SMITH & WESSON EQUALIZER...AS GOOD AS THEY CLAIM?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- In this video, we will be be discussing the SMITH & WESSON EQUALIZER. We will compare this model to other types of carry guns in similar category to help establish considerations for comfort while carrying. The features will be detailed and we will discuss how these different features might have value to the owner. A brief overview of range performance will be presented along with a summary of the carry experience with regards to holster selection and coverall comfort. In closing. we will present overall impressions of the firearm as a carry option. Thanks for watching!
If you enjoy our content, please share this video and don't forget to subscribe to the channel. It helps us out so much, and we really appreciate it!
We are grateful for the support of our viewers, and we will continue to work hard to bring information that can serve beginners and experts alike.
#equalizer #smithandwesson #concealedcarry #tactical best carry gun, best smith and wesson 2022, equalizer review, smith and wesson equalizer review, best concealed carry gun
My wife just picked this gun up after getting bitten by her Glock at the gun range while trying to rack the slide. After getting a nasty blood blister on her palm her love for Glock ended instantly. She really likes how much easier it is for her to rack the slide on the equalizer and makes her feel much more confident. Though this may not be the gun for everyone I'm glad there are options out there for people to find what works for them.
@@rickcole2301 huh?
*Grip Safety:* This is a nice feature, especially for women. Since they have to take her pants down to pee, women tend to carry in a belly-band, and those don't have a hard shell protecting the trigger... so... when holstering/re-holstering you can place your thumb on the back of the slide and the grip safety is not depressed. When carrying, if anything should push into the belly-band and contact the trigger, same thing, the grip safety is not depressed so the pistol cannot fire. I love this feature for my wife (her EDC is the Shield 9 EZ).
I'm rocking a $300 holosun optic on my equalizer. No thumb safety, 15+1, and it's amazing. Best gun I've ever had.
I added one on mine also,I love shooting it
Agreed but I think the 13rd magazine fits better. When I use the 15rd the magazine seems loose like it wobble a bit. It's in place shoots fine but don't like the wooble
Hell yeah dude this seems like a badass gun ain't nothing wrong with it whatsoever! I got the shield plus optics ready I ordered the urban carry iwb holster lock leather $75 CT Red-Dot for $75 from PSA & the $40 15rd mag. Is it hard for you to get the 15 round mag in the gun❓It's hard for me to get the 15th round in the mag & put the mag in the 🔫💨 🤷
@@dannylovett8114where do you find replacement barrels and parts for this model. I've been searching the net and I can't find nothing for this gun but grips and holsters.
@@itsruffoutchea6636unfortunately isn’t that popular that have a ton of parts, what holster are you using?
My Equalizer is the model without the manual safety. In my Cross Breed OWB Holster it is really comfortable to carry all day. I love the way The Equalizer shoots and the mags are interchangeable with my Shield Plus. I've been shooting pistols for over 50 years and never even consider a reset. Thanks for your review.
I have had many guns over the years. This one seems best for me. Arthritis has taken its toll. I like it a lot. I carry with the 13 rd mag. Use the 15 at the range
Personally, I'm very intrigued by this gun, I see it like a compact light weight 1911, same controls and manual of arms, single action only, but with better capacity, rail and provision for an optic red dot. All you may need and nothing you don't. What I can say, I really like single action handguns and manual safeties, either that or revolvers and not a fan of striker fired guns.
This is my EDC gun, I love it...
Mine too, I tried different guns and the equalizer is my favorite to carry and shoot in the range
*The Manual Safety:* This is OPTIONAL. You can choose to have/not have it. It is narrower without it and you won't forget to disengage it under stress.
*Magazines:* The magazines are compatible with the Shield Plus. Since the magazines lack the loading tabs of the EZ series, the Equalizer comes with a magazine loader.
*Racking:* The rear of the slide has "cocking ears" that make it easier to grip... but I can rack the slide on the 9 EZ with my index finger on the front sight.
