Shield 9mm Disappointment

[exnodak]

I have a duty size M&P9 as well as an M&P9 compact. Both have been flawless, I think I shoot them well, and I like them a lot. Being so satisfied, I bought a Shield 9mm without manual safety.
I have three issues with the Shield:
The slide lock release is so stiff that I have to use both of my thumbs to operate it, and even that is tough. Not a problem on the other M&Ps.
Trigger reset is strange. There seems to be a light false reset click first, and then a normal positive reset. I find myself pressing the trigger before the actual reset.
At 7 yards, groups are tight, but centered about an inch or more to the left. Using the same grip and trigger control with the full size M&Ps, my groups are centered for windage. I don't have access to a sight pusher to make a correction.
Are these things that S&W would take care of under warranty, or am I being too picky?

 

[Goblin]

I would expect the slide release to mellow with use. You'll have to adjust the sights, and some ranges or gun shops might tweak them for you. You could use a brass punch, but it's easier to mar the sight than it is to adjust it. Other Shield owners can tell you if that trigger reset is normal for the Shield. If not, a warranty repair would be in order, but if that's normal, you'll have to acclimate.

 

[old-school]

Is your Shield still new? I always run 2-3 hundred round thur any new carry pistol,before you know what you got. The slide lock release may loosen up, but the light false reset click is how it is.The S&W service dept have been great every time which I have needed they,but you may be a little to early for them-good luck

 

[RobzGuns]

I have three issues with the Shield:
1. The slide lock release is so stiff that I have to use both of my thumbs to operate it, and even that is tough. Not a problem on the other M&Ps.

Well... The Slide Lock is not actually designed to be used as a release. If you forum search 'Shield Slide Release' you'll see multiple threads about how tight it is. If you do use it as a release enough times, it will loosen up a bit. This is not something that S&W CS will 'fix', as it's not really broken.

2. Trigger reset is strange. There seems to be a light false reset click first, and then a normal positive reset. I find myself pressing the trigger before the actual reset.

The Shield reset is something that many members here have liked over the FS and C models. The Shield was designed to be different from the other 2. I don't know if your 'double click' is something CS would consider a flaw/defect. You'd need to email/call them and ask.

3. At 7 yards, groups are tight, but centered about an inch or more to the left. Using the same grip and trigger control with the full size M&Ps, my groups are centered for windage. I don't have access to a sight pusher to make a correction.

If you dry fire it at a spot on the wall, you may see that you're twisting left at the moment of sear release. Remember... Your FS and C are Larger/fatter than the Shield and the Shield will most likely require an adjustment to how you grip it as well as which part of your trigger finger will give you a straight rearward press. This is also something that has been discussed in multiple threads over the past 4 years. AND... shooting left is not something unique to the Shield vs the larger counterparts. Just about every brand that has FS and Subcompacts share the same issue/complaint.

I'm not saying that your sights are not off... they could be and CS will check them for you, but Most Times, they are where they should be.
If they say the sights are fine, but you don't feel you should need to adjust your shooting technique in order to center your groups, you could definitely drift your front sight a bit, but it's most likely something you'd need to do yourself.

Are these things that S&W would take care of under warranty, or am I being too picky?

I don't believe S&W CS will do anything about issues 1 & 3. The Shield is different from your other two and you may simply need to start from scratch (pretending you're a Novice shooter) and address the basics (grip, stance, trigger press, follow-through, etc)
That's what I did anyway.

 

[martybee]

I have a duty size M&P9 as well as an M&P9 compact. Both have been flawless, I think I shoot them well, and I like them a lot. Being so satisfied, I bought a Shield 9mm without manual safety.
I have three issues with the Shield:
The slide lock release is so stiff that I have to use both of my thumbs to operate it, and even that is tough. Not a problem on the other M&Ps.
Trigger reset is strange. There seems to be a light false reset click first, and then a normal positive reset. I find myself pressing the trigger before the actual reset.
At 7 yards, groups are tight, but centered about an inch or more to the left. Using the same grip and trigger control with the full size M&Ps, my groups are centered for windage. I don't have access to a sight pusher to make a correction.
Are these things that S&W would take care of under warranty, or am I being too picky?

