New to my M&P, need help with reassembly malfunction

[Blazer360]

I was recently practicing field stripping my new shield, however, the "spring rod" (not sure on the terminology here) came through the hole under the end of the barrel at the front of the pistol. I tried putting an empty magazine in it so I could pull it back and lock the slide but it won't hold the slide back (will hold the magazine in place as usual though). If anyone has experienced and/or resolved an issue like this please don't hesitate to reply. Also let me know if the photo isn't uploaded. Thanks in advance.

 

[shutter13]

Will the slide come back off? I would guess you do not have the guide rod seated properly.

 

[Saudade]

You didn't get the guide rod seated properly.

I will assume it's unloaded. If so, take the mag out, pull the trigger, catch the slide before it hits the ground.

 

[sciencepenguin]

This happens if you try to put the slide back in when the guide rod is slightly off. You don't have to pull the slide to the rear to take the slide back out. Take the magazine back out, make sure the take down lever is fully engaged (tap pointing down; pull the slide back a little if it is stuck), then as the folks upstairs said, pulling the trigger will disengage the slide for you.

Then just try to make sure the guide-rod is actually seated on the notch of the barrel.