S&W Shield EZ vs Ruger Security 380 - ONLY ONE 380 CAN WIN!
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- Опубликовано: 29 июн 2023
- The new Ruger Security 380 is chambered in .380 ACP and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ is also available in 380 ACP. Both are targeting the market that wants an easy to rack slide, due to hand strength, wrist strength or arthritis problems. The Shield EZ is also available in 9mm and 30 Super Carry.
Full Reviews:
Security 380: • Full Review: NEW Ruger...
Shield EZ 380: • New .380 Shield from S...
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I LIKE THE 15 ROUNDS IN SECURITY .380
Ha! Free-stater! ;-)
I like the Ruger....
I had an M&P compact, hated it will never bye another. I get they’re 57 love it!
@@ericksoderquist8612love both while 380ez is a great gun ,but rugar is also live both guns
I’ve got a problem,I like ‘‘em both!
@@haroldpayne2527I think that's the solution
I own the Shield EZ, yet I recently shot the Ruger and I prefer the Ruger. Nothing to bash the EZ on, except I dislike the grip safety. I actually like the factory Ruger sights better.
Thanks for another great video.
I have both of these pistols and find that I prefer the Security 389 over the Shield EZ for several reasons. !) I shoot the Ruger better. Something about the grip on the Shield causes inconsistent accuracy issues for me. 2) The Capacity of the Ruger is higher and I find myself carrying it with the 15 round mag all the time. 3) The Ruger has been more dependable for me. The shield has had feed issues from the time it came out ot the box. For some reason the last round in almost every mag causes a live round stove pipe. It does this with all ammo I've used. Thought it was mag related, so got a couple more mags. Same problem. Sent gun back to S&W, but they didn't want any mags sent back with the gun. When returned, still had same feed issue, just less frequently.
I agree, the iron sights are better on the Shield, but I've put Red Dots on both so it isn't a problem for me.
Both are good choices. And I appreciate that manufacturers are producing decent sized 380 pistols that you can actually hold on to instead of forcing you to purchase a pocket pistol if you want a 380.
My wife and I, both have the EZ .380 and love them. I later upgraded to the 9mm, then the 9mm Equalizer. For all its features and more ammo.
If / when, S&W makes a .380 Equalizer, I will gladly get one of those too! Because they are just great little, light weight, full grip guns!
I really like & want, this Ruger .380. And for the money, its a great gun too!
I have both and consider myself a S&W fan but take the Ruger over the two anytime.
I have both of them to and trust them with my life!
Ruger hit it out of the park on this one they took what was appealing about the EZ and upped the capacity
After suffering an illness that has effected my grip strength, I purchased the S&W .380 Shield. During range shooting, my hand must have relaxed enough to allow the grip safety to disengage. Suddenly I couldn’t budge the trigger. I shudder to think if I was in a life and death situation. As a result, I’m not a big fan of grip safeties. That’s my only knock on the S&W. I haven’t shot the Ruger.
I had a similar issue shooting the EZ, I was looking for an easy slide and low recoil for my wife, but while testing the EZ on the range it would randomly stop firing due to a minor shift in my palm placement. This was a huge deal breaker, what if this happens at a time my life could depend on this firearm. I liked everything else about it and hope they will produce one without the grip safety.
If you can't hold the weapon securely enough to engage that safety, you're not holding it securely enough to fire it correctly or safely for that matter.
@@Sandhill1988 Not entirely since the grip safety on the EZ doesn't go in all the way it does make for a bump in your hand rather than your hand fitting flush and tight against the backstrap as it would on the Ruger. If you didn't grip high and tight enough on the grip safety with the EZ then the trigger won't engage which is a safety feature and not everyone gets used to it on their first few tries, but if they didn't grip it tight enough, then nothing will happen rather than a similarly loose grip on another gun without a grip safety could possibly allow for an errant or accidental discharge. Anyone with grip strength issues should spend time practicing with snap caps to make cerain they will master full command of the weapon.