You sir; (IMHO are being way too picky!)
There is no slide lock release, on the shield. It is a last round slide lock! (not to be used as a slide release) Groups left, are probably not the fault of the gun and false trigger reset could be just that. (due to roughness in the trigger train) It will probably work is self out after 250-350 rds.! If not then call CS and see what they will do to rectify the situation.

mb

 

[Arik]

1) is the slide lock/release actually a release or is it a lock? There is a difference. While a lock can be used to release it's not meant for that. For example, Glock classifies theirs as a slide lock. The release is to use the slingshot method. People often buy an aftermarket slide release and install that but as it comes from the factory it's meant to be just a slide lock. I don't know how S&W classifies them or what their plan was when installing it. Having said that, I always use the slingshot method. While slide locks/releases vary in location from manufacturer to manufacture the slingshot is always universal

2) no comment. This may be a problem or just may be a mushy trigger with no distinct reset feel

3) ammo performance will vary from gun to gun, on top of that youre shooting it in a shorter barrel. Could just be the way that ammo is in a shorter barrel.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Houser52]

My Shield had the false reset click. After examining it closely, the trigger bar was making contact with the corner of the sear housing when the trigger was released just before the trigger reset. All I did was ever so slightly ease that corner where the trigger bar was making contact. That fixed the double reset click.

 

[rojasj]

I have a duty size M&P9 as well as an M&P9 compact. Both have been flawless, I think I shoot them well, and I like them a lot. Being so satisfied, I bought a Shield 9mm without manual safety.
I have three issues with the Shield:
The slide lock release is so stiff that I have to use both of my thumbs to operate it, and even that is tough. Not a problem on the other M&Ps.
Trigger reset is strange. There seems to be a light false reset click first, and then a normal positive reset. I find myself pressing the trigger before the actual reset.
At 7 yards, groups are tight, but centered about an inch or more to the left. Using the same grip and trigger control with the full size M&Ps, my groups are centered for windage. I don't have access to a sight pusher to make a correction.
Are these things that S&W would take care of under warranty, or am I being too picky?

exnodak,

You're not being picky per say. I don't think the slide lock lever release itself is stiff, rather I think the recoil spring is rather strong. So when the slide locks back the recoil spring creates some rather strong tension between the slide lock and the slide. I say this becuase I can easily use my wife's PX4 storm's slide lock lever as a release and the PX4 seems to have a lighter recoil spring than the Shield.

The false trigger reset, hmm.. my Shield seems ok on that note. The trigger break is rather stiff but the reset seems fine to me and once it goes click I can fire it again. I'm sure this is something S&W can fix for you.

The shots being off center, does the trigger on your Shield feel like it has a harder break than your other M&P ? It could be the excess pressure tht you have to put on the trigger is slightly sifting the pistol just a tad before the trigger breaks? Or it's possible that the sights are slightly off as well.

MY two cents on adjusting the sights. I would advice against using a punch and hammer. I don't see much sense in investing good money in any pistol and then banging it with a hammer and punch to adjust the sights. For my guns I decided to purchase a sight pusher and for me, it has been a very good investment in a tool. Good tools are not cheap per say, but in my opinion they are worth it. You may not use a sight pusher each day but when you need it it's nice to have the right tool for the job rather than improvising with a hammer and punch.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Good advice here. That said, if your not shooting it well due to ergonomics, I'm not sure 300 more rounds will help. Personally, I had trouble shooting my shield accurately. The grip just didn't fit me and swam around in my hands. I found the 9C to cure all my shield woes without giving up much in the size department. FWIW, I also found the Walther PPS fit and shot much better for my needs. If the 9c isn't quite slim enough for you, you might look at the Walther as it has a replaceable back strap and fits like a bigger gun.

 

[Jaysq]

The slide lock is not intended to be a release so you should use the slingshot method.

Here is what the manual says about the trigger:
• After firing you must allow the trigger to move forward fully
before you can fire another shot. Failure to do so will prevent the
lockwork from fully cycling and will prevent your being able to
fire the next shot. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside
the trigger guard until you are ready to fire again. This sequence
can be repeated until the last round has been fired, at which
time the magazine follower exerts upward pressure on the slide
stop causing it to engage the slide and to hold it in the "open"
position.

 

[Rastoff]

3) ammo performance will vary from gun to gun, on top of that youre shooting it in a shorter barrel. Could just be the way that ammo is in a shorter barrel.

