It is good in concept although the #1 reason for having a .380 pistol is to have something concealable. The .380 EZ is no smaller than the 9mm shield (which I owned and carried for over a year) so I do not see any reason to own a .380 version. From the article I gathered that this was deigned and built as an entry level pistol for people whom are looking to CCW. The #1 pistol I have heard most new owners pushed towards is the revolver as being the most simple gun to own and operate.
This new shield is to be more appealing to those new owners as a semi auto option and being .380 means a very take but effective round. As stated in the article S&W stated:
“When we set out to design the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol, our goal was to deliver an all-around, easy to use personal protection pistol—from loading and carrying, to shooting and cleaning,” said Jan Mladek, General Manager of M&P and S&W Brands. “... We focused on key areas that customers told us were important—the ease of racking the slide and loading the magazine,” he said, “allowing consumers of all statures and strengths the opportunity to own, comfortably practice with, and effectively utilize this exciting new pistol“ for both first-time shooters and experienced handgunners alike."
With most of us being more experienced shooter, this pistol would not be a good choice for us. Glock has a .380 version and lots of people chose this pistol over a smaller framed .380 and people said why?