Smith & Wesson's M&P M2.0 Compact Series boasts the same new design points as the rest of the next generation pistols and a few extras that should appeal to those in the market for a concealable striker-fired pistol.
- Smith & Wesson has added the M&P M2.0 Compact Series, in 9mm and .40 S&W.
- The M&P M2.0 Compact Series has a 4-inch barrel on the 9mm (4.25-inch on .40 S&W).
- The M&P M2.0 Compact Series has enhanced capacity — 15+1 (M&P9), 13+1 (M&P40).
- New models feature all the new design points common to the M&P M2.0 line.
The Smith & Wesson M&P line of pistols have formed a dedicated following since its introduction in 2005. It’s safe to say, for certain segments of the shooting world, the line represents the best of the best when it comes to striker-fired, polymer-framed pistols.
That is why, to some extent, concerned rumblings came out when the Massachusetts gunmaker released the next generation of the line’s full-sized models earlier this year. Would Smith & Wesson dare tinker with perfection and in the process produce something that didn’t strike the same sweet notes as the original M&P?
Luckily, the company was sober in upgrading its pistols, with the M2.0 nuanced in its redesign and proving a more shootable handgun. Smith & Wesson has now turned its attention to the other end of the M&P line’s spectrum, recently releasing the M2.0 Compact Series.
A bit more drastic than the once-over the company gave its full-sized pistols, the small and concealable 9mm and .40 S&W appear destined to enthrall shooters the same way as its larger compatriots. But, in addition to the improved design features common to the entire M&P M2.0 line, the Compact Series also received some specific tweaks particular to the models.
First off, the pistol’s 4-inch barrel on the 9mm and 4.25-inch barrel on the .40 S&W is slightly longer than the originals'. In both chamberings, it was 3.5 inches. While this does swell the guns' overall dimensions, it does not do so in dramatic fashion. Outside of overall length, most of the Compact Series’ measurements have increased by tenths or hundredths of an inch.
In most respects, these tweaks should go fairly unnoticed. It would be a princess-and-the-pea scenario for an armed citizen to notice this growth or see a marked change in the M2.0’s comfort and concealability.
Perhaps the more weighty modifications are the models' enhanced capacity — a whole three rounds for both the M2.0 Compact Series 9mm (15+1) and .40S&W (13+1). This puts it on par with or surpasses the majority of other comparable compact striker-fired available today.
Like the rest of the M2.0 line that has already been released, the Compact Series has the same lower bore axis, helping the pistol mitigate recoil and make it more controllable. It boasts the same aggressive grip texturing, meant to facilitate a solid positive grip, and comes with 4 palmswell inserts to fit any shooter’s hand. Outfitted with a stainless steel chassis, the design is more rigid, creating a more stable shooting platform. And it has the improved M2.0 trigger that is noticeably lighter than the original with a short, tactile reset.
The MSRP for the 9mm M&P M2.0 Compact Series comes in the same as the original at $569, while the M&P40 is bit more expensive at $599. And with the enhancements Smith & Wesson has included, that should provide plenty of incentive for the M&P's fans to see how the next generation performs.
Specifications:
M&P M2.0 Compact
Model: M&P9 M&P40 M2.0 Compact
Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
Capacity: 9mm 15+1; .40 S&W 13+1
Barrel Length: 9mm 4 in.; .40 S&W 4.25 in.
Overall Length: 9mm 7.3 in.; .40 S&W 7.4 in.
Weight: 9mm 24.0 oz.; .40 S&W 25.9 oz.
Front Sight: Steel – White Dot
Rear Sight: Steel – White Two Dot
Action: Striker Fire
Grip: Polymer
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel – Armornite Finish
Slide Material: Stainless Steel – Armornite Finish
Frame Material: Polymer
MSRP: 9mm, $569; .40 S&W, $599
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