Difficult to rack slide.

[Jhawk412]

I too have trouble racking the slide on my PC ported Shield 9. I use an empty mag and close to the chest push pull. The ultimate fix though is the Shield 380EZ. Soooo much easier to rack. Half the effort. Mag loading too, 1/3 the effort as a Shield 9. Try it, you'll like it.

 

[jnichols2]

What if you put it on the right side and come over the top of the slide top rack it instead with your index finger, assuming you rack with your left hand? Grind off left side and touch up with paint.

See S&W Rover's input a few back. His picture shows the TacRaq has wings on both sides. It's the inside wing that dug into my side.

Carry is far less painful without it.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

TacRack for my S&W M&P 9 and 40 work great. I need help on racking and loading mags. The TacRack and the "whatever name" mag loader keep life easy and simple at 83.

 

[oldiegoldie]

just ordered [haven't received yet] Handi-Racker 2. i've got a Sig P290rs that is a bearcat to disassemble [for my 80 yr old damaged hands]. it looks like the perfect solution for keeping in the shop or taking to the range. i have grip tape on the slide also, which really helps.

 

[Redcoat3340]

I see an older post has been revived, and I posted here about my Shield.

Here's the update: The harder-to-rack slide and stiff slide stop got fixed when I sold the Shields (both .45 and 9mm) and bought a CS9 and 4513TSW. Then I picked up a 3914 LS and a Sig 245 just for variety.

No more hard to rack slides, no more stiff slide lock, and I've got four guns I am comfortable carrying, work flawlessly, and give me enough firepower for where I live and what I do.

While I liked the Shields (especially the .45) I like these guns a lot more.

 

[Parrot-Head]

Just picked up my 2.0 yesterday. I will say, it's a good deal easier to rack than my Kahr CW9.

 

[staylor]

Grip tape on both sides of the slide will make a big difference.

This worked for me.

 

[BigDog48]

OMG...If you can't rack the slide, sell your Shield and buy another pistol.

 

[Deckard427]

Instead of holding the gun at the normal 12-o'clock position (as in shooting it), rotate the gun left to about the 10-o'clock position. It makes it easier to pull the slide back with your left hand.

 

[NewToGuns17]

Instead of holding the gun at the normal 12-o'clock position (as in shooting it), rotate the gun left to about the 10-o'clock position. It makes it easier to pull the slide back with your left hand.

I was taught that people with issues with racking, hold the gun pointing at 9 o clock across your chest and push with both hands. Keeping it close to your body aids in racking.

 

[joeintexas]

I carry the Shield 45 and have owned the 9 and 40 also. I can verify the 45 is easier to rack than either of those. I wanted the wife to see if she liked the 9mm Shield, she couldn't rack it at all. Doesn't seem to have a problem opening the cylinder on her Sp101 though!

 

[oldiegoldie]

my handi-racker arrived and i was impressed enough to order the "small" H-R also. i've made my living as a farmer/rancher for about 60 years and physical labor has been the daily regimen. there comes a time when the strength just isn't there and a little assistance is needed.

 

[Ldouc]

Difficult to lock slide

They are more difficult to rack than most other brands, but should be pretty easy for a big guy with some strength. Could be the technique you're using. Take a look at this guy's video.


M&P Shield - Watch this video BEFORE you buy one! Also - HOW TO properly rack and lock the slide - YouTube

This video was extremely helpful. I have been having difficultty locking the slide and now after watching it is so much easier. The trick for me was pushing up on the slide lock as I push the slide back. Before I would push the slide back and then push up on the slide lock. Thank you so much for your help. LD

 

[SchemaEnigma]

My wife has arthritis and cannot... as in CANNOT... rack the slide on my full size M&P 2.0 9mm. We have tried several techniques.... can't be done.

I wanted a smaller gun for EDC, so I bought the Shield EZ 9. Problem solved. The EZ line is a great gun for a certain segment of the market. Kudos to S&W.

 

[touchoneoff]

My wife has arthritis and cannot... as in CANNOT... rack the slide on my full size M&P 2.0 9mm. We have tried several techniques.... can't be done.

I wanted a smaller gun for EDC, so I bought the Shield EZ 9. Problem solved. The EZ line is a great gun for a certain segment of the market. Kudos to S&W.

The EZ is a great option for people with limited hand strength. Glad you were able to find her an option.

 

[mrmike7189]

I see an older post has been revived, and I posted here about my Shield.

Here's the update: The harder-to-rack slide and stiff slide stop got fixed when I sold the Shields (both .45 and 9mm) and bought a CS9 and 4513TSW. Then I picked up a 3914 LS and a Sig 245 just for variety.

No more hard to rack slides, no more stiff slide lock, and I've got four guns I am comfortable carrying, work flawlessly, and give me enough firepower for where I live and what I do.

While I liked the Shields (especially the .45) I like these guns a lot more.

I like the shield, but what I really wanted was a 3rd gen 9mm. Picked up this 915 w/2 15 round mags. Shoots a little left for me, but all metal and a great range gun .

 

[AppStFan]

The TacRack, ArachniGRIP tape, and the push-pull procedure are about all that I have found to make racking the slide easier. In spite of being hard to rack, I still really like the Shield.