My Shield went boom.

[WallyJJ]

I posted this over on http://ingunowners.com/ as well but thought others here may be interested.

This was the second time firing my .40 shield. The first time was 100 rounds this time I got about 30 rounds through it. Then I used some older ammo that I used to carry. I think it is corbon - glaser. You can see more pictures at the other link.

On the second round the gun blew up. S&W wants me to send it in to them. Not sure what they will say. I miss it already!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92948573@N04/8448127661/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92948573@N04/8448127661/ by WallyJJ, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/92948573@N04/8449212876/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92948573@N04/8449212876/ by WallyJJ, on Flickr

WallyJJ

 

[opaul]

GOOD GRIEF? Hope you didn't suffer any injuries.

 

[Old TexMex]

Dang, looks like you could have lost a digit or two, amigo. Glad you're only missing your shield.

 

[WallyJJ]

GOOD GRIEF? Hope you didn't suffer any injuries.

Haha, guess I should have mentioned that I am ok. Definitely wakes you up, that's for sure! My thumb and index finger were numb for awhile but now they just feel bruised and tingly. I think I will be fine.

Just more upset about losing the shield.

WallyJJ

 

[Forsmithers]

WallyJJ,
I also hope you are Ok. If you haven't sent it back yet did you or can you take photos of the chamber and feed ramp and the remnants of the cartridge that was in the chamber when it went Kaboom?

Inquiring minds want to know and see!

I am sure Smith will likely send a new one to the FFL of your choice. It would be nice to know the cause...

 

[MichiganScott]

I'm glad you're ok. I'm betting over pressure from the brass smear visible on the other site

 

[hogpowr]

Glad you weren't hurt.

 

[WallyJJ]

WallyJJ,
I also hope you are Ok. If you haven't sent it back yet did you or can you take photos of the chamber and feed ramp and the remnants of the cartridge that was in the chamber when it went Kaboom?

Inquiring minds want to know and see!

I am sure Smith will likely send a new one to the FFL of your choice. It would be nice to know the cause...

Go to the link I posted in the OP. If it doesn't work let me know and I can try to repost a few pictures in this thread. There is interesting conversation over there about the ammunition. I didn't try to get the slide off, it is locked up.

WallyJJ

 

[Capt.Jim]

Wow!
Allow me to repeat the common sentiment over here: "I am glad you're ok!".

I bet S&W have some extra M&P40 for you, I doubt they stock spare fingers. Thank God you have kept yours!

Please keep us posted whatever S&W says.

 

[coobie]

My godGlad you are OK.Keep us posted of the out come from S&W thoughts on what went wrong.coobie

 

[alde]

Man, I'm glad your in one piece. Now I am wondering if I want one of these. Do you feel it was faulty ammunition? Please let us know what S&W says.

 

[gm272gs]

I'll bet they're squirming at Smith&Wesson right now.

That sort of catastrophic load-induced disassembly is something that keeps gun manufacturers up at night.

 

[Gadgetmonster]

Wow... think of the explosion that would blow steel apart like that. You might think that could happen on a lesser quality gun.
Faulty ammo? "over pressure from the brass smear" That is over my head. Glad you and your hands are ok.

 

[Alnamvet68]

Welcome amigo, and glad you're OK. Now, if you were a betting man, what would you say was the cause for this kaboom?

 

[robkarrob]

How much do you know about the ammo? Glaser sells bullets for reloading. Was this factory ammo, or reloaded? Sounds like it was grossly over loaded.

Bob

 

[WallyJJ]

Man, I'm glad your in one piece. Now I am wondering if I want one of these. Do you feel it was faulty ammunition? Please let us know what S&W says.

I guess at this point I just don't know what happened. I was shooting some older stuff though. I will be eager to see what S&W says. In a way, I almost hope they say its ammo related just because I love the gun so much and would hate to speak ill of it. Even at this point I would buy another one as soon as I can afford it. Of course that assumes you can ever find one again. It carries really nicely.

I am just throwing this out there because I thought people would find interest in it. I am in no way trying to run S&W down at all. Far from it. I wouldn't let it deter you. It's not like these threads are popping up all over the place or something.

WallyJJ

 

[dereksfl]

EEWW!! Scary mess. You sure that wasn't +++p+++? Glad you are ok.

 

[WallyJJ]

How much do you know about the ammo? Glaser sells bullets for reloading. Was this factory ammo, or reloaded? Sounds like it was grossly over loaded.

Bob

I had it for several years but did not have an original container for it. I don't buy reloads though so I assume it was in normal retail packaging at one point.

WallyJJ

 

[WallyJJ]

Wow... think of the explosion that would blow steel apart like that. You might think that could happen on a lesser quality gun.
Faulty ammo? "over pressure from the brass smear" That is over my head. Glad you and your hands are ok.

The slide doesn't appear to have issue at this point but is locked to the frame. I am sure some of the internals are boogered up but primarily its just the polymer frame that is bowed and cracked in several places.

WallyJJ

 

[WallyJJ]

Welcome amigo, and glad you're OK. Now, if you were a betting man, what would you say was the cause for this kaboom?

bad luck?? lol I don't know.

WallyJJ