*Grip Safety:* This is a nice feature, especially for women (they have to take their pants down to pee). Women tend to carry in a belly-band and those don't have a hard shell protecting the trigger... so... when holstering/re-holstering you can place your thumb on the back of the slide and the grip safety is not depressed. When carrying, if anything should push into the belly-band and contact the trigger, same thing, the grip safety is not depressed so the pistol cannot fire. I love this feature for my wife (her EDC is a 9 EZ).
*Size:* The size allows for the pistol to better manage recoil than a true 'micro-nine' and mag changes or manipulating the controls is less difficult on a bit larger gun. The slim profile conceals nicely and the extra barrel length really doesn't hinder that... but less velocity loss than the tiny guns. The Equalizer/EZ series pistols shoot better than they should... something about the slide weight, spring weight, and hammer.
I added a small extension on the 10 round mag, so I can get all three fingers on the grip. It cost about $13. It's a great modification.
I'm a petite female whose owned guns 45 yrs. Now that I'm older my strength isn't what it use to be, and the equalizer is perfect for me. I got mine with the TS bc my other 9mm has a TS and that's what I've trained with and it's muscle memory for me to just flip it down. I'm not a fan of grip safeties, but it isn't a deal breaker. Thanks for the review!
Just a little information on the grip safety a company called NDZ Performance makes a performance center grip safety which when you engage the grip safety it is flush with the grip it makes the grip safety fantastic and is easy to install . I love it on my easy . At 70 years old I'm gearing up for getting older
This is such a great improvement over the EZ, in many ways. I do think that S&W should add other SKUs with fiber optic sights, and Tritium sights.
Regarding additional SKU’s… give them time. The EZ hit the shelves with only two (w/TS and NTS), but they later added several more.
@@johnframe3521 Thats right! I recently looked at a list of EZ models. There are a LOT of various models now! With day sights, night sights, day & night sights, lasers, tasers, phasers, razors, etc, etc! Oh My! BUT Hi-Vis (model H3) and other companies have made some aftermarket sights for the EZ line. Which I have installed now and love them! I am hoping, they continue with the Equalizer line!? ¹
There were mentions of Performance Center versions coming soon, at the Shot Show! Even better, if it gives us a little more barrel length, ported muzzle {or compensator} and the improvements PC typically offers to their stock triggers! I've owned a couple & miss them dearly (burglary) 😖🤬...
I'm waiting, S&W! But I want one sooner than later! 😎😜
I got the NTS version, I have tendonitis and arthritis and this gun really helps. I use the 13-round mags and picked up 2 spare 13-rounders. I have a Swampfox Sentinel on it.
You know man, this one's designed for compromised grip strength but experienced shooters, myself included, absolutely love it! With great capacity options at this price-point. It shoots really good and I'm VERY happy with it!
I sold my Hellcat Pro for the Equalizer as I shoot it so much better, and less recoil. Fifteen round magazine and a light for home defense. Ten or thirteen magazines for Carry. I sold my Hellcat for the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus Pro because I shoot it so much better.
All my semi-autos have a thumb safety. One manual of arms works for me. I learned on 1911's in the Marine Corps and prefer that style of safety.
Cancer treatments took my strength. Bought an EZ because I could not pull the triggers on my revolvers or rack my 1911s. My wife decided the EZ was her firearm, so I bought an Equizer the week they came out.
Just a little information a company called NDZ Performance makes a performance center grip safety that when engaged it is flush with the grip it is fantastic on my easy and a piece of cake to install . At 70 I am getting ready for old age
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent review. You break down explaining the gun COMPLETELY. It's the review I was looking for and the gun I will buy as a new gun owner. Thanks for explaining all the jargon used by the other gun UA-camrs. And finally you wrap up and summary at the end was excellent. Keep up the good work.
Best part of the Equalizer:
The 15 round mags that work in the Shield Plus.
Which is better the Shield Plus or this Equalizer?
@@andrewtanczyk4009 I don’t own an Equalizer but the Shield Plus is better for me.
Agreed - plus S&W adds in the UpULA mag loading tool.
