As someone who owns both the Shield 380 EZ and the Security 380, I'd say you made the right call. Even setting the higher capacity aside, the Ruger is an all around better shooting, more ergonomic pistol compared to the Smith
Both are great choices depending on your needs. I needed a 380 with a high mag capacity. I almost went with the Smith and Wesson Shield 380 EZ performance center. I actually like the feel of the Smith and Wesson EZ better than the Ruger. The Smith and Wesson EZ reminds me of my Smith and Wesson M&P 22 compact. One of my favorite range/EDC guns. In the end the Ruger Security 380 won out. Still considering getting the EZ 380 performance center. Just because. (Smile) What's your take on the EZ? Pros and cons? Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
@@redzone1019 The Shield EZ is a decent handgun. I don't have the Performance Center version, so take that what you will. Pros: I like large framed 380's. Just because it is a lesser cartridge doesn't mean it has to go in a tiny, difficult to control gun. The sights are decent, the trigger is decent (slightly better than the Ruger), and it is low recoil. I also like the fact that the magazine does not have a pinky extension and your hand fits the full length of the grip. Cons: 1.The grip safety! Seriously, grip safeties can be done well, such as in 1911s or XDs. The EZ grip safety pivots in the wrong direction, so getting a high, two handed, thumbs forward grip only barely depresses it, especially if you ride the safety like a gas pedal. I get better depression of the grip safety either one handed or with a revolver-style crush grip, but then why change your technique? 2. The bore axis. As I'm primarily a Glock shooter (I would consider the Glock 25 to be a better comparison to the Ruger Security 380, even though it is not light rack), so whenever there is a significant increase in bore axis compared to the Glock, I notice it (Sigs and Smiths particularly stand out). The Ruger is far better in this regard. 3. The grip. I find it to be simultaneously too big and too small, if that makes sense. Given that it is a single stack, it would be far better for it to have a thinner grip, but it does not. There are a bunch of ribs inside the mag well to hold the mag in the right position in the middle, but in doing so, adds a bunch of unnecessary space to the grip. On the other hand, it is kind of too thin to use and hold like a standard double stack. I have a Shield Plus that I don't have this problem with, and the two are about the same width, so I guess it is kind of like a small gun that handles like a large gun but without some of the benefits of a large gun, such as using that wasted space on additional capacity. The fact that the Equalizer exists is basically Smith's recognition of this fact and if the Equalizer came in a .380, I would have gotten it instead. I really like the Ruger grip better, prolly because it is more boxy like a Glock and the 15-round magazine feels better than the 10-round magazine
This is a very user friendly 380. I like the fact that it's a lot beefier than your normal 380. It has a fully size look and feel to it, without some of the downsides of a full-size semiauto. Less felt recoil and the slide is much easier to rack compared to other 9mms or 380 semi-autos. I would advise giving it a thorough cleaning to remove and factory grease and polishing the feed ramp to ensure better reliability and to avoid feed issues. Just my opinion. (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
Thanks. For a 380 with a 10 and 15 round mag, under three hundred and fifty dollars... I'm good. (Smile) Mine goes bang every time. So far so good. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
I CC'd a .380 for over 25 years before replacing it. The main reason why, OLD EYEs. In Low Light Drills, I could no longdt make out the front sight. I went to a SIG P365 in 9mm, because the night sights just "pop" for me. It also nearly doubles the capacity, and 9mm is typically cheaper to buy than .380. the slide, is not any more difficult to operate. If anything, it takes less effort to rack. I don't have recoil issues, and unless I run +P ammo in the SIG, I don't notice the recoil. With +P, yep it's a handful.
