I've been watching Sootch's reviews since 2016 and I absolutely love all his videos. Humble guy with a lot of handgun knowledge. I'm super grateful for these and I always learn something new. My personal favorite reviewer on TH-cam.
My wife and daughter both have the .380 EZ for different reasons. But their common reason was to get away from the snappier 9mm. They have both turned many female shooters on the the .380 EZ who felt uncomfortable with the 9mm. To each their own, I am just happy that more ladies are shooting with something they can control and feel comfortable/ Safe with.
Same story (about .380 over 9). Wife carries a Sig P238. I never saw 9 as snappy (I come from shooting and carrying big bore). I have tried hard to get her to step up to 9mm but nope. She *did* look at the .30 SC, but didn't care for the pistol offerings.
As I age, I'm running into problems with hand strength due to arthritis. Something like this would be a great help. I've been using the MagLula ever since they came out, love it!
As I grow older (50 this year); I don’t have problem’s yet with trigger pull or slide racking but 1911 style triggers and slides help. I understand they are more expensive but my Sig 938”Rosewwood”( I have carried for a decade as my EDC) & my Kimber Pro Raptor ll in 45 acp( also available in 9mm) have super smooth triggers and both “VERY” reliable but expensive and of coarse you get what you pay for! Both pistols I mentioned are 1911 or built on that platform but come with night sights and all the bells & whistles. Just an opinion hoping it helps you!#🔫❤️#Sig#938#9mm#KimberRaptorll#45acp#1911❤@G56AG
@@oldgoat50 Oh man, nooooooo! I'm glad I bought my dad the MagLula loader. He's pushing 70 now. He isn't having trouble with slides yet, but when he does? I'll talk to him about getting him something like the Equalizer.
I held off on the EZ. This one will make me gat one. Optics ready, three different mags, grip safety, increased ammo capacity, better sights, MagLula loader, easier slide pull, all good stuff. Thanks for another great video.
Thank you for the review - it's the most thorough, informative one I can find on this new offering. I appreciate that and also appreciate that s&w is a leader in offering products for a segment of the market that has been long overlooked.
I like that Smith tries stuff and continually updates on their designs. It makes for a complicated catalog, but its nice to see the stuff that consumers want reflected in their latest offerings.
Agreed. Last time I looked at their catalog, it was daunting trying to discern the slight differences between all the models. I do applaud them for putting out new products on the market and not being afraid to shake things up. Sig and S&W have both done this, while Glock is way to comfortable resting on their laurels. It’s no surprise Glock is losing so much of the market share.
This guy is absolutely the best gun reviewer on TH-cam. Every review is done so consistently. You simply know what to expect out of this guy every time. What you're looking for in a review is information about the gun. You're not necessarily there to be amused or entertained. You're there for information. And this guy delivers. Clear informative well done reviews. I don't think I've missed any of his videos.
This was my favorite part about the PPQ SC, it has the grip ext so you could go from 10 to 15 rnds with a full size grip. I would like to see all companies doing this with their micro 9's.
Awesome! I love my EZ and this new Equalizer addresses the one limitation of the EZ for me which was capacity. Really nice to see you get 3 mags and a Lula loader on top of that. Definitely gonna look into picking one up.
@@evildoers6061 can’t speak to the Hellcat although from reviews I’ve heard it is very snappy. Aside from that though there’s a stink on Springfield since they went full slimy politics. Maybe S&W is just as slimy but if they are I’m not aware of it. Since I love my EZ, the Equalizer was an obvious next pick for me.
I just saw a tweet about this, I go to TH-cam and guess who already has a review vid?! Sootch is the man! Being optic ready out the box is a huge plus. I've always liked the concept of the EZ, but the low capacity made me never get one.
As usual, excellent review Sootch00. You have to hand it to S&W for thinking a bit outside the box with all the features of this gun. I have an EZ .380 for my wife, but a gun like this can also serve an experienced shooter like myself as well. I like it !
I was born in 72’ and S&W has always been in my life and a true innovator. I’m positive this pistol will be a good one. I have nothing but positivity for my response. I own a couple of their pistols,AR15s and when it was time to introduce my daughter to the rifle scene I bought her S&W’s AR-22LR and it has been “VERY” reliable and an awesome teaching tool for my daughter. My wife carries the S&W 642CT (38 spl. with Crimson Trace grip) and Loves it!Thank You S&W!#Smith&Wessson❤
This seems like a good appendix carry option for anyone who prefers not to appendix carry a pistol w/o a grip safety and/or manual safety. With or w/o the manual safety, simply taking pressure off the grip safety while re-holstering greatly reduces the possibility of a negligent discharge. The manual safety on this pistol also appears to be far more usable than the small frame safety on my Shield Plus. S&W was smart to make the optic cut compatible with Holosun optics rather than using the traditional Shield RMSc cut. Nice work S&W!
@@mitchellspringer7025 I was thinking exactly the same thing! It was an issue with the H&K P7, but never fully depressed the grip safety/squeeze cocking lever on the grip front; settled on a custom-made holster with a reinforced trigger cover (pre-Kydex '80's). I expect this would be the same, plus it, too, has a manual safety.
I'm loving my Equalizer. I shot it for the first yesterday at our church security team training. I already carry the Shield Plus. I'm 72 and losing some grip strength, unfortunately. I shot a 6 shot "Bill Drill" in 2.58 seconds with it. No malfunctions and nice trigger.
Wow! I've got the Shield+. I was planning to get my wife the EZ9. Now I may wait and get her the Equalizer so that we can share mags. And I still don't own a Maglulla. Yeah BABAY!🤣👍🏾👌🏾😁
I have a model 39-2 and I have a lot of respect for Smith and Wesson I've had that 39-2 since 1978 I think this equalizer is probably a lot like that in terms of size and the feel in the hand and at the same time it is certainly adequate in caliber and magazine capacity we don't need anymore than that. so this looks like a really good gun and I thank you for a really great review of it
Several positive improvements over the Shield EZ. Love the idea of more aggressive slide seratioms , although I always liked the fish scale ones on previous Smiths. The shorter grip for better concealability, to me is a huge plus, and the fact that the magazines that adds two rounds is barely any longer. Improved magazine capacity is great to. To many thugs travel in groups of two or three or four these days. I wouldn't ever want to have my life in the balance, because of having to reload.
