The M&P Shield EZ was designed from the ground up for people who have trouble racking a standard pistol slide. Smith & Wesson engineered the slide with lighter spring tension, deeper serrations, and a grip safety that locks the slide back with less force than competitors. At 18.5 oz with a 3.68" barrel, it is a compact .380 with room to grip properly. The 8+1 capacity is modest, but the 4.4 lb single-action trigger is the lightest in the .380 compact class after the Ruger Security-380's 4.5 lb pull.

The grip safety is unusual for a polymer pistol and draws a direct line from the 1911 controls that older shooters already understand. There is no manual thumb safety on the base model (though one is available), which simplifies the draw. Owners who come from revolvers often note the grip safety feels natural. The Walther CCP M2 is the closest competitor in concept, using a gas-delayed blowback system that also reduces slide effort, but the CCP M2 weighs 19.4 oz, carries the same 8 rounds, and has a heavier 5.5 lb trigger.

The Glock G42 weighs less at 13.76 oz but only holds 6 rounds and lacks the easy-rack design. The Browning 1911-380 offers a true single-action 1911 experience in .380 with an 8-round magazine, but at 7.5" overall it is a full inch longer. If you or someone you are buying for has arthritis, limited grip strength, or just wants a pistol that requires less effort to operate, the Shield EZ is the most purpose-built answer in the category. Run a few boxes of your chosen carry ammo through it before trusting it, as some reviewers note the lighter recoil spring can be picky with low-powered range loads.