Description

When it comes to concealed carry and personal defense, the Smith and Wesson Equalizer has become a standout contender. Combining innovation, ergonomics, and reliability, the Equalizer series provides shooters with a micro-compact pistol that is ideal for a range of uses, from self-defense to everyday carry. In this review, we will dive deep into the features and performance of the Smith and Wesson Equalizer, providing insights that will help you decide if the equalizer ts is the right firearm for you.

Introduction to the Smith and Wesson Equalizer

The Smith and Wesson Equalizer is part of the renowned EZ series of pistols, designed with a focus on ease of use and adaptability for a wide range of shooters. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new shooter, the Equalizer handgun promises to offer the performance and reliability you need. It’s engineered to be easy to handle, with features that support personal defense while delivering accuracy and comfort.

Available in both 9mm and .380 ACP variants, the Wesson Equalizer is tailored to meet the demands of those looking for a versatile, easy-to-carry option. It is especially popular among those seeking a handgun for concealed carry or home defense. But, how does the wesson equalizer smith compare to its competitors? Let’s take a closer look at the specifications and performance of the Smith Wesson Equalizer.

Key Features of the Smith and Wesson Equalizer

Ergonomics and Grip Safety

One of the most significant features of the Smith Wesson Equalizer is its grip safety, which ensures that the gun will only fire when the shooter has a firm grip on the pistol. This feature is essential for anyone who carries their pistol with the safety on, providing peace of mind that the firearm won’t discharge unintentionally. The grip safety is seamlessly integrated into the pistol, making it easy to engage and disengage without interfering with the grip texture.

Speaking of grip, the Wesson Equalizer features an aggressive cocking serration on the slide, allowing for a solid grip when racking the slide. These serrations are designed to improve racking performance, especially for those who may have limited hand strength or dexterity. The grip itself is textured and ergonomic, designed to provide a secure hold for shooters with a range of hand sizes.

The Trigger: Smooth and Responsive

The trigger on the Smith and Wesson Equalizer is designed for a smooth, consistent pull. The single action trigger provides a clean break with minimal travel, which is an excellent feature for shooters who want precise control over their shots. The reset is short and positive, allowing for quick follow-up shots—ideal for defensive situations.

Additionally, the Equalizer has a thumb safety that can be engaged or disengaged according to the shooter’s preference. For many, this added manual safety feature is a necessity, particularly for those who carry magazines concealed.

Slide and Racking Performance

The slide of the Smith and Wesson Equalizer is designed to be easy to rack, even for those with limited hand strength. This is thanks to the EZ line design, which significantly reduces the effort required to rack the slide. Whether you’re a new shooter or someone with arthritis or joint issues, this feature makes the Equalizer more accessible.

In addition, the Wesson Equalizer features aggressive cocking serrations that offer a secure and firm grip when manipulating the slide. This ensures smooth operation when you need to manage recoil, rack the gun or clear a malfunction.

Accuracy and Shooting Experience

When it comes to accuracy, the Smith Wesson Equalizer delivers. The muzzle flip is minimal due to its low recoil, and the internal hammer system helps maintain precision during rapid firing. Whether you’re shooting for practice at the range or in a high-stakes defensive situation, the Equalizer is built to help you target quickly and effectively.

The pistol is equipped with optics-ready sights, making it compatible with a variety of red dot optics. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer to use optics for more precise aiming, particularly in defensive situations or for competitive shooting.

Field Stripping and Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial for keeping your firearm in top condition, and the Smith Wesson Equalizer makes field stripping easy. Designed with user-friendly features, cleaning and maintaining the Equalizer is simple and hassle-free. Its polymer frame is durable and resistant to wear, ensuring that the pistol continues to perform reliably over time.

The three slot picatinny rail located on the frame allows for mounting accessories such as lights or lasers, enhancing the pistol’s usability for personal defense and home defense.

Concealed Carry and Everyday Carry

The Smith and Wesson Equalizer is ideal for concealed carry. The micro-compact size of the Equalizer makes it easy to carry on your person all day without causing discomfort or printing through clothing. Its lightweight design ensures that it won’t weigh you down, whether you’re carrying it in a holster or a bag. This makes it a solid choice for those looking for a pistol that can easily be concealed while still offering plenty of firepower.

