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06-03-2020, 02:47 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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My 9mm EZ review
Hi all, gonna do my quick review of the Shield 9mm EZ without a thumb safety. I am retired LE, been shooting for about 177 years. I am NOT an expert nor a sniper, not an armorer nor a novice.
Overall the weapon feels good, fits the hand well. It is slightly larger that the original or 2.0. This weapon is, as expected, super easy to use. Racking the slide is just ridiculously smooth, mag loading is fine (I don’t use the side springs but I can See where they would really help some one with weak or arthritic hands) dissembling is a breeze (quick note: the guide spring is not round on the barrel, it is actually oblong and has to be perfectly vertical for re-assembly). Grip is comfortable, grip safety is smooth and non-intrusive. I put Tru-glo pro’s on it, no other modifications. 5 mags off e-bay. Cleaning is quick and painless, from the factory it was actually not a greasy mess. Good luck finding a holster right now, they are very few out these.
Now for shooting. 8+1 makes this a very light, comfortable to aim and fire weapon. The loaded chamber indicator is very pronounced, I mean you know it’s there, not a little dot or barely raised spot on the barrel. Now, this weapon is an internal hammer fire, not a striker fire. This makes it feel much crisper, smoother and causes significantly less tension on the guide spring (which is why it’s so easy to rack). Trigger pull is excellent, very little take-up.
My first and only issue, this weapon will shoot VERY low until you adjust to it. I’ve never fired a handgun that shoots this low. I know it’s operator error, I’ve just never experienced it like this. For me, the combination of extreme light weight and I guess being the 1st weapon I’ve had with a grip safety must have been messing me up. I also found for some reason I was bringing my head down to the sights, not bringing the sights UP to my eyes. After 200 rounds I’ve dialed it in to a very tight group.
All in all I’m very happy with the gun. I don’t know that I would buy it again, the 2.0 is a fine weapon for much less. That being said, if you need any of the features of the EZ, it is worth every single penny.
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06-03-2020, 03:05 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2016
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Nice review!
Vedder holster makes a great kydex holster for the 9mm EZ.
I carry mine AIWB.
Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
Last edited by Execpro; 06-03-2020 at 03:08 PM.
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06-03-2020, 03:16 PM
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Location: Back in WI
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Good details in the review. I went from a PC 1.0 Shield 9 to an EZ9 this year. The easier to handle slide needed for my arthritic thumb issue and those mags are also easier to load than my old ones even when using a loader.
I have only been able to take mine to the range once, as closures have been in effect here until very recently. Between 6-8 yards (all I usually shoot this type at) i found my groups a best of 2.5” and a worse of 3-4”. At least they were consistent in horizontal and vertical and weren’t too low. So I was happy with it overall knowing the variation is all me. Still getting used to shooting with a thumb/wrist brace, at least thats the excuse i am using lol.
The EZ in 9mm is a nice shooter and easy to handle and one I am happy to have in my little collection.
To add: i have a holster from Crossbreed on order, they had several options. Alien Gear also has some as well as what was already posted. I think as time goes on and factories get caught up on orders and back to full staffing there will be more options created for it.
Last edited by Ranger17; 06-03-2020 at 03:19 PM.
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06-03-2020, 03:20 PM
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Sounds like a down to earth review. I have been pondering on what to get the wife. Thanks.
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06-03-2020, 03:29 PM
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Only showing these as examples of what I felt were decent groups. Variables being my avg skill with grandpa eyes lol, shooting 2 hand no rest and getting used to a new gun. I feel in the hands of someone with real experience and skills it can do very well.
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06-03-2020, 03:29 PM
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I got a 380EZ for my wife, but am now pondering if moving up to the 9EZ wouldn't be a better idea if it's not too different in racking effort and recoil management (big issues for my wife).
Moving to 9mm would also help consolidate my ammunition as well.
Anyone have any thoughts?
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06-03-2020, 03:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon651
I got a 380EZ for my wife, but am now pondering if moving up to the 9EZ wouldn't be a better idea if it's not too different in racking effort and recoil management (big issues for my wife).
Moving to 9mm would also help consolidate my ammunition as well.
Anyone have any thoughts?
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I never handled the 380 version, i wanted to stick with the 9 if able. Partly due to ammo as well. I did see this vid when I was researching, if it is helpful at all for your decisions.
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06-03-2020, 04:18 PM
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Iowa
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9mmEZ
I "inherited" my 9mm EZ from a friend who absolutely hated it. He is an experienced shooter who has some poor habits that are NOT going to change. We discussed his disappointment with the gun and he gave it one more try-out.
Early one afternoon back in January,2020 my doorbell rang and there he was. He tried to trade the 9mmEZ at his favorite dealer and the guy didn't want it. We talked a bit and I asked what he wanted for it and now I own it with a nice discount.
I've only had one range session but it shoots fine. Do not try to line up the three dots in a straight row or it will shoot low. The gun needs a firm grip to function properly. The only issue I discovered is poor function with 147 gr ammo which is loaded mildly, i.e. Federal 147gr truncated bullets. That load caused 2nd round stove-pipes.
