M&P9 M2.0 Compact: Take Note of Smith & Wesson's Improvements

When introducing the Model T Ford, Henry Ford once commented that, “Any customer can have a car painted in any color as long as it’s black.” It’s a funny quote and his attempt at gentle persuasion. However, that’s not the modus operandi at Smith & Wesson, particularly with the M&P9 M2.0 Compact.

Not too long ago, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P 9 2.0 line of pistols with the compact version sporting a 4-inch barrel. Then, wanting to cover everyone’s needs, the company came out with a model incorporating a 3.6-inch barrel. Both versions offer the same features of the new 2.0 line, with the only difference being the slide and barrel lengths.

With the 2.0 lineup, Smith & Wesson made a few changes designers felt would improve both performance and user experience. One of the more significant changes is the inclusion of an extended steel chassis that helps to reduce flex and strengthen the overall platform. Another area they honed in on was the trigger pull. The new M&P9 2.0 Compact offers a crisper and somewhat lighter trigger pull than the original series. In addition, the trigger has a more tactile and audible reset after each shot.

Shooting the M&P9 2.0 Compact

At the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, I shot the 3.6-inch version. It reminded me why I like the 2.0 series. The texturing is fantastic. The M&P 2.0 models have, in my opinion, the best texturing of any polymer-framed pistol on the market. It is not abrasive, but it locks down in the hand so it feels like nothing could pry it out of your grip.

Another benefit of the 2.0 is the four interchangeable grip inserts. These inserts allow users to tailor the grip. Additionally, the M&P9 2.0 Compact comes with an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release. This makes the gun ideal for lefties as well, as even the models with thumb safeties are ambidextrous.

Over the past year, I’ve shot at least five different M&P 2.0 pistols fairly extensively. Thus far, I have not had a single malfunction. Being a concealed carrier, reliability is the most important consideration in choosing what I carry when I leave the house. I can deal with just about anything, as long as it doesn’t malfunction.

The M&P9 2.0 Compact offers reliability in spades. Additionally, it sports features that make it a superb carry piece. No matter the barrel length, both models offer a 15-round magazine capacity — almost the standard these days.

The reduced flex, along with the low bore axis, help make the M&P9 2.0 Compact an easy pistol to shoot. Throw in the quality Armornite finish, an accessory rail and the nice three-dot sight arrangement, you’ve got a carry package on which you can bet your life.

And just like that Model-T Ford, at least as of right now, you can have the M&P9 2.0 Compact in any color you want — as long as it’s black.

For more information about the M&P9 M2.0 Compact, please visit smith-wesson.com.