Sporting pistol Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ, caliber 9x19

The Shield EZ version of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 pistol appeared relatively recently in catalogs of defensive handguns and gun stores. It was designed with the goal of creating the simplest and most user-friendly firearm possible. Positioned primarily as a self-defense pistol, its top priorities are safety, ease of reloading, and predictable trigger performance. The use of a polymer frame helps keep the weight manageable, while the stainless steel slide ensures strength and durability. The slide is finished with Smith & Wesson’s proprietary Armornite coating, providing excellent corrosion resistance. A loaded chamber indicator is located at the top of the slide, allowing users to determine whether the pistol is loaded both visually and by touch — an important feature in low-light situations. The low-profile slide contributes to soft recoil. The trigger has a very smooth pull and a short reset, made possible in part by the use of an internal hammer rather than a striker-fired mechanism. On the rear of the grip, there’s a grip safety, which functions similarly to the classic 1911-style safety. Considering the affordable price of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ, this American pistol is highly recommended for beginners as a first-time handgun option.