Instructions from FedEx a little bizarre if you don't have a commercial account).

Today I thought about the mallet. I worked on a bridge type table. Maybe it wasn't enough resistance. I was right. On the carpet, one light whack and the assembly recoils back. Fine.

Now I rack back the slide on first shot. Well no more 2 week wait for repairs I think. But now I cannot release the rack forward. It's locked back. So coming and going I have a problem. First, it won't lock back. Second, it locks back but won't release forward.

I can't recall what type of manipulation I used but I got the slide to release. I decide to strip it down again. The spring looks centered and well seated to me but I did it all again. I reassembled it without a problem, two major problems before one round goes down range???

HERE IS THE ISSUE - When I reassembled the spring and rod assembly, I noticed that the springs are not parallel to each other. Think of a "slinky." All the rings are parallel. This spring - some rings move wide on one side of the spring and another ring may go the other way out of round (really out of parallel). I am concerned to test this new gun unless someone can confirm that a working spring is "out of round;" that the rings as not parallel to the ones adjacent to it on each side. Can anyone help?

Also, I learned that another issue I had on this new gun was "normal." The very first time I tried to insert the magazine with palm slap, it will not go all the way up and seat itself. It was about 1 inch out of position. Customer Service told me to hit it harder; harder than all other guns I have used which is a pretty large number. I figured it was going back for the above problem anyway so a gave it a much harder whack and in it went. It just seems to be more than you would want to do for fear of breaking something. Now that I am aware that this is a known "characteristic" I am fine with it. At least it didn't require the mallet treatment as above. (Another holster to buy or attach to the magazines - a mallet holster. Maybe they can work in a ruler and pen too).

HELP ON THE SPRING ISSUE, PLEASE.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[dullh]

I suggest you *not* send it back because there's nothing wrong with it.

New to guns? Sounds as if you're at least new to autoloaders.

They all do this to some degree or another. Simple reseat the rear of the guide rod into the corresponding notch on the barrel and try again.

You'll get it.

 

[Don 73]

I suggest you *not* send it back because there's nothing wrong with it.

New to guns? Sounds as if you're at least new to autoloaders.

They all do this to some degree or another. Simple reseat the rear of the guide rod into the corresponding notch on the barrel and try again.

You'll get it.

Spend a bit of time just taking it down and putting it back together. After about an hour of this, you should be a seasoned vet at disassembling / reassembling your M&P

 

[RobzGuns]

This is a VERY common problem with the Shield. You must have the recoil spring oriented the right way or it will NEVER lock back. When looking at the right side of the spring (when seated) the beginning of the spring coil must be visible.

and... the rear of the spring assembly needs to be centered on the ledge of the barrel. If it's not centered, it will bind and not allow the slide to retract fully.

 

[Bud33]

I have this problem with mine also and I found that if I placed the tip of the slide against something and PUSH it will lock back, after that it will lock back without a problem until you disassemble it again. Then you will probably need to push it back again the first time.
I also found a device called a HANDI RACKER that makes it much easier to rack the slide.
Google Handi Racker!

 

[PHolster]

and... the rear of the spring assembly needs to be centered on the ledge of the barrel. If it's not centered, it will bind and not allow the slide to retract fully.

^^^^^^
This.

There is a reason the manual has a picture of this issue. S&W knew people would have a problem with it.

 

[robkarrob]

The clearance between the recoil spring retainer (shiny end like a nail head) and the locking block in the frame, is very close. If the spring is just slightly not seated properly or offset slightly, you will get the issue you are describing. As someone else mentioned, take the slide off and remove the spring, replace the spring making sure it is fully seated and centered and reinstall the slide. Do this many times until you get it right every time. If installed properly, you will be able to pull the slide fully back and push the slide lock up to hold the slide open. Remember if the spring is just a little offset, you will continue having the issue of not getting the slide to lock back.

Bob

 

[Jboutfishn]

and... the rear of the spring assembly needs to be centered on the ledge of the barrel. If it's not centered, it will bind and not allow the slide to retract fully.

In addition the end of the flat wound spring at the front must be down in the grove.