Shield 45 returned to S&W

[striker56]

Spoke to S&W, sending the original mags back, let them check them out. I took them apart and did not see anything different. All I know I've had a Sigma 9mm for years, never any problem feeding. This gun is new and I want it to be my concealed carry but can't if it doesn't function correctly.

 

[Nonuthin]

Finally get my gun back on Thurs July 27, paperwork says "Evaluate/Repair, Polish Barrel/Chamber, Passed Range Testing". When I sent the gun back I was told only to send the gun nothing else. Got the gun back they included another 7 round mag. Finally got to the range today, new mag worked fine. Put another mag in from original purchase, fired one time and hung up, didn't feed. Fired the the rest of the mag after ejecting the mag and tapping the mag to seat bullets. Tried the other 6 round original mag, same thing, miss feed. Put the new mag in worked fine. Put a few more mags through and worked fine. Put original back in, fired once and miss feed. Something must be wrong with the original mags. I'm using FMJ Sellier & Bellot ammo. Disappointed.

Before you give up on your 45 Shield, definitely do the following:
1) Research similar recent threads about changing the followers in your original magazines to the newer grooved followers. The followers CAN be the reason for the misfeeds.
2) Load & unload your mags several times to smooth up the follower action inside the mag tubes. There are threads about lubing, too.
3) Change your ammo! I shoot American Eagle 230 and Remington UMC 230 with total reliability. I also shoot Federal HST 230. The 45 Shield mag tubes are short and tight and any excess overall cartridge length can hinder proper feeding. I never liked S&B ammo, anyway.
4) If all of the above fail, CHANGE your recoil spring assembly!!! I cannot emphasize enough how important that is. The factory will send you a new one, as they did me. Once I changed my RSA and the followers, I have 100% reliability in my 45 Shield.

Good Luck.

 

[InsideWaist]

Enzo: Why would you doubt the wisdom of S&W advising this person to go to the local PD to get the gun cleared?

...I can tell you why I would not recommend going to the local PD. I have fired the qualification course with our local PD and Sheriff's department numerous times, and the gun handling I saw among the officers was just plain scary. Carrying a gun every day does not make one an expert by any means and, especially these days, many of the guys and gals on the force have no interest in and very little experience with firearms.

If my home aquarium sprung a leak, I would not take it down to the docks and ask a one of the cruise ship directors or deckhands to fix it.

Take your firearm to a gunsmith, for crying out loud—not to a PD office worker; they are busy handling more important issues.

 

[striker56]

If my home aquarium sprung a leak, I would not take it down to the docks and ask a one of the cruise ship directors or deckhands to fix it.

Take your firearm to a gunsmith, for crying out loud—not to a PD office worker; they are busy handling more important issues.

I didn't take it to PD took it to local gun range, the range master cleared it. I was going to just fire it into the ground in my backyard but thought better of it.

 

[InsideWaist]

If my home aquarium sprung a leak, I would not take it down to the docks and ask a one of the cruise ship directors or deckhands to fix it.

Take your firearm to a gunsmith, for crying out loud—not to a PD office worker; they are busy handling more important issues.

I didn't take it to PD took it to local gun range, the range master cleared it. I was going to just fire it into the ground in my backyard but thought better of it.

A very prudent decision!

 

[striker56]

Finally received two new magazines last week. Have not tried them, we are in the middle of Harvey. When things dry out I will test them, I hope that's all it is. If not gun and all 3 mags going back.

 

[striker56]

Finally received two new magazines last week. Have not tried them, we are in the middle of Harvey. When things dry out I will test them, I hope that's all it is. If not gun and all 3 mags going back.

Finally working correctly, new magazines and feed problem fixed. Now it will be my daily carry.