New Shield - Slide Problems

[kenh999]

Received my new Shield 9 few days ago. Dissassembled per manual and inspected. Wasn't slathered in grease so just wiped off a little excess lube and re-assembled. The slide racked fine (smooth but very tight) and it cocked the striker each time. Set it aside.

This morning in prep for a range visit this afternoon after work I loaded the 8 round mag and inserted it. Racked the slide to load a round but it didn't load. Hmmm. Racked it again, still no load. Removed the mag and re-inserted it. It was fully inserted and felt/heard the 'click.' Racked slide, still nothing. Removed the mag and tried to lock the slide open but couldn't get the slide lock to move up and engage the slide at the notch. I fought that slide (it's tight!) and lock for 10 mins. Finally gave up. Unable to lock the slide open!

Any ideas?

Is there anything I could've done wrong during the re-assembly, or not doing now, that may cause all this?

Thanks.

 

[MichiganScott]

Sounds like the spring and its guide rod are not seated correctly. The assembly can hang up in the wrong position.

Disassemble and try again. Oh, and lube it in accordance to the manual.

 

[NCW Ray]

Sounds like the spring and its guide rod are not seated correctly. The assembly can hang up in the wrong position.

Disassemble and try again. Oh, and lube it in accordance to the manual.

+1

The recoil spring is a stout one to say the least, try putting in an empty magazine and rack the slide and see if it locks open.

 

[kenh999]

Sounds like the spring and its guide rod are not seated correctly. The assembly can hang up in the wrong position.

Disassemble and try again. Oh, and lube it in accordance to the manual.

Any suggestions on how to do that since I cannot get the slide locked open?

 

[kenh999]

+1

The recoil spring is a stout one to say the least, try putting in an empty magazine and rack the slide and see if it locks open.

will try that as soon as I can get a few mins away from my desk to my car.

 

[ScrapmasterFlex]

I had similar problems with my new Shield since my factory guide rod was basically a busted ***... you need to FORCE the slide open, to lock it back. What I did was use a 1, 2, 3 motion , racking it back 1 time hard, 2nd time harddder, 3rd time haaaaarrrrdest forcing it real hard and push up the slide lock, it usually worked that way.

As they said, the circular end of the guide rod has to be seated EXACTLY RIGHT or it bends and destroys the metal circular end of the assembly, and will not reassmble properly - I believe the assembly is flawed. They sent me a new one that still looks messed up with the spring not right etc. but I made sure it was seated PERFECTLY before I tried assembling and getting the slide back on, and it has worked so far.

 

[Jaysq]

After you get it broken down again, that a look at this photo in order to correctly turn the spring as well as making sure it is seated vertically and horizontally https://www.google.com/search?q=cor...ultra-tight-recoil-spring-shield.html;960;640

 

[skip4309]

Mine was very stubborn the first time or two I took it apart...at first I thought I broke it...LOL!!

 

[kenh999]

Thanks for all the info and help!

I had my wife bring my work gloves when she met me at the range after work. That allowed me to better grip the slide and push/force the slide lock as I have arthritis in my hands, especially right thumb. It took several tries but was finally able to get the slide locked back.

Then stripped it and I swear the spring end was very damn close to the position referenced in the suggested photo. Guide rod was also in perfect alignment on all axes. Even had the wife confirm that. I removed the guide rod and replaced it with the spring end positioned just a hair more towards 12:00 than it was.

Re-assembled, loaded a mag and released the slide into battery. Whatever I did worked. Proceeded to pump approx. 100 rounds thru it. It shot very well! Wife may want one too if we can be sure the slide locking issues are resolved.

The test will be when I clean it later this morning and re-assemble. Will also now be sure I have a pair of gloves in my range bag.

Question:

I read some mentions of polishing the slide lock. Can anyone attest that will help the slide locking issues? If so, please point me to some instructions on how to do that?

Again, thanks for all the help!

 

[Jaysq]

Question:

I read some mentions of polishing the slide lock. Can anyone attest that will help the slide locking issues? If so, please point me to some instructions on how to do that?

Again, thanks for all the help!

I would hold off on that until it is really necessary. Most likely, your problem is over. Also make sure the yellow sear lever is in the correct position before re-installing the slide.

 

[Stratajema]

... look at this photo in order to correctly turn the spring ...

No. The Shield's recoil spring, when placed in any rotated position, should always allow the slide to fully retract by hand. Because the spring will rotate during firing.

OP, you are experiencing a common Shield problem because the recoil spring is poorly made and in your case, out of spec. Have customer service send you a replacement.