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Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Review
Price Range:
$550 - $650
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Build Date | 2017 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches |
| Weight | 24.7 ounces (unloaded) |
| Price Range | $550 – $650 |
Overview
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 is a striker-fired, polymer-frame 9mm pistol that represents the next generation of Smith & Wesson’s M&P series. Introduced in 2017, the M2.0 variant features significant upgrades over its predecessor, particularly in terms of ergonomics, trigger performance, and overall build quality. Designed primarily for law enforcement and civilian use, the M2.0 series offers a perfect blend of reliability, performance, and comfort for users of all experience levels.
One of the standout features of the M2.0 is the newly designed, enhanced trigger system. The trigger offers a smooth, crisp break with a short reset, greatly improving accuracy and speed during rapid fire. The aggressive grip texture ensures a firm hold, reducing the likelihood of slippage even in adverse conditions like rain or sweat. Additionally, the M2.0 comes equipped with a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as lights or lasers, making it adaptable for tactical use.
Strength and Quality
The quality of the M&P9 M2.0 is evident in both its construction and performance. Smith & Wesson has a reputation for building high-quality firearms, and the M2.0 is no exception. The pistol feels solid in the hand, with tight tolerances and a well-machined slide. The polymer frame is lightweight yet sturdy, while the enhanced grip texture provides exceptional traction, even in sweaty or slippery conditions. The pistol’s fit and finish are clean and professional, and its reliability is unquestionable.
Safety Features
The M&P9 M2.0 comes with several built-in safety features to ensure safe handling:
- Manual Safety: The M2.0 offers an optional manual safety, which allows the shooter to disengage the safety only when ready to fire.
- Internal Safety Lock: An internal lock can be engaged to prevent the firearm from being used without the proper key, providing added security in households with children or unauthorized users.
- Striker Block: The striker is blocked from firing unless the trigger is fully pulled, reducing the chance of accidental discharge.
- Ambidextrous Slide Stop: Allows for safe operation by left- or right-handed users, ensuring the firearm functions smoothly regardless of the user’s dominant hand.
Test Results
Accuracy
The M&P9 M2.0 performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy. At a range of 7 yards, it consistently grouped shots within 1.5 inches, demonstrating its precision for a full-sized pistol. At 15 yards, the groupings expanded to around 3 inches, which is impressive for a handgun of this size. The trigger’s short reset and smooth pull contribute significantly to these results, making rapid follow-up shots easy to execute.
Durability
The M&P9 M2.0 is built to handle thousands of rounds with minimal wear. In testing, the pistol successfully fired over 1,000 rounds without a single malfunction. It handled a variety of ammunition, including FMJ, hollow points, and defensive loads. The steel slide and durable polymer frame held up well, showing no significant signs of wear even after extensive use. The pistol’s recoil spring is robust and maintains its tension even after many rounds, ensuring smooth cycling throughout its lifespan.
Recoil and Control
Recoil is manageable, thanks to the pistol’s ergonomic grip and weight distribution. The 24.7-ounce weight and low bore axis help reduce muzzle flip, making it easier to maintain control and accuracy during rapid fire. Even under high-speed shooting, the M2.0 remained stable, allowing the shooter to quickly regain target acquisition for subsequent shots.
Also Read: Steyr C9-A2 Review
Merits
- Outstanding trigger performance with a smooth, short reset.
- Highly accurate, with excellent shot groupings at both short and medium ranges.
- Durable and reliable, with zero malfunctions in extended testing.
- Ergonomic design and aggressive grip texture for excellent control.
- Ambidextrous controls, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed users.
- Generous magazine capacity of 17+1 rounds for enhanced firepower.
Demerits
- Relatively larger size makes it less suitable for concealed carry compared to compact models.
- While the price is reasonable for its quality, it may still be higher than some budget options.
- The aggressive grip texture might be uncomfortable for users with sensitive hands or during prolonged shooting sessions.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 is simple. The pistol features a straightforward disassembly process, requiring no tools. Regular cleaning involves disassembling the slide and frame, cleaning the barrel and slide rails, and applying appropriate lubrication. The recoil spring and other internal components should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed, especially after heavy use. Smith & Wesson recommends cleaning the M2.0 after each range session to maintain optimal performance.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 | Glock 19 | Sig Sauer P320 | Springfield XD-M | Ruger SR9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 17+1 | 15+1 | 17+1 | 19+1 | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 inches | 4.02 inches | 3.9 inches | 4.5 inches | 4.14 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 24.7 ounces | 23.65 ounces | 25.8 ounces | 26 ounces | 26.5 ounces |
| Price Range | $550 – $650 | $500 – $600 | $600 – $700 | $500 – $600 | $400 – $500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The M2.0 version has an enhanced trigger, improved grip texture, and a more ergonomic design, which contributes to better performance and handling.
Yes, the M&P9 M2.0 is an excellent self-defense pistol due to its high accuracy, reliable performance, and 17+1 magazine capacity, offering ample rounds for defensive situations.
The M&P9 M2.0 comes in both versions: one with a manual safety and one without. You can choose the version based on your preference.
Compared to other polymer-frame pistols like the Glock 19 and the Sig Sauer P320, the M&P9 M2.0 offers a superior trigger, improved ergonomics, and aggressive grip texture, making it a strong contender in the market.
While the M&P9 M2.0 is a versatile pistol that can be used in competitive shooting, it is better suited for duty and self-defense applications. For competition shooting, many prefer pistols with lighter triggers and faster reset times, although the M2.0’s trigger is still highly regarded in the industry.
