Gun newbie here, confused about my MP shield 9

[Helis]

Hey everyone. I am totally new to guns, and I'm a little confused by something that happens with my shield 1.0. I'm going to try to be a detailed and explicit as possible describing my issue.

I have not loaded any cartridges into the gun yet because I am trying to learn about the gun before I shoot.

1. I put in an empty magazine into my shield
2. I pull back on the slide as far as I can.
3. The slide lock activates and the slide is now "locked" and I can see inside the gun. I can verify that no bullets are loaded and the follower is visible.
4. I pull back on the slide to unlock it, and put it back into the normal position.

Step 4 fails. I see videos of people pulling back on the slide to unlock it, but no matter how hard I pull it does not unlock. There are two methods that I've been using to unlock it:
1. Take out the magazine and then pull the slide back (works easy enough)
2. pull the slide back and push down on the slide lock (weird and I don't think this is the intended operation at all)

It seems the slide gets caught on the magazine (I'm 100% guessing here and could be very wrong) and I'm wondering what I can do to fix this because I don't think this is how it's supposed to work.

can anyone offer insight into this? It seems wrong.

 

[Zoner]

the slide is supposed to lock back on a empty magazine. If you lock the slide back and insert a loaded magazine then pull back and release the slide it'll go into battery chambering a fresh round. Your pistol is working like it's supposed to. Read your manual.....several times

 

[Marshal Tom]

What was said by Zonor above. Also sign up for a class ASAP and learn how to operate the weapon properly. You need to become completely familiar with the operation of your firearm.

 

[oneounceload]

Read your manual.....several times

And then do it several more times. Have you field stripped and cleaned the gun yet? and then relubed per the manual?

 

[nanney1]

It is working correctly with an unloaded magazine inserted - locked back. And, as you have already seen, you will need to depress the slide lock in order for the slide to release with an unloaded mag inserted. If you remove the magazine, as you have already seen, it will slide back. You can cycle the slide and trigger repeatedly in this manner. And if you load bullets into the magazine, it will slide back and chamber a round.

This same thing happens nearly every time I try out a pistol in a gun shop. I push the slide back, and then release, and nothing happens. Then the gun shop guy reminds me that there is an empty mag inserted.

 

[murphydog]

Let me be the first to say “welcome!”

You are describing a normal situation with a magazine-fed semi-automatic pistol in which the magazine follower activates the slide stop (catch/release). With the slide to the rear and a loaded magazine the follower is no longer activating the stop, and pulling back on the slide (or pushing down on the slide stop) will let the slide run forward.

And good for you to practice with an unloaded gun! Definitely seek out a CCW or basic pistol course or go to the range with an experienced shooter as the next step, and welcome also to the Shield club.

 

[dr. K]

Welcome, and please consider taking a basic NRA gun safety course. Whatever the cost, you’ll gain knowledge that could keep you and your loved ones alive. Just google “NRA safety classes” and the city/state you’re in.

 

[Flyingfool]

Welcome.

I want to Applaud you for being thoughtful about your journey in being new to firearms! The fact that you are doing this unloaded and came to a place to ask questions shows that you are diligent and want to go about this new interest safely.

I will assume you plan to ise the shield for defense. And probably concealed carry. As that is what rhe shield is designed for. For home defense or target gun, there is no need to have such a small pistol.

The advantages of having the slide lock back on an empty magazine will become clear as you shoot the weapon. Having it lock back allows for unmistakable visual confirmation that the gun is empty. As you become familiar with the normal cycling of the gun, when the slode locks back, you will feel this difference. Fiving you tactile feedback, followed by visual confirmation that the gun is empty (as opposed to another tyoe of malfunction such as failure to extract or double feed).

Having the slode already locked back offers another advantage. After inserting a new magazine, you only need to pull the slide back about 1 mm and let go of rhe slide (this is commonly refered to as the slingshot method) and the next round is chambered. So it speeds up the reload process and rhis quicker to be back in action.

Without the slide locking back, you would never be alerted to the fact that the gun and chamber are empty, until you pull the trigger and hear a click. (Unless cointing shots and know how many rounds were kriginally in the gun). Then after recognizing that you are out of ammo, inserting a new mag, the slide would have to be fully pulled back and released to load the next chamber. This is not a big deal when simply target shooting at the range. However the additional time of recognition of empty, and the full distance to pull the slide back in a self defense situation, those extra fractions of seconds could literally be the difference between life and death.

The rule of thumb is that a average adult man can cover within 1.5 seconds the distance of 7 yards (21 feet!). So a “lost” second could mean the bad guy is “on you” if they are within 7 yards. In critical situations, every fraction of a second matters. Or at least could matter!

It is also important to note, that an average well practiced person it takes about 1.5 seconds to reach and draw a holstered weapon. So in a practical sense, any threat that is less than 7 yards away will reach you before you can even draw your weapon! So for “close in” threats, your first reaction is to defend with arms and MOVE. To go for your holstered gun the facts are, you probably won’t draw it in time. Or at least the odds are no better than 50/50 that you “beat the bad guy”. This is assuming zero lost time to see and react which is on top of the 1.5 seconds it will take you to draw.

This is were defensive shooting classes if you plan to carry is so valuable.

Since you are completely starting out to the firearms sports. I will strongly encourage you to seek out the cery best and professional training you can get. It is FAR better to learn things the safe and CORRECT way right off the bat, then to unlearn bad and maybe even unsafe habits!

Understand that good training is not cheap. However it is the very best money and insurance you can spend. Firearms are extremely fun and even, dare I say addicting. But the consequences of error can literally be catastrophic.

But just like when learning to play basketball, the first layup will feel akward and uncomfortable and you’ll probably miss. But after the 1,000 layup it will begin to feel natural and you will be significantly more successful.

Same is true when starting shooting. If never having shot before, it will be akward and unfamiliar. But practice makes it more and more natural and safer as you gsin experience.

Good luck and once again, welcome!

 

[gwpercle]

Learning to operate a semi auto pistol is a lot like learning how to drive a car....it's a lot easier with an instructor... a whole lot easier.
Most shooting ranges have classes , sign up and take one it will be worth every penny.
Gary

 

[oneounceload]

Taking shooting lessons is all well and good, but reading the Owner's manual is something that needs to be done first. he needs to learn how to operate his handgun. The fact that he thought his gun was not working properly because the slide stays open on an empty mag tells me he either didn't read it, or didn't understand it. He needs to know how his gun functions before taking classes, if for nothing else, from a safety perspective.

I am really surprised the place where he got the gun didn't go over basic functions with him.

 

[lkabug]

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Congratulations on purchasing a great gun.
May I suggest joining the NRA if you have not done so. Take advantage of the resources the NRA have available for new gun owners. Check with your local range. You have started asking the right questions. Don't ever stop asking , This forum is a great place to learn. We all started as confused newbies. Again, welcome.

 

[OLDSTER]

Welcome from North Dakota

 

[ScaryWoody]

Welcome. As you are new to pistols and haven't been to the range yet, I'd thought I'd attach the pistol training target. Most right handers shoot low left. Print it out, tape to a wall and dry fire (no bullets, hand rack slide) to get used to it.

 

[jakebrake]

let me echo the welcome, as well as the heartfelt plea that You take an nra course. it is worth the time, as well as cost. typically, they are rather inexpensive.

safety is paramount, regret can last a lifetime, and death is forever.

 

[CBStuard]

Hellis, welcome to the forum. Where are you located? Maybe on of us is nearby. I can pretty much guarantee that anyone here would be glad to meet you can help out.

 

[JAREDSHS]

Welcome aboard and what they all said. relax---all is well.

 

[Luger9x19]

Welcome to the Forums. Glad you have joined us. Don't be shy and keep your questions coming.

1. Read the manual - until you are able to explain its contents without looking at it. The read it again!
2. Take a course!
3. Be safe!
4. Practice a lot. Both dry fire and live fire.

If you do the above you are in for a lot of fun.

You will spend far more money on training, ammo and range fees than you did for the firearm.

Don't want to spend that money? It could cost you way more. Mistakes or failures with a firearm can cost life or limb. Both yours or those around you. Which may result is medical or legal fees and possibly loss of your freedom.

The shooting sports can be seriously fun.
In self defense firearms can be seriously helpful.
Mistakes with firearms can be seriously catastrophic.

Also remember the rules:

1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything that you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

AND Prevent unauthorized persons from accessing your firearms by keeping them secure!

Good luck, Good shooting and be safe!

 

[phpbass]

Welcome to the forum

Welcome to the forum-you will learn a lot from the experienced members of this forum. Be Safe always and definitely seek out some competent training -You will have a great time while learning.
I have been involved in handguns for over a year and a half and the training was the best investment I have ever made. My first firing was at a range with a class. Well worth it.

As you are learning to handle and work the action on your Shield , please always follow all safety rules.
I would suggest going to your local dealer and obtaining some Snap Caps -they can be used to dry fire and work your action and slide. just make sure that your gun is totally empty along with your magazines and never practice with snap caps in an area that contains any real live ammunition. Most Snap caps for 9mm are in a bright red color-easily identified.

Good Luck and be safe!

 

[Louchia]

Welcome. Glad that you want to get it right before you venture out to a range. As mentioned, do not hold back and not ask questions. Join and check with the NRA about classes in your area. I would also talk to the people at the shop where you bought the gun.I'm sure they will be very helpful. They will probably show a few basics and encourage you to take a class. You will not regret getting instruction from a certified NRA instructor.
Good luck.

 

[jrclen]

Welcome. As you can see, this is a great place to ask questions. The Shield is a great gun.