First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ

Recent years have seen Smith & Wesson’s M&P series handguns realize widespread popularity among handgun enthusiasts across the United States. The full-size M&P is an awesome plinking, outdoor carry and combat pistol, while the M&P Shield is one of the most compact, ergonomic 9mm handguns out there, and is favored by a lot of folks for concealed and defensive handgun purposes.

For 2020, Smith & Wesson has announced the M&P9 Shield EZ; a mid-compact 9mm Luger piece that is built for folks who struggle to have hand strength enough to operate the full-sized or Shield models. Two 8-round magazines come with the pistol, and feature load assist tabs that make stoking them a lot easier. A grip safety and easy-rack slide further the handgun’s mild mannerisms, and a Picatinny rail makes mounting accessories easy.

Stainless steel barrel length is 3.67 inches, and the pistol weighs in at just over 23 ounces. The slide is also stainless with Armornite finish, while the frame is polymer. If you’re looking for a small-but-capable, easy-to-use semiauto handgun for backcountry carry and protection, this might be the gun for you.

The M&P9 Shield EZ has an MSRP of $479. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.