For more information, visit https://www.smith-wesson.com.
To purchase an M&P 2.0 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=M%26P%20pistol.
Two weeks ago at the Smith and Wesson factory, I got my hands on something truly exciting, and the day has finally come that we can talk about it. That pistol is the M&P M2.0, a terrific new version of an already great pistol design. And, with a base price of $599 MSRP, it is extremely affordable.
It is exceedingly rare that a company listens carefully to all the wants of its consumers, and actually puts those features in its next generation of product. I am very happy to report that S&W is one of those companies.
What was wrong with the M&P 1.0? Nothing, actually. The guns ran great, lots of people loved them, and they carved a section of market away from other polymer striker-fired pistols. A significant section of market for that matter. But it has been 10 years, and we expect some things to change in that kind of time frame. And every weapons system is a trade-off. They all have strengths and weaknesses; it is inherent the game. Smith and Wesson has apparently been dropping the forum comments directly to the engineering department because just about every request for a modification to the M&P I have ever heard of has been addressed.
The M2.0 left) features a full-length steel chassis visible through openings in the side of the dustcover. Shown next to an M&P9 1.0 (right).
SPECS
- Chambering: 9mm or .40
- Barrel: 4.25 or 5 inches
- Grips: Interchangeable inserts
- Action: Striker-fired
- Finish: Matte black or FDE
- Capacity: 17+1 (9mm), 15+1 (.40)
- MSRP: Starting at $599
Where It Counts
Let’s start with what I see as the most radical change. The polymer on the 1.0 M&P was not as stiff as on a Glock, and because of that, you felt more recoil on the M&P. It’s not a well-known fact, but the frame of a Glock actually twists under recoil, which absorbs some of the recoil force. Less stiff should make more twist, i.e. less recoil, but it didn’t really work out that way in the M&P 1.0. Something was slightly “off” in the equation when it came to perceived recoil. Maybe some minor element of the geometry of the frame’s shape, or something else. It was subtle, but if you held a Glock and an M&P side by side, you would feel more recoil in the Smith.
The M2.0 features numerous enhancements over the already popular original M&P. As with the original, a manual thumb safety is offered as an option.
The 2.0 version now has a steel skeleton that extends the length of the frame, underneath the polymer. The frame is much more rigid now, and recoil is noticeably lessened. I am not an engineer, but I am assuming this acts like rebar in concrete. Whatever the magic, it is working. The new frame is a huge step forward. It is easy to identify the new M2.0, since the steel frame is visible via windows on either side of the dust cover near the rails. In fact, that is now where the serial number is located.
The second most radical change is the texture of the grip. The M2.0 features a grip surface that is deeply reminiscent of Glock’s RTF2, aka “rough texture finish 2”. It doesn’t look the same, but it feels the same, and I love it. The new texture is by far one of the most aggressive of any production polymer pistol on the market, and really helps you hang on to the gun. Step one for me with new guns is generally to wrap the grip in skateboard deck tape, but I feel no need on the M2.0. It is fantastic, and something I recommend you put in your hands before you decide on your next pistol.
Also involving the grip, the M2.0 retains the same style of grip inserts as before. Now, however, you have four options instead of three. Small, Medium, Large, and a mid size between medium and large, called Medium/Large. I am guessing this addressed the hand size of a big segment of the population, but it is my one complaint about the M2.0. Given my hand size and the grip of the M&P, I wish they had gone with an XL instead. Oh well … .
The author really liked the new grip texturing of the M2.0, noting that it gave him a solid and firm grip on the pistol.
Next, the slide profile has changed. Lightening slides have become one of the more popular treatments for all the polymer guns, enough to create an entire cottage industry of gun shops that do just that. The M&P guys decided, “Why not ship them from the factory that way?”. The M2.0 has shaved every away every ounce of slide it seemed prudent to do, while retaining the old shape. You have to look close, but the new version is noticeably thinner. I would put in a weight difference here, but my 1.0 is a CORE version, so it is not an exact comparison.
An additional upgrade to the M2.0 is the inclusion of four total grip inserts, with the new one being a medium/large option. Standard 4.25-inch-barrel model in black shown.
The new trigger is going to make some people very happy. I was confused a few months ago when I was raving about the M&P trigger, and many of the readers expressed that I must have lost my marbles. My M&P 1.0 pistol is a Pro Series, and it turns out they have a different trigger than the regular 1.0. The new 2.0 series all feature the Pro Series trigger, and it is the best factory trigger of any striker-fired gun I have shot. This is a massive point in Smith and Wesson’s favor.
The frame of the M2.0 features more rigidity than the 1.0 due to the internal, full-length steel chassis.
