New member, new Shield

[SL Dan]

I love my Model 3913 that I've had for nearly 2 decades now. Just thought it was time for a more modern gun. Bought a Glock 30 a few months back. It shoots well, but a tad bulkier than I wanted for a carry gun.

A couple of coworkers have M&P Shields and have had really good things to say about them. I read all the online reviews and when I went to the local gun shop I compared it to the XDs. I prefer a safety and since I've always really liked my 3913, the S&W Shield 9mm made the most sense.

The first day I brought it home I broke it down following the instruction manual. I didn't have time to clean the gun at that point, so I just reassembled it. When reassembling I was amazed at how much force the slide required to engage the slide stop.

I've been lurking around here and found the threads describing proper orientation of the recoil spring. So, the next day when it was time to clean the gun I broke everything down. As I was examining the recoil spring, it popped apart!! You can imagine my surprise! I didn't do anything other than normal handling of the spring and the outer spring was no longer captured.

I attempted to push the spring back on the assembly, but wasn't having much luck getting it to stay put. For what it's worth, pushing the spring on really sucks. Sharp edges of the spring cutting into your fingers and it requires a fair amount of pressure to push it down. But, regardless of what I did I couldn't get it to stay together.

Since everyone loves photos...

I did eventually push the spring down and used a pair of pliers to pinch the spring so it stayed together. But, I apparently tweaked it too much. The spring gets caught on the rod as it's cycling, so it doesn't function properly.

If there's any good news in any of this, it is; I called S&W Customer Service this morning and have a replacement on it's way. The phone call lasted not even 5 minutes. They didn't verify anything, not even a serial number (which I thought was perhaps odd). I explained the recoil spring had come apart and asked if I could get another. They got my address and assured me it would be on it's way.

I really wanted to take it to the range today. I should have time next week.

 

[mustangman]

Welcome and congrats on the new Shield.

 

[indawire]

Welcome and congrats on the Shield even tho it needed repair. I like mine and have had no problems.

 

[hokiefyd]

Welcome! I don't know how common of a problem it is in terms of number of issues vs. number manufactured, but recoil spring/guide rod assemblies are probably one of the most talked-about topics on this forum. Even if they're not faulty, they're somewhat finicky in terms of needing to be oriented correctly in the gun for smooth operation.

It's likely something that could be improved upon by Smith & Wesson.

 

[gdnagle]

And a warm

from "wild and wonderful " West Virginia at least that's what they tell us.

 

[NoogMan]

Welcome from SC!

 

[SL Dan]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

Welcome! I don't know how common of a problem it is in terms of number of issues vs. number manufactured, but recoil spring/guide rod assemblies are probably one of the most talked-about topics on this forum. Even if they're not faulty, they're somewhat finicky in terms of needing to be oriented correctly in the gun for smooth operation.

It's likely something that could be improved upon by Smith & Wesson.

Yeah, I did get the feeling it's a topic that comes up quite a bit here. But, I recognize just because it's forum fodder doesn't mean it's as common as it may seem. I'm presuming (hoping) I get a replacement recoil spring and life will happily go on.

 

[Jaysq]

Welcome from North Carolina. I also have a 3913 & a Shield

 

[redfox302]

Welcome from PA.

 

[SL Dan]

A new recoil spring from S&W was in my mailbox today!!

Of course I wish it had shown up sooner as I was getting very antsy, but it is here now. I am now able to assemble the gun without any issue. Seems to go together right-quick without much issue and I can rack the slide the whole way back. So, I'm happy boy!

I haven't been to the range yet...but excited to give this gun a try!

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Welcome. You are going to get on well with the Shield - I can feel it in my water...

 

[Ivan1]

I'm suprised it took that long. It must really be snail mail.

 

[SL Dan]

YAY!

I finally got the gun to the range today. Put 180 rounds through the gun. Ran just like it should, went bang every time the trigger was pulled. Mostly cheap 115 gr FMJ, but also 40 rounds of Federal 115 gr JHP.

I didn't take my 3913 to the range today, but took my Glock 30. Next time I'd like to take the 3913 to directly compare it. The Glock is a bit easier for me to shoot than the Shield. I tended to pull the Shield to lower left of aim, but I still did fairly well.

So, I'm very happy!!

 

[Ncolston11]

I just got a shield as well and I can't wait to shoot it. I am looking for an IWB holster... There are so many option out there that I'm overwhelmed. What are some brands to stay away from and what are your favorite brands to use. I do not have my CCL yet but it's never too late to start figuring everything out. Thanks for the help!

 

[SL Dan]

I just got a shield as well and I can't wait to shoot it. I am looking for an IWB holster... There are so many option out there that I'm overwhelmed. What are some brands to stay away from and what are your favorite brands to use. I do not have my CCL yet but it's never too late to start figuring everything out. Thanks for the help!

I have very limited first hand experience, since I am a new Shield owner. But, here are some threads I found helpful on the topic of IWB holsters:

Need education on IWB holster types
Holster for shield ???
What's in your holster drawer?
Treadstone by Overwatch - WOW!!!

 

[hokiefyd]

I just got a shield as well and I can't wait to shoot it. I am looking for an IWB holster... There are so many option out there that I'm overwhelmed. What are some brands to stay away from and what are your favorite brands to use. I do not have my CCL yet but it's never too late to start figuring everything out. Thanks for the help!

My Shield rides in a PJ Holster. It's the closest thing I've found to the comfort of just sticking the gun in your beltline. I've tried Kestrel and N82 as well...both were too thick for my taste. You can see how thin the PJ Holster is; it adds next to nothing to the gun's width...which is already the point of the Shield to begin with: thin.