Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm
Model: 13591
Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm
Model: 13591
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Smith & Wesson introduced the Equalizer in 2023 as something unusual in the compact 9mm market: an internal hammer gun with both a thumb safety and a grip safety. That 1911-style control layout in a polymer compact is rare. The combination allows a 4.8 lb single-action trigger pull, lighter than the 5.5 lb pulls on the Glock G19 Gen5 and Springfield Hellcat Pro, without the mushy pre-travel common to striker-fired actions.
The rest of the spec sheet is competitive. Fifteen rounds in a 22.9 oz frame measuring 6.75" overall and 1.04" wide. The optics-ready slide comes standard with a Shield RMSc footprint. Three magazines ship in the box, one more than most compacts include. The Picatinny rail accepts weapon lights. Where the Equalizer falls behind is aftermarket support. Holster selection is a fraction of what Glock or Sig offers, and finding replacement parts or custom slides takes more effort.
Carry the Equalizer for a few weeks and the manual of arms either clicks or it doesn't. Shooters with 1911 experience adapt to the thumb safety quickly. Owners report the safety sweep becomes automatic after about 100 practice draws. If that training investment sounds reasonable, the Equalizer delivers a lighter trigger and more manual controls than any other compact in its weight class.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- The 4.8 lb single-action trigger is lighter than the Glock G19 Gen5's 5.5 lbs and the CZ P-10 C's 4.5 lbs with a distinct wall and clean break, no aftermarket trigger needed
- Ships with 3 magazines versus the 2 included with most compacts, and the optics-ready slide comes standard
- Thumb safety plus grip safety provides 1911-style manual controls that few polymer compacts offer
- Holster selection is limited compared to Glock, Sig, or S&W M&P platforms. Vedder, Crossbreed, and Alien Gear make Equalizer models, but the options are a fraction of what more established guns offer.
- The internal hammer design adds mechanical complexity over simpler striker-fired actions, which means more parts to understand during cleaning and maintenance
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson Equalizer 9mm ranks among compact 9mm Luger handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry the Equalizer with only the grip safety engaged?
Yes. The grip safety must be depressed to fire regardless of thumb safety position. Many owners carry with the thumb safety off and rely on the grip safety alone, similar to how Springfield XD owners operate. Smith & Wesson recommends both safeties engaged, but mechanically the gun is safe with just the grip safety active. Pick one method and train with it consistently.
What holsters fit the Smith & Wesson Equalizer?
The Equalizer uses proprietary dimensions that do not share holster compatibility with the M&P or Shield lines. Vedder, Crossbreed, and Alien Gear offer Equalizer-specific IWB and OWB models. Generic M&P holsters will not fit due to different frame geometry and grip angle. Check manufacturer compatibility charts before ordering.
How does the Equalizer compare to a 1911 for shooters who want manual safeties?
The Equalizer borrows the 1911's thumb safety and grip safety layout but holds 15 rounds versus the 1911's typical 7-8 rounds. At 22.9 oz, it weighs roughly half what a steel-frame 1911 weighs. The 4.8 lb trigger is heavier than a tuned 1911 at 3.5-4 lbs but lighter than most striker-fired compacts. Shooters with 1911 muscle memory adapt to the controls quickly.