More of a Good Thing
What else is new? There are a few other changes, but none as radical as those mentioned above. The slide release mechanism has changed, but is in the same place and is the same shape. The ejection port now has a recessed, rounded segment taken out of the top of the slide. I never heard of an M&P with ejection problems, so this may be purely cosmetic. The front of the slide now has cocking serrations, though they don’t extend all the way up the slide like the rear ones do. A 5-inch barrel model is now available in the M2.0, which before was only available in the Pro Series. The 5-inch has a loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide, which seems to be 5-inch unique. My other 4.25 inch M2.0 does not have this feature. Important to me, all the M2.0 models currently available do not have a magazine safety disconnect.
The author tested both a 5-inch-barrel “longslide” model (bottom) and a standard 4.25-inch barrel model (top).
As important, what has not changed? Smith and Wesson did a real solid to the consumer on this one. Unlike future generation pistols we have seen from other manufacturers, all prior accessories from the M&P line still work. Yes, it is backward compatible. I tested this myself on magazines and holsters. Magazines still function flawlessly, and visually are indistinguishable from the 1.0. My Safariland retention holster holds the new guns just as secure as the old one, no problems. It is really nice to be able to buy a new gun without needing to invest in a pile of adds-ons, when you already spent the money once.
The new M2.0 models represent a significant improvement in the well-established M&P line, and I am excited to see how they continue to grow. The line-up has some really great weapons with a solid track record. S&W has kept the option of a thumb safety as well, should you desire one. Available from day one, most of the SKUs come in flat dark earth as well as black, to add some color to your collection. 9mm and .40 are available now, with .45 ACP slated for the near future. This is a leap forward for Smith and Wesson I am happy to have gotten my hands on it.
For more information, visit https://www.smith-wesson.com.
To purchase an M&P 2.0 pistol on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=M%26P%20pistol.
Wasn’t an overnight thing been a loyal Glock guy for nearly 25 years now. Didn’t dislike other makes and models just started shooting competitively with Glock and stuck with it. Last winter I tried a 5″ 2.0 and within a couple hundred rounds had posted my best times and scores ever. What I didn’t know was why and now I do. Effective grip angle on Glock made me contort my wrists to get an ‘unnatural’ POA. Now I nail natural POA with reach and extend and there it is one less mental step. Next was the trigger wow I didn’t know what I was missing. Backstrap fit out of the park. My Glocks have been sold and I’m running all 2.0 in IDPA and USPSA. Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks. There is no one perfect frame for everyone I was just running the wrong one Glock is still a great gun just not built for me.
Just bought a M&P 2.0 9 absolutely great gun my Glock was like holding a 2 by 4 not fun to shoot at all different back straps sand paper grips wow they really got it right my son ,a marine , told me to try it and from the first time shooting I was sold on it after all a Marine knows his guns only. Problem now is keeping enough ammo !
The 2.0 has been out a whip now and I’ve yet to find anyone who would agree that the trigger is improved in any way? I really like everything else about the M&P its no doubt the best looking of the big 3 but I still prefer my XD trigger far more than my Glocks or any M&P I’ve shot. I am just gonna be patient and wait for S&W to get it right then buy one. Hint: They will fix the trigger faster if people who review them are honest bout the fact the trigger is still not improved enuff to notice. Actually there is no reason Glock shouldn’t have the best trigger of all as much $$$ as they have made, and some more slide cuts the cheap ass’s
Which one of the following is the most accurate at 15 feet? What are the numbers
I don’t know, but want to know before I buy.
1. Number 2 S&W 5″ barrel
2. Glock 34 5″ barrel
3. Sig 320 military selected handgun
4. Ruger American
5. FN-509
6. SAR-9
7. Kimber Long Slide 1911 in 9mm
Owned personal Glocks for a decade now. Most with the standard improvements to the trigger bar and Springs. Big fan of the new fitted Ghost Trigger. Carried issued Glocks for over a decade. As I type this at breakfast, my wife and I both are carrying a Glock 43.
The 2.0 simply shoots better. For me and even my wife, we like the 2.0 much better. Natural fit. Proper trigger.
Sure I can run with the Glock. Often I’m number 1 or 2 on the range score for the day on qualification. Again the 2.0 just, for me, shoots better.
My wife says the same. She was able to test one when she purchased mine as a present (such a great wife).
For those who have a internet opinion, go try on the range. Be honest and give the gun a chance.
You do an outstanding job,
don’t worry about the King’s English
Most of us don’t give a shit about that.
Keep up the good work.
I have a M&P 1.0 Performance Center 9mm with the 5 inch barrel and now the 2.0 with a 5 inch barrel as well (added a Wilson Combat barrel). I absolutely love the performance center gun, but for a duty weapon, I am carrying the 2.0. I carried Glock 22’s for years. I switched over to Springfield XD’s a while back, then back to Glocks with a 35 to a Sig Tac Ops 1911. Nothing compares to a 1911for me personally, but as a combat/duty gun, the M&P 2.0 is phenomenal. I put TruGlo TFO sights on the thin and out of the box I shot a 95% on the course. I was shooting far faster and more accurately than guys on the line, including active SWAT shooters. I am a pretty good pistol shot, far better than most in my field. But I think the tactile reset on this gun just makes it better. That was the one thing I loved about the Glocks, the tactile reset. But the new 2.0 is amazing.
