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I first coated the S&W 9mm Protect EZ pistol in 2022, throughout a publish about handguns for senior citizens. As a consequence of its distinctive traits, the EZ made the semiauto record, nevertheless it was actually half of a bigger image.
Now, a 12 months later, that specific pistol has seen extra use. Conclusion: It’s worthy of extra thorough protection. Reasonably than begin from scratch, I’ll use the earlier publish as a basis. However this one is devoted strictly to the Protect EZ Collection. May as effectively take a look at its historical past whereas we’re at it.
Debut of the S&W Polymer M&P Pistols
Simply earlier than Smith & Wesson’s polymer-framed M&P pistols appeared (throughout 2005), I used to be granted a possibility for a sneak preview. I greeted it with a yawn, however quickly thereafter, we (my Company) had a possibility to wring out some samples. It turned out these striker-fired pistols did have a number of fascinating qualities to incorporate good ergonomics, enhanced via grip inserts of varied sizes.
The timing was fortuitous since our metal-frame double-action S&Ws had been growing older so, after an in depth T&E session, we wound up buying a couple of hundred duty-sized (4 ¼”) M&Ps. They had been an immediate hit with our employees, though our plain-clothed of us hoped for a smaller-sized pistol. This was round 2008.
Improvement of the M&P Protect Collection
Throughout 2012, S&W launched what proved to be a gamechanger for concealed-carry functions, their micro-sized M&P Shields. These small polymer-framed pistols had been rapidly delivered to our consideration so, briefly order, extra samples arrived in each out there calibers; 9mm and .40 S&W. The latter was fairly snappy, however the 9mms we tried (8 +1 variations) had been fairly controllable.
The instance I wrung out additionally proved to be a tack-driver, one thing I’ve observed with different short-barreled S&W semiautos courting again to a listing of D/A Mannequin 3913s. Because it turned out, a principal disadvantage to the Protect was the pressure required to manually function its slide – an issue for a few of our smaller-statured personnel. Nonetheless, I appreciated a 9mm pattern a lot that I wound up shopping for it. I’ve since shot the Dickens out of it with nary a bobble, and it’s nonetheless in my possession (as is my trusty aluminum-framed M-3913).
Protect EZ Pistol Introduction
The Protect’s stiff slide little question put the kibosh on gross sales amongst a rising phase of handgun purchasers; girls, in addition to others involved about private safety. Luckily, this example was rectified via an uncommon new “Protect.” Superficially there are some similarities, however the aptly named “EZ” is mostly a completely different pistol.
Protect EZ Pistol Particulars
The EZ first appeared throughout 2018 as a light-recoiling, compact .380 ACP. Designed for “shootability” and simple operation (EZ), the idea was a sufficiently big hit {that a} barely bigger 9mm model quickly adopted. Both mannequin just about eliminates strength-related difficulties frequent to many semiautos. Beginning with the operation of its slide, even the 9mm EZ is a lot extra person pleasant than my trusty Protect.
A lot of that is attributable to the EZ’s inside hammer, a departure from right this moment’s striker-fired techniques), that gives “simpler” handbook slide operation. Additionally, there’s a set of greedy ears – one other effort-reducing characteristic. The journal can be effectively conceived. A set of small protruding tabs allow handbook retraction of the follower, eliminating the necessity for a loading gadget. The tradeoff is decreased capability, however the EZ remains to be an 8 +1 pistol, backed up by fast reloads.
Security
S&W put some thought within the security side. Past the usual inside drop security, the EZ incorporates an odd-looking grip-safety just like that of the well-respected U.S. Mannequin 1911, .45 ACP Authorities Mannequin. The EZ model is giant sufficient to make sure full disengagement from any regular grip place, however the pistol gained’t hearth until it’s depressed.
Curiously, the preliminary M-1911 submissions lacked an exterior security lever. The Military wished one so John Browning obliged. You should purchase an S&W EZ both method. The EZs may also hearth sans {a magazine} however a tactile loaded chamber indicator is commonplace.
