AR-Getsome
Member
Wait...What!?. The M&P Shield has problems? Mine has been flawless since I bought it. No issues. I usually try not not believe everything I read on the internet.
What's going on with the Shield?
- Thread starter Sierra117
- Start date
OilTrader
Member
This is good advice. In The Beginning, mine gagged on 124g Remington Golden Sabers...every other bullet I tried was good. But after 7500 rounds it eats them like candy. Buy several different brands / weights and come to your own conclusions.
uechikid
Member
There are about six or seven different threads here where people have had issues with their Shields, some very serious. But when you consider how many Shields have been and are being produced these numbers very small. Of course, when you are one of the few that ends up with one, it's very disconcerting.
Congrats on the new Shield. Take it to the range and enjoy.
Congrats on the new Shield. Take it to the range and enjoy.
ScrapmasterFlex
Member
I started buying my own firearms the first week of Jan 2009. LSS, I grew up with family and friend guns and plenty of them and shooting so I never "needed" my own. I always said I'd start a collection when I was secure in life etc. but during 2009 I said, this is nuts, how long should I wait to start a passion of mine?? So I started my (very looooong) application process in fall 2009, and first week of Jan I got the call that my permits and ID card were in etc. I went out that night bought a Glock 23, went out a week later and bought my first long-gun, a Remington 597 .22LR rifle, and a week or two after that, my first purchase of something recommended off the internet: A Mossberg 930 SPX Shotgun.
The M930SPX was the hottest thing on the internet in early 2010. By enlarge, reports were GLOWING and people were ALL ABOUT that shotgun! I mean, EVERYONE wanted one, NO ONE Could find them, and the people that had them were loving them. I considered myself VERY LUCKY to just happen to find one and bought it on the spot. i loved it.
Shortly after I bought it, the net started filling up with reports of people hating it because generally of a "Canted front sight " ... apparently Mossberg had an installation issue where either a person, or a shift of people, or a certain machine etc had installed a lot of the front sight posts crooked. And it made a lot of people mad, and a lot of people bash the 930 SPX to all getout. Well soon enough the M930SPX was being looked at as a pariah, and of course I was worried.
here is my point I was building to: ---> I have not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM **ever** with my M930SPX. 1001% reliability, perfect performance, eats up every kind of shot shell like Chicken Chow Mein and is awesome looking, awesome feeling, and awesome to shoot. For the 4+ years I owned it before I moved down here to FL, it was my last line of defense: Always loaded in my bedroom. If I had to run through the house I would have taken a different firearm ... BECAUSE, I decided, if it came down to someone about to enter my bedroom and I was defending my life and the life of my beloved dog, the M930SPX was what I wanted in my hands. Since then I have collected a bunch of firearms including 3 more top-notch defensive combat shotguns. However, the M930SPX is one that would be in my hands come SHTF/Societal collapse and I am defending me and mine. Had I listened to those net peoples, I might have dumped the gun for some profit or traded it for something. But I relied on MY OWN experiences, my OWN opinions and personal feelings, and my OWN decisions not anyone elses. As a result, I am lucky to say it is still here protecting me and mine and doing a darned fine job of it.
That's all I have to say about that
The M930SPX was the hottest thing on the internet in early 2010. By enlarge, reports were GLOWING and people were ALL ABOUT that shotgun! I mean, EVERYONE wanted one, NO ONE Could find them, and the people that had them were loving them. I considered myself VERY LUCKY to just happen to find one and bought it on the spot. i loved it.