The pistol’s grip design helps with secure handling, even in situations where you may be under stress. The manual safety ensures that the firearm won’t discharge unless you’re ready, and the thumb safety provides added protection for those who prefer an extra layer of assurance.

For everyday carry, the Smith Wesson Equalizer is an excellent choice due to its portability, ease of use, and the features that allow shooters to be effective in critical situations. It strikes a balance between performance, ease of handling, and convenience for personal defense.

Capacity and Magazines

The Smith Wesson Equalizer comes with three magazines, each with a decent capacity for a compact firearm. This ensures that shooters have sufficient ammunition to handle most self-defense scenarios. The magazine design allows for quick reloading, which can be crucial when every second counts.

The magazines are easy to load, and the polymer construction ensures that they are durable and resistant to damage. In terms of capacity, the Equalizer provides enough rounds for most everyday carry or home defense situations, while still maintaining a manageable size and weight.

Safety Features: Drop and Backstrap Safety

In terms of safety, the Smith and Wesson Equalizer is packed with features to ensure that it operates securely. The drop safety is designed to prevent the gun from discharging if it’s dropped, providing additional peace of mind for those who carry their pistols on a daily basis.

The backstrap safety adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that the gun only fires when the shooter has a firm, secure grip. This feature is particularly useful for those who prioritize safety while carrying concealed.

Performance at the Range: Shooting the Equalizer

At the range, the Smith and Wesson Equalizer performs excellently. The recoil is manageable, and the low muzzle flip allows for rapid follow-up shots. This makes it easier to target quickly, whether you’re shooting at paper targets or engaging in defensive training scenarios.

The shield ez series of pistols, including the Smith Wesson Equalizer, is known for its accuracy, and this model is no exception. It offers tight groupings at moderate distances, making it an ideal choice for self defense or as a reliable sidearm for home defense.

One of the standout features during testing was the reset on the trigger. It’s short, crisp, and allows for quick follow-up shots, which is especially important in a defensive situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Smith & Wesson Equalizer cut for?

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer features an optics-ready slide with a proprietary cut designed to accommodate a variety of micro red dot sights. This cut allows users to mount optics such as the SIG SAUER Romeo Zero without the need for an adapter plate, providing enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition.

Q: Is the Smith & Wesson Equalizer drop safe?

Yes, the Smith & Wesson Equalizer is designed with safety in mind, including drop safety features to prevent accidental discharge, making it a recommended equalizer today . The grip safety ensures that the hammer-fired system is drop-safe, providing peace of mind for users.

Q: What is the difference between the Smith & Wesson Equalizer and Shield?

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer and Shield are both popular choices for concealed carry, but they have some key differences:

• Action Type: The Equalizer is a single-action, hammer-fired pistol, while the Shield is a striker-fired pistol.
• Safety Features: The Equalizer includes both a grip safety and an optional thumb safety, whereas the Shield typically features a manual thumb safety.
• Optics Compatibility: The Equalizer comes with an optics-ready slide, allowing users to mount red dot sights directly, while the Shield requires an adapter plate for optics.
• Ergonomics: The Equalizer features aggressive cocking serrations and a textured grip for improved handling, while the Shield has a more traditional design.

These differences make the Equalizer a more modern and customizable option, while the Shield offers a more traditional and proven design.

Q: When did the Smith & Wesson Equalizer come out?

The Smith & Wesson Equalizer was officially released in November 2022.

The Final Verdict: Is the Smith and Wesson Equalizer Right for You?

The Smith and Wesson Equalizer is a fantastic firearm that caters to a wide range of shooters. Whether you are new to shooting or a seasoned expert, this pistol offers a combination of performance, ease of use, and safety that is hard to beat. The grip safety, thumb safety, internal hammer, and polymer frame make it a versatile choice for anyone looking to enjoy shooting with a reliable firearm for personal defense, concealed carry, or home defense.

With its aggressive cocking serrations, three slot picatinny rail, and optics-ready features, the Equalizer provides shooters with everything they need to perform in high-stress situations. Its grip texture ensures a secure hold, while the slide design makes it easier to operate for those with limited strength or dexterity.

In conclusion, the Smith Wesson Equalizer is a great choice for anyone looking for a micro compact pistol that doesn’t sacrifice performance for size. If you’re seeking a reliable, easy-to-use firearm that is perfect for concealed carry and self-defense, the Equalizer should definitely be on your radar.