Options
Not like the full-sized M&Ps, the EZ doesn’t characteristic interchangeable grips. Nonetheless, it manages to strike a pleasant stability of measurement and shootability, with a greater than acceptable accuracy. A part of that is attributable to its pre-cocked inside hammer. A real “single-action”, this method gives a clear feeling 4 ½-pound set off pull with a definite reset.
Additionally, the EZ’s sight-radius is lengthy sufficient to supply exact sight alignment (the usual EZs have fastened three-dot sights). The barrel measures 3 ½-inches, lengthy sufficient that it doesn’t hand over a lot velocity. The EZ’s empty weight is listed as 23.8 ounces. It lacks the ambidextrous slide-stops of a full-size M&P, however the journal launch may be reversed.
The Efficiency Heart EZs
As soon as the mud settled, S&W launched a collection of catchy Efficiency Heart EZs. Not ready to withstand, I purchased the instance pictured right here. The inspiration is just about the identical, nevertheless it does have a couple of spiffy options. For starters, the barrel is ported. Marketed to scale back recoil, it extends a bit past the face of the slide for an general size of three.8-inches. The slide encompasses a collection of racy wanting ports that largely simply save a little bit of weight.
Regardless of its coolness, I purchased this PC mannequin primarily for its fiber-optic/tritium Hello-Viz sights. They’re extremely seen in all lighting circumstances to incorporate darkness. And, not like the striker-fired Shields, an adjunct rail is commonplace all through the EZ line, allowing the straightforward attachment of a light-weight (or laser).
Being no stranger to a 1911, I opted for an EZ with an energetic security. Some think about one an obstacle to a defensive response, however I’ve observed many detractors additionally personal an AR-15 – geared up with a security lever. If you happen to go this route, not like a “cocked & locked” 1911, the EZ’s slide may be retracted whereas on-safe. In distinction to the unique Protect, its levers are each beneficiant and bilateral. Speedy entry is a non-issue so the important thing to their efficient use boils all the way down to apply – and constant use of this characteristic.
Vary Report
For accuracy testing, I fired 4 tried and true favorites off sandbags from 25 yards. Some evaluators check pistols of this measurement at 15 yards however, as famous above, shorter-barreled S&Ws can print respectable teams – typically tighter than their full-size family members. The EZ additionally has a crisp set off, and my PC model is fitted with a superb set of sights.
Accuracy
Through the preliminary 2022 check I shot Speer Gold Dot 124-grain JHPs, and Federal American Eagle 124-grain FMJs (see ammo sites for buy choices). 5-shot teams with both load averaged a greater than respectable 2 ¼-inches off sandbags.
Throughout 2023, a repeat check of those hundreds produced an identical outcomes. An extra field of Federal’s 124-grain Hydra Shok JHPs did the identical – constantly good efficiency!
I had excessive hopes for an additional longstanding favourite, Speer Lawman 124-grain TMJs, however no such luck. Teams ran an abysmal 4-inches. Two M&Ps available that day averaged effectively underneath 2-inches from the identical field, proving that nothing’s etched in stone (additionally each are fitted with aftermarket Apex barrels).
Sight Regulation
It’s been my expertise that S&W does a superb job regulating their fastened sights. Thus, it got here as no shock that my 9mm EZ shot near its sights at 25 yards with frequent 124-grain hundreds. Elevation is fastened, however windage may be tweaked by drifting the rear sight in its dovetail (secured by a setscrew beneath the slide).
Dealing with & Management
The EZ was quick and intuitive from the “prepared” or a holster. Regardless of its ported barrel, the above hundreds did generate some recoil, a consequence of the PC EZ’s 23-ounce weight. Nonetheless, it was on par with many different compacts. The textured grip helps keep management however, if recoil is a priority, Hornady affords an answer via their 100-grain 9mm Lites.
