M&P SHIELD 0.40 CALIBER MAGAZINE DROP PROBLEM POLL

[805moparkid]

Just was at the range yesterday to run some gold dots through my new 40 s&w shield and I was using the 7 round mag and after the round in the chamber it failed to strip a new round in the chamber and to my suprise the magazine had dropped. After messing around with it ifound the magazine was somewhat stubborn when inserting it into the mag well. The grip extension if it was not flush with the bottom of the magazine would prevent it from locking into place.
The 180 gr gold dots performed flawlessly, they fed without a problem

i'll have to try the gold dots... i tried Hydrashocks, PMC Starfires, and Hornady TAPS and the hydrashocks were only acceptable @ 1 FTF in the box...

 

[TMAXXII]

i'll have to try the gold dots... i tried Hydrashocks, PMC Starfires, and Hornady TAPS and the hydrashocks were only acceptable @ 1 FTF in the box...

When you say you tried the different bullets, did you check your feed ramp. I shoot Gold Dots, Winchester HST, Federal Talons, Hornady Critical Duty, Winchester PDX1 Bonded, all being defense ammo. I shot two boxes of each of them (100 rounds) no problem. I had to modify my feed ramp first but never had any problems since. The end of the feed ramp on mine was as sharp as a razor so it caught the casing and on the HST it actually dug into the bullet. This might be your problem as well.

In my opinion the two best defense rounds are the HST and Talons. They might be harder to find, but they are deadly, especially the Talon. You usually only see FTFs with practice ammo which are about half the price of the ones your trying. Actually your problem would concern me more then the mag drop problem with the extended mag, which I no use for anyways, I just bought a bunch of flush mags. You might want to start a thread (unless there is one already) based on your problem and see how many others are having the same problem.

 

[BamaJacket]

First of all, this is my first post. I have a number of S&W revolvers, but my 40 Shield (which I bought last Thursday) is my first auto pistol (although I have a US Army Remington Rand M1911-A1).

I've had my eye on a Shield for awhile, but had been waiting for my LGS to get some in. They finally got in some, as part of their annual S&W handgun sale. I had done a good amount of web research, but somehow didn't get wind of the mag drop problem until after I bought the 40 Shield. This is probably due to most of the reviews having been done on the 9 Shield. I probably would have waited for the issue to be fully resolved, if I had known in advance of the purchase.

I haven't gone to the range yet, but have been reading through the threads. I'm an engineer by training and vocation and decided to approach the matter in the following manner.

My gun is one of the newer "HAD####" serial numbers. Both mags seat with a solid, clearly audible click. In reading through the posts, I also thought there was too much play between the mags and the gun, which was causing the extended mag to slip out of the mag catch during the post-firing recoil.

Since the mag catch is on the right side of the mag, I laid down three layers of Scotch plastic tape (it comes in a multiple-pack with various colored rolls) to the back and forward left sides of the metal part of the mag. This removes the excessive play and forces the mag catch notch further toward the mag catch. I prefer this method to the punch method that has been discussed. I put the tape on both mags.

Both mags now feel real tight inside the grip section of the gun and seat very firmly. I will test the fix at the range, of course. Until the issue is fully resolved, I won't use the extended mag for concealed carry, but may use it as a back-up clip, if the range testing is positive.

I will use one of my tried-and-true S&W revolvers as my primary CCW for the time being.

 

[BamaBrad]

My shield 40 is also a newer HADXXXX and I finally got out and battled the wind to put some down the pipe and low and behold the the mag (7rnd.) drops out and also stovepipes. Try it again and a repeat. Well I called S&W and have a label coming to me. I just do the know what to ship it back in, I guess the original box.

Brad

 

[TMAXXII]

My shield 40 is also a newer HADXXXX and I finally got out and battled the wind to put some down the pipe and low and behold the the mag (7rnd.) drops out and also stovepipes. Try it again and a repeat. Well I called S&W and have a label coming to me. I just do the know what to ship it back in, I guess the original box.

Brad

They told me on the phone to ship it in the original box, then into the Fed Ex box, only the mag(s) I was having trouble with and no ammo. Dah! Enclose a detail letter explaining your problems. Remember to tell the Federal Express guy you are shipping a gun when he picks it up, but do not mark anything on box. I put the RMA number and you are good to go. Good Luck!

