The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ exists for one reason: it is easy to rack, easy to load, and has a grip safety, which makes it the gun a lot of people with less hand strength actually carry. It comes in .380 and 9mm, and although they look alike the two are different sizes, so each needs its own holster. We make a kydex IWB for both. This guide covers them and how to carry a gun with a grip safety.
Quick compare: Shield EZ holsters
| Holster | Fits | Carry | Cant | Claw | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clip & Carry IWB, Shield EZ .380 | Shield EZ .380 | IWB | ±20° | Screw spacing accepts one | $44.99 |
| Clip & Carry IWB, Shield EZ 9mm | Shield EZ 9mm | IWB | ±20° | Screw spacing accepts one | $44.99 |
.380 or 9mm: they are not the same size
The 9mm Shield EZ has a larger slide and frame than the .380 to handle the cartridge, so a holster molded to one will not click on the other. Check the caliber on the slide before ordering. Neither EZ shares a holster with the standard Shield, the Shield Plus, or the Equalizer; those are separate molds.
The holsters, reviewed
1. Clip & Carry IWB Holster for the Shield EZ .380
Molded in .08-inch kydex to the .380 EZ with folded edges, a full-length sweat shield, and an audible click. The belt clip cants 20 degrees either direction, retention is set with screws, and the screw spacing accepts a claw. The shell is cut so nothing presses the grip safety in the holster. Handmade in the U.S.A. by a military veteran, right or left hand, black or carbon-fiber pattern, lifetime guarantee.
2. Clip & Carry IWB Holster for the Shield EZ 9mm
Same construction molded to the larger 9mm EZ slide and frame. Same adjustability and guarantee.
How to carry a Shield EZ
Appendix
The EZ's 3.675-inch barrel is fine at appendix for most builds with the clip near neutral. The grip is tall, so a claw helps under a light shirt.
Strong side
Fifteen to twenty degrees of forward cant at 3 or 4 o'clock. Comfortable sitting and driving.
The grip safety and thumb safety
The holster is molded to the gun, so the grip safety is not pressed while holstered. If yours has the optional thumb safety, the shell clears it and it does not interfere with the draw.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Shield EZ .380 holster fit the 9mm?
No. The 9mm is larger. Order by caliber.
Does a standard Shield holster fit the EZ?
No. The EZ has a different slide and frame.
Does it fit the EZ with the thumb safety?
Yes. The holster clears the safety.
Can I add a claw?
Yes. The retention screw spacing accepts one.
Left-hand versions?
Yes, for both.
The bottom line
Check the caliber, then order the matching holster: the EZ .380 IWB or the EZ 9mm IWB. Both molded, adjustable, and guaranteed for life.
Related reading
Best holsters for the S&W Equalizer
Best holsters for the Ruger LCP II and LCP Max
What makes a good concealed carry holster
