Can't remove slide: M&P Shield 9mm

[holdfast]

Hey everyone,

I've put about 450-500 rounds total through my M&P Shield 9mm. In the past, I replaced the stock trigger with an Apex trigger (see photo). I was going to clean the gun for the first time after shooting it last week, but the slide won't come off.

1. I drop the magazine (empty chamber)
2. I lock back the slide
3. I push down the yellow lever in the mag well
4. I rotate the slide lever
5. I release the slide
6. Slide won't budge more than a few mm.
7. Pulling the trigger doesn't work either

I'm wondering if it might be a wire by the slide lever (see pic) that might be blocking the slide from moving forward? Out of place inside the slide?

Thanks!

[Cokebottle]

Ya... that looks like the end of the spring that holds the slide release down. Wasn't properly seated when the trigger was installed.

That SHOULD be tucked down into the trigger block.

Take it to a GOOD smith and have it fixed properly... will probably need a new spring.

[XDJYo]

Looks like an identical problem to another Shield owner. The spring crept out between the frame and slide and locked up your gun. Hope S&W will help you out especially since you installed the Apex trigger. They may pin it on you. Or, you can take it to a local gunsmith and hopefully he can get it fixed.

[SkyHawk]

Wow, can't believe this is a thing. Check out this other thread in progress http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1353174

[XDJYo]

Here's a fellow Calgunner with the same problem. You may want to contact him if he got it fixed or if it's been shipped off to S&W.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1353174

[XDJYo]

Wow, can't believe this is a thing. Check out this other thread in progress http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1353174

Missed it by "that much".

[Cokebottle]

The spring crept out between the frame and slide and locked up your gun.

There's no way that crept out. The trigger block is rock solid in that frame.

[XDJYo]

There's no way that crept out. The trigger block is rock solid in that frame.

OK. Was trying not to point the finger at OP. In any event, the spring is there. Or, *something* is there locking up the gun.

[Cokebottle]

OK. Was trying not to point the finger at OP. In any event, the spring is there. Or, *something* is there locking up the gun.

I agree, it is the slide release spring.

I haven't broken mine down for the Apex kit yet (still waiting on my MGW slide pusher), but I know on my Glocks, and especially the P380, that spring can be a bit of a PITA to get in place properly.

But at this point, I do think it's time for a Smith.

[holdfast]

Thanks for the replies. Now I think I know.

I really appreciate the speedy replies! Thanks! -You guys are fast!

I looked at one of the other threads and a pic matches my issue. I also think it is the spring that gives tension to the release lever. The slide release lever is extremely tough to push down at the moment, almost as if there is too much tension or it is just dead from no tension! Don't feel it moving. I can't release the slide with just one hand on the gun & have to use my thumb on the lever while pulling the slide back with my other hand.

Perhaps I'll take it to Reed's in San Jose to have them look at it. Maybe they can inspect my trigger install as well. I really don't feel or hear a reset when dry firing & that could be an issue.

I'm assuming it still shoots but I did have a few FTE and FTF out of 250 rounds when last at the range. It is also very stiff when racking the slide compared to my XD .40 but I hear that is a common issue with the Shield.

Thanks Again!

[JDW67]

I screwed my Shield a few months ago and this thread helped:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/350689-deactivation-lever-spring-issues-m-p-shield-please-help.html

[hambam105]

Looks like the Calgunnersdotnet came thru again.

[Matt P]

The issue here is as I believe the striker is still engaging on the sear.
The simple fix is to remove the back slide cover. It can be done with the slide on.
Remove the striker if necessary.
Sometimes just lifting the slide up and away as you slide it forward will sometimes allow you to clear the striker lower edge.

I have dealt with this before on smiths.

No big deal.

[Cokebottle]

The slide release lever is extremely tough to push down at the moment, almost as if there is too much tension or it is just dead from no tension!

The spring holds the release down... you are pushing againt the mag spring when dropping the slide on an unloaded mag, which IS extremely stiff, and still a bit stiff when chambering.
Personally, I slingshot everything except the P380.

I'm assuming it still shoots but I did have a few FTE and FTF out of 250 rounds when last at the range. It is also very stiff when racking the slide compared to my XD .40 but I hear that is a common issue with the Shield.

The slide is stiff (used to joke that it was designed to be embarrassing during the safe handling demo), but it should still move smoothly and should drop back into battery smoothly.
The stiffness will ease as it breaks in.

But FTE/FTF indicates that something is inhibiting the action. The Shield is pretty well known for reliability. I've had mine for over 2 years... probably 2k+ through it, mostly hollowpoints, and have had no issues at all with WWB, Federal HST, Speer GDJHP, or Ranger-T.

The issue here is as I believe the striker is still engaging on the sear.
The simple fix is to remove the back slide cover. It can be done with the slide on.

Take a look at the picture in the OP... there is definitely a spring wire jammed above the frame at the takedown lever. It's hitting the back of the slot in the slide for the slide release.

MIGHT be able to get it apart by following normal takedown procedures and then prying the wire down enough to allow the rear half of the slide to ride up and over it.

At that point, it's a simple matter to pull the trigger block and verify that everything is in place and there's no damage from the spring being out of place.

[supermario]

Just curious but does this happen only when people are installing apex parts or basically modifying the gun? Or is happening with bone stock guns.
Sorry to threadjack, i want a shield but curious if this is shield issue or modifying issue.