And just a little full of yourself too!
Are they discontinuing the 1st model? What are the 2 holes on the polymer in front of the gun? Looks horrible. I like that they got rid of the beavertail
Did you really ask what the two holes are when it is clearly explained in the article?
Are they discontinuing the 1st model? What are the 2 holes on the polymer in front of the gun. Looks horrible. I like that they got rid of the beavertail
I own a pro series 5″ 1.0 , I guess you call it a 1.0 now, which I absolutely love and is my go to range gun. I own Glocks, a xdm, and a couple sp-01s, and always favor my Smith, except for the trigger on one of my cz sp-01 which is tuned and can not be beat. The 2.0 seems to have couple things in common with my 1.0 pro 5″, the trigger it seems, and the back straps. The 1.0 long slide pro guns did come with that texture instead of the less aggressive one given with the normal guns. But not extended to the front strap of the grip like the 2.0. I will be picking a 2.0 long slide up, as soon as they make a pro series with a core slide, so I can use a mrd on it. I am also interested in the metal insert in the frame, as I wonder if it helps the pistol as much as some have claimed. The wait is on for the next pro series, which might take a year at the regular pace.
the steel frame insert DOES NOT run all the way to the end of the dust cover. where the serial #s that are seen in the window are , this is polymer. A magnet will not stick to anything past where the take down lever pivots. Look at the pictues of the disassembled gun, where the blue metal stops, so does the steel insert.
I’m a Glock fanboy who spent years ragging on the M&P. I picked up the 2.0 9mm 5″ for grins and ended up leaving the store with it. After a thorough range session, I’ve been converted. The trigger is natural, although it didn’t -necessarily feel that way when dry firing. Excellent recoil management was the most noticeable thing. Maybe it’s because it’s a full-size 9mm, but it handles itself well.
Break-in was a little rough, but once I got a box of ammo through it started to loosen up. By the time I left the range, it was shooting reliably. Nothing to be concerned about, in my opinion.
I’m excited about the new 2.0. I have the 1.0 full size 9mm M&P, and as long as the trigger is as good as that one, I’m sold. I’ve already invested ALOT in holsters and mags for the 1.0, so it’s nice to hear that the investment won’t go to waste.
Great article by the way. Detailed with plenty of facts.
How does the 2.0 trigger compare to an XDM?
I just got done shooting the m&p 2.0 9mm. Sir you are definitely wrong about the m&p 2.0 trigger…its the same garbage they’ve been putting in the m&p’s for a decade. Spongy, gritty, no wall, no reset. Be advised if you buy one expect to put a APEX in it.
Disagree with Nick. The trigger has some pre-travel , then a wall, has a nice reset. Pre-travel was gritty out of the box(easy fix), it was the trigger bar to striker block contact. Once the trigger hits the wall it has a very short clean break, followed by a reset which when dry firing you feel and hear.
I saw the FDE 5″ m2.0 in a LGS 2 weeks ago. Once I had it in my hands it was a given, it was going home with me. Accurate, carries well, and a lot of fun to shoot. Around 500 rounds downrange and zero malfunctions. As someone that has owned/carried 10 different Glocks over the years and not just held them in a gun shop (Nick) I’m in a good position to make the call…… It’s a keeper.
I think you’re a hater because I just picked one up and it’s trigger is fine has a little take up . But, it definitely hit a wall before it breaks. And the reset is short a auditable….
I just got done shooting the m&p 2.0 9mm. Sir you are definitely wrong about the m&p 2.0 trigger…its the same garbage they’ve been putting in the m&p’s for a decade. Spongy, gritty, no wall, no reset. Be advised if you buy one expect to put a APEX in it.
Youre full of BS.You have not fired one. The new trigger is close to the pull of the sig320 and the reset in MORE tactile than a glock. Like I said, youre full of it and most likely just upset that M&P just released the glock killer with the 2.0
Would definitely disagree with the Glock killer part. But it is s sold contender. Already ordered one and should be able to pick it up in a day or 2 and we’ll see how it holds up against my Glock
Please update wether or not you like this better than your glock. I’ve owned 7 glocks, and the 2.0 beats them all hands down
I would not say that. The Glock barrel is superior in rifling life (polygonal rules in this category) and ease of maintenance. Firing pin/pin opening are also superior. I have experience with both Glock and S&W and they compliment each other in various ways.
I’m not full of “BS” my friend owns a gun shop and we took the m&p 2.0 out as soon as it came in. The trigger is crap and you are a liar. You’re probably being paid to say “it’s great and the reset is better than a Glock”. That’s the biggest load of BS I’ve heard. You must be getting Glock confused with a hipoint. Even the Ruger SR9 has a better trigger than the m&p 2.0.
