M&P 380 Shield EZ Gun Review

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 3/15/2019 | T Engel

[w1n1]

I'd like to carry a semiauto, but I use a revolver because I just can’t rack a slide.
If I had a dollar for every shooter I have heard singing this sad song over the years, I’d be a woman of means and influence.
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 usability (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 Shield 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.

The "gun snobs" may look down their noses at the EZ, but those of us trying to teach beginners, women and senior citizens are rejoicing. Just the fact that a gun manufacturer is paying precise attention to this segment's wants and needs is wonderful – that the gun actually performs as promised is even more significant. Read the rest of this M&P 380 Shield EZ review.

[Moonman62]

The “gun snobs” may look down their noses at the EZ, but those of us trying to teach beginners, women and senior citizens are rejoicing.

...

Isn’t it a hate crime to say women aren’t as strong?

Anyway, it’s good that they are thinking about people who are more likely to need a gun for self defense.

[Magnum44]

Bump for later

[Yo-Yo]

Ruger did it first with their LC380. IT uses the larger (than the LCP) LC9 frame, chambered in .380 with a much lighter recoil spring.

[Yo-Yo]

Isn’t it a hate crime to say women aren’t as strong?

My wife had major back surgery a couple of years ago, and during her long recovery, she was literally in tears that she no longer had the strength to rack the slide on her Glock 42. Rather than her rely on her Ruger SR22, I loaned her my rarely used Smith J-Frame Model 60.

Then I started to pocket carry her G42, and got hooked on it.

After her full recovery, she took back her G42, and I realized again how much of a pain it is to put on an IWB holster for my Glock 26. So I bought myself a Ruger LCP, which is slightly smaller than the G42, and have loved pocket carry ever since.

I even got a Viridian laser for it that automatically activates when drawn from the pocket holster. (There is a magnet in the holster that turns off the laser when holstered.)

[knarf]

The Video

[Zenjitsuman]

For its size and 10 round 9mm capacity the SIG 365 is way better for self defense.

[SirFishalot]

I have a Shield, Performance Center version, in 9mm as one of my regular carries. I have a few 1000 through it and I have been very happy with it. It’s comfortable to carry, quick and easy to get on target, and I can shoot it with decent accuracy. I personally don’t like large frames or heavy weight for conceal carry.

[MileHi]

Yep, the SIG 365 is a fine little pistol. The mags are kind of tough to load.

[grobdriver]

I might have pointed my doubters – usually women and seniors – toward a SIG P238

The Sig did it for my wife.

She can handle the Kimber 9mm and even shoots a full size 1911 in .45 fairly well - but she can't rack the slide on either one.

The Sig keeps the 1911 controls, she can get it ready to go from empty gun and magazine to firing, and she hits very well with it.

Price is not among my concerns when choosing a self-defense firearm.

[Vermont Lt]

I have a regular 9 Shield. I find the trigger pretty gritty. I guess I need to put a lot more through it.

[Yo-Yo]

The Other Video

[Caipirabob]

Hi Yo-Yo. My wife had similar trials. She's recovered nearly fully and has lived a full and happy life. For her carry weapon we selected a Taurus TCP 380. The trigger weight is so light that she can aim and fire with ease. No issues with rack slide either.

And it's extremely concealable in an accessible manner.

Check it out some time. Cheers and best wishes for your wife's continued progress and comfort.

[Ancient Man]

You’re exactly right. I know some women in their 70’s who’ve been forced to carry 5-shot wheel guns because they simply can’t manage racking the slide of a semi-auto — of any size or model.

[Zenjitsuman]

I use an Uplula loader, and sometimes I use 12 round mags
for such a small pistol that is lots of rounds.

Other good choices the HK vp9sk, and CZ P10s, I would cheerfully carry any of them. But the Sig is the smallest.

[onona]

The mags are kind of tough to load.

Ain't that the truth !

I'll become a revolver man eventually :(

[Clutch Martin]

I gots big hands. ‘Bout as small as I can hold is a .38 snub.

My nephew has a Kel-Tec 380 that’s a piece of garbage. But he got his wife a Ruger LC whatever, and for some reason he still carries that piece of crap Kel Tec. Maybe he’s a tightwad and just can’t part with something that is unsellable.

[Buttons12]

Thanks for posting this. I’ll give it a try. Price isn’t important, it just has to be easy to tote and operate with my diminutive little girl hands.
I won’t be truly happy with any gun until it goes whish instead of bang.

[MileHi]

Never tried a mag loader, never needed one. But it’s tough to stuff those last couple in the Sig mags, especially the 12 round one. So far it’s been flawless though.

[Bruce Campbells Chin]

I bought my wife a Shield EZ for Christmas, and as much as she likes it, I may like it even more. It is an absolute blast to shoot, incredibly easy to operate, etc.. Even the magazines are ridiculously easy to load. And, it is accurate and reliable.

The Walther PPQ M2 is still my primary gun, but I think the EZ is a truly great pistol. It accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, which is rare.