I bought the Shield 9 EZ yesterday to upgrade my Shield 380 EZ to 9mm. At 72, my arthritis is beginning to be an issue. It probably won't be long before I want to have a weapon that's easier to manipulate with arthritic thumbs.

It compares well with my 380 with just a few differences. They are very close to the same size, but the 9 is a good 5 ounces heavier. Mainly because the slide is much beefier.

It is a little harder to rack, but still worlds easier than my Shield.

On clean and lube, I found three issues. Two were corrected.

First Issue: Grip Safety a Little Sticky. Won't engage with a sloppy grip. Lubed internal surfaces. Much better now. No disengagement during range test.

Second Issue: Slide Lock won't release the slide. Two Reviews said the same. Many pistols are like that. I'm kinda stuck with it. I'm used to slingshot anyway.

Third Issue: One magazine will only load 7 rounds. Didn't take apart. No mags are available now. Follower was hung up on the outside of the spring. Re-inserted into center of the spring. Loads all eight now.

I took the Shield 380 along to the range for comparison. The 9 is louder, but doesn't really have a lot more recoil. The don't really handle much differently.

Expended 90 rounds during test. No feed or battery issues of any kind. Nor did I have any signs of the dreaded stovepipe on my Shield 380 EZ.

Noticed shots were 2" low at 7 yards. Tried 10 yards, shots were 3" low. Slightly right at both ranges.
All shots with Shield 380 EZ were on center.
Tried shooting from a rest, pretty much the same, but only 1.5" low at 7 yards.

After I got home, I measured the front sight height on both 380EZ and 9EZ. 380EZ = 0.200", and 9EZ = 0.165".
Tried a sight picture on my white computer screen.
When top of sights were aligned, the front dot was high. When dots were even, front sight top dipped low.
I wasn't able to see this in the dimmer light of the indoor range.

The dot is uncentered on the front sight. Do I really want to send it in for this???
Maybe just re-shape front sight dot? I bet I can do that easily with bright white nail polish and a toothpick.

I guess we have to expect some glitches once in a while. I'm very happy with how the Shield 9 EZ performs. Now, to find some more magazines.

Great review, thanks! That front sight would concern me, but if you can fix it, less hassle than sending back. Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Your slide stop is just that and it was not designed to be a slide release. See in the instructions where it states to pull slide back and release. Many Shield owners think the stop should also be a release, some force release and some file on it until it releases... but the engineered intention is a slide stop.

__________________
S&W factory revolver armorer

OK, were you using a 6 o'clock hold or dead center?

The correct term is "Combat Hold", with the front sight dot covering the target. (Not my first Rodeo)

By my reckoning, had I tilted the muzzle up so the top of the sights were aligned, it would be on target. That would make the front sight dot hover above the rear sight dots.

Unfortunately, the lighting obscured the black sight tops, so my eyes eyes lined up the three dots, causint the muzzle to tilt downward.

Attached Images

Shield 9 EZ Shoot Low Issue.jpg (68.4 KB, 193 views)

I did say I always use the slingshot method.

But, a lot of the folks on this forum prefer using the "Slide Stop" as a "Slide Release". (Not my first Rodeo)

I made mention of it because it is of interest to a lot of the readers.

That's interesting as I find the same thing on my Shield 1.0. As you mentioned if the three dots are perfectly in line it shoots a little low. I need the front sight dot slightly above the rear dots to be on target at 10 yds.

The term "combat sight picture" is a made up internet term. The sights are not designed to be used by lining up the dots. The dots only serve to help find the sights. The tops of the sights should be used for precision shots. S&W will not make any changes to your sight dot if you send it in. They might replace the sight, but the new one will have the same problem.

Your assessment here is correct. Align the tops of the sights and you'll likely be on target.


It sounds like you've got a good gun here. The grip safety should work with a regular grip. It shouldn't take any extra force to make it work. I bet it'll get better with a little time. Same for the slide stop. You should be able to release the slide with it, but it may take a little time to break in.

Thanks for the review.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

Nice review. I got mine a few days ago and started breaking it in after I cleaned and lubed it. My range is my backyard. I have zero complaints. I shoot dead on and was hitting what I aimed at. Went through a couple boxes of ammo (100 rounds). I like to shoot 25-50 rounds, then break a new weapon down and check for any possible issues. Reassemble and back to shooting. I'm very happy with it and had zero issues shooting.