I just bought the Equalizee and I love it! My husband also really likes it and will be buying one for himself. He was so excited to see it, he quickly took it apart and had to do the walk of shame back to the gun store because he insisted they all go back together the same 🤣 I did try to tell him but of course he said he knew what he was doing. This gun is amazing and my favorite to shoot!
Another A+ for S&W. Interchangeable mags with the Shield Plus, and like the Plus, it shares holsters with the originals. That is a HUGE bonus for the consumers!
@@Tony-bg6ql LOL There's always one in every crowd. (although with sig fanboys there's almost always more than one LOL) Be careful you don't drop you little siggy wiggy. Hahahaha
@@Tony-bg6ql Tony 43 minutes ago (edited) "@Bob Laws keep practicing mr s&w failed shooter. You'll never become a pro" You didn't delete it quite quick enough... LOL Another uninformed, uneducated comment. You have no idea who I am. LOL Keep talking though, it's entertaining. LOL
I picked up the Equalizer a few days ago along with a Holosun HS407K-X2 6 MOA optic. Fits flush and perfect. I also have an Olight Valkyrie light mounted on the pic rail. If you take a look at the bottom of the magazine, you'll notice it says Shield Plus. The Plus magazines are compatible with the Equalizer. I have tried a few of my old holsters from my EZ 9 with the Equalizer and here's what works: -The Vedder IWB EZ holster works perfectly for the Equalizer, but there is no cutout for an optic. -The Crucial Concealment EZ IWB holster works and had a cutout for an optic -The Tuxton Tactical EZ IWB holster works well and has an optic cutout AND can fit the firearm with an Olight Valkyrie light. -Adding the Xecutive Holster by N8 Tactical to the list. Has a cutout for optics, is lightweight, and actually fits and conceals better than the others. This is now my go to holster when I EDC the Equalizer.
@@oldgoat50 Shot it a few days ago. Honestly I prefer the EZ trigger to this. Feels like more pull is needed compared to the EZ, or maybe I just need to break it in.
@@oldgoat50 I don't unfortunately. I did see a video on TH-cam where a guy did several trigger pull tests, came between 4.7 to 5.1 lbs with an average pull weight of 4.9 I think. I'll post that up if I can find it.
Thanks for the info on the holsters. Always was a big problem for me to get kydex that worked for me as I've generally carried less popular choices. This is honestly only the second auto pistol I'll have tried carrying as I've mostly carried wheel guns
Nice bundled up package, especially for a newer 2A owner. A little awkward looking but on the right track. Love the beautiful Armornite finish in S&Ws. 👍🇺🇸
So this is basically a 9mm EZ, next generation (2.0, 3.0?) Adding larger mags, and an optics mount, and different iron sights! So, all the upgrades, everyone wanted! I love my original 9mm EZ, now... I really want this one!
I do notice visually that the recoil is straight back and extremely fast, kinda like what you'd see on a 30 Super Carry gun. Jerry said the spring is lighter to make it easier to rack, so I suspect the slide is travelling faster too, but it doesn't seem like a flippy kind of gun.
haven't shot one but i did get to handle one and i will say it's got to be the closest thing to a perfect size year round carry gun ive seen yet. much slimmer than the more common double stack compacts but still enough real estate to actually get a hold of and not have jumping around in your hand
So true. When the original EZ came out, my first thought was, why have the tabs on the mags? I understand trying to make it easier to load, but it probably costs capacity and most people will just use mag loaders anyway. I guess S&W came to the same conclusion, and including an UpLula, the best loader around, is a nice bonus.
I love seeing the Smith & Wesson commercials on NewsMax tv. It's fantastic! Henry and a couple of other firearms related companies have commercials on NewsMax as well.
Nice gun Sootch, I really like the Intro to your Video's. Continue the Good fight for our Republic. Freedom isn't Free, it Cost somebody something PRECIOUS.. Thanks again Wade Out..
I like the concept and upgrade. I have been a M&P 2.0 fan for a long time, especially with the Apex flat faced trigger. It will be interesting to see if S&W followes this up with a Performance Center variant like they did for the previous EZ version. I would like to check out a PC version.
@@leadhead7338 I have the sd9ve and I love how the slide feels and looks..shot over 2000 rounds through it since the beginning of January and no complications..
@@zacnovick7470 I have the FDE colored SD40 and i hated the trigger, so i bought the APEX slide spring kit, the Frame spring kit, and the trigger kit, it was like $30 for all of it, and it made me shoot it so much more accurately, it was my first pistol i ever bought, so i just wasn't used to that much trigger travel, but the Apex kit made it so much better, since it was half the pric of my other pistols its my Truck gun and perfect for it.
@@sootch00I think so too, I’m kind of a beginner, I own a walther pdp f and love the serrations, and the gun , it looks that this equalizer is a really great option, thx for the share your reviews and knowledge
I'm older and have lost hand strength. I had surgery to reattach a ruptured distal bicep tendon in May of 2018. I had to do some range time to renew my cpl in september and wasn't sure how I was going to pull that off. I spoke with range operator and he said he had exactly what I needed and set me up with a 380 EZ he had as one of his range guns. liked it so much bought one from him to use as went through PT to regain my hand and arm strength. Didn't get the 9mm EZ when they introduced that but I am onboard for an Equalizer in 9mm. Will be stopping in my local shop this week to check one out. Thanks for the review Sootch.
Just a brief comment……. I’m getting more and more impressed with your reviews ! You do a very complete, watchable presentation that is becoming rare these days. Good job !!
My brother has the EZ 8 shot But I love my Shield Plus as a conceal carry But my EDC is the Para Ordinance, Pre Remington acquisition, 1911 Expert in God's Caliber, .45ACP
There's a Turkish-made CZ-clone, Commander-size, uses Para-Ordinance 13-round magazines. Stainless steel, .45 A.C.P., good sights. Sadly, repairs and stocking groceries have made me push back buying one myself, but it's currently top of my list.
