NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol

by
posted on June 16, 2018
** 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. **

Smith & Wesson sought to fill a market gap within its lineup of handguns with the 2018 introduction of the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol. The gun is built on the M&P22 Compact polymer frame and contains a slide fitted with a 3.52” barrel chambered for .380 ACP. The pistol is recoil operated and, in following the theme of “EZ”-to-operate, engineers incorporated a lightened recoil spring, flared cocking tabs and an eight-round magazine that, by way of loading wings attached to its follower, is much easier to load. The compact-size pistol weighs just over 18 ozs., and is well-suited for home defense or daily carry. To learn more, check out our NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by Mark Keefe.  

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: M&P380 Shield EZ
Chambering: .380 ACP
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Slide: steel
Frame: polymer
Barrel: 3.52” steel; five-groove, 1:10” RH twist
Sights: white, three-dot; drift-adjustable rear, post front
Trigger: single-action; 4-lb., 7-oz. pul
Magazine: eight-round detachable box
Width: 1.45”
Weight: 18.5 ozs.
MSRP: $399

Additional Reading:
Tested: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol
Smith & Wesson Expands M&P M2.0 Pistol Line
M&P M2.0 Compact Pistol Offered with Green Crimson Trace Laserguard













Latest

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 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.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.