EZ Slides...

[justmax]

Well, it seems like my use of some handguns is going away rapidly. Due to my physical condition I can no longer operate any direct blowback pistol. Changed to a delayed blowback for a while, but now I can no longer operate any of those that I own. A tip up barrel 32 ACP is the most powerful semi auto I can operate. Who has experience with either Ruger or Smith and Wesson“ easy slide” pistols? Are they really that easy to operate? I probably need to go to a LGS and check them out but I thought I'd ask the board 1st.
Anybody have a used one for sale or trade?

 

[ZX9RCAM]

I believe MountainGirl carries one.
Maybe she'll chime in.

 

[justmax]

Thanks I’ll standby. I’m also looking at a little revolver project. That may or may not be very easy or very difficult.

 

[10-96inTexas]

I have both S&W EZ's, the .380 and 9mm. The slides can be manipulated easily with two fingers and the magazines are also very easy to load. They are marketed for us older folks, I am 70, and I really like both pistols but neither is my EDC pistol. That being said, I do occasionally carry the .380 and I really like it. It has never missed a beat at the range and I don't hesitate to recommend it for someone looking for an easy to operate pistol.

 

[justmax]

Thank you, I’m looking for either of both. No money but lots of trade stuff that I can’t use anymore. I guess I better put a WTB ad in the classifieds.

 

[V-Tach]

My lovely wife has severe rheumatoid arthritis (none of here fingers are straight) can manipulate both the 9mm and .380 EZ S&W.

 

[SARGE67]

I have the EZ S&W 9mm for a few years now and fired maybe 300 rounds at the range and qualified for my LTC. At my age and my very first semi, I wanted something easy. I haven't fired other 9mms to compare it to, but the slide isn't that "easy" for me to rack. It definitely takes an effort for me and not with just two fingers as I've read everywhere in reviews.

 

[fordw60s]

It definitely takes a little more than 2 fingers if you have a diminished had grip. I bought my wife the S&W EZ 9mm and she can rack it good then both my parents tried it. They shoot SASS, Their ages are 73 and 76 and are pretty good for the most part but the EZ is the only semi auto that they can manipulate. I have tried to get them to try my Glocks, H&K, 1911s, and Walther and they have all been too hard to manipulate.

 

[Army 1911]

I find it easier to rack a slide if I grab the slide and hold it close to my chest then push the frame/grip away from me.

 

[SARGE67]

I find it easier to rack a slide if I grab the slide and hold it close to my chest then push the frame/grip away from me.

That makes sense, thanks for sharing. I've been holding it extended. I'm such a newbie to semi, always had revolvers .

 

[justmax]

I have the EZ S&W 9mm for a few years now and fired maybe 300 rounds at the range and qualified for my LTC. At my age and my very first semi, I wanted something easy. I haven't fired other 9mms to compare it to, but the slide isn't that "easy" for me to rack. It definitely takes an effort for me and not with just two fingers as I've read everywhere in reviews.

Thanks

 

[justmax]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I’m just gonna have to wait for a Gun Show and try them out. Anybody sees a deal don’t hesitate to let me know Max out.

 

[SARGE67]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I’m just gonna have to wait for a Gun Show and try them out. Anybody sees a deal don’t hesitate to let me know Max out

Many (most) gun ranges have firearms you can rent and not expensive.That is a very good way to try different guns.and no gun shows. Once you buy you're stuck. Try before you buy.

 

[justmax]

thanks I may try that

 

[MountainGirl]

Hi Max - sorry for the delayed reply, I didn't see your earlier request to me.

Until very recently all I owned were revolvers because I could not rack any slide. Kept looking though, every time at a LGS or pawn shop I'd try one, or many, including the S&W EZs. No go.

Then I found one, and it's now my only gun (gave the rest to hubby lol).
It's the S&W Equalizer, 9mm. I think the difference between it and the others is the grooves on the slide are 'deeper' more defined, and my limited grip strength handles it easily. And, it's just an all around great gun, in my limited experienced opinion. My husb likes it so much too that he kept shooting it so I told him to go get his own which he did! LOL

Good luck on your search and I hope you get a chance to try the Equalizer. It might not be for everybody but it sure answered my prayers.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s-w-equalizer-nts

 

[baboon]

I thought I once seen an ad on device to give better purchase of a slider those lacking grip strength.
Amazon product ASIN B06Y26FYKL

 

[justmax]

Sounds like we’re in the same boat, or at least I’m getting there.

I carried a PPK for a long time, when it was time to change mags, I could not unload the chamber without using the kitchen counter. I went from a blowback gun, to a 9 mm Ladysmith That I could manipulate as it being a delayed blowback. As of last week, I’m back to the PPK story. Now the only thing I can use are tip up barrels, or revolvers.

I got a lot of good information off this thread and don’t know why I didn’t think about going and running one or two or three.

Thanks for your input as well.

Max out

 

[justmax]

I thought I once seen an ad on device to give better purchase of a slider those lacking grip strength.
Amazon product ASIN B06Y26FYKL

They do make them for Glocks and I had one. I needed it when I have that folding Stock pistol thing that used to make.

 

[leVieux]

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I have hereditary erosive osteoarthritis and very, very weak thumbs; must use pliers to open milk cartons.

But I can ‘’rack’’ 9mm GLOCKS, with difficulty; or, more easily by gripping the slides b/t 4 fingers and swell of palms.

The 1911’s are harder.

Haven’t tried the Smith EZ’s yet.

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[mm54943]

I bought the Ruger Security-380 with the Lite Rack slide (I believe 380 is the biggest caliber they offer with the Lite Rack Slide) a few months back. The slide is very easy to rack, and very minimal recoil when firing. I’m about average strength, and I can rack the slide fairly easily with two fingers.

I’ve never tried the S&W ez rack, so I can’t really compare the two.

Here’s a really good video that shows a side by side comparison of the two.