Your intro slide was from an older video LOL. I just did this same comparison a couple weeks ago, and my takeaway was that they are both good, but I like the security 380 better for a few reasons. 1) better capacity, 2) no grip safety (didn't think it mattered till I let a friend shoot the Shield EZ and he had trouble engaging the grip safety), and 3) the grip feels better in my hand. Both of mine are equally reliable, and accurate, both have good triggers, but again, I like the Ruger trigger a little better.
I am so sorry about your bad experience with Ruger pistols; I have had my P95DC for 20 years and can't recall any failures. I have had my Security 380 for a few months and also had no failures.
I have an LC9S and have had zero misfires or failures to feed or eject. It is quite accurate too. It is a great little shooter.
Well considering I bought the Ruger over the S&W means it outperformed it. Thats a good shooter. Accuracy and round count are essential.
I bought the Ruger. Very happy with it.
As an "older" guy looking to step down to an easier to handle semi I think you've done a great job. These are the exact 2 pistols I'm considering. BUT - I came to a different conclusion and will, in all likelihood, go with the Ruger. Great job, thanks!
Just picked up the Ruger, one of the best guns on the market with night sites, ported barrel, smooth rack, 15+1 super accurate under 3 bills, it really fills up your hand
The barrel is NOT ported. The slide has cuts to lighten weight.
Fiber optic sight, can't see it at night
I just picked up the last two, my dealer had available! I like a big 380, over 9 mm, because I’m not a cop 👮♂️, or soldier, and I don’t need a gunfighter pistol! I’m going to need it for close quarters combat, no sights, lights, or laser! Since I have to leave my pistol unattended, in no gun zones, I’m not leaving an expensive pistol unattended in my vehicle! If I’m involved in an altercation, and I use my weapon, I’ll lose custody of it, so I’m cutting my financial losses, by using as cheap of a weapon, that gets the job accomplished! Having twin pistols, gives me the option of loading defense ammunition, or range ammunition, and having both on hand! To me, they are just tools 🛠️! I already have Sigs, Brownings, Berettas and Bersa’s. They are all good guns, but now I’m familiar with them, but too valuable to leave in my vehicle, unattended! Personally, I’d rather use a rock in a sock 🧦, than shoot someone one! More satisfaction, never need a reload, and very hard to defend against! I could break enough bones, small & large, that the person would wish I shot him!
Still waiting for the police announcement in a mall active shooter event “All clear everyone, it was only a 22 lr, have a nice day!
I like S&W revolvers and Ruger everything, but Rugers were my first handguns and that may be why.
IHAVE THE SECURITY .380 AND WIFE HAS EZ .380 BOTH ARE GREAT !!
Have both. Ruger's my pick. By a long shot. I'm getting rid of the Shield EZ.
Wife and I have both. The Smith shoots anything we put in it and the Ruger chokes on any 100 gr ammunition. So, today the Ruger will be traded in for something else.
Thank you for this interesting video.
I have two comments, one about the grip safety, one about the magazines
- The grip safety may be perceived as a trouble, but it is also a plus. In addition of being a drop safe mechanism, it also makes sure that the shooter grips his/her gun strongly enough, so that it will work reliably. It requires some training, but if a person cannot achieve it, then s/he may be better served with a revolver.
- Yes, the magazine of the Shield EZ has only half of the capacity of the one of the Ruger Security-380, but this too is intentional. It makes the magazine of the Shield EZ easy to load. For persons with arthritis in the hand, or for person who lack of hand strength, this is absolutely essential!
for me, the Shield EZ and the Security-380 are best suited for slightly different people. I am sure that both have their own market. For people who want or need a .380, having the choice between the Shield EZ, the Security-380, the Beretta 80X (and the older 84F) plus a few other ones is an interesting situation.
For me - the extra rounds, lower price and lack of grip safety tip the scale for Ruger.
I really like your presentations just the facts no ego trip. Thank you!
I own both Ruger and S&W. I saw your preference but reading the comments, it’s clear Ruger is the fan favorite.
Thank you for the comparison I’m looking to make my first purchase. This video will help me to make a more informed decision.