BIG "O.K., ABOUT TIME!" Wife/ myself were raised on revolvers. She has a dominant hand handicapped thumb( due to an accident) She learned to use non-dominant hand for hammer. But now we @/above 70. WHOLE NEW BALLGAME!!( AND,... don't even try to explain this difficulty to anyone under 65!! I still look back, in amazement @ the loss of dexterity in 5 years) Even w/ the original EZ, the shifting required to use an opposite thumb for mag release, occasional slide release, and even though grip safety was addressed, the minimal advantage didn't justify one/ two extra rounds. AND re-loading is just as time-consuming. So, this new version is definately on our radar.
I've been wanting to upgrade my original shield. It's been flawless since like 2012 But limited rounds and I've come to realize the grip is a bit to thin for my large hands and getting a good draw purchase has always been a challenge. I love where the CC market is going. I'll sit back and wait another year or 2 and see what happens.
I held off on upgrading my 1st green shield because I was in a restricted mag state for much of that time. I just ordered one of these to try out. Hopefully it's a doublestack shield with a bit of improved ergos and an optic
The EZ was tempting but the capacity was limited and no option for optics. I have the M&P 2.0s. When they make the performance center version with compensator holes, this will shoot like a competition gun. Judging from product progression from Smith and Wesson, I am willing to wait for the grey color version, with flat-faced trigger and barrel with compensator holes.
S&W is killing it. I’m glad they got all types of choices for any preference. They are constantly improving and innovating their products. I hate how heavy the slide can be when you rack it. I’m glad they came out with this model.
Wow....I have the EZ in 9 mm, 380 and 22 LR, but this one with 10, 13 and 15 round magazine and optic ready..... love it!. I can't wait for Christmas to buy one for for my wife...😉
Since I already own the 9mm Shield Plus and the 30 Super Carry Shield Plus, I'm interested in these new 15rd Shield+ magazines. I'm also interested in seeing if they make new 18+1 30sc magazines for this.
Please comment on the 30 SC Shield Plus.. I am wanting one for myself but daring my daughter to move up from her 380 EZ - is the recoil on the Shield Plus at 30 SC less than 9mm?
I like the look of this equalizer. I see that some are saying that it looks like sd9. I have not owned any m&p products. I'm looking around ez for my wife as she has arthritis and carpal tunnel. I wonder if they would make one in 380 in future.
Very interesting. Was considering upgrading my Shield to the Plus. With interchangeable mags, this could be nice for the wife. Will the Plus take the 15 rounder too?
@@ericwalstrand3512 I love it! It’s very unique and I got quite a bit of compliments at the range. I would say if you have the funds and in the market you should pick one up.
Racking the slide with a full mag with the 380 EZ is difficult. With 7 or fewer rounds in the mag is then easy to rack it. I wonder if they eliminated this issue with the Equalizer. I thought they were have eliminated the two dot rear sights as has been done with some other newer handguns. The EZ grip size feels great in my XL sized hands except that I needed to add a Pearce mag grip extension to be able to get my pinky finger on it fully. I am glad the mags are compatible with the Shield Plus magazines but I thought those were still hard to find in stock so I hope S&W can ramp up production to meet demand for the larger capacity magazines.
Great video! I'm a new gun owner and recently bought the Glock 19 for concealed carry a few months back. Nice gun, but ended up want something more compact. Went with the M&P 9mm Shield Plus. Love it! After a month or so I was drawn to the Shield Plus 30 Super Carry for the extra capacity. I know the jury is still out on the Super Carry and it may take some time for seasoned gun owners to warm up to it, but I think it will take off in a couple years. The Equalizer may be my next purchase. I really like the easy rack slide and multiple options that come standard out of the box with 3 mag choices and optics ready.
Great information. I've been an EZ fan for some time and jumped on the Equalizer when I came across it at a local gun store. Best every day carry gun I've ever owned. There is nothing I don't like about it. I'm amazed how fast you were able to tap off rounds with it. Given that another review by a charter member of Nit-Pickers-R-Us said the reset on the trigger was so long that it would interfere with firing rapid follow-on shots.
As glock has done nothing in decades, other companies are giving alot more options for shooters. Nice to see S&W ahead of all the others out there. Its also nice to see S&W going away from those ridiculous 3 piece recoil spring assemblies. I have the latest S&W 45 Shield PC, came with a regular guide rod & single recoil spring. THANK YOU S&W!
Finally, ... Choices of either a flush magazine for concealability , or an only slightly longer magazine for two more rounds, or a long magazine. To many smaller guns, that I would have bought, had only the option of either to short a grip length that concealed well, (but I couldn't tolerate not having my little finger on the grip), or way longer magazine that held more rounds , but sucked for concealability. Examples being the Walther PPQ subcompact, and the Walther P99 subcompact. Both terrific guns. The H&K VP9 subcompact was eventually given a twelve round mid length magazine, but I found it a little larger and thicker than I wanted. I would still love to have a PPQ subcompact, if someone makes a slightly longer magazine.
That was ingenious how they made the 15-round magazine for both this gun and also the Smith & Wesson shield Plus!! I was wondering when they were going to make a 15-round magazine but to do it for both guns and one go that was smart. Good job Unk Sootch.
I think S&W splitting that line off to it's own line instead of calling it another M&P model is smart. It was very different than the regular M&P, or the Shields. It will be interesting to see what happens with the EZ line over the next few years, especially since they're pushing some back into the metal frame world. I don't own any S&W's anymore, but I still have a soft spot for them. Never cared for the EZ though, between that weird grip safety and the broken hammers.
@@bbaker7467 I guess they were trying to reach a market of first timers and older folks that is terrified of any kind of pistol, or they just don't have the grip strength to rack a normal slide. They added the grip safety, a thumb safety, made it not striker fired, and I'm surprised it doesn't have some way of automatically being able to load an empty chamber so that you didn't have to carry it on one. I know way too many people who fall under this category. I'm like you, I don't care for the grip safety. At least not in the way they did it, and I think it looks stupid. And they had all kinds of problems to start with on them because of the hammers breaking due to a manufacturing defect. I would assume they sorted of all that out by now. I don't have any idea how safe the internal hammer system is, but it seems like they could've approached it from a different direction and been more reliable.
