Shield 45 end cap

[benf1]

Good evening,
I wanted to check the firing pin channel on my Shield 45, but can't get the end cap off to remove the pin. Everything else broke down easily, but this end cap won't budge. I don't want to bugger it up by trying to pry it with a screwdriver or grabbing it with pliers. Looks like it should slide right off once the firing pin spring is pulled back, but no luck. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions.
Thanks,
Ben

 

[Tiribulus]

While holding the slide in your hand looking down at it from underneath, with the back end up, you need to use a screwdriver or something to gently pull the white nylon bushing in the channel down against the striker spring. It needs to move quite a bit.


This will release the end plate. Once you have it started you can get away with letting go of the bushing and sliding the cap off.


Reverse to get it back on.

 

[Tiribulus]

You have to hold the slide with a finger on the back plate so you can move it toward you once the bushing lets go of it. It can be a bit awkward. You'll have to use some tool to do this. Just be easy on it is all.

 

[Tiribulus]

Oh shoot!


I just realized this is a shield. I don't know it's the same. Probably not. Sorry.

 

[swsig]

Here's an old post, with photo, on how to remove the end cap and striker. It's from a Shield 40, but the process is the same for a Shield 45.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/138028142-post706.html

I use a dental pick to push the plastic sleeve forward, but as Rastoff says, any stiff pointed object will do.

 

[Funflyer]

It helps to clamp the slide in a vise, soft jaws of course. So much easier with both hands free.

 

[Fynn]

I just changed out my rear slide plate on Shield 45. Well known for being EXTREMELY tight. If you can do it without mangling the plastic my hat is off to you sir!

 

[benf1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Swsig, I previously did what your pic shows, pulling the white bushing back all the way, but still no love. Funflyer, I have a vise so I'll try that. Fynn, I'm thinking I'll pick up an extra end cap just in case. Maybe I should put the slide in the freezer first too. Funny how the things that look the easiest are sometimes the hardest part.

 

[S&W Fan]

Fyi NDZ offers a great line of slide end plates, in metal, with a wide variety of designs. I tend to get the American flag for M&Ps.

Smith & Wesson

 

[Fynn]

Fyi NDZ offers a great line of slide end plates, in metal, with a wide variety of designs. I tend to get the American flag for M&Ps.

Smith & Wesson

Agreed. I had an NDZ that I put on and it fits well.