S&W Shield Problem

Groundhog34 · March 19, 2017, 07:33 PM

I bought a new Shield custom shop 9mm yesterday. Today I took it out to fire a few rounds. The first round fired hit the target a coke bottle at 10 yards. However I had a major problem. The spent shell ejected but the slide locked back and I mean locked it is immovable. The slide release does nothing. I am an experienced shooter do not limp wrist I am left handed so do not ride the slide stop. I plan on calling S&W in the morning but any ideas?

Ramey · March 19, 2017, 07:47 PM

I seem to recall a similar post on another forum. I think it ended up being a recoil spring issue. Somehow it got out of alignment. Hope you get it fixed.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jackstrawIII · March 20, 2017, 08:56 AM

My Shield has been 100% reliable. Interested to hear how this works out for you.

O4L · March 20, 2017, 12:04 PM

If I remember correctly, the guy in the other thread took his to a gunsmith that whacked the slide with a (rubber) hammer and put the recoil spring back on correctly. Problem solved.

Excoastie · March 20, 2017, 03:47 PM

I had a similar problem with my Shield, though mine was on reassembly.

I took it to a gunsmith at my LGS, and as stated above all he claimed to have done was wack it with a hammer. He said it was the recoil spring not properly aligned.

I haven't had a chance to take it out since then though....

Exco

GarandTd · March 20, 2017, 08:41 PM

Interesting. Glad I didn't save up a few more pennies for the shield.

bedbugbilly · March 20, 2017, 08:49 PM

Mine has never had an issue. I also recall that the problem was with the recoil spring/rod. I'd be curious . . . I'm assuming that you field stripped it and cleaned/lubed before you shot it. Are you sure that when you reassembled it that the recoil spring/rod was pushed all the way down on the barrel when you reinstalled it? Not questioning your ability . . but I seem to remember reading some posts quite a while back where not making sure it was all the way "in place" was the "guilty cause" of slide lock back problems. I believe the issue is when the back end of the recoil spring/rod - the end closed to the chamber - is not pushed down all the way and when it's fired, it locks the slide back tight as can be?

O4L · March 20, 2017, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarandTd

Interesting. Glad I didn't save up a few more pennies for the shield.

I have had a Shield for my carry gun for a couple of years. No problems whatsoever!

TunnelRat · March 20, 2017, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Interesting. Glad I didn't save up a few more pennies for the shield.

You can find individual stories of issues with just about every gun on the market. If one story stops you from carrying something, you wouldn't ever carry anything.

GarandTd · March 20, 2017, 10:28 PM

I'm sure the shield is a fine weapon. I also understand that any pistol can have issues. The shield gets pushed quite a bit in response to some other "budget" or "cheap" alternatives when it clearly is not any more reliable than lesser priced pistols.

I digress, as my comments are not helping the op solve his problem.

TunnelRat · March 20, 2017, 10:33 PM

Quote:

The shield gets pushed quite a bit in response to some other "budget" or "cheap" alternatives when it clearly is not any more reliable than lesser priced pistols.

How does this show the Shield "clearly is not any more reliable than lesser priced pistols?" All this shows is that you can buy a Shield and potentially have issues. It says nothing about the percentage of Shields that do have issues, and it certainly says nothing about the percentage of other pistols from other brands that do or do not have issues. Moreso it doesn't perform any sort of comparison at all.

If you like other pistols over the Shield and feel they're a better buy, that's your call. But to use this thread as an example for that belief is kind of silly.

Targa · March 20, 2017, 10:41 PM

I locked up my full size M&P years ago in the same fashion, it was a recoil spring issue that if I remember correctly (please use caution if you try this, as I am cloudy on the details of how I freed it up and I don't want you to damage your Shield on a poor suggestion) but I believe I put the muzzle on a desk and pushed down with my weight in order to free the action on the slide from the bound up spring. To take it a bit further (again, if I remember correctly), I didn't center the guide rod properly when I put it together which caused it to bind up.

O4L · March 21, 2017, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TunnelRat

How does this show the Shield "clearly is not any more reliable than lesser priced pistols?" All this shows is that you can buy a Shield and potentially have issues. It says nothing about the percentage of Shields that do have issues, and it certainly says nothing about the percentage of other pistols from other brands that do or do not have issues. Moreso it doesn't perform any sort of comparison at all.

If you like other pistols over the Shield and feel they're a better buy, that's your call. But to use this thread as an example for that belief is kind of silly.

His post here is a carry over from another thread after someone suggested that he should save up enough money to buy a Shield.

He hated that suggestion so much that he had to taint this thread with his comment.

