Fail to feed/fire

[Tradewind36]

I took my new Shield to the range last week to get some rounds through it and see how it shoots. Several times after reloading, putting the mag in and racking the slide, nothing happened when I pulled the trigger. It came back with no resistance. I pulled the slide back and a round popped out as if it had been in the chamber. After doing that the rest of the mag fired normally. This is totally unacceptable if I were in an SD situation.

Has anyone else experienced this? Comments? Could it be the ammo? Something I'm doing wrong?

 

[RobzGuns]

Welcome to the forum!
Without being able to watch what you're doing, I'm going to guess that it MAY be Pilot Error... Perhaps that you're 'riding the slide' when chambering that 1st round and the 1st round isn't going fully into battery. IF this is the problem, it's a common problem. Do a Forum search for 'Out of Battery' and you'll see dozens of threads about it.

Next time you're at the range, ensure that the slide is fully forward and see if it still happens.

 

[Bob O]

The slide was most likely slightly out of battery.

I had my first failures to feed last weekend using some economy ammo they had on hand at the indoor range. Bullets went up the feed ramp but jammed at the nose in the chamber. I had to drop the mag in order to clear it.

Never a problem before that.

Sent via phone

 

[Ofc.JL]

With an unloaded pistol(and I mean ALL the ammo locked away no where near the pistol!), vigorously work the action, including dry firing at a safe target. Every time you work the action visually observe nothing in the chamber and magazine tunnel. Unloaded guns tend to go off. Make sure the pistol is lubricated per the instruction manual.
The Shield is a stiff little gun when new, working the action by hand will help to break it in. Also make sure you are pulling the slide all the way out of battery every time. Do this several dozen times and you should see a big difference on how the pistol operates. You can get several "snap" caps to cushion the firing pin when you snap the sear, but if you do, lock ALL of your live ammunition away while doing so. And I am serious about the ammo. You play w/ snap caps, ammo is locked up, period. Do this technique at your own risk, it is your decision.
After this break in, try to shoot it. If it is still giving problems, call S&W for help.
S&W shoots all of their pistols prior to shipping, so we know it will discharge rounds. Be safe and good luck. I think you just have a "stiff" Shield.

 

[DeathF.above]

You gotta really rack that slide like you mean it. You're not gonna hurt the gun so don't be afraid to really let the slide slingshot forward. If you accidentally 'ride the slide' you can always give the rear of the slide a little bump forward with your hand to assure you won't have an issue.

 

[mustangman]

Welcome from Texas! I concur with the other guys. If it only does it on a reloaded first round, I suspect the slide isn't slamming forward hard enough and staying slightly out of battery. After firing, the hard action of the slide gets you back on track.

 

[Tradewind36]

Thanks for all the replies. My first thought is that it's Pilot Error, Robz post got me thinking that I may have been riding the slide. I was using economy ammo from the indoor range, I've purchased some better ammo.

I'll also follow Ofc's advice and work the slide to loosen it up.

Back to the range next Tuesday and I'll see how it goes.

This is my first semi-auto, I've been a revolver guy and I've learned a lot from this forum. Thanks guys.

 

[dullh]

I always "slingshot" the slide...pull it back until it "clicks" and release - as my way of reloading. In the middle of shooting, that tiny slide release is too small to find and stiff, especially when the gun is new.

After 1000 rounds, my Shield has loosened way up for the most part. Now my slide release will drop with ease against a full magazine reload, but habit has me doing the "slingshot" for what I feel is more positive battery.

 

[CaptRon956]

I agree with everyone here, I will add, are you pulling back the slide and then releasing it or are you racking the slide forward with your hand? I have seen several times already at the range guys having misfires because they would rack the slide back and then ride it forward in their hands like you see on TV sometimes...

 

[Philz]

I had same thing happen twice last week with my Shield.
It's a couple months 3 range visits 300 rounds fired.
I was thinking it may of been cheap ammo - Federal 9mm GMU causing problem.
Coming across this thread has pretty much dismissed that thought.

Phil-

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Did you say that you took off the safety?

 

[manderle]

that tiny slide release is too small to find and stiff, especially when the gun is new.

Actually, if you read the owners manual it isn't a slide release in the manner of a 1911. Slingshotting is the correct method.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Have somebody else load it . . .