Only thing I noticed, you have to make sure that the recoil spring end has the flat sides out when you put/clip it back on the barrel. And don't have any pressure on the grip safety when re-installing the slide. (That's just a side note for all those people, when all else fails read the manual)

I'm old school too. You got me by 3 years.

__________________
THIS WE'LL DEFEND ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

With this much info, it was easy to miss.

Before going to the range, I tore it down again and lubed all the Grip Safety surfaces. It worked perfectly throughout the range session.

I have some five year old pistols that the Slide Stop doesn't work as a Slide Release. No problem.

I have never ever used those dots as a sight picture when shooting any gun. I ignore them. Maybe I could give them a try.

Do you mean you point and-shoot?

I took it to mean sight focus -- Focus on the exact tip of the front sight. If that's above the dot, so be it. The bullet goes where the tip of the sight is pointed.

Just picked up a 9mm ez Friday. Took it to the range today.
When I get a new gun I always take it down along with the magazines and clean/lube and check for any noticeable issues along with function testing.
The indoor range had horrible lighting at the shooting station. Difficult getting a good sight picture but here goes the results:

The EZ feels really good in the hand. Good balance. Natural pointing.
Grip as mentioned in other post, is a little less aggressive than the M&P 2.0. It doesn’t
tear up your hand while shooting and provides an excellent grip. I carry AIWB in a holster with sweat guard.
Of all the many 9mm defense Pistols I’ve owned and shot over 50 years, this was
the most pleasant I have ever shot. Recoil is very manageable.
As advertised, you can rack the slide with 2 fingers (I sold my 9mm Shield 1.0 because of arthritis & hand strength issues) and the magazines are the easiest of ANY gun I’ve ever shot including 22 calibers.

As mentioned in the above post, if you align the dot on the front sight with
the 2 on the rear, your groups will shoot low. I tried this and the group was
low (group not in pictures). I NEVER use that sight picture. I always bring the top of my front sight
to the top of my Rear sight which is the proper way. IMHO

For the pictures below I again mention that the back lighting for a good sight picture was absent (But I got 1 hour free range time with the purchase). I did Not use a sand bag, but just rested my hand on the shooting stations shelf. I also want to mention that in the approximate 50 rounds shot, there were NO issues ( Failure to feed or stovepipes ).The gun ran flawlessly.
I shot 4 types of ammo as listed on the targets. Interestingly the NON Plus P shot low.

Speer Gold Dot both +P and non +P 124gr Jhp
Federal HST non +P 124gr Jhp
Winchester white box black letters (NATO) 124gr fmj

Hope you find this review helpful.
—————————————————-UPDATE ———————————————
My son is the training/range instructor for his Police Department. In speaking with him, I shared the results you see below. He suggested that the Box of SGD ammo could Be defective
and suggested trying another box from a different lot number. I then remembered that the ammo
I used was 15 to 20 years old. I will get a new box online after Christmas and see what happens.
Point being that the SGD 124gr non +P may group up with the other ammo shot if a different box
or a newer box is used.


Be SAFE and Shoot often!

Attached Images

	27DABCF1-B375-4DB1-AAA9-65299C019910.jpg (51.1 KB, 146 views)
	02A5EAFD-12D5-4171-A33A-2927B1668CCF.jpg (45.9 KB, 140 views)
	E47EFE64-9670-446F-BCBD-5A3C6B56261D.jpg (51.1 KB, 146 views)
	4D67838F-2159-42C8-8157-ED247A2EDC8B.jpg (51.4 KB, 151 views)
	4F0D5EF2-C952-4947-A432-09AC9A06587F.jpg (57.5 KB, 133 views)

Surprised that the standard pressure Gold Dot shot so low.

__________________
Release the Kraken

You are right. When I learned in the late fifties there were no dots. Just black sights. And my 11 year old eyes could track them, even in near dark.

Fast forward 60 years. Now I know why white dots were invented, especially against a black or dark background.

