RSA's from G&R tactical

[chele519]

When I got my new shield, the rsa was not lined up perfectly and caused trouble moving the takedown lever and slide. It was straightened out before firing the first time and appears to be fine, but with reading all the threads about problems, I went ahead and called S&W for a replacement now since I know about the backorder issue. I wonder if it would be worth it to order 1 or 2 more once G&R has them back in stock? For $9, it's cheap enough. I still want to order a couple extra mags so I'd have no issue getting to $50. Is the stainless one where you have to send in the spring a better choice?

 

[hoc9sw]

Be sure you get real shield RSAs. Their system had the images and numbers jumbled, and I wound up with 9C RSAs, and they blamed me. OK, I'm not well, cancer is winning, but to hit me for shipping and restocking fee to swap them out did not go over well. Still have them. A karma is coming, one of these days.

 

[Ballistic147]

This is strictly my opinion, but I think that in most cases the Shield RSA issues are self inflicted. Before I ever bought my Shield I had done a ton of reading and already knew the RSA had to be perfectly centered to prevent problems. If at any time the slide doesn't easily slide back onto the frame during reassembly stop, remove the slide, and inspect the alignment on the RSA. If it is off slightly forcing it can cause damage to the RSA. Now this isn't saying there hasn't been some legitimate RSA issues from the factory but I don't think all of them are. Mine has about 1k rounds through it and has been field stripped many times and never a problem. Having a spare wouldn't be a bad idea but not sure it's absolutely necessary.

 

[chele519]

Ok thanks. They are sending me one so I'll have that as a backup at least. When I bought the gun and went to clean it before the first range trip, I could not lower the takedown lever to get it apart. Store employee took a look and said it wasn't lined up and told me how important it was. I did notice the first time reassembling that I had a hard time getting the slide all the way back and I think it was off slightly so I have been very careful to line it up perfectly. I'd just hate to have it out of commission for so long waiting for a part.

I'd be pretty upset if I had to pay return shipping/restocking costs if the wrong part number was listed with the right description.

 

[swsig]

If your front RSA spring retainer disc is attached good and tight, and your rear RSA spring retainer disc is not badly bent, you're in good shape. A healthy RSA should be good for many thousands of rounds, so if the original's retainer discs are not damaged, you need not wait on a replacement. Head to the range and fire 150 rounds or more each session, and you should find the slide catch easier to engage as you go.

I had a damaged-at-the-factory RSA, and I waited over three months for a proper replacement. I refused to let my Shield sit idle during that time. I fired nearly 1500 rounds with an RSA with a badly bent rear spring retainer disc. It wasn't perfect--I had 9 FTEs during that time--but I did get to know the Shield and was able to increase my accuracy substantially. My takedown lever's reluctance to move disappeared after the first range session, and my slide catch became increasingly easy to engage.

So don't be reluctant to take yours to the range and fire the snot out of it. Your Shield can take it!

 

[Stratajema]

This is strictly my opinion, but I think that in most cases the Shield RSA issues are self inflicted. ...

Absolutely no basis in fact at all.

 

[bobknn]

Absolutely no basis in fact at all.

SWSIG said it was his opinion.
An opinion is just that, an opinion.