Introduction
The world of handguns is a competitive landscape, constantly evolving with new innovations and designs. Amongst the myriad of options, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 stands as a prominent contender, earning its place in the hands of law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. This pistol has garnered a strong reputation for its reliability, ergonomics, and overall performance. But does it live up to the hype? This review aims to provide a thorough and impartial assessment of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0, exploring its design, features, shooting characteristics, and how it stacks up against its competitors. Our goal is to give you the information you need to decide if the M&P9 2.0 is the right handgun for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The M&P9 2.0 immediately presents itself as a modern firearm, exhibiting a sleek and functional design. The overall aesthetic is practical, with a focus on ergonomics and user-friendliness. The absence of excessive ornamentation contributes to a streamlined appearance that emphasizes performance over flash.
Frame
The frame of the M&P9 2.0 is constructed from a high-strength polymer. This material choice is a key contributor to the pistol’s overall lightweight design and impact resistance. The polymer frame has been meticulously molded to provide exceptional grip and comfort. A notable element is the aggressive texturing on the grip. This enhanced texturing, often referred to as the “aggressive grip texture,” is strategically placed on the front and sides of the grip, providing a secure and positive hold even in wet or gloved conditions. This texture improves weapon control under various circumstances, a crucial factor for any self-defense or duty pistol. The M&P9 2.0 comes with interchangeable backstraps, allowing shooters to customize the grip size to best fit their hand. This adaptability is an important feature, ensuring that shooters can comfortably and effectively manage the weapon. Furthermore, the frame incorporates a standard Picatinny rail on the underside of the dust cover. This rail allows for the convenient attachment of tactical accessories, such as weapon lights or lasers, offering versatility for different operational needs.
Slide
The slide of the M&P9 2.0 is typically crafted from stainless steel, contributing to the pistol’s durability and resistance to wear and corrosion. The slide finish, often a durable coating like Melonite, adds another layer of protection against the elements and harsh handling. This finish helps to minimize glare and reduces the risk of scratches and other cosmetic damage. The slide features forward and rear slide serrations, providing a positive purchase for manipulation, such as chambering a round or clearing a malfunction. The sights come in various configurations, depending on the specific model, but typically include a three-dot sight system. The sight picture is clear and intuitive, facilitating quick target acquisition.
Barrel
The barrel, a crucial component of any firearm, is designed for accuracy and longevity. Depending on the variant, the barrel is typically made of quality steel and is engineered for precision and reliability.
The overall build quality of the M&P9 2.0 is commendable. The fit and finish are excellent, with a tight lockup between the slide and frame, contributing to enhanced accuracy and reliability. The assembly feels robust and built to withstand the rigors of regular use. Smith & Wesson has put considerable effort into ensuring that the M&P9 2.0 is a durable and reliable firearm that can withstand the test of time.
Ergonomics and Handling
The ergonomics of a handgun play a crucial role in how comfortable and effective it is to use. The M&P9 2.0 excels in this area, demonstrating thoughtful design that promotes comfortable handling and confident control.
Grip
The grip design is a standout feature of the M&P9 2.0. The texture, as previously noted, provides a very secure hold without being overly abrasive. The shape of the grip is well-contoured, fitting comfortably in the hand. The ability to switch backstraps provides additional customization for a perfect fit, catering to a wider range of hand sizes and preferences. This ensures that shooters can establish a solid and comfortable purchase on the pistol.
Controls
The controls of the M&P9 2.0 are strategically placed and easily accessible. The magazine release is ambidextrous and ideally positioned for easy access with the firing hand thumb. The slide release is also within comfortable reach, facilitating efficient slide manipulation. While not always standard, some models may include a manual safety. The placement of the safety, if present, is typically designed to be quickly and easily engaged or disengaged.
The M&P9 2.0 is remarkably well-balanced. This balance contributes to its ease of handling and control during rapid firing. The even weight distribution, coupled with the grip design, minimizes muzzle rise and allows for faster follow-up shots.
The pointability of the M&P9 2.0 is also excellent. The grip angle and overall design promote a natural point of aim, allowing the shooter to quickly acquire the target. This natural pointing ability is essential for instinctive shooting and is particularly advantageous in self-defense situations. The sights are well-aligned, and the sight picture is clear and easy to acquire, enhancing the accuracy of the pistol.
Features and Functionality
The M&P9 2.0 boasts a range of features designed to enhance its performance and usability. The trigger, sights, and magazine system are all important components of its functionality.
Trigger
The trigger of the M&P9 2.0 has undergone a significant improvement over the original M&P. It offers a crisper break and a shorter reset, facilitating more rapid and controlled follow-up shots. The trigger feel is noticeably improved, providing a smoother and more consistent pull. While trigger weight can vary slightly depending on the specific model, the M&P9 2.0’s trigger is generally a substantial improvement over the original, offering enhanced precision.