@@redrider7730 HUH?? That's a stretch if I ever heard one. What, the "EZ" is so easy a Child could use it?? The goons could use that narrative too. "EZ" is a great name for a geriatric stair lift or a laxative, not a gun. ...I'm sure it's a great pistol but if my pal shows up with an "EZ" at the range I'm going to bust his balls about it. lol
SW is always a leader in innovation. This is now on my list. I have the shield + great gun. Never ever have I had a misfire or jam. All the SW will eat all types of ammo. Like the feel so much better the than the Glock
Excellent review except for one small thing: I didn't see where you mentioned chambering a round upon inserting the magazine. I have always used the slide release to move the slide forward. I'm finding more and more that they are making the slide release so small and unusable (for that purpose)! I'm just now learning to pull the slide back a little bit to make it move forward. It's just a foreign concept to me. Whenever I pick up a semi-auto, I'm always feeling how accessible that slide release is. If I can't reach it, I instinctively want to just put the gun down and forget it. But I love this gun, so hopefully at the next gun show, I'll pick it up!
I've been watching Sootch's reviews since 2016 and I absolutely love all his videos. Humble guy with a lot of handgun knowledge. I'm super grateful for these and I always learn something new. My personal favorite reviewer on TH-cam.
We really enjoyed the one we got for our review. Great upgrade to the EZ.
My wife and daughter both have the .380 EZ for different reasons. But their common reason was to get away from the snappier 9mm. They have both turned many female shooters on the the .380 EZ who felt uncomfortable with the 9mm. To each their own, I am just happy that more ladies are shooting with something they can control and feel comfortable/ Safe with.
Same, wife prefers .380 over the 9mm due to more control and comfortability level. Just wish the overall frame was slightly more compact.
Same. And we've been wishing they'd done double stack version in 380 since she got it. Hope they put this out in 380 soon.
I'd like to see the Equalizer in .380 - for the recoil sensitive.
Everybody here go to SW social media accounts and let them know.
Same story (about .380 over 9). Wife carries a Sig P238. I never saw 9 as snappy (I come from shooting and carrying big bore). I have tried hard to get her to step up to 9mm but nope. She *did* look at the .30 SC, but didn't care for the pistol offerings.
As I age, I'm running into problems with hand strength due to arthritis. Something like this would be a great help. I've been using the MagLula ever since they came out, love it!
As I grow older (50 this year); I don’t have problem’s yet with trigger pull or slide racking but 1911 style triggers and slides help. I understand they are more expensive but my Sig 938”Rosewwood”( I have carried for a decade as my EDC) & my Kimber Pro Raptor ll in 45 acp( also available in 9mm) have super smooth triggers and both “VERY” reliable but expensive and of coarse you get what you pay for! Both pistols I mentioned are 1911 or built on that platform but come with night sights and all the bells & whistles. Just an opinion hoping it helps you!#🔫❤️#Sig#938#9mm#KimberRaptorll#45acp#1911❤@G56AG
@@oldgoat50 Oh man, nooooooo!
I'm glad I bought my dad the MagLula loader. He's pushing 70 now. He isn't having trouble with slides yet, but when he does? I'll talk to him about getting him something like the Equalizer.
@@bondalero0074 As a 49 year old, let me just say this. You're definitely not getting anywhere near old.
I held off on the EZ. This one will make me gat one. Optics ready, three different mags, grip safety, increased ammo capacity, better sights, MagLula loader, easier slide pull, all good stuff. Thanks for another great video.
Thank you for the review - it's the most thorough, informative one I can find on this new offering. I appreciate that and also appreciate that s&w is a leader in offering products for a segment of the market that has been long overlooked.
I like that Smith tries stuff and continually updates on their designs. It makes for a complicated catalog, but its nice to see the stuff that consumers want reflected in their latest offerings.
Agreed. Last time I looked at their catalog, it was daunting trying to discern the slight differences between all the models. I do applaud them for putting out new products on the market and not being afraid to shake things up. Sig and S&W have both done this, while Glock is way to comfortable resting on their laurels. It’s no surprise Glock is losing so much of the market share.
@@luckymanham302 absolutely right
Complicated catalog? Hah go look at the sig p320 or p365 catalog, it's so confusing it's hard to even know the gun you are buying. 😄
Not in agreement with this gun as keep it simple stupid applies to this gun as it's supposed to be for people that don't need all the added gadgets!!
Reinventing the wheel when & where it's not needed doesn't work in every state!
This guy is absolutely the best gun reviewer on TH-cam. Every review is done so consistently. You simply know what to expect out of this guy every time. What you're looking for in a review is information about the gun. You're not necessarily there to be amused or entertained. You're there for information. And this guy delivers. Clear informative well done reviews. I don't think I've missed any of his videos.
Agreed, Sootch delivers everytime! I’m a big fan and keep up the good work!@sootch00
This was my favorite part about the PPQ SC, it has the grip ext so you could go from 10 to 15 rnds with a full size grip. I would like to see all companies doing this with their micro 9's.
Most do.
Awesome! I love my EZ and this new Equalizer addresses the one limitation of the EZ for me which was capacity. Really nice to see you get 3 mags and a Lula loader on top of that. Definitely gonna look into picking one up.
@@evildoers6061 can’t speak to the Hellcat although from reviews I’ve heard it is very snappy. Aside from that though there’s a stink on Springfield since they went full slimy politics. Maybe S&W is just as slimy but if they are I’m not aware of it. Since I love my EZ, the Equalizer was an obvious next pick for me.
The hellcat is very snappy compared to the EZ and harder to rack for someone with dexterity issues.
I just saw a tweet about this, I go to TH-cam and guess who already has a review vid?! Sootch is the man!
Being optic ready out the box is a huge plus. I've always liked the concept of the EZ, but the low capacity made me never get one.
