Tips on Buying a Used Shield; Possible Deal

[giants1]

What are things to look for in a used Shield 1.0 in 9mm?

Are S&W warranties transferable, or only for the original owner?

I'm in California, so that's the only basic M&P in 9mm (with or without fiber optic sights) on the silly roster (the Performance Center version is not on roster). Buying this pistol out of state will cost me $100 in FFL transfer fees (that's the cheapest I could find).

For the past month, my LGS has a $499 Shield 9mm on consignment/used w/o fiber optics, with aftermarket Streamlight TLR-6 laser/light (probably red) that takes the prices CR-1/3N batteries. They're pricey, based on my experience with other dealer/used and consignment/used guns. They don't allow customers to photograph their guns, so I can't provide pics.

What do you think about that deal?

The big box store has the same model, without the Streamlight for $500.

 

[lkabug]

For my area $500 is over priced. But......California is not my area. (Thank goodness)
If it fits your needs and wallet go for the gold and take it home.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I hated to be the 1st to tell you but a Shield M1.0 9mm is worth about $320, we paid $249 for a M2.0 in late 2019
Prices have risen since but the pistol you are after costs $319.99 around here now, but not California approved with the magazine disconnector & loaded chamber indicator
I guess you have to pay to play in CA
A TLR-6 costs $75-$125 in most places so if it where me & you want that light/laser I would be looking toward that option, otherwise NEW almost always beats used
Good Luck in your Quest for a Shield giants1

 

[panther]

Prices are always higher in Ca. And options are lower since it has to be on your state roster. But, a good gen 1 Shield is a solid, reliable pistol.
As with any used gun, check it out carefully. Springs in the pistol and the mag should probably still be good but make sure they work well. I always point out the dirt in the gun I'm looking at. It doesn't often get me any discount though.
S&W will take your info if you buy it. I always register a used gun with them when I buy one. So far, no used S&W has ever failed me but I'm sure they will take care of me if I need service.

 

[Paul in Nevada]

There no problems specific to that model to look out for. Trigger quality can vary a bit with the gen 1's, that's about it. There are aftermarket parts if it bothers you. My own gen 1 is bone stock and I am content with it.

 

[Saudade]

S&W's warranty applies to the original owner. Warranty | Smith & Wesson

However, many have been able to get warranty service on 2nd hand ones depending on the nature of the issue. I'm sure more folks will chime in on this.

By the price you're obviously looking at the CA compliant model. Non CA Compliant models are available by private party transfers but typically run several hundred dollars higher.

My local LGS has the black CA Shields with HiViz sights for $505, white dot model for $483. The TLR-6 runs about $100.

Does the consignment one come with the box, 2 mags, etc?

 

[giants1]

"...I hated to be the 1st to tell you but a Shield M1.0 9mm is worth about $320, we paid $249 for a M2.0 in late 2019
Prices have risen since but the pistol you are after costs $319.99 around here now, but not California approved with the magazine disconnector & loaded chamber indicator..."

I appreciate your reply.

"Does the consignment one come with the box, 2 mags, etc?"

I don't know.

 

[Saudade]

Carefully inspect the finish, particularly on the slide, for signs of holster wear. Lock the slide back and inspect the outside of the barrel. With the slide locked back, look down ejection port into the mag well. You should see a small lever sticking out into the opening. This is the mag safety. You should also see another one (might still be yellowish) laying pretty flush with the sear housing. This is the sear deactivation lever. Also look around for any powder residue, brass flakes etc.

If they will let you, field strip it so you can further inspect the rails, underside of slide and barrel bore.

Use a snap cap (or two), function check it thoroughly. Make sure the CLI pops up and it won't fire with the mag released.

I'm not suggesting the LGS is doing anything other than trying to sell a gun, but it's better for you to discover any potential issues before you buy rather than when you get it home.

 

[haywood]

I have a Gen.1 Shield 9. It seems to be a good gun. Prices are probably higher in California. I don’t think you could go wrong with the gun. Make them an offer. All they could say is no.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Sounds like the dealers in CA are making a HUGE Profit

I did just see a M2.0 factory USED with box & the 7/8-round magazines listed for $400 on INGO.. SO~~~

If you wait TOO LONG someone else will be buying that Shield for Christmas...

Are the two you have looked at giants1 like this link to S&W?
Magazine disconnector safety & loaded chamber indicator?
ARCHIVE: M&P(R)9 SHIELD™ Everyday Carry Kit CA Compliant | Smith & Wesson

 

[sousana]

In my experience, S&W will honor it's warranty contract whether your the original buyer or not. Way back in 1990 I purchased a blued S&W Mod 10 HB square but from a dealer, it was a PD trade in. Finish was at maybe 10% left, timing was so off you'd prob blow yourself up if you tried to shoot it. I called Smith and told em I was sending it in to get put back into new condition and as soon as they got it to let me know the cost. Not two weeks later I got it back with the most BEAUTIFUL blue finish, it appeared to be in brand spanking new condition. The invoice said no charge, and they even put new grips on her.

That's why I will always buy Smith and why the majority of my handguns are Smith and Wesson.

 

[swsig]

Early Shield 1 models had a bad run of recoil spring assemblies. Some had damaged aft end retainer discs. Others sprang apart upon removal. Lucky me, mine experienced both. When inspecting your potential purchase, field strip it, and remove the RSA. It shouild not look like this:

Or this:

It's unlikely that one of these bad RSAs would have lasted so long, but if you find one, it's not a deal-breaker. Use it to negotiate a better price, then call Smith & Wesson customer service and ask for a new one. They might send it for free.