Don P · March 21, 2017, 07:52 AM

Just a thought on S&W's pro shop guns. Just my opinion from personally seeing guns on the range and taking what I read on the half truth web. The pro shop is over stated and IN MY OPINION a sales gimmick like +P+P, zombie killer, red tip super duper absolutely killer ammo. I personally shot a 627 just under $1200 Performance center revolver that felt like they filled the side plate with sand. I've shot Taurus revolvers that had better feeling triggers for a fifth of the price. Just my 2 pennies worth.

odugrad · March 21, 2017, 11:09 AM

I'm curious about this issue. I don't own a Shield but I'm puzzled as to how this could happen. Is it an issue with the recoil spring? Guide rod? Both? Does the recoil spring come dislodged while shooting?

When reassembling, wouldn't you notice the guide rod/recoil spring aren't lined up?

Texas45 · March 21, 2017, 11:35 AM

I at one time owned 3 shields 2 40 and a 45.
Currently own 2 1 40 and 1 45.
Fired probably at least 2500 or so thru them in total and have taken um down countless times.

Never an issue with any of them and never had issue with "improperly installing" the return spring.

Which Ive seen be an issue for some on this and other forums.

I have 100% confidence in the weapon.

odugrad I ask myself the same thing
Its pretty simple.

In regard to the comments Ive seen and read about "orientating it properly" I have never pay attention I just install it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

RECTIFIER · March 21, 2017, 03:16 PM

The Shield is a proven design, I've been carrying mine for over a year.

I shoot it well, & like it so much ,when another came along at a great price I bought it.

A proud owner of two 9mm Shields.

rt11002003 · March 21, 2017, 05:29 PM

I ran a box of Freedom reman thru my Shield .45ACP on Friday. No problems. Cleaned it on Saturday. It memory serves me, the guide rod has a scallop on one side where it fits against the barrel. I can see where one could turn the scalloped portion away from the barrel and result in jamming.

Of course, my memory might be wrong. I was cleaning several other pistols; I know several of them had the scalloped guide rod.

Glockgreat23 · March 28, 2017, 10:49 PM

Never had a problem shooting mine, but cleaning it one time it locked back and I mean that thing was jammed. In a bit of a frustrated fir of anger, I hit the hell out it with my palm and it snapped shut. Can't say I recommend it, hurts! Without better explanation I will blame myself, but let us know what you find out

Rich_357 · March 31, 2017, 09:26 PM

I've had my spring out of alignment twice after reassembly; the slide would not rack. I jiggled it a little bit and it popped back into place. It's never happened while actually firing the weapon...

DAKA · April 1, 2017, 05:30 PM

No problem with the 9 mm Shield approx 700 rounds.
Just one thing, I am finding that racking the slide is getting harder...(as I get older and weaker)
I really enjoy shooting it, its my most accurate....

Groundhog34 · April 4, 2017, 08:07 PM

I called S&W today to find out the status of my return and I was told it would be 3 weeks before the gunsmith gets to look at the gun. I do not think the Shield has any more problems than Glock, Springfield, HK or any other high quality pistol I do believe S&W's customer service is worse than the afore mentioned companies. I am VERY unhappy about the 3 week wait to have the gun looked at much less repaired.

TunnelRat · April 4, 2017, 08:22 PM

As an FYI, the industry standard is usually a month long turnaround. I'm not sure when you sent it in but if it's within that it's pretty normal.

DAKA · April 4, 2017, 08:30 PM

I just bought PERFORMANCE CENTER 9mm,
There was is a rebate and Bass Pro Shops was giving a 10% discount...
Depending on how I like it, maybe the "old" one will go ....

whiskey26 · April 5, 2017, 12:32 AM

I registered just to reply to this. ( I looked when this happened to me and didn't see much out there)

I bought a Shield 9mm about a 2 months ago. It was between that and a Glock. I chose the shield.

My first time to the range, at about 170 rounds I had the exact same thing happen. The slide was pinned back, all the way back, after ejecting the shell, it really freaked me out. I dropped the mag, and got it to where I could remove the slide and checked the spring. After visual inspection, everything looked ok, so I put it back, and sent another 20 or so rounds through it before the same thing happened again. This time I slammed it forward on the wood paneling of box I was in. I continued to fire it, and after about another 200 rounds I decided to leave ( no more problems after that last time). Also, one thing I can say is that it racks much smoother than when I first shot it.

I have since sent another close to 800 rounds through. Only one issue since, just a round that didn't fire on first strike. Second run through was fine.

Later on, I checked the S&W forums, and this is apparently not unheard of, a lot of folks seem to send it in and have the spring replaced, and some It could be operator error. I personally have always owned Sig handguns, but this was to be my daily carry and I wanted to try something different. So having this happen not only had me shocked, but a little angry that I didn't go with my first instinct which was the Glock.

