I just bought a new Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm, and there are some things about it that I'm wondering if they're normal or not. Perhaps someone who has one can shed some insight into the problems I'm having.
First, the magazines are really hard to load, and require a mag loading tool beyond the first 2 rounds to load the mags any further. A mag tool was not included, but thankfully I have one from a different pistol that works alright with it. Once a mag is loaded, it's extremely difficult to insert it all the way into the pistol. Even if I hit the bottom of the mag to get it to seat, it's not enough. I have to lay the gun upside down on a surface and then apply my bodyweight to the bottom of the mag to insert it all the way. This is the case if the slide is closed. No problem if it's open though. That brings us to the next problem. With the slide open and mag inserted, I can't press the slide release to release the slide. No matter how hard I press it, the slide will not release.
I've heard the Shield is one of the most popular pistols of it's type, so it's hard to believe the problems I'm having are normal. Will things improve over time and with more use?
First, the magazines are really hard to load, and require a mag loading tool beyond the first 2 rounds to load the mags any further. A mag tool was not included, but thankfully I have one from a different pistol that works alright with it. Once a mag is loaded, it's extremely difficult to insert it all the way into the pistol. Even if I hit the bottom of the mag to get it to seat, it's not enough. I have to lay the gun upside down on a surface and then apply my bodyweight to the bottom of the mag to insert it all the way. This is the case if the slide is closed. No problem if it's open though. That brings us to the next problem. With the slide open and mag inserted, I can't press the slide release to release the slide. No matter how hard I press it, the slide will not release.
I've heard the Shield is one of the most popular pistols of it's type, so it's hard to believe the problems I'm having are normal. Will things improve over time and with more use?