Recall Alert: Smith & Wesson Shield Pistols

Smith & Wesson has announced a recall of their Shield line of pistols due to a concern that the trigger bar pin could render the drop-safety of the pistols non-functional under some circumstances. For those unfamiliar with the Shield and M&P line of pistols, Smith & Wesson uses a hinged trigger with the lower area of the trigger manufactured with a tab that locks up against the frame to keep the trigger from moving unless deliberate pressure is being applied to the trigger with your finger. Just like the little insert in a Glock’s trigger that locks against the frame, this is a drop safety designed to keep the trigger from moving to the rear if the pistol experiences a significant impact as it might from being dropped. Smith & Wesson has put out a video describing the inspection procedure for the Shield pistol to see if your particular specimen needs remedial action:

Obviously we would advise complying with the manufacturer’s described testing protocol and recall procedures if your gun exhibits the behavior.