Shield takedown retaining wire question

[Todd.K]

During my usual new gun takedown and cleaning, I noticed the end of the takedown lever retaining wire on my shield 9mm was buggered and sticking out a mm or so from the frame, enough that the slide rubbed it bright. This being my first M&P I don't know what the retaining wire is supposed to look like when installed properly, and I'm hoping someone here can fill me in. To my eye it looks like the end of a paper clip that was chewed on with dull tin snips.

Thanks for the replies--it didn't look right to me, either. Not sure how this one got out of the factory looking like this

Appreciate any info,
Todd

 

[dfhawkins]

Todd,
Check this exploded view out and see if it helps:

m&p exploded view - Bing Images

I looked at both Shield 9 and 40 I have and see only that the wire is in a groove on the forward slide rail and trigger group assembly. Included is an image of what I think you are talking about for comparison.

 

[Fastbolt]

The takedown lever wire spring (contained within a groove on the outside of the left side of the locking block) ought not to protrude from the side of the frame. It should rest within the recessed groove in the locking block, with only part of its center length sticking up through the takedown lever to provide resistance to help hold the TDL within the frame.

If the wire spring slips out of position when the locking block is being reinstalled and secured in the frame (by the front coil pin), it's possible it was damaged and needs replacement. Little wire springs can be bent and tweaked when we least expect it while being manipulated.

As an armorer, I use a bit of grease to hold this little wire spring inside the recessed groove of the LB when reassembling a frame, to help reduce the chance of the pin falling out of the groove if the LB is tipped the wrong way. Slippage from within its intended position within the LB can result in the wire spring being either left out of the frame, or misaligned.

I'd call S&W and ask for the gun to be checked and repaired (spring replaced, if it's been damaged).