M&P Shield 9mm - Can't remove slide

[Stantheman]

HELP!!! I have a 9mm Shield that I've run about 500 rounds through. I have field stripped it several times with no problems. Now, however, I can't get the slide off. It stops about 1/4 inch past where it normally sits when ready to fire. It is coming up against something solid. I've tried both methods of field stripping (activating sear lever and not, but pulling trigger instead). Nothing works. Can anyone help me out?

 

[Rastoff]

Pictures would help.

 

[alleycat7002]

Pull trigger after move lever down

 

[Stantheman]

I tried the "pull trigger" method and it still won't come off. I'll try to do a video to post later today. Off to work. Thanks for your replies. Can't figure this one out. Appreciate your help.

 

[Mark40]

My 40c does this occasionally. It sometimes takes a few tries before it cooperates.

 

[Stantheman]

My 40c does this occasionally. It sometimes takes a few tries before it cooperates.

Have you figured out what causes it, and what you do to get it to release?

 

[Mark40]

I wish I knew. It doesn't matter if I use the sear disconnect, or pull the trigger. I've had it work, as well as hang up, both ways. It might work fine ten times in a row, then hang up. Or it might do the reverse. To get it to release, I just rack and lock the slide back, and start over. I've never had a problem shooting, except with perfecta ammo, so I'm ok with carrying it. I plan to send it to S&W some day, but right now I don't have another gun that's suitable for EDC.

 

[Stantheman]

Thanks Mark40 and you all. It seems as if it could be a recoil spring guide problem, but still not sure. I took it to a local gun shop and they could not get it to operate either. Looks like I'll send it in. Thankfully, I have another to carry in the meantime. Thanks again.

 

[Mark40]

Let us know what they find.

 

[Stantheman]

It appears this could be an RSA problem. There is an inherent problem with the guide plate bending, and if I did not install it "deep" enough last time I stripped it, the plate could be bent and could have pushed up in the way of the slide when trying to take it off. Looks like it will have to go back to S&W. Not happy, to say the least. Glad I have another EDC. Thanks again to everyone for the help.

 

[Stantheman]

OK, for those of you who were trying to help me with this situation, Thanks. I really appreciate your help. I figured out what the problem was. The takedown lever retaining wire popped out of its channel and bound up the slide. Gunsmith had never seen anything like it, and could not come up with what might have caused it. I did a Google and You Tube search for other stories but came up blank. $4 pin and $20 to install will fix the situation, I hope. I'm hoping there is not a problem with the channel the wire rides in that caused it to pop out. If it happens again, I guess we'll know. Thanks again, all.

 

[Saudade]

Thanks for coming back telling us what happened. That is an odd issue. Glad it's OK now.

 

[Redbucc701]

Bent takedown retaining wire

I ran into the same issue. I don't know what caused it to occur though. Have taken my m&p shield 40 down multiple times without issue then today went out, shot a little over 50 rounds with out any observed issues on the range. When I tried to take it down it would get hung up after the slide would go forward only a small amount. Discovered that the retaining wire just above the takedown lever had some how become bent and was snagging the slide from going forward for removal. Have plans to bring it for repair. Gun is only 2 weeks old so I'm guessing it will be repaired at no cost.

 

[txjudge]

Ditto on the takedown lever retaining wire

I recently bought a Performance Center 9mm Shield and now have the same problem with the takedown retaining wire. Happened after my second range day with it. It's now back at my dealer for their gunsmith to figure out. If he can't fix they'll send it to S&W. This is my first polymer frame pistol and it's not giving me much confidence. I have five 3rd generation S&W's and have had zero problems with all. In the meantime I'm sticking with my 3913.

 

[keithdog]

I'm beginning to think buying a S&W is like buying a Ford, lol.

 

[Frank121]

Ditto

I recently bought a Performance Center 9mm Shield and now have the same problem with the takedown retaining wire. Happened after my second range day with it. It's now back at my dealer for their gunsmith to figure out. If he can't fix they'll send it to S&W. This is my first polymer frame pistol and it's not giving me much confidence. I have five 3rd generation S&W's and have had zero problems with all. In the meantime I'm sticking with my 3913.

I believe that is the same issue mine had after I tried to take it down to clean after its first time at the range. No problems the first time I took it down for cleaning after initially receiving it, but couldn't get the slide off after it had been fired.

S&W customer service guy was nice and we tried several different methods and it wouldn't come off. I mentioned the shiny silver wire on left side might be blocking slide from releasing. Also had the barrel with some marks inside and at muzzle end as if it was being gouged by ammo (factory new) unrelated to slide issue.

Customer service fellow said something is wrong and sent RMA for free shipping and it is now in their hands waiting for repair.

 

[Mark40]

I'm not sure if this would work on your gun, but I've found that when my 40c slide hangs up, I can free it by lifting the rear of the slide while removing it. I can't tell exactly what is catching on what, but it works every time.

 

[txjudge]

Let's hope it's not a design flaw.

 

[Mark40]

Let's hope it's not a design flaw.

I don't think so. My son in-law has an identical 40c. His is brand new, mine was purchased used. I swapped slides between them and the only combination that had the issue was my slide with my gun. His frame had some minor changes to the rails but it functioned fine with my slide.

 

[jim46ok]

OK, for those of you who were trying to help me with this situation, Thanks. I really appreciate your help. I figured out what the problem was. The takedown lever retaining wire popped out of its channel and bound up the slide. Gunsmith had never seen anything like it, and could not come up with what might have caused it. I did a Google and You Tube search for other stories but came up blank. $4 pin and $20 to install will fix the situation, I hope. I'm hoping there is not a problem with the channel the wire rides in that caused it to pop out. If it happens again, I guess we'll know. Thanks again, all.

Glad you found it. For me, doing it myself and saving $20 for a 15 minute job (or less) means I just made $80/hr for my time and became more familiar with my gun. But then, I love working on guns!!!