Bottom line is you gotta do what's best for you. I can still shoot a 9mm effectively, but I enjoy shooting my Sig p238 and my Smith and Wesson M&P 22 compact more. (Smile) I got a chance to shoot a sig 300 blackout SBR this weekend. I hit the bullseye from about 20 or 30 ft. Just practicing for CQC, but after the third shot, I didn't want to shoot it anymore. LOL! Man, that gun has a kick! What I'm getting at is... Although the 300 blackout SBR was a great experience, I shoot for recreation as well as for self-defense. 9mm is cheaper to shoot, this is true and I still practice with 9mm, but I enjoy shooting 22lr and 380 more. Actually, 22lr is my all-time favorite round to shoot and EDC. Using stingers or federal punch. I went with the Ruger Security 380 because, I wanted something with a higher mag capacity and to bridge the gap between the 22lr and the 9mm. That's why this works for me. (Smile) Okay I'm rambling now. LOL! Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
@@redzone1019 There have been some rather big advanced in technology around recoil reduction and slide operation for older adults. Both S&W and Walther have led the way in that area. S&W with their EZ Series and Walther with their CCP series of pistols. Both are specifically developed to be easier operating and have systems designed to lower perceived recoil. A plus is that both are made in .380 and 9 mm. I purchased a 9mm CCP for my 87 year old father. His arthritis is bad enough he has trouble operating his old Hi power. Now, he'll go to the range with me again. Something he'd stopped doing several years ago. The biggest problem with .380 has always been its cost IMHO. Even when the economy wasn't bad, it has always cost a bit more to purchase, and that discourages people from practicing with it as often as they really should. When I switched to the P365, SIG was just about ready to release their .380 version, and my gun store, knowing my preference for .380 suggested I wait. I didn't though and told the owner that cost has always been a bit of an issue, and he agreed. I like to carry Hornady Critical Defense, and have used both the .380 and 9mm. The .380 offering right now is $5 more per box of 25 than the 9mm cost wise. Target ammo's not that high, but it is $3-$4 more per box of 50. That adds up if you go to the range frequently. I've never been a caliber snob. Both .380 and .32 ACP are viable Self Defense rounds. They have limitations, but they will still defend your life. Shot placement becomes a more critical factor with the lower velocity/lower bullet weight cartridges. Both.380 and.32, were the standard Police round in most of Europe from the time J. Browning introduced them up into the 1970s (especially .32 ACP). I always ask anyone who disses .380, how many cartridges have started a War? A .380 FN Model 1910 killed the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia, precipitating the Great War. No other cartridge has that infamous reputation. Glad to see I'm not the only .380 fan out there RedZone. Keep up the good work, and you've gained a subscriber.
Thanks Deez29. Appreciate you taking the time to tune in. (Smile) I enjoy shooting my 22s and 380s just as much or even more than my other caliber I own. Although 22 can be very cheap to shoot the same can't be said about 380. LOL! Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
No problem. Glad I could help. 38 Special rounds are definitely going to have less felt recoil than 357 magnum rounds! The great thing about a 357 magnum revolver is that it shoots multiple types of ammo in it. The 38 special, 38 special plus P, 38 special plus P plus and 357 magnum. Good choice. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
@redzone101 First and foremost @redzone 101, I love your videos. AND you seem like such a good guy. I also own both the S&W 380 EZ and the Ruger Security 380. I only need one or the other, not both, so to resolve this issue I bought 500 rounds of 380 and went to the range and shot 250 rounds in both. After doing do, as soon as I got home I went to my local run shop and sold the S&W 380 EZ. Which by the way you will get almost nothing for it. In my humble opinion there is just no comparison. The Ruger is a better shooting, better capacity, better sights, better feel when holding it, better looking, easier to clean and work on, just an overall better gun, and just better built. I agree with your opinion 100%.
Dang, @Redzone-- you're looking / getting all the same pistols I'm looking at! (I ended up getting the Beretta APX A1 instead of a Stoeger combat, and am still waiting for the Rossi Brawler to come back in stock. Unfortunately, it looks like the Beretta CX4 has been discontinued.)
