Worries with the shield....

J

Jacket67

New member
I bought my first handgun, an m&p shield 9mm, a few days ago. I was super stoked and have heard nothing but good things about this gun. Well, while working on reloads and dry fire practice, I have managed to hit the magazine release multiple times by accident (I am a lefty). This has NEVER happened with any other handgun. I researched the issue, and it seems to be a common problem. I'm glad I found this out before I actually started carrying it. I'm worried that I'm going to have to get rid of the gun now because it won't work for me.......can anyone offer some help/advice?? Trading it for another gun will still cost a good bit, but I'm concerned about this happening when I need to use it. I'm wondering if I should have gotten the g43 instead, or if I should trade my shield for the glock 43 now...I really hate this feeling. Aside from this issue, the gun feels great. But this is kind of a big issue... The mag release feels less stiff than others handguns I have handled (glock and SA for example.)
 
That sucks...
It really, really, really sucks...

My usual advice to anyone is - if you like a gun, don't trade or sell it.
If you don't like a gun, get rid of it - even if it's a loss.

This is different though.
You like the gun, but, I can see where this could be a dangerous quirk - that could get you killed.

I'd say - if you can afford to sit on it for an extended amount of time, stick it in a sock with some desiccant & hope any future kids you might have aren't lefty ;).
 
Why didn't you choose a pistol with ambi controls? I imagine the selection is limited, but I know they're out there. I realize this doesn't solve your problem, but, it's a problem that could have been avoided. I hope a feasible solution exists for you.
 
I'm a lefty and the Shield is my everyday carry. Thankfully, I've not had the same problem...with the Shield or any other gun. Could it have to do with hand placement or grip strength (too much or too little)? An adjustment in some of those factors might help. In any case, you are correct that this is a concern. If not correctable, I'd say another gun needs to be in your future. Sorry. :(
 
This is the first time this has ever happened to me. I've shot my friend's shield, 1911, glocks, springfields, berettas, sigs, etc. Never until now has this happened. I contacted a somewhat local gun store that I can trade my shield at and pay about $100-$150 more to get the glock 43. I will most likely be doing that in the near future if I can't find a way around the problem...I will be paying a bit more than I would have buying the 43 to begin with, but I'll take that over a magazine falling out in a dire situation...lesson learned the very, very hard way. I'm really disappointed this happened. Could it possibly be a defect with my magazine release? I have noticed when no magazine is inserted, the spring doesn't even contact the release. When a magazine is in, the release doesn't rattle, but it is very easy to depress.
 
If you decide the Shield has to go, then you might consider looking at the M & P Compact. It is not a single stack, but it is ambidextrous.
 
Being right handed this is not an issue for me as my shield continues it's daily service but like other comments I should think this is an area you are remiss for not inspecting the pistol prior to purchase. I purchased a G 43 (love my 42) and did not care for the way it fit my hand nor the snappy recoil, two things that I should have checked before purchase, one of the few firearms I have traded.
I try to inspect a purchase beforehand and if possible fire it or a similar model to insure satisfaction, ordering sight unseen or off the Internet Resulted in my having been a bit disappointed at times.
 
I would call S&W , a mag release shouldn't be that soft . they would lose a lot of customers if the shield was only for right handed shooters . Don't give up on the gun.
 
As I have said, until now, I have never had a problem using any right handed only gun, so looking only at ambidextrous models was not a concern. I will consider contacting smith&wesson.
 
I think there is some value in trying to train through this....first, I would compare your msg release stiffness to another new Shield.

Then figure out exactly how you release the mag. Once you know that, you have something to train out. Then get to work. Look at your results after 800 rnds or so. Then decide.
 
I was super stoked and have heard nothing but good things about this gun. Well, while working on reloads and dry fire practice, I have managed to hit the magazine release multiple times by accident (I am a lefty).
Click to expand...

This is why (despite so much American resistance to it) the paddle release system of HK and some Walther pistols is superior to the mag release button.

Suggest you find and try out a Walther PPS M1 (the original version with the paddle release). It is practically identical in size to the Shield and is a proven and reliable design. It may suit your needs well.
 
+1 on the PPS.

If you could get the M1 style mag release, that would be perfect. I have an M1 style PPS and it is very similar to the Shield in terms of overall size, feel, and "shootability". And while the M2 style release isn't reversible, you may find it less prone to unintentional activation.
 
I have noticed when no magazine is inserted, the spring doesn't even contact the release. When a magazine is in, the release doesn't rattle, but it is very easy to depress.
Click to expand...

there is the clue....sounds like a spring issue

first, I would compare your msg release stiffness to another new Shield.
Click to expand...
 
Talked with my buddy who has a shield. He said that he practices left handed often and has never had this issue. And his hands are much larger than mine. I'm currently travelling, but I'm going to contact smith&wesson when I get back to get the mag release looked at. If the problem still persists, it's gone. I'll keep everyone posted.
 
I'll keep everyone posted.
Click to expand...
Please do that.
I'm a righty, but, I still use both hands all the time to shoot because - - I have two hands & you never know what's going to happen.

Despite the fact that I like surprises......there are times that it's not a good thing to be surprised... ;).
 
Just got off the phone with S&W customer service. They are sending me a new magazine catch. I'll let you know if that fixes it.
 
EDIT TO PREVIOUS COMMENT.

I had a really strong feeling that my problem actually isn't the magazine catch. I field stripped the gun and took a look around the magazine carch area and saw that my spring is actually bent towards the wrong side of the gun. It is leaning to the right, not the left. I called them back and told SW this and they are sending me a mag catch spring now. I happen to know a good gunsmith so I'll take it to him for install.
 
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