I like sw owning a m&p shield 45 and had owned a m&p 1.0 shield 9 mm but! My ruger security 380 is awesome thru 500 rounds. I carried it for the first time yesterday, it is much larger than my lcp max. Other than printing more, with a good gun belt I did not notice the weight.
Ruger is what I’m leaning towards. Started reloading.380 and want something for a plinker that’s bigger and easier to shoot then my PPK or LCP max
I like the Ruger price and capacity make a difference to me enjoyed the video hammer
I have both and can say Smith is better quality the Ruger doesn't like jhp where the smith will eat them up, maybe it just mine don't know but it's 380 so most people going to use fmj in it anyway, wish smith would just come out with a 380 equalizer already for better capacity.
If you add in the Beretta Cheetah 80X, the comparison gets even a little more complicated. Really like all these options
Until you pay for the 80x. You could buy two Rugers for the price of the 80x.
80x is a whopping $799 ...
@@gregg9877 It mite be a lot more But you can not beat that Beretta Quality !!!!
I'll take my Beretta 80x (13+1) over the S&W 380 ez ( 8+1), Ruger Security 380 ( 10+1/15+1) or Bersa Thunder Plus (15+1) or the new Walther PD380 (9+1)
Very well narrated. Enjoyable to listen to as well as informative. Good job Sir.
Great comparison. Both are great options. I have always had great reliability out of all of my S&W and Ruger autos. We have M&Ps, Shields, Ruger American, & Ruger Max 9 in out family edc roundup. 9s, 40s & 45s. 380 isn't my choice at the moment but these guns fit a niche.
I have a Security. 380 with a Holosun optic, shoots everything I put through it no problems and is accurate as can be. Definitely a good piece of steel to have in the inventory.
Good comparison video. Personally either one I would be happy with.
Both is better! It give you options!
Just the opposite for me. I have arthritis in my hands I had the EZ Shield, when the Security .380 came out I went with that. I like the blacked out rear. I was taught to shoot a handgun both eyes open using the front site. I was an armed Security guard for years that's how we had to quality. I am used to shooting a handgun that way. In general S&W is a better overall maker than Riger
Just bought the Ruger for a birthday/Christmas gift for my wife. Looking forward to seeing her use this one in the back yard.
Great video, I bought the shield ez for my wife and she loves it now I'm thinking about buying the 30 super carry version for myself. I have never shot the security 380 so I can't say which one I would like better but the shield so far has been 100% reliable.
Retired here.
Love my Performance Center 9 EZ. With a 10 rd extension mag I'm good
**I've only owned one S&W
**I've owned multiple Rugers.
**Owned the old Ruger P90 liked the gun but did not care for the way it felt in my hand.
**Owned a Ruger LCP but the combination of my hands being so big and the gun being so small it snapped too much for what it was, not very pleasant to shoot or even practice with.
**Ruger 10/22 I don't know of a better 22 rifle than that.
**Ruger LCP Max is a gun of a different sort practice with.
**If I, was choose between the two, the Ruger you could buy two of them for about price of 1.5 S&W.
**And whatever your primary gun is you should always have at least two of them, set up identically, if you get in a self-defense shoot, #1 goes into evidence. And if the perp has got friends or family you have made lots of enemies. that would be a poor time to try breaking in a new gun or learning a different system on a different gun.
I’d love to see the winner verses the Bersa thunder plus
The winner would definitely be on my list for sure. If you want more capacity the ruger seems to be the winner so far to me. I was looking at the bersa first
I agree with you. I have a S&W EZ 9mm and have had zero mishaps. I have a Ruger LCPII 22mm and Ruger LCP Max. Both Rugers have given me problems and I cannot count on them because of those mishaps.
My lcp2 issues made me swear off ruger forever. The sccy I kept as a beater was far more reliable.
when reviews and comments taut the Ruger Security .380 for: older people, people with broken hands), arthritis or weak grips, they are not joking. The Ruger is great for ^ the above crowd. Love mine. $299 at Cabela's now. 2 mags, 15+1, great deal.
I need to get the Ruger in hand. I like the EZ design better. But having shot it, I found the grip too thin.
