I picked up my MP40 Shield today and started to clean it in preparation for a trip to the range. I could barely rack the slide back to engage the slide lock. After considerable effort I was able to get the slide back and engaged the slide lock. It took all my effort to push the slide lock lever down to return the slide to battery. I was not able to pull the slide back a little to release the slide lock. Is this normal for a new Shield? Seems like the recoil spring is way too stiff. Are there different rate recoil springs available? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the factory spring assembly is 18 pounds. This is my first S&W firearm. I've got three Glocks and have no problem racking the slides. Thanks for any info.
New MP40 Shield slide lock won't engage
- Thread starter ron37388
- Start date
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Talldog
Member
My Shield 9 was pretty bad. Now, after about 700 rounds, it's starting to loosen up.
The recoil spring on my 9mm shield was pretty tight from the factory as well - I had to work the slide in such a way that I was using my chest muscles to lock the slide back when it was brand new. After the first trip to the range (about 100 rounds), it started to loosen up. I've got around 750 rounds through mine now and it is a lot looser. Put some rounds through it at the range and that should help out some.
My Shield was very hard to rack when I first purchased it as well, but is manageable now. It shouldn't be that way. I have been messing around with a new Walther PPS-M2 and the slide is easy to rack and smooth as butter. If they can do it, then so can S&W.
...and when you go to load your mags.....same thing. Super tight and heavy springs.
Load the mags now and let em sit. Clean lube and exercise that slide 100 times.
I like the fact that these guns are tight as a tick when you get them. I worry about a gun thats all "rattly" <is that a word?>when you shake it.
