380 MP EZ

[Fyffe2017]

My fiancé bought me a brand new purple 380 EZ but today we went to fire it and 3 types of ammo were attempted (Winchester, Hornady, and Federal.) We tried hollow points, FMJ, and critical self defense.

It will not fire!!

Any input is welcome.

It does have the thumb safety and yes it is depressed. The hammer-firing pin is clicking as if it would fire but it is not actually hitting the ammo.

 

[Ranger17]

Just asking the questions to rule them out; do you have any experience with guns or are you a first time owner?
And was the grip safety fully depressed?

 

[CajunBass]

I gave my wife an EZ 380 a few weeks ago. In working with it myself before going to the range I was ready to take it back. I could not get it to dry fire (with snap caps) about half the time. I finally came to the realization that I wasn't depressing the grip safety properly. You have to really get your hand up into the beavertail, and give a good squeeze. Not a bone crusher squeeze, but a good firm handshake type.

I eventually liked the 380 so much, I went back and got myself a 9mm version.

 

[robrossk]

+1 on above. Requires a good form high grip.

 

[Ranger17]

Yep that is why I mentioned the grip safety as it is important as to how one handles it. I have not had any issues using it on my EZ 9 but how I grip my MP’s is pretty similar anyway. So I didn’t have to alter anything.

And for new EZ owners, note how the grip safety does need to be fully depressed to fire. But on the flip side, one has to totally avoid it while doing cleaning/takedowns.

 

[Fyffe2017]

Just asking the questions to rule them out; do you have any experience with guns or are you a first time owner?
And was the grip safety fully depressed?

Avid marksman. I’ve spent all my life with guns and I am very familiar with this gun. I have a 9mm in black and it shoots fine.
Yes thumb grip safety fully depressed.

It tries to fire. You can hear the click like it is dry firing but it’s not making contact with the ammo or not making contact enough.
On 1 bullet it looks like the firing pin hit but it’s such a lite impression. No indentation but a very small mark on the casing.

 

[Fyffe2017]

I gave my wife an EZ 380 a few weeks ago. In working with it myself before going to the range I was ready to take it back. I could not get it to dry fire (with snap caps) about half the time. I finally came to the realization that I wasn't depressing the grip safety properly. You have to really get your hand up into the beavertail, and give a good squeeze. Not a bone crusher squeeze, but a good firm handshake type.

I eventually liked the 380 so much, I went back and got myself a 9mm version.

I wish this was the issue. My 9mm is the same exact pistol except 9mm vs. 380. They both have the thumb safety and both identical except caliber. I’ve never seen one of these do this.
As previously stated the hammer moves, it clicks as if it’s going to fire. Even struck at least one of the bullets. Just not firing at all. It’s like the firing pin isn’t coming out far enough to fire the ammo.

I hope I can figure out what is wrong with this one. I love this pistol but it has to fire to be effective.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

I'd be looking at the firing pin safety or the hammer itself
There was a recall on various EZs on the hammer
Possible firing pin problem too or possibly the grip safety

Good Luck & Welcome to the Forum Fyffe2017

Merry Christmas + What a Great Gift from your fiancé
My Wife & Son love their 380EZ

 

[Ranger17]

Avid marksman. I’ve spent all my life with guns and I am very familiar with this gun. I have a 9mm in black and it shoots fine.
Yes thumb grip safety fully depressed.

It tries to fire. You can hear the click like it is dry firing but it’s not making contact with the ammo or not making contact enough.
On 1 bullet it looks like the firing pin hit but it’s such a lite impression. No indentation but a very small mark on the casing.

Got it thanks. I am not familiar with a colored version, was that a SW option or cerakoted by a 3rd party/distributor? Asking that in case somehow (apologies if a dumb question) that process affected this particular gun.

 

[jurek]

Got it thanks. I am not familiar with a colored version, was that a SW option or cerakoted by a 3rd party/distributor? Asking that in case somehow (apologies if a dumb question) that process affected this particular gun.

Pink 380EZ was a factory colour.

EDITED: Purple... of course purple, not pink


@Fyffe2017, as already suggested, I'd call S&W, before doing any other actions and attempts to fix it by yourself.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

There is a Factory Purple 380EZ that S&W Called Crushed Orchid

I found a couple photos with both stainless finished slide & the blued

RK Guns was running these on sale Black Friday & I got the E-Mail, I showed it to my Wife BTW
Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ .380ACP Crushed Orchid w/Stainless Slide Handgun 8+1 3.675" 13328 : RK Guns

I'm unsure if they were Cera Coated or the polymer is Purple
But they do exist.

Hopefully Fyffe2017 can get it figured out

I think I would try putting a pencil with eraser in the barrel & hold it upright & check to see if the firing pin is protruding, it should launch the pencil with the firing pin strike, of course do this no ammo present

Or take the slide off & push the firing pin with the firing pin safety depressed to check firing pin for protrusion & note the tip, Is It Broken Off?

There were some 380EZs that had a Recall & the hammer was the problem & could possibly go full auto & not reset

Good Luck Fyffe2017

Here's the two photos I found of the Crushed Orchid M&P 380EZ

 

[NukeRef]

Fyffe2017, have you checked the firing pin itself? A missing or broken spring would/could exhibit the symptoms you describe.