This is the first gun I’ve ever owned or shot where the dots don’t
Line up straight across for the proper sight picture!
I painted the front sight bright yellow from and including the dot to the
top of the front blade. This allows me to see Where the top of the sight is!
I am considering painting the rear sight flat black(painting over the white dots) This should allow a sight picture like most of the revolvers I have owned over the years.
I will put night sights on the gun when they become available.
Sorry the pictures are blurred. You can see however that not all of the front sight is painted, however
the yellow segment completely fills the rear sight and makes the top of the front and back sight
even with each other for the proper sight picture. My cell phone won’t focus as I would like it to, but
you should get the picture ( no pun extended ).

————————————-UPDATE ——————————
Painted the 2 dots on the rear sight with a drop of flat black paint. Until night sights are available this
Will do. These old eyes go straight for the yellow front sight now.


Be SAFE and Shoot Often!

Attached Images

	BD4E19BD-059D-48C7-BB32-35E13448CEC0.jpg (55.2 KB, 199 views)
	745D255E-BA93-48A3-940D-4FE9F6D9DBB5.jpg (23.5 KB, 197 views)
	F4C41F19-3647-4000-B5B9-79F8BC05A59E.jpg (52.0 KB, 131 views)
	E9197F05-681D-405C-A8A6-377AA6F56760.jpg (54.5 KB, 130 views)
	F6806D5B-72A1-4E64-813A-7D71CD6CDA3B.jpg (30.0 KB, 160 views)

Now you all have got me interested in the EZ9...

__________________
NRA Benefactor

Good info from all who posted. I received mine yesterday and already don't like it. This is the very first firearm I ever owned that I didn't like. I purchased it (on line) without first handling it. Mistake! I have a .380EZ which I love and thought the 9EZ would be a nice upgrade. Seems to me that the trigger contour between the two is somewhat different. On the 9EZ on trigger reset, my trigger finger is pinched between the top of the trigger and the underside of the frame. I have never had to alter my trigger finger placement on any of my firearms and I own over 130 and have been shooting and teaching shooting for umpteen years. If I could have the same trigger contour of the 380 on my 9mm, I would be very satisfied. A call to S&W after the holidays will be placed. Here's hoping they can help.

Thank you for taking the time to share these solid reviews.

__________________
Now go make God proud...

I emailed S&W about the proper use of the 3 dot sights. I asked them specifically if the top of the front sight post should be aligned with the top of the rear sights or should the center of the 3 dots should be aligned. Then sent me a generic response with a picture of a "proper sight picture". They emphasized front sight focus. The picture does not have 3 dot sights and the top of the sights aren't in perfect alignment. Interestingly, there is a dot on the front sight post, but it is not in the center of the post.

In other words.... they didn't answer my question.

I'll take a try.

In the beginning, there were no dots.
Line the sight tops up, center the front post, bullet strikes right on top of the center post.

The dots came out intended as an aid. They were easier to see.
By that time, it got popular fot the bullet to strike where the center dot covered.
We accepted that the dots were all centered along a vertical center line.
Lining up sight tops, or dots, was expected to give the same result.

Then manufactures got "sloppy" about where they put the dots.
Using them became a **** shoot.

I used them on my first trip because the light was dim, and the target background was black. I lost the "**** toss".

When I got home, I sighted on a white wall (after checking for empty) in good light. Under those conditions, I immediately saw the problem. My front sight dot was off. Now I know a lot of Shield 9 EZ front sight dots are off. Maybe S&W doesn't want to re-run the whole batch and replace them all?

NOTE: Sorry about the ****, my reference was to the casino game.

The correct answer is to line up the tops of the front and rear sights with equal light on either side of the front post in the rear notch.

The problem with the dots is that very few of the manufacturers drill the dot with any kind of precision. They exist to help sight acquisition, that's all. The so called "combat sight picture" is internet myth.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

the reset on the EZ is way too long for my taste

On both of my EZ pistols, when the 3 dots are lined up, the tops of the sights are NOT even.

Tell me. Why the hell can’t they make the gun shoot and hit where and when all three dots line up?

They put huge big dots, sometimes illuminated especially in the dark with tritium. And NOW after all these years it is the first time EVER that I am told don’t use the dots!

In the dark with tritium sites how the hell are you supposed to see the top edges of the sites? But the three big illuminated ball of light is the only thing you can see.

Dumbest thing I have Ever heard.

I suppose next will be you shouldn’t aim with a rifle scope where the cross hairs meet.

