Smith & Wesson has issued a very important safety notice that affects a small run of M&P Shield EZ pistols. This is a limited product recall that M&P Shield EZ owners should take very seriously.
The problem only affects select pistols produced between March 1 and October 31, 2020. Smith & Wesson has only found the problem in two handguns, but due to the nature of the problem, every EZ owner who recently purchased their pistol, including Performance Center models, should contact Smith & Wesson for more information.
The two flawed pistols both had improperly manufactured hammers. These hammers cracked along the sear engagement surface, allowing them to fire, cycle the slide, and fire again, without depressing the trigger.
Smith & Wesson identified two scenarios where the malfunction presents itself. One is when the pistol is fired, it can cycle, chamber another cartridge, and fire again, possibly even repeatedly. The other malfunction may be even more serious with the pistol firing as soon as the slide is cycled, without pulling the trigger at all.
This problem can manifest even with the manual safety engaged. The pistols will not fire, however, unless the grip safety is also depressed.
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“While this condition has been found only in two hammers, and our investigation suggests that these two incidents are very isolated, any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury,” said Smith & Wesson in the recall notice. “Therefore, we have established this Safety Recall as a precautionary measure to ensure that all M&P Shield EZ Pistols in service meet our design specifications.”
Given that the malfunction can result in multiple rounds fired with or without pulling the trigger, this is an extremely serious safety notice, even if to-date, only two pistols show any issues. Smith & Wesson traced the problem to a bad batch of hammers from one of the company’s suppliers.
The M&P Shield EZ has been a strong success for Smith & Wesson. The hammer-fired design makes it very easy to use compared to striker-fired handguns. This issue only affects EZ owners. Non-EZ Shield models are unaffected.
“To determine whether your M&P Shield EZ Pistol is affected, check the label on the box to determine date of manufacture and if [the] manufacture date is between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020, your pistol may be affected,” says Smith & Wesson.
“If your M&P Shield EZ Pistol is included in this recall, we will arrange for the return of your firearm to Smith & Wesson for inspection,” the notice explains. “After inspection, if the hammer from your firearm is affected, it will be replaced at no cost to you.”
“We expect that this entire process will take no longer than 10 business days, and your pistol will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible. All shipping and replacement costs will be covered by Smith & Wesson.”
For more information about this visit Smith & Wesson online or call (888) 871-7114.