I was shooting my G19 and a 2.0 at the same time. I really like Glock triggers, but the trigger on the 2.0 was better for me. I guess that’s a subjective analysis that changes depending on the person, but there it is.
nick, think ur on the losing end of this one. Just shot it in both 9mm and .40, its not a “perfect” trigger, but its really pretty nice. definitely cant say its garbage. your opinion (on this topic atleast) seems to be….well….
Watched a youtube video on the new 2.0 and the shooter said he would change the trigger to an Apex.
Nick – I highly doubt you actually shot the 2.0, or you are just here to place a biased discredit of the changes due to being a fan boy of some other branding… While I agree there is a still gritty take up that needs to be cleaned up, there is definitely a crisp wall and reset that feels almost exactly like a glock. Also, I wish they’d get rid of that hinged trigger which to me serves no functional purpose except to pinch your finger at the bottom or add an annoying slight cushion feel for initial take up. Apart from that the improved trigger is much more tactile. When I tested it, my first 10 shots were all touching at 7 yards. To anyone reading the comments, I’d disregard Nick’s comment as it sounds much more like a biased rant towards the brand. Go out and try one for yourselves. I think it is much improved, yet still has further room for improvement. Oh, and the grip texturing with the reduced beaver tail is phenomenal for keeping the gun on target for quick follow-up shots. Beware of going to high on the gun if you have large hands. My very first shot, my hand was to high and hindered the slide which caused a shell to not fully eject. Adjusted my grip just the slightest bit lower and had no other issues for the next 290 rounds (even with mag dumps) which is what should be expected. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the small upgrades.
Any idea if MP1.0 parts will be interchangeable with the 2.0? For example I’ve got a MP PRO series 5″ ported 1.0 model & a 5″ pro series C.O.R.E 1.0 model. I love the attempt at stippling on the pro series frames but these 2.0 frames would be even better imho. Will I be able to drop a whole 1.0 slide on a 2.0 frame or vice versa? Will 1.0 mags still work with 9mm 2.0 guns? Just curious because I’m heavily invested in the smith 1.0 platform already..
I tried to do that the other day. Only the mags are interchangeable.
What about the holster? Is it compatible with 1.0 holsters or do I need to wait for a 2.0 holster to come out?
Can you drop a barrel in one from the original M&P or are those not interchangeable either?
Nice article! One of the few I’ve seen so far that actually has facts, I’m guessing because the author *actually* handled the gun. Where as most other articles I’ve seen on the smith 2.0 has been hearsay or regurgated advertising info. Do you know if the slides will be interchangeable by chance? I’ve got several PRO series 1.0 guns, 5″ ported & 5″ core model. Just wondering if I got a new 2.0 if I could swap the slides back and forth like you could on the 1.0s. Like would a 5″ ported 1.0 series fit on the new textured frames? And vice versa? I like the stippling they put on the 1.0 pro guns, but I think these new frames are better still imho. Again thanks for the good info!
As far as the recoil goes,,.. I have glocks and M&P’s in 40 cal, and I can tell you in all honesty that the glock has more felt recoil than the M&P .. so that statement about the recoil being more in the old M&P is false…
I agree and MP 1.0 pistols shoot much softer than the glocks in 9mm and 40.The glock 45 /10mm is another story but that is attributed to the slide weight .
Are they going to do a M2.0 for the Compact version???
yes, coming 4th quarter.
Can I buy a compact model in forth quarter in CA with 10 rnd mags or none box and use my 1.0 mags, will the Apex trigger components be interchangeable?
Nope. Guess you haven’t been paying attention to the laws in Calif for the last few years! No new semi auto pistols allowed there due to the microstamping requirement. None. Nada. Tisk tisk. Also no mag disconnect or LCI. No manufacturer has implemented mictostamping. Cal DOJ Handgun roster. Previous years model of many are grandfathered in. Google it. You will be shocked & disappointed. Also Go to calguns.net to learn more. Sorry.
The one improvement that is important to me is its rough texture, which is all around its grip.
If a gun slips out of one’s hand in rain, whatever other improvements it had don’t matter.
Anyway, don’t understand why recoil is softer with a lighter slide, maybe SW figured out how to distibute recoil forces thru-out the polymer by the steel frame (?).
Hickok 6MM, FYI, do like I do. . I take a blood thinner pill every day of my life so the FNH gun’s I have the grips are aggressive. So I order my FNH, which I know will hurt my x trucker of 30 years hands , lol , and when I find out by trying the gun with the backstraps that feels good , I call Talon grips and I order a set of rubberized grips for that gun. I have them on the majority of my guns I own. Works out great for me.
Clay,
Thanks for the article, definitely revealed some nice insight to the gun I am most intrigued about getting my hands on next. But a quick question: what is that button in front of the slide release? It vexes me… thanks!
