Guide Rod Upgrade for the S&W .380 ez

trikerdon · #1 03-18-2018, 11:52 PM

Was just watching a video about the S&W Shield .380 easy. The maker suggested upgrading the recoil spring guide to a stainless steel one. I have done this before with my LC9. But after looking around the web I cannot find one or anyone who sells them.
Anyone here knows where I can get one?

LVSteve · #2 03-19-2018, 12:29 AM

Considering this weapon has been on the market for less than a month, I suspect the aftermarket has yet to catch up. Anyway, you are probably just hearing the author's bias against all non-metallic guide rods.

Dave Lively · #3 03-19-2018, 07:23 AM

Unless the stock guide causes reliability problems or wears excessively replacing it with an aftermarket steel guide is not any upgrade. Did the video maker say why he thought the stock guide was inadequate?

The 380 EZ isn't really aimed at gun enthusiasts. And most aftermarket parts are sold to enthusiasts. It may be a while before aftermarket parts start showing up.

tlay · #4 03-19-2018, 08:52 PM

Just another case of a solution for a problem that is not there! But its a great way to support the industry!

CBStuard · #5 03-20-2018, 03:07 PM

it's funny that the maker comes up w/ that recommendation just because he thinks steel is better. honest, there are some uses where plastic is actually the better material. Beretta went to plastic guide rods many years ago. The first thing many people did was replace them. But I have yet to hear of an actual problem caused by the plastic rod. I replaced the one in my wife's B92 but I did it because I went to a heavy metal which helps reduce muzzle rise.

Florida J Frame · #6 03-20-2018, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Thorton

I'm not so sure about that. The specs. and features of it put's it as a fun range gun as well. Design for those who still enjoy shooting but perhaps are having some health issues or what not but still capable of running a handgun.

I bought a G42 thinking because it was bigger than most .380's out there it would be a good gun at the range. Jamomactic, total garbage. And after that experience I swore off Glocks for good, cause it wasn't the first time with a Glock.

M&P380 Shield EZ Features & Benefits | JulieG.TV - YouTube

This new EZ .380 by S&W has me excited, did you see the mags on it, it loads like a .22 LR with side levers, how cool is that.
What I like as well is it has a natural point of aim. This very well could be the gun that gets me back into semi-automatics.

A gun you can carry and enjoy 150 plus down range. I can still do 150 plus .357 magnums out of my LCR so this .380 would be like peas from a spoon.

The G42 is a great gun. You either had a bad sample that Glock would have fixed or bad ammo. Mine has never jammed or misfed at all. I couldn't even make it jam by intentionally limp wristing it.

bruce1turrie · #7 11-07-2020, 05:22 PM

Assuming we are talking about the same thing, the recoil spring assembly (guide rod and spring) on my 380 shield EZ began protruding from the front of the gun below the muzzle somewhere just over my fortieth round. This rendered the gun unusable. I sent it back to S&W for repair and they replaced the recoil spring assembly. They had the gun for over a month which was longer than I'd had it. If this counts as a guide rod failure then I've had one. We'll see how the replacement does next time I get a chance to go to the range.

LCC · #8 11-07-2020, 06:54 PM

My G42 was a jam-o-matic as well, replacved by an LCP with upgrded rod and spring that has run flawless. A fan of the .380 with today's ammo, look forward to picking up an EZ once buying .380 ammo doesn't require an equity loan.

Oldsalt66 · #9 11-07-2020, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCC

My G42 was a jam-o-matic as well, replacved by an LCP with upgrded rod and spring that has run flawless. A fan of the .380 with today's ammo, look forward to picking up an EZ once buying .380 ammo doesn't require an equity loan.

Due to a wrist injury my wife is currently carrying a .380 EZ and after firing roughly 4,000 rounds through it she likes it a lot.

The problem is that its reliability leaves something to be desired for a carry gun and if the current marketplace hysteria ever comes to an end she’s going to try the 9mm version.