Shortly after I bought it, the net started filling up with reports of people hating it because generally of a "Canted front sight " ... apparently Mossberg had an installation issue where either a person, or a shift of people, or a certain machine etc had installed a lot of the front sight posts crooked. And it made a lot of people mad, and a lot of people bash the 930 SPX to all getout. Well soon enough the M930SPX was being looked at as a pariah, and of course I was worried.
here is my point I was building to: ---> I have not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM **ever** with my M930SPX. 1001% reliability, perfect performance, eats up every kind of shot shell like Chicken Chow Mein and is awesome looking, awesome feeling, and awesome to shoot. For the 4+ years I owned it before I moved down here to FL, it was my last line of defense: Always loaded in my bedroom. If I had to run through the house I would have taken a different firearm ... BECAUSE, I decided, if it came down to someone about to enter my bedroom and I was defending my life and the life of my beloved dog, the M930SPX was what I wanted in my hands. Since then I have collected a bunch of firearms including 3 more top-notch defensive combat shotguns. However, the M930SPX is one that would be in my hands come SHTF/Societal collapse and I am defending me and mine. Had I listened to those net peoples, I might have dumped the gun for some profit or traded it for something. But I relied on MY OWN experiences, my OWN opinions and personal feelings, and my OWN decisions not anyone elses. As a result, I am lucky to say it is still here protecting me and mine and doing a darned fine job of it.
That's all I have to say about that
I bought an early Shield 9 and it stayed out of battery if bumped. While others ignore the issue, I didn't accept it.
I sent mine back to S&W twice and finally gave up on them and fixed it myself. Now that Shield returns to battery no matter what, and that's how I want it to function. I have carried that Shield often and have complete confidence in it.
I have since bought two more Shield 9's and they both stay OOB if bumped, but they are not my EDC. With some polishing I am sure I can make the slide as smooth as butter on either one of those also, but I'm letting them wear to see if eventually they will behave.
No need for anyone to tell me it's impossible for a slide to be bumped out of battery. No need for anyone to tell me if the gun doesn't fire a tap and rack will get it working. I don't carry guns that can be bumped out of battery and thus not work. My choice.
Bottom line: The Shield is a nice economy pistol that works well!
.
I sent mine back to S&W twice and finally gave up on them and fixed it myself. Now that Shield returns to battery no matter what, and that's how I want it to function. I have carried that Shield often and have complete confidence in it.
I have since bought two more Shield 9's and they both stay OOB if bumped, but they are not my EDC. With some polishing I am sure I can make the slide as smooth as butter on either one of those also, but I'm letting them wear to see if eventually they will behave.
No need for anyone to tell me it's impossible for a slide to be bumped out of battery. No need for anyone to tell me if the gun doesn't fire a tap and rack will get it working. I don't carry guns that can be bumped out of battery and thus not work. My choice.
Bottom line: The Shield is a nice economy pistol that works well!
.
NCW Ray
Member
What/where/how/pic's did you polish to correct it?I bought an early Shield 9 and it stayed out of battery if bumped. While others ignore the issue, I didn't accept it.
I sent mine back to S&W twice and finally gave up on them and fixed it myself. Now that Shield returns to battery no matter what, and that's how I want it to function. I have carried that Shield often and have complete confidence in it.
I have since bought two more Shield 9's and they both stay OOB if bumped, but they are not my EDC. With some polishing I am sure I can make the slide as smooth as butter on either one of those also, but I'm letting them wear to see if eventually they will behave.
No need for anyone to tell me it's impossible for a slide to be bumped out of battery. No need for anyone to tell me if the gun doesn't fire a tap and rack will get it working. I don't carry guns that can be bumped out of battery and thus not work. My choice.
Bottom line: The Shield is a nice economy pistol that works well!
.
I just bought a .40 Shield. I took it to the range last weekend and I could not hit the broadside of a barn (with it). So I handed it over to the range officer who shot 7 rounds on the same target. At 7 yards he missed the entire target as well. I then pulled out my S/W P90 .40 and shot on the same target and at the same distance. Let's just say the P90 performed and shot dead-on. I took my new shield back to the store yesterday and asked the gunsmith to take it home and try to recreate the problem. I should get it back on Saturday. He did say that most of the .40 Shields shoot low-left from the factory. He has seen it many times. Anyway, the jury is still out. I hope it was operator error. I really do. But the "expert" err'd as well if that is the case.
