Smith & Wesson makes good guns. Its history is full of quality firearms that have served millions well. However, no one can get it right all the time, and it looks like the venerable firearms manufacturer has a problem with one of its models. In particular, the .380 M&P Shield EZ with a thumb safety.

From the alert:

Like any firearm, the function of the M&P®380 Shield™ EZ™ Manual Thumb Safety pistol can be influenced by the type and quality of ammunition used with the pistol.  In the case of the M&P 380 Shield EZ Manual Thumb Safety, we have found that in very rare circumstances, ammunition that produces a high level of felt recoil can cause the manual safety to move from the fire to the “safety on” position during firing.  Should this occur, you will not be able to fire the next round unless and until the manual safety is reset to the fire position.

At Smith & Wesson, we are committed to designing and producing firearms that meet the highest quality and performance standards.  To ensure that every Smith & Wesson handgun meets our standards for reliability and performance, as of April 4, 2018, we have engineered the manual safety so that it will be less susceptible to the influence of ammunition weight, velocity and loads.  Any M&P 380 Shield EZ Manual Thumb Safety pistol produced before April 4, is eligible for a no-cost upgrade.  To determine if this consumer advisory applies to your pistol, please utilize our serial number verification tool on our consumer advisory page. CLICK HERE to navigate to that page.

If your pistol is subject to this advisory, please call Smith & Wesson at 1-800-331-0852 or email us at [email protected].  A FedEx return label and shipping instructions to facilitate the return of your M&P 380 Shield EZ pistol will be mailed to you promptly.  If you have any questions, you may call 1-800-331-0852 for more information.

WARNING: READ AND FOLLOW THE WARNINGS IN YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL.  NEVER USE “PLUS-P” (+P), “PLUS-P-PLUS” (+P+); OR RELOADED AMMUNITION WITH THE M&P 380 EZ.  ALWAYS USE FACTORY MANUFACTURED AMMUNITION PRODUCED TO SAAMI SPECIFICATIONS.

I think it goes without saying that this is a problem. Granted, it’s better than the weapon firing when it should be on safe, but this is the kind of thing that could be a potential disaster if you’re using a firearm in a defensive situation.

It sounds like an issue with +P or +P+ ammo versus standard pressure stuff, but it behooves all owners to check the loads you’re carrying in your M&P 380 EZ to make sure you don’t have this issue. If you’re not going to take advantage of the free upgrade, that is.

Now, some people don’t trust standard pressure .380 to do the job if needed. Well, if that’s the case, then maybe you should step up to a 9mm or something bigger rather than trying to run something stronger than the weapon can handle.

Within the comments, I fully expect people to suggest .380s that can handle +P or +P+ just fine without an upgrade. If so, that’s an option as well.

Or, again, just take advantage of Smith & Wesson’s upgrade.

In the meantime, be careful with your M&P 380 EZs. No one wants to pull the trigger and not hear a bang, regardless of the causes.