To cut back recoil much more, S&W nonetheless sells .380 ACP EZs. They’re barely lighter variations (18-ounces) of the identical pistol in a lighter-kicking caliber. Hornady has an efficient .380 load to match this alternative, too. I can vouch for its capacity to increase, having witnessed the outcomes throughout FBI testing protocols.
Reliability
No stoppages to report with my 9mm, taking pictures with both hand and a unfastened or agency grip. Additionally, constant ejection patterns, no deformed instances, and solidly struck primers. I stretched it to 200 rounds between cleanings (bulk ammo sites to buy your personal).
Holsters, And so on.
I began out with a primary Comp-Tac holster, shaped from Kydex and it’s labored effectively sufficient that I’ve caught with it, rigged for OWB keep it up a sturdy belt. A spare journal slides into an open-topped pouch with sufficient clearance to permit for its protruding finger tabs, one thing value checking.
In fact, we must be certain of our goal. In the intervening time, my EZ is supplied with a small however vivid O-light Baldr Mini, which additionally has a built-in laser. To this point so good however, if it quits, I nonetheless have the brilliant set of night-sights for insurance coverage. This technique presently serves as a bump-in-the-night handgun largely for that reason (secondary to a 9mm AR). The QD gentle/laser unit repeats its zero, so I merely detach it when the EZ is carried in its holster.
All-Necessary Upkeep
Periodic disassembly is a part of the cleansing course of however is usually skipped with “fiddly” designs. Luckily, disassembly of the EZ is about as simple because it will get. Flip the disassembly lever and the slide meeting may be drawn off the body for routine cleansing (the recoil spring is captive on the information rod).
Not like many striker-fired designs, the set off doesn’t must be pulled. S&W’s M&Ps circumvent this via a sear deactivation tab, however the EZ’s hammer-fired system fully eliminates such considerations. Mine shipped with a helpful cleansing equipment and clear instructions. Observe them and also you’ll be good to go – with high quality ammunition.
Prices
An 8 +1 pistol won’t appear too reassuring these days however, not like some higher-capacity rivals, the EZ’s magazines are simple to high off. Additionally, its ergonomics shouldn’t be discounted. Regardless of a complete assortment of M&Ps, I discover myself reaching for my EZ as a result of it simply feels “proper”. A primary three-dot sight model retails for $521.
S&W lists the PC variations at $643. My older Protect began out as a primary model, however I wound up investing in a set of aftermarket night time sights. The EZ’s sights are mounted in dovetails so related upgrades are attainable, however the PC model is sweet to go as is. In any case, real-world costs typically run decrease.
Parting Pictures
Nonetheless, since “extra” is usually deemed advantageous, S&W just lately launched a higher-cap model of the EZ, the Equalizer. It weighs the identical however boosts capability. Past a flush-fit 10-shot journal, two prolonged varieties increase capability to 13 +1, and 15 +1. Like most different S&W’s, these pistols can be found with or with out exterior security levers for an MSRP of $599.
Which begs the query: Do you actually need an exterior security? My older Protect has one, nevertheless it’s small and troublesome to entry. As famous above, like a 1911 Authorities Mannequin, the EZ fires from a cocked hammer – the rationale it’s slide is simpler to control (helps delay unlocking).
Out of sight, out of thoughts, I suppose. Not like an unique 1911, the EZ does characteristic a firing pin block (drop security) and the grip security remains to be there – though nobody I do know carries a 1911 off secure. Which takes us to S&W’s latest CSX with an exterior hammer – geared up with a non-optional security lever.
FYI, the centerfire EZs are an offshoot (pun supposed) of S&W’s hammer-fired M&P .22 LR Compact pistol. The rimfire lacks a grip security however has at all times had a thumb-safety, and it capabilities almost identically. As a result of rimfire ammo is way more inexpensive, this shut cousin may very well be the ticket to significant apply.
Lastly, for more information about handguns typically, right here’s a hyperlink to Handguns: A Purchaser’s and Shooter’s Information: