Anyone shot the new M&P .380 EZ?

[vossman]

Im still looking for something for the spouse. The Shield .40 and 9mm were both too much recoil and too hard to work the slide. Neither of us has shot a .380 so we're hoping the recoil is much tamer.

[Squeeze]

Glock 42?

[Vitesse304]

I have. Because of the frame design and how the grip (extended compared to the shield) fills your hand, it does make the recoil feel significantly less.

In addition, racking that slide is super easy and even loading the mags is easier.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Little Dutch]

My wife owns one. It's an excellent pistol. It's low recoil, easy to fire, easy to load, and easy to take apart. I think Smith is going to sell a pile of them.

[Mazin]

G42 or sig p238 (pull back the hammer before you rack the slide).

Has she tried any revolvers?

[Gman]

Thanks for posting this up. My elderly mother has been wanting a pistol for CCW, and I read a review over at TTAG. Online price at Cabela's was $349 for the model without the thumb safety, IIRC. I can probably do better at the LGS.

[Singlestack]

My wife is interested in shooting one. Does anyone know of a range that has one to rent?

[Colorado Osprey]

Im still looking for something for the spouse. The Shield .40 and 9mm were both too much recoil and too hard to work the slide. Neither of us has shot a .380 so we're hoping the recoil is much tamer.

Most gun makers make smaller cartridge guns smaller and lighter. In doing this I would bet the 380 in its smaller size feels the same as the shield in 9mm in recoil.
The shorter the barrel the snappier the gun. The M&P Compact instead of Shield has significantly less felt recoil and easier to operate slide. A standard size M&P can be shot by very small stature people. If recoil is an issue 40S&W in any compact handguns is always snappy.

Try going to a physically larger frame size gun in the same caliber instead of a smaller cartridge to make handling easier.

[Little Dutch]

Most gun makers make smaller cartridge guns smaller and lighter. In doing this I would bet the 380 in its smaller size feels the same as the shield in 9mm in recoil.
The shorter the barrel the snappier the gun. The M&P Compact instead of Shield has significantly less felt recoil and easier to operate slide. A standard size M&P can be shot by very small stature people. If recoil is an issue 40S&W in any compact handguns is always snappy.

Try going to a physically larger frame size gun in the same caliber instead of a smaller cartridge to make handling easier.


The 380 EZ is actually (very) slightly larger than the 9mm, and has noticeably reduced felt recoil. I was surprised by the size change. There is an article in the latest American Rifleman that discusses it.