First Range Trip Shield 9 EZ

[RGBellCSI]

S&W response about proper use of 3 dot sights

When top of sights were aligned, the front dot was high. When dots were even, front sight top dipped low.

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.

 

[jnichols2]

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.

 

[Rastoff]

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

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.

 

[marathonrunner]

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

 

[RGBellCSI]

EZ sight picture

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

 

[Flyingfool]

f​

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.

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.

 

[Northener]

f​

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.

 

[RGBellCSI]

Update

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?

 

[Rastoff]

Rastoff. Glock calls it Combat Sights.

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

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 dot are aligned. *** S&W?

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.

 

[Doug M.]

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

 

[7tcu]

Yes they are different

 

[Mountain Walker]

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.

 

[Erich]

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

 

[7tcu]

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.

 

[KayakPlinker]

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

 

[Erich]

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! )

 

[KayakPlinker]

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

 

[trikerdon]

MAGS

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.

 

[jnichols2]

I just got some from GunMagWarehouse.com yesterday.

 

[kelljor]

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.

Mags are available, S&W has them for one. My problem with the front sight was a little different than yours; with my aging eyes it was difficult to pick up. Especially if it was white. I painted it orange and it helped. Then I said why not and painted the whole front sight orange. Way easier to see. Since it is a defensive gun, not a pinpoint target shooter, I just put the orange sight center mass on a silhouette target and I am always make a hit....somewhere on the body. I practice at 7-10 yards and have found over time that the pointing becomes instinctive.......ie you feel when you are on target and rely on the sights less. Not sure if you want to, but you could trade the 9EZ for a S&W Equalizer, which is almost exactly the same as an EZ, but the Equalizer has mags that fit the M&P series and easier to find, and it has a cut out for a red dot sight which helps a bunch with the tired eyes.