M&P Shield 2.0... stiff slide release fix?

[Whonu]

Just got back from first range trip with my new 9mm. Shield 2.0 and I found the slide release extremely stiff. I'm a lefty, and the release lever is awkwardly place for left handers. On my full size M&P 9, I can easily operate the release with minimal grip shifting. The Shield needs to be really rolled over to get my index finger on the release, and then its very hard to work. My right hand was injured years ago and has limited grip strength. I don't intend to be slamming the slide home with the slide release as a usual practise, but I'd like to be able to occasionally when the need arises. Will this issue go away with use/time, or is there a fix such as a spring, or adjustment that can be made?

[SkyHawk]

It is a slide lock, not a slide release. Use the slingshot, especially if you are a lefty. I cannot remember the last time I used a ‘slide release’.

The M&P Shield user manual refers to it as a slide stop. It is only accessible by you for purposes of locking the slide to the rear in certain situations. At no point does the manual instruct you to use it to release the slide into battery.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/sites/default/files/owners-manuals/M%26P_Shield_All_Cals_06-01-16.pdf

[XDJYo]

That is the one thing about the Shield I really hated. The slide release was really super tight.

[stormvet]

Only thing that will really help it besides you getting use to it, is to shoot the gun. The more the better and easier it will become, but it will never be totally changed to your liking. It’s just the way that gun is, I have a 1.0 with around 2000 rounds fired don’t notice it anymore.

[sirvimmy]

I know on the 2.0 they changed the slide release to require more positive use to drop the slide. They apparently didn't like a loaded magazine being slammed into the gun being able to automatically drop the slide. If you were used to the 1.0, that might be why it feels so much harder to you.
If not, you might just have to slingshot. Some guns I have are just like that. It makes me like them less. I like the flexibility of choices to how I can make the gun run.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[Strykeback]

Theres videos of guys filing parts down to make it an easier shelf to release. However as others have said. It's a slide stop. For bringing the slide back and locking it open. It doesnt nor was it designed as a release. You are supposed to load the full mag, and rack the slide back to send it home. Run it how its designed.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[hambam105]

Maybe Hans & Franz from SNL can show you how to build up some hand strength to operate your pistol properly.

[TrailerparkTrash]

It is a slide lock, not a slide release.

[quiet-wyatt]

Remember, people who want to argue that it's a slide stop and not a slide release, fine vs gross motorskills, slingshot/powerstroke tend to be Boomers with no training who are sloooooow.

Remember, people who argue that it doesn't matter what is was designed for tend to be people who are ignorant of the intended, recommended design of a part of a pistol...

[SkyHawk]

Minutia much?

Is it a “bullet,” a “round” or a “cartridge?”
Is it the “Good book,” the “Holy Scriptures” or the “Bible?”

How ‘bout this.... who the hell cares? The rest of us know what he’s talking about.

Lol, I guess “stop” versus “go” is also minutia??

And yes we all know what he is talking about, but in this case I was hoping that referring to the part by the name the manufacturer gave it would be instructive to its intended use, as well as his problem.

[Opappy]

Use the thingy a whole bunch of times. Like, everyday. It’ll loosen up over time or the other one will drop eventually. Hopefully you don’t go blind first.

[12pewpew]

I shot a bunch of rounds through mine and it still didn't loosen up much. Then I took my dremel to it and now it works like a champ.

[rodralig]

It is a slide lock, not a slide release.

_

[Pupulepeter]

Having spoken with S&W about this very issue, the part is not designed to release the slide. It is a simple slide stop and the slingshot method is the way the gun was designed.

[plumbum]

Slingshot the damn thing - the slide needs all the help it can get to slam those cartridges home; mini pistols like the Shield don’t have very large operating windows, even an extra 1/16th” of movement can mean the difference in a jam or a successful cycle.