What can I say... Great minds think alike! Whatever you choose to go with, hopefully you'll have a great experience. Just make sure you do your research and go with whatever is going to be best for you. (smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
Thanks. Much appreciated. I did my homework. Out of all the other great options out there, this was the best choice for me. (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy Peace
Don't have much experience with the Hellcat. Not a fan of the name either. That said, check out the review on the Hellcat. Might be a good buy. Most of the reviews on Ruger Security 380 have been positive. That and the mag capacity sold me. (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
I normally go to look an browse and end up buying a gun.. when my mind is made up on a gun i strait go get it nothing detour me.....and i thought my 9mm was big your HK is xtra Large 👀
I wish I could say the same. I sometimes I detour when something unexpectedly catches my eye. When I saw this Hk VP9L, it was love at first sight. LOL! Did I need it... May not, but I sure wanted it in the collection. And yes, it is a very big gun! (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
If you liv in California, you will not get the full USA capacity ... but 10 , 10 round mags is 100. California people get to learn reloading better than the rest of the country.
Everyone is intitled to their own opinion bro. For a full size 380 with a high mag capacity... They're not bad. You could do a lot worse. No, it's not a target gun, but then again, it wasn't meant to be. But for most self-defense situations, at average self-defense distances. Its more than adequate. (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
You must be new to the channel, otherwise you'd know why. Just to reiterate... The mask is to protect my privacy when out in public. The majority of viewers are good decent people. Same can be said for all. This is for my protection and theirs, if they should try to harm me or my loved ones, when out in public. In a self-defense situation. Of course. (Smile) Thanks for watching. Stay safe and healthy. Peace
As someone who owns both the Shield 380 EZ and the Security 380, I'd say you made the right call. Even setting the higher capacity aside, the Ruger is an all around better shooting, more ergonomic pistol compared to the Smith
Both are great choices depending on your needs. I needed a 380 with a high mag capacity. I almost went with the Smith and Wesson Shield 380 EZ performance center. I actually like the feel of the Smith and Wesson EZ better than the Ruger.
The Smith and Wesson EZ reminds me of my Smith and Wesson M&P 22 compact. One of my favorite range/EDC guns.
In the end the Ruger Security 380 won out. Still considering getting the EZ 380 performance center. Just because. (Smile)
What's your take on the EZ? Pros and cons?
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
@@redzone1019 The Shield EZ is a decent handgun. I don't have the Performance Center version, so take that what you will.
Pros: I like large framed 380's. Just because it is a lesser cartridge doesn't mean it has to go in a tiny, difficult to control gun. The sights are decent, the trigger is decent (slightly better than the Ruger), and it is low recoil. I also like the fact that the magazine does not have a pinky extension and your hand fits the full length of the grip.
Cons:
1.The grip safety! Seriously, grip safeties can be done well, such as in 1911s or XDs. The EZ grip safety pivots in the wrong direction, so getting a high, two handed, thumbs forward grip only barely depresses it, especially if you ride the safety like a gas pedal. I get better depression of the grip safety either one handed or with a revolver-style crush grip, but then why change your technique?
2. The bore axis. As I'm primarily a Glock shooter (I would consider the Glock 25 to be a better comparison to the Ruger Security 380, even though it is not light rack), so whenever there is a significant increase in bore axis compared to the Glock, I notice it (Sigs and Smiths particularly stand out). The Ruger is far better in this regard.
3. The grip. I find it to be simultaneously too big and too small, if that makes sense. Given that it is a single stack, it would be far better for it to have a thinner grip, but it does not. There are a bunch of ribs inside the mag well to hold the mag in the right position in the middle, but in doing so, adds a bunch of unnecessary space to the grip. On the other hand, it is kind of too thin to use and hold like a standard double stack. I have a Shield Plus that I don't have this problem with, and the two are about the same width, so I guess it is kind of like a small gun that handles like a large gun but without some of the benefits of a large gun, such as using that wasted space on additional capacity. The fact that the Equalizer exists is basically Smith's recognition of this fact and if the Equalizer came in a .380, I would have gotten it instead. I really like the Ruger grip better, prolly because it is more boxy like a Glock and the 15-round magazine feels better than the 10-round magazine
@@grahamohea2424
Thanks for the info.
Rugers rock.
Subbed. One of my female clientele just got this pistol 3 weeks ago. She loves it
This is a very user friendly 380. I like the fact that it's a lot beefier than your normal 380.
