Throughout my law enforcement career, I never tried Smith & Wesson autos, though I’ve always loved their revolvers.
Recently, that changed when I reviewed three different versions of their semi-auto lineup.
I’ll warn you upfront, my initial reaction to the M&P M2.0 was not a good one.
But after I spent some time with it, I was really impressed. Performance doesn’t lie and first impressions aren’t always accurate.
I’m going to show you how that was the case in this review, and give you some great examples of how wrong I was.
So read on!
Table of Contents
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Accurate
- Reliable
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- No front slide serrations
The Bottom Line
The Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is a full-size, striker-fired, steel and polymer gun with a 17+1 capacity. During testing, I found it to be reliable and extremely accurate.
The ergonomics are very well done on this gun with four backstrap options. That, good control placement, and aggressive grip texture all combine to make this gun a great shooter.
Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Width: 1.3″
- Length: 7.4″
- Barrel Length: 4.25″
- Height: 5.5″
- Weight: 24.7 oz.
- Capacity: 17+1
Features
- Low bore axis
- 18-degree grip angle
- Aggressive grip texture
Source: Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Background
The 2.0 carries on a great tradition of Smith & Wesson for the M&P line. Several changes have been implemented in order to increase accuracy and overall ergonomics.
Worth noting, the 2.0 should still fit in M&P holsters and the magazines are also interchangeable between the two versions.
Who Is It For?
M&P started out as Military & Police over a century ago! And while the brand still has features applicable to those doughty professions, it became clear they would be useful to a much wider audience.
The M&P M2.0 is for just about anyone who wants a full-sized semi-auto.
Fit & Feel
The M2.0 felt great in my hand. With the adjustable backstrap pieces, I was able to find one that enabled a secure grip.
The rough texture on the grip itself was marvelous and helped me hold steady through recoil but it would be tough to wear next to the skin while concealed.
While the beaver tail was not large, it adequately kept my 2X hand from being bitten by the slide.
The M2.0 trigger is a source of some embarrassment for me because my first impression was so wrong. When I first tried it, I pulled back for what felt like a lot of soft travel before hitting a wall.
Then, there was a clean break. I really didn’t like all that distance and the soft feel. It felt squishy.
But then I shot the gun testing accuracy, and I had an epiphany. The trigger is similar in many respects to a 2-stage rifle trigger.
I then realized this was intentional and I was impressed. The accuracy I experienced with this gun was outstanding!
The trigger averaged around 4.5 pounds on my Lyman digital gauge. Reset occurred after a couple of millimeters of release and was both audible and tactile.
The sights were a standard, white, 3-dot setup on the gun I used and they were adequate. Its sight radius surely helped with the overall accuracy.
Magazines were solid, entered the magwell, and dropped cleanly every time.
The slide serrations have a curved scale effect to them and they really hook up well but are only located on the rear. There are some small ones on the bottom of the front of the slide, but they are almost ineffectual.
How Does It Shoot?
As mentioned above, the accuracy of this gun is impressive! Once I got beyond my initial impression of the trigger, I saw the M2.0 was really capable of performing.
The recoil is very manageable because of the grip texture and mass of the gun. Bore axis was very low and assisted with recoil management and getting quicker sight picture for follow-up shots.
Once I learned the trigger, the performance was easily repeated.
What Sets it Apart?
Without a doubt, this is a crowded market since military and police purchases are lucrative prospects. Anything from the Glock 17 to the Sig Sauer M18 would serve as contemporaries in this field.
However, this question is easily answered with the trigger in the M2.0. It is likely one of the best striker-fired triggers I’ve tested in a while.
While it does take some getting used to because of its comparatively long approach, the accuracy absolutely speaks for itself.
By The Numbers
Reliability: 5/5
With a test of just over 500 rounds during two range trips, I experienced zero malfunctions with the M2.0.
Ergonomics: 5/5
The grip angle is really good and the swell on the backstrap fits the palm nicely. Considering the backstraps are adjustable, you can use the right one to fit your hand and make sure you’re able to reach all the controls.
Accuracy: 5/5
Standing at 7 yards, I shot several 3-shot groups. When a couple of my groups were all touching, I finally understood the trigger.
Customization: 5/5
The M&P series has robust aftermarket support. There are tons of options ranging from extended magazines, back plates, recoil springs, etc.
Value: 4/5
With an MSRP of $629, the M2.0 is competitively priced. I saw average retail hovering around $500 with some prices even lower.
Overall: 5/5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Upgrades for M&P M2.0
Because this gun is at least partially intended for professional use, there are few limits on the amount of upgrades available.
