Removed the shield, checked the depth of the holes and they're 100% snug. I guess that's it, the shield is not going to fly off anyway. I will put a tie wrap over the bolt and hook the spring in it to be sure...

 

I don't think you have anything to worry about it flying off. I didn't put loctite on my screws and I lost an entire mount while riding, and it held on just fine. They're loctited now and I learned how expensive chrome bolts are at Ace hardware.

I'm wondering if you perhaps got a touring windshield....I wonder if the spring arm is longer on the touring I'll try to take a look next time I'm at the dealer. My springer shield wouldn't be meaningful to you so I won't bother to measure that.

 

Thought about that, I'm pretty sure my springs are just too short, shape's ok but not the length,

 

I also have the H-D quick detach mounted on my Slim, Mine is the H-D part # 7400111 - "Windshield, 18" Light Smoke – Black Braces"
(this is the one made for use WITH auxiliary lights installed, although I doubt this makes much difference)
...and the spring clip DOES NOT wrap all the way around the bolt.

It only goes as far as to clip onto the front of the L-shaped mounting bracket...
As long as the groove in the windshield bracket is fully seated onto the rubber grommet you're good to go.

Mine has been on for over two years and has never come close to falling off...
Here's my view from the top, right side:

 

Well, that settles it once and for all I guess. It serves no function what so ever on our bikes. Cheap *** Harley part with no use (cahpwnu)

 

You're right about that.
It sure looks like an expensive, extra piece of hardware considering it really doesn't do anything...

But if it's security you're after check out the locking ShieldShackles.
They use the same mounting holes as those retaining springs, and they DO wrap around the bolts...

 

Well, 2 tie wraps wel do the trick to at 0.0001 cost 📎📎

 

Those have to be the wrong springs. You can see the slot on the mount that my springs fit into.

Now that said if you push forward on the shield the springs come right out of the slots and you can remove the shield. So they seem to be really pointless except to snag the brake line when putting on the shield.

 

This is exactly how my heritage is also

 

You've got a bottom bolt in a top clamp I believe. On mine, yes its a Sportster so could be different, the top bolts have a little tit that the spring goes on. Look here: