Safety Recall: Smith & Wesson M&P9 and M&P380 Shield EZ Handguns

by
posted on November 22, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sw-mpshieldez.jpg
Smith & Wesson announced on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, that it has discovered an issue with two of the handguns of the M&P Shield EZ line where the hammers from a supplier had cracked. This notice applies only to M&P9 and M&P380 Shield EZs manufactured between March 1 and Oct. 31, 2020. In the firearms affected by this issue, the hammer fails to fully engage the sear, causing a round to fire and cycle the slide. This could potentially result in multiple discharges per single depression of the trigger.

In all cases of this issue, the handguns will not fire unless the grip safety is fully depressed. This issue has only been found in two specific handgun hammers, and Smith & Wesson believes that the two incidents are very isolated based off of its findings. Regardless, the chance of the issue causing any unintended discharges is considered a risk for potential injury and a safety hazard.

Thus, Smith & Wesson has issued a safety recall as a precautionary measure to ensure that any other M&P Shield EZ handguns with a faulty hammer are found and corrected. This notice only applies to a small number of M&P9 and M&P380 Shield EZ handguns and does not apply to all M&P Shield handgun lines. Smith & Wesson directs all owners of the M&P Shield EZ lines, including Performance Center versions, of handguns to stop using their handguns until they have determined whether their specific handgun falls within the production date range of this safety recall.

Suspect handguns from this range are to be sent back to Smith & Wesson for inspection, and repair if necessary. Smith & Wesson asks that owners of Smith & Wesson M7P Shield EZ models to visit its recall site to determine if their specific handgun falls within the manufacturing lot that was potentially affected. If their specific handgun falls within this manufacturing lot, Smith & Wesson will arrange for the return of the handgun to its factory for inspection and repaired at no cost if the issue is discovered.

Smith & Wesson expects that the process should have a turnaround of 10 days, and will return the handguns back to their owners as quickly as possible. All shipping and replacement costs will be covered by the company. To find out if your Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ handgun is a part of the affected lot, visit this site. Owners canl also call Smith & Wesson customer service at (888) 871-7114 to find out if their handgun might be affected.

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.