Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact: Hands-On Review After 1,500+ Rounds

The newest iteration of Smith & Wesson’s M&P M2.0 line delivers several welcomed upgrades to what was already an excellent set of guns. Even though I’ve had the original M2.0 for a couple of years with no complaints, I had to jump on one of these once I saw the upgrades.

I wound up liking it so much, that I now have two; one for training and one for carrying. After more than 1,500 rounds between the two, I’m more than capable of helping you decide if one of these should be your next pistol.

For total transparency, Smith & Wesson did send me this FDE M2.0 for testing and review, but let’s be honest…I probably would have just bought one anyway.

Now let’s get to the fun stuff.

FEATURES & SPECS

Smith & Wesson has done a great job over the last few years of listening to its consumers. A couple of the primary complaints from folks surrounding the original M2.0 were the less-than-ideal trigger and the lack of an optic cut slide.

As you can see, both complaints have been addressed, and the M2.0 now has one of my favorite stock triggers on the market. Its flat face makes it easy to maintain finger pad placement and it has a super clean, crisp break and reset.

To go along with the optic cut slide, you’ll find several mounting plates in the box to accommodate most of the common footprints. I’ve recently started running the Holosun SCS MP2 which is a direct-mounting optic to the M2.0 and would highly recommend it.

The upgrades don’t stop with just those two though. Improved front slide serrations and tall white dot iron sights finish off the slide with essentially a complete makeover.

Other features to note are the optimal 18-degree grip angle, a Picatinny-style accessory rail, and interchangeable palmswell grip inserts to achieve a custom fit to your hand.

Overall, there are a ton of great features packed into the M2.0 and at a great price.

The Quick Facts

Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 15+1

Barrel Length: 4 Inches

Overall Length: 7.25 Inches

Width: 1.16 Inches

Height: 5 Inches

Weight: 26 Ounces

SHOOTING THE M2.0 COMPACT

Since I carry this gun relatively often, I shoot it a lot. Well, I at least shoot one of the two that I own almost every time I go to the range.

With a total of more than 1,500 rounds combined between the two, I’ve probably had less than 10 malfunctions. I’d like to add, some of those were with some pretty crappy ammo or after not cleaning the gun for longer than I’d like to admit.

 

From cheaper range ammo like 115-grain Blazer Brass FMJs to expensive defense rounds like 124-grain Hornady Black XTPs, the M2.0 eats them all like candy.

From an accuracy perspective, the gun can definitely out-shoot me. I usually keep it within 25 yards or so, more specifically around 10-15 yards for defensive drills and such. However, I’ve pushed it out to 50 yards with solid success too.

Groupings like the one above are common at around 10 yards with only minor additional spacing at 15 yards. Even without an optic, I can usually achieve the same groupings, just need to take my time doing so.

PROS & CONS

Pros:

• Reliable and accurate
• Clean and crisp flat face trigger
• Optics-ready slide with tall sights
• Ambidextrous slide stop and reversible mag release
• 15-round standard magazine with ability to use full-size M&P 17-round mags
• A plethora of aftermarket support

Cons:

• Very aggressive grip texture

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yes, it’s true. I’m a huge Smith & Wesson fan. That fact aside though, I believe it’s hard to debate that the M&P9 M2.0 Compact is a versatile and reliable 9mm pistol. It delivers everything you need right out of the box and has great aftermarket support in the form of holsters, sights, and the like.

If you’re in the market for a new 9mm pistol, the M2.0 Compact is worth adding to your list of potential purchases. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.