M&P 380 EZ

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 9/6/2018 | T Engel

[w1n1]

In days of yore, I might have pointed my doubters – usually women and seniors – toward a SIG P238, a Walther PK 380 or, more recently, a Glock 42.
But each of those came with caveats related either to cost (SIGs are pricey), functionality (Walthers are a pain to break down) or useability (for better or worse, beginners are skittish about Glock’s lack of a manual external safety – thankfully, most of them eventually get over that!).
Now, however, I smile slyly and trot out Smith & Wesson’s most recent contribution to the concealed carry market – the M&P 380 EZ.

EARLY REVIEWS OF this slim little handgun expressed shock that Smith & Wesson would serve this particular segment of the gun market (i.e. those who aren’t avid shooters and are simply looking for a “simple” self-defense tool).
One reviewer even admitted that he initially thought S&W had designed a solution to “a problem that didn’t even exist.”
Clearly, these gun writers have never sold firearms or taught shooting classes, because the EZ achieves the enviable goal of addressing virtually every complaint I have ever heard about semiautos since I began teaching concealed carry classes in 2005 and working behind a gun counter five years later. Read the rest of the M&P 380 EZ here.

[Hegemony Cricket]

Bookmarking

[PapaBear3625]

You raise some good points. Guy in the video below covers the advantages of the gun for women and older people with arthritis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXfmlh27iY0

[1Old Pro]

Local CCW instructor had one, many of the ladies and older shooters really liked the ease of working the slide.

The side on the M&P Shield in 9mm is quite tight as compared to my Sig.

[Mr Rogers]

How is this much different from an LC380, other than marketing?

Heck:

LC380: Length 5.94”, Width 1.04”, Height 4.44”, Weight 17.2 oz vs
MP380: Length: 6.7”, Width 1.15 / Height 4.98”, Weight: 18.5 oz

The LC380 is said to have an easy racking slide and mild recoil.

[Yo-Yo]

How is this much different from an LC380, other than marketing?

One is a Ruger and one is a Smith & Wesson? I said this in post 17:

For what it's worth, Ruger did this first with their LC380, which is the larger LC9 frame and slide, with a lighter recoil spring and chambered in .380ACP, with a very easy to rack slide.

[myerson]

The market is being absolutely flooded by new, unnecessary and ugly plastic guns. This can’t be good in the long-run.

[longhorn too]

Basicly I got one for my wife because of the extremely easy slide pull back! I have never handled a gun with this easy a slide pull!

[Chode]

love S&W and have several, but if i'm gonna carry a .308 that size, i'll stick wi my BDA... 13+1, double/single, over thirty years and never a failure

[Tijeras_Slim]

My Colt 1908 is a joy to shoot, other than the sights that only a 14 year old pair of eyes can use.

[No.6]

I’m not selling either one of them. :)

A theoretical person in that group might like either (small/light, larger/easier) and as long as it’s with them when they need it, and are happy enough with it to become proficient, great!

[Chode]

as much a work of art as it is a tool...

[Manly Warrior]

The mid sized 9s and 380s work very well for older/less strong folks.

Too many, gals especially, get a mini-380 and hate them- sure they fit under ladies clothes or disappear into the abyss of the purse well, but shootable ( blast, recoil and just too small to hold well) they are not for most.

I went with a G27 long ago- 9+1 of 40 cal in a 20 oz package for rough EDC, it is now an ugly worn and nicked thing of (relative) beauty.