I just picked up a Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0 in 9mm.  I have yet to shoot it but I had a question.  The slide stop/release is extremely tight.  So tight that it is impossible to use as a lefty and if I switch to my right (off) hand it is really hard to drop.  Is this common?  

It is common. I had the same issue with my G19 but after some use its fine. 

Shoot it to break it in man!

Throw it over the berm!

Empty mag in the gun?

Both myself and a buddy have the 1st gen Shield.  Both have very hard to operate slide releases.

Side note:  Pinky extensions for the 7rd mag can be found on Amazon for about $7, and make a world of difference.  I also have a TLR-6 on mine (#everygungetsalight), and I absolutely love that too.

Should have got the 365

Slingshot it or wear it out. Your choice Newbee.

2 hours ago, High Exposure said:

Empty mag in the gun?

Yes, but it also happens with no magazine in the gun.

I should note that this is my first gun of this size.  

Be gentle 

16 hours ago, Ray Ray said:

I just picked up a Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0 in 9mm.  I have yet to shoot it but I had a question.  The slide stop/release is extremely tight.  So tight that it is impossible to use as a lefty and if I switch to my right (off) hand it is really hard to drop.  Is this common?  

Man up Sally................

I had the same issue with my gen1 shield. After a few hundred rounds it loosened up. 

 

20 hours ago, Zeke said:

Should have got the 365

Should have got the 43x 

1 minute ago, diamondd817 said:

Should have got the 43x 

Valid argument, but I'll pass.

No! No! Bad @diamondd817 bad! Bad!

I have the first gen and I am unable to actuate the slide using the slide stop/release without applying extreme force with two fingers.