Shield slide lock?

[nanney1]

I've seen videos where the reviewer will hit the slide lock and it will slam shut. However, mine is so tight that I can't get it to give. Have to slingshot it home.

At what point will it loosen up? I now have just over 900 rounds and maybe 100+ dry fires, and maybe another 50 just working the slide.

I was finally able to insert the 7 round mag with the slide closed for the first time today. So, things are loosening up a bit. Pistol has been very, very tight.

 

[CB3]

Reduce the friction between the stop and the slide with some 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Go slowly, working mostly on the easily replaced stop, which is most unlikely to ruin.

 

[old-school]

Per the S&W manual, it is a slide stop, not a slide release. On page 17- They recommend the slingshot method. - It is your weapon, but I would not mess with it.

 

[markmiela]

It is a slide lock not a slide release.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kthom]

I would not mess with it either! It is indeed a slide lock, not a slide release. It is not intended for releasing the slide.

 

[nanney1]

OK, I get it... it's not a big deal either way. So why do the guys on the video do a simple thumb click and get the slide to release??? Are their thumbs that much stronger than mine??? Or have they done some manipulation???

It's not a big deal, really... it just seems odd when I watch the vids.

 

[CB3]

I’ll not devolve again into the silly lock/release discussion. It’s been covered here so many times.

If only the “Search” function were really functional. But do look at the thread box below the last post.

 

[old-school]

I think that the real point should be, just because you see a video on line- it doesn’t make it the correct way to do anything.Alway refer to the manual.

 

[xdmshooter59]

OK, I get it... it's not a big deal either way. So why do the guys on the video do a simple thumb click and get the slide to release??? Are their thumbs that much stronger than mine??? Or have they done some manipulation???

It's not a big deal, really... it just seems odd when I watch the vids.

Are you sure the guy in the video had not tinkered with it first?

 

[NCW Ray]

Release slide with Slide Stop Y/N...here's what S&W Says

I too have heard over and over and over again it's not a Slide Release it's a Slide Stop. But to me, it's another tool in the "old toolbox of survival" should I need to release the slide one handed.

So on 1/11/2018 I opened a chat window with Rachel at S&W Customer Service and asked them, here is my chat with Rachel...


As for "At what point will it loosen up?" I don't know how long mine took. But what I did to speed it along was I put on a glove and repeatedly released the slide with the Slide Stop. I can now release the slide with just my thumb. If the Slide Stop wears out, I'll just buy a new one.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a new 9mm Shield.....3 days old......My slide release is tight but I CAN thumb it down with some pressure.......DON"T file or sand ANYTHING.....If anything use lubrication.

 

[andyo5]

At what point will it loosen up? I now have just over 900 rounds and maybe 100+ dry fires, and maybe another 50 just working the slide.

I doubt it will loosen up on its own. I had the same issue with my 45 Shield. I found a Youtube video explaining why it was like that and how to correct it.
Basically, the slide stop edge that contacts the slide is angled backwards, so that to thumb the slide stop down you will be fighting the recoil spring.
To alleviate the problem, the author advised to carefully file the edge so it was vertical instead of angled. And do it in steps, testing it until it starts to release the slide. Then go no further.
I followed his advice and mine has worked fine ever since.

 

[Rastoff]

I would not file or sand it. Just keep working with it and you'll get it.

The manual does not say that the slingshot method is the only correct way. It just says to pull back on the slide. It doesn't say pressing on the slide stop can't or shouldn't be done.

Do it how you like, it won't hurt anything.

It will get better. Just keep doing it.

 

[GKC]

Are their thumbs that much stronger than mine?

I can't release my slide with the slide lock lever either...nor do I like to. I much prefer to use the sling shot method.

 

[NewToGuns17]

I've gotten so used to slingshotting from my s&w that I do it on all guns, even the one I have that has a slide release. Although there is something satisfying about releasing it with my thumb...

 

[rocknroad]

I've gotten so used to slingshotting from my s&w that I do it on all guns, even the one I have that has a slide release. Although there is something satisfying about releasing it with my thumb...

Same here. Mine's so tight, I forgot I could even attempt to release it with just my thumb....and, this is after about as much use as the OP's Shield.

 

[ScaryWoody]

I thought about taking my slide release down to allow quick release more like my Glocks. But then I thought it may wear it down to no lock back. Not that big of a deal.