AR-Getsome
Member
Pistols do not shoot low left, the user does. Check out the chart I posted. There is also one for a south paw. I shot my Shield left and a lil low when i first started shooting it. I corrected my grip and practiced a lot more, Its a small pistol for my big mitts.
Attachments
MyDads38
Member
I research most major purchases, no matter what it is. But, I have learned to take most reviews "with a grain of salt", so to speak. The internet is a wonderful way to research virtually anything.
I researched my new SD9VE, read everything I could find, and watched every video I could find. I almost didn't buy one! So many issues and negative reviews. In the 6 weeks I've owned it, it has never had a malfunction of any kind. The trigger (the biggest "negative" of this pistol) is not a problem, issue or concern to me; this from all my experiences with double action revolvers. The rear sight is plastic, the guide rod is plastic, no holsters or accessories available for the SD series, blah, blah, blah. This is my first poly pistol-ever. I'll make a decision whether it will be my only one, or not.
I bought a new Ruger SR1911 about a year ago. Take a look at the Ruger forum if you want to see negative comments about this pistol! Mine has functioned flawlessly and shoots anything I run through the mags; and is one of the most accurate out of the box pistols I have ever owned! And my P89DC, you may not want to see most of these comments; I know I didn't! As of right now, my SD9VE is on par with my P89DC as far as function and reliability; but the SD9VE is ahead of the game in accuracy. Both will keep me and mine safe in a SD situation.
Take your new Shield, run it like you would any other gun you have owned and see for yourself how things shake out. Problem? Contact CS. No issues? Shoot and enjoy till your next purchase!
I researched my new SD9VE, read everything I could find, and watched every video I could find. I almost didn't buy one! So many issues and negative reviews. In the 6 weeks I've owned it, it has never had a malfunction of any kind. The trigger (the biggest "negative" of this pistol) is not a problem, issue or concern to me; this from all my experiences with double action revolvers. The rear sight is plastic, the guide rod is plastic, no holsters or accessories available for the SD series, blah, blah, blah. This is my first poly pistol-ever. I'll make a decision whether it will be my only one, or not.
I bought a new Ruger SR1911 about a year ago. Take a look at the Ruger forum if you want to see negative comments about this pistol! Mine has functioned flawlessly and shoots anything I run through the mags; and is one of the most accurate out of the box pistols I have ever owned! And my P89DC, you may not want to see most of these comments; I know I didn't! As of right now, my SD9VE is on par with my P89DC as far as function and reliability; but the SD9VE is ahead of the game in accuracy. Both will keep me and mine safe in a SD situation.
Take your new Shield, run it like you would any other gun you have owned and see for yourself how things shake out. Problem? Contact CS. No issues? Shoot and enjoy till your next purchase!
fullmetal1911
Member
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2012
- Messages
- 197
- Reaction score
- 23
The amount of complainers vs praisers on the internet is a vastly disproportionate representation of people that are legitimately pleased and disappointed with ANY product. Very few people would start a thread on a forum talking about how pleased they are that their gun functioned 100% as advertised, whereas many people are going to start a thread to piss and moan about how "crappy" that "*** pistol" from that "worthless company" is and how upset they are that they "wasted their money" on that "worthless gun"
Don't psych yourself out on a new gun purchase. I did that to myself the first time I bought a Kahr pistol. So many people that say they won't feed worth a darn, and are completely unreliable. I've owned three that ran 100%, probably because I broke them in and properly cleaned and lubed them before ever shooting them.
Take all negative reviews of a gun by the end-user with a grain of salt because they are probably just venting their frustration rather than giving a fair review of the product.
Don't psych yourself out on a new gun purchase. I did that to myself the first time I bought a Kahr pistol. So many people that say they won't feed worth a darn, and are completely unreliable. I've owned three that ran 100%, probably because I broke them in and properly cleaned and lubed them before ever shooting them.
