S&W 9mm Equalizer Pistol Review

Published on November 14, 2024
Duration: 45:22

This review covers the Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm pistol, highlighting its hammer-fired action, ambidextrous manual safety, and grip safety. The presenter emphasizes its suitability for experienced shooters, not beginners, and discusses its ergonomics, magazine capacities (10, 13, and 15 rounds), and shooting performance with different ammunition types. The video also includes a detailed breakdown of the pistol's disassembly and reassembly process.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a 9mm hammer-fired pistol featuring an internal hammer, ambidextrous manual safety, and a grip safety. It offers an 'Easy to Rack' design for easier slide manipulation and is available with 10, 13, and 15-round magazines. The pistol's ergonomics provide a natural point of aim, and its trigger is praised for its clean break.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction and Cold Weather Conditions
  2. 00:18Introducing the Smith & Wesson Equalizer
  3. 00:49Barrel Length and Safety Options
  4. 01:14Slide Release and Internal Hammer Design
  5. 01:42Easy Rack Serrations and Design
  6. 02:22Stainless Steel Slide and Polymer Frame
  7. 02:36Three-Dot Sights and One-Handed Operation
  8. 03:01Removable Plate for Optics
  9. 03:20Grip Safety and 1911 Comparison
  10. 04:00Debunking the 'Beginner Gun' Myth
  11. 05:03Function of the Grip Safety
  12. 05:40The Manual Safety: An Intelligent Option
  13. 06:27Safety in Law Enforcement Scenarios
  14. 08:08Safety as a Primary Recommendation
  15. 08:27Caliber and Deadly Weapon Status
  16. 08:35Weather Impact on Shooting Session
  17. 08:59Included Magazines: 15, 13, and 10 Rounds
  18. 10:44Uplula Magazine Loader Demonstration
  19. 10:53Ammunition: Scorpion and PMC Bronze
  20. 12:40Range Preparation: Hearing and Eye Protection
  21. 13:02New Hampshire Hunting Seasons Context
  22. 13:22Shooting Distance: 25 Yards
  23. 14:39Initial Shooting Impressions Over Rest
  24. 15:15Scorpion Ammo Performance: Leftward Print and Group Size
  25. 15:43Suspected Ammunition Issue
  26. 15:53Testing Commercial Ammunition
  27. 16:18Reaching 200,000 Subscribers
  28. 17:00Testing PMC Bronze Ammunition
  29. 17:40Scorpion Ammo Recoil Characteristics
  30. 18:21Rear Sight Adjustability (Windage)
  31. 18:37Trigger Quality Assessment
  32. 19:08Target Results: PMC Bronze vs. Scorpion
  33. 19:37PMC Bronze Performance Satisfaction
  34. 19:46Potential for Handload Accuracy
  35. 20:29Post-Range Session: Warming Up and Shooting Steel
  36. 20:52Effortless Steel Plate Shooting at 50 Yards
  37. 21:02Natural Point of Aim and Grip Feel
  38. 21:28Trigger Reach and Single Action Pull
  39. 21:46Personal Anecdote: Bride, Dinner, and Dog
  40. 22:55Detailed Gun Inspection Begins
  41. 23:02Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm Technical Details
  42. 23:39Package Contents: Three Magazines
  43. 24:01Magazine Release Button Design
  44. 24:19Reversible Magazine Release
  45. 24:31Ambidextrous Safety Features
  46. 24:56Safety Features: Not for Beginners
  47. 25:39Safety in Scuffles and Defense Scenarios
  48. 26:45Magazine Capacities: 15, 10, and 13 Rounds
  49. 27:24Trigger Guard Undercut Feature
  50. 27:52Ergonomics and Natural Point of Aim
  51. 28:05Tactile and Aggressive Grip Surface
  52. 28:38Not a Striker-Fired Pistol: Concealed Hammer
  53. 29:58Hammer-Fired Mechanism Explained
  54. 30:04Weight Comparison: Magazines and Pistol
  55. 30:36Pistol Classification: Compact
  56. 30:54Aggressive Cocking Surface and Easy Spring
  57. 31:29High Brow Rear Sight and Snag Points
  58. 32:02Disassembly Process Initiation
  59. 32:14Safety's Non-Interference with Cycling
  60. 32:31Slide Lock Lever Engagement Technique
  61. 33:07Grip Safety and Transfer Bar
  62. 33:29Slide Removal
  63. 33:33Recoil Spring and Guide Rod Assembly
  64. 33:49Barrel Removal
  65. 34:02Firing Pin Block Mechanism
  66. 34:56Hammer and Sear Engagement
  67. 35:33Trigger Bow and Sear Connection
  68. 36:04Safety and Grip Safety Interaction
  69. 36:19Hammer Cocking Surface and Sear
  70. 36:32Internal Mechanism Alignment
  71. 37:00Reassembly and Lubrication
  72. 37:09Lubrication Philosophy: Shooting vs. Carrying
  73. 38:31Oiling Points: Slide Rails and Sear Area
  74. 38:49Lubricant Choice: Lubriplate
  75. 39:37Barrel Lubrication Points
  76. 40:04Barrel Insertion and Spring Rod Alignment
  77. 40:47Troubleshooting Reassembly Issues
  78. 41:07Final Slide Assembly
  79. 41:49Overall Impression: A Keeper
  80. 41:56New Car Gun and Holster Fit
  81. 42:18Ergonomics and Grip Feel
  82. 42:24Narrow Grip for Concealment
  83. 42:51Slide Fit and Holster Compatibility
  84. 43:02Perfect Fit and Aggressive Grip Surface
  85. 43:30Natural Sight Alignment and Pointing Gun
  86. 43:45Grip Safety, Manual Safety, and Optic Mount
  87. 44:05Picatinny Rail Underneath
  88. 44:17Conclusion and Thanks to Patrons
  89. 44:38Milestone: 200,000 Subscribers
  90. 44:44Monetization and YouTube Button Reminder
  91. 45:14Final Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Smith & Wesson Equalizer and a typical striker-fired pistol?

The S&W Equalizer is a hammer-fired pistol, meaning it has an internal hammer that strikes the firing pin. This contrasts with striker-fired pistols, where the striker itself is the primary firing mechanism. This design difference can affect trigger feel and characteristics, with hammer-fired systems often offering a more distinct hammer-fall action.

Does the Smith & Wesson Equalizer have a manual safety, and is it considered a beginner feature?

Yes, the Equalizer is available with an ambidextrous manual safety. The presenter strongly argues against classifying safeties as beginner-only features, highlighting their historical role in preventing accidental discharge and unauthorized use, especially in dynamic situations.

What are the magazine capacities available for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer?

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer comes with three magazine options: a 15-round, a 13-round, and a 10-round magazine. The 13-round magazine is suggested as a good all-around choice for carry and general use.

How does the grip safety on the S&W Equalizer function?

The grip safety on the Equalizer must be depressed by the shooter's hand for the trigger to function. This acts as a passive safety, preventing the firearm from discharging if it's dropped or snagged on clothing without a proper grip.

What was the performance difference between Scorpion and PMC Bronze ammunition in the S&W Equalizer review?

During testing at 25 yards, the Scorpion 115-grain ammunition produced a large, unsatisfactory group. In contrast, the PMC Bronze 115-grain ammunition performed significantly better, yielding much tighter groups, indicating a clear preference for PMC Bronze in this firearm.

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