As usual, excellent review Sootch00. You have to hand it to S&W for thinking a bit outside the box with all the features of this gun. I have an EZ .380 for my wife, but a gun like this can also serve an experienced shooter like myself as well. I like it !
This has to be one of the best reviews I have seen. Explanations are concise and the video quality is great. Thank You.
I was born in 72’ and S&W has always been in my life and a true innovator. I’m positive this pistol will be a good one. I have nothing but positivity for my response. I own a couple of their pistols,AR15s and when it was time to introduce my daughter to the rifle scene I bought her S&W’s AR-22LR and it has been “VERY” reliable and an awesome teaching tool for my daughter. My wife carries the S&W 642CT (38 spl. with Crimson Trace grip) and Loves it!Thank You S&W!#Smith&Wessson❤
This seems like a good appendix carry option for anyone who prefers not to appendix carry a pistol w/o a grip safety and/or manual safety. With or w/o the manual safety, simply taking pressure off the grip safety while re-holstering greatly reduces the possibility of a negligent discharge. The manual safety on this pistol also appears to be far more usable than the small frame safety on my Shield Plus. S&W was smart to make the optic cut compatible with Holosun optics rather than using the traditional Shield RMSc cut. Nice work S&W!
With the grip safety being so large I feel like my belly would depress it while carrying appendix
@@mitchellspringer7025 I was thinking exactly the same thing! It was an issue with the H&K P7, but never fully depressed the grip safety/squeeze cocking lever on the grip front; settled on a custom-made holster with a reinforced trigger cover (pre-Kydex '80's).
I expect this would be the same, plus it, too, has a manual safety.
I'm loving my Equalizer. I shot it for the first yesterday at our church security team training. I already carry the Shield Plus. I'm 72 and losing some grip strength, unfortunately. I shot a 6 shot "Bill Drill" in 2.58 seconds with it. No malfunctions and nice trigger.
Wow! I've got the Shield+. I was planning to get my wife the EZ9. Now I may wait and get her the Equalizer so that we can share mags. And I still don't own a Maglulla. Yeah BABAY!🤣👍🏾👌🏾😁
Thank you for a great video. The comparison between the shield and the EZ was exactly what I was looking for!
Great review! S&W has presented us with an outstanding package. Innovative design with 3 magazines and a quality loader - Well Done!
I have a model 39-2 and I have a lot of respect for Smith and Wesson I've had that 39-2 since 1978 I think this equalizer is probably a lot like that in terms of size and the feel in the hand and at the same time it is certainly adequate in caliber and magazine capacity we don't need anymore than that. so this looks like a really good gun and I thank you for a really great review of it
Several positive improvements over the Shield EZ. Love the idea of more aggressive slide seratioms , although I always liked the fish scale ones on previous Smiths. The shorter grip for better concealability, to me is a huge plus, and the fact that the magazines that adds two rounds is barely any longer. Improved magazine capacity is great to. To many thugs travel in groups of two or three or four these days. I wouldn't ever want to have my life in the balance, because of having to reload.
I just bought the Equalizee and I love it! My husband also really likes it and will be buying one for himself. He was so excited to see it, he quickly took it apart and had to do the walk of shame back to the gun store because he insisted they all go back together the same 🤣 I did try to tell him but of course he said he knew what he was doing. This gun is amazing and my favorite to shoot!
Thanks for mentioning the slide procedure you use to load. It made it easier to use the slide.
Another A+ for S&W. Interchangeable mags with the Shield Plus, and like the Plus, it shares holsters with the originals. That is a HUGE bonus for the consumers!
Hopefully that means more magazines will be out in the wild then
@@Tony-bg6ql LOL There's always one in every crowd. (although with sig fanboys there's almost always more than one LOL) Be careful you don't drop you little siggy wiggy. Hahahaha
@@Tony-bg6ql
Tony
43 minutes ago (edited)
"@Bob Laws keep practicing mr s&w failed shooter. You'll never become a pro"
You didn't delete it quite quick enough... LOL Another uninformed, uneducated comment. You have no idea who I am. LOL Keep talking though, it's entertaining. LOL
I picked up the Equalizer a few days ago along with a Holosun HS407K-X2 6 MOA optic. Fits flush and perfect. I also have an Olight Valkyrie light mounted on the pic rail.
If you take a look at the bottom of the magazine, you'll notice it says Shield Plus. The Plus magazines are compatible with the Equalizer.
I have tried a few of my old holsters from my EZ 9 with the Equalizer and here's what works:
-The Vedder IWB EZ holster works perfectly for the Equalizer, but there is no cutout for an optic.
-The Crucial Concealment EZ IWB holster works and had a cutout for an optic
-The Tuxton Tactical EZ IWB holster works well and has an optic cutout AND can fit the firearm with an Olight Valkyrie light.
-Adding the Xecutive Holster by N8 Tactical to the list. Has a cutout for optics, is lightweight, and actually fits and conceals better than the others. This is now my go to holster when I EDC the Equalizer.
Thanks for the info.
@@oldgoat50
Shot it a few days ago. Honestly I prefer the EZ trigger to this. Feels like more pull is needed compared to the EZ, or maybe I just need to break it in.
@@oldgoat50
I don't unfortunately. I did see a video on TH-cam where a guy did several trigger pull tests, came between 4.7 to 5.1 lbs with an average pull weight of 4.9 I think. I'll post that up if I can find it.
How can i get 1 of these
Thanks for the info on the holsters. Always was a big problem for me to get kydex that worked for me as I've generally carried less popular choices. This is honestly only the second auto pistol I'll have tried carrying as I've mostly carried wheel guns
Very cool upgrades from the ez pistols. It’s awesome knowing all of the options we have available to us. Great review
Nice bundled up package, especially for a newer 2A owner. A little awkward looking but on the right track. Love the beautiful Armornite finish in S&Ws. 👍🇺🇸
If they delete the grip safety or introduce a lock to keep it depressed, I will buy one
So this is basically a 9mm EZ, next generation (2.0, 3.0?) Adding larger mags, and an optics mount, and different iron sights! So, all the upgrades, everyone wanted! I love my original 9mm EZ, now... I really want this one!
