Late Release Shields: Do They Rack Any Easier?

[beamon]

Had a Shield 9mm a while ago and found it virtually impossible to rack without throwing my body completely out of whack!

Some background: I'm an experienced shooter, but now 79 years old with arthritus and nearly 4 years out of a stroke that even after rehabbing has left me weaker than before. I can and do, however, rack other pistols successfully.

I used all the techniques taught for 'difficult to rack' pistols and tried all the methods of seating the RSA when reassembling to no avail. Regrettably, I traded the Shield for a G26 and moved on. Regrettably, because I loved the feel and fit of the Shield and would buy another if they have reduced the force necessary for operation. I EDC a Walther PPS and would like another single stack 9mm for carry. The G26's grip is a bit large for my small hand and short fingers.

I think there must have been "two different Shields" on the market because I've read cases of wives sucessfully racking Shields and I suspect that I still have the upper body strength of most women.

So, have any of you with late releases of the gun noticed that they are now more typical in racking than before and would it be reasonable to make a pest of myself at LGS's and try racking his stock Shields to find one that I can operate properly?

 

[NCW Ray]

I haven't had the opportunity to "rack" the slide of an early production Shield, but my Shield 40 which has a test fire date of 6/3/14 has a very stiff RSA. It is considerably harder than my 40 full size and 40c.

And I'm sure the LGS would not have any issues with you asking to rack the slide.

 

[ageingstudent]

I haven't had the opportunity to "rack" the slide of an early production Shield, but my Shield 40 which has a test fire date of 6/3/14 has a very stiff RSA. It is considerably harder than my 40 full size and 40c.

And I'm sure the LGS would not have any issues with you asking to rack the slide.

Mine is a similar date of test fire and it was super stiff too. It has eased up a little (not darned much) between 500 and 1000 rounds but it is by far the stiffest slide in my collection of autos. I don't have strength issues so this is not a problem for me. I assume it is like that because of the .40 cartridge in a 9mm platform.

 

[marine6680]

I find my 9mm to be fairly easy to rack. My fiance racks it just fine.

But it is broke in a bit so that may be why.

 

[tbgunner88]

I would suggest buying a used shield with a few rounds through it, or if you had anyone that could put a few hundred rounds through a new one for you to break it in, then that could be an option. Buy them a few boxes of cheap range ammo and send them on their way. They do get easier to rack after some use.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Had a Shield 9mm a while ago and found it virtually impossible to rack without throwing my body completely out of whack!

I had similar issues with the Shield and traded it a few months after I bought it. I would suggest you look at the new Ruger LC9S or the newer LC9S-Pro. Both have a redesigned trigger that is equal to or better than the M&P. The Pro has no thumb of magazine safety, and it's the one I bought. The slide is very easy compared to the Shield and it is even easier to pocket carry. Bought mine for about $350 a month ago.

Ruger® LC9s® Centerfire Pistol Model 3248

 

[RobzGuns]

While the Ruger may be easier to rack (I didn't notice a difference), my arthritic (recoil sensitive) wrist likes the perceived recoil of the Shield MUCH better than that of the LC9S.

To me, the LC9S is still harsh enough that I need to stop shooting it after 30 rounds, where my Shield is an 'All-Day-Shooter'.

Before deciding, definitely shoot them both.

 

[beamon]

The Pro has no thumb of magazine safety, and it's the one I bought. The slide is very easy compared to the Shield and it is even easier to pocket carry. Bought mine for about $350 a month ago.

Hi Lee in fairly near Quartzsite. Yep I've got my eye on that Ruger, also, for pocket carry in the really hot weather.

 

[beamon]

To me, the LC9S is still harsh enough that I need to stop shooting it after 30 rounds, where my Shield is an 'All-Day-Shooter'.

Before deciding, definitely shoot them both.

May buy both, Robz. The LC9s could be a good pocket carry after a couple of boxes of ammo have proved it carry worthy.

 

[Well Armed]

Hi Lee in fairly near Quartzsite. Yep I've got my eye on that Ruger, also, for pocket carry in the really hot weather.

I have the Shield and I'm going to get rid of mine too because of the stiff slide, magazine, and slide stop. I also don't find the grip to be all that comfortable for my smaller hands compared to the competition but YMMV. Take a look at Ruger and the XDs...

 

[DrJCM020]

My shield 9mm was born in September 2014 (late release). It was tough to rack at the start but not nearly as hard as you've described. Now, 4500+ rounds in, it's sweet as can be. You don't need that many rounds down the tube to feel the change. I'd say mine softened up within 1000 rounds.

 

[DrJCM020]

Also I replaced my ruger LC9s with my current shield mainly due to the recoil being a bit much (ESP in a worst case scenario) and follow up shot accuracy being not where I would like it to be. The shield rectified these issues, far less recoil and pinpoint accuracy on follow up shots.

Given that you have arthritis in the joints that do most of the soaking up of recoil, I'd say your best bet is a used shield 9mm. There are heaps of late model shields floating around, probably even at your LGS (I know there is a my own LGS).

My 95 pound gf can rack the slide no problems on my shield as it is now, a bit broken in.

They do make aftermarket recoil springs for the LC9s which could alleviate some of the recoil and help to decrease your arthritis pain from shooting a small 9mm or 40 if you want to stay in the Ruger family.

 

[DocSunShine]

All smaller guns are a little more difficult to rack, I've noticed no unusual issues racking my Shield.

 

[beamon]

All smaller guns are a little more difficult to rack, I've noticed no unusual issues racking my Shield.

Know what you're saying, Doc, but comparatively speaking, I can handle the Walther PPS and G26, just not the Shield.

 

[GerSan69]

Mr. B, have you seen the Handi-Racker? I'm thinking of getting one myself...arthritis in the fingers.
Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

 

[WR Moore]

Are you using opposing hands or slingshot to rack the slide? Try both. If necessary, hook the rear sight on a table edge and use both hands (and body weight if necessary) to push the slide back. Then let if slam closed.

The mini pistols of all types have to have stronger recoil springs. A pistol in a larger frame size should do the trick if none of the above is satisfactory. The recoil spring won't be as stiff.

 

[CaptRon956]

Either mine loosened up a bit after break in or I built up some strength in my right hand & forearm from racking the slide so many times, not sure.... all I know is after about 600 rounds I cant rack it back much easier...

 

[beamon]

Mr. B, have you seen the Handi-Racker? I'm thinking of getting one myself...arthritis in the fingers.
Safest way to rack your pistols Handi-Racker

Yes, Have seen it. Would be fine for the range, but not for SD use.

Are you using opposing hands or slingshot to rack the slide? Try both.
The mini pistols of all types have to have stronger recoil springs. A pistol in a larger frame size should do the trick if none of the above is satisfactory. The recoil spring won't be as stiff.

Yep, all ways have been used. I CAN rack it but the effort required negates its use for SD.

The larger framed guns are, of course, easier but not what I want to carry vis a vis the current PPS and G26.

 

[marine6680]

Give one a try at the store... My fiance racks hers fine.

I think locking the slide back and letting it sit for a week may help.

For hard to load mags, the uplula mag loader works well.


Its a bit of a trade off, the soft recoil of the shield compared to other small 9s is due to a stiffer recoil spring.

 

[N4KVE]

At work, I rack brand new Shields all the time. The newest ones made last month are no easier than the very first ones. However, you already own an excellent PPS. If it works for you, look no further. GARY