This has to be the most difficult slide to rack that I've ever seen...'Had S&W send me a new recoil spring assembly, but still very difficult to rack...There's no binding of any type....'just hard to pull...I've put "sand-paper" style grip-tape over rear slide serrations, and that makes manipulation much easier...'but...I shouldn't have to do that....Slide moves freely along frame rails with barrel & RSA removed...Don't know if there's a problem, or not, but that grip-tape over the rear slide serrations, shouldn't be needed....Thanks in advance.
M&P Shield 2.0 9mm...VERY Hard to Rack
- Thread starter jlh
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Have you handled different handgun so you can compare both?
You may need to change your technique to make the racking easier.
First of all use "over the top" method. Second, don't pull the slide, but push the frame the other hand.
You may need to change your technique to make the racking easier.
First of all use "over the top" method. Second, don't pull the slide, but push the frame the other hand.
Ranger17
Member
Shields can be very difficult to rack for some; their mags are no easy task to load either without using a Magloader.
I deal with arthritis so after 2500 rounds in mine I moved to an EZ model. Others can use alternative rack methods with success, just depends on the person.
But I would say that the OP’s Shield does not have any mechanical issues, it is just harder to manipulate.
I deal with arthritis so after 2500 rounds in mine I moved to an EZ model. Others can use alternative rack methods with success, just depends on the person.
But I would say that the OP’s Shield does not have any mechanical issues, it is just harder to manipulate.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Shooting it a bunch helped break mine in.
Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk
Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Maybe you could go to a gun store and compare it to a full size, and to another Shield. But short guns are usually harder to wrack than long ones. There's a device you can screw on the back to make it easier to thumb & forefinger. If that interests you, I will be happy to try to find it.
Maybe you can go to a gun store and compare it to a full size and another shield. But short guns are usually harder to wrack than larger guns. There is a device you can install on the rear to make it easier to thumb & forefinger. If you're interested, I will try to find it.
OldGoat
Member
Check out a "Recover Tactical Charging Handle" I just ordered one to install on my Shield 1.0 $19.95 + shipping. Good reviews on YouTube
My M&P Shield 2.0 40 S&W was hard to rack when new. The more I shot it the easier it racked. Don't think it will ever be as easy as my M&P 2.0 9mm 5" though. Love both guns. Compare it to others and shoot it some more and I hope it works out for you.
The Preacher
Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2003
- Messages
- 232
- Reaction score
- 547
May want to try a Vickers Slide Racker. They're cheap and make a world of difference and are relatively unobtrusive.
OldGoat
Member
Thanks, BUT the Vickers is only for Glocks - NOT S&W Shield.
hyena
Member
It was always surprising to me how people could have difficulty racking the slide of a pistol. I was blessed with size XXL strong hands. They come in handy, except when buying gloves. But the past month or so has been an eye opener. I've got a problem with my left hand. Can't pinch grip anything with my thumb. Seeing the doctor soon. I've overdone it recently cutting down dead ash trees on my property, so hopefully it's just temporary inflammation. It's given my a whole new sympathetic view towards people who struggle racking a slide. Luckily I carry either a 642 or a BG380, which I can still rack.
To the OP - I'd do what others have suggested and try to compare yours with other Shields. I'd think if yours came with an overly stout recoil spring it would have affected gun function.
One other thought. Do you have other pistols, and are you able to rack them OK? Just to eliminate the problem being your grip, as opposed to the gun.
Good luck,
To the OP - I'd do what others have suggested and try to compare yours with other Shields. I'd think if yours came with an overly stout recoil spring it would have affected gun function.
One other thought. Do you have other pistols, and are you able to rack them OK? Just to eliminate the problem being your grip, as opposed to the gun.
Good luck,
LVSteve
Member
Striker fired 9mm pistols with small slides always come with heavy recoil springs. It's in the nature of the beast. Small hammer fired pistols have lighter recoil springs because the hammer spring resists recoil during normal operation. With a striker gun the recoil spring must do all the work. Sig also tend to fit larger, heavier slides to their pistols than other manufacturers. Physics says you can run a lighter recoil spring if the slide is heavier, and vice versa. My Kahr CW9 has a featherweight slide so the recoil spring would support a truck.
This is his thing, same in the 10mm MP thread. Some people get upset when people discuss problems with their S&W products, but it's good to have the info out there.
As for the racking stiffness, all the shields I've owned were noticeably harder to rack than their competitors. For someone reasonably healthy with normal arm and grip strength it's noticeable but not a deal breaker, but I could see it being annoying if those factors change.
AppStFan
Member
To the OP - You may want to check out TacRack by Wright Shooting. They make a slide racker for the Shield that replaces the slide end cap.