I do notice visually that the recoil is straight back and extremely fast, kinda like what you'd see on a 30 Super Carry gun. Jerry said the spring is lighter to make it easier to rack, so I suspect the slide is travelling faster too, but it doesn't seem like a flippy kind of gun.
haven't shot one but i did get to handle one and i will say it's got to be the closest thing to a perfect size year round carry gun ive seen yet. much slimmer than the more common double stack compacts but still enough real estate to actually get a hold of and not have jumping around in your hand
Always such high quality reviews. Looks like a solid CCW option for anyone.
Bought one two weeks ago never disappointed with Smith and Wesson
Pinching the slide and pushing the frame forward instead of pulling the slide backwards is huge, highly recommend for anyone.
You have probably the best review I've seen. Thank you.
If this thing runs well it'll be a winner - providing a LULA loader is freaking brilliant!
So true. When the original EZ came out, my first thought was, why have the tabs on the mags? I understand trying to make it easier to load, but it probably costs capacity and most people will just use mag loaders anyway. I guess S&W came to the same conclusion, and including an UpLula, the best loader around, is a nice bonus.
Yeah everyone carries one in their pockets!! I can load my single stack EZ mag faster than anything else other than swapping a loaded one!!
Yeah, it's a hard requirement for the shield plus mags. I can't load the last 2 bullets into my 13rd mag by hand no matter how hard I try.
Try loading a 15 round Beretta
Love it, beautiful new piece by Smith & Wesson. Great review, very thorough as always. Keep up the great work, and long live the republic!!
I love seeing the Smith & Wesson commercials on NewsMax tv. It's fantastic! Henry and a couple of other firearms related companies have commercials on NewsMax as well.
Nice gun Sootch, I really like the Intro to your Video's. Continue the Good fight for our Republic. Freedom isn't Free, it Cost somebody something PRECIOUS.. Thanks again Wade Out..
Correction: PRECIOUS..
I like the concept and upgrade. I have been a M&P 2.0 fan for a long time, especially with the Apex flat faced trigger. It will be interesting to see if S&W followes this up with a Performance Center variant like they did for the previous EZ version. I would like to check out a PC version.
Yeah, I think we're going to see Slide changes across the M&P line. Walther and Beretta have l started that more aggressive slide serrations
@@sootch00 They need to make them like the SD slides, they are way more functional and so much better looking
@@leadhead7338 I have the sd9ve and I love how the slide feels and looks..shot over 2000 rounds through it since the beginning of January and no complications..
@@zacnovick7470 I have the FDE colored SD40 and i hated the trigger, so i bought the APEX slide spring kit, the Frame spring kit, and the trigger kit, it was like $30 for all of it, and it made me shoot it so much more accurately, it was my first pistol i ever bought, so i just wasn't used to that much trigger travel, but the Apex kit made it so much better, since it was half the pric of my other pistols its my Truck gun and perfect for it.
@@sootch00I think so too, I’m kind of a beginner, I own a walther pdp f and love the serrations, and the gun , it looks that this equalizer is a really great option, thx for the share your reviews and knowledge
Wish you would have shown the 15rd mag in the shield plus. Pretty sure it fits but would like to have seen it.
The EZ 380 is my all time favorite handgun for new shooters. This optic ready version steps up the game even more
I'm older and have lost hand strength. I had surgery to reattach a ruptured distal bicep tendon in May of 2018. I had to do some range time to renew my cpl in september and wasn't sure how I was going to pull that off. I spoke with range operator and he said he had exactly what I needed and set me up with a 380 EZ he had as one of his range guns. liked it so much bought one from him to use as went through PT to regain my hand and arm strength. Didn't get the 9mm EZ when they introduced that but I am onboard for an Equalizer in 9mm. Will be stopping in my local shop this week to check one out. Thanks for the review Sootch.
Just a brief comment…….
I’m getting more and more impressed with your reviews !
You do a very complete, watchable presentation that is becoming rare these days.
Good job !!
My brother has the EZ 8 shot
But I love my Shield Plus as a conceal carry
But my EDC is the Para Ordinance, Pre Remington acquisition, 1911 Expert in God's Caliber, .45ACP
There's a Turkish-made CZ-clone, Commander-size, uses Para-Ordinance 13-round magazines. Stainless steel, .45 A.C.P., good sights. Sadly, repairs and stocking groceries have made me push back buying one myself, but it's currently top of my list.
Thank you for pointing out magazine compatibility with the plus. Thought they looked the same, glad to know they are! Thanks! 👍
No disrespect but I don't even like guns/ firearms
I'm a seasoned shooter, with adequate hand strength, and not recoil adverse, yet this pistol oddly speaks to me. Definitely have to try one out.
Same here; I'm getting one because i prefer hammer fired as i appendix carry with a round chambered and no manual safety
BIG "O.K., ABOUT TIME!" Wife/ myself were raised on revolvers. She has a dominant hand handicapped thumb( due to an accident) She learned to use non-dominant hand for hammer. But now we @/above 70. WHOLE NEW BALLGAME!!( AND,... don't even try to explain this difficulty to anyone under 65!! I still look back, in amazement @ the loss of dexterity in 5 years) Even w/ the original EZ, the shifting required to use an opposite thumb for mag release, occasional slide release, and even though grip safety was addressed, the minimal advantage didn't justify one/ two extra rounds. AND re-loading is just as time-consuming. So, this new version is definately on our radar.
COol stuff. S&W seems to be making an impact in the market.
Sir, I could watch you do a review on a squirt gun. Great job ! I’ll be checking out this S&W for sure.
I've been wanting to upgrade my original shield.
It's been flawless since like 2012 But limited rounds and I've come to realize the grip is a bit to thin for my large hands and getting a good draw purchase has always been a challenge. I love where the CC market is going. I'll sit back and wait another year or 2 and see what happens.
you have more restraint that most lol
I just ordered this gun. They reeled me in like a fish.