** Just my opinion but, I really enjoyed your review. I actually watched it from beginning to end without stopping and that's rare for me. I recently purchased this hand gun but without the thumb safety. Only had it one week and haven't shot it, yet. Looking forward to going to the range. I will take note of your comments as I get more familiar with the pistol. Thanks for the indepth review 👍🏾👍🏾 & ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very thorough review, thank you, subbed looking forward to more content.
I just bought one ! I really like it !! But agree with you ,not good carry gun !! But still think a great investment!! Love shooting this gun !!
i'd call it a subcompact. the shield EZ is a similar size to the M&P subcompact, slightly skinnier. this is basically an EZ with a thicker grip. the variable length of the magazine makes it a little more flexible. could use the flush for summer clothing, extended mag for winter. kind of interesting.
I just bought one not long ago and for the most part, it's a great gun. Also, the price was right. The gun is accurate and I also a reload my own ammo and it function well with my reloads. The only thing I don't like about it is the grip safety. If there was some way to remove it or disable the grip safety I would do it. Even though I have several 1911's and am used to a grip safety, for some reason I feel you have to hold the gun a little tighter than usual to engage the grip safety properly or else the gun won't fire. Maybe if S&W put a memory bump on the grip safety, like what is on most modern production 1911's, I feel the grip safety would function a little better. Other than that, it's a great gun and you won't go wrong buying one.
Just a little information on your grip safety a company called NDZ Performance makes a performance center grip safety for the EZ and Equalizer that when you engage the grip safety it is flush with the rest of the grip I put one on my EZ and it is fantastic and a piece of cake to install
The grip safety pivots from the bottom which is different than the 1911 series of pistols. This maybe of benefit to a pistol of this type. This may encourage a good high and tight grip and be a little bit more reliable to engage. no need for a memory bump like on some 1911's .
I almost jumped on this one the day it came out, but I decided not to for the reason it’s not in the FDE color. Hopefully soon they make one or else I will use that money for a different brand that I know has FDE 🤞 But I love those EZ’s when they 1st came out so much I got 3 of them. Two 9mm for me and the wife and then she also got a Performance Center 380 in gold……very nice.
I want to check one out, before I rush out and buy one. Especially how it feels in the hand! It seems to check most of the boxes, for me. The EZ rack slide, is just a bonus (for later in life, if my grip goes bad?)! I feel certain, sight upgrades will be an aftermarket option, soon. Hopefully? I doubt anyone will make an aftremarket, threaded barrel option, but that would be Awesome, and would sell good too!
I almost want to wait and see if a Precision model to comes out.
Thanks for the review.
I like your review content and this may sound like a minor point, but I like the background color and lighting on these videos. There’s something visually pleasing to me about the slightly darker orange shadows cast immediately behind the featured firearm. I doubt that was arrived at by accident. Don’s Weaponry is a nice gun shop. I remember buying a blued Ruger .45 Long Colt from them years ago (should have kept that one, but with ammo prices these days, feeding it would be painful).
Thank you for your kind comments. You are correct, a bit of thought has gone into the production quality of these videos. I figure we owe the viewers a quality experience. The people at Don's are fantastic and very knowledgeable - they will always help you make the right decisions.
I learned more from you today watching your video on the 9 mm Equalizer!!! Thank you so much.
I'm in the market for a fairly compact CC firearm. I've been an S&W .38 Spl for years, and now would like to add something that offers more than 5 rounds. Trying to divide between something like this or a Glock! Thanks for the review ❤️👍😊 I am female but grip size isn't an issue due having long fingers ✅
19:00 15 round magazine capacity prints then or is just uncomfortable? 10 rounds looks like it would be a pain with the pinky finger hanging out. I believe you are correct that the 13 round magazine wild be perfect for concealed carry.
Which firearm for CCW would be better the plus or this equalizer?
Perfect carry gun if you get the one without the thumb safety. Just as short and thin as a P365 with the 10 rounder, and the little bit longer slide makes IWB/AIWB more comfortable. And most importantly the grip safety ensures no ND if something gets in your holster.
Looking for a holster and the Versacarry looks nice. What is the exact size/model of that holster? The Equalizer is not listed on their sizing chart on their website. But the one you're using seems to fit it very good.
Curios as well... Hope to hear back about thar
I have found most of the holsters for the EZ will fit this just fine
….have run ~1000 rounds of varying range and defense rounds through this gun…only issue was with Hornady defense rounds…I have a largish hand and the 10 rd mag length is a non factor in handing and firing…I have replaced the factory front post sight with a green tritium post for better visibility…a good choice in my book
i think the reason they call it a micro compact is because the grip with flush mag is definitely a micro compact and when conceal carrying that’s all that really prints is grip. plus the extra length of slide feels better to me. doesn’t dig right above my you know what as much. but i don’t carry this gun just bought one for my grandpa so can’t say to much. good video thoe. your definitely the first guy i seen that didn’t just rip the slide off while taking it off that’s what i did first 2 time taking it apart now i know how to properly disassemble it lol and did you notice the optic screws go all the way to bottom of slide pretty neat
Good review just had a question can you rack the slide with the safety in the on position up?
If it's similar to the EZ then yes.
Yes.
Got one about 3 months ago and was looking for a Beretta 9mm but they didn't have the one I wanted in stock, so I saw this one with the 3 clips, and it also came with a Mag Loader as well an was on sale.
Been shooting it at 6 yards aka 18' and with 2 hands I was all over, but with 1 hand I am aiming in COM which is where u want, the Laser also helps as well.
My one issue is I can't get the mags to load past 1315, 1113 & 810 in the mags, the springs won't allow it an the gun seems to not allow it as well past the #'s stated
Did you notice increased muzzle flip?
is it possible to grip the gun while preparing to shoot and not depress the grip safety? I keep seeing reviews where people think youre going to either forget to depress the grip safety, or youre going to get a grip and pull the trigger and the grip safety will not be depressed enough? Is this really an issue? Im not saying anyone is wrong, but instead trying to actually understand, because it doesnt make sense to me
Do you have a site for that holster
This gun is such an oddball at the gun store I work at. We normally don't get returns on guns unless they are having mechanical issues. We have gotten 7 of these guns back this year alone because the people who bought them didn't like the ergonomics or the grip safety. Personally I don't see the problem, but I just find it very strange.
I don’t need a carry gun but being 79 years old I like the EZ concept but would prefer a full size for heft ie reduced recoil impulse and longer sight radius. It will be a home defense gun at the bedside. Are there choices out there that might fit my requirements.
Smith and Wesson M&P Plus or this Equalizer?
Thanks for the very good review.
Seems like buying a gun with magazines you will never use is not a great idea. I would of liked it provided with the middle magazine with options to buy the other ones.
When you go over the different ammo accuracy how does that work? Are you talking about multiple quick shots in a row or single / first shot accuracy? I'm not familiar with how different bullets have different accuracy out of the same gun / barrel.
They also come with no thumb safety.
Looks good, but I’m not falling for this trap.
I’m waiting for a review of the Performance Center model before I consider upgrading
What size of Versacarry holster is that? #2 or #3? Do you think it will fit the Equalizer and the Shield Plus?
Just bought one last week. I bought the last one at my gun shop they are flying off the shelves.
Or, if you're a 250 pound guy that likes a smooth action....the grip safety is necessary because it's hammer fired
I had to send mine back to SAW it was hitting way off, paper looked like buck shot at 7yds hope they can fix it 😓
Would you use this or the ruger ec9s as your ccw
The problem with this holster is the metal clip. If you carry it 4 o'clock it will tear your car seat upholstery.
I got the Equalizer with a Swampfox green dot optic, should I get the subcompact size holster you're recommending?
OK as a first time gun buyer would you recommend this gun, Ruger security 380 or Canik mete mc9. I want a compact home defense gun that's fun for the range. Thank you!
Id say go with ruger security 380, 380 is a good defensive round thats softer shooting than the this or the canic, and as one ages the 380 round can grow with you as its always going to be a soft shooter, practice practice
Any word on an updated S&W CSX with improved trigger and Optics cut? I think the CSX could have been a huge success if the trigger wasn't garbage and if it was optic ready
same, where tf is it
What’s the hole in the slide?
I shot this at the range alongside the EZ 9mm and EZ .380, CSX, P365 models (XL, OG 9mm, P365-380) and the Hellcat RDP. Out of all of the ones that I was actually able to put several rounds through (the .380 guns kept jamming because the range gave me shitty ammo), the ones I was most accurate with were the EZ 9 and the P365XL. I wound up choosing the 365XL due to my accuracy with the gun and the better size-to-capacity ratio compared to the EZ models. I had really high hopes for the Equalizer because I do struggle with racking some (but not all) pistol slides thanks to muscle rigidity due to CP, but I also wanted something with a good capacity. I did enjoy shooting both it and the CSX in terms of ergonomics and the perceived recoil didn't cause me pain in my hands/arms, but I'm still pretty bummed that I didn't do as well as I hoped I would. I honestly wonder if it was the guns or something I was doing wrong, and I would really like to give both this and the CSX another chance next time I visit the range. Do you have any tips on how to improve accuracy for those with nearsightedness and/or convergence issues?
Oh wow.... I love my EZ. 380. I'm going to pick up the Equalizer as soon as it's approved for sale here in Maryland.
@@charlenefaison7581 see if you can find a range that has both models and try to compare them. See which one you are most accurate with.
@@rosemarsili9159 well I already own the. 380 and shoot pretty good with it. The range I go to had the Equalizer on display. They have 25 in stock ready to sale when it's cleared. I really liked the way it felt in my small hands and racking was really easy. I have rheumatoid arthritis. Pretty certain i want to purchase. I can reserve it now. I'll ask how many have been reserved next time I'm there. If I can shoot befits purchase I will. I bought my Taurus GX4 without shooting first and it's jammed from day one. Not sure if it was ammo or its still too dry despite me taking it apart and lubing it up. The gunsmith is only there on weekdays so it's been hard to get out there. But definitely anxious to shoot the Equalizer
ua-cam.com/video/qZJTenjAh5A/v-deo.html - Trigger pull video to improve your accuracy!
@@charlenefaison7581 I am from Ga. What is this "Apporved for Sale"? What does that mean? If its on the shelves here, its for sale, right then!
I just got me one yesterday
Ok so.. How is that almost "takedown" nice?
Does anyone know where I can find a recoil spring for my Smith & Wesson equalizer? I called Smith & Wesson but they told me they do not carry the recoil spring? Hit me back if you got an answer.
Do they make the equalizer with no thumb safety ?
Yes
I put a pinky extension on 10-round mags for my wife. Also did the same for my M&P Shield plus.
You're complaining that you can only get two fingers on the grip. And then compare it to a hellcat? Does the hellcat hold 10? Same standard, please.
Has anyone else besides the one man had a problem with the reset on the equalizer
I have this pistol, reset is really garbage. But other than that, it's a very boring gun. Checks all the boxes, doesn't do everything great but it doesn't fail at everything either. It's a great throw away gun should the police confiscate you for defending your life.
Not sure why people rock no thumb safety on this, it's essentially a 1911. You are literally rocking a cock 1911 with the safety switch off.
So...like a glock
having said that, I like a nice thumb safety
I suppose the market this as a Micro Compact is because it has that 10 round, 2 finger gripping, magazine!?
Which I wouldn't even choose to tote with, on the daily. The main reason for upgrading to this model, is the extra ammo capability! So why roll with 10 rounds,, when you could have 15!?
I haven't heard nothing good about the hellcat and I really don't like the company the hellcat comes from
so ig dis jus a shield ez but double stack 😭
The trigger reset is garbage. I'm not a trigger snob. All my guns are factory triggers. I have this gun so it's not like i have an agenda...
First !
Always remember, it just your opinion, and that may not matter with most folks! I have heard better reviews.
Yeah it is and it’s the best tech s&w has ever come up with…. Period!