Cannot lock the slide on new M&P Shield
- Thread starter datx
- Start date
Stratajema
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2013
- Messages
- 239
- Reaction score
- 87
Turning the recoil spring assembly to find the "spot" that allows the slide to fully recoil is the biggest myth about the Shield. The recoil spring assembly is out of spec and needs to be replaced.
There is not one word in the manual about turning the recoil spring. Not one word.
elvisimprsntr
Member
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 35
- Reaction score
- 20
My new Shield 9 out of the box, I had trouble locking the slide back and even releasing the slide without pulling it back slightly. Once I put 50 rounds thru it and added a little oil, the slide and release are much easier.
alleycat7002
Member
Mine worked great out of box.
Horn
Member
Use Gloves
Go to Walmart and in the tools department locate the Mechanic
gloves. They're black and very thin. You may need the small size.
Use these (or some that's similar) to practice racking it at home.
Also, try holding tightly with your weak hand and pushing sharply
with your strong hand.
Enjoy your pistol.
Go to Walmart and in the tools department locate the Mechanic
gloves. They're black and very thin. You may need the small size.
Use these (or some that's similar) to practice racking it at home.
Also, try holding tightly with your weak hand and pushing sharply
with your strong hand.
Enjoy your pistol.
XD40inTX
Member
This has obviously been a problem for at least three years now. It's probably been a problem since the Shield went into production--and yet, S&W has done nothing to correct it. That's very disappointing.
My wife and I both have concealed-carry permits, so we own four other guns--two XD40s (hence my screen name) and two Kimber 1911s. NONE of the other guns have this problem, but both of our Shields have had it since new in the box.
My wife wants to trade hers on a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I think I'll trade mine, too. I'm tired of fooling with S&W.
My wife and I both have concealed-carry permits, so we own four other guns--two XD40s (hence my screen name) and two Kimber 1911s. NONE of the other guns have this problem, but both of our Shields have had it since new in the box.
My wife wants to trade hers on a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I think I'll trade mine, too. I'm tired of fooling with S&W.
martybee
Member
The issue with "Slide Lock-back" seems to be very prevalent with the Shield. I had the same problem with mine when new. As datx said in post #5, "Once I rack the slide all the way back (or at least I think its all the way back), I gave it a harder pull at that point, and got it to lock". It just takes that extra little effort to pull back enough to get it to lock!
When I first got my Shield9, I was so disappointed with it that I came close to getting rid of it! I have almost 1,200 rds. through mine now and it is as sweet a piece as you will ever find. I am troubled with RA as I am 84yrs. old, but still am able to shoot weekly at my local indoor range and hope to continue for some time to come.
mb
When I first got my Shield9, I was so disappointed with it that I came close to getting rid of it! I have almost 1,200 rds. through mine now and it is as sweet a piece as you will ever find. I am troubled with RA as I am 84yrs. old, but still am able to shoot weekly at my local indoor range and hope to continue for some time to come.
mb
Sigsavvy
Member
I had a problematic RSA when I bought my Shield 40 about a year ago. I called S&W and didn't accept the "shoot it a bunch" response. I told them that the spring was defective and they ended up shipping me a new one. That new one worked every time and I didn't worry about finding that sweet spot anymore.
I just traded the Shield 40 for a 9 and found the RSA to work perfectly (although I still think it's the weak link in an otherwise awesome design).
It sounded like they are not on backorder like they used to be so I would just request a new RSA and go from there.
I just traded the Shield 40 for a 9 and found the RSA to work perfectly (although I still think it's the weak link in an otherwise awesome design).
It sounded like they are not on backorder like they used to be so I would just request a new RSA and go from there.
OldGoat
Member
Amen. It is a design defect. My 9mm Shield will not lock back as described above except with an empty magazine. Also, the slide will not go back on the frame UNLESS the little "do-dad" (magazine stop) is pushed slightly downward out of the way. I am the original owner....should I send the gun back to S&W for correction? Thanks, Ed
Resurrecting an old discussion here.
Try as I might, I cannot get the slide to lock back on my Shield 9. The piece is new in the box but a 2014 model that I picked up at a decent price.
Is the thing just stiff, or should I be heading to a gunsmith with it?
Try as I might, I cannot get the slide to lock back on my Shield 9. The piece is new in the box but a 2014 model that I picked up at a decent price.
Is the thing just stiff, or should I be heading to a gunsmith with it?
Tradewind36
US Veteran
I've always had trouble locking the slide back, was embarrassing at the range trying to show the RSO my Shield. Gonna trade it in on an EZ 9.
Funflyer
Member
Welcome to the forum. The previous posts in this thread describe your issue.
Spoiler alert: yes it's stiff when new.
This is definitely an issue with the shields, not all but some. Don't listen to the ones saying your not strong enough to rack the slide. It does it on mine as well and on previous shields I owned it didn't. It is hanging up on something causing it to not lock all the way to the rear. Whether it's a rsa issue or an out of spec part this is legit problem for some shield owners.
HEADKNOCKER
Member
My Twin Brother is having problems with the M&P Shield 2.0 9mm as far as being able to rack the slide properly, He's 54 & had a stroke..
My youngest son bought a M&P .380 Shield 2.0 EZ last week & my brother has zero issues with the operation of the slide or loading the magazines with it.. A definite improvement over the standard as far as ease of use for a handicapped person.. Thanks S&W!!
I may try an order my brother a replacement recoil spring assembly or maybe lock the slide back for him for a while to try an break the spring in some without live fire..
Might just get my Bro an EZ & take the 2.0 Shield 9 for myself
Till then I'll carry my Glock 26
My youngest son bought a M&P .380 Shield 2.0 EZ last week & my brother has zero issues with the operation of the slide or loading the magazines with it.. A definite improvement over the standard as far as ease of use for a handicapped person.. Thanks S&W!!
I may try an order my brother a replacement recoil spring assembly or maybe lock the slide back for him for a while to try an break the spring in some without live fire..
Might just get my Bro an EZ & take the 2.0 Shield 9 for myself
Till then I'll carry my Glock 26
