{"id":97,"date":"2023-03-08T22:46:44","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T22:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=97"},"modified":"2023-03-08T22:46:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T22:46:45","slug":"smith-wesson-equalizer-review-crafted-for-carry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=97","title":{"rendered":"Smith &#038; Wesson EQUALIZER Review: Crafted For Carry"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<h2 id=\"h-in-this-smith-wesson-equalizer-review-the-author-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-company-s-newest-micro-9-carry-pistol\"><strong>In this Smith &amp; Wesson EQUALIZER review, the author takes a closer look at the company\u2019s newest micro-9 carry pistol.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I was a bit shocked when I saw the announcement of the Equalizer pistol from Smith &amp; Wesson. This is partly because Smith &amp; Wesson already has a diverse collection of respected self-defense handguns. It\u2019s also partly because just last year they launched a brand-new self-defense handgun called the CSX. But at the same time, this new pistol is just a perfect example of American gunmaking at its best. Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s new Equalizer pistol epitomizes the refinement of design to best interface with customers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With its multiple magazine options, optional thumb safety, compact size and easy rack technology, the Smith &amp; Wesson Equalizer is a carry gun that\u2019ll fit nearly everyone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>Notable Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Equalizer is a poly-framed, micro-compact, 9mm pistol. It resembles the M&amp;P Shield EZ, but the Equalizer uses double as opposed to single-stack magazines. In fact, it uses S&amp;W Shield Plus magazines. But unlike the Shield Plus, the Equalizer\u2014like the Shield EZ\u2014is a single-action as opposed to striker-fired pistol. Another difference is that the Equalizer is only available chambered for the 9mm Luger, where the Shield EZ can be had in .380 Auto, 9mm Luger and .30 Super Carry.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re probably wondering where\u2014since this is a single-action\u2014the hammer is. Well, this is technically a contained single-action; the hammer is hidden under the slide. At the bottom rear of the slide there\u2019s a hollowed-out section that allows the hammer to rotate from the cocked to the fired position. Because of this, you don\u2019t have the option of lowering the hammer manually, such as you would on a 1911. However, the firing mechanism is the same; when the gun is fired, the slide recoils to the rear and cocks the hammer. The hammer just stays cocked until you pull the trigger.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer\" class=\"wp-image-288336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-internal-hammer-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">When the Equalizer is fired, the single-action hammer moves to this position to strike the firing pin, which is contained inside the slide.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Smith &amp; Wesson chose to include a grip safety on the Equalizer, and while I know some balk at the idea, and I\u2019ll admit it does nothing to make this pistol attractive, it works to perfection. When shooting the Equalizer I gave it no notice at all. If you establish a good shooting grip on the gun, the grip safety deactivates. I tried to make it fail to deactivate by altering my grip and wasn\u2019t successful unless I established a grip more than an inch below the pistol\u2019s tang. The grip safety might make the Equalizer a bit ugly, but it\u2019s a good design.<\/p>\n<p>An ambidextrous thumb safety is available as an option. The test pistol didn\u2019t have this feature. If it did, I might\u2019ve written Smith &amp; Wesson a check. I know, some folks don\u2019t like thumb safeties, but they\u2019re one of the best features available to make a handgun safer. Many self-inflicted gunshot wounds occur because shooters holster their handgun with their finger on the trigger. When doing so, the finger contacts the holster and presses the trigger, and a bullet ends up in the shooter\u2019s ass cheek or leg. If a pistol is fitted with a manual thumb safety and if it is used as it is supposed to be this won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile\" class=\"wp-image-288337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-profile-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smith &amp; Wesson Equalizer with the manual thumb safety.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Safeties aside, the trigger on this pistol was very nice, much nicer than any factory\u2014out of the box\u2014striker-action pistol I\u2019ve fired. It broke crisp and clean at 4.75 pounds. The trigger reset was audible but couldn\u2019t be felt. Some might consider this a negative, but I fired more than 300 rounds out of this pistol running various, fast-action, multi-shot defensive drills and never did I short stroke the trigger with it failing to reach the reset. This trigger is good, way better than the trigger on the Smith &amp; Wesson CSX pistols I\u2019ve fired.<\/p>\n<p>The slide on the Equalizer has a cutout and cover plate that makes it optics ready. The cutout is a bit large to interface with a wider range of reflex sights. I installed a Shield RMSc-4 MOA reflex sight, and the base on that unit was thin enough that I could still use the factory sights that come on the handgun. Smith &amp; Wesson seems proud of the fact that these sights are steel, and they should be. They also seemed proud that they are of the three-dot variety. Though I know it has become the industry standard, I\u2019m not a fan of three-dot sights. The good news is that finding aftermarket sights to fit this pistol shouldn\u2019t be a problem.