Posted on 06/26/2019 2:58:09 AM PDT by Windflier
A worthy successor to the classic Colt Hammerless.
Smith & Wesson Shield 380ex fills the vital but oft-neglected category of “guns as personal effects” which also includes cell phones, pocket flashlights, small folding umbrellas and other useful items that anyone can use effectively. This design bucks the trend of fitting more and more powerful cartridges into increasingly small and light weapons in favor of moderate performance allied to high usability.
This approach can be traced back to the Browning-designed Colt Hammerless 1903 model (32ACP) and the later 1908 (380ACP). The two variants were streamlined, thin and (for the time) lightweight at 24oz. In both calibers, recoil was mild, the cocking effort likewise unremarkable, and fixed barrel combined with a crisp trigger gave very good accuracy, so long as the vestigial sights could be seen. This pistol was produced in five variants for over forty years, a testament to the usefulness of the design envelope. Few pistols made since have improved on it in the sum of performance and use comfort. Shield 380ez is one of those few, picking up where Colt left off and achieving a substantial improvement on the already excellent concept.
By going with tilt barrel short recoil and a locked breech, 380ez cuts the overall weights by a quarter to mere 18oz without increasing recoil. The overall length (6.7″) an the barrel length (3.675″) are about the same as the later variants of 1903. 8+1 capacity improves by one over the original. Button magazine release speeds up reloads over the original heel release. Shield has a more prominent grip safety and an option of adding prominent ambi manual thumb safety: it is less streamlined than the original, which makes it bulkier but also easier to engage or disengage. A good firing grip has the strong-hand thumb riding the thumb safety lever.
Three dot sights are better than the 1903 originals, but optional tritium upgrade is much recommended. Another recommended accessory would be a light/laser combo to fit the accessory rail. Depending on the carry method, the manual safety may be unnecessary — I opted out of it on my own 380ez, but my friend has it on hers.
What do you gain by going from a 9mm Luger down to 380ACP? A supremely usable and comfortable weapon that can be useful effectively by everyman. All physical tasks, like racking the slide and controlling the recoil, are easy to perform. I’ve tried running this pistol with two hands, strong hand only, weak hand only, with a deliberately loose grip — no malfunctions. I used a wide variety of common and specialty ammunition, it fed them all. It was designed to work in an emergency even for people who aren’t gunnies, and seems to fulfill that purpose admirably.
The pistol status can be seen and felt with the prominently raised extractor serving as a loaded chamber indicator. Thanks to the short recoil action, extraction is positive but not violent. The pistol has a concealed hammer, just like the M1903/08 pistols.
Introduced with the 1908 Hammerless, 380ACP is no powerhouse at about 60% of the 9mm Luger. Most loads are adequate for either penetration or expansion, seldom for both. In blowback pistols, the more energetic loads are contraindicated due to increased recoil and possible premature breech opening. The locked breech action of 380ez handles the hotter 380 ammunition effortlessly.
I tested a wide variety of loads. Shooting a lot of ammo made me appreciate the easy-load magazine, with the cutaway to depress the follower to facilitate refilling. As you can see from the velocity chart, the difference in energy between loads can be quite considerable.
Continued...
Congratulations. Do take a gun safety/training course after you make your purchase. You will thank me later ;-)
A wonderful carry piece. My son got one a couple of months ago. After handling it, I want one too.
Get recoil spring assembly and striker guide from Lakeline and replace ones in the gun. The recoil assembly from Taurus has a plastic guide rod which may let the spring come over it and if it does, it’ll lock the gun and it will probably take a gunsmith to get it unlocked.
“Geez, what guy carries a small folding umbrella and a purse?”
Mario Poppins.
The G2C has a 12 round double stack magazine, while the G2S has a 7 round single stack mag. Other than that, they're virtually identical. See video below:
Bingo!
;^)
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