Why I Hate the S&W EZ!

Published on March 3, 2025
Duration: 13:43

This video critically reviews the Smith & Wesson EZ pistol, focusing on its grip safety design and its impact on reliability and ease of use. The instructor, Kim from Geauga Firearms Academy, argues that the bottom-mounted grip safety is poorly designed, leading to inconsistent firing and issues during reassembly. She emphasizes that proper training on racking a slide is more beneficial than relying on features like the EZ's easy-rack system, especially for individuals with lower grip strength.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson EZ pistol's bottom-mounted grip safety is criticized for being unreliable and difficult to engage consistently, potentially affecting shooting accuracy and causing issues during reassembly. Instructor Kim from Geauga Firearms Academy advises prioritizing proper training over 'easy' features and test-firing before purchasing any firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Hating the S&W EZ
  2. 00:16Understanding the EZ's Concept
  3. 00:26Critique of the Grip Safety Design
  4. 01:40Comparison: EZ vs. 1911/XD Grip Safeties
  5. 02:26Impact of Grip Safety on Shooting Accuracy
  6. 03:23Grip Safety Issues with Gloves
  7. 03:51Magazine Loading and Feeding Issues
  8. 04:06Field Stripping and Reassembly Problems
  9. 05:32Instructor's Affiliation with S&W
  10. 06:33Why Not Carry the EZ
  11. 07:25Advice: Train Before You Buy
  12. 08:11Live Fire Demonstration: EZ Issues
  13. 09:48Comparison: EZ vs. Springfield XD Grip
  14. 11:22EZ Grip Safety Reliability Test
  15. 12:54Conclusion and Final Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms of the Smith & Wesson EZ pistol's grip safety?

The primary criticism is that the EZ's bottom-mounted grip safety is poorly designed and less reliable than top-mounted safeties on other pistols. This can lead to inconsistent firing, issues during reassembly, and can negatively affect shooting accuracy by causing shooters to grip too hard.

Can gloves affect the performance of the S&W EZ's grip safety?

Yes, wearing gloves, even thin ones, can further compromise the reliability of the S&W EZ's grip safety. It can make consistent engagement more difficult, potentially leading to misfires or failures to fire.

What is the instructor's advice for new firearm buyers, especially women?

The instructor strongly advises potential buyers to prioritize training and test-firing handguns before purchasing. They suggest that instead of buying a gun based on recommendations, individuals should take lessons to find a firearm that truly fits them and functions reliably, rather than relying on 'easy' features.

Are there common issues with reassembling the S&W EZ pistol?

Yes, a common issue during reassembly involves the slide making contact with an internal mechanism. To resolve this, the grip safety must be intentionally released (depressed) to allow the mechanism to fall, enabling the slide to be fully retracted and locked for takedown lever installation.

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