Do Shield mag release buttons still rust?

[RenoHuskerDu]

I searched and saw no thread on this issue since 2017, but several back then. So I wonder if any of you have had rusty Shield mag release buttons since 2017.

I just cleaned three M&P 9 Shields, all were bought in late 2017 and get EDC'd.

Each had buildup of rust-colored spooge around the mag release button where it goes into the body of the grip. In one case, the mag release had become difficult for the young lady to operate.

Froglube solvent and tiny dabs of Froglube CLP fixed it. There are no visible metal bits in there to rust, so I'm perplexed by the rusty buildup. But, there it was.

Looking at the other threads, it seems that the problem may be fixed because nobody has complained since 2017. Hopefully Smith well send me three new buttons that won't rust.

 

[Raisin]

I purchased mine in June 2014 and have not had that problem. Never even heard of it before but, I don't check this forum everyday either.

 

[bigwheelzip]

There are no visible metal bits in there to rust, so I'm perplexed by the rusty buildup.

The release button itself is painted carbon steel, that's where the rust comes from. When the button is operated, the paint can wear away, exposing bare steel. Mine was almost seized tight with rust.

I removed the button from the frame, removed the rust with steel wool, and covered the rusty area with grease. The rust has not returned.

A video on fixing the problem.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO4rsPyGhdc[/ame]

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Thank you gentlemen,

Smith was, as usual, very helpful on the phone. They are sending me three new release buttons in the mail. Another thread out here posited that Smith changed the buttons in 2017. His have a little W stamped in a recess on the back, and that model does not rust.

 

[S&WOkie]

Interesting. This is the first I have heard of it. I'm on my second Shield and I haven't seen any signs of rust.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Interesting. This is the first I have heard of it. I'm on my second Shield and I haven't seen any signs of rust.

I'd bet that it's related to climate and carry. The more you carry, and the more hot and humid the climate, the more moisture your gun lives in.

Guns that aren't carried on-body stay a lot dryer.

 

[RobzGuns]

I've been Front Pocket Carrying mine (yes... I can Front Pocket my Shield easily) in TX, since 2012 and haven't had any rust problems on my Mag Release.

There were a FEW owners that had a problem a few years back. There may have been a problem with one or two batches.

If you get one one and the mag release develops a problem, simply call S&W CS and they will send you a replacement.

 

[Real Old Navy]

There are different types of corrosion depending on the type of metal...but all metal will corrode over time if left unattended...even Stainless Steel. Keep you gun away from moisture, clean and moving parts lightly lubricated and it will out last you. The mag release often gets overlooked in cleaning because it needs to be removed to give it a good cleaning.

 

[jim46ok]

Clean them up, apply cold blue with a Q tip, oil and install. Should look like new. Something like this:




https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...y&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_content=167-001-220

 

[CB3]

Five Shields among family and friends bought from 2015-2017, all carried. No rust.

Why? They were oiled to protect against rust. They are regularly maintained. Newer models apparently have a better finish, but they still should get the same preventative maintenance. Grease would work well on the mag release as it stays in place and will keep out of sight parts lubricated. Rust on any part of a firearm is fairly easy to prevent unless perhaps around a very corrosive environment like salt water.

Most are carried in Kydex holsters, so body moisture even from IWB is less likely to affect them.