S&W Shield: drop free mags

[Sleighter]

I've been shooting my shield a lot more in the past year and one thing that really bothers me are the mags. I shoot with only the factory 8-round mags and they're great when they're full and terrible when they're empty...they just don't drop away smoothly.

The empty mags will usually slip a little out of the magwell and then hang up. Has anyone else had this problem? Has anyone found a good solution to this problem? I'm considering adding weight to the baseplates so that they will fall away more freely. But I'm hoping that there's an easier fix.

[Sleighter]

I'm sure that I'm not alone in this. An empty mag sitting in my gun isn't doing me any favors. When it's empty, I want that mag gone and sooner rather than later. I don't want to have to worry about stripping a magazine while I have the fresh magazine in my support hand. I just want it to fall when I hit the release and get out of the way.

[noozeyeguy]

IIRC, somebody mentioned this in reference to removing the mag disconnect.

[BajaJames83]

Never had mine do that so I can't be of much help

[Sleighter]

I have the non-roster version. No mag disconnect, no safety.

[EspoMan]

Mine does the same thing. I'm thinking after its used more it'll drop free easier. I only have 500 rounds through mine.

[stormvet]

Never been a problem with mine, it's a 2013 build, safety non-Calif. model. Own 4 eight round and two seven round mags all drop free empty or full, only a little over 600 rounds fired. Never knew this was a problem with some guns.

[gemini1]

It hangs up because the grip extension is rubbing against your hand. Try depressing the mag release without gripping the gun, the mag will freely slide out the mag well.

[stormvet]

It hangs up because the grip extension is rubbing against your hand. Try depressing the mag release without gripping the gun, the mag will freely slide out the mag well.

OP majorif this is the issue your having.

[Sleighter]

Then why the difference between full and empty mags?

[stormvet]

Because the full mags are much heavier and gravity overcomes the friction of your palm touching it.

[BarrettM99]

I also think OP maybe having the base of the mag rub against his lower palm. You have to practice reloads until this issue is resolved. I have large hands and had this same issue when I first got the pistol but with practice it is a non issue. Mags drop free no problem.

[perpetual otter]

It hangs up because the grip extension is rubbing against your hand. Try depressing the mag release without gripping the gun, the mag will freely slide out the mag well.

LoL

[ARDude]

Smaller hands will fix the problem....

[saudadeii]

I also think OP maybe having the base of the mag rub against his lower palm. You have to practice reloads until this issue is resolved. I have large hands and had this same issue when I first got the pistol but with practice it is a non issue. Mags drop free no problem.

^^. This would be my guess too. The 8 round mags have the sleeve which can rub against your palm.