Sights
The sights, mentioned earlier, are a critical component of accurate shooting. The standard sights are typically a three-dot system, offering a clear and easy-to-acquire sight picture. The sights are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, and their clarity ensures quick target acquisition in varying light conditions.
Magazine
The magazine is a crucial element, holding the ammunition. The M&P9 2.0 typically comes with magazines of decent capacity. The magazine release function is smooth and reliable, allowing for quick and efficient magazine changes. The materials used in the magazines ensure their longevity and resistance to damage.
The M&P9 2.0 also offers additional features on certain models, such as an optics-ready slide. This allows for the easy mounting of a red dot sight, greatly enhancing target acquisition and accuracy, particularly at longer ranges or in low-light conditions.
Performance and Accuracy
The true test of any firearm lies in its performance. The M&P9 2.0 shines in the field, demonstrating impressive accuracy and reliability.
Shooting the M&P9 2.0 is a very positive experience. The recoil is manageable, thanks to the well-designed grip and balance. This makes it easy to control the weapon and maintain consistent accuracy during rapid firing. The trigger reset is crisp and predictable, allowing for smooth follow-up shots. The pistol’s inherent accuracy is one of its greatest strengths, making it a dependable choice for both self-defense and recreational shooting.
Accuracy testing reveals that the M&P9 2.0 consistently delivers tight groupings at various distances. The ability to accurately hit the target is paramount, and the M&P9 2.0 excels in this regard. The results of accuracy tests may vary depending on the shooter and the ammunition used, but overall, the M&P9 2.0 consistently demonstrates impressive accuracy.
Reliability is critical in any firearm. The M&P9 2.0 is known for its dependability, with minimal malfunctions reported during testing. The rounds fired during testing usually exceeded the thousands, and the pistol consistently performed flawlessly, demonstrating the weapon’s robust design and quality construction. The reliability of the M&P9 2.0 makes it a trustworthy choice for both duty and personal defense applications.
Pros and Cons
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 has many advantages. Here’s a summary of the key positives:
- Reliability: Excellent track record of reliable operation.
- Ergonomics: Comfortable grip and customizable backstraps.
- Accuracy: Consistent and impressive accuracy.
- Durability: High-quality construction and materials.
- Controls: Well-placed and easy-to-use controls.
- Trigger: Improved trigger pull compared to the original.
However, like all firearms, the M&P9 2.0 does have some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Trigger feel: While improved, some shooters may still prefer a lighter or different trigger.
- Grip angle: Some users find the grip angle less natural than other designs.
- Accessory Compatibility: The M&P9 2.0 does not have as many aftermarket options for some specific parts compared to more common competitors.
Comparison
The M&P9 2.0 improves upon the original M&P9 in several key areas. The trigger, grip texture, and overall build quality are noticeable upgrades. The 2.0 represents a refinement of the original design, addressing some of the criticisms of the initial version.
Comparing the M&P9 2.0 to its competitors, such as the Glock 19 or the SIG Sauer P320, reveals some advantages and disadvantages. The M&P9 2.0 often boasts a more ergonomic grip, making it comfortable for a wider range of hand sizes. Its accuracy is also a strong point. However, the Glock 19 has a proven track record of reliability and a larger aftermarket support system, while the SIG P320’s modularity offers a wider range of configurations. Ultimately, the “best” handgun depends on individual preferences and specific needs.
Who is This Pistol For?
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 is a versatile handgun that is well-suited for a variety of users. It’s an excellent choice for:
- Concealed Carry: Its relatively compact size, combined with its reliability and accuracy, makes it a good choice for everyday carry.
- Home Defense: The M&P9 2.0 provides reliable stopping power and is easy to operate in a high-stress situation.
- Duty Use: Law enforcement officers can trust the M&P9 2.0 for its reliability and performance.
- Recreational Shooting: Its accuracy and manageable recoil make it enjoyable to shoot at the range.
The M&P9 2.0’s adaptability and user-friendliness make it an outstanding choice for shooters of all experience levels. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new shooter, the M&P9 2.0 will serve you well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 is a well-designed and capable handgun that has rightly earned its place as a popular choice in the firearms world. Its comfortable ergonomics, impressive accuracy, and reliable performance make it a strong contender in the market. The M&P9 2.0 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, addressing many of the criticisms leveled at the original model. While not perfect, the M&P9 2.0 offers a compelling combination of features, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 is a handgun that is well worth the investment, particularly for those seeking a reliable and accurate firearm.
Do you have experience with the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know what you like and what you think could be improved. Your experiences are valuable for others considering this handgun.
