![]() ![]() However, with the introduction of the M&P9 Shield EZ, there is finally a semiautomatic option in 9mm that virtually everyone can physically handle. For decades, the recommendation has been the revolver or even a pistol chambered in. Everyone deserves the right to self-preservation. Trying to even load a semiauto handgun is a real issue to many, and some of those same Americans might be targeted by criminals for violent crime due to size, age, health or gender. Hand most handguns to someone of small or weak stature, particularly someone with arthritic hands, and you’ll see them struggle to rack the slide fully. “EZ” means that the pistol is easy to load. As the trigger is pulled, the transfer bar’s disconnector sweeps and pushes up on an interrupting safety plunger, only then allowing the firing pin to pass by it. The Shield EZ also uses a passive internal mechanism to ensure that the striker does penetrate the firing pin hole unless the trigger is pulled. The presence of the safety is not something that we noticed when testing these pistols. From our evaluation of both models, it is virtually impossible to grip the Shield EZ without actuating the long grip safety, which means that it doesn’t interfere with using the handgun. It disengages as soon as the web of the hand presses against back of the grip. 380 ACP and 9mm both use a polymer grip safety lever on the pistol’s backstrap. ![]() The intent of the grip safety is to prevent the gun from firing unless the safety is intentionally deactivated with a proper grip. Grip safeties have been around since 1887 when they first appeared on the S&W Safety Hammerless revolver, also nicknamed the “Lemon Squeezer.” A grip safety also appeared in 1908 when John Browning integrated one to the backstrap of the Colt Vest Pocket pistol. The second safety feature is one that has been eliminated on all but a few modern handguns: a grip safety. it is quickly depressed as the hand begins to touch it. Designed for safety-conscious shooters, the M&P9 shield EZ offers active safety measures including an ambidextrous thumb safety lever and a grip safety that pivots on its pin at the bottom of the grip. The thumb safety does not lock the slide so the gun can be loaded with the safety engaged. This lever is well-located, intuitive and easy to engage or deactivate. There is an optional frame-mounted thumb safety lever that’s ambidextrous. The Shield EZ has several active and passive safeties to prevent an accidental discharge. While many manufacturers have been hesitant to add optional manual safeties to their striker-fired handguns, S&W has been offering them for years. While many of us who carry and shoot handguns regularly are comfortable carrying a semiautomatic handgun having no manual safety and a round in the chamber, not everyone shares the same confidence. For a non-enthusiast, one of the primary drivers of firearm choice is safety. In the case of compact handguns, many purchase their first and only firearm. Not everyone who decides to purchase or carry a gun is an enthusiast. The “EZ” nickname perfectly describes these models for the intended customer. It is easy to load, easy to rack, easy to manipulate safely and easy to shoot. ![]() The EZ is arguably the best design for shooters with these concerns. It’s been difficult to find a defensive semiauto that is this easy for people of all ages and strength to manipulate and shoot. ![]() Publicly released in January 2018, the M&P380 Shield EZ has been well received, but most of us have had our fingers crossed for an EZ in 9mm. Among the newest comes from S&W in its EZ series that was first introduced to Guns & Ammo’s staff as a. This class of 9mm compacts continues to evolve from that single-stack with each brand fighting to be recognized as the universal choice for concealed carry. Smith & Wesson (S&W) helped initiate America’s interest in these types of handguns with its 2012 introduction of the M&P Shield. It is a fact that more Americans than ever are carrying handguns for self-defense, and the market has adjusted accordingly. The best sellers have been compact striker-fired semiautos or those with an internal hammer chambered in 9mm. The bright spot for business has been the concealable handgun market. These have been uncertain times for the firearms industry with sales slumping since the 2016 election of President Donald Trump. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |