Does the Shield just suck or my bad luck?

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otis24

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I've always been a revolver guy at heart. Never even consided plastic. I reasoned that Glocks have been around forever and they have held up well. So, reluctantly, I gave the Shield a chance. After disassembling the Shield, I had issues with the slide locking up. After less than a month, I got rid of the Shield and went back to my trusty revolver. With the recent sale price of $375 less $75 rebate, I decided to give the Shield another chance. I experienced the same issue with the slide locking up. I have since learned that the guide rod and spring have to be oriented a certain way. Reliability is a must. I decided to install the one-piece guide rod from SSGuideRod.com. Now, the slide won't release. Once I lock the slide back and drop the magazine, there is no room for the slide to move back so that it will release and separate from the frame. What gives? Any suggestions? Really wanted to like this pistol, but would opt for a flintlock over the Shield at this point.
 
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Shield 40, 9mm and 45. No issues with any. Have you taken it to a LGS and have them examine the gun. It could be something you are doing?
 
I have none of those problems. Only fired about 1200 rounds since I got my Shield 9 in April. It will be my carry weapon.
 
You put in a 3rd party part, and now the gun doesn't function properly?

What is the original problem you're trying to solve?

I've had my hands on exactly three 9mm shields, all recent, and all 3 have run and disassembled correctly.
 
Assuming it's cleaned and lubed, there are two more known problems beside the RSA failure (Recoil Spring Assy) that could be causing your problem.

One is the OD of the barrel at the chamber getting stuck on the slide's hole for the barrel. http://smith-wessonforum.com/139496834-post21.html

The other problem is a small piece of Locking Block Spring coming loose from it's normal location on the side of the locking block and getting the slide stuck. It's the end of the spring that's supposed to be recessed into that part above the takedown lever. See the two side-by-side and you see one isn't seated and protrudes into the groove that the slide rides in.

Shield_prob_1.jpg

Shield_Prob_2.jpg


Someone here posted with this stuck slide problem 3 hours before your thread. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/528962-locking-block-spring.html#post139682513

Here is a picture of his Locking Block Spring protruding from it's seat.

Locking_Block_Spring3.jpg
 
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Wow! You would think I insulated someone's girlfriend! I love my S&W's too (when they work)! The original problem was that the slide would jam open upon reassembly. It would seem that I'm not the only person to experience this. The last time this happened, I had to use a rubber mallet to unjam it. You would think that S&W would update their manual to address this. I've owned two, and they BOTH had this issue.

In any event, the slide finally released after pushing down firmly on the slide release. Perhaps things will loosen up after several hundred rounds. On a more positive note, the Talon Grips make a huge difference.
 
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otis24 said:
Wow! You would think I insulated someone's girlfriend! I love my S&W's too (when they work)! The original problem was that the slide would jam open upon reassembly. It would seem that I'm not the only person to experience this. The last time this happened, I had to use a rubber mallet to unjam it. You would think that S&W would update their manual to address this. I've owned two, and they BOTH had this issue.

In any event, the slide finally released after pushing down firmly on the slide release. Perhaps things will loosen up after several hundred rounds. On a more positive note, the Talon Grips make a huge difference.
Click to expand...

Not really seeing insults, just comments.Take them as you will. For me I don't own a sheild I do have a M & P 40 C that has been flawless. I too own revolvers and may other brands in Semi. My rule with a semi if it isn't 100 % by around 500 rounds its time to re think it in my collection. Only had to boot one so far since 1980
 
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I have read and heard of the "guide rod a certain way"
Issue. Have had 3 shields 2 40s and now my 45.
NEVER paid special attention to the rod being a certian way. It pretty much "fits properly" only one way.
Never have had any one of them lock up or not work effortlessly after reassembly. I can do it in the dark by feel and it will work every time.

Must be your bad luck.



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Before anything.......

Call the factory and tell them the problem and they'll send you a shipping label. Usually warranty work is returned quickly. The last experience I had was less than two weeks. That is a common complaint about Shields, they should know what to do with it.

If you get one that works right, it will be a great gun.
 
I definitely like the feel and the price of the Shield over the Glock. Just a few bugs that I need to get worked out. It will come together.
 
otis24 said:
Wow! You would think I insulated someone's girlfriend! I love my S&W's too (when they work)! The original problem was that the slide would jam open upon reassembly. It would seem that I'm not the only person to experience this. The last time this happened, I had to use a rubber mallet to unjam it. You would think that S&W would update their manual to address this. I've owned two, and they BOTH had this issue.

In any event, the slide finally released after pushing down firmly on the slide release. Perhaps things will loosen up after several hundred rounds. On a more positive note, the Talon Grips make a huge difference.
Click to expand...

So pressings down firmly on the slide release Un stuck the slide from the rear position, and you think it is related to the recoil guide assembly?
 
I own a 40 Shield and a Glock 23. The Shield is definitely more sensitive to proper seating of the RSA and also requires more care to make sure it is seated properly. The Glock RSA seems to just naturally pop into the correct seat on the barrel lug. The Shield sometimes wants to go left or right a little bit, and that can be enough to prevent proper slide installation.
 
I own a 9mm shield and a 45 shield. Couldn't ask for better guns. Must be you. Sorry for your bad luck.
 
otis24 said:
I've always been a revolver guy at heart. Never even consided plastic. I reasoned that Glocks have been around forever and they have held up well. So, reluctantly, I gave the Shield a chance. After disassembling the Shield, I had issues with the slide locking up. After less than a month, I got rid of the Shield and went back to my trusty revolver. With the recent sale price of $375 less $75 rebate, I decided to give the Shield another chance. I experienced the same issue with the slide locking up. I have since learned that the guide rod and spring have to be oriented a certain way. Reliability is a must. I decided to install the one-piece guide rod from SSGuideRod.com. Now, the slide won't release. Once I lock the slide back and drop the magazine, there is no room for the slide to move back so that it will release and separate from the frame. What gives? Any suggestions? Really wanted to like this pistol, but would opt for a flintlock over the Shield at this point.
Click to expand...

I had a similar issue when my non PC shield was new. The spring orientation didn't help. My issue was locking the slide after disassembled was a b@tch. I called S&W and they sent me another recoil spring which was better but still tight. They did this after I explained the recoil spring from my PC shield in my non PC shield works perfectly. They are identical. The new recoil spring helped but what helped the most is just shooting it. After putting 500 rounds through it has improved and works as good as my PC shield. New they are super stiff and tight and take several hundred rounds, if not more, to get the broken in.

My PC shield worked out of the box.
 
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