This Guy is smoking on stage! At exactly 53-58 seconds he inhales midsentence and continues
its cold and thats his breath
“The M&P 1.0 didn’t really have any problems.” Seriously? Did you speak to representatives from the Texas DPS or California Highway Patrol, who called S&W and told them to come get their POS M&Ps after they broke barrels and had significant accuracy issues? Why can’t gun writers just tell the truth about certain companies and their handguns? The M&P 1.0’s problems were at least as significant at the Gen 4 Glock or Sig P320 Compact, but I haven’t seen nearly the press because S&W is the gun media’s darling, despite having foisted upon the world the Sigma .40 and the Clinton agreement in the late 90s.
So, GunsAmerica, dos the S&W 2.0 deal with the well-known barrel and accuracy issues or not?
Accuracy issues were probably attributed to the fucking horrendous shooting of police officers who think that just because they barely pass their shooting standards, means they are professional shooters. Proven fact that over 80% of rounds fired by police in the line of duty miss their target…
Does anyone know if they plan on coming out with a compact version of the new pistol?
So you say that the Glock frame being more flexible reduced recoil, then immediately say the stiffer M&P frame reduces recoil? It can’t be both. I don’t think you know what you’re talking about.
I said there is a balance point. To stiff, no flexibility, all the recoil is transfered to your hand. To flexible, you also feel higher recoil, as the frame tries to twist out of your hand. the balance point absorbs some of the recoil, but isn’t so flexible it coils up like a spring. its like shocks on a car. to soft, you feel every bump. to heavy, you also feel every bump, because the shocks never move.
You actually write for a magazine and don’t know the 1st grade difference between “to” and “too” ? (screenshot taken)
Yeah, and he doesn’t know to capitalize the first word at the beginning of a sentence, and the difference between “it’s” and “its” and where to place a comma in a sentence. Clay is an utter and complete idiot! You shouldn’t listen to a word he has to say about anything…
Or he does know all that shit but was simply making a quick comment in the COMMENT SECTION of this article and could care less about sound grammar, punctuation.
If you ask me, only a bonehead would draw one of those two conclusions. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out which one it is.
Clay clearly does not need anyone to defend him, but I felt I necessary to respond. If I you were up to your ass in alligators and an ISIS swordsman was bearing down on you who would you want by your side, a Harvard English Major or Clay Martin? To whine and moan about a mans grammatical errors in an article reviewing a firearm tells me you must have shared genetic material with Obama, as you suffer from the same malady as he. You both cannot identify whats truly important, and what to ignore. So you focus on the minutia, while the very important escapes your focus. In the mean time your surroundings are on fire.
I went to your mother’s house. She was only too happy to pay the rent. With her pants off.
LOL! Dude, you’re mean!!! 🙂
Wow, totally unprofessional. Your nasty comment is disappointing and a detraction from your article. You should be ashamed.
Too. Too. Too. (AKA ‘also, as well). Honestly, it is the editor who needs to be slapped.
What is that little tab in front of the slide release? Is that a new way to drop the sear? Or do you still flip the little bar inside the mag well?
You don’t have to “flip the little bar” in an M&P to disassemble. Make sure it is MT. Pull the trigger and it comes apart just like a Glock.
“A spring loaded detent has been added to the slide lock, to prevent it from bouncing and dropping the slide after the frame is jarred (such as during an aggressive reload).”
More steel makes for a better gun, what a shocker. I’m obviously in the minority but I’ll never understand the attraction to plastic guns.
I’m a bit old fashioned also. I’ve been shot several plastic framed guns and noted the strong points but I never shot as well as I do with my 1911s.
So did they address the issue of the barrels being crap? If they didn’t improve them then it will be a mute point of these pistols. Accuracy has been a big issue with the line of M&P pistols.
*moot
The only chronic accuracy issues have been with the 9mmFS model. I agree that it is a real issue but it is not an issue with every M&P pistol.
The barrel issue was addressed in 2015 with the gen 3 9mm – bull barrel and a change in twist rate plus up graded trigger bar for a better reset plus the grit was removed from the trigger. All M&P made after 2015 3rd quarter has the 3rd gen changes.
I have never had an Accuracy problem with any of my M&P’s, maybe you just need a little more time on the range, heck we can never get to much time on the range.
Having carried a M&P40 for eight years and a M&P9 for three years on duty and loaned my M&P40 out to several officer when I had it this is the absolute first time I’ve ever heard anyone say a Glock had more recoil. I’m also sorry to hear about the frame texture. I know absolutely no one who wants the Glock RTF texture on a carry pistol and very few who liked it on even dedicated target pistols. Everyone I know sanded theirs down so it didn’t tear up clothes when carried and their hands when shooting.
No 10mm?
