SLIDE NOT RETURNING TO BATTERY

[jakobobel]

In my own experience, new guns can exhibit this issue. Clear the weapon (no rounds, no mags, from "in battery", pull the slide back about a inch (like doing a press check). Ease the slide forward (do not push). It may "hang up" slightly out of battery. This is where the locking lug begins the slide up the locking block, push the barrel into the port to lock the barrel. With a round in it (try with a snap cap, not live round unless at the range) the rim needs to slide across the breech and under the extractor. All of this adds a bit of friction and can be more than the spring force from the recoil spring can overcome to fully seat in battery.

A "slingshot" release allows the slide/barrel to have enough momentum to carry the whole thing into battery.

My Shield (1.0) was pretty bad like this when new until I had a few hundred rounds through it. Pull it back just until the barrel unlocks, let go, and it would just sit there. Could easily push it forward to fully lock but you could feel the resistance.

Some good clean lube helps too.

Thanks man, appreciate the reply

 

[rwsmith]

One thing to try. Since it may be the barrel or barrel bushing try oiling it pretty good around the muzzle and ramp and work it a bit. And yeah, you shouldn't have to hammer the slide closed. Surely there's a problem with the gun.

 

[jakobobel]

Thanks man, I tried adding a bunch last night after reading replies on here and it made no difference:/ im going to send it back to s&w today