Shield 9: Can't get the slide lock to work.

[exdetsgt]

I must be doing something wrong. I line the notch in the slide up with the slide lock and press up on the slide lock but it won't move to engage the slide. First I unloaded the gun, inserted an empty mag thinking I would simulate the last round fired when the slide should automatically lock back. No dice. Then I tried all of the above thinking that might be the culprit and pulled the trigger, which I had not done during the earlier attempt. No dice. Then I tried dropping the mag. Nada. This is a no safety model.

 

[Bard4jeff]

Just to clarify, your saying the slide lock will not move at all?


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[exdetsgt]

Right. It won't move.

 

[Vettecor]

Is the take down lever in the proper position ?

 

[exdetsgt]

It's in the "at rest" position. I didn't touch it.

 

[Bard4jeff]

Also make sure the recoil rod is seated correctly. I've never seen a slide lock that won't move. I have seen the recoil rod not aligned good so the slide would not travel back far enough to lock. I'm sure someone who knows more than me can help more


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[exdetsgt]

But it slides back far enough for the notch to line up directly over the slide lock.

 

[Horn]

Slide Lock Doesn't Move?

If the slide lock doesn't move freely with the slide removed
along with the barrel and recoil spring then I'd call Smith & Wesson customer service. The slide lock should move up and down with little effort.
Frankly, I've never heard of this but......
Used to live about six miles out of Bisbee. In Green Valley South of Tucson now.
Keep us posted on this issue.
Poli Viejo

 

[DuckBeav]

But it slides back far enough for the notch to line up directly over the slide lock.

If I'm understanding you, the notch should not be directly over the slide lock. See top Shield below and notice it is past the slide lock. Mine does this also.


Pull slide all the way to the rear, push up on slide lock, slowly let go of slide 'til slide lock engages.

 

[CB3]

I inserted an empty mag thinking I would simulate the last round fired when the slide should automatically lock back. No dice.

This is key. If the slide lock does not lock the slide back on an empty mag when the slide is fully retracted, I recommend taking it back to the dealer immediately, or sending it to S&W.

These types of anamolies are so hard to diagnose over the internet . . .

 

[jtaylor996]

I must be doing something wrong. I line the notch in the slide up with the slide lock and press up on the slide lock but it won't move to engage the slide. First I unloaded the gun, inserted an empty mag thinking I would simulate the last round fired when the slide should automatically lock back. No dice. Then I tried all of the above thinking that might be the culprit and pulled the trigger, which I had not done during the earlier attempt. No dice. Then I tried dropping the mag. Nada. This is a no safety model.

The actual catch is about 1/2" behind the slide lock lever, you're just not pushing the slide back far enough.

 

[Ballistic147]

If I'm understanding you, the notch should not be directly over the slide lock. See top Shield below and notice it is past the slide lock. Mine does this also.

Pull slide all the way to the rear, push up on slide lock, slowly let go of slide 'til slide lock engages.

This post has it right. For some reason on the Shield that last 1/4" to 1/2" of slide travel is really tight and you're not getting it back far enough. And yes, the notch in the slide will be just behind the slide lock button.

My suggestion is to insert an empty mag into the gun and then rip the slide back like you mean it! This should get it to lock back. If not then you might have a problem. The slide on the Shield is really tight compared to most other semi's but it should loosen up a bit after you put a couple hundred rounds through it.

 

[berudd]

Like others have said, the slide is most likely not being pulled back far enough. The spring is pretty tight and the Shield 9 and can be tough until you get used to it. I know it was for me anyway and I've seen others new to the gun struggle. You can always try shooting it until the magazine is empty. If it does not stay back then, you have a gun issue. If it does you have a user issue.

 

[exdetsgt]

berudd, you, and others, are spot on: I racked the slide ferociously (as ferociously as a guy in his 80's can get) and it locked back. So it was a user issue all along. My bad. I've owned many 1911's and probably an equal number of Glocks. Never had any trouble engaging the slide lock before. However, the Shield 9 has a stiffer (stronger?) spring and I just thought I was racking the slide all the way. In the locked position the notch is 1/2" beyond the lock.

 

[berudd]

Glad you got it sorted. Like I said, the spring is stiff and I think a lot of first time users encounter this. You're in good company.

 

[Muss Muggins]

As I was scrolling through the posts, the question in my mind was "What happens when you shoot it to empty?" I see that question has essentially been answered. Good luck with the Shield. Nice pistol . . .

 

[pakettle]

Shield slide lock

My problem with that stiff slide is getting it to release using the slide stop, I don't like the sling shot method to hard on my 82 year old hands.

 

[CB3]

Have a gunsmith smooth the mating surfaces of the stop and the slide until friction is reduced so you can drop the stop with your thumb.

Better yet, buy a gun you can actually operate, like a revolver. I mean that seriously, not as a wiseAs.

 

[exdetsgt]

CB3, thanks for the excellent advice. I have an SP101 that I've been carrying more often now, although it's much heavier.

 

[jtaylor996]

Have a gunsmith smooth the mating surfaces of the stop and the slide until friction is reduced so you can drop the stop with your thumb.

Better yet, buy a gun you can actually operate, like a revolver. I mean that seriously, not as a wiseAs.

I agree, I was also going to suggest that this may not be the right gun for OP.