Ruger Security 380 vs Smith and Wesson Shield EZ 380 performance center Which is better? Opinions…

Published on July 1, 2023
Duration: 7:54

This review compares the Ruger Security-380 and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380 Performance Center, focusing on their performance as .380 ACP carry pistols. The reviewer, with significant experience shooting various .380s, finds the Ruger Security-380 to be a better value due to its lower price, higher capacity (10+1 vs 8+1), and a grip that feels more comfortable for their hand. While both firearms shoot well with quick follow-up shots, the reviewer leans towards the Ruger for its overall feel and cost-effectiveness, despite acknowledging the S&W's ported barrel and flat-faced trigger.

Quick Summary

The Ruger Security-380 is generally a better value for concealed carry compared to the S&W M&P Shield EZ 380 Performance Center. It offers a higher 10+1 capacity, a more comfortable grip for some shooters, and a significantly lower price point around $350 versus over $500 for the S&W.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Impressions
  2. 00:16Light Recoil & Quick Follow-up Shots
  3. 00:31Comparing Grip Feel & Beavertail
  4. 00:53Capacity Differences
  5. 01:09Price Comparison
  6. 01:22Shooting Performance
  7. 01:12Ammunition Hiccup with S&W
  8. 01:27Preference for Security-380
  9. 01:33Side-by-Side Visual Comparison
  10. 01:54Slide Cuts, Serrations, and Sights
  11. 02:08Barrel Differences: Ported vs. Bell-Mouthed
  12. 02:18Fiber Optic Sights
  13. 02:25Trigger and Frame Differences
  14. 02:35Hammer-Fired vs. Striker-Fired
  15. 02:53Grip Thickness and Shape Comparison
  16. 03:12Trigger Feel: Flat vs. Standard
  17. 03:23Which Would I Buy?
  18. 03:30Ruger Security-380 Value Proposition
  19. 03:49Sight Preference: Front vs. Front & Rear
  20. 03:57Takedown and Overall Feel
  21. 04:06Comparison to Beretta 85
  22. 04:27Recommendation for .380 Carry
  23. 04:37More Shooting and Final Thoughts
  24. 04:57Hands Getting Tired
  25. 05:04Equal Shooting Performance
  26. 05:14Great Mid-Size Platform Choices
  27. 05:20Security-380 as Better Value
  28. 05:30Regular Shield vs. Performance Center
  29. 05:35Magazine Count and Grip Feel
  30. 05:45Hand Fit for Short Fingers
  31. 05:57Ruger Security-380 Recap
  32. 06:1410-Round Double-Stack 380 ACP
  33. 06:23Sight Quality and Overall Satisfaction
  34. 06:34200 Rounds with No Issues
  35. 06:45Ammunition Variety Tested
  36. 06:54Final Recommendation
  37. 07:00Cranky Gun Reviews Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Ruger Security-380 and the S&W M&P Shield EZ 380 Performance Center?

The Ruger Security-380 is hammer-fired with a 10+1 capacity and generally costs around $350. The S&W Shield EZ 380 PC is striker-fired with an 8+1 capacity, a ported barrel, and a higher price point over $500. Ergonomics and trigger feel also differ, with the reviewer preferring the Ruger's grip.

Which .380 ACP pistol offers better value for concealed carry?

Based on price, capacity, and comfortable ergonomics for the reviewer's hand, the Ruger Security-380 is considered a better value than the S&W M&P Shield EZ 380 Performance Center. It provides a solid shooting experience at a significantly lower cost.

How do the triggers compare on the Ruger Security-380 and S&W Shield EZ 380 Performance Center?

The S&W Shield EZ 380 Performance Center features a flat-faced trigger with lightening cuts, described as light and crisp. However, the reviewer personally prefers the trigger feel of the Ruger Security-380, finding it more appealing despite the S&W's advanced trigger design.

What are the capacity differences between these two .380 pistols?

The Ruger Security-380 comes standard with a 10+1 round capacity, offering more rounds per magazine. The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380 Performance Center has a lower capacity of 8+1 rounds.

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