I won a 380 EZ in a raffle and have a question

[Ska8erGirl]

My local general store had a raffle for charity earlier this summer and I was drawn for one of the prizes, a 380 EZ, and quite frankly I've been rather surprised how much I like it. My past experiences with 380's has not made me a fan due to the "snappiness" and regular slide bite from platforms like the PPK. This thing is about as soft as a kitten to say the least. I am rather petite in stature so most full size firearms are rather comical looking in my hands, and the little toy sized pistols never seem to fit right either. This thing seems to fit perfectly giving me a full grip while still being relatively compact, the "Just right" of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears fable. Anyway I've like it so much that I am getting another and am strongly considering getting a 9mm or maybe even the 30 SC.

Anyway my question is about the thumb-safety on these. As best as I can tell the grip safety just operates the firing pin block which obviously limits firing pin movement. But mechanically, what exactly is the thumb safety doing? It kind of looks as if it may be locking the hammer, but it also seems to be disabling the trigger linkage somehow. I have only field stripped it and not removed the chassis to see what everything is doing. I have not found a parts breakdown or anything that shows the mechanical functionality of the thumb safety.

Much appreciated



My $10.00 EZ

 

[03hemi]

My local general store had a raffle for charity earlier this summer and I was drawn for one of the prizes, a 380 EZ, and quite frankly I've been rather surprised how much I like it. My past experiences with 380's has not made me a fan due to the "snappiness" and regular slide bite from platforms like the PPK. This thing is about as soft as a kitten to say the least. I am rather petite in stature so most full size firearms are rather comical looking in my hands, and the little toy sized pistols never seem to fit right either. This thing seems to fit perfectly giving me a full grip while still being relatively compact, the "Just right" of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears fable. Anyway I've like it so much that I am getting another and am strongly considering getting a 9mm or maybe even the 30 SC.

Anyway my question is about the thumb-safety on these. As best as I can tell the grip safety just operates the firing pin block which obviously limits firing pin movement. But mechanically, what exactly is the thumb safety doing? It kind of looks as if it may be locking the hammer, but it also seems to be disabling the trigger linkage somehow. I have only field stripped it and not removed the chassis to see what everything is doing. I have not found a parts breakdown or anything that shows the mechanical functionality of the thumb safety.

Much appreciated



My $10.00 EZ

The thumb safety is a hammer block, just an extra safety.

 

[rwsmith]

I got one for Missus Smiff and both of us really like it. She shoots it darn well, too. I have a regular Shield and a 9mm EZ for myself.

 

[CajunBass]

I'm a big fan of the EZ 380 and have two of them presently, a standard model, and a one from the performance shop. I really can't tell a lot of difference in the two, but the PS model came with night sights, so I had to have it. You're right. They are about as soft shooting as any centerfire pistol I've ever used. I too have called it my "Goldilocks gun."

Welcome to the brotherhood. Others will have to answer the technical questions. I've of the load 'em and shoot 'em school.

 

[Tinyman]

It was Mrs. Tinymans first -- she loved it since she was small as well (4'10" and 110#). The thumb safety is just an additional safety.

 

[Ska8erGirl]

The thumb safety is just an additional safety.

Yes I understand that but I am trying to figure out exactly what it is doing mechanically. As best I can tell it prevents the grip safety from lifting the "trigger bar". I thought it might also physically block the hammer but looking at it more yesterday I do not think it does. I cannot find an IPB for the EZ series so I cannot tell unless I pull the whole thing apart, something I don't want to do

 

[Doug M.]

I am pretty sure that someone somewhere has an exploded view that would give you the answer(s) you seek, but it might be a crummy time phrasing it right in your favorite search engine. I suspect that asking here is as good as it gets, but like anything, some people have concentrated knowledge in areas not relevant to your query.

In the meantime, load it up and shoot the daylights out of to break it in and see what ammo functions well; give you more info about what does/doesn't work for you; get some training and a good holster, and drive on.

 

[Ska8erGirl]

The thumb safety is a hammer block, just an extra safety.

From what I can tell it does not act as a hammer block, at first I thought it might, but the more I looked and tinkered I do not believe it does. I was kind of hoping it did as it would be an extra level of safety for CCW. It seems as if it serves as more of a back-up safety to the grip safety.

When the grip safety is depressed it raises both the firing-pin block and the trigger bar. With the thumb safety activated the trigger bar stays disconnected. This seems as if it would be a benefit when re-holstering, when properly gripping the pistol and depressing the safety if something snags while doing so the gun could fire, but with the thumb safety engaged the trigger will not release the hammer.

I'm still not 100% but the more I look at it the more I believe that is how it works.

 

[Ska8erGirl]

I am pretty sure that someone somewhere has an exploded view that would give you the answer(s) you seek, but it might be a crummy time phrasing it right in your favorite search engine. I suspect that asking here is as good as it gets, but like anything, some people have concentrated knowledge in areas not relevant to your query.

In the meantime, load it up and shoot the daylights out of to break it in and see what ammo functions well; give you more info about what does/doesn't work for you; get some training and a good holster, and drive on.

I have not had any luck finding one but I'm still looking. I've put close to 500 rounds through it and have already ordered a second one. I had a chance to try the 9mm and it was nice enough that I'm going to get either the 9mm or 30SC version. The 9mm is more mainstream obviously but the 30SC intrigues me enough that I may go that way just to be different

 

[Denverd0n]

My wife loves hers.

 

[Mister Coffee]

I've never read anything but praise for the .380 EZ. You lucked out big time. I'm going to get one myself, even though I need a new gun like I need another hole in my head.

Let us know how you like it down the road.