Ammo will indeed function differently in different guns, but it will not be consistently to the left. It will make larger or smaller groups. Groups that are consistently off center is either the gun or the shooter; most often the shooter.

exnodak,
Being off to the left is a common complaint. This is most likely due to the size difference in grips. The Shield is small and therefore, not as easy to get and keep the correct grip.

I recommend you get one of the slip on rubber grips available for the Shield. This will most likely help your shooting.

 

[Big Cholla]

Your 'Location' says you are in the Desert SW. If you are any where near Las Vegas come by and I will drift your sight over a bit and I will correct your shooting hand grip and trigger control at the same time. I shoot all the same handguns that you do and find that the new trigger design on the Shield is the best of them all. JMHO, YMMV. ..............

 

[Frank121]

This type of assistance is what makes this site such a treasure and pleasure!

That is very nice of you to offer your assistance!

Your 'Location' says you are in the Desert SW. If you are any where near Las Vegas come by and I will drift your sight over a bit and I will correct your shooting hand grip and trigger control at the same time. I shoot all the same handguns that you do and find that the new trigger design on the Shield is the best of them all. JMHO, YMMV. ..............

 

[Whitwabit]

I shot 3 different shields and found the same problem shooting them ..

All three had several thousand rounds through them and at least one had already had a replacement recoil spring put in it .. the slide release on all three were stiff to the point they were unuseable especially in a self defense situation !!

The Compact I have is very comfortable to shoot the Shield isn't the reason being is the lack of back straps so that the grip is adjustable for hand size !! with out this adjustment many people find they are unable to shoot the Shield accurately !!

 

[Rastoff]

The Compact I have is very comfortable to shoot the Shield isn't the reason being is the lack of back straps so that the grip is adjustable for hand size !! with out this adjustment many people find they are unable to shoot the Shield accurately !!

This is an interesting comment. Have we become spoiled with the M&P? Only recently have such things as adjustable/changeable back straps come out. Even now not many guns have this. Yet here we are complaining that the Shield is somehow inferior because it doesn't have this feature.

What a world.

 

[markmiela]

Been pretty disappointed with my shield as well. 1100 perfect rounds with zero failures. Sucks to have a gun go bang every time you pull the trigger.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hotshot9]

Very common for right handed shooter to place shots left or left low with a compact gun. Difference in trigger pull and trigger squeeze. Been there and done that!

 

[Arik]

I shot 3 different shields and found the same problem shooting them ..

All three had several thousand rounds through them and at least one had already had a replacement recoil spring put in it .. the slide release on all three were stiff to the point they were unuseable especially in a self defense situation !!

The Compact I have is very comfortable to shoot the Shield isn't the reason being is the lack of back straps so that the grip is adjustable for hand size !! with out this adjustment many people find they are unable to shoot the Shield accurately !!

No one ever teaches to use the slide stop as a release in a self defense situation.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[berudd]

I shot 3 different shields and found the same problem shooting them ..

All three had several thousand rounds through them and at least one had already had a replacement recoil spring put in it .. the slide release on all three were stiff to the point they were unuseable especially in a self defense situation !!

The Compact I have is very comfortable to shoot the Shield isn't the reason being is the lack of back straps so that the grip is adjustable for hand size !! with out this adjustment many people find they are unable to shoot the Shield accurately !!

From the M&P Shield manual

"Pull the slide to the rear and release it, allowing it to carry fully
forward. This strips a cartridge from the magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel."

As others have stated, the Shield is intended for this to be a slide stop, not a slide release. As far as what you'd do in a self defense situation, I can't speak to all courses of training but what I have had taught us to pull the gun back to your body where you insert a new magazine and the pull and release the slide to chamber a new round. The only mention of using your thumb to depress the lock to release the slide was when they said don't do it.

Accuracy is a relative term. For a short barreled hand gun designed to use at very close range (ie near hand to hand in many instances) the Shield is more than accurate enough for the job at hand. You won't be drawing, taking careful aim and squeezing off shots. If you have to use it, it will most likely be a point and shoot affair at a very short distance. So, if my careful shots at a target at 7 yards are an inch of but the gun functions without failure I would consider this acceptable.

 

[Rastoff]

No one ever teaches to use the slide stop as a release in a self defense situation.