Take all negative reviews of a gun by the end-user with a grain of salt because they are probably just venting their frustration rather than giving a fair review of the product.
kcbet2
Member
I've had my Shield 9MM for acouple months now. The only problem I had was with the 8 round mag. Called Customer Service and they sent me a new one no questions asked. The gun has run flawlessly since I unpacked it. Just be sure to give it a good clean and lube before you head to the range. Enjoy!
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Here's my two bits.
1.With the internet, one guy with a "problem" can magnify the perception far in excess of reality. I would suggest that there were the same amount of problems before the internet was invented by Al-we just didn't hear about them. So if I were you, which I am not, I would not worry.
2. A lot of the problems I read about here involve replacing parts with apex triggers, or whatever-in my mind a classic example of "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is" or more accurately, "If it ain't broke, yer not tryin' hard enough."
If I but a shield (which I won't because I already have a M&P380 and a full sized M&P9) I'm not gonna take it apart and fix it. I'm gonna shoot it with 9mm ball for a couple hundred rounds then shoot it with whatever I'm gonna carry(Screw it- who am I kidding-I'm gonna carry it with ball anyway
) for function-but more importantly because I like to hear my guns go bang and feel the raw testicular enhancing power I experience when the gun bucks in my hand and sends a 115gr death nugget down range into the mound of mud behind the target......Now where's my beer
1.With the internet, one guy with a "problem" can magnify the perception far in excess of reality. I would suggest that there were the same amount of problems before the internet was invented by Al-we just didn't hear about them. So if I were you, which I am not, I would not worry.
2. A lot of the problems I read about here involve replacing parts with apex triggers, or whatever-in my mind a classic example of "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is" or more accurately, "If it ain't broke, yer not tryin' hard enough."
If I but a shield (which I won't because I already have a M&P380 and a full sized M&P9) I'm not gonna take it apart and fix it. I'm gonna shoot it with 9mm ball for a couple hundred rounds then shoot it with whatever I'm gonna carry(Screw it- who am I kidding-I'm gonna carry it with ball anyway
) for function-but more importantly because I like to hear my guns go bang and feel the raw testicular enhancing power I experience when the gun bucks in my hand and sends a 115gr death nugget down range into the mound of mud behind the target......Now where's my beer
Last edited:
SemperFiGuy
Member
Sierra117,
Usually when I get on a forum like this, I check the date of the posts to the release date of the weapon. Invariably, in my experience, Smith & Wesson notwithstanding, newly released products have issues. They get addressed quickly, appropriately, and the problem goes away.
I carry the Shield .40 as my EDC. It's either IWB or in my right front pocket in a Sticky Holster (MD2).
It is a great pistol. Easy on the eyes. Easy on the wallet and very easy to maintain. Haven't counted the number of rounds I've put through, but suffice it to say, there have been many and not one single, solitary hiccup.
Getting used to the stock sights took a little, but once you realize that you need to "level out" the muzzle, you'll stop shooting into the ground and start ringing the metal.
Have a blast and take yourself a couple of boxes of ammo out to the range and have a blast. The recoil, even on the .40 is very tolerable and the trigger pull is a dream made in heaven.
All the best !
Gil
Usually when I get on a forum like this, I check the date of the posts to the release date of the weapon. Invariably, in my experience, Smith & Wesson notwithstanding, newly released products have issues. They get addressed quickly, appropriately, and the problem goes away.
I carry the Shield .40 as my EDC. It's either IWB or in my right front pocket in a Sticky Holster (MD2).
It is a great pistol. Easy on the eyes. Easy on the wallet and very easy to maintain. Haven't counted the number of rounds I've put through, but suffice it to say, there have been many and not one single, solitary hiccup.
Getting used to the stock sights took a little, but once you realize that you need to "level out" the muzzle, you'll stop shooting into the ground and start ringing the metal.
Have a blast and take yourself a couple of boxes of ammo out to the range and have a blast. The recoil, even on the .40 is very tolerable and the trigger pull is a dream made in heaven.
All the best !
Gil
SemperFiGuy
Member
Here's my two bits.