Agree 100%. Its instinctive to line up the dots, otherwise they wouldn’t be there in the first place. Take the peep sight on a rifle, one instinctively centers the front post in circle created by the peep. Very accurately I might add.

If its a hindrance and not accurately drilled from the mfg’r, why not remove the paint or paint the entire front post. One has to realize these are SD weapons intended for close range use not precision shot placement. 10 yds and in hitting 2 inches low is not going to matter in a SD situation.

I looked at the 3 dot sights on my H&K VP9 and the tops of the sights are in perfect alignment when the 3 dots are aligned. *** S&W?

No, they don't. In fact, they can't because Glock sights don't have three dots. Look:


H&K is different. When they make their sights, they use precision. They also put a larger dot on the front so that it will appear the same size as the rear when obtaining the sight picture.

This is just one reason why an H&K is so much more expensive. If you want precision, you must pay for it. While the M&P is a great gun, it is also a cheap gun.

__________________
Freedom isn't free.

I am getting the impression that the mags for the 2 Shield 9mms are different. Is that correct?

__________________
NHI, 10-8.

Yes they are different

To the OP: As we get older our grip strength diminishes. Medical conditions such as gout and arthritis make it worse. There is a simple and inexpensive fix that really helps. Latex Coated work gloves increase gripping power remarkably. I had problem racking my Shield and reassembly was impossible. With glove on, it is easy to rack that slide back hard right to the frame and accomplish assembly after cleaning with great ease. These glove are available at Walmart for $3 and other stores for slightly more.

Neat idea for the range, but it requires one to have the glove on when s/he needs it. Whatever works for you - I've been training weak-ish women to use the technique in this article for thirty years, for the reasons given:
American Rifleman | The Aging Defender

__________________
Now go make God proud...

This sure got away from a range report. I bought one yesterday and took it to the range a few minutes ago with 3 other 9mm's. I fired about 200 thru the EZ without any problems and it was fairly accurate for me. I took a Shield, the EZ , a PPS, and a p365. I shoot both S&W's better than the others. Next time I will take the EZ along with a couple H&K's and compare them. So far I am p;eased with the new pistol.

First range trip for me and my wife today withe the EZ. Cliff notes back story.. Sorry.. I've been lightly shooting on and off (off at one point for 3-4 years). Anyway I decided to get my CPL a couple of weeks ago and my wife started showing tentative interest to go to the range with me. Long story short she really had a great time shooting my Smith & Wesson victory and was kept wanting to go back to the range, so I created a monster! She had a hard time racking my Taurus PT111 so it was my excuse to buy the new 9mm EZ. She and I put around 30 rounds each through it today. Once she is barely racked out so I thought for sure it wouldn't fire, but Yep! Sure did! Recoil very manageable (feels slightly softer than my Taurus, my only other frame of reference in 9mm) , both are close to the same weight. We'll have to fight over it next weekend and put more through it! No FTF (unlike my PT111) and I like the trigger much better. Side note my PT111 ran flawlessly TODAY after polishing the ramp (about 30 rounds), and being more generous with lube than I have in the past. But I like hers better, especially the trigger. Safety seems a little clunky and stiff, and I really with the slide would release. IMO it partially defeats the purpose of the easier springs.

The best part is she's gaining confidence, learning the gun, and having fun.

Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk

Thanks for a solid report with good specific details, KayakPlinker - we can use more like that. Glad to hear it's working for you, and I appreciate your having taken the time. (You should post more often, amigo! )

__________________
Now go make God proud...

Another range report. Really enjoying the gun. Wife is getting all shots on the target, and consistently low-left after 3 short trips to the range. I'm no expert but I really think it's grip. Once I found a consistent grip (other gun) I started getting tighter groups. This one took me very little time to get fair groups around center, so it's not the sites, lol. She just needs range time. Well, me too. She's getting 3-4 inch groups with the Victory now. I even made a rough smiley face! Still waiting for my CPL in the mail, sheesh.

Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk

Third Issue: One magazine will only load 7 rounds. Didn't take apart. No mags are available now. Follower was hung up on the outside of the spring. Re-inserted into center of the spring. Loads all eight now.


I guess we have to expect some glitches once in a while. I'm very happy with how the Shield 9 EZ performs. Now, to find some more magazines. [/QUOTE]



Mags are available on Ebay.

I just got some from GunMagWarehouse.com yesterday.