Smith and Wesson Shield .380 EZ performance center. Will it outperform a Colt Government .380?

Published on May 8, 2022
Duration: 12:16

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .380 EZ Performance Center highlights its ease of use, particularly its "EZ" features like a light slide rack and easy magazine loading. The reviewer compares it favorably to a problematic Colt Government .380, noting the Shield EZ's reliability across various ammunition types, though a minor stovepipe issue was observed late in testing. The Performance Center model offers enhanced sights and trigger.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .380 EZ Performance Center offers an easy-to-rack slide and simple magazine loading, making it accessible for users with reduced hand strength. It demonstrated good reliability with various .380 ACP ammunition types, though a minor stovepipe issue was noted late in testing.

Chapters

  1. 01:05Introduction: Cranky Gun Reviews
  2. 01:22Introducing the S&W M&P Shield .380 EZ Performance Center
  3. 01:35Why the Shield EZ? Replacing the Colt Government .380
  4. 01:43Performance Center Upgrades: Trigger, Sights, Ported Barrel
  5. 01:53Ammunition Variety for Testing
  6. 02:17Initial Firing: Sergeant Major Steel Case
  7. 02:29Ease of Racking Slide & Loaded Chamber Indicator
  8. 04:01First 32 Rounds: Accuracy & Functionality
  9. 04:24Switching to PMC Bronze Ammunition
  10. 05:39Accuracy Verdict: Is the Shield EZ Accurate?
  11. 05:42Reliability Verdict: 64 Rounds Without a Hang-up
  12. 05:59Easy Magazine Loading Demonstration
  13. 06:08Testing Aguila Ammunition
  14. 06:43Designed for Users with Weaker Hands
  15. 07:26Comparison to Colt Government .380 Disappointment
  16. 07:37Addressing the Last Round Stovepipe Concern
  17. 08:28Hot Barrel Test: Rapid Firing
  18. 08:44Ammunition Sequence: WWB, Ammo Inc, Aguila, Steel Case
  19. 09:33First Stovepipe Issue Observed
  20. 10:06Post-Stovepipe Test: More Sergeant Major
  21. 10:52Video Wrap-up and Final Thoughts
  22. 11:01Summary of Stovepipe Issues
  23. 11:11Potential Causes for Stovepipe
  24. 11:36Overall Preference: Shield EZ vs. Colt .380
  25. 11:47Thank You and Support Your Rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .380 EZ Performance Center?

The Performance Center Shield EZ .380 features an enhanced trigger, improved sights, and a ported barrel. It's also designed for ease of use with a light slide rack and easy magazine loading, making it suitable for individuals with less hand strength.

How reliable is the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ .380 with different types of ammunition?

The reviewer found the Shield EZ .380 to be reliable across various ammunition types, including steel case, PMC Bronze, Aguila, Winchester White Box, and Ammo Incorporated. Consistent ejection was noted throughout the testing.

Does the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ .380 have any common reliability issues?

A minor stovepipe issue was observed with the last round in the magazine, occurring sporadically after around 100-120 rounds. This was the only significant reliability concern noted during the extensive testing.

How does the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ .380 compare to the Colt Government .380?

The reviewer prefers the S&W Shield EZ .380, stating it has already provided more enjoyment than their problematic Colt Government .380. The Shield EZ demonstrated superior reliability and ease of operation in this comparison.

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