I held off on upgrading my 1st green shield because I was in a restricted mag state for much of that time. I just ordered one of these to try out. Hopefully it's a doublestack shield with a bit of improved ergos and an optic
The EZ was tempting but the capacity was limited and no option for optics. I have the M&P 2.0s. When they make the performance center version with compensator holes, this will shoot like a competition gun. Judging from product progression from Smith and Wesson, I am willing to wait for the grey color version, with flat-faced trigger and barrel with compensator holes.
@evil doers No need. I have a Hellcat with a green dot.
Great review! Looks like a terrific gun. I wish they put that slide pattern on the shield plus.
S&W is killing it. I’m glad they got all types of choices for any preference. They are constantly improving and innovating their products. I hate how heavy the slide can be when you rack it. I’m glad they came out with this model.
This would be like the perfect system for me. The EZ line was awesome, just wished it had a shorter grip and 1.5 stack, and so they delivered.
Wow....I have the EZ in 9 mm, 380 and 22 LR, but this one with 10, 13 and 15 round magazine and optic ready..... love it!. I can't wait for Christmas to buy one for for my wife...😉
Since I already own the 9mm Shield Plus and the 30 Super Carry Shield Plus, I'm interested in these new 15rd Shield+ magazines. I'm also interested in seeing if they make new 18+1 30sc magazines for this.
My thoughts exactly. Definitely grabbing 2 15rd mags. That's a fucking game changer
Same does anyone know where to buy for 15rd
Please comment on the 30 SC Shield Plus.. I am wanting one for myself but daring my daughter to move up from her 380 EZ - is the recoil on the Shield Plus at 30 SC less than 9mm?
@@johnshields9110 Recoil on 30sc is pretty much identical to 9mm. Even though it is smaller it is high pressure which leaves it about the same as 9.
@@MGMan37 Thank you. Hearing it from an owner and user counts!
I like the look of this equalizer. I see that some are saying that it looks like sd9. I have not owned any m&p products. I'm looking around ez for my wife as she has arthritis and carpal tunnel. I wonder if they would make one in 380 in future.
Very interesting. Was considering upgrading my Shield to the Plus. With interchangeable mags, this could be nice for the wife. Will the Plus take the 15 rounder too?
Yes the 15rd should be compatible with the shield plus. Gunmagwarehouse already has it on there and it is listed for both the shield and equalizer.
Extractor are now inside the slide on the S&W pistols, noticed any disadvantages over the older extractors?
I got the M&P Metal recently so I’ll probably pass on this but I love how they keep options available to buyers.
How do you like it? I was considering one.
Both are intended for different purposes
@@bertito43 Yes, that’s quite obvious however I was speaking in a financial sense. I would be open to picking one up down the road though.
@@ericwalstrand3512 I love it! It’s very unique and I got quite a bit of compliments at the range. I would say if you have the funds and in the market you should pick one up.
Racking the slide with a full mag with the 380 EZ is difficult. With 7 or fewer rounds in the mag is then easy to rack it. I wonder if they eliminated this issue with the Equalizer. I thought they were have eliminated the two dot rear sights as has been done with some other newer handguns. The EZ grip size feels great in my XL sized hands except that I needed to add a Pearce mag grip extension to be able to get my pinky finger on it fully. I am glad the mags are compatible with the Shield Plus magazines but I thought those were still hard to find in stock so I hope S&W can ramp up production to meet demand for the larger capacity magazines.
Wouldn't be surprised if the M&P 3.0 will have this type of slide and frame grip. Hopefully all would be interchangeable with the 1.0 and 2.0.
Great video! I'm a new gun owner and recently bought the Glock 19 for concealed carry a few months back. Nice gun, but ended up want something more compact. Went with the M&P 9mm Shield Plus. Love it! After a month or so I was drawn to the Shield Plus 30 Super Carry for the extra capacity. I know the jury is still out on the Super Carry and it may take some time for seasoned gun owners to warm up to it, but I think it will take off in a couple years. The Equalizer may be my next purchase. I really like the easy rack slide and multiple options that come standard out of the box with 3 mag choices and optics ready.
I agree. The optic ready feature is definitely appealing. I’m gonna eventually buy an equalizer if they ever decide to offer it in .40 cal
lol, damn, man! You don't sound like a "new" gun owner! (that's meant to be a compliment)
Would be nice to see a performance center version of this
You know it'll come out in a month
@@davidhunt4129 that would be nice. Wonder if the performance center slide will work with equalizer frame
All that is, is an APEX trigger and mediocre fiber optic sights.
I like the larger thumb groove area for ease of racking and the quality of the mags matching the grip for all 3 mag sizes. Nice design.
This just may become the best concealed carry on the market.
Great information. I've been an EZ fan for some time and jumped on the Equalizer when I came across it at a local gun store. Best every day carry gun I've ever owned. There is nothing I don't like about it. I'm amazed how fast you were able to tap off rounds with it. Given that another review by a charter member of Nit-Pickers-R-Us said the reset on the trigger was so long that it would interfere with firing rapid follow-on shots.
I wish it still had the raised loaded chamber indicator on top like my old easy. But very cool nice, improvements
As glock has done nothing in decades, other companies are giving alot more options for shooters. Nice to see S&W ahead of all the others out there.
Its also nice to see S&W going away from those ridiculous 3 piece recoil spring assemblies. I have the latest S&W 45 Shield PC, came with a regular guide rod & single recoil spring.
THANK YOU S&W!
alot of these new guns are bascally made for right handed shooters only. shits sad tbh
I want this gun love it and having the 13 and 15 rounds is all I needed for the EZ 9 I have
This is great for people that need an EZ.
I wish you would have shown the shield plus with the 15 round mag in it
Damn, now I have to buy another one!!! Can't wait....love the capacity!!!