I'm not trying to start any religious debates (gun is better than that), this is just one person's opinion. I haven't had an issue with it since. But unfortunately it may have ruined trust for me.

But yeh, if you are getting here from a google search, just check that the spring is seated correctly or you may have to send it in to the MFR. Reliability is paramount, so I would definitely make sure that your specific weapon is trustworthy before carrying.

March 19, 2017, 07:33 PM	#1
Groundhog34 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 196	S&W Shield Problem I bought a new Shield custom shop 9mm yesterday. Today I took it out to fire a few rounds. The first round fired hit the target a coke bottle at 10 yards. However I had a major problem. The spent shell ejected but the slide locked back and I mean locked it is immovable. The slide release does nothing. I am an experienced shooter do not limp wrist I am left handed so do not ride the slide stop. I plan on calling S&W in the morning but any ideas?

March 20, 2017, 08:56 AM	#3
jackstrawIII Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2016 Location: Upstate NY. Posts: 901	My Shield has been 100% reliable. Interested to hear how this works out for you. __________________ In God we trust.

March 20, 2017, 03:47 PM	#5
Excoastie Member Join Date: September 18, 2016 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 89	I had a similar problem with my Shield, though mine was on reassembly. I took it to a gunsmith at my LGS, and as stated above all he claimed to have done was wack it with a hammer. He said it was the recoil spring not properly aligned. I haven't had a chance to take it out since then though.... Exco __________________ I'm going outside to stand, if anyone asks; tell them I'm OUTSTANDING

March 20, 2017, 08:41 PM	#6
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Interesting. Glad I didn't save up a few more pennies for the shield. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 20, 2017, 08:49 PM	#7
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	Mine has never had an issue. I also recall that the problem was with the recoil spring/rod. I'd be curious . . . I'm assuming that you field stripped it and cleaned/lubed before you shot it. Are you sure that when you reassembled it that the recoil spring/rod was pushed all the way down on the barrel when you reinstalled it? Not questioning your ability . . but I seem to remember reading some posts quite a while back where not making sure it was all the way "in place" was the "guilty cause" of slide lock back problems. I believe the issue is when the back end of the recoil spring/rod - the end closed to the chamber - is not pushed down all the way and when it's fired, it locks the slide back tight as can be? __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

March 19, 2017, 07:47 PM	#2
Ramey Member Join Date: December 1, 2016 Posts: 60	I seem to recall a similar post on another forum. I think it ended up being a recoil spring issue. Somehow it got out of alignment. Hope you get it fixed. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

March 20, 2017, 12:04 PM	#4
O4L Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2015 Posts: 646	If I remember correctly, the guy in the other thread took his to a gunsmith that whacked the slide with a (rubber) hammer and put the recoil spring back on correctly. Problem solved.

March 20, 2017, 10:28 PM	#10
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I'm sure the shield is a fine weapon. I also understand that any pistol can have issues. The shield gets pushed quite a bit in response to some other "budget" or "cheap" alternatives when it clearly is not any more reliable than lesser priced pistols. I digress, as my comments are not helping the op solve his problem. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 20, 2017, 10:41 PM	#12
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	I locked up my full size M&P years ago in the same fashion, it was a recoil spring issue that if I remember correctly (please use caution if you try this, as I am cloudy on the details of how I freed it up and I don't want you to damage your Shield on a poor suggestion) but I believe I put the muzzle on a desk and pushed down with my weight in order to free the action on the slide from the bound up spring. To take it a bit further (again, if I remember correctly), I didn't center the guide rod properly when I put it together which caused it to bind up.

March 21, 2017, 07:52 AM	#14
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	Just a thought on S&W's pro shop guns. Just my opinion from personally seeing guns on the range and taking what I read on the half truth web. The pro shop is over stated and IN MY OPINION a sales gimmick like +P+P, zombie killer, red tip super duper absolutely killer ammo. I personally shot a 627 just under $1200 Performance center revolver that felt like they filled the side plate with sand. I've shot Taurus revolvers that had better feeling triggers for a fifth of the price. Just my 2 pennies worth. __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

March 21, 2017, 11:09 AM	#15
odugrad Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2013 Location: The East Coast Posts: 477	I'm curious about this issue. I don't own a Shield but I'm puzzled as to how this could happen. Is it an issue with the recoil spring? Guide rod? Both? Does the recoil spring come dislodged while shooting? When reassembling, wouldn't you notice the guide rod/recoil spring aren't lined up?