It has a fully size look and feel to it, without some of the downsides of a full-size semiauto.
Less felt recoil and the slide is much easier to rack compared to other 9mms or 380 semi-autos.
I would advise giving it a thorough cleaning to remove and factory grease and polishing the
feed ramp to ensure better reliability and to avoid feed issues. Just my opinion. (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Thanks for the great information really appreciate it!
@billelston677
No problem.
Glad I could help. 👍😎
And thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Great Video God Bless....!
Thanks Pastor.
Much appreciated and God bless you and yours also. 🙏
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Food for thought? Hmm nice collection
Thanks bro.
And thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
@@redzone1019 Yep and same to you as well " look forward to more great ideas "
Nice piece brother .
Thanks.
For a 380 with a 10 and 15 round mag, under three hundred and fifty dollars... I'm good. (Smile)
Mine goes bang every time. So far so good.
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
I CC'd a .380 for over 25 years before replacing it. The main reason why, OLD EYEs. In Low Light Drills, I could no longdt make out the front sight. I went to a SIG P365 in 9mm, because the night sights just "pop" for me. It also nearly doubles the capacity, and 9mm is typically cheaper to buy than .380. the slide, is not any more difficult to operate. If anything, it takes less effort to rack.
I don't have recoil issues, and unless I run +P ammo in the SIG, I don't notice the recoil. With +P, yep it's a handful.
Bottom line is you gotta do what's best for you. I can still shoot a 9mm effectively, but I enjoy shooting my Sig p238 and my Smith and Wesson M&P 22 compact more. (Smile) I got a chance to shoot a sig 300 blackout SBR this weekend.
I hit the bullseye from about 20 or 30 ft. Just practicing for CQC, but after the third shot, I didn't want to shoot it anymore.
LOL! Man, that gun has a kick!
What I'm getting at is... Although the 300 blackout SBR was a great experience, I shoot for recreation as well as for self-defense. 9mm is cheaper to shoot, this is true and I still practice with 9mm, but I enjoy shooting 22lr and 380 more. Actually, 22lr is my all-time favorite round to shoot and EDC. Using stingers or federal punch.
I went with the Ruger Security 380 because, I wanted something with a higher mag capacity and to bridge the gap between
the 22lr and the 9mm. That's why this works for me. (Smile) Okay I'm rambling now. LOL!
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
@@redzone1019 There have been some rather big advanced in technology around recoil reduction and slide operation for older adults. Both S&W and Walther have led the way in that area. S&W with their EZ Series and Walther with their CCP series of pistols. Both are specifically developed to be easier operating and have systems designed to lower perceived recoil. A plus is that both are made in .380 and 9 mm. I purchased a 9mm CCP for my 87 year old father. His arthritis is bad enough he has trouble operating his old Hi power. Now, he'll go to the range with me again. Something he'd stopped doing several years ago.
The biggest problem with .380 has always been its cost IMHO. Even when the economy wasn't bad, it has always cost a bit more to purchase, and that discourages people from practicing with it as often as they really should. When I switched to the P365, SIG was just about ready to release their .380 version, and my gun store, knowing my preference for .380 suggested I wait. I didn't though and told the owner that cost has always been a bit of an issue, and he agreed. I like to carry Hornady Critical Defense, and have used both the .380 and 9mm. The .380 offering right now is $5 more per box of 25 than the 9mm cost wise. Target ammo's not that high, but it is $3-$4 more per box of 50. That adds up if you go to the range frequently.
I've never been a caliber snob. Both .380 and .32 ACP are viable Self Defense rounds. They have limitations, but they will still defend your life. Shot placement becomes a more critical factor with the lower velocity/lower bullet weight cartridges. Both.380 and.32, were the standard Police round in most of Europe from the time J. Browning introduced them up into the 1970s (especially .32 ACP).
I always ask anyone who disses .380, how many cartridges have started a War? A .380 FN Model 1910 killed the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia, precipitating the Great War. No other cartridge has that infamous reputation.
