Can this problem be fixed with break-in?

lernerk392 · Dec 4, 2021

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased some extra magazines for my Shield Plus. Most of them work fine, but one's follower sits noticeably higher and to the right than the other and it won't lock back/drop free. The slide stop is pushing up against the side instead of sitting in the follower's notch.

I attached some photos of the issue. Just curious if this is something that'll go away with break in or if it's just a designated lemon.

Thank you

Riomouse911 · Dec 4, 2021

I’d send it back. It looks like an out of spec follower was installed in that magazine body.

Stay safe.

cfullgraf · Dec 5, 2021

I agree with Riomouse911, send the offending magazines back. There is no reason a manufacturer should send out defective products.

I bought a Springfield XDe in May-ish, 2017. It would not lock the slide back after the last round in the magazine. I sent the pistol back to Springfield and they replaced the pistol.

The pistol has functioned fine since but what ever the issue, it should have never been sent out to the customer.

In my opinion, manufacturers making the "plastic fantastic" pistols need to get their their quality control under control.

ArchAngelCD · Dec 5, 2021

I also.agree, send it back. Don't settle for an inferior produce. You probably paid good money and should get what you paid for.

herrwalther · Dec 5, 2021

No that won't change with break in. Magazines are not going to change very much as they compress and decompress, feeding rounds. First, try sending it back and getting it repaired or replaced. If the return policy isn't all that good, pull the magazine apart. Compare the springs and followers. Having them next to each other, you should be able to see where the problem lies. My guess is the follower is a little too tall. You could try removing some material from the follower or ordering a new one, if you can find it for a new gun like the Plus.

DTL · Dec 5, 2021

lernerk392 said:
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased some extra magazines for my Shield Plus. Most of them work fine, but one's follower sits noticeably higher and to the right than the other and it won't lock back/drop free. The slide stop is pushing up against the side instead of sitting in the follower's notch

View attachment 1041919 View attachment 1041920 View attachment 1041921

Where may I ask did you find Plus mags?

halfmoonclip · Dec 5, 2021

We are talking an OEM magazine for an S&W? Be on the phone to Smith; they will replace the mag.
Moon

lernerk392 · Dec 5, 2021

Thanks everyone. A little annoyed to be honest with you. Returns are such a pain in the ass. I contacted the store I purchased from. Hopefully they can sort it out. If not, I guess I’ll try contacting S&W.

@DTL Sportsman’s Warehouse has them in stock! Been looking for them since March and they were the first place to stock them. Go for it, I’m pretty sure I just have terrible luck

lernerk392 · Dec 5, 2021

herrwalther said:
No that won't change with break in. Magazines are not going to change very much as they compress and decompress, feeding rounds. First, try sending it back and getting it repaired or replaced. If the return policy isn't all that good, pull the magazine apart. Compare the springs and followers. Having them next to each other, you should be able to see where the problem lies. My guess is the follower is a little too tall. You could try removing some material from the follower or ordering a new one, if you can find it for a new gun like the Plus.

That’s what I was thinking too. Just shave the follower notch down so it catches. If i put my finger in and push it down under the stop manually, the whole magazine straightens out like normal.

If I can’t get a return/replacement, I’ll likely be trying that.

Pat Riot · Dec 5, 2021

In my experience if the manufacturer won’t replace a magazine I strip the mag of the good parts and chuck what’s bad, unusable or broken. I won’t own a mag that I can’t trust.

herrwalther · Dec 6, 2021

lernerk392 said:
If I can’t get a return/replacement, I’ll likely be trying that.

I've modified a few magazines that weren't doing what they were supposed to. So far they have been out of service magazines for older pistols I buy off ebay or something. I consider modifying a magazine for a production pistol to be a last resort.

Bennj · Dec 6, 2021

If the magazine is good, and it's just the follower, I would call S&W. When I bought my Shield 45 there was an issue with followers where the magazine would disconnect. They actually modified the followers after numerous complaints. I spoke to a young lady who was more than happy to send out as many of the new followers I needed, those things were a bugger to replace though. They may ask for pics. Good luck.

lernerk392 · Dec 9, 2021

I contacted Sportman’s Warehouse a few days ago. They responded earlier tonight and ended up refunding me for both of the mags in the order, so I’m happy. I’m grateful for a full refund for the troubles.

.455_Hunter · Dec 9, 2021

Do Shield mags have "generations" like the older metal frame guns?

SwampWolf · Dec 15, 2021

Most things on a gun that start out bad, stay bad until fixed. The converse, unfortunately, isn't true. Good things can often go bad. Break-in "cures" are atypical in my experience and are overused excuses for guns that weren't made right in the first place. It's good to hear that Sportsman's Warehouse stood behind their sale. I, for one, will keep that in mind the next time I'm debating who deserves my money for a product purchase.

Can this problem be fixed with break-in?

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