S&W Shield 9mm slide lock issue

[caligundude]

Morning calguners,

I have had my Shield 9mm for about a month. Yesterday I went to the range for the first time and I noticed that the slide did not lock back every time after the last shot. I went home and field striped it. I removed the recoil spring and notice it was slightly bent and was wondering if that is how it is or if it a bad recoil spring. I posted some pictures. Thanks in advance

[Creampuff]

Morning calguners,

I have had my Shield 9mm for about a month. Yesterday I went to the range for the first time and I noticed that the slide did not lock back every time after the last shot. I went home and field striped it. I removed the recoil spring and notice it was slightly bent and was wondering if that is how it is or if it a bad recoil spring. I posted some pictures. Thanks in advance

Did this occur with both mags?

[Malaprop14]

Not sure if the slide lock issue is related to the recoil spring, but I have exactly the same thing on my spring. Another member here brought it up previously.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=957915&highlight=shield+9mm

My slide locks back fine. I also contacted them with images of my recoil spring like that and they're replacing it.

[caligundude]

Did this occur with both mags?

Yes, it occurred with both magazines. But not every single time. Now I'm wondering if it may be the ammo.

[caligundude]

Not sure if the slide lock issue is related to the recoil spring, but I have exactly the same thing on my spring. Another member here brought it up previously.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=957915&highlight=shield+9mm

My slide locks back fine. I also contacted them with images of my recoil spring like that and they're replacing it.

Thanks Malaprop14, how did you contact them?

[PhillyGunner]

Could be the ammo... could be thumb placement. Not a lot of room on the side for thumbs. Is it possible you were 'resting' one on the slide release?

[Malaprop14]

Thanks Malaprop14, how did you contact them?

I emailed them directly from their site to see what they said first, or you can call them.

[ElDub1950]

Yes, it occurred with both magazines. But not every single time. Now I'm wondering if it may be the ammo.

I'm a fan of breaking in a gun with high quality, heavier than normal ammo. For example, Federal American Eagle 147gr for 9mm, or any similar good ammo.

It may not be, or should not be necessary, but IMHO it does eliminate several possible issues that can be caused by a new gun and typical weak ammo.

Someone mentioned maybe your thumb is riding the slide which is also a good possibility.

Since it didn't happen every time, likely a combination of low end ammo and riding the slide a little.

But if you're guide rod assy looks a little bent, certainly contact them for a replacement, but doubt that's causing your problem.

[71MUSTY]

I hate to say it but everytime I have this issue it's because I am limp wristing/light gripping the gun.

[kjv146]

Are you able to lock it back manually? Is it difficult to do so?

[PandaBear]

My RSA looks boo boo like that as well. I've got about 600 rounds through it.

[003]

Take a serious look at where you place your thumbs. You may very well be bumping the slide release with your thumb on recoil. Try placing your thumbs lower and see if that helps.

[8mmFMJ]

Same problem here. Was told the spring was installed wrong and the last coil must face up (like a glock?). Must have been from the factory because I didn't strip it before the first 100 rounds. Called them and they are closed for another week.

Mine also didn't last round hold open for 2 mags. The problem has since disappeared with a 180 degree turn of the spring.

Edit: here is a pic

[Lead Waster]

Darn, I better check my SHield for the same spring thing. It doesn't look harmful, but who knows, it may rub the frame or barrel under recoil and mess things up over time.

[neomedic]

When you say the last coil must face up...are you saying last coil must face the top of the slide? Or last coil face up when installing (thus last coil face down in relation to the slide)

Thanks.