Takedown lever very stiff!

[embalmergb]

I just bought a new M&P Shield 9mm. Right out of the box the takedown lever is impossible to rotate down by hand. It's like the thing is welded in place. I have to use a screw driver or other tool to force it down. With the slide removed, the lever moves freely and after replacing the slide, it returns to normal with the flick of a finger. Anyone know why it's so hard to rotate down with the slide on?

 

[freedomDefender]

My new mp9L PC has the same problem. But I think im used to it now

 

[Gunsguna]

My new mp9L PC has the same problem. But I think im used to it now

edit.,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[coachray]

My shield had the same thing, but it loosened up after enough takedowns.

 

[Coastie762]

After you put a few hundred rounds through the gun it should become easier to move as the recoil spring assembly (RSA) breaks in. You can also try leaving the pistol with the slide locked back for a few days to help with this process.

When the takedown lever is in the normal position, the flat end of the RSA sits against the wide flat side of the takedown lever shaft. During the disassembly process the slide is locked back, so the RSA is compressed adding force against the takedown lever.

As the take down lever is rotated the edge of the lever shaft actually compresses the small RSA spring a little more. You can see this by watching the small inner shaft of the recoil spring guide while you rotate the take down lever. It will move forward (out) as the lever is rotated.

During reassembly the end of the RSA initially seats against the narrow side of the take down lever. When the lever is rotated to the normal position, spring tension actually helps to push it back into place. You can see the small inner shaft of the RSA move back (in) as the lever is rotated.

As the RSA springs wear in it should become easier to rotate the take down lever. Hope this makes sense.

 

[embalmergb]

Thanks all for your responses. I've only put 100 rounds through the gun so far. I was considering having the problem remedied by a gunsmith while having some trigger work done at the same time. I think now, that I should put a few more hundred rounds through it before deciding to have any work done. Many things may just work themselves out with time and use.

 

[ken158]

Never use a screwdriver or other such tool to perform a process that was designed to be done by hand.... wear a glove if you cannot manipulate the lever with bare hands. A tight gun will wear in... a loose gun will never wear tight.

 

[Sunsetview45]

Mine was also when I first got my Shield. I have found it does loosen in time and it way easier to turn when I have the slide locked back. Mine is a little over a month old now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bob98366]

Might try putting a small amount of CLR at each end of the shaft.

 

[JAREDSHS]

forgive me for asking this but you do have the slide locked back when you are trying to turn the takedown lever---right?

 

[clarkz71]

Both my M&P9 FS and Pro 5" take down levers are stiff.

I use my strong hand thumb to push the lever down
with my hand gripping the slide. Works well