 

[TMAXXII]

First of all, this is my first post. I have a number of S&W revolvers, but my 40 Shield (which I bought last Thursday) is my first auto pistol (although I have a US Army Remington Rand M1911-A1).

I've had my eye on a Shield for awhile, but had been waiting for my LGS to get some in. They finally got in some, as part of their annual S&W handgun sale. I had done a good amount of web research, but somehow didn't get wind of the mag drop problem until after I bought the 40 Shield. This is probably due to most of the reviews having been done on the 9 Shield. I probably would have waited for the issue to be fully resolved, if I had known in advance of the purchase.

I haven't gone to the range yet, but have been reading through the threads. I'm an engineer by training and vocation and decided to approach the matter in the following manner.

My gun is one of the newer "HAD#### serial numbers. Both mags seat with a solid, clearly audible click. In reading through the posts, I also thought there was too much play between the mags and the gun, which was causing the extended mag to slip out of the mag catch during the post-firing recoil.

Since the mag catch is on the right side of the mag, I laid down three layers of Scotch plastic tape (it comes in a multiple-pack with various colored rolls) to the back and forward left sides of the metal part of the mag. This removes the excessive play and forces the mag catch notch further toward the mag catch. I prefer this method to the punch method that has been discussed. I put the tape on both mags.

Both mags now feel real tight inside the grip section of the gun and seat very firmly. I will test the fix at the range, of course. Until the issue is fully resolved, I won't use the extended mag for concealed carry, but may use it as a back-up clip, if the range testing is positive.

I will use one of my tried-and-true S&W revolvers as my primary CCW for the time being.

Join the group. All I ever saw was great reviews. Unfortunately they were talking about 9mm. I have one of those also and not one problems. Hopefully I have another shorty, they are taking back one of my forties.

 

[Repli-can't]

Now mag drop!

I shot another 200 rounds through my Shield .40 today. (this makes 400 total). NO mag drops. I made sure I had 6 or 7 (depending on which mag) plus one on every mag. I did notice that the mags became easier/looser as I shot. Didn't seem to matter...

My issue is every shot is low and left. I shot two clips through my Glock 23 G4 and they all landed right around the bull - not great but my usual. Why can't I get my Shield to shoot accurately? I still think it is me but... Very frustrating. I bought a laser bore sight and it did show that the sights were very left so I made the adjustments... (my front sight now has a little marring on the right)

Btw... I put Talon grips on since my first visit to the range and they work AMAZINGLY WELL! No more feeling of slipping on the 6 round mag - at all!

My son-in-law is like "dead eye Jack" with a hand gun and he will be coming with me to the range next Saturday. If he can't hit center then this gun is definitely going back.

For the record mine is serial #DXY4***. And I still love this gun!

sooooo... I go back to the range with my son-in-law on Saturday. And, while going through another 100 rounds I/we start having mag drop on the extended mag. Accuracy? Well, he is a better shot than me but still not right. It is now in the mail back to S&W with a rather long list of issues. We will see. This thing better come back RIGHT.

 

[805moparkid]

When you say you tried the different bullets, did you check your feed ramp. I shoot Gold Dots, Winchester HST, Federal Talons, Hornady Critical Duty, Winchester PDX1 Bonded, all being defense ammo. I shot two boxes of each of them (100 rounds) no problem. I had to modify my feed ramp first but never had any problems since. The end of the feed ramp on mine was as sharp as a razor so it caught the casing and on the HST it actually dug into the bullet. This might be your problem as well.

In my opinion the two best defense rounds are the HST and Talons. They might be harder to find, but they are deadly, especially the Talon. You usually only see FTFs with practice ammo which are about half the price of the ones your trying. Actually your problem would concern me more then the mag drop problem with the extended mag, which I no use for anyways, I just bought a bunch of flush mags. You might want to start a thread (unless there is one already) based on your problem and see how many others are having the same problem.

never had a mag drop issue, i dimpled my mags the day i got it... also cut down the mag springs a little... but yes the only thing ive found that feeds 100% is federal "champion" 180 gr FMJ FN... i will smooth the ramp and try again...

