S&W Shield EZ's at my LGS

[dave77]

Went to my local hardware/gun store (they actually sell just about everything but groceries) and I usually go to the back and check out the inventory. No ammo and a very slim selection of handguns but was surprised to see at least 15 S&W Shield EZ's in both .380 and 9mm and at close to MSRP. My friend is very tempted to get one but without be able to shoot one is kind of wary. She would maybe do fine with it but I know I had difficulty shooting a single stack gun compared to my double stack PX4c.

[GunnyGene]

Went to my local hardware/gun store (they actually sell just about everything but groceries) and I usually go to the back and check out the inventory. No ammo and a very slim selection of handguns but was surprised to see at least 15 S&W Shield EZ's in both .380 and 9mm and at close to MSRP. My friend is very tempted to get one but without be able to shoot one is kind of wary. She would maybe do fine with it but I know I had difficulty shooting a single stack gun compared to my double stack PX4c.

Bought one for my wife about a month ago (9mm). Nice little shooter, but has some quirks. Reassembly - you have to make sure the guide rod is properly positioned and that you're not holding the grip safety when putting the slide back on or you'll never get it on. This is covered in the user manual, but takes some getting used to.

Also the mag release button is very sensitive and will drop the mag if your thumb slips down when shooting, or the holster presses it at all it will drop the mag. Could be a problem if it's going to be carry gun.

[beaverislander]

After carrying a 342PD j-frame for 18 years I replaced it with a 9mm EZ, because of arthritis and recoil.

[Vaquero]

Thanks for that info Gene, I have wanted to check them out after a friend was talking about them.
But I wouldn't like the fact that the mag is likely to come out so easily.
I will still take a gander when I see one, but will keep this in mind.

RP

[GunnyGene]

The big draw for the EZ's is of course the comparatively light slide racking. But if that's your only reason to buy one there is an alternative for most semi-auto's - primarily for range use, or initial loading if you carry with one in the pipe. Handi-Racker, which I covered in this post a while back: http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=10592 .

[beaverislander]

When I first started carrying the EZ I dropped a mag in my truck by where you fasten the seat belt. I had bought a $50 generic holster off of Amazon, nothing to be proud of but I needed something quick. The EZ has a laser on it and it's hard to find a good holster for that combination and I am still waiting for a custom holster to be made. Long story short, try to find something that protects the mag release.

[GFK]

Another plus for revolvers. Even though they generally have less capacity, they are generally point and shoot. Unless in a war zone or law enforcement situation, they should fit the bill for self-defense (2 or 4 legged threats) or target practice. Anyway, that is the reason why I prefer them for my wife and I.

[GunnyGene]

Another plus for revolvers. Even though they generally have less capacity, they are generally point and shoot. Unless in a war zone or law enforcement situation, they should fit the bill for self-defense (2 or 4 legged threats) or target practice. Anyway, that is the reason why I prefer them for my wife and I.

I typically carry a semi these days, although not always. I have, and still do, carry a wheel gun occasionally (even in a war zone) depending on what the plans for the day are when I get up in the morning. It's great that we still have those kinds of options, isn't it.

[John E Davies]

I have been losing my ability to rack slides and also to see iron sights. Adding a compact holo sight to a full sized pistol solved both problems. It does add complications for daily carry, but my great big CZ P10F Optic Ready with a compact tactical light still fits nicely in my Tommy’s Gunpack (size Large). A large frame 9mm shoots super soft and easy, and racking the slide by slapping the optic works OK, much easier than pinching and gripping the slide... having a 19+1 capacity is reassuring in these troubled times.

John Davies
Spokane WA

[markiver54]

My EDC is a Springfield Armory XD-S which is almost identical to the Shield. When I bought it, I looked at both. I opted for the XD-S because it has a fibre optic front site. Also ambidextrous mag release. Have had none of the issues mentioned by Gunny either.

[GunnyGene]

My EDC is a Springfield Armory XD-S which is almost identical to the Shield. When I bought it, I looked at both. I opted for the XD-S because it has a fibre optic front site. Also ambidextrous mag release. Have had none of the issues mentioned by Gunny either.