I had the Shield EZ and sold it mostly because of what you said about the grip safety and the grip dimensions: after a while, it did get uncomfortable to shoot. A couple of days ago, I picked up the Security 380 (for $319!) and while I haven't shot it yet, I can already tell that it's a considerably better fit for my hand. I have noticed two issues, however. One is that the thumb safety only engages when the hammer is cocked, which seems like a strange design choice. The other is that the front edge of the magazine follower can sometimes ride up, preventing the slide from being able to move. That might become a serious problem. Not sure yet.
Long live the 380 cartridge. Often overlooked and thought to be only suitable for "mouse guns." Mouse Guns are notoriously hard to control and get on target. Get yourself to a reputable local gun store and check out these two options. And while you're at it, lay the Walther CCP 380 in your hands and agree with me that it's a very worthy contender in the 380 EDC space. Love that Walther grip!
Capacity and lower price are the only substantive things to recommend the Ruger over the S&W. The overall quality is better in the S&W: nitride finish vs black oxide finish, steel vs aluminum frame, firing pin block vs hammer catch, toolless takedown vs tool takedown. The Ruger is good enough and that is reflected in the price, and the S&W is objectively better which is also reflected in the price. Both provide excellent support but you can find parts for S&W and it is much harder to get parts for Ruger.
great job with the review..... Nice choice on what was covered in comparison. It would seem to. Come down to how the individual shoots with both weapons.. And let that be the deciding factoer.
I have tendon damage in my hands and just bought the Ruger... Great gun.
I have both. Ruger for capacity and EZ for EZ shooting.
I’ve had constant FTF’s with my S&W EZ but it’s the 9mm version. Sent back to the factory twice and both times they said nothing was wrong. After getting it back from the factory (both times) had FTF in the first magazine.
The Shield EZ's protruding grip safety (how it feels against the hand) would be the deal-breaker for me - though I wouldn't necessarily prefer the Security 380, either.
Can't speak to the "extended" grip safety on the EZ, but you might want to consider the subcompact Springfield XDS Mod 2 (9mm). Its grip safety is much smaller and fits nicely between the web of the thumb and index finger. It's a great shooter and very easy to CC.
I use the 15 rd mag for target, carry 62 grain expandable tip for self protection in 10 rd mag
I own both, but I'll carry the Ruger. The Shield sets in the safe gathering dust.
Great video, 👍 got a like and a sub from me.
Purchased a S&W EZ about 4 years ago in 9mm originally for my wife due to hand strength issues. Totally agree with both your pros and cons of the S&W. However my wife, on occasion, struggles with racking the S&W . At a recent gun show she tried racking the Ruger and found it quite a bit easier.
I've had zero issues with the S&W . My biggest complaint is the limited capacity and grip safety. I've been carrying the S&W and after I change out the rear black out sights on the Ruger, my wife will be carrying that.
What sights did you get to replace the rear black out sights on the Ruger?
@@ParkwoodLane I ordered the cup and ball type sights from Ruger Part # 10649. They look just like Glock sights. I have the cup and ball type sights on my G19 gen 4 and really like them in low light conditions. I'll let you know how they work out once I get them mounted and get to the range. BTW the total cost with shipping was only $17
@@johnfowler6189 So, they show up in low light? That's would be nice. My model came with a fiber optic front sight, but it's not all that visible if it isn't getting direct light, so it's not a long-term solution. Please let me know once you've tried out the cup and ball sights. I'm also having trouble with it feeding (second time back to the factory currently). All range ammo types I've tried can't make it through a magazine without a jam between magazine and feeding ramp. Have you found range and self-defense ammo that runs reliably?
@@ParkwoodLane to be honest, I've only put a box of 50 through the pistol to date. I grabbed a box of Monarch 94gr brass case out of my ammo cabinet that I purchased at academy over a year ago to use with my bersa thunder (the only other 380 I own). It was kind of an instructional type session with my wife and for the most part and I was only loading 3-5 rds at a time. However, the last thing I did before we left the range was fire a full mag of both the 10 and 15 mags and had no FTF issues. Haven't done any rapid firing yet. Have several boxes of federal FMJ on order and I have on hand Fiocchi 90gr JHP, and S&B 92gr FMJ to try out. I'll let you know how that goes.