The gun shoots well if the shooter is adaptable.
__________________
Bob.
SWCA 1821
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06-03-2020, 06:26 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&WIowegan
I "inherited" my 9mm EZ from a friend who absolutely hated it. He is an experienced shooter who has some poor habits that are NOT going to change.
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Do tell so the less experienced can avoid the pitfall.
__________________
Release the Kraken
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06-03-2020, 08:23 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon651
I got a 380EZ for my wife, but am now pondering if moving up to the 9EZ wouldn't be a better idea if it's not too different in racking effort and recoil management (big issues for my wife).
Moving to 9mm would also help consolidate my ammunition as well.
Anyone have any thoughts?
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I bought the 9 EZ and rented the 380 EZ at the range. The 380 is way smoother to rack the slide and has much lower recoil than the 9. I am planning to pick up the 380 EZ Performance Center soon.
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06-03-2020, 08:52 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 26
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Liked 18 Times in 7 Posts
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon651
I got a 380EZ for my wife, but am now pondering if moving up to the 9EZ wouldn't be a better idea if it's not too different in racking effort and recoil management (big issues for my wife).
Moving to 9mm would also help consolidate my ammunition as well.
Anyone have any thoughts?
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I recently consolidated weapons, I’m down to 4 calibers from 7. It only makes sense. I sold a .380, .45 and .30. 9mm all day over .380, that’s just common sense.
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06-03-2020, 09:05 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranger17
Only showing these as examples of what I felt were decent groups. Variables being my avg skill with grandpa eyes lol, shooting 2 hand no rest and getting used to a new gun. I feel in the hands of someone with real experience and skills it can do very well.
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Real experience?? Anyone can master a weapon, it takes time and practice. Go to the range with someone you trust, someone who is objective and helpful. Have them watch you, watch them shoot the weapon. See who’s hitting consistently and learn the techniques of each person. A gun is piece of steel (mostly lol), it doesn’t have faults. If someone can shoot a 1" group with it, you can too. We all need to get past the "macho" shooting attitude. There will always be someone better, more accurate, faster and smoother. The trick is to find that person and hope they aren’t a complete Rambo clown!
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06-04-2020, 10:49 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Indiana
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We just bought my wife's first gun. She shot a bunch of different guns while trying to pick one that she liked and was comfortable with. This was for home defense not carry.
She shot very well with the Shield 9 EZ but ended up picking a full size M&P9 2.0 with 5 inch barrel and night sights. She has no problems operating the full size gun and just felt more comfortable with it. She did not like the grip safety on the EZ, even though she had no issue with it.
I liked the EZ a lot while we were trying it out and did not even notice the grip safety.
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06-05-2020, 09:50 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,425
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We have a 380EZ. My wife and I both like it. Had one stovepipe on very first magazine. I thought oh no, but not a single issue since then. It is a keeper. That said, I will rent a 9mm next time at the range to try it out.
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06-13-2020, 10:53 PM
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Location: Nassau Cnty, FL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 13bentarm
Hi all, gonna do my quick review of the Shield 9mm EZ without a thumb safety. I am retired LE, been shooting for about 177 years. I am NOT an expert nor a sniper, not an armorer nor a novice.
Overall the weapon feels good, fits the hand well. It is slightly larger that the original or 2.0. This weapon is, as expected, super easy to use. Racking the slide is just ridiculously smooth, mag loading is fine (I don’t use the side springs but I can See where they would really help some one with weak or arthritic hands) dissembling is a breeze (quick note: the guide spring is not round on the barrel, it is actually oblong and has to be perfectly vertical for re-assembly). Grip is comfortable, grip safety is smooth and non-intrusive. I put Tru-glo pro’s on it, no other modifications. 5 mags off e-bay. Cleaning is quick and painless, from the factory it was actually not a greasy mess. Good luck finding a holster right now, they are very few out these.
Now for shooting. 8+1 makes this a very light, comfortable to aim and fire weapon. The loaded chamber indicator is very pronounced, I mean you know it’s there, not a little dot or barely raised spot on the barrel. Now, this weapon is an internal hammer fire, not a striker fire. This makes it feel much crisper, smoother and causes significantly less tension on the guide spring (which is why it’s so easy to rack). Trigger pull is excellent, very little take-up.
My first and only issue, this weapon will shoot VERY low until you adjust to it. I’ve never fired a handgun that shoots this low. I know it’s operator error, I’ve just never experienced it like this. For me, the combination of extreme light weight and I guess being the 1st weapon I’ve had with a grip safety must have been messing me up. I also found for some reason I was bringing my head down to the sights, not bringing the sights UP to my eyes. After 200 rounds I’ve dialed it in to a very tight group.
All in all I’m very happy with the gun. I don’t know that I would buy it again, the 2.0 is a fine weapon for much less. That being said, if you need any of the features of the EZ, it is worth every single penny.
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If you are looking for a holster for the 9EZ and nothing shows up, try looking for holsters for the M&P 22 Compact. Most if not all holsters fit for the 22 Compact will fit the 9EZ perfectly.
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