 

[BamaBrad]

Here is a picture of the 2 problems I experienced just after my second mag. I really like the gun and I am glad to hear that the problems seem to be fixed once shipped back from cs.

Brad

 

[thebeatlesman]

Here is a picture of the 2 problems I experienced just after my second mag. I really like the gun and I am glad to hear that the problems seem to be fixed once shipped back from cs.

Brad

The problems aren't always fixed when returned from CS. Mine was twice as bad. 6 round mag dropped after every shot. Before flush mag was not a problem. I sent mine back a second time and am demanding a total refund. How can anyone trust their or their families life to this gun. It is a $400 paperweights as far as I am concerned. They really are digging thereself a hole on this issue. Still no recall. Unacceptable.

 

[Bikemobile]

I carry speer gold dot LE hollowpoints in my 40 shield. They shoot great, no issues. Also speer lawman.

Ive tried the cheap stuff from walmart and no issues there either.

Since i got mineback from S&W it doesnt drop mags anymore. My EDC.

 

[TMAXXII]

I carry speer gold dot LE hollowpoints in my 40 shield. They shoot great, no issues. Also speer lawman.

Ive tried the cheap stuff from walmart and no issues there either.

Since i got mineback from S&W it doesnt drop mags anymore. My EDC.

As I mentioned in my earlier post my defense ammo is the Federal HST and Winchester Talon. I went nuts at the range Staurday and fired off 900 rounds between my Shield .40 and Kahr PM9. I now have six EDC that I would trust my life with, my new Shield .40 (1000 rounds), Kahr PM9 (900 rounds), Glock 27 (2000 rounds), Glock 26 (1500 rounds), Walther PPS (1150 rounds) and Ruger SR9C (900 rounds). I am posting these other guns for those who have given up on Shield .40. Sell it now and get the Shield 9mm, my wife's gun has fired flawlessly (600 rounds), I hope to have mine own soon. The others are alternate chooses.

These are my own opinion, other may disagree.

 

[TMAXXII]

My shield 40 is also a newer HADXXXX and I finally got out and battled the wind to put some down the pipe and low and behold the the mag (7rnd.) drops out and also stovepipes. Try it again and a repeat. Well I called S&W and have a label coming to me. I just do the know what to ship it back in, I guess the original box.

Brad

When I posted the shipping instructions I forgot to tell you I am sorry that you ended up with mag drop. At least they are fixing the problem or putting a band aid on it at least. The real fix is new mags that actual fit the gun and a revised catch. At least your in good company, most of us have had to deal with this problem.

 

[espresso junky]

Finally able to hit the range with my Shield 40 after getting it back with the dimple mag fix. Shot about 100 rounds without any mag drop from either the short or extended mags. Yeah!! Still not comfortable until I get a few more hundred rounds thru without any problems. I did notice that when I loaded the magazines, it was much easier. Didn't have to kill my hands putting the last 2 to 3 rounds in. I wonder if S&W shortened the springs in the magazine when they did the dimple fix? Now I just need to find a good IWB holster.

 

[robkarrob]

I don't think S&W has the drop issue fixed. I have seen several posts from owners that have October dates on the test fired casing. They are still having mag drops. My gun was sent back in early June, so S&W has been aware of the problem for a long time.

The "bumps/dimples" on the mags does fix the mag drop. Tape on the left side of the mag, to force the mag to the right side of the mag well also works. The problem is excessive side to side play of the mags, along with not enough of the mag catch penetration into the mag slot. The easiest fix should have been a revised mag catch that would penetrate deeper into the mag and hold it from dropping. I can't believe a company as large as S&W is still shipping defective Shield 40's. It should be such a simple redesigned part issue.

Bob

 

[satterwc]

First off, thanks to all for posting your experiences here. It has helped me avoid a lot of issues and FUD. I picked up a DXY***** .40 last night at a local shop that just opened up. They had a great deal on it at $419. I had been researching the Shield since I first heard about it at SHOT and had been eagerly awaiting the availability of the .40. I have been carrying the full sized M&P .40 for about three years now and like it a lot, but there are times when I would like something a little less bulky. The shield seems to be the answer.

