Shield .45 mag dropping

[FloridaS&W]

So, just to recap, after experiencing multiple FTF's due to dropped magazines under recoil, I had contacted S&W customer service (specifically M&P tech support). While on the phone, I sent them an email showing them the photo from this thread showing the old part side-by-side with the new part for reference, so there would be no confusion. They sent me the new followers, and I proceeded to "fix" their brand new magazines in order for the gun to work properly.

We've had almost daily heavy storms here, but I finally managed to pick up another 100 rd box of Federal 45 ACP and get this little pistol back out to the range over the weekend. After running nearly 100 rds thru the Shield (again) I am happy to report ZERO magazine drops. I did have one FTF which I will chalk up to possible grip issue under very warm and humid conditions, but throughout the shoot I had zero magazine drops. Also ran some hollow points to be sure, and once again zero magazine drops. So like others here, I am comfortable in reporting that (at least in my case) this appears to be a parts issue that is easily resolved by the consumer.

I wish there was something more official from S&W on this problem. I feel like this thread should be made a sticky, due to the potentially dangerous situation created by these old mags being sold for a gun that is specifically designed for self defense. That said, I can also report that S&W displayed excellent response time in my case. I would encourage everyone who buys the 45 Shield at this time to be aware of the potential for this magazine problem, as my gun was purchased in the last 30 days from Palmetto State Armory; this is a current issue that deserves the attention of the buyer. Once again, thanks to all who contributed to this thread—I am a big advocate of user group forums and you guys are the best.

On a positive note, I was reminded again this weekend of the tremendous accuracy of this firearm; every bit as accurate as my full size M&P 45, in fact several comments from our group about how it was even more accurate. Not sure about that, but the fact that I only paid around $250 for this little beast makes it an outstanding value in my opinion. Lightly went over the stippling with some fine sandpaper and overall I am very pleased with the Shield 45.

 

[MP1SG]

I called S&W several weeks ago and requested SIX (6) new followers which they agreed to send. Wed, the package arrived BUT they sent me TWO (2) new 6 round magazines NOT the followers. I called again explained the situation and they will now be sending 8 new followers. I certainly hope this resolves the problem.

 

[Dad_Roman]

Well THATS an interesting problem!

 

[M.Yurco]

Update:I have owned my Shield 45 for awhile now.It was sent back to S&W for the magazines dropping out of the gun after shooting several rounds. When it was returned , it still
did the same thing.I called them back.Smith sent me new followers for the magazines.That did not stop the problem.
The gun sat in my safe until recently.Once again, the mags would drop out of the firearm.About three weeks ago , I sent the pistol back for the second time. It was returned without ay parts being changed.The note said the gun was fired with several magazines without a problem.When I took it to the range last week, the mags would still drop out of the gun.I fired 70 rounds from three different bullet companies with the same results.The mags dropped 6 times out of 70 rounds fired.
Yesterday, I called S&W about this issue.No one called back.Today I spent 33 minutes on the phone with the customer service rep.I stated that I own a $450 paper weight.I wanted the gun replaced.She gave me a run around that the guns are not ambidextrous and that it must be a problem because I am left handed.I thought that Smith and Wesson had more integrity than that.I guess I will box it up and resell it with a pre warning to the next owner.

 

[Real Old Navy]

I have a Shield. I'm not going to go back and read 3 pages of posts. Being that your left handed (mag release on left side) are you sure it's not your grip? Have you let a right-handed shooter try your gun to see if it does the same thing? Do you have big hands? Did you do any modifications to your gun or magazines?

 

[outflyin]

I have not had any mag drops since I changed how I grip the gun and put a Hogue Handall on it.

 

[Real Old Navy]

I have not had any mag drops since I changed how I grip the gun and put a Hogue Handall on it.

Speaking of Hogue grips...I posted in the past that I installed a Hyve Mag release extension and thought it was causing me to slam the magazine into the mag well with some force. Turns out I just had to trim the Hogue grip at the bottom a bit. I just used a nail clippers and made a couple of snips.

 

[Steven D. 20910]

As to the Shield, it's very visible. There could be a piece of paper caught in it, etc. Does the user tap the bottom of the mag, to make sure it's seated, etc. As far as my thoughts go, this doesn't apply directly to the OP. Just a generalized reaction, to comments in this thread, as well as other threads of this type. With the Shield, it's really a easy product to shine a flashlight in the mag well. A problem should be very obvious. If something is broke, it's broke. If anything is catching the mechanism, then clean it out.

Any person, mechanically inclined or not should be able to buy a new handgun and not have it spit out mags like cherry pits. I am a former USAF AGE mechanic, I looked into my brand new S&W M&P .45 2.0 and saw NOTHING out of place. Further analysis makes me suspect the machining on the mag slide prevents penetration of the retaining clip any deeper into the mag than several thousandths, just enough to hold until pressure from firing expands the frame. Is this knowledge required to purchase the gun and expect it to work properly or am I within my rights to protest and bitch about what appears to be a serious drop in quality control by a former name brand company?

 

[Harper]

I don't know whether these mag drop experiences are with newer pistols or what, but I've been carrying and regularly shooting my Shield 45 for almost 7 years and have never experienced this problem. Two hand, one hand, weak hand ... no problems.

 

[PilatusTurbo]

Well, I'm new here. Not new to gun forums, but this one.

I got a Shield 45, used, and it's been running reasonably well. I have had one of the 7 rounders drop few times, but the other 6 and 7 rounders have not shown this issue. Everything looks good, internally. I called S&W and they're sending a new mag catch out, at my request. I don't wanna send it in to them, as I don't think it's warranted.

All types of ammo, but did not let someone else try shooting. I'm a reasonably experienced shooter, and did check my grip after each instance. I can't quite grip it hard enough to duplicate a position that would cause it. Furthermore, it's only happened with one mag, so far, so that indicates a parts problem, not a shooter problem.

My Shield 45 is the earlier version, not marked M2.0. I know they're largely identical to the M2.0 marked Shield 45s, but perhaps mine is an early early iteration and the mag catch has been changed.

All 3 followers look identical, but mag #3 did have a slightly smaller top to bottom mag catch notch. I mean, a couple hundredths of a mm smaller. I wonder if that was enough to keep the catch from fully engaging as much as needed.

Regardless, I offered to pay for the part, and S&W said they'd send it out free of charge. I can do all my own work, so I'm happy with that.