In 2022, Smith & Wesson launched the M&P9 M2.0 Metal series. It was a full-size aluminum frame gun that combined proven M&P reliability with a classic metal frame. It featured an optics-ready slide, M2.0 flat-face trigger, and tungsten gray finish. The pistol was a hit for bridging modern design with traditional firearm quality. Today, Smith & Wesson has taken that design to the next level with the M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD Series.
M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD Series – Expanding the Metal Line
The next evolution in the M&P line of handguns, the Metal HD, represents the ultimate heavy-duty pistol. Excelling in competition or any situation that requires repeatable, accurate shots on target, the Metal HD dominates the field. Combining a stainless-steel frame with new texturing, a 5” stainless steel barrel, and more positive slide serrations, this pistol melts into your hand and balances like an extension of your arm while also providing positive purchase on the slide for easy racking. The Metal HD is the perfect package, yielding nothing but the best shooting experience of any M&P yet.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The M&P9 Metal HD is a full-size metal masterpiece. It is built on a rugged stainless steel Armornite frame with a 5″ barrel for unbeatable durability, reduced recoil, and lightning-fast follow-up shots. Aggressive texturing locks in control, the crisp, flat-faced trigger delivers perfection every pull, and Night Fision sights plus C.O.R.E. optics-ready design ensure dominating precision with or without a red dot.
Test Drive
Smith & Wesson was kind enough to get me the new pistol to take for a test drive, and that is exactly what I did. The only change I made to the gun was adding a Trijicon RMR. I believe that an optic enhances the shooting experience, and this pistol would be a perfect fit for glass. After a short moment to zero the RMR I was off to the races. Loading the gun was a simple business. The gun sat well in my hands with the backstrap that came with on gun. The first shots were good, and at 10 yards, I had a nice single ragged hole made by five rounds. At 15 yards, it turned into a one-and-a-half in slow fire groups, and at 25 yards, it was two and a half inches.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
At speed, the gun performed equally well. While I would not classify the M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD as heavy, it is a breath heavier than other full-size guns in its class. This slight additional meat on the bone does contribute to recoil management and reducing muzzle rise. This has always been the case with the Metal series. To most, the gun feels significantly beefier than others, but it’s simply not. Smith & Wesson has done a good job at making a gun that shoots like something much heavier.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Excellent Trigger
While the overall function of the gun was solid, the trigger was what stood out to me. The flat-faced trigger broke very clean, and the reset was short. There was very little play in it, and it made for some very fast shooting. Another point was the fit and finish. While some people say it doesn’t matter, the gun is very good-looking. There was absolutely no rattle or slop in the gun, which ultimately translated into performance,
M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD Series
At the end of the day, the pile of brass said it was time to wrap up. While not a durability test by any stretch, I put 500 rounds through the gun, and it ran without issues and had zero malfunctions. I was always impressed with the Metal series from Smith & Wesson, but the new M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD has raised the bar.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
For more information, visit Smith & Wesson.
Features
| 5″ Barrel and All-Stainless Frame | Heavy stainless build and 5″ barrel reduce recoil for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. |
| Enhanced Frame Texture | Aggressive texture ensures secure, non-slip grip—even in wet or sweaty conditions |
| Night Fision Tritium Front Sight – | Bright tritium glow delivers fast, reliable sight acquisition in any lighting. |
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Specs
| 5” 1:10” twist stainless steel w/Armornite finish. |
| Stainless steel slide w/Armornite finish. |
| Blacked-out serrated U-notch rear sight. |
| Night Fision Yellow/Green tritium front sight |
| Full-size forged stainless steel frame w/Armornite finish. |
| Flat-face trigger. |
| No Thumb Safety. |
| Frame is equipped with a front rail. |
| Total of four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. |
| Ships with (two) 17-round magazines |
| Backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Service Policy. |
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