My shield seemed to engage the magazines with a fair audible click, but I decided to dimple them anyway just for peace of mind. The click is even more pronounced after dimpling them.

I will provide an update once I have a few hundred rounds through it, but I am pretty confident in the fix, mod, workaround, hack, or whatever anyone wants to call it. I call it fixed and it took me under a minute to fix both mags. I maybe called premature, but a positive lock up is just that.

Anyway, thanks again for creating an active community where folks like me can gain valuable data points and make informed decisions.

 

[jh32589]

When you say you tried the different bullets, did you check your feed ramp. I shoot Gold Dots, Winchester HST, Federal Talons, Hornady Critical Duty, Winchester PDX1 Bonded, all being defense ammo. I shot two boxes of each of them (100 rounds) no problem. I had to modify my feed ramp first but never had any problems since. The end of the feed ramp on mine was as sharp as a razor so it caught the casing and on the HST it actually dug into the bullet. This might be your problem as well.

In my opinion the two best defense rounds are the HST and Talons. They might be harder to find, but they are deadly, especially the Talon. You usually only see FTFs with practice ammo which are about half the price of the ones your trying. Actually your problem would concern me more then the mag drop problem with the extended mag, which I no use for anyways, I just bought a bunch of flush mags. You might want to start a thread (unless there is one already) based on your problem and see how many others are having the same problem.

want to sell your 7 round mag?

 

[wingnuut]

i called CS fri. to see where my backordered 7 rounders were they have the new ones in stock but it will be 2 more wks. b4 i see mine , they said they had a large backup of 40s they had to get out so you should start seeing new guns at dealers , he would not say about any differences in the mags.

 

[Garnet]

LGS Hosts S&W Execs

So Sunday turned out ot be a fun day. I had received an email from the gun shop that is four miles up the road from me. To celebrate Veteran's Day they were having a 10% off S&W products and (here's the good part) S&W "executives" would be on hand! Well, couldn't pass this opportunity up. I printed out almost every relevant post from this thread, held them together with a very large binder clip and highlighted the more interesting remarks. I took that packet along with my 40 Shield and stopped by. I walked in and spotted a guy with a S&W shirt with PERFORMANCE CENTER on it and struck up a conversation with him. In short order he said I should really be talking to another person. He called over a tall gentleman with an English accent and introduced him as James Debney. Mr Debney was very pleasent and accommodating. He listened to my story and seemed to take keen interest in the forum posts. He asked if he could keep all the postings and since that had been my hope anyway I agreed. FWIW I felt he was a sincere and honest person who was genuinely interested in what I had to present. He took my two magazines and promised they would be returned with the modification (as did not happen last time). He also assured me the mod would fix the mag drop issue. I admit, I had to Google Mr. Debney to discover he is the S&W CEO. He is now my close personal friend and I'm certain he will be calling me soon to invite me over for drinks In any event, the voices of this forum have been presented to the top.

Garnet

 

[The_Unknown_Surfer]

So Sunday turned out ot be a fun day. I had received an email from the gun shop that is four miles up the road from me. To celebrate Veteran's Day they were having a 10% off S&W products and (here's the good part) S&W "executives" would be on hand! Well, couldn't pass this opportunity up. I printed out almost every relevant post from this thread, held them together with a very large binder clip and highlighted the more interesting remarks. I took that packet along with my 40 Shield and stopped by. I walked in and spotted a guy with a S&W shirt with PERFORMANCE CENTER on it and struck up a conversation with him. In short order he said I should really be talking to another person. He called over a tall gentleman with an English accent and introduced him as James Debney. Mr Debney was very pleasent and accommodating. He listened to my story and seemed to take keen interest in the forum posts. He asked if he could keep all the postings and since that had been my hope anyway I agreed. FWIW I felt he was a sincere and honest person who was genuinely interested in what I had to present. He took my two magazines and promised they would be returned with the modification (as did not happen last time). He also assured me the mod would fix the mag drop issue. I admit, I had to Google Mr. Debney to discover he is the S&W CEO. He is now my close personal friend and I'm certain he will be calling me soon to invite me over for drinks In any event, the voices of this forum have been presented to the top.

Garnet

WELL DONE SIR !
And Thank you for your persistence.