Glad to see I'm not the only .380 fan out there RedZone. Keep up the good work, and you've gained a subscriber.
I love all your videos on 22lr and 380s u got me to go get this 380 and getting into 22lr thanks
Thanks Deez29.
Appreciate you taking the time to tune in. (Smile)
I enjoy shooting my 22s and 380s just as much or even more than my other caliber I own.
Although 22 can be very cheap to shoot the same can't be said about 380. LOL!
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Great video. Always informative.
I wonder your thoughts on carrying a 357 with 38 special rounds so less recoil is felt.
Thanks for what you do.
No problem. Glad I could help.
38 Special rounds are definitely going to have less felt recoil than 357 magnum
rounds! The great thing about a 357 magnum revolver is that it shoots multiple types of
ammo in it.
The 38 special, 38 special plus P, 38 special plus P plus and 357 magnum.
Good choice.
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Consider the lcp max, its what i carry and im super happy with it
@redzone101
First and foremost @redzone 101, I love your videos. AND you seem like such a good guy.
I also own both the S&W 380 EZ and the Ruger Security 380. I only need one or the other, not both, so to resolve this issue I bought 500 rounds of 380 and went to the range and shot 250 rounds in both.
After doing do, as soon as I got home I went to my local run shop and sold the S&W 380 EZ. Which by the way you will get almost nothing for it.
In my humble opinion there is just no comparison. The Ruger is a better shooting, better capacity, better sights, better feel when holding it, better looking, easier to clean and work on, just an overall better gun, and just better built. I agree with your opinion 100%.
Dang, @Redzone-- you're looking / getting all the same pistols I'm looking at! (I ended up getting the Beretta APX A1 instead of a Stoeger combat, and am still waiting for the Rossi Brawler to come back in stock. Unfortunately, it looks like the Beretta CX4 has been discontinued.)
What can I say... Great minds think alike!
Whatever you choose to go with, hopefully you'll have a great experience.
Just make sure you do your research and go with whatever is going to be best for you. (smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
NICE BUY
Thanks.
Much appreciated.
I did my homework. Out of all the other great options
out there, this was the best choice for me. (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy
Peace
I like your style! Just subbed
Thanks bro and welcome aboard.
And thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
👍
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
Aww man. And i thought the hellcat was a good pick.
Don't have much experience with the Hellcat. Not a fan of the name either. That said, check out
the review on the Hellcat. Might be a good buy. Most of the reviews on Ruger Security 380 have been positive.
That and the mag capacity sold me. (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
@@redzone1019 🫡YeSir!
I normally go to look an browse and end up buying a gun.. when my mind is made up on a gun i strait go get it nothing detour me.....and i thought my 9mm was big your HK is xtra Large 👀
I wish I could say the same. I sometimes I detour when something unexpectedly catches my eye.
When I saw this Hk VP9L, it was love at first sight. LOL! Did I need it... May not, but I sure wanted it in the collection.
And yes, it is a very big gun! (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
If you liv in California, you will not get the full USA capacity ... but 10 , 10 round mags is 100.
California people get to learn reloading better than the rest of the country.
They say practice makes perfect. LOL!
Great way to get around the 10-round mag capacity. (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay for watching.
Peace
El charro negro o que vergas but I like this black guy cause he talks white 🇺🇸🤘🏻
Hell no. They are junk compared to the 1911 in 380 made by Browning arms and Rock Island called the baby rock
Everyone is intitled to their own opinion bro. For a full size 380 with a high mag capacity... They're not bad.
You could do a lot worse. No, it's not a target gun, but then again, it wasn't meant to be. But for most
self-defense situations, at average self-defense distances. Its more than adequate. (Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace
what the hell are you wearing a mask for ??????
You must be new to the channel, otherwise you'd know why.
Just to reiterate...
The mask is to protect my privacy when out in public.
The majority of viewers are good decent people. Same can be said for all.
This is for my protection and theirs, if they should try to harm me or my
loved ones, when out in public. In a self-defense situation. Of course.
(Smile)
Thanks for watching.
Stay safe and healthy.
Peace