1.With the internet, one guy with a "problem" can magnify the perception far in excess of reality. I would suggest that there were the same amount of problems before the internet was invented by Al-we just didn't hear about them. So if I were you, which I am not, I would not worry.
2. A lot of the problems I read about here involve replacing parts with apex triggers, or whatever-in my mind a classic example of "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is" or more accurately, "If it ain't broke, yer not tryin' hard enough."
If I but a shield (which I won't because I already have a M&P380 and a full sized M&P9) I'm not gonna take it apart and fix it. I'm gonna shoot it with 9mm ball for a couple hundred rounds then shoot it with whatever I'm gonna carry(Screw it- who am I kidding-I'm gonna carry it with ball anyway
I'm buying Cajun. What kind of beer do you want?
Astute observations. Had it not been for Al and the Internet, none of us would be the wiser anyway, as you aptly point out.
I've shot everything through my Shield .40, FMJ, JHP, Wet, Old, hot bench loads, and not one hiccup.
Your point is well taken. Get out there and send some down range.
All the best !
Gil
tacreload
Member
Don't own a Shield.Picked up an M&P 40c a few years ago and didn't even know what a "gritty trigger"was til I read about it on the internet.My trigger was smooth as butter out of the box.Could I have gotten a bad gun?I too shot low and left til I read about what I was doing wrong right here on this forum.Followed the advice posted here and I'm almost as accurate with it as I am with my 1911.About 1500 rounds down the tube so far and no complaint.Some day hope to pick up a Shield and I expect it will be just fine too.Shoot and practice first and then read.Don't let others influence your thinking before you actually shoot the gun on a regular basis.Yeah you can get a rotten apple once in a while,but that applies to just about everything.
dullh
Member
"But are there really that many issues being reported or is it more exaggerated?"
Most of the reports I have seen on this forum are "noobs" who don't understand how guns work. The "problems" most of these people are having are not problems at all. Most of these people haven't even fired their new gun yet but they're sitting around with a magnifying glass nitpicking the dang thing to death and asking (lets be honest) dumb questions about their new gun before they ever even darken the booth at their local range!
There is the occasional legitimate gripe; that's what S&W customer service is for and they do a good job overall of rectifying problems.
You personally should decide whether your Shield is going to give you trouble or not. Don't fret over what you read on the internet, because 75% of it is total BS. I have two 9mm Shields, both of which have passed the 1000 round mark and so far I've had *zero* trouble out of them...
Most of the reports I have seen on this forum are "noobs" who don't understand how guns work. The "problems" most of these people are having are not problems at all. Most of these people haven't even fired their new gun yet but they're sitting around with a magnifying glass nitpicking the dang thing to death and asking (lets be honest) dumb questions about their new gun before they ever even darken the booth at their local range!
There is the occasional legitimate gripe; that's what S&W customer service is for and they do a good job overall of rectifying problems.
You personally should decide whether your Shield is going to give you trouble or not. Don't fret over what you read on the internet, because 75% of it is total BS. I have two 9mm Shields, both of which have passed the 1000 round mark and so far I've had *zero* trouble out of them...
Last edited:
tacreload
Member
I'm with you sir.Exaggeration is the new norm and we have become a society of whiners and foot stompers.
I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was extending a second chance to my Shield 9 after its fourth trip to the homeland for flawed and abysmal performance.
Tonight I punched out another 100 rounds of WWB 115gr FMJ. We are at 223 fail-free rounds, which is quite a surprise based on the past performance. I think the latest gunsmith knows something the others did not.
So it is not yet for sale.
Tonight I punched out another 100 rounds of WWB 115gr FMJ. We are at 223 fail-free rounds, which is quite a surprise based on the past performance. I think the latest gunsmith knows something the others did not.
So it is not yet for sale.
Motorsporting
Member
I have near 1000 problem-free rounds in my Shield, and after new sights, it's SUPER accurate. I primarily use PMC, Fiochi, or Speer 115 grain FMJ range ammo. I've got over 100 rounds of Federal HST and Hornady Critical Duty each with also no problem. YMMV.
Similar threads