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature\" class=\"wp-image-288338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-and-Wesson-Equalizer-review-feature-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unloaded and with the Shield reflex sight, the Equalizer weighs only 20.8 ounces. Fully loaded magazines will up the weight to as much as 30 ounces.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The slide on this pistol also incorporates the Smith &amp; Wesson next-gen EZ technology, making it easier to cycle. My wife and daughters all managed it with ease. Smith &amp; Wesson also claims the Equalizer has a low recoil impulse. Recoil is a very subjective thing, but I\u2019ll say I found the impulse to be less than some similar pistols like the Kimber Mako and the Taurus GX4. Others I suspect will have a differing opinion.<\/p>\n<p>The slide also has very deep and aggressive cuts at the rear and front to help your fingers establish a purchase to manually cycle the slide. I don\u2019t see much use for forward slide serrations; I like to keep my body parts away from a handgun\u2019s muzzle. However, these deep cuts do help your fingers maintain hold of the slide when you need to rack it. Maybe more importantly, at the rear of the slide there\u2019s sort of a ledge on each side to further help with manual cycling. This I found more advantageous than the deep serrations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-field-stripped\" class=\"wp-image-288339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-field-stripped\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-field-stripped-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Easily field stripped, when disassembled the Smith &amp; Wesson Equalizer is in only five parts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>Weights And Measures<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to carrying a pistol concealed, weight matters. The heavier the gun, the less comfortable it is to carry. This pistol, without a red-dot sight, weighs only 20.3 ounces. With the half-ounce Shield RMSc installed, total weight jumps to only 20.8 ounces. But, of course, no one carries a pistol unloaded. True carry weights must include a magazine and ammunition. With the 10-round magazine fully loaded, the pistol weighs 27.28 ounces. With the 13-round magazine, it weighs 28.95 ounces, and it weighs 30.01 ounces with the 15-round mag. All these weights were calculated with the half-ounce reflex sight installed and 115-grain ammunition.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-in-hand\" class=\"wp-image-288340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-in-hand\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-in-hand-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can see how compact the Equalizer is; with a reflex sight, it\u2019s only 5 inches tall and less than 7 inches long.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s not just about weight, size matters too. The Equalizer is only 6.9 inches long and just 4.5 inches tall. If you add a reflex sight, the height will extend to about 5.2 inches. Either way, that\u2019s not much more than hand size. The flush-fit magazine adds nothing to the height, the 13-rounder about a half-inch and the 15-rounder about three-quarters of an inch. Though the slide-lock lever and the manual safety will add a bit to the overall width, this pistol is only an inch wide.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever.jpg\" alt=\"SW-takedown-lever\" class=\"wp-image-288341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever.jpg\" alt=\"SW-takedown-lever\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-takedown-lever-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Here you can see the takedown lever rotated into the takedown position. You can also see that the external slide lock control doesn\u2019t engage the slot in the slide; the notch is engaged by a part of the slide lock on the inside of the handgun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>Shots Fired<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>From the bench at 10 yards, the Equalizer averaged right at an inch for five, five-shot groups with three different loads. This is better than average, especially from a less than 4-inch barrel. I also fired a single 15-shot group from the standing off-hand position at 10 yards using five rounds of the three test loads. That group measured right at 2 inches. Additionally, firing 10 shots at a half-size torso silhouette at 100 feet, I got all 10 hits in 11.74 seconds using the reflex sight. With the factory open sights, my time was 13.02 seconds, but I had one miss. Those 10-shot drills were timed and fired with a draw from concealment. If you cannot hit what you shoot at with this pistol, it won\u2019t be the gun\u2019s fault.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Eq-review-target\" class=\"wp-image-288342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Eq-review-target\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Eq-review-target-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This 15-shot group was fired off-hand at 10 yards with the three different test loads, using five rounds of each load. It measured 2.15 inches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I also pushed 50 rounds through the Equalizer running my standard defensive handgun test drill\u2014the Forty-Five Drill\u2014with the goal of putting five shots inside a 5-inch circle, at 5 yards, in 5 seconds, from a concealed draw. My average time for 10 runs was 3.71 seconds. On two of the 10 runs I had one shot land outside the 5-inch circle. That\u2019s similar to my normal performance with micro-9mm handguns. I will say that, as usual, I was on average about a third of a second slower when I used the reflex sight. For me to see a speed advantage with a reflex sight on a defensive handgun, I must stretch the distance to the target beyond 10 yards.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-review-table\" class=\"wp-image-288343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-300x94.