new M&P Shield 9 mm slide won't lock after last round

[CherStew]

Hello, I just shot my new firearm today. I only did 25 rounds for the first time. Is it common for the slide not to lock open after the last round? Should I shoot it a few more times before I worry? Thank you. CS

 

[dhland1]

What ammo are you using? I would try some other ammo some factory loads not reloads. Some loads are light and not have enough force for a tight gun.

 

[bigwheelzip]

My husband and I have two 9mm's for over a year, and they rarely lock back, regardless of ammo brand or type.

 

[GUNs and JEEPS]

A little information....I got really "lucky" mine always cycles properly and locks back after the last round.
One thing with the internet is here is where you will usually find the "complaints" doesn't mean they are wrong or it didn't happen, but hopefully you can find a solution.

For reference...I have only had my 9mm Shield since end of Nov. I shoot between 75 and 100 rounds a week....I am getting better but not near where I want to be. My only point for that info is that puts me somewhere between 1200 and 2500 rounds.....I only shot a box or two the first couple times out...now it is two boxes every trip to the range.

 

[CherStew]

Thanks for the response. For practice I have "Blazer Brass 9 mm Luger 115 gr. FMJ, for protection I have Hornady Critical Defense Lite 9 mm 100 gr FTX.

 

[GUNs and JEEPS]

Thanks for the response. For practice I have "Blazer Brass 9 mm Luger 115 gr. FMJ, for protection I have Hornady Critical Defense Lite 9 mm 100 gr FTX.

I generally shoot heavier rounds..usually not less than 125gr

 

[okiegtrider]

I wouldn't worry about this just yet. I saw your other post and know you are very new at shooting. This problem may be something as simple as adjusting your grip so you don't inadvertantly impede the operation of the slide stop.

There are several threads on board about this issue. Here is a sample: http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchresults.php?siteurl=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsmith-wesson-m-p-pistols%2F464040-new-m-p-shield-9-mm-slide-wont-lock-after-last-round.html&ref=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsearch.php%3Fsearchid%3D8881442&ss=&cx=partner-pub-2376253589436827%3A2526757862&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=S%26W+shield+fail+to+lock+back&sa=Go

Keep shooting!

 

[HP11]

I wouldn't worry about this just yet. I saw your other post and know you are very new at shooting. This problem may be something as simple as adjusting your grip so you don't inadvertantly impede the operation of the slide stop.

There are several threads on board about this issue. Here is a sample: http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchresults.php?siteurl=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsmith-wesson-m-p-pistols%2F464040-new-m-p-shield-9-mm-slide-wont-lock-after-last-round.html&ref=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsearch.php%3Fsearchid%3D8881442&ss=&cx=partner-pub-2376253589436827%3A2526757862&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=S%26W+shield+fail+to+lock+back&sa=Go

Keep shooting!

Exactly! I am experiencing the very same issue with my new shield and it's because my strong hand thumb is interfering with the slide lock. A few more trips to the range adjusting my grip will cure this issue for me.

 

[hoc9sw]

Thanks for the response. For practice I have "Blazer Brass 9 mm Luger 115 gr. FMJ, for protection I have Hornady Critical Defense Lite 9 mm 100 gr FTX.

When I was first working with my Shield 9, S&W CS advised that the pistol is designed with the intent of using 124g, but that it should run 115g.

At that time 124g was almost impossible to find, but it did run better when I could find it.

 

[CherStew]

I will go to the link provided

I wouldn't worry about this just yet. I saw your other post and know you are very new at shooting. This problem may be something as simple as adjusting your grip so you don't inadvertantly impede the operation of the slide stop.

There are several threads on board about this issue. Here is a sample: http://smith-wessonforum.com/searchresults.php?siteurl=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsmith-wesson-m-p-pistols%2F464040-new-m-p-shield-9-mm-slide-wont-lock-after-last-round.html&ref=smith-wessonforum.com%2Fsearch.php%3Fsearchid%3D8881442&ss=&cx=partner-pub-2376253589436827%3A2526757862&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=S%26W+shield+fail+to+lock+back&sa=Go

Keep shooting!

I appreciate the link. This sounds logical. I will take a look. Thank you. I will be aware next time out and see if an adjustment helps!

 

[CherStew]

Thank you too HP11. I will look into the higher gr next time I purchase. All of the replies have given me some much needed reassurance.

 

[okiegtrider]

Thank you too HP11. I will look into the higher gr next time I purchase. All of the replies have given me some much needed reassurance.

You came to the right place. This site is treasure trove of collective knowledge on all things S&W.

 

[RobzGuns]

The ONLY times it happens to me (with any of my pistols), it's due to my thumb inadvertently resting on the Slide Lock tab, keeping it from engaging.

Nobody likes to hear it, but many times (if not most of the time) it's Operator Error.

 

[mkbruce]

The ONLY times it happens to me (with any of my pistols), it's due to my thumb inadvertently resting on the Slide Lock tab, keeping it from engaging.

Nobody likes to hear it, but many times (if not most of the time) it's Operator Error.

Every time it has happened to me, I have found my thumb on top of (or at least very close to) the slide stop..... Given the small size of the Shield frame, it's much easier to get the support hand thumb in the 'wrong' spot. It doesn't take much to prevent the slide stop from working as intended. I also suspect that as the recoil spring breaks in, the problem will become less noticable.

 

[CherStew]

that being the case

Every time it has happened to me, I have found my thumb on top of (or at least very close to) the slide stop..... Given the small size of the Shield frame, it's much easier to get the support hand thumb in the 'wrong' spot. It doesn't take much to prevent the slide stop from working as intended. I also suspect that as the recoil spring breaks in, the problem will become less noticable.

I guess I must have a much needed strong grip. I hope thumb placement is all it is. I will go practice again this weekend and see if I can apply this input.

 

[CherStew]

2nd trip to practice range

Hello all, I am pleased to say that the second time I practiced today, I remembered about the grip below the slide, this time it locked open after I emptied the clip! I actually got three shot center mass. I was very proud and my husband went with for support. Thanks again for all of the input; it really helped. This firearm shots very smoothly. I am totally satisfied with my purchase.

 

[okiegtrider]

Good goin Chew. Stay with it.

 

[HP11]

Great news ChewStew! Glad it all worked out.

 

[Targets Guy]

When I was first working with my Shield 9, S&W CS advised that the pistol is designed with the intent of using 124g, but that it should run 115g.

At that time 124g was almost impossible to find, but it did run better when I could find it.

Thanks for that. I have put almost 400 115g's downrange with no problem. I'll try some 124gs.

 

[Targets Guy]

Hello all, I am pleased to say that the second time I practiced today, I remembered about the grip below the slide, this time it locked open after I emptied the clip! I actually got three shot center mass. I was very proud and my husband went with for support. Thanks again for all of the input; it really helped. This firearm shots very smoothly. I am totally satisfied with my purchase.

Congrats. I really like the shield. Good shooting.