The Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ Performance Center is a semi-automatic pistol in .380 Auto with an internal hammer, 8+1 capacity, and a ported barrel. The slide is notably easier to rack than standard semi-autos, which is the primary design distinction. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Smith & Wesson 
• Model Name: M&P380 Shield EZ Performance Center (12717) 
• Caliber: .380 Auto 
• Action Type: Semi-Auto, Internal Hammer Fired 
• Capacity: 8 + 1 Rounds (2 magazines included) 
• Barrel Length: 3.8 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.9 inches 
• Weight: 18.5 oz 
• Sights: HI-VIZ Litewave H3 Tritium/Litepipe 
• Frame Material: Polymer 
• Slide Material: Stainless Steel with Armornite finish 
• Finish Color: Matte Black 
   

Detailed Features 

The ported barrel has holes cut near the muzzle that redirect gas upward to counter muzzle rise between shots. Lightening cuts in the slide reduce reciprocating mass for the lighter recoil spring, which is what makes the slide easier to rack. 
 
The HI-VIZ Litewave H3 sights combine tritium for darkness and a bright litepipe element for daylight, covering both ends of the lighting spectrum. A Tactile Loaded Chamber Indicator (TLCI) lets you feel whether the chamber is loaded by running a finger across the slide. 
 
The enhanced trigger system has a lighter pull with a tactile reset. A Picatinny-style rail under the frame accepts lights and lasers.

The M&P380 Shield EZ PC in .380 ACP gets strong reviews with a clearly defined audience driving the sentiment.

The easy-to-rack slide is the defining feature for most buyers. Users with limited hand strength or arthritis specifically seek out this gun because it removes the main physical barrier that makes other semi-autos difficult for them. This comes up constantly in reviews from older shooters and those with hand injuries.

The overall size and weight draw praise. At 18.5 oz it's light enough for daily carry without the fatigue some larger guns produce.

The manual safety options appeal to buyers who want multiple safety mechanisms. The manual thumb safety, grip safety, and trigger safety combination is cited as reassuring by new shooters.

The HI-VIZ sights receive positive mentions for daytime visibility. Users who train in varied lighting conditions appreciate the tritium component for low-light use.

The trigger is generally liked. The lighter pull with audible reset is described as a noticeable improvement over the standard EZ trigger.

The main discussion point around caliber is the .380 ACP stopping power question. Some buyers prefer 9mm but choose this gun specifically for the ease-of-rack feature; others are satisfied with .380 ACP for the typical defensive distances they'd encounter. This is a preference discussion rather than a quality criticism.