I believe the gun will sell well based on my experience. We have had ALLOT of women ( more than 1/2 of them elderly/limited physical capacity) come into the shop in the last year or so looking for their first carry/ home defense gun. Many have strength issues that prevent them from working the slide on many of the small 9mms with light slides and STIFF springs. Yet,many of them seem to be against a revolver ( often because revolvers don't have safety's.)
I can see the market S&W was aiming for here. It's not you, me or any other experienced shooter who likely frequent a gun forum. It's newbie's with recoil sensitivities and /or strength issues who still want a semi auto handgun. I think this one will be a good fit for them.

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Dave