March 21, 2017, 11:35 AM	#16
Texas45 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2016 Posts: 223	S&W Shield Problem I at one time owned 3 shields 2 40 and a 45. Currently own 2 1 40 and 1 45. Fired probably at least 2500 or so thru them in total and have taken um down countless times. Never an issue with any of them and never had issue with "improperly installing" the return spring. Which Ive seen be an issue for some on this and other forums. I have 100% confidence in the weapon. odugrad I ask myself the same thing Its pretty simple. In regard to the comments Ive seen and read about "orientating it properly" I have never pay attention I just install it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

March 21, 2017, 03:16 PM	#17
RECTIFIER Member Join Date: January 15, 2015 Posts: 96	The Shield is a proven design, I've been carrying mine for over a year. I shoot it well, & like it so much ,when another came along at a great price I bought it. A proud owner of two 9mm Shields.

March 21, 2017, 05:29 PM	#18
rt11002003 Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2014 Posts: 524	I ran a box of Freedom reman thru my Shield .45ACP on Friday. No problems. Cleaned it on Saturday. It memory serves me, the guide rod has a scallop on one side where it fits against the barrel. I can see where one could turn the scalloped portion away from the barrel and result in jamming. Of course, my memory might be wrong. I was cleaning several other pistols; I know several of them had the scalloped guide rod.

March 28, 2017, 10:49 PM	#19
Glockgreat23 Member Join Date: January 2, 2016 Posts: 89	Never had a problem shooting mine, but cleaning it one time it locked back and I mean that thing was jammed. In a bit of a frustrated fir of anger, I hit the hell out it with my palm and it snapped shut. Can't say I recommend it, hurts! Without better explanation I will blame myself, but let us know what you find out

March 31, 2017, 09:26 PM	#20
Rich_357 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2016 Posts: 268	I've had my spring out of alignment twice after reassembly; the slide would not rack. I jiggled it a little bit and it popped back into place. It's never happened while actually firing the weapon...

April 1, 2017, 05:30 PM	#21
DAKA Member Join Date: May 5, 2011 Location: S FL Posts: 59	No problem with the 9 mm Shield approx 700 rounds. Just one thing, I am finding that racking the slide is getting harder...(as I get older and weaker) I really enjoy shooting it, its my most accurate....

April 4, 2017, 08:07 PM	#22
Groundhog34 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 196	I called S&W today to find out the status of my return and I was told it would be 3 weeks before the gunsmith gets to look at the gun. I do not think the Shield has any more problems than Glock, Springfield, HK or any other high quality pistol I do believe S&W's customer service is worse than the afore mentioned companies. I am VERY unhappy about the 3 week wait to have the gun looked at much less repaired.

April 4, 2017, 08:22 PM	#23
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	As an FYI, the industry standard is usually a month long turnaround. I'm not sure when you sent it in but if it's within that it's pretty normal. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness

April 4, 2017, 08:30 PM	#24
DAKA Member Join Date: May 5, 2011 Location: S FL Posts: 59	I just bought PERFORMANCE CENTER 9mm, There was is a rebate and Bass Pro Shops was giving a 10% discount... Depending on how I like it, maybe the "old" one will go ....

April 5, 2017, 12:32 AM	#25
whiskey26 Junior Member Join Date: April 4, 2017 Location: Blacksburg, VA, Shawnee, IL Posts: 1	I registered just to reply to this. ( I looked when this happened to me and didn't see much out there) I bought a Shield 9mm about a 2 months ago. It was between that and a Glock. I chose the shield. My first time to the range, at about 170 rounds I had the exact same thing happen. The slide was pinned back, all the way back, after ejecting the shell, it really freaked me out. I dropped the mag, and got it to where I could remove the slide and checked the spring. After visual inspection, everything looked ok, so I put it back, and sent another 20 or so rounds through it before the same thing happened again. This time I slammed it forward on the wood paneling of box I was in. I continued to fire it, and after about another 200 rounds I decided to leave ( no more problems after that last time). Also, one thing I can say is that it racks much smoother than when I first shot it. I have since sent another close to 800 rounds through. Only one issue since, just a round that didn't fire on first strike. Second run through was fine. Later on, I checked the S&W forums, and this is apparently not unheard of, a lot of folks seem to send it in and have the spring replaced, and some It could be operator error. I personally have always owned Sig handguns, but this was to be my daily carry and I wanted to try something different. So having this happen not only had me shocked, but a little angry that I didn't go with my first instinct which was the Glock. I'm not trying to start any religious debates (gun is better than that), this is just one person's opinion. I haven't had an issue with it since. But unfortunately it may have ruined trust for me. But yeh, if you are getting here from a google search, just check that the spring is seated correctly or you may have to send it in to the MFR. Reliability is paramount, so I would definitely make sure that your specific weapon is trustworthy before carrying.