Muwahahaha. That was our plan all along. - Smith & Wesson Brands stockholder
Finally, ... Choices of either a flush magazine for concealability , or an only slightly longer magazine for two more rounds, or a long magazine. To many smaller guns, that I would have bought, had only the option of either to short a grip length that concealed well, (but I couldn't tolerate not having my little finger on the grip), or way longer magazine that held more rounds , but sucked for concealability. Examples being the Walther PPQ subcompact, and the Walther P99 subcompact. Both terrific guns. The H&K VP9 subcompact was eventually given a twelve round mid length magazine, but I found it a little larger and thicker than I wanted. I would still love to have a PPQ subcompact, if someone makes a slightly longer magazine.
I miss the classic S&W pistols like the 5906, they should make a comeback.
Without magazine disconnect though
5914, baby!
That was ingenious how they made the 15-round magazine for both this gun and also the Smith & Wesson shield Plus!! I was wondering when they were going to make a 15-round magazine but to do it for both guns and one go that was smart. Good job Unk Sootch.
I think S&W splitting that line off to it's own line instead of calling it another M&P model is smart. It was very different than the regular M&P, or the Shields. It will be interesting to see what happens with the EZ line over the next few years, especially since they're pushing some back into the metal frame world. I don't own any S&W's anymore, but I still have a soft spot for them. Never cared for the EZ though, between that weird grip safety and the broken hammers.
Who cares what they call it.. you now have more rounds.
@@XX-166 If you are anti police and military, this is a smart way to sell the "sameish" gun under a new name.
@@bbaker7467 💤💤💤💤💤💤💤
@@t436 💤💤💤🤡🤡💤🤡💤💤💤
@@bbaker7467 I guess they were trying to reach a market of first timers and older folks that is terrified of any kind of pistol, or they just don't have the grip strength to rack a normal slide. They added the grip safety, a thumb safety, made it not striker fired, and I'm surprised it doesn't have some way of automatically being able to load an empty chamber so that you didn't have to carry it on one. I know way too many people who fall under this category. I'm like you, I don't care for the grip safety. At least not in the way they did it, and I think it looks stupid. And they had all kinds of problems to start with on them because of the hammers breaking due to a manufacturing defect. I would assume they sorted of all that out by now. I don't have any idea how safe the internal hammer system is, but it seems like they could've approached it from a different direction and been more reliable.
I haven’t seen this in shops yet but am really interested. Would be nice to see a comparison video on this and the Compact 2.0
All I heard is "factory 15 round mags that are compatible with the Shield Plus". (Yes, I know about Magguts).
Yes, they are compatible with the Plus
Definitely going to look at getting this, since I have arthritis in both hands. But still love my shield plus.
Equalizer is a way cooler name than the EZ, and I love the flat-faced (non-humped) trigger. Great work S&W!
Yeah the "EZ" marketing campaign was a disaster. "Do you have weak hands?" "are you a moron?" .."Then we have the pistol for you!" lol
@@obxarms7685 So true! 😂😂😂
@@redrider7730 HUH?? That's a stretch if I ever heard one. What, the "EZ" is so easy a Child could use it?? The goons could use that narrative too. "EZ" is a great name for a geriatric stair lift or a laxative, not a gun. ...I'm sure it's a great pistol but if my pal shows up with an "EZ" at the range I'm going to bust his balls about it. lol
This pistol does not have a flat faced trigger. It’s exactly the same as the EZ.
@@luckymanham302 I mean it doesn't have the hump from having an integrated trigger safety--that's preferable to me.
You always do excellent gun reviews! I like to have this gun! Your review said Red Dot for the Holosun, that Holosun version is a Green Dot.
The slide serrations look very much like the S&W SD9VE. My guess is the springs have been toned down a bit.
I was thinking the same about the serrations. This looks like a great pistol!
This gun is hammer fired, so it really has nothing to do with the SD9VE.
may have to get some of those 15 rounders for my shield plus.
SW is always a leader in innovation. This is now on my list. I have the shield + great gun. Never ever have I had a misfire or jam. All the SW will eat all types of ammo. Like the feel so much better the than the Glock
No way Glock feel in hand is top notch well I guess it depends inyour hands
@@cartelplug8183 My $240 Taurus TX22 feels better in the hand than my Glock. A lot better.
My mother got a Shield EZ 380, and I'm seriously impressed with it. I'm strongly considering getting one for myself, or this Equalizer.
The slide reminds me of the SD9
Excellent review except for one small thing: I didn't see where you mentioned chambering a round upon inserting the magazine. I have always used the slide release to move the slide forward. I'm finding more and more that they are making the slide release so small and unusable (for that purpose)! I'm just now learning to pull the slide back a little bit to make it move forward. It's just a foreign concept to me. Whenever I pick up a semi-auto, I'm always feeling how accessible that slide release is. If I can't reach it, I instinctively want to just put the gun down and forget it. But I love this gun, so hopefully at the next gun show, I'll pick it up!
Excellent review. This is what we have come to expect from you. Well done.
I think the grip safety is a great thing. And, Smith and Wesson is really putting out some nice products. Thanks for the video.
A grip safety makes a pistol an automatic "do not want" in my book.
A grip safety can cause the pistol not to fire...unreliable
Thanks Sootch for bringing this new gun to your channel. It looks like a phenomenal design.
They need to make these models without the grip safety. And that includes the EZ.
What can be said, your reviews are consistently among the best on U tube 🇺🇸💪🏼
What a beautiful gun, definitely my next weapon on the list
Just bought me an Equalizer. Trying it out tomorrow.
380 acp version?
The original EZ is a 380. There is also a 9 x 19 version of the EZ.
Don you nailed it on the slide , push the gun and hold the slide. I tell folks all the time hold the cap and turn the bottle 💪🇺🇸
Thank you.
I think the original M&P Shield is a perfect thing. I don't even feel it on my hip. Smith & Wesson are just killing it in this size market.
U mean the Shield Plus is the perfect
@@srobeck77 Eww I had to look. Mine isn't a "plus"... what is the plus? More bullets?
@@srobeck77 Welp. Now I know I can have a few more bullets and a lighter trigger and I'm about to be poorer... Thanks Shawn.
Thumbs up for showing the optic mount!
Thanks Sootch. Great job. Good info. God bless.
LETS GO BRANDON
Thanks Ward! You're the man!
LGB : ) God Bless