SWEET! I cant wait to get my hands on one. only problem is I live in the oppressive state of California. Im sure they wont be selling them anytime soon here. they used too but they fell off the DOJ list for some reason which is ridiculous bc its only one of a few strikers you can buy with a safety. Anyway, I stopped trying to figure out the California DOJ reasoning a long time ago. And now that weve gone full draconian gun law, with background checks for ammo, plus you cant buy an AR or AK even with a bullet button anymore, the list goes on and on.. All state gun laws are a violation of the 2nd amendment. constitutional carry takes priority over state law. Its amazing how people out here are so scared and brainwashed by the government and corporate entertainment media. They are so eager to vote away their constitutional rights and privacy to a corrupt oligarchy. How does the saying go.?.. “those who trade liberty for security deserve neither.” and a false security at that. love that one.
I also love this new M&P. Ive been wanting one for awhile over all the others. Right now I own. a shield,. SD9. and Beretta PX4. all 9mm. Thats all you can get out here besides a glock gen 3 and springfield XD. why you cant buy an M&P with a safety out here is mind boggling but i think Smith and Wesson just cant deal with California gun laws anymore and i dont blame them. I personally like the safety version bc id like to be able able to carry a gun with a chambered round with confidence and safety. similar to a hammer gun. but striker fired. i know people do this anyway with non safeties but id rather have the extra safety without having to worry about hitting the trigger and blowing my leg off. I know im in the minortiy here as most people seem to like the non safety versions. its why glock is so popular and even the FBI just adopted the non safety striker protocol. Now only if the army would drop the M92 and go with an american made pistol like the ruger or M&P DAO.? way overdue. The other reason i like the M&P over all the others is that the mags can be used in a Kel Tec sub2000. another gun on my “to buy list”. i know the sub2000 takes glock mags too but i like the grips better on the M&P, and I assume the mags on this new version are the same as the old 1.0. correct me if im wrong. oh well. californian dreamin? . NOT!. dreaming to get out of here someday so i can buy my two dream guns. thanks for the article.
Thanks my feelings also, I want compact here CA,
Progun? Get a new handle, a Pro you are not. First, you bitch about CA gun laws and then say they are unconstitutional. If you believe that statement, and I do agree with you, then drive to Nevada and buy whatever you want. Bring your ‘dream guns’ back to CA and explain it to the judge. Must have some really great weed there ! Stop paying taxes too, that isn’t even in the constitution! Not until the 20th century anyway….
Assuming you have access to a computer, there is this bitchin’ New site called Google, 30 seconds later you would have the ability to say. “….The exact quotation, which is from a letter that Ben Franklin is believed to have written on behalf of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, reads: ‘those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.’ If you kept reading duuuude you would also understand that Franklins argument had nothing to do with firearms. It was written about taxation. I’ll cut you some slack on that one because most people have assumed it was about giving the government more access to our privacy and safety concerns.
Regarding your whining about Draconian gun laws, I’ll win that argument hands down with anybody. I live in MA and about 45 minutes away from Smith & Wesson. I sent my MP 45 FDE in for repair. They confiscated it. It appears that the color FDE was not drop tested, only Black was. Sure, I finally accepted the rationale from S&W that it would be illegal to send the not approved fire arm back to me, and they apologized. They sent me a new MP, black, and a few extra 10 rd only mags. I had no choice.
So, if you can beat that true story then come to MA and we can sit in the grass in front of ANY police station and get as stoned as we want, legally. Apparently the FDE of the weed is not nearly as dangerous as a FDE M&P. I wish we could vote on gun laws and let the legislators vote on weed. Sorry Spicolli, but if your state is so liberal, then how is it that illegals are legal but they arrest you for pot ? Sadly, I lose my favorite Dream Gun because it was too edgy and diverse……. lol
The M&P M2.0 looks more like a Walther PPQ M2 competitor than a Glock competitor. I have the PPQ M2 5″ barrel and absolutely love it. My son who had never shot a handgun in his entire life blew out a bulls-eye with three 15-round magazines at 5-yards, so I believe he agrees with me that the Walther PPQ M2 trigger (which has also recently been called the best striker fired “factory” trigger on the market) plus felt recoil is a non-issue. I’m so impressed I will be looking seriously at the new Walther PPS M2 for conceal.
However, this M&P M2.0 looks very impressive and I like the underlying steel frame. I’d love to see how this new gun compares side by side to the Walther PP2 M2.
Hi Clay,
Thanks for the review. I do have one question though: did the changes that S&W make affect the weight of the version 2.0 pistol?
I am not actually sure if it affected the weight. a tiny bit more steel in the frame, but a bit more off the slide, I bet they balance out to close to the 1.0 weight.
Canik is king! Better, more accurate and less expensive than Glock or SW (Sorry Weapons) poor attempt to correct their crap MP series
I think the improvements are great. Mind you I’ve been steady carrying my M&P 9mm 4.25″ for almost 3 years now. And I love it’s grip over my Glock G19 way more. Sig, of course has the nicest grip, but the cost! So for me, my M&P was my “poor-man’s” Sig alternative. The only thing I don’t like, and I am glad they got rid of it, is the “beaver-tail”, which always seems to dig in that upper roll. LOL. But as far as performance, reliability, capacity, and ease of usage goes, hands-down my M&P has been one of my favorite CCW’s to date. But now I’ve got to sell another one of my Glocks to get this new one. 🙂 And to all you Glock lovers out there, please relax. I’m not a Glock hater, I’m just one of those “old dudes” with arthritis in his knuckles, so those finger-groves are not a good comfortable shooting experience for me. But now I do like my G43 with the Striker +2 mag bottom. It shoots great, but once again, I really love capacity. And to all you know-it-all trigger critics; when you are in fear for life and Peter The Perp is about to send you meet your Blessed Maker, I guarantee that “spongy” trigger, and that so called false reset won’t mean Jack S#%T ! Like anything else, its all about preparedness through intense, and consistent TRAINING! But if you’re referring to the trigger issue for competition, that would be a different consideration. A Safe & Happy New Year to all. FIDELLIS AD MORTEM, because you only got 1*!
I will buy one the day they release it in 45acp….any idea if they have that in the works?
” Available from day one, most of the SKUs come in flat dark earth as well as black, to add some color to your collection. 9mm and .40 are available now, with .45 ACP slated for the near future. “
so when are these officially available?
March
My local retailers still tell me that the M&P platform has a magazine safety. (My Shield does not…) Magazine safeties are a non-starter for me. I don’t allow them in my gun safe and wont carry a pistol so equipped. My co-workers tell me the weapons handle just fine- accuracy and reliability are great but since I sold my Hi-Powers, that “safety” feature hasn’t resided with me. (Too bad Ruger has been building so many pistols that way too.)
Dusty,
Your local retailer is right and wrong. S&W has always offered the option of magazine safeties or thumb safeties or none of the previously mentioned.
Regards,
Mike
Might be that you’re retailer is looking for a little bit more profit. Many of the mag-safety SKU’s sell for a few bucks less wholesale or are “on sale” due to lack of demand. Unless you have laws mandating safeties, he should have no problem getting you mag safety-less M&P’s.
Well gee, now just how hard is it to test for a mag safety?????
The M&P has always had a metal chassis to stiffen the frame, that was part of the original marketing because it supposedly solved the frame-flex induced failures of some .40 Glocks.
One change I didn’t see mentioned, It looks like S&W removed the beaver tail on the full sized guns in the 2.0 version. That would as also a much discussed change in many forums with some users grinding it off.
the steel chassis hasn’t always extended the full length of the gun. it does now.
Why would you have “openings” in a “dust” cover?
there is steel over the holes. its so you can see serial number, now engraved on the steel at that end.
Any idea if this is to create a modular system like the SIGs have where you can swap out the frame? Typically when we see this that’s usually the idea behind a serial number on an internal frame, no?
Despite some of the negativity I read here my first duty gun bought back in 73 was a model 19 & last year I bought a shield. Both in my opinion fine weapons for the price & the M&P likewise. Really glad to see the grip treatment enhancement on the M&P. At first I thought the sights were off on my shield until I got a set of Talons on & started hitting the bull again. That thin grip takes a little getting used to but it sure carries nicely.
Funny I bought a “used” M&P40 in 2008 from a local police officer. It shoots and handles perfectly from my point of view through range work and advanced combat courses. Never jammed, never misfired, perfect grip and way better than the 1911s I have used at twice the price. Must try a 2.0 and see if it works better for me.
My M&P Core is great… now that ive dumped about $450 in aftermarket parts in it. The M2.0 addressed everything except for what is really wrong with every stock M&P: the terrible trigger and junk barrel. Considering Smith is now in the gimmick business (ported barrel and fiber optic sights on concealed carry gun) I’m surprised Crimson Trace didn’t sucker them into putting a laser on each M&P from the factory. Should have known the grass wasn’t greener on the other side and stuck with Glock.
these are not so much “improvements” as much as they are fixing all the flaws they werent smart enough to foresee with the last design. they won’t come out and tell you this was wrong or that was wrong, so they make minor adjustments and call them “improvements”. and now they do the things they should have known to do before and calling it the new 2.0. the only new things are what they copied from other gun makers, which aren’t new… only new to s&w,
it’s all just marketing hype to sell more of the same to the same people who bought last years “now” outdated design,
and now owners of the 1st. gun get lower resale prices and paying more for basically the same gun they bought last time
thanks for taking the financial hit so s&w can charge more for the “new” gun
Do you think they will be making the Shield 2.0 as well?
The Pro is far from the best striker fire trigger. I have one and the pull weight was good but seems to project recoil back through the trigger. I installed an Apex hard sear and it improved the trigger to the extent you could probably shoot Bullseye matches with it. With a red dot these things can drive tacks.
