What makes the Shield EZ different from every other Shield is the action itself. Unlike the rest of the lineup, the EZ is an internal hammer fired pistol. The hammer fired operation is the key component to reducing the felt slide tension by about half.

SMITH & WESSON M&P 380 SHIELD EZ - $401.99.

8-Round Crisp, light trigger with tactile and audible trigger reset. Includes (2) Easy to Load 8-Round M&P380 Shield magazines. Grip safety - grip pistol to fire.

Available with or without ambidextrous, manual thumb safety. Picatinny-style equipment rail for lights or lasers. Perfect size for nightstand or carry, or a day at the range.

“EZ” means that the pistol is easy to load. Hand most handguns to someone of small or weak stature, particularly someone with arthritic hands, and you'll see them struggle to rack the slide fully.

The Smith & Wesson® M&P® Shield™ EZ™ is a purpose-built semi-auto pistol, that's easy to operate by most anyone.

The maximum velocity (1000 FPS) and energy ratings (148 MPa) of the . 380 are about 40% below a 9mm, both using JHP+P type loads. While this means the . 380 is less destructive, it also performs with less of a recoil, making it a more accurate weapon in short-range, rapid-fire use.

380 ammo will cost you over $0.85/round. The trend continues with self-defense ammo as well. HST hollow points in Federal 9mm will cost you about $1/round, while .

380 ACP is still popular today for concealed carry in small, sub-compact pistols. Small and lightweight, these pistols generally weigh around eight to 13 ounces and have a capacity of six to eight rounds.

380 ACP. Capacity: 6 rounds. Overall Length: 5.94 inches. Barrel Length: 3.25 inches.

380 ACP is already a slow round, that means ammunition selection is critical. But know, too, that – again - . 380 ACP has proven to be effective in real-life defense situations IF the shooter chooses a quality bullet and does their job as a marksman.

380 doesn't work quite as well as the 9mm, . 40 S&W, or . 45 ACP in its job of stopping attackers, it's also not that far off. In Ellifritz's studies, the “major” calibers are pretty darned close to each other in terms of actual performance.