Smith & Wesson Equalizer Shooting Impressions

Published on November 16, 2022
Duration: 24:06

This review of the Smith & Wesson Equalizer highlights its potential as a general-purpose micro-compact pistol, suitable for both concealed carry and training. While it features a crisp hammer-fired trigger and a slim profile for easy concealment, the lack of a traditional slide release and the stiff grip safety require a learning curve. The pistol demonstrated reliability across various ammunition types, though accuracy was noted as a potential area for shooter improvement.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a hammer-fired micro-compact pistol known for its crisp trigger. It features a slide lock only, requiring a slingshot method for chambering rounds. Its magazines are reportedly interchangeable with S&W Shield Plus models, and the grip safety requires a firm grip, making it potentially suitable for appendix carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: Smith & Wesson Equalizer
  2. 00:14Initial Shooting Impressions & Target Setup
  3. 00:54Ammunition: American Sniper 124 Grain NATO
  4. 01:20Magazine Handling & Grip Safety
  5. 01:47Trigger Feel & Ejection Pattern
  6. 02:19Comfort & Initial Assessment
  7. 02:32Upcoming Tests: Full Mag, Ammo Variety, Accuracy
  8. 03:32Full Magazine Plus One Test
  9. 04:04Magazine Loading Difficulty
  10. 04:29Mag Dump Test
  11. 05:17What's For Dinner? Ammo Test Introduction
  12. 05:57Ammo Test: Inceptor ARX 65 Grain
  13. 06:32Ammo Test: Centerfire 100 Grain Lead-Free
  14. 07:07Ammo Test: Kunig 110 Grain JHP
  15. 08:06Ammo Test: Sig Elite 115 Grain FMJ
  16. 08:50Ammo Test: Blazer 115 Grain Aluminum Case
  17. 09:46Ammo Test: Brown Bear 115 Grain Steel Case
  18. 10:25Ammo Test: Federal Punch 124 Grain
  19. 11:00Ammo Test: Critical Duty 135 Grain FlexLock
  20. 11:43Ammo Test: Remington HTP 147 Grain JHP
  21. 12:18Ammo Test: Ammo Inc Stealth 165 Grain TMC
  22. 12:59Spinner Target Test: Sights & Trigger Control
  23. 13:16Spinner Test: American Sniper Ammo
  24. 14:47Spinner Test: More American Sniper Ammo
  25. 15:42Practical Accuracy Test Setup
  26. 15:51Practical Accuracy: First Load
  27. 16:06Practical Accuracy: Ammo Inc Stealth
  28. 16:44Practical Accuracy: Ammo Inc Stealth (Cont.)
  29. 17:26Concluding Thoughts: Ergonomics & Operation
  30. 18:13Sights & Accuracy Discussion
  31. 19:05Trigger & Overall Impression
  32. 19:47Final Grouping Analysis
  33. 20:02Reliability & Quality Assessment
  34. 20:36Pricing & Value
  35. 20:49Concealment & Hand Size Considerations
  36. 21:04Recommendation Level
  37. 21:13Target Shooter Experience Level
  38. 21:29Grip Safety & New Shooters
  39. 22:49Grip Safety as Appendix Carry Feature
  40. 23:16Unique Offering & Breech Block Insert
  41. 23:38Finding Its Niche & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson Equalizer's trigger unique?

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a hammer-fired pistol, which contributes to a crisper trigger pull compared to many striker-fired micro-compacts. While dry firing might reveal over-analysis, live fire minimizes this, resulting in a controllable and learnable trigger experience.

Are the magazines for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer interchangeable with other models?

Yes, the magazines for the Smith & Wesson Equalizer are reportedly interchangeable with Smith & Wesson Shield Plus magazines. This means a 15-round magazine for the Equalizer could potentially be used with a Shield Plus, and vice versa, offering flexibility for owners of either firearm.

Does the Smith & Wesson Equalizer have a slide release?

No, the Smith & Wesson Equalizer does not feature a traditional slide release lever. To chamber a round after a magazine change, the shooter must use the 'slingshot' method, pulling the slide back and releasing it. The slide lock is present for holding the slide open.

How does the grip safety on the Smith & Wesson Equalizer function?

The grip safety on the Equalizer requires a firm and consistent grip to disengage. This feature can be beneficial for appendix carry by preventing accidental discharge if something bumps the pistol. However, it may require shooters to adjust their grip to ensure it's properly engaged during firing.

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