SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P380 SHIELD EZ .380 ACP PISTOL, BLACK – 12717

The reality of protection is that you never know when you’ll need it.  Smith & Wesson took the power and features of full-sized M&P pistols and put them into a slim, lightweight pistol the size of your hand.  The M&P SHIELD is an easy to conceal pistol that offers professional grade features with simple operation and reliable performance day or night.  The Performance Center SHIELD offers discerning shooters premium features including a factory ported barrel and slide. One million Shield owners can’t be wrong.

Features:

• Ported barrel to reduce muzzle flip
• Lightening cuts in slide for reduced weight
• Performance Center flat face, black anodized aluminum trigger
• Performance Center enhanced black anodized aluminum grip safety
• Performance Center ported barrel with Armornite Durable Corrosion Resistant Finish
• Easy to rack slide
• Performance Center action, crisp, lightweight trigger with tactile and audible trigger reset
• HI-VIZ Litewave H3 Tritium/Litepipe Sights
• Tactile loaded chamber indicator (TLCI) – see and feel if there is a round in the chamber
• Picatinny-style rail
• Two easy-to-load, 8-round magazines
• Also includes – Performance Center Branded Cleaning Kit

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Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ .380 ACP Pistol, Black – 12717

Premium Performance in a User-Friendly Defensive Platform

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ .380 ACP Pistol (Model 12717) combines exceptional ergonomics, smooth shooting performance, and specialized upgrades from the Performance Center line. Designed for shooters who value ease of use, reliability, and accuracy, this pistol is an excellent choice for concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting.

Engineered specifically for the .380 ACP cartridge, the Shield EZ lives up to its name—everything about this pistol is designed to be easy: easy to rack, easy to load, easy to clean, and easy to shoot accurately. With Performance Center enhancements such as a ported barrel, lightened slide, and tuned action, this pistol offers elevated shooting comfort and precision that outclasses standard carry pistols.

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Key Features at a Glance

• Caliber: .380 ACP

• Barrel Length: 3.8 inches, Performance Center ported

• Capacity: 8+1 rounds

• Frame: Polymer with stainless steel slide

• Finish: Black Armornite® corrosion-resistant coating

• Sights: HI-VIZ® Litewave H3™ Tritium/Litepipe sights for day & night visibility

• Trigger: Performance Center-tuned, crisp and light pull

• Grip Safety: Integrated for additional security

• Slide: Lightened, with enhanced serrations for easier manipulation

• Magazines Included: Two 8-round magazines with easy-load design

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Performance Center Upgrades – The Edge You Can Feel

Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center division specializes in refining factory firearms with precision craftsmanship, better materials, and competitive-level tuning. The M&P380 Shield EZ 12717 benefits from this expertise in several key areas:

1. Ported Barrel for Reduced Muzzle Flip

The precision ported barrel redirects gases upward during firing, reducing muzzle rise and allowing faster follow-up shots. This feature enhances control and accuracy, especially in rapid-fire or defensive scenarios.

2. Lightened Slide for Effortless Manipulation

One of the Shield EZ’s signature features is its easy-to-rack slide—perfect for shooters with reduced hand strength. The Performance Center takes it further with slide lightening cuts, reducing reciprocating mass and making the slide even smoother to operate.

3. Upgraded Sights for All-Light Conditions

The HI-VIZ® Litewave H3™ sights combine fiber optics and tritium inserts, ensuring a bright, highly visible sight picture in daylight, low light, or complete darkness. This gives you confidence in aiming no matter the situation.

4. Tuned Trigger for Precision Shooting

The Performance Center’s attention to detail is clear in the crisp, clean-breaking trigger. Short reset and lighter pull weight contribute to improved accuracy, whether on the range or in a defensive encounter.

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Why the Shield EZ is Perfect for Everyday Carry

The M&P380 Shield EZ is specifically tailored for concealed carriers who want a balance of manageable recoil, user-friendly operation, and reliable stopping power.

Compact Yet Comfortable

With its slim profile and 3.8-inch barrel, the Shield EZ conceals easily under clothing while still offering a comfortable grip that accommodates most hand sizes.

Lightweight for All-Day Carry

Weighing just 18.5 ounces unloaded, the pistol won’t weigh you down, making it a practical choice for daily use.

Simple Maintenance

Field stripping the Shield EZ requires no tools. Its easy disassembly design means cleaning and lubrication are hassle-free.

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Safety Features You Can Trust

Smith & Wesson incorporated several layers of safety into the Shield EZ without making it complicated to operate:

1. Grip Safety – Requires a firm grip on the pistol to fire, preventing accidental discharge if dropped.

2. Manual Thumb Safety – An extra option for those who prefer an external safety lever.

3. Loaded Chamber Indicator – Lets you verify if a round is chambered without cycling the slide.

4. Internal Safety Systems – Includes a striker block and trigger safety mechanisms.

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Ergonomics and Shooter Comfort

The Shield EZ’s design prioritizes shooter comfort:

• Textured grip ensures a solid hold without being abrasive.

• Optimized grip angle promotes natural point-of-aim shooting.

• Low recoil impulse from the .380 ACP chambering and ported barrel makes it especially good for recoil-sensitive shooters.

Whether you have smaller hands, arthritis, or simply want a smoother-shooting pistol, the Shield EZ delivers a comfortable, confidence-building shooting experience.

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Ideal Uses for the M&P380 Shield EZ

• Concealed Carry – Slim, light, and easy to draw.

• Home Defense – Quick to deploy with intuitive controls.

• Training & Practice – Low recoil makes it an excellent training pistol.

• Senior & New Shooters – Easy-to-rack slide and light trigger pull.

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Comparison: Shield EZ .380 ACP vs. Other Carry Guns

While many concealed carry pistols prioritize compact size, they often come with trade-offs like snappy recoil, hard-to-rack slides, and minimal sights. The Performance Center Shield EZ avoids these pitfalls:

• Compared to small 9mm pistols: The Shield EZ offers less recoil and easier manipulation, making it better for rapid accuracy.

• Compared to micro .380s: It has a larger grip, better sights, and superior shootability, while still being easy to conceal.

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Maintenance and Longevity

The Armornite® finish on the slide provides exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. Combined with stainless steel construction, this pistol is built to last for decades of regular use. Regular cleaning is straightforward, thanks to the toolless takedown and clear internal layout.

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Conclusion – Why Choose the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ

If you’re seeking a pistol that delivers refined performance, effortless operation, and proven reliability, the M&P380 Shield EZ 12717 stands out in the concealed carry market. Its Performance Center upgrades elevate it from a capable defensive tool to a true shooter’s pistol—ideal for those who want precision and comfort in a compact package.m&p 380 shield ez upgrades

Whether you’re an experienced carrier looking for a softer-shooting backup gun or a first-time buyer wanting a defensive firearm without the intimidation factor, the Shield EZ is ready to perform.

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