The Ruger American has the best out of the box trigger on a striker I have experienced so far and perhaps the best on a non target pistol I have ever had. For all you lefties it is completely ambidextrous as well. 100% 1911 muscle memory with the Ruger as well. If you are a 1911 guy you will never have a glitch transitioning between that and an American. The S&W levers and buttons are more or less in the same places but just do not work EXACTLY like Old Slabsides as the Ruger does. I must give the edge in fast reloads to the M&P. The Ruger does not have as smooth and open a mag chute in my opinion.
I keep hearing raves about the Walther PPQ Q5 trigger but have yet to get my hands on one to see.
Have you ever shot an XDM? Wondering how it compares. (The M&P Pro or M&P 2.0 to the XDM)
I’d still take the Sig P320 over this offering. More accurate and reliable.
Not sure about your accuracy claims. So far, the test group data from several gun writers who’ve shot the M 2.0 show it to be every bit as accurate as a Sig P320. I always hear Sig shooters talk about how accurate Sig’s are compared to other handgun makers. I carried the Sig 229 on duty and while it was accurate I wasn’t more accurate than most other pistols I’ve carried.
should read “it” wasn’t more accurate above
Have carried sig 229 , 226, 320.. I still carry on duty my full size M&P 40.. accurate , shoots soft.. sigs have to claim to be more accurate to justify those stupid prices ….
I have a 4.25″ M&P40 that I absolutely love. One thing I added to the was the apex flat faced trigger/sear kit. Would the apex kit for a 1.0 be compatible with 2.0? From what I read it seems so.
My wife and I love our Smiths. I bought a 4.25 with a threaded barrel and added a comp and Apex flat faced trigger kit. My wife shot it and bought the V-Tac and had me set hers up like mine. We love them. The 2.0 looks to have even more to like. I wonder when the 5.0 will come with a threaded barrel ? Hint….
Any trivial thing to jack up the price.
I have had several S&W semi-autos in the past, good guns. But, I’m a lefty and for some reason S&W does not offer an ambidextrous or reversible mag release. For me that’s a turn off. When Glock came out with their Gen4 models with a reversible mag release I bought two, a 19 and a 26. I didn’t even give the M&P a consideration.
The mag releases on the original m&p’s are totally reversible just not on the shield.
I agree. S&W has never addressed the lefty world. FN builds the best Ambi pistols. Their 45 FNX carries 15 rounds and fully Ambi. Best and most accurate pistol I have ever shot. I can shot both left and right but prefer left. Tired of any manufacture that doesn’t support both. Sig, S&W, Ruger, Glock & Springfield (except mag release). I own all of them but carry and shot my FN with both hands every time. What a concept, make a pistol with all controls on both sides. Makes us all better shooters, safer and more versatile when you can use either hand.
I must be missing how the full size M&Ps are not ambidextrous or at least lefty friendly.. The slide has releases on both sides and the mag release is reversible.
I have had several S&W semi-autos in the past, good guns. But, I’m a lefty and for some reason S&W does not offer an ambidextrous or reversible mag release. For me that’s a turn off. When Glock came out with their Gen4 models with a reversible mag release I bought two, a 19 and a 26. I didn’t even give the M&P a consideration.
I think you are mistaken. Actually, I know you are. I’m a lefty also. That’s why I bought an M&P five years ago; because it IS ambidextrous. The slide release is ambidextrous and the mag release is easily reversible. My M&P 9mm has been set up Lefty all along. I originally chose an M&P over a Glock 19 or 17 because at the time, Gen 3s were all that was available from Glock and they were not lefty friendly. The Gen 4s are better for us Southpaws but Glock (as usual) was too late to the ambidextrous trend I love Glock, but why are they always so slow to add innovative features to their products?
Thanks for the update date. It’s been a long time since I even looked at the S&Ws because of the lack of that feature. For years I leaned towards and carried SIGs or Berettas. When Glock introduced the Gen4 I went for it.
Maybe I should have taken a closer look at the M&Ps instead of dismissing them.
Again, thanks!
Nice improvements, but I prefer black over that baby poop color.
Owned older Smiths for a lot of years and not a fan of the MP line. Spent way too much on a CORE Performance Center with marginal accuracy and an extensive DOE to find the right load-ongoing. Come to find out, most cats immediately replace the stock Performance Center barrel for a match grade-another $150 (Sorry Smith-an $800 piece designed for competitions that requires non-Smith barrel upgrades to be acceptable?). Springfield, and others, makes superior competition and walking around pieces at comparable prices.
Will some of the 2.0 parts fit on the older version..?
Love to explore.
William
Candy store.!
All these ‘upgrades’ but still the same spongy trigger with the ‘false’ reset? Couldn’t they just subcontract triggers from Canik and drop them in?
Have you shot the new 2.0 with the improved trigger?
I hope the 9mm version is better than the one I unloaded. Could have stood in a barn fired three mags and not hit jack. {bit of exaggeration but not much} If I spot the new striker CZ first, then I probably won’t buy one.