slide lock on the m&p shield,40

[jim wilson]

am looking at a m&P shield 40, slide lock is terrible to release, anyone else have this problem? also looking at the xd 40 4 inch barrel, like the shield but the slide lock really hard to release after I rack thanks

 

[Muss Muggins]

If you want to load it, release the slide stop by working the slide with a full magazine inserted. If you want to drop the slide empty, take the magazine out and work the slide the same way. Some have a different opinion, but that lever is not really designed to be manually manipulated in the normal course of operation. You can, but you shouldn't . . .

 

[rattlesnakedaddy]

Yes. I believe is is common. I have had my M&P for a few months, and have taken a few pistol courses with it. I have never been able to release the slide with the lock like I can on my other pistols. I have been training to rack the slide after a lock back reload.

IIRC, some have mentioned modifying it with a file to allow for it, but I haven't tried it.

YMMV,

RSD

 

[USAF385]

The only gun on which I use the slide lock as a manual switch to drop the slide is my Kahr as per manufacturer's manual..... and THAT is stiff.

Neither of my M&Ps are very stiff, but I don't use them to drop the slide.

 

[Saudade]

It's not a problem. It's designed that way.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...962-mag-stop-hard-release.html?highlight=lock

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...rd-release-slide-need-fix.html?highlight=lock

 

[Smoke]

It's a slide lock. Sling shot it

 

[gsparesa]

It is tight, there is not doubt. Mine eventually wore to an acceptable limit for myself. However, my wife has to sling shot the slide because she can not use the slide lock. Today at the range she sprained her hand, top between second and third finger, using the sling shot method. I think I will start to look at replacing the recoil spring assembly with a third party that claims it helps elevate this problem.

 

[ken158]

As noted - it is a slide lock and not a slide release

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

am looking at a m&P shield 40, slide lock is terrible to release, anyone else have this problem? also looking at the xd 40 4 inch barrel, like the shield but the slide lock really hard to release after I rack thanks

Have you read the Owner's Manual? It's a slide lock and not to be used as a slide release. It will release the slide if a lot of force is used, but that will cause wear on the tab that locks the slide and sooner or later it will fail.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Yup. what they all said. My shield 9 is the same way. Just pull the slide back to release. Enjoy you shield, its a good gun.

 

[Whitwabit]

my 40c is the same the slide lock is very hard to release. And I am not able to release it with my thumb .. But have always been taught the slingshot method and have always used it to release the slide..

 

[jas4u]

my 40c is the same the slide lock is very hard to release. And I am not able to release it with my thumb .. But have always been taught the slingshot method and have always used it to release the slide..

Because it's a slide lock and not a slide release.

 

[Ballistic147]

The slide lock on my Shield, my wife's Shield, and my 40c all work perfectly well as a slide release too. They were very stiff at first but after a few hundred rounds I have no problem dropping the slide with the button. With an empty magazine it is very difficult but with a loaded mag or no mag it works. My shield is around the 2k mark and I see no wear at all on any of the slide lock parts and if something does eventually wear out it will get replaced.

 

[CB3]

Slide Lock AND Release

If the slide lock was not intended to be used as a slide release it would not have the finger tab on it to push down and release the slide, easily. Those who do not take advantage of this design feature of almost every pistol sold misunderstand the dual capabilities of this simple part.

If it is hard to push down, there is too much friction between the stop and the slide notch. Use some 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper to polish both surfaces--just a little--and you will reduce the friction. Then you can use your thumb, the overhand release method OR the slingshot method, whatever you prefer.

Also, search for "auto release" --another option for releasing the slide for a faster reload.

 

[Bkreutz]

Also, search for "auto release" --another option for releasing the slide for a faster reload.

or you can do like us USPSA guys and not shoot to slide lock. (reload before running dry, saves lots of seconds) then you don't have to do either method.