My Shield taught me something

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I've been shooting since I was 12 (now 58), have used revolvers, 1911s, da/sa semis, striker fired semis, well you get the idea. I shot in what we used to call "combat pistol" in the late 70s and early 80s. When I moved to semis (mostly 1911s) I started with the "thumbs wrapped down" then transitioned sometime around '81 or so to the "thumbs forward" hand position (I'm a righty).

Worked great on all my guns, lately I've become a big fan of the M&P line. I have a full size and had a Compact (both 9), they both are/were 100& reliable and very accurate. I sold the Compact to get the FS as I realized I could conceal that just as easily during the cooler weather.

Recently I picked up a Shield (also in 9), really liked it and all of a sudden on the last two range sessions the darn pistol wouldn't lock back on the last round. Thursday morning I was at the range for another test to see if the 3 mags I have would lock the slide back after the last round.

On the first mag it didn't lock back. Second mag same thing except this time I looked at my grip-yup if you're still with me you realize what I was doing-my right thumb was riding against the slide release!!! I don't do this on my 1911s or my FS, just the Shield.

Shift my grip slightly so my right thumb now rides on top of my left thumb NOT touching the slide stop and all is right in the world.

Proof you can teach an old dog a new trick. Have a great weekend everybody.
 
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Yep. I have had the same issue. Modified my grip slightly and now I dont have that problem any more.
 
It happens on big ones, too. I do it all the time on a Sig 2022.
 
^^^

Yup. Had the same "malfunction" with my Sig 229 when I first shot it. Live and learn!

Funny thing: When it happened, my first thought was "What's wrong with my gun?" Took me a while to realize I was the problem.
 
I do the same thing...revolver grip for both my Shield and 1911. I just can't get used to both thumbs forward.
 
I wonder how many guys sent their Shields back to Smith for the slide being out of battery or not locking back after the last round when in fact, it may have been their grip? :rolleyes:
 
Same problem here. Good thing I asked for help here or I probably would have sent it to smith only to be told nothing is wrong with the gun LOL.
 
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