I recently got my hands on the Smith and Wesson EZ 9mm, and let me tell you, I was pretty excited.
After taking it for a test run in the field, I found out that while it’s a reliable firearm for the most part, there are some Smith and Wesson EZ 9mm Problems that you might come across.
You might find the magazine hard to load or face some issues with the slide. There could be feeding problems, or you might be uncomfortable with the grip. Heck, even the rear sight and the trigger could give you some trouble.
This article aims to talk about these issues one by one and discuss how to fix them. I’ll guide you through each problem and offer solutions to make your Smith and Wesson EZ 9mm experience smoother and safer.
Overview of the Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Magazine Hard to Load | Use a magazine loader or leave the mag filled to loosen it up. |
| Problem with the Slide | Read the manual, practice slide release techniques. |
| Feeding Issue | Regularly clean ramp and feed lips; switch ammo if needed. |
| Grip Problem | Add a rubber grip or adjust your hand mechanics. |
| Issue with the Rear Sight | Use a bit driver and small hammer or consult a gunsmith. |
| Trigger Issue | Clean thoroughly, switch ammo, or contact the company. |
6 Smith and Wesson EZ 9mm Problems & How To Fix
1. Magazine Hard to Load
So, let’s start with the most glaring issue I found—the magazine. Man, was it frustrating to deal with! After firing off a few rounds, it felt like a chore trying to get that magazine back in place.
At times, it wouldn’t even rack properly. I suspected the heavy recoil spring was messing with the mechanics. It felt like I was fighting against the gun instead of working with it.
Solution
Now, let’s get to the solutions that helped me. First, a good whack could get the magazine back in, but trust me, that’s just a temporary fix.
You can’t rely on brute force forever. What really helped was filling up the mag and leaving it be for a while. Give it some time to loosen up before hitting the range again.
Another trick up my sleeve was using a magazine loader. After I started using one, the magazine problems almost faded away.
It’s a handy tool and a worthwhile investment if you’re planning on frequent trips to the range. Definitely eased up the loading process for me.
2. Problem with the Slide
Oh boy, let’s talk about the slide release lever. This thing was tough as nails to operate, no joke. When I tried firing, it felt like the gun needed more muscle than it should, and the tight slide was probably to blame.
Most of my rounds missed their mark, which was downright frustrating. Upon inspecting the gun, I realized the grip safety was likely causing the slide to jam up.
It’s one thing to have a safety feature; it’s another when that feature disrupts the basic functioning of the firearm.
Solution
Alright, so how did I deal with this? First things first, I took my hand off the grip safety before disassembling the gun. Carefully reading the instructions helped me understand the functions of the grip safety.
Once I got that down, the slide became a little more cooperative.
The instruction manual also pointed out that the slide stop doubles as a slide release. That made a difference.
And hey, if none of this works for you, sending the gun back to the company is a viable option. But in my experience, a careful read and a little practice did the trick.
3. Feeding Issue
The feeding issue is next on the list; yes, I ran into this one too. Imagine being halfway through a magazine, and your cartridge decides to jam.
Totally messes with your focus, right? I thought it might be the rough ramp acting up or perhaps the flimsy ammunition causing what’s known as short-stroking.
Also, a lack of regular cleaning might have affected the gun’s feed lips.
Solution
So, what’s the game plan? The first move was a good, thorough cleaning. When I focused on cleaning the ramp, it seemed to make a world of difference. The cartridges started behaving, which was a relief.
Next, I checked the feed lip and made sure it was squeaky clean. No residue, no issues. Last but not least, I switched out the ammunition types a couple of times.
Some ammo types just seemed to agree more with the gun.
The key takeaway? Regular cleaning and choosing the right ammo can make your life a lot easier. At least, it did for me.
4. Grip Problem
Let’s tackle the grip issue, particularly the sharp point on the beaver tail’s grip safety. Look; I get it: safety comes first, but comfort counts too! Holding the gun felt like a struggle; the uncomfortable pointy end really dug into my hand.
And let’s not even talk about the extra pressure needed to fire the gun. Trust me, it’s not the best experience, especially for beginners who are trying to get a feel for shooting.
Solution
So, what worked for me? First, I decided to alter the grip. Adding a rubber grip did wonders for comfort. This is an easy and reversible fix if you’re not into modifying your gun.
Additionally, practice does make perfect. The more I got used to the grip, the more natural it felt. A good trick is using your shooting hand to push a bit and your support hand to pull a little.
Trust me, this small adjustment in hand mechanics makes a notable difference. I found myself needing less force to shoot, and it was way more comfortable.
5. Issue with the Rear Sight
Let’s dive into another issue I bumped into: the rear sight. To say it was challenging to adjust would be an understatement.
The darn thing just wouldn’t center correctly. I tried adjusting it by hand pressure and even gave it a go with a wrench, but no dice.
This isn’t just me complaining; it’s a genuine issue that could mess with your aim and shooting experience.
Solution
So, what’s the workaround? For me, a bit driver with the right hex bit came to the rescue. Pressing the driver’s handle while tapping it gently with a small hammer seemed to get the job done.
Now, if you’re not super handy or if this sounds like rocket science, it might be a good idea to consult a professional.
In fact, I chatted with my local gunsmith about this issue to ensure I wasn’t missing anything. Their expertise is invaluable and helped me feel more confident about the fix.
6. Trigger Issue
Okay, let’s get to the nitty-gritty: the trigger problem. So, you fire off a few shots, feeling like a pro, and boom! The trigger decides to stick or jam.
It’s incredibly frustrating and throws you off big time. Sometimes, it even jams halfway back or stops working altogether. I’ve had this happen to me, and let me tell you, it’s as annoying as it sounds.
This problem could be a potential deal-breaker for some folks, whether it’s bad ammo or something else.
Solution
Now, onto fixing this mess. My first move was thoroughly cleaning the gun before any firing sessions.
I also experimented with different ammo types to see if that was the culprit. It’s good to note that cleaning and switching ammo can make a noticeable difference. If you’ve done all this and the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact the company.
I’ve had to do it for other issues before, and they’re usually pretty helpful. Trust me, it’s better to get it professionally looked at than to risk more problems down the line.
Final Verdict
We’ve navigated the good, the bad, and the fixable with the Smith and Wesson EZ 9mm. While it’s far from flawless, it’s also a solid, reliable firearm with much to offer, especially for beginners or those looking for an easy-to-handle gun.
Many problems I faced—like magazine loading and slide issues—were resolved with hands-on testing and a deep dive into the instruction manual.
Some things could be improved, like the rear sight and grip comfort. But a little modification and practice go a long way.
Ultimately, you’ve got a firearm that stands up well to scrutiny, provided you’re willing to invest the time and maybe a little elbow grease into getting to know it.
FAQ’s
What is the MP EZ recall?
Smith & Wesson recalled some M&P Shield EZ Pistols due to cracked hammers that caused unintended discharges.
Is it OK to dry fire a S&W Shield 9mm EZ?
Yes, modern center-fire guns like this one can be dry fired safely.
What is the M&P 380 EZ recall?
Recalled due to cracked hammers, affecting models manufactured between March 1 and Oct. 31, 2020.
How many rounds does a M&P EZ 9mm hold?
Eight rounds in a single stack magazine.
