Correct function of the slide lock?

[johnouk1]

Hi, just purchased an M&P Shield 9mm, and was getting familiar with it today. One thing I'm unsure of is the slide lock. It is clearly not designed to be used a slide release also, as it's almost impossible to move with just a thumb. However, I was expecting it to release when I racked the slide to the full rear position and then let the slide go, but it does not do that. It remains locked open, requiring me to use my thumb on my right hand to manually pull the slide lock down, as I push the slide back with my left hand (hand-over-the-top style). On many other guns I have used, the slide lock releases automatically when the slide is pushed back slightly, so I was surprised when this didn't happen on my pistol. Can anyone confirm if this is correct and not some fault with my particular gun? I just want to make sure this is the right way to do it with this pistol so I can train myself to operate it effectively as it's a departure from what I'm used to. Appreciate any advice.

Thanks

 

[Smoke]

Hi, just purchased an M&P Shield 9mm, and was getting familiar with it today. One thing I'm unsure of is the slide lock. It is clearly not designed to be used a slide release also, as it's almost impossible to move with just a thumb. However, I was expecting it to release when I racked the slide to the full rear position and then let the slide go, but it does not do that. It remains locked open, requiring me to use my thumb on my right hand to manually pull the slide lock down, as I push the slide back with my left hand (hand-over-the-top style). On many other guns I have used, the slide lock releases automatically when the slide is pushed back slightly, so I was surprised when this didn't happen on my pistol. Can anyone confirm if this is correct and not some fault with my particular gun? I just want to make sure this is the right way to do it with this pistol so I can train myself to operate it effectively as it's a departure from what I'm used to. Appreciate any advice.

Thanks

No disrespect intended but since you didn't specify I'm going to ask. Did you do this with an EMPTY magazine inserted in the pistol?

 

[Ranger17]

Hi Op, as i assume this was a new gun purchase, did you first clean and lube the gun?
Does the slide stick with no mag in, with empty mag, etc?

And have you fired it yet so you know how it worked under actual use?

I have not ran into the issues you are on my shield or my full size MP so am just thinking out loud to find something that narrows it down somewhat

 

[johnouk1]

D'oh! Yes, you're correct, I was doing this with an empty mag. Now I feel like an idiot! I knew there had to be something very obvious I was missing! I even have snap-caps here to do drills with and wasn't using them! I guess I was just to excited about getting a new pistol! Thanks for pointing out that I'm a bone-head and absolutely no disrespect felt at all!

 

[Marshal Tom]

First, the gun is new and tight. It will likely loosen up with use. Second and as mentioned above, this will often occur with an empty mag but not when a loaded mag is inserted. Try it with a loaded mag and see what it does. I just tried mine and it works both ways but it is well broken in, with several hundred round through it.

 

[WR Moore]

Glad you figured out the obvious.

You really don't HAVE to operate the slide stop/release/whatever with your shooting hand thumb. You can reach up with the thumb/a finger from the hand that's inserting the magazine and release the slide. Depending upon your finger strength, dexterity and being left/right handed, you might also be able to do it with the trigger finger.

 

[Inusuit]

Being old and arthritic, I find it much easier to "slingshot" the slide to chamber a cartridge than to use the slide lock. Easy to start an argument as to whether or not the lock should be used as a release. I just do what works for me. Yeah, most semi autos will not release from an empty magazine. Don't feel bad, it's an easy mistake and others have made much worse ones. Including me at times.

 

[BAM-BAM]

D'oh! Yes, you're correct, I was doing this with an empty mag. Now I feel like an idiot! I knew there had to be something very obvious I was missing!

Ya, that will make that happen!!!!!!!!

 

[hoc9sw]

D'oh! Yes, you're correct, I was doing this with an empty mag. Now I feel like an idiot! I knew there had to be something very obvious I was missing! I even have snap-caps here to do drills with and wasn't using them! I guess I was just to excited about getting a new pistol! Thanks for pointing out that I'm a bone-head and absolutely no disrespect felt at all!

Hey, all worked out while you were "in training". That's not, and won't be, the first or last time your situation comes up.
No foul.
Enjoy that Shield. I have one (9mm) with thousands of rounds through it. Sometimes I just use it for a range gun for the day if I'm out that way without the full bag in the car. It is my EDC.

 

[BAM-BAM]

D'oh! Yes, you're correct, I was doing this with an empty mag. Now I feel like an idiot! I knew there had to be something very obvious I was missing!

Ya, that will make that happen!!!!!!!!

Happens to the best of us........................LOL

I hopped in the Subaru......the other day...... been about 3 weeks driving the truck...... and it wouldn't start!!!! Hummmmmmm....oh ya....you gotta push in the clutch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[martybee]

johnouk1:
Congrats on your Shield purchase and choice of handgun! I've had mine now for a little over 2-years and put almost 3,000 rds. through it with absolutely Zero issues! It's a sweet piece!
Also... Welcome to the Forum, you're going to like the gang here and all the great information you can digest. Most everyone here is here is helpful and friendly. Great Bunch!