No one except for all the quality self-defense schools.

Yes, it's a slide stop. However, it can be used to release the slide. It's faster and in some cases necessary to do this. When it comes to self-defense you do whatever you need to in order to win the day. If that means pressing the slide stop, so be it. Therefore, you should practice at least a little with this method.

Some guns don't lend themselves to using the slide stop. The P series of Sig Sauer is one such gun. So, the over hand method works with every gun and is the primary method of releasing the slide. That doesn't mean the slide stop can never be used.

Call S&W. They will tell you there is nothing wrong with closing the slide by pressing the slide stop.

 

[Kanewpadle]

If it hasn't been mentioned prior, before you do anything to the sights have someone else shoot it. Better yet, bench rest the gun. Always bench rest a gun before and after you make sight adjustments.

You should always sling shot the slide as shown in this video. It's a good habit to get into because it helps build muscle memory in case you do have a malfunction.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfyULpEhmug[/ame]

 

[Bill In Texas]

Well... The Slide Lock is not actually designed to be used as a release. If you forum search 'Shield Slide Release' you'll see multiple threads about how tight it is. If you do use it as a release enough times, it will loosen up a bit. This is not something that S&W CS will 'fix', as it's not really broken.

The Shield reset is something that many members here have liked over the FS and C models. The Shield was designed to be different from the other 2. I don't know if your 'double click' is something CS would consider a flaw/defect. You'd need to email/call them and ask.

If you dry fire it at a spot on the wall, you may see that you're twisting left at the moment of sear release. Remember... Your FS and C are Larger/fatter than the Shield and the Shield will most likely require an adjustment to how you grip it as well as which part of your trigger finger will give you a straight rearward press. This is also something that has been discussed in multiple threads over the past 4 years. AND... shooting left is not something unique to the Shield vs the larger counterparts. Just about every brand that has FS and Subcompacts share the same issue/complaint.

I'm not saying that your sights are not off... they could be and CS will check them for you, but Most Times, they are where they should be.
If they say the sights are fine, but you don't feel you should need to adjust your shooting technique in order to center your groups, you could definitely drift your front sight a bit, but it's most likely something you'd need to do yourself.

I don't believe S&W CS will do anything about issues 1 & 3. The Shield is different from your other two and you may simply need to start from scratch (pretending you're a Novice shooter) and address the basics (grip, stance, trigger press, follow-through, etc)
That's what I did anyway.

This are very good answers to all of your questions!

Shields are a little more difficult to shoot due to the smaller size versus FS M&P's!

 

[Rastoff]

You should always sling shot the slide as shown in this video. It's a good habit to get into because it helps build muscle memory in case you do have a malfunction.

That was a very good video and I agree with him to a point.

In the vid he demonstrates by firing to know the pistol is back in business. Originally malfunction clearance was taught; tap, rack, bang. More recently that has changed to; tap, rack, assess. The idea behind the new method is that the problem may have been resolved by the first shot and you won't need to actually fire the second one. (NOTE: type II and III malfunctions can only happen after the gun has been fired at least once.)

So, I like the idea right up to the point where you ingrain muscle memory to fire the second shot no matter what. I prefer tap, rack, assess.

I will have to think on this some more though.

 

[Kanewpadle]

That was a very good video and I agree with him to a point.

In the vid he demonstrates by firing to know the pistol is back in business. Originally malfunction clearance was taught; tap, rack, bang. More recently that has changed to; tap, rack, assess. The idea behind the new method is that the problem may have been resolved by the first shot and you won't need to actually fire the second one. (NOTE: type II and III malfunctions can only happen after the gun has been fired at least once.)

So, I like the idea right up to the point where you ingrain muscle memory to fire the second shot no matter what. I prefer tap, rack, assess.

I will have to think on this some more though.

True. Either way you do it requires you to manipulate the slide. Which I'm sure you know.

But I think Clint himself would tell you that for training purposes he fired the second shot to illustrate that the gun was back in action.

And you and I both know there's a lot more to this such as cover/concealment while bringing your gun back into action.

 

[okiegtrider]

Very common for right handed shooter to place shots left or left low with a compact gun. Difference in trigger pull and trigger squeeze. Been there and done that!

This is my problem shooting the Shield. It's a grip thing. Working on it.