Smith & Wesson Equalizer

Announced in November of 2022, Smith & Wesson brings a new concealed carry pistol to the market: the S&W Equalizer. Smith & Wesson has been targeting the compact carry pistol market hard with their Shield line and micro-compact 9mm’s like the CSX, and now they’ve got another. The Equalizer is a new micro-compact that looks a bit like the Shield EZ, but with a slightly different slide and grip contour. It’s been designed to make the pistol more controllable, easier to operate, and more versatile than other models.

The Equalizer is a polymer-framed semi-auto that has an externally visible grip safety like the Shield EZ has. Like the EZ and the CSX pistols, the Equalizer is a single-action, hammer-fired pistol that has an internal hammer rather than a striker. IT’s got a slim stipple-textured grip, ambidextrous slide stops, and a reversible magazine catch button. The frame also has a Picatinny rail for mounting a light or laser. This pistol has a 3.675-inch barrel, which is longer than what most micro-compact 9mm’s sport. It’s compatible with Shield Plus magazines and includes one each 10-, 13-, and 15-round mags. The slide has deep cocking serrations front and back, comes with white-dot sights and an optic cut.