Shield spring change

[squeeze]

I have a 9mm S&W Shield (1st gen) that is noted for having a stiff slide to rack. Will a lighter wt spring be helpful or will it cause problems with cycling? If it is workable how do I know what wt to buy and where to buy? Thanks ~SQ

[JTROKS]

Is your Shield in 9mm or 40?

[saudadeii]

Grab the slide overhand and push forward sharply with the grip. I found this easier than trying to pull the slide rearward with my 1.0 Shield. It gets easier the more you rack it and shoot it.

Most small guns are hard to rack with the dual springs. Don't know if a lighter one will work as it will allow the slide to cycle faster and slam harder.

[Subotai]

You can buy one of these, we have. Works great. But, they recommend sticking with regular 9mm and not +p. With modern ammo, not a big deal - https://ssguiderods.com/shop/smith-a...eld-guide-rod/

[TomReloaded]

9mm guns are pretty universally over sprung. It's intended to both shoot +p, and to slam the slide forward no matter how dirty and crusty it gets.

Keep it clean, shoot regular pressure ammo, and you can go dramatically lower in spring weight and get a better shooting gun.

[damon1272]

Sorry to critique, but buy a better gun. Just got out of a ccw class today and watch a guy that couldn’t rack his shield. Makes the gun useless in a fight if you have to manipulate the slide for some reason. If it is a fun gun then don’t have it as a defensive weapon. YMMV

[Steve45-70]

Be honest you just need to work on technique. Saudadell has the right answer. Assuming you are right handed grab the slide with your left hand and push forward with your grip with your right.
I recently purchased a Shield, as a small carry gun, and though I would hate it. Just the opposite. Put over 500 rounds through it and not one misfire. And those were all reloads.

[Capybara]

I've carried my Shield 1.0 for almost 8 years. They really are stiff when new and they really do loosen up nicely with a couple of thousand down the pipe. I like Saudadell's idea, I don't need to do that but I'm going to try if just to see. Great guns, worth the stiff slide and mags. Just need to exercise it to break it in.
A friend with one got one of those plastic wing things for the rear of the slide, it makes it easier for him to charge. If you're willing to pay the California off-roster penalty, the Shield EZ mitigates these issues, there have been a few in the Marketplace this year. I think I saw one go for like $850 in the Spring.

[Jimi Jah]

Can one use the EZ spring in an original Shield 9mm?

[slayer61]

TAKE IT OUT & SHOOT IT!

It breaks in over time & becomes a great CCW gun.

Try it, you'll like it!

[12pewpew]

Can one use the EZ spring in an original Shield 9mm?

No. They're very different guns.

[Shannon_aleria914]

People saying buy a better gun…lol! No. Just learn to manipulate it, the shield is a great gun with a ****ty trigger but that’s why you train…you can suck with a staccato too.
Taking your weapon to the range once or twice a month is NOT training.

[Ruperto36]

[foothillman]

You can buy one of these, we have. Works great. But, they recommend sticking with regular 9mm and not +p. With modern ammo, not a big deal - https://ssguiderods.com/shop/smith-a...eld-guide-rod/

Is this the same?
My browser will not let me view.
Looked at Midwest Gun Works and they are out of stock on all items.
Not sure if still making product.

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/stainless-steel-guide-rods/gun-parts.html#/perpage:48

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/hudson/profile/gun-equipment/stainless-steel-guide-rods-0653-90405263/customer-reviews

[Subotai]

Yep, looks the same.