Smith & Wesson Spec Series: Metal M2.0 Pistol Review

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Recently introduced as part of the Performance Center lineup, the Smith & Wesson’s Spec Series reflects a commitment to modern firearm design and meticulous craftsmanship. This limited-edition handgun prioritizes speed and accuracy in its design. Built on the M&P® Metal aluminum alloy frame, it features a 4.8” threaded barrel paired with a Faxon® compensator for improved control.

Equipped with suppressor height tritium iron sights and an optic cut, this full-size pistol offers versatility for various shooting preferences. Its Performance Center trigger and aggressive grip texture enhance handling and accuracy, making it a notable option for shooters seeking a competitive edge.

Smith & Wesson Spec Series Specifications: 

Spec Series Out of the Box

Building upon their newly established metal-framed handguns, Smith & Wesson has unveiled a handgun that prioritizes speed and accuracy. From the factory, the Spec Series comes with a Faxon compensator, Performance Center trigger, assertive grip texture, and ergonomic 180 grip angle. This limited edition Spec Series also comes with two 17-round, and two 23-round magazines, a challenge coin, a Karambit-style knife, and suppressor-height white-dot sights with tritium inserts all packaged in a hard plastic carrying case. 

In preparation for this review, my goal was to fully utilize the platform’s capabilities. I began by attaching a Swampfox Kraken red dot, followed by the Streamlight TLR-VIR II. These additions provided the advantages of a red dot sight and the versatility of white light, along with an IR laser/illuminator for shooting with night vision. The Spec Series incorporates a 1/2 x 28 threaded barrel, facilitating suppressor attachment if preferred, in addition to the included compensator. 

SEE MORE: New Pistol Review – Testing the M&P9 M2.0 Metal

Barrel & Compensator

One of the more unique features of the Spec Series is the inclusion of a compensator installed from the factory. The recently developed compensator was a collaborative effort between Faxon® and Smith & Wesson. It was designed to reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip. This translates to quicker follow-up shots and improved target acquisition. Quantifying the precise percentage of recoil reduction attained is challenging. However, I estimate it to be approximately half of the recoil experienced with my other M&P M2.0 pistols. This pistol shoots flat. 

The compensator has a large port on top, and two smaller ports on either side. While the compensator threads onto the 4.8″ stainless steel barrel utilizing 1/2 x 28 threads, it employs two set screws to clock it and lock it firmly in place. 

Slide

While maintaining the same OD green Cerokote® finish as the frame, the slide has a lot going on for it. It maintains the effective slide serrations of other M2.0 pistols on the market. I find these to be both effective and stylish. The grooves are cut deep enough to give a solid grip when manipulating the pistol. Additionally, the slide features front lightening cuts. While these also add style points, they are designed to aid with cycling and decrease felt recoil. Lastly, the slide utilizes the S&W C.O.R.E.™ system for mounting red dots. The Spec Series comes with 7 different optic plates and screw sets for mounting most pistol red dots on the market. 

Sights on the Spec Series

Smith & Wesson had the end users in mind when they built this pistol. These days, most shooters are mounting red dots whenever given the option, and for this reason, the Spec Series utilizes suppressor height sights. These provide clearance to be used in conjunction with many red dots on the market or when shooting with a suppressor. However, the Swampfox Kraken has a little taller base than most which ends up blocking the sights. Either way, these sights work well and even feature tritium inserts to glow at night. 

Frame

Although introduced last year, the Spec Series is constructed on the sturdy M&P metal aluminum alloy frame. This significantly enhances rigidity, making it an excellent option for mounting lasers on the machined Picatinny rail. Unlike polymer frames, which can flex and alter a laser’s point of impact with changes in grip pressure, the solid aluminum frame ensures consistency. This makes it an optimal host for accessories like the Streamlight TLR-VIR II. Moreover, the full-size frame ergonomics fit my hand comfortably. Smith & Wesson has continued to incorporate their aggressively textured replaceable backstraps, which I find advantageous for maintaining a secure grip, particularly during hot and sweaty conditions typical of summer shooting sessions in Texas.

Controls

The controls for this pistol follow the traditional S&W M&P layout. The slide lock/release is easily manipulated with just one hand, the takedown lever operates smoothly, and the mag release, though low profile, is easily activated. While individuals may favor larger magazine releases, I find the sleek and compact design advantageous for concealed carry. Additionally, the Spec Series magazine release boasts textured surfaces to enhance grip and ensure slip-free operation.

Trigger

The trigger is one of the most interactive parts of a firearm, so having a quality interface is imperative. I found the Performance Center trigger better than most other polymer handguns on the market. The take-up is long yet smooth, and the wall is well-defined. There is a small amount of creep when pulling the trigger past the wall but I could hardly feel it when shooting. One thing I like is that that after the shot, the trigger reset is short and places your finger right back on the wall ready for that next shot. I measured the pull weight to be consistently right at 4.5 lbs which is not unusual for a carry gun. 

Precision

Aiming to find out how precise this pistol can be, I tested 7 different types of common carry ammunition and consistently got 5-round groups around 1″ when shooting from 10 yards. To be fair, I think I pulled one shot in both the 135gr and 124gr Hornady groups. Accounting for this, around half of the groups were close to 1/2″ from 10 yards which is more than acceptable. My best group was with 124gr Norma Safeguard getting slightly under a 1/2″. Shown below are the groups I shot with this pistol: 

Performance of the Spec Series

Throughout this review, I was able to put a couple hundred rounds through the S&W Spec Series pistol. Most of the ammunition used was 115gr 9mm FMJ which can be found over at Ammuntiontogo.com. They are the official ammo sponsor for this pistol review and offer a wide selection of competitively priced ammunition. They have quick shipping, an easy-to-use online website, and competitive prices. Go check them out! 

During my testing, I was continually impressed at how soft the pistol recoiled. Most of my shooting is with 9mm’s of similar size, so swapping over to the compensated Spec Series made it feel like a race gun.

The combination of aggressive grip texture and the light recoil made for very controlled strings of fire. While I didn’t shoot any USPSA competitions with this pistol during this review, I think I would like to try it down the road. Shown below is a video I posted to my Instagram page of some of the shooting I did with this pistol: 

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For this review, BlackPoint Tactical was gracious enough to send out their Outback™ Light Mounted Chest System. The holster was designed to fit the Spec Series paired with the Streamlight TLR-VIR II and it held the pistol well. The chest harness was also very adaptable to fit over a jacket, or just on top of a T-shirt as well. While chest holsters are new to me, I see them as a very comfortable option for hiking in the backcountry. Additionally, I was able to run some drills from this holster and consistently got a draw and one shot on a steel silhouette in about 1.3 seconds from roughly 25 yards. The Outback Light Mounted Chest System held the pistol securely, and can still provide quick access to the pistol when needed. 

Reliability

When it comes to Smith & Wesson, they have built a reputation for producing reliable handguns, and the Spec Series continues that trend. Through the few hundred rounds I shot, I only had a single malfunction and that was with 65gr Norma NXD. Otherwise, I shot 115, 124, 124+P, 135, and 147gr ammunition without issue. Compensators can often be a trade-off in reliability for pistols, but it seems the Faxon and S&W combo has been fine-tuned to run without issue. This pistol came with two 17 and two 23-round magazines and both fed without a problem. 

Spec Series Summary

Throughout my time with this pistol, one aspect that consistently impressed me was its minimal felt recoil. Smith & Wesson engineered the Spec Series to seamlessly integrate with the Faxon compensator, enhancing its shooting experience. The inclusion of lightning cuts not only reduces weight but also enhances reliability. The metal frame ensures exceptional durability and rigidity. With an optic cut and seven optic plates included, this pistol is ready to accommodate most red dot sights available. Furthermore, this limited edition package includes a knife, challenge coin, and four magazines, all bundled together at an MSRP of $999.

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