Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Review

Estimated studying time: 12 minutes

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is not only one other striker-fired 9mm making an attempt to chase the same old names. After vary time, carry time, and actual teacher use, this pistol proved flat-shooting, dependable, optics-ready, and ok to make a longtime Glock provider attain for one thing else.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 has develop into a severe contender within the service-size 9mm world, with the ergonomics, optics-ready setup, and set off to again it up.

The service-sized handgun is a mainstay of defensive taking pictures, particularly compact-sized firearms. Some weapons have dominated this market, however within the final decade, we have now seen corporations carry ever-improving 9mm duty-sized pistols, and these weapons are actually rivaling the dominant names within the market. This text explores a type of standouts, the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 sequence.

M&P Origins: How Smith & Wesson Constructed a Trendy Obligation Pistol Line

In 2005, Smith and Wesson launched their latest pistol, a polymer-framed striker-fired semi-auto pistol referred to as the M&P, quick for Army and Police. It was a alternative for his or her earlier all-metal, hammer-fired fashions that had been a mainstay for police and civilians for many years and have been discontinued the next yr.

The early variations had a hinged set off that left a bit to be desired. It additionally had a scarcity of texture on the grip that might be slick when moist. A 2.0 model was launched in 2017, which elevated the grip texture and up to date the design with numerous enhancements to issues just like the slide lock/launch. The grip texture was aggressive. I can attest to that as my early 2.0 would take away hair once I carried it appendix. That gun’s mediocre set off helped me resolve to let it go.

An important enchancment that got here later was S&W’s new set off. Lengthy gone was the hinged model, which was extensively hated, and the brand new model took the gun to an entire totally different stage. It was a lot crisper than the earlier hinged set off and allowed for a lot better accuracy.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact and Full Size pistols at the range showing California-available 9mm variants — The M&P 2.0 is presently accessible in locations like California with a 4.0 barrel Compact and a full-size model with a 4.25 barrel.

Then, miracles of miracles, S&W obtained these added to the California Roster, so individuals like me may get them. I invested in two, a full dimension with a 4.25-inch barrel, and a compact model with a 4.0 barrel. The compact went to hold, and the full-size grew to become my educating gun.

🛒 Test Present Worth for Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 on GunsAmerica

Why the New M&P 2.0 Hits Arduous within the Trendy Obligation Pistol Market

The M&P is available in cardboard and plastic instances, relying on the mannequin. My compact got here within the extra conventional S&W cardboard field, however my full-size got here with the plastic case. My compact was their first California model and got here with an obnoxiously big loaded-chamber-indicator that negated any optic mounting resolution. I used to be capable of purchase an optic-ready slide instantly from Smith, and I used to be off to the races. The complete-size got here with a way more affordable loaded chamber indicator and the S&W CORE optic minimize. As of this writing, they appear to have discontinued the older slide model with the huge chamber flag. In free states, the compact has a 15-round journal, and the full-size has a 17-round journal.

California-compliant Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 loaded chamber indicator design on optics-ready slide — The brand new LCI design by S&W for California is a well-thought-out design that complies with the regulation, is helpful, and is discreetly out of the best way. It’s sufficiently small to work with an optic plate, and it’s really helpful for a tactile verify to confirm if there’s a spherical within the chamber. This model is now normal on all M&P’s offered in CA.

The slide comes with their robust Armornite end that appears sharp. Not too shiny, however not prefer it’s parkerized both. The brand new slides all include optic-ready sights which are metal, in contrast to different manufacturers that use plastic as placeholders with the expectation that you’ll substitute them. The serrations are greater than satisfactory from each the back and front, and go alongside the total top of the slide. The barrel appears to be like to have a slight crown, and the weapons come normal with metallic information rods. The compact has a 4.0-inch barrel, and the total dimension has a 4.25-inch barrel with a barely longer grip body.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Full Size optics-ready slide with CORE cut and steel co-witness sights — The brand new M&P slides come optic-ready utilizing their CORE footprint and metal 3-dot sights made to co-witness along with your optic.

S&W makes use of its CORE mounting system on these pistols that gives plastic plates to adapt most optics to the slide. The optic does screw instantly into the slide, with the plastic adapter virtually working like a washer that offers assist to the mounting. I’m wondering if this offers some stage of shock absorption throughout recoil, however I can not confirm or show this. I’ve one optic mounted instantly utilizing Smith’s system, and one mounted with a C&H Precision Weapons Programs plate. I’ve not seen a serious distinction between the 2.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Full Size and Compact side-by-side comparison for duty and carry use — The Smith and Wesson 2.0 is available in a full-size on the left and a Compact on the proper. The compact mannequin is comparable in dimension to the ever-present Glock 19.

The body is made from polymer, Zytel is what they confer with it as, with an aggressive stippling on the grip. This stippling just isn’t as aggressive as I bear in mind the sooner variations being. I’m capable of carry it comfortably within the appendix place, this time not with the disagreeable cheese grater feeling. With this stage of stippling, I don’t see a necessity for an aftermarket stipple job. There’s a 3-slot Picatinny accent rail on the top of the gun. The slide catch/launch is ambidextrous, and the journal catch will be switched to whichever aspect you like. My gun got here with 4 backstrap /palm swell inserts to adapt the gun to you, of which I selected the small one. The gun got here with two 10-round magazines. Nonetheless, the very best a part of this body is the set off, however extra on that later.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 grip texture close-up showing improved stippling for control without harsh carry discomfort — The grip texture on these latest variations of the two.0 is much less aggressive than the primary ones. These give nice buy, however don’t grate your pores and skin.

My model has an ambidextrous handbook thumb security as required by California, however these will be had with or with out safeties primarily based in your desire and relying on what’s authorized the place you reside. Relaxation assured, the security will be simply eliminated and plugs positioned within the body gaps if wanted. This was how the gun was designed to be tailored by the top person.

Capturing the M&P 2.0: Flat Recoil, Quick Hits, and a Set off That Lastly Delivers

Shooter running the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 at the range during live-fire testing — Capturing the M&P 2.0 is at all times a very good time. I’ve by no means had a nasty day on the vary with this gun. Recoil may be very manageable.

The gun factors extra naturally for individuals who are used to a extra conventional grip angle. I used to be so used to my Glock’s 22-degree angle that I caught myself beginning out low in my preliminary presentation. I additionally needed to practice myself to deactivate after which trip that security whereas drawing and firing. I used to hold a 1911, so the security half wasn’t as exhausting to adapt to, and I grew to become used to utilizing it like a sort of fuel pedal with my thumb. It’s additionally out of the best way sufficient which you could practice to only go away it off.

Recoil was very nice on each pistols. As soon as chambered, the barrel-to-slide lockup was very stable, with none give once I put stress on the barrel hood. Throughout firing, I used to be very proud of my accuracy, making off-hand hits to a 4” circle way back to 20 yards with an optic for my older eyes. Whereas I’ve heard experiences of accuracy points with these weapons, I didn’t have any points with flyers or such.

The brand new set off is the star of this pistol. The previous curved hinged model has been changed with the flat-faced set off with a dingus-style set off security on the set off shoe. Assume just like the Glock set off, however the set off security is a tad wider and sits flush with the face of the set off. My set off broke at round 5 kilos, and had a really crisp break after some take-up. The reset was constructive and audible, feeling a lot shorter than different pistols I’ve shot. I used to be capable of rapidly discover my wall, then squeeze by means of it to make correct photographs.

Flat-faced trigger on the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 showing improved trigger design and safety blade — The brand new set off on the M&P 2.0 is a big enchancment, giving a crisp set off press and a lot better really feel.

As I continued to apply with the weapons, I grew to become increasingly more assured with level taking pictures hits at pace. Throughout a demo at a category I used to be educating, I used to be capable of ship 10 rounds down vary in simply over 2 seconds.

I’ve effectively over 1200 rounds by means of the compact, and some hundred on the total dimension. No malfunctions or points. In reality, the weapons nonetheless look new as a result of end.

For the previous 18 months, I’ve been utilizing an S&W M&P 2.0 as an teacher at our native police academy. I can truthfully say it outshoots my college students’ weapons from you understand who. Set off pull, ergonomics, and really feel are all superior. It is usually one of many solely weapons that one in every of our greatest companies will will let you carry as an alternative of the massive G.

Carrying the M&P 2.0 Compact: A Actual-World CCW Take a look at With Mild and Holster

I carried the two.0 Compact in a Tenicor Velo Lux holster for the gun with a Nightstick TCM 550 XL compact gentle. I’m not normally a fan of carrying a gun with a light-weight within the appendix place. It’s only a tad large for me. Nonetheless, this holster has modified my pondering on this, and it’s clear why Tenicor is a top-tier holster maker. I’ve additionally been actually impressed with the standard of those Nightstick lights, and their customer support has been stellar, and much better than different, dearer manufacturers.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact in Tenicor Velo Lux holster with Nightstick TCM 550 XL weapon light for appendix carry — The M&P 2.0 Compact carried in a Tenicor Velo Lux with a Nightstick TCM 550 XL proved simpler to cover than anticipated, even with a weapon gentle hooked up.

With the gun within the Tenicor, it hides far simpler than I anticipated, even with some tactical padding I’ve picked up through the years. The 2 metallic clips preserve the gun safe the place I need it and place the grip for fast entry. It has changed my Glock 19 as my larger gun for carry, and I really feel totally assured in its efficiency ought to one thing dangerous come my means.

The longer barrel helps with the keel precept by retaining extra weight under the belt line. Weight is negligible with the holster setup.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Evaluate Specs: Compact and Full Dimension In contrast

ModelM&P 2.0 Compact Optics Prepared CA CompliantM&P 2.0 Optics Prepared Full Dimension CA CompliantCaliber9MM9MMBarrel Length4.0 in4.25 inOverall Length7.25 in7.5 inWeight24 oz26.9 ozCapacity10 rounds10 roundsMSRP$679$699

Professionals and Cons: The place the M&P 2.0 Wins and The place It Nonetheless Depends upon You

Professionals: Glorious flat-faced set off, very manageable recoil, robust ergonomics, optics-ready slide, metal sights, dependable efficiency, stable end, robust carry and obligation versatility. Cons: California variations can include compromises like a handbook security or loaded chamber indicator, grip texture should still be aggressive for some customers, and the transition from Glock grip angle takes apply.

Last Verdict: Why This M&P 2.0 Received Over a Lifelong Glock Service

I’ll finish this text with a short actuality verify. I used to be a Glock man. For nearly three a long time, I carried one in numerous variations out in hurt’s means. Over these years, I’ve come to respect their simplicity, sturdiness, and reliability. Nonetheless, occasions change, and once I attain for a gun to hold out into the world, I don’t attain for Gaston’s gun anymore. My M&P’s go along with me once I train, and could be my decide to hold when one thing larger is critical. It will additionally now be my decide for an obligation weapon have been I nonetheless in Legislation Enforcement. As California enters a post-Glock world, the M&P line ought to be on the prime of the record for an obligation or compact-sized pistol.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact with Holosun EPS green dot and Nightstick weapon light configured for carry — The Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is a major instance of an American striker-fired handgun. Mine is about up with a Holosun EPS inexperienced dot and the Nightstick weapon-mounted gentle.

Helpful Hyperlinks for the Gear in This M&P 2.0 Setup

Out there on GunsAmerica Now

Brian Jensen has been a shooter for over 45 years, and served in regulation enforcement for over 30 years in Southern California. Throughout that point he served for over 27 years on the Division Vary Workers. Brian has written for Weapons America and Harris Publications, and presently trains regulation enforcement trainees in a neighborhood police academy in addition to civilians for CCW programs.

Away from writing Brian does images and exploring the southern California backcountry.

Expertise:

-45+ years as a shooter

-Prior Legislation Enforcement for over 30 years

-27+ years instructing firearms for peace officers

-Civilian CCW Teacher

Source link