Shooters who prefer the M2.0 will find anything from upgraded sights, weapon lights, holsters and more to kit it out.
Field Strip & Reassembly
It’s pretty straightforward except for one little lever that you have to hit…so we made a quick video:
Final Verdict
I’m happy my shooting career finally steered me on the path of Smith & Wesson’s semi-auto pistols. While my initial impression of the trigger was not favorable, that was based on everything I’d shot previously.
My final take is that Smith has made an impressive gun that is both very accurate and reliable. The M2.0 would serve well in military and police roles, but it would also make a great carry gun for just about anyone.
What has your experience with the M&P line been like? Let us know in the comments below. Want more M&P goodness? Check out our full review of the M&P 9 Shield!
27 Leave a Reply
I have 2 Full Size M&P 9's and a M&P9C(ie Compact)(My Carry Gun).
I have shot a Combat Pistol Competition most every month for the last 10yr using
these guns - Shooting and Moving, using "Cover", etc. L & R Hand only, etc From most any position you can imagine. Snow, Sleet, Pouring Rain, etc. Even Laying Flat on ground, upside Down and in Full Dark. And that does not include say at least 100rds/mo practice.
So I have shot Thousands of rds thru all of them.
I am also a State and DHS Certified Pistol Instructor, RSO, and more.
Enough that you could call me a Professional Shooter.
I have a gunsmith who mods the triggers down to say 1-2 lbs pull, and Very Crisp.
The only malfunctions I have had were caused by bad ammo - Mis-fires, etc.
I had a couple "Double Feeds"(long ago) but it is Rare. Probably ammo caused.
I have found them, M&P9's to be Very Reliable and thus trust them with my life since
I carry one - Always/Everywhere. For say 10yr now.
I got mine a couple years ago and of all the times I've been to the range all the rounds I've let fly out of it, it has never once malfunctioned. Very accurate once you get to know it. Impressive.
My sw mp9 m2 is carried with me at all times, never cleaned it and it's never jammed on me. My favorite pistol has been the Beretta until it jammed on me 3 times in one mag (good ammo) so the Smith and Wesson continues to be my conceal and carry
Sir why would you not cleaned your m&p 2.0? Could not cleaning your Beretta be the reason it jammed?
I clean my firearms every time after shooting them no matter which firearm it is.
Just got a 2.0 5 inch a few weeks ago. I love the trigger and the accuracy. Some of my handloads grouped under 2 inches at 25 yards. I may just have to sell off my Springfield XDs, Canik pistols and concentrate on M&Ps!
In terms of aggressive texturing, it is so easy to resolve. The material, copolymer, is well another name for plastic. The color goes through the material. It is a simple matter to run an abrasive stone over the parts of the gun that disturb you. Do it slowly. Easy to reduce but once reduced there is no putting it back
I have a pc 11820 and it is an absolute pleasure to shoot. The fiber optic sights help along with sight aquasition.
Excellent review. I have the same gun, only with the thumb safety. I agree with the reviewer's comments. I switched out the sights for night sights. I find accuracy is actually outstanding. From a rest at 25 yards, I got 1 1/2" 5-shot groups. The only negative I can find is that the safety is somewhat mushy. I would like it to be slightly stiffer. It is perfectly placed, however, and fast into action. The bottom line for me is that here is a full-sized pistol, with 5" barrel, 17 round capacity, that weighs less than 25 ounces, very light recoil, and is totally reliable. Works for me. By the way, I test-fired three basic bullet weights, 115, 124, and 147-grain. For accuracy, my pistol likes the 147-grain best, and especially the Federal HST +P.
Gotta agree with the author and many of the posts here.
The 5" m&p 2.0 is a really nice pistol.
I got the 5" pro model and was immediately going to drop in a apex trigger & barrel once it was broken-in, but that'll be unnecessary. For IDPA and plate shooting, it's great right out of the box. May very will replace the Glock 17 gen 5 for carry too.
Have about 700 rounds threw it, about 3 months old, and zero malfunctions of any kind using 115 gr. Tula, 124gr. Belom, 124gr. HST+p, and some 124gr. reloads.
Highly recommend pistol if you're starting fresh or wanting to move away from the Glock platform.
Bought one of these as my very first gun for home defense back during the riots. Can confirm it's easy for a beginner to handle. The magazines resisted having all 17 rounds inserted at first, but that's gotten better over time. I've yet to have a failure of any kind.