@@johnfowler6189 It will be interesting. I tried Federal, S&B, Fiocchi, FMC and CCI and none of them worked well. The Fiocchi support guy said he's heard of more than one problem with the Ruger 380 and Fiochhi and they don't know why (or aren't admitting). That's why it's on it's second trip back to the factory. I'm thinking most of them work well, but sometimes a lemon escapes the factory.
You have to admit that the grip feels a lot better on the Ruger than it does on the Smith. On that particular one I have. I'm 6'3. My hands are fairly large and I just like the way the rugers feels better and I do have one but I did put a whole grip on it also and that just may feel all the much better and that's all I got to say about that
Saw’s grip is perfect for me. Ruger is kind of chunky.
Excellent comparison...
I own the Ruger and my brother-in-law owns the S&W. We went shooting together and we both preferred the Ruger.
I'm not sure why you chose S&W because of reliability with other Ruger models. Not all Chevy models are the same either.
I had one of the S&W 9Mil versions of this. Exactly the same gun except in cal. I shot a couple boxes of ammo through it and hated the weapon. Two reasons - the grip safety would not engage most of the time without re-adjusting my grip, and the grip itself was to thin and the weapon would rotate while being fired. This probably was the reason I had issue with the grip safety too. Good video though!!!
I own both. I shoot the Ruger better. I have arthritis in both hands and struggle with the Shield Ez’s grip safety
Prefer the front green & rear black sight on the Ruger...
I'd take the Ruger hands down.
Have both. The Ruger with 15 rounds and lite rack p[lus price is my choice, but I find the trigger on the EZ to be a bit better and what's not mentioned in most reviews is the fact that the Ruger's magazine if hard to load while the EZ is very, well, easy. That said, both worthy pistols.
Ruger has bigger trigger guard, bigger magazines, 3 magazines, fiber optic front site, I just got the feeling I'd like it better than the LCP (as the goal is to get something shootable).
Everything about the trigger. I didn’t buy mind for a range gun or target shooting. If shit goes down I don’t think trigger pull will matter. You will be throwing rounds down range. That’s just my opinion.
I would like to see version of the Ruger without a manual safety.
I think the Title screen, with the alligator, is wrong. Because this isn't the Canik vs. Mete 9mm show down!
I think the Ruger could have been made better with an actual take down lever, larger thumb safety, and an optics cut.
The Ruger does have a slide cut for optics
I didn't think it did. Is there a new model out ?@@spawntaneous1903
@@spawntaneous1903No, it doesn't. You can but an add on optics plate, that fits into the rear sight dove tail. (Galloway Precision makes a nice one!) But it does NOT have an optics cut slide.
Ruger has 15 rounds vs 8+1? ❤
S&W 380 EZ is one of the easiest handling, and toughest guns I own. It’s been through it.
Depending on where you look you can get the Security 380 for around 299 to 320. Gun is very easy to shoot and manipulate. You don't really need to do anything to it out of the box. Except maybe buy a few more mags if you're wanting to. I never did like the Shield EZ having that dumb grip safety. That and the lower capacity and higher price is a turn off. Also with S&W still moving out to TN their customer service may still be hazy right now. Just saying.
i have both but havent shot the ruger yet. Racking is easier/ lighter with the Shield.
The Smith is thinner and more concealable. Less capacity sure. But less printing. I own a 380ez and the grip safety isn't an issue even after 1000 rounds. I carry a hellcat pro though cause I wanted more knockdown power
I have the EZ and I love it. If I change anything, I'd just go to the regular Shield 9mm.
Ruger all the way
The S&W Equalizer is an improvement over the EZ. I just wish it came with fiber optic sights instead of the white dot.
Funny that you mention the grip safety comfort, because the Performance Edition has this.. I think aluminum grip safety that sticks out even more, and will pinch the web of your hand.
S&W refuse to sell the plastic safety by itself, so you have to have it sent in to be replaced. Ask me how I know.
