Smith & Wesson Equalizer
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 2023
Also known as: S&W Equalizer, Equalizer 9mm, M&P Equalizer
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Equalizer is a micro-compact, internal-hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm, introduced in 2023 and designed specifically for concealed carry with an emphasis on ease of use for shooters of all hand sizes and strength levels. Built on the M&P Shield EZ platform, the Equalizer features a lightened recoil spring that dramatically reduces the force required to rack the slide, making it one of the easiest-to-manipulate compact pistols on the market. The polymer-framed pistol ships with three magazines (10-round flush, 13-round mid-size, and 15-round extended), allowing the shooter to tailor grip length and capacity to their needs. The Equalizer features an 18-degree grip angle for natural point-of-aim, a grip safety (rather than a trigger safety) to help prevent accidental discharge, a loaded chamber indicator, and an optics-ready slide cut compatible with Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K-footprint micro red dots. The stainless steel slide and barrel feature Smith & Wesson's proprietary Armornite corrosion-resistant finish. White dot front and white 2-dot rear sights provide a three-dot sight picture that co-witnesses with mounted optics. The three-slot Picatinny rail accommodates weapon lights and laser modules. At 22.9 ounces empty and only 1.04 inches wide, the Equalizer conceals easily while offering magazine capacities that rival larger pistols.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 649 g (22.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 829 g (29.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 93 mm (3.66") |
| Height | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Width | 26 mm (1.02") |
| Sight Radius | 149 mm (5.87") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 25 N (5.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 456 J (336 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Armornite |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Internal Firing Pin Block, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Easy Rack Slide, Lightened Recoil Spring, Grip Safety, 18 Degree Grip Angle, Optimized Grip Texture, Optics Ready Slide, Picatinny Rail, Front And Rear Slide Serrations, White Dot Front Sight, White 2 Dot Rear Sight, Ships With 3 Magazines, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Variants
- S&W Equalizer TS (Thumb Safety) — Manual Safety
- S&W Equalizer NTS (No Thumb Safety) — No Manual Safety
- S&W Equalizer Compliant 10 RD — Compliant
- S&W Equalizer TS Purple Frame — Color Variant
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2023
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Off-Duty/Backup)
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Current production; one of Smith & Wesson's best-selling concealed carry pistols alongside the M&P Shield Plus
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Equalizer was announced at the end of 2022 and began shipping in early 2023. It is based on the M&P Shield EZ platform which was originally designed for shooters who have difficulty manipulating traditional semi-automatic pistol slides. The lightened recoil spring is the key engineering feature, reducing slide manipulation force by approximately 35% compared to traditional compact 9mm pistols. The grip safety is unusual for a modern polymer pistol and is inherited from the EZ platform. Available in both thumb safety (TS) and no thumb safety (NTS) configurations, as well as state-compliant 10-round-only models. The trigger pull measures approximately 5.5-6 pounds (24-27 N) with a short take-up, clean break, and fast reset. The sight radius of 5.875 inches (149mm) is generous for the pistol's compact size. MSRP is $599 but street price is typically $450-500. A Maglula UpLula magazine speed loader is included in the box.
Background
Smith & Wesson named the pistol the 'Equalizer' to convey its mission: equalizing the playing field for shooters of all strength levels and hand sizes. The lightened recoil spring borrowed from the Shield EZ platform was the breakthrough that allowed a full 9mm micro-compact to be as easy to rack as many .380 ACP pistols, removing one of the biggest barriers to effective concealed carry for new and smaller-statured shooters.