Skip to content
There are few brands as all-American as Smith & Wesson. Their rifles, shotguns, and pistols have been staples of American firearms since the 1800s, where they hung on the hips of cowboys, lawmen, and soldiers. Today, there isn’t a single American who hasn’t heard the company’s name.
But one of the best parts of today’s Smith & Wesson is that they aren’t just American — they’re yours. You can customize both the functionality and appearance of your S&W handgun yourself, and one of the of the easiest upgrades you can make is to the back plate.
That’s where this guide to backplate removal for M&P and Shield Smith & Wesson models comes in. Let’s get rid of that boring black back plate and replace it with one that actually speaks to who you are.
What’s a Back Plate For?
Before we dive into how to remove a Shield or M&P backplate, you might be wondering: what’s the back plate even for?
Well, it’s not just for looks. The back plate — also known as the “slide back plate,” as it’s near the rear of the slide — protects the firing pin assembly. Without it, the striker pin would eject and potentially take your eye out (remember: eye protection is your friend while working with firearms!).
For most models, the back plate is super easy to remove. Changing the slide back plate for Glocks, for example, just involves removing the slide and replacing the plate at the end of it. Plus, since its only purpose is just protecting your firing assembly from debris, you won’t lose any functionality by swapping it out for an engraved, personalized plate.
So without further ado, let’s jump into how to replace your Smith & Wesson back plate.
Backplate Removal for M&P and Shield
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Trying to work around a mess or find a tool you need when you’re mid-replacement is annoying. Make sure your workspace has everything you need to finish your project.
That means starting by cleaning up your space, whether that’s a work bench, your dining table, or a countertop. Make sure it’s wiped clean of any dust or grime; you’ll be partially disassembling your handgun, so you’ll want to avoid getting anything into the internal components that shouldn’t.
For Shield or M&P backplate removal, you’ll also need the following in arms reach:
- Your Smith & Wesson
- A small screwdriver, punch, or other small cylindrical tool
- Your new back plate
Step 2: Clear Your Firearm’s Chamber
You want a new back plate in your gun, not a bullet in your leg. Before you start any work on your gun (including M&P backplate removal) you should always go through the usual pre-maintenance checklist:
- Remove your magazine
- Pull back or lock the slide and check the chamber to confirm it’s clear
- Move any ammo away from your workspace (just in case)
Even though this is a quick job, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to think about safety. Never work on a loaded gun, and never assume it’s unloaded without checking!
Step 3: Lock the Slide
You won’t need to remove the entire slide for M&P backplate removal. You only need access to the underside of the rear of the slide.
Pull the slide back and lock it with the slide stop lever to expose the firing pin assembly. With the lock in place, you can work on your gun without needing to hold the slide back.
Step 4: Depress the Firing Pin
Rotate the gun upside-down so that you can look at the underside of the slide. You’ll see the firing pin, the firing pin spring, and a component shaped like a small white cup located between them. Grab your screwdriver or punch and push down on the white cup, then hold it in place with the same hand holding your firearm.
Step 5: Remove the Original Plate
With the white cup depressed, you can pull the currently installed back plate up and out of its slot in the slide. Set it to the side.
Install the New Plate
Step 6: Install the New Back Plate
Without releasing pressure from the white cup, slide the new back plate into the slot. You’ll hear an audible click once it’s fully inserted.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Now that the new back plate is installed, you can finally release the white cup. Unlock the slide and take a look at your new personalized Smith & Wesson!
Customize Your Gun With MILSPIN
MILSPIN was founded in 2017 by two USMC Recon Veteran brothers who were sick and tired of cheap firearm components flooding the market from overseas. Since then, they’ve been manufacturing and selling high-quality gun accessories and parts from their workshop in Columbus, Ohio. These include everything from our Glock base plates and EDC tools to our brass knuckles for sale, all crafted with state-of-the-art CNC milling machines and laser engravers.
Have questions about backplate removal for M&P or Shield S&W handguns? Contact us — we’re always available to help. Upgrade your gun with MILSPIN today.