Grip safeties are deal-breakers for me, so I would go with the Ruger.
Ruger for sure, accuracy, capacity, and I'm definitely not a fan of any grip safety.
I'd get the LCP 2 and Max before I'd pay for the S&W name.
I respect your opinion. That said, I could not disagree with you more.
I had a Ruger full size 9 mm and the long reset caused me problems when shooting. If I didn’t focus on letting the trigger out then I would short stroke it and it caused me issues. I got a M & P and the shorter trigger reset worked much better for me. Anyone else have issues with the long reset on Rugers?
Not buying your reasoning for picking the S&W over the Ruger. Ruger’s design is all new and until you see some real world reliability stats, or generate your own, seems to me your logic is flawed. And I say that as a long time S&W owner.
The ruger has a trigger that reminds me of the worst gen 1 glock trigger I ever shot. I wanted to like it but couldn't believe they would put out such a horrible feeling trigger in an Era when almost every manufacturer is making huge improvements. The EZ PC is a better option.
Ruger
I like the Smith. My wife has one and when I goto the range without her. it finds its way into my bag. LOL, don’t tell her.
My wife has a shield EZ,and I do like it ,But I am sure Ruger puts out a great gun ,I would like to buy one ,I guess the Ruger holds more,I like both ,so I am going to buy the Ruger I will have both
There is one of the features of the EZ that you didn’t highlight. The thumb button on the magazine that makes it “EZ” to load the magazine. If reduced hand strength is the reason for purchasing a .380, then loading a double stack magazine can be a problem.
nice tutorial
The Ruger wins for me...hands down.
4-2024
Please compare the Walther PD380 vs the Glock G25 .380.
Thank you. Love your presentations.
I stopped caring about Ruger when Bill passed.
The Shield is the way to go for the intended end user. Very good pistols.
Sold my M&P shield after buying the Ruger Security.
Ruger is way better.
I like the 15 round mag as opposed to the 8 round in the Shield
Never like the grip safety on the M&P and the Ruger feels better in my hand.
The Ruger is my favorite and my carry pistol.
Like all “Security”, if you drop it with a round in the chamber, it could kill you, because like the cheap pistols of the 20th century, it has no drop safety.
You can't go wrong with Ruger or Smith&Wesson. In any firearm. I have firearms with both companies. As do many other people.
Ooops- wrong scrolling title at the beginning. You accidentally posted “CANIK TP9 ELITE SC vs Mete MC9”
Good catch - that somehow snuck past our pre-release review.
The S&W Shield EZ or the Beretta Cheetah 80X.
Don't overlook the Walther CCP in this cartridge.
The SW EZ is my daily carry
👍👍
Big fan of the Ruger.
👍
I have an old S&W model 42 which has a similar grip safety that must be depressed before firing. Bought it used at a gun show thinking wow, thats cool. After shooting it I don't like that safety. However, the 42 came with a small pin that allows you to set the safety compressed so its like actually not there to deal with. Can I assume the EZ does not have that option? No video on the EZ has ever mentioned this.
Can you put a rubber band around the grip to keep the safety depressed?
@@gregb6469 Never have or thought about it because of the small pin but I imagine the principle would be the same.
1. Reliability
2. Comfort (in the hand and in the holster)
3) Accuracy (the one a person shoots the best)
4) Capacity
5) Cost
For me, the Ruger Security 380 got the win. It ticked all the boxes above. (Of course, I have not carried it off property yet, simply because I have not finished vetting it. I only have about 200 rounds through it, and normally always put at least 400 through something before making it my primary carry. Also, I do not have a quality holster for it yet, but I will be getting one made tomorrow at Renaissance Firearms, and he does great work)
I also bought the beretta 80x thinking it would be a great carry gun, but ultimately, the slide on that thing was so hard to manipulate in old arthritic hands, I had to sell it off (at a loss 😡). - My wife could not manipulate it at all, and it was difficult for me, and not something I would want to deal with during a time of panic mid-fight. other than that darn slide, it was a great gun, and would have taken the win.
Should have compared loading magazines