Need Help with SW MP Shield EZ Caliber 380

[Wildangel]

Need help guys and gals out there....I have no one in my life to help me....but I need input from some experienced people....I am worried about what is coming and need to buy a gun for protection...I watched a video on guns for beginners...and I found I liked the SW MP Shield EZ Caliber 380 but I do not understand the ammo you can use I saw someone posted using SD rounds Underwoods +P Defensive- solid fluted copper Lehigh bullets....and then for practice Freedom Munitions FMJ....I am completely lost on this...I found some ammo but it was in a clip with 9 mm ...8 round but I don't know is that what I buy....I have to still get lessons before they lock everything down and I am rushing to get something to protect myself.....ANY HELP would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[CB3]

For your needs, some internet research is a good start. However, learning involves touch and feel also, and the internet won't do that for you.

A Shield EZ .380 can be a great first gun. You have many choices for .380 ammunition for it, some of which may not actually be available because of current ammo shortages.

Go to your closest gun store. Tell them your needs and what you think you like. They will help you from there.

 

[Jeppo]

In that situation, I would seek out a reputable Local Gun Store with ALL the following:

Broad selection of firearms and ammo
Experienced shooters at the sales counter
Indoor shooting range
Training on site

Those are not easy to find but they are out there. Once I found one, I'd put myself in their hands. Their job is to answer all your questions and offer everything you need.

At the same time, I would stay away from the Big Box Stores. Shopping at most of those may save you a dollar or two, may save you some drive time but you're likely to walk out the door having more questions than now.

 

[SchemaEnigma]

Need help guys and gals out there....I have no one in my life to help me....but I need input from some experienced people....I am worried about what is coming and need to buy a gun for protection...I watched a video on guns for beginners...and I found I liked the SW MP Shield EZ Caliber 380 but I do not understand the ammo you can use I saw someone posted using SD rounds Underwoods +P Defensive- solid fluted copper Lehigh bullets....and then for practice Freedom Munitions FMJ....I am completely lost on this...I found some ammo but it was in a clip with 9 mm ...8 round but I don't know is that what I buy....I have to still get lessons before they lock everything down and I am rushing to get something to protect myself.....ANY HELP would be appreciated. Thank you.

Have you bought the gun yet?

 

[Ranger17]

Hi OP, sounds like you have or will have far more questions than just ammo based. You did acknowledge needing lessons which is a critical start for a new owner; whomever you go with for proper training can also help answer questions on ammo, perhaps holsters/storage and even licensing if applicable.
And it is possible that a good local gun store also has a range and needed training as well.
Learn the proper safety and handling techniques, learn the gun itself, and practice. You may find it can be a hobby as well as a protection method.

 

[Paul in Nevada]

I would not buy a 380 as a first gun right now. Ammo is not easy to come by and when you do find it, it will be more expensive than 9mm.
I would also advise against the 380EZ as a defensive firearm. As much as I love the EZ I can't recommend it for self defense. It has a well known defect that makes it unsuitable for anything but target shooting.
I am also a little concerned by this statement:

....I am worried about what is coming and need to buy a gun for protection...

Don't rush out and buy a gun in a state of fear and anxiety. Guns are lethal if mishandled. Approach this purchase with a clear, level head.
I suggest you find a gun safety class in you area. These people can teach you what you need to know about safe gun handling and they can help you choose the best type of gun for your needs.

 

[SchemaEnigma]

I would not buy a 380 as a first gun right now. Ammo is not easy to come by and when you do find it, it will be more expensive than 9mm...

I was going to say something similar, but that would be pointless if he had already bought the gun (hence, my question).

Anyhow, @Wildangel, in addition to not recommending 380 as a first purchase due to ammo availability and prices, unless you have a physical issue with being able to rack a gun, I would not recommend the EZ line as a first purchase.

In fact, as a first purchase I would recommend a full-size 9mm. While not as easy to conceal-carry, they are easier to handle and to learn with than are the smaller, lighter pistols.

And, as Paul in Nevada says, calm down.

The first step might be to enroll in a training course where they will allow you to try out several different firearms under the guidance of an instructor.

 

[mckenney99]

I don't know if you can find one anywhere near your location, but I would recommend trying to locate a "First Shots" program usually offered at some of the indoor ranges. When I ran a small local brick and mortar gun shop we had a local range that offered the "First Shots" program and we sent a ton of new gun buyers to go thru the program before they even considered what kind of firearm they wanted to purchase. We wound up with many customers returning to the shop very appreciative for the referral.

National Shooting Sports Foundation:
Guide for New Shooters | NSSF Let's Go Shooting

 

[D.L.Quick]

Wildangle, Paul in Nevada, Gave you the answer in the first paragraph. Do yourself a big favor and search out a 9mm that fits your fancy and stay away from 380 EZ. Good luck on your search.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

2 1/2 Weeks later & the OP hasn't been back??