Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield EZ Review
As a concealed carry enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 10-Round Super Carry Magazine. With its reputation for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use, I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality
The M&P Shield EZ is designed to be a compact and lightweight self-defense handgun, perfect for everyday carry. It boasts a slim profile and a grip width of just 1.1 inches, making it easy to hide and forget about. The polymer frame is textured and contoured for a secure grip, and the magazine well is beveled for smooth magazine loading and unloading. The overall build quality is impressive, with a solid feel and excellent attention to detail.
Performance
I put the Shield EZ through its paces, firing a mix of factory-issue JHP and full-metal-jacketed ammunition. The results were impressive: the pistol cycled perfectly, never failing to feed or extract a single round. The trigger pull was smooth and consistent, with a crisp break at 5.5 pounds. Accuracy was also impressive, with the Shield EZ grouping tightly at 15 yards.
Reliability
The M&P Shield EZ is designed to be a workhorse, and it delivers. Whether shooting from a rest or off-hand, the pistol consistently functioned without a hitch. I experienced no hiccups, no misfires, and no failures to extract. This is a testament to the engineering and quality control at Smith & Wesson.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Shield EZ is its ease of use. The ambidextrous slide release makes it simple to cycle the action, and the flashlight-ready mounting point is a nice touch for those who prefer to add a light. The manual safety is easy to engage and disengage, and the magazine release is a delight to use.
Magazine Capacity and Space-Saving Design
The 10-round magazine is a great feature, allowing for a high capacity without sacrificing too much concealability. The magazine is also designed to be easily accessible, with a simple and intuitive release mechanism. This makes it easy to load and unload the magazine, even with gloves on.
Con and Pros
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ:
- Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design
- Ambidextrous slide release for ease of use
- High-capacity magazine
- Well-designed manual safety and magazine release
- Excellent accuracy and reliability
- Cons:
- Limited magazine capacity options available (only 7-round and 10-round options)
- Some users may find the trigger pull too light or too heavy
- Magazine release can be prone to accidental trigger-ing (depending on gunfit)
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is an excellent choice for those in the market for a reliable and concealable self-defense pistol. Its slim profile, high-capacity magazine, and ease of use make it an excellent option for everyday carry. While there are some minor drawbacks, the M&P Shield EZ is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate pistol.
Final Verdict
I highly recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ to anyone in the market for a high-quality, easy-to-use self-defense pistol. With its impressive accuracy, reliability, and ease of use, the Shield EZ is sure to please even the most discerning shooter.