I've shot that exact pistol in USPSA competitions for the last few years. Thousands of rounds down range without a hiccup. Once you are used to the trigger you can pull it back to the hard stop, right before it breaks, and know that it will break immediately when you pull slightly more. The CZs and 2011s dominate competitions, but I would trust the M&P 2.0 with my life if needed.
LASD issues the S&W, M&P 2.0, in 9mm with a Surefire weapon light and Surefire DG switch. After carrying a 92FS for 30 years I was very hesitant to change. I finally got the M&P (I found I could still carry my Beretta if I didn't like the M&P) and I was very, very pleased. I love the ergonomics and how it feels in my hand. The gun is very accurate. It did take a lot of practice to get comfortable with the light & DG switch. I now have the identical weapon at home next to my bed. I really like this firearm.
Ive had the M&P M9 2.0 for 3 years and my wife and I love it for our home defense gun. The grip angle, stippling and ergonomics make it comfortable to shoot and very accurate. A lot of people dont like the trigger but Ive never had a problem with it and my friends who have shot mine are surprised they like it after hearing reviews railing on the trigger. This review is spot on with my experience of 3 years and thousands of rounds fired. This is a solid handgun that is think gets overlooked with some many new 9mm polymers hitting the market.
I really didn't like the trigger when I first tried it and I had to stop and think about why that was. I realized it was just so different from what I was used to. Once I got over that mental hurdle, and saw how accurate the trigger helped me shoot, I admitted I was wr.. wro... wrong, and gave it an appropriately great rating. Thanks for the read!
I’ve had the 2.0 Compact for a couple of years and prefer it to the Glock 23 that I was issued before my 1997 retirement. I’ll used it for LEOSA qualification last year, scored 94%, and will shoot it again this coming Saturday to get my LEOSA certification.
Yeah I was really impressed with this gun. Thanks for your service Splinter! My first LEOSA qual is coming up...
I bought the m&p 2.0 compact and it was the first pistol I purchased of which I fell in love almost immediately! I'm a small female and the interchangeable grips meet this pistol perfect for me as I have small hands. With the grip able to fit my hands perfectly and the roughness keeping a nice tight grip accuracy and follow-up shots are amazing. I highly recommend this gun for anyone it's a great carry gun it's great for all shooters Men, woman, and if you want to take your kids shooting the interchangeable grips are super easy and can be done being less than a minute. The compact holds a 15+1 and is extremely reliable! I've had the best accuracy using 124 grain 9 mm rounds as I did seem to shoot a few inches high with 115 grain. Other than that this gun is my go to carry and extremely fun of the range! 10/10
Jessie, thanks for your input, we really appreciate it! In fact, stay tuned because we're doing something pretty big that will need this kind of feedback. I'm glad you were able to find something that worked for you. Small hands is the opposite of my problem, but it's still something we have to contend with as shooters.
Sean- all you have to do now is install the Apex Tactical forward flat faced trigger kit (with the Apex sear and springs etc) and you will realise you are holding the finest, most accurate 9mm handgun ever made......really....I promise you -you will shoot this better than any handgun you have ever shot.....
Looking forward to your article after installing it.......
Thanks Steve, happy to admit (in this case) when I'm wrong, and you aren't the first person to mention Apex to me for the Smith and other applications. I'll have to check one out and circle back to this.
You're not 'wrong' here at all Sean.... just, when you try it out with the Apex kit it'll be even better!
I
Thomas, thanks for stopping by, love to hear what you had to add.
I own the the 1st gen M&P9 and I was stoked for the 2.0 but I have to say at least for me if it was gun you would never have to draw often it would be fine. I find the the grip a bit too aggressive, it is like holding 60 grits sand paper was wrapped around the grip. For bedside gun it would be fine but if you train from a draw you might need gloves I could see it causing some rawness until you get used to it. From the 2.0s I have handled the trigger is better than the 1st gen but still needs to be upgraded with Apex Tactical parts.
Thanks James! +3 now on Apex, will check that out for sure.
On grip texture, it's a fine balance to be sure. I recently attended a Handgun Mastery Course with Tactical Performance Center and we focused heavily on grip. The class was amazing and by the end of the 3rd day my skin was on my Staccato P and the aggressive grip texture was embedded in my hand. I think strong grip texture goes a long way to aiding with muzzle flip so I wholly support it.
Canik Rival is the best striker fired 9mm pistol. Crisp 2lb trigger. 1/16 inch reset. Check the reviews out there. Punches the X-ring out easily.
Great tip Doug, thanks! We've checked out a couple Caniks around here but I haven't tried the Rival. I know just who to reach out to though...