Smith & Wesson Issues Consumer Safety Alert and Inspection Procedure for M&P Shield Pistols

by
posted on August 23, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sw_shield_safety_notice.jpg

Smith & Wesson has issued a consumer safety alert and inspection procedure for all M&P Shield firearms manufactured before August 19, 2013.

The company has identified a condition where the trigger bar pin could damage the lower trigger in certain M&P Shields in a way that may affect the functionality of the drop safety feature of the firearm, potentially allowing the pistol to discharge if it is dropped. It asks that any owner of a Shield manufactured before August 19, 2013 stop using their pistol immediately until it has been inspected (and repaired, if necessary).

Smith & Wesson has released a seven-step process to inspecting your Shield, which is supported by video instructions (see below):

1. Follow the procedures in your Safety & Instruction Manual to ENSURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED; ENSURE THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION; THE SLIDE IS LOCKED BACK; AND THE MANUAL SAFETY IS ENGAGED.

2. Hold your pistol sideways with the muzzle pointed to the left. Look at the trigger. Note that the trigger is actually two pieces, with a pin in the middle that connects the two halves (Figure 1).

3. Look at Figure 2. Without touching the trigger, identify the plastic tab circled in red in Figure 2.

4. Slowly pull the trigger. The plastic tab encircled in Figure 2 should disappear into the upper trigger section (Figure 3).

5. Slowly release the trigger. The tab should reappear as shown in Figure 2 completely on its own.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 several times. If the small tab as shown in Figure 2 reappears each time, your pistol does not require repair.

7. If the small tab does not consistently reappear as shown in Figure 2, YOUR PISTOL MUST BE RETURNED FOR SERVICE.

Smith & Wesson can be contacted directly at 877-899-6259.

For more information, go to Smith-Wesson.com.

Latest

Trump Atf Reforms F
Trump Atf Reforms F

How the Trump Administration is Reforming the ATF

After more than a year of review, the DOJ, and its sub-agency, the ATF, released 34 notices of final and proposed rules to eliminate infringements on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.

A Tale of Two Grips: Building Beyond the First Shot

Every shooter has two grips living inside them, and most never realize it until they are exposed by a timer.

Roni Corporation Establishes U.S.-Based Manufacturing

Roni Corporation—designer and manufacturer of the Micro Roni, PDW-style pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and other firearm accessories—has established U.S.-based operations and manufacturing in Houston, Texas.

PenFed Credit Union Reports Strong Q1 Growth in 2026

Continuing its record of positive growth over the last several years, NRA partner PenFed Credit Union reported increases in capital and liquidity, earning growth and credit quality through the first quarter of 2026.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1884 Trapdoor Springfield

The U.S. military's first official breechloading service rifle was the Trapdoor Springfield, and of the line of guns that saw use throughout the late 19th century, one of the most refined was the Model 1884 Trapdoor.

A Retro Python: The Pietta Blacktooth Revolver

As the company did with the original Colt Single Action Army, Pietta sought to reproduce the Colt Python as closely to the original as possible with its new Blacktooth revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.