Couple recent issues with Shield

[Cabadam]

I recently came across a couple issues I wanted to ask about. I may have a gunsmith at a local range look at it this weekend, but I wanted to get some opinions here in case I can resolve it myself.

1. First thing I found was that my slide will not release itself properly. By this I mean, I remove the magazine and lock the slide back. I then re-insert a loaded magazine. In the past, I have been able to simply pull back on the slide and release it and it will snap forward.
   
   Now, it is like the slide 'lock' is not 'unlocking' (I apologize for butchering terms), and the slide just moves slightly forward (resting on the slide lock again). I have to both pull back on the slide AND slightly push down the slide lock - then it will release. I haven't shot it since noticing this issue, but it kind of makes me wonder if the slide is going to start locking back after each shot or something.
   
   
2. While trying to experiment with the above, I noticed that my rear sight is loose. A while back (over a year?), I had the TruGlo TFO sights installed by a gunsmith. I have not noticed any problems with it prior to this. But now, the rear sight will slide slightly to the left and about halfway off to the right. I can do this with my finger, no tools required.
   
   Last night I did a little reading on how the sights are actually installed, and it seems this might be just the set screw came loose. Does that seem reasonable? All I need to do is place the sight and tighten the screw? Although I suppose I've now lost the windage-zero and need to redo that.
   
   Should locktite have been applied to either the sight or the set screw? I see no evidence that there is any.

Appreciate any feedback on the above. Thanks

 

[ken158]

You are correct on the rear sight set screw coming loose - just center and tighten and shoot for point of impact. As far as the slide release, I would suggest a disassemble and reassemble properly to see if that takes care of the problem. Be sure you are pulling the slide back and letting go - no forward assistance is needed...

 

[Cabadam]

Thanks for confirming the sight. I should be able to resolve that easily myself it sounds like.

On the slide - yes, I pull back on it and release it, but it just moves back slightly forward to where it rests when locked back. It's like the slide lock isn't releasing, it just keeps catching the slide until I manually push the lock down.

 

[hoc9sw]

I would check around the inside of the slide lock. I got a lot of debris in there, and had to blast it out with some compressed air. just be careful to not push the trash into the trigger area. It sounds like the lock is sticking, or that the spring is out of place or damaged. Most likely just dirt that you might not otherwise get to.

 

[Maximumbob54]

The slide stop issue, call S&W and request a repair. This is assuming there isn't anything fouling it and that it's been cleaned.

 

[gc70]

Remove the slide and check whether the slide stop is otherwise functioning properly. Insert an empty magazine to push the slide stop up; when you remove the magazine, the slide stop should drop down.

 

[Com 45acp]

Sounds like his spring for slidestop has skipped track causing upward pressure. Similar to the walther pps slide stop spring issue.

 

[snakeye]

Try repositioning the spring and guide rod....make sure the spring is not bowed...this will cause problems you described

 

[Cabadam]

I took the slide off last night and played with it a bit more. When I manually push the slide stop up, it tends to stay up. OCCASIONALLY, it comes back down.

I tried cleaning it a bit as recommended, also put some RemOil anywhere it looked like it was near being in contact with something and manually moved it up/down for a bit.

That made it slightly better, but not much, maybe 50-50 odds now.

I'm probably going to head over to the range today and have the gunsmith there take a look at it.


Regarding the sights - I was able to tighten down the set screw and that seemed to have the intended effect. I'm still curious - should I use locktite on it, or should that have not come loose on its own?

Thanks

 

[GerSan69]

Unless you anticipate needing to adjust the sight soon, I'd suggest loctite.