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-768x240.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-696x218.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-review-table\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-300x94.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-768x240.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-review-table-696x218.jpg 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NOTES: Average muzzle velocity (MV), maximum velocity deviation (MD), standard velocity deviation (SD) and muzzle energy (ME) were established by firing 10 shots over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens positioned 10 feet from the muzzle. The accuracy\/precision (Precision) was established by firing five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 10 yards. Temperature: 28 degrees, Humidity: 52 percent, Pressure: 30.10 and Elevation: 2,200 feet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Equalizer was very comfortable to shoot, and there were only two functionality issues. The seventh round out of the pistol failed to fully go into battery. It was a cartridge out of the 115-grain Nosler ASP box. I slapped the back of the slide, and the gun popped into battery and ran like a top after that. The other instance was an odd ammo issue with a single round of Federal 124-grain Hydra-Shok ammo. During the chronograph testing, it registered a muzzle velocity of only 447 fps. Yeah, I too would\u2019ve thought the chronograph was on the fritz, but the recoil was noticeably less, and the empty case failed to eject. This cartridge must\u2019ve been under charged from the factory, which is something I\u2019ve never seen with Federal handgun ammo.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-mags\" class=\"wp-image-288344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags.jpg\" alt=\"SW-Equalizer-mags\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SW-Equalizer-mags-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Maglula UpLula speedloader comes with every Smith &amp; Wesson Equalizer pistol. That\u2019s a $35 accessory many shooters will appreciate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The fact this pistol comes with three magazines of varying capacities is appreciated, and they all worked to perfection. But I did experience a peculiarity. With the 15-round magazine, the pistol came up with the sights on the target from the draw. With the 13-round magazine, the sights were a tad high, and with the 10-round magazine, they were even higher. This was due to how my grip varied with the various magazines that extend the grip, and the extra pressure exerted on the grip by the pinky finger. You may not have this issue, but it\u2019s something to be aware of. I\u2019ve experienced it before with other micro-compact pistols with long and short magazines.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC.jpg\" alt=\"Equalizer-EDC\" class=\"wp-image-288345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC.jpg\" alt=\"Equalizer-EDC\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Equalizer-EDC-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s new Equalizer pistol is well configured for concealed carry and should interface well with a broad range of shooters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I like the Equalizer and believe I\u2019d really like the version with the manual thumb safety. It\u2019s compact, light, reliable, accurate, comfortable to shoot and easy to manipulate. I like it better than the S&amp;W Shield, and way better than the CSX, which even costs a little more. What I\u2019d really like to see is the Equalizer chambered for the .30 Super Carry. This should up capacity and make the gun even more comfortable to shoot.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs\" class=\"wp-image-288346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs.jpg\" alt=\"Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-288346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Smith-Wesson-Equalizer-review-specs-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gundigeststore.com\/product\/gun-digest-magazine-one-year-subscription\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More Handgun Reviews:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-32\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<hr\/>\n<div>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/a>NEXT STEP: Download Your <strong>Free<\/strong> Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack<\/h3>\n<p> <strong>62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills &#8211; Rifle Range in YARDS<\/strong> This impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains <a href=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/storm-tactical-target-pack?path=5\"><strong>62 printable targets<\/strong><\/a> for rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes are in MOA. Ideal for long-range shooting!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter and we&#8217;ll send your print-at-home target pack right away.<\/strong> Just enter your email address below. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this Smith &amp; Wesson EQUALIZER review, the author takes a closer look at the company\u2019s newest micro-9 carry pistol. I was a bit shocked when I saw the announcement of the Equalizer pistol from Smith &amp; Wesson. This is partly because Smith &amp; Wesson already has a diverse collection of respected self-defense handguns. It\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":98,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-97","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=97"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97\/revisions\/99"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/98"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=97"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=97"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=97"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}