Just to note: The mag button on the EZ is a known issue, not just on my gun. It's due to the button size and light spring in the assy., which is also easily reversible for lefties. I did order a stronger spring for mine from Wolff, but the ones that showed up were almost twice as long as the factory spring, and simply wouldn't fit. They were very low cost, so I'm not even going to bother with contacting Wolff about it. I'll just live with the factory spring, since it's not a carry piece for me anyway.

[markiver54]

Understood Gunny.
I must say, I do like the grips on the EZ over mine.

[fortyshooter]

My "utility carry" is the Springfield XDE in .45 ACP. Nice and compact for a single stack .45 and lighter than my Ruger 1911 plus has great sights with options on carrying it safe with one in the chamber. I carry it with first trigger pull in DA mode and then the other shots are SA. Shoots very well.

[Vaquero]

Nice shooting thete forty.

RP

[markiver54]

I like the concealability of a single stack. Heck, if I haven't gotten the job done with 7,8 or 9 shots then something is very wrong. Very few shots are exchanged in any real life combat situation.

[dave77]

My EDC is a Springfield Armory XD-S which is almost identical to the Shield. When I bought it, I looked at both. I opted for the XD-S because it has a fibre optic front site. Also ambidextrous mag release. Have had none of the issues mentioned by Gunny either.

That's what I carried before getting my PX4c. Nice gun, very comfortable to carry but unfortunately I couldn't become accurate with it. Must have been me, lots of people on the Springfield forum said it was very accurate.

I wish I could try the XD-E as I prefer DA/SA over striker fired for carry. Don't know if I would be accurate with it as it's similar in size to the XD-S but I do see that it is available with a 4.5" barrel.

[GunnyGene]

I like the concealability of a single stack. Heck, if I haven't gotten the job done with 7,8 or 9 shots then something is very wrong. Very few shots are exchanged in any real life combat situation.

A piece of advice from a old retired professional statistician (me). Do not rely on probabilities in matters of personal life and death, unless you have no choice.

[BigAl52]

You are not the only one Dave. I have owned an SA and shot others. I am not accurate at all with those as well as a Glock. I gave up all my semi auto carry guns. Ruger LCRX in 38 special works for me. Carry extra rounds with me on those Bianci speed strips.

[markiver54]

My EDC is a Springfield Armory XD-S which is almost identical to the Shield. When I bought it, I looked at both. I opted for the XD-S because it has a fibre optic front site. Also ambidextrous mag release. Have had none of the issues mentioned by Gunny either.

That's what I carried before getting my PX4c. Nice gun, very comfortable to carry but unfortunately I couldn't become accurate with it. Must have been me, lots of people on the Springfield forum said it was very accurate.

I wish I could try the XD-E as I prefer DA/SA over striker fired for carry. Don't know if I would be accurate with it as it's similar in size to the XD-S but I do see that it is available with a 4.5" barrel.

I must admit, I agree with you Dave on the accuracy, however, I mostly blame myself...I think.
I'm thinking of trying a green laser Crimson Trace on it.
Don't want to get rid of it, as it conceals very well.
I also think the very thin grip might not be quite right for my hand. Quick purchase of the pistol is almost always off.

[dave77]

I must admit, I agree with you Dave on the accuracy, however, I mostly blame myself...I think.
I'm thinking of trying a green laser Crimson Trace on it.
Don't want to get rid of it, as it conceals very well.
I also think the very thin grip might not be quite right for my hand. Quick purchase of the pistol is almost always off.

I had a green Crimson Trace laser on mine and I didn't think it helped much. The sights were fine, I think I just couldn't find a good hold due to the narrow grip. I was able to shoot both my Beretta's fairly accurately right out of the box. Here's a 7 yd, 15rd. fairly rapid fire result with my PX4 compact after I got the laser sighted in. Target size is standard copy paper, the hole at the top out of the rings was my first DA shot. Even after several hundred rounds with the XDS I would have some shots clear off the paper. At close range I think I shoot my PX4 compact better than my full size Beretta M9A3, they say the PX4's rotating barrel makes for a gentler recoil and less muzzle rise.