380 EZ Shield grip safety

[gc70]

I've noticed that the pistols that are very easy to rack are the same ones that are sold only in the "grip safety" configuration. Is there some mechanical relationship between having a grip safety and being easy to rack? As annoying as the grip safety is, you would think that Smith would offer the "easy rack" models without it, if that were possible.

Exactly what I hope they’ll do!!

Ruger Security 380 - easy to rack and no grip safety.

 

[Beju]

The FN Reflex line is also internal hammer fired SAO with no grip safety.

 

[ammodave]

Shield 380 EZ here. I had trouble firing my new Shield unless I cosistently placed my thumb under on on top of the mag release button. Tried adding a “bump” (about a 1/4” in dia and 1/8” thick) to the grip safety, didn’t help. Switched to slightly lighter spring on the grip safety and my problem went away. Grip safety still functions as designed just requires less pressure. Required pressure is now about the same as my 1911s.

 

[Shibadog]

I dunno. I bought the wife an EZ 380 right after they came out. It’s had a bunch of rounds through it with zero issues. Wife is NOT a gun person but she’s not had any issues. Me? I like 1911’s, so grip safety and thumb safety just feel right.

 

[Shibadog]

The FN Reflex line is also internal hammer fired SAO with no grip safety.

And a good little pistol they are. Mine has manual safety or I wouldn’t want it though. A cocked and unlocked SA auto with a light trigger is, to me, NOT a good idea.

 

[JcMack]

My wife has a 380 EZ Shield that she likes, but the grip safety sometimes gives her issues. She would like to use it as her carry gun, but is concerned that the grip safety is unreliable. Are there any cures for this? She's ok with it at the range, when she concentrates on her grip. But drawing from a holster and shooting becomes an issue.

If the gun has a thumb safety, eliminate the grip safety. Wrap the grip with friction tape, using enough wraps to insure the grip safety is defeated. Have the wife test the gun an see if she likes it sans grip safety. If she does like it, find a rubber slip on grip cover like Hogue to complete the change leaving the tape on under the Hogue. If the gun has no thumb safety you're back to square one.
I had a couple pre model 40 Centennial revolvers. They came with a grip safety that was difficult to apply, but included a pin to defeat the grip safety. I always used that pin. Apparently no such device is provided on the EZ series.

 

[Beju]

And a good little pistol they are. Mine has manual safety or I wouldn’t want it though. A cocked and unlocked SA auto with a light trigger is, to me, NOT a good idea.

I have the same apprehension about that thought, but after years of carrying M&Ps with no manual safeties, I don't know if I should with modern designs. Unlike the Glock, the M&P's striker is so close to fully cocked (95%+), that DA vs SA is probably a distinction without a difference.

 

[gc70]

If the gun has a thumb safety, eliminate the grip safety. Wrap the grip with friction tape, using enough wraps to insure the grip safety is defeated. Have the wife test the gun an see if she likes it sans grip safety. If she does like it, find a rubber slip on grip cover like Hogue to complete the change leaving the tape on under the Hogue. If the gun has no thumb safety you're back to square one.
I had a couple pre model 40 Centennial revolvers. They came with a grip safety that was difficult to apply, but included a pin to defeat the grip safety. I always used that pin. Apparently no such device is provided on the EZ series.

That is a time-honored idea that does not work on the Shield EZ. Depressing the EZ's grip safety prevents installing the slide on the frame and disables the gun's drop safety. Those functions are described, with photos, in this post.

 

[JcMack]

That is a time-honored idea that does not work on the Shield EZ. Depressing the EZ's grip safety prevents installing the slide on the frame and disables the gun's drop safety. Those functions are described, with photos, in this post.

OOPS!! Once again I've stuck my large nose in where it doesn't belong. gc70 thanks for educating me. I'm sorry for the misinformation.

 

[KBONE59]

I would recommend trying a softer spring on grip safety,