Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Subcompact Review

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Subcompact pistol, firing — Alex Landeen photo

SW MP M20 Sub, Rendezvous — Alex Landeen photo

Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Subcompact pistol, lead — Alex Landeen photo

The M&P M2.0 subcompact handgun just released by Smith & Wesson is most certainly going to be well received. One day before its release, I had the opportunity to have a first look at this new edition to the M&P lineup at the 2019 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho. The opportunity allowed me to fully experience this new subcompact with fresh eyes and an open mind.

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I was quite intrigued when I learned of the M2.0, as I was already familiar with the rest of the M&P series. Obviously, every shooter has their own preferences in regard to likes and dislikes when it comes to guns. Even though the M&P series has a solid fan base there have been certain aspects in this line that deserved a second look for improvement. Smith & Wesson not only listened to consumer needs, they implemented them with the new M2.0.

The M&P M2.0 isn’t exactly a brand-new gun, it’s more like a highly tweaked, enhanced and advanced version of the others in the M&P line. Trigger, grip, frame and finish — Smith & Wesson overlooked nothing. The entire gun seems to have been “upgraded,” proving that Smith & Wesson has taken their consumers seriously.

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Subcompact First Impressions

My first look experience started with a much-appreciated detailed overview of the gun. There are several features that make the M&P M2.0 stand out from the others in the M&P line. The M2.0 has an extended stainless-steel chassis with a high grip to bore ratio, giving it a low bore axis. This ratio will decrease muzzle rise, which enables faster follow up shots while also giving a little more comfort while shooting. The barrel is 3.6 inches with an accurate 1 in 10-inch twist. The grip angle is now at 18 degrees, which should allow a more natural point of aim.

The M2.0 ships with four interchangeable backstraps, (S, M, ML, and L) instead of three, allowing shooters to fine tune their grip needs. Additionally, the grip is now more aggressively textured, allowing better control. The trigger has been fine-tuned with a lighter pull, incorporating a more tactile reset that is now audible. It boasts an Armornite finish, which is a hardened nitride finish that’s durable and corrosion resistant. The M2.0 is a semi-automatic polymer gun available in a matte black finish or FDE, (Flat Dark Earth). This gun holds 12 +1 rounds and ships with two magazines with your option of a manual thumb safety or no safety. For chambering, you have your choice of 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP and as always, a lifetime warranty and service policy.

Rounds Downrange

As far as my personal first look and firing impressions, there were a few things that stood out to me. First was the more aggressive grip texture; this is quite different and, in my opinion, welcomed. During the Rendezvous it was cold and wet, so I was immediately able to notice the grip and feel the difference. Second, the trigger. There is a notable difference in the M2.0 trigger over the others in the M&P line. It’s crisp, very light and has a short, audible reset. A short reset that allows faster follow-up shots for me is essential, and this gun is pretty close to what I would consider a good stock trigger.

The M2.0 is small but has very little recoil or muzzle rise, which allowed me to shoot nice, tight groupings even at distance. I found the grip on the M2.0 to be far more comfortable for my hands than the others in the line I’ve spent time on before. It didn’t take long to find my own natural groove with this gun at all.

Lasting Impressions

This was my first look at this gun with a limited timeframe and window for T&E. It was enough time, however, that allowed me to manage approximately 100 rounds of ammunition provided by Hornady and Federal. I utilized the Hornady 9mm 115-grain FTX Critical Defense and American Eagle 9mm from Federal. And 100 rounds were enough to realize that the M2.0 Subcompact should not be dismissed. Smith & Wesson was quite noticeably spot on in the design and engineering of this gun. In fact, I was so intrigued that I have one on the way to allow me further and more detailed T&E to expand on later in future articles.

Overall, I, along with most others at the Rendezvous, was quite impressed with the M&P M2.0 Subcompact. If you’ve been a fan of the M&P line, you’ll definitely love this new release. If you haven’t, try it out, it just might pleasantly surprise you. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.