Originally published July 2017. Updated February 2026.
We gun owners bandy about terms like fit, feel and ergonomics as if they’re critical factors in life-saving encounters. When you think about it, they are. If you talk to any precision rifle or pistol shooter, you’ll hear him or her gush on and on about something called the “natural point of aim.” In short, this means you adjust your body position so the gun naturally “wants” to point at the target based on your physiological structure. If you force your gun’s sights onto the target from any old position, you develop muscle fatigue from all the extra work you have to put in to keep the sights exactly there. The result? Reduced accuracy. That same concept is exactly why pistol ergonomics are so important. We’re all built differently, and some designs will likely shoot better for each individual. Sure, most of us can pick up any weapon and force shots on target, but if one handgun does some of that work for you because it fits you better, why not take that advantage?
I mention this because, at least for me, the Smith & Wesson M&P has always been a very easy gun to shoot. If I close my eyes and raise the gun to target, it’s going to be darn close to my desired bullseye, because the grip angle suits me. The grip circumference allows my finger to reach the trigger easily, without contacting the frame. The rounded contours keep the gun stable in my hand and dampen recoil. In fact, the only thing I’ve been less than enthusiastic about are the original M&P triggers, mainly because I’m a trigger snob.
When I had the opportunity to check out the M&P 2.0 pistols, the major improvement to the trigger system was the first thing I noticed. There are plenty of other changes to discuss, so let’s take a look at this first significant upgrade to the M&P line in 10 years.
A Quick Tour of The M&P 2.0
As with its predecessor, reliability and accuracy are hallmarks of the 2.0.
From a distance, you’ll see it as a classic M&P pistol. It’s a polymer-framed, semi-automatic striker-fired EDC pistol built around an interior steel chassis. The operating parts such as slide and barrel are all steel, but the polymer frame reduces weight and the need for tender loving care. Like the original, the slide has scallop-shaped serrations on the back to help your grip when racking. On the 2.0 series, you’ll also spot a smaller version of those serrations — about ¼ inch — on the front of the slide to help those who appreciate grasping the front of the slide to check chamber status.
When you pick up the 2.0, you’ll feel the revamped aggressive texture. The new pattern is a lot like skateboard tape. The shallow cut has a very sandpaper-like feel, and the pattern covers the circumference of the grip, including the front strap. If you carry inside-the-waistband, be sure to wear an undershirt or that texture will abrade your skin. The gun stays put in your hand even when things get sweaty, with no issues needing to re-tweak grip during magazine dumps.
The interchangeable grip insert system sets this pistol apart. There are four removable grip sizes to choose from. Smith & Wesson includes three different inserts in addition to the medium-sized one already installed. If you want a smaller or larger grip to better fit your hand, try the small, medium-large or large. They’re compatible with the original grip panels, but you have to use the new tool to install them.
Forward of the trigger guard, you’ll spot two ports in the polymer frame. When you look through these, you’ll see steel underneath because the internal chassis has been redesigned. It’s longer and extends farther into the polymer frame forward of the trigger area, providing more rigidity and, in theory, less felt recoil and improved accuracy.
M2.0 Specs of Tested Pistols
| .40 S&W | 9mm | 9mm | |
| Barrel length | 4.25 inches | 4.25 inches | 5 inches |
| Overall length | 7.4 inches | 7.4 inches | 8.25 inches |
| Height | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Weight | 30 ounces | 26.9 ounces | 34.9 ounces |
| Measured Trigger Pull | 5.25 pounds | 5 pounds | 6 pounds |
The M2.0 Trigger and Ammunition Performance
The biggest change on the 2.0 series is a dramatically improved trigger. When I say “dramatically improved,” I’m not just referring to the pull weight. The whole feel has been upgraded.
I received the M&P 2.0 in three different iterations for testing: a 9mm with a 4.25-inch barrel, a .40 S&W with a 4.25-inch barrel and a 9mm with a 5-inch barrel and manual safety. I’ve been shooting them for a couple of months, so the triggers are now well broken in. Using my Timney Trigger gauge, I measure a crisp 5.25-pound pull weight on the 4.25-inch .40 S&W version. The identical 9mm pistol measures exactly 5 pounds.
The sensation of the trigger press movement is where you’ll really notice the difference. The original didn’t have the smoothest sensation during the takeup stage and the whole break was a bit on the mushy side. With the new design, you’ll experience a grit-free take-up for about 1/2 inch, followed by 1/4 inch of constant-pressure travel until the shot breaks. There’s no stacking or tactile sensation that hints at the coming break.
The thumb safety version behaves just a bit differently. The trigger, while still improved over the original, is not quite as light and smooth — it measures a consistent 6 pounds. There’s also a very slight click just before the break, resulting from contact with the safety mechanism.
The improved trigger reset is worth noting. After about a quarter of an inch of trigger release, you’ll feel and hear a distinctive click, letting you know you can execute another trigger press. When you field-strip the pistols, you can see exactly how the trigger improved: on the original, the trigger bar slid underneath the sear, forcing it upward to release the striker. On the new design, the trigger bar contacts a lever well above the sear, creating mechanical advantage to move the sear so less pressure is required.
The trigger face itself is hinged for the trigger safety. Unless you press on the lower half of the trigger, it’s not going to move or fire a shot. That hinged portion at the bottom needs to be deliberately pulled back to start the whole process moving.
I also happen to have a couple of the original M&Ps here, and even though they are Performance Center versions with aftermarket trigger upgrades, there’s still a noticeable difference — the 2.0 series is better.
Ammunition Velocity
Ammunition Accuracy
Concealed Carry and Firearm Accessories
There’s good news if you already have accessories for a first-generation M&P: magazines and many holsters are compatible, so if you choose to upgrade, you get to take advantage of everything you bought before. Both 9mm pistols I tested have the full-sized frame, so capacity of the two included 17-round magazines is 17 rounds plus an extra in the chamber. The two magazines included with the .40 S&W version hold 15 rounds each. Given the carry-friendly size of the 4.25-inch-barrel compact, that’s a lot of capacity in an easily concealable pistol.
The 2.0 series also sports a three-slot rail, so you can attach light and laser accessories up front. Crimson Trace Lasergrips for the original M&P pistols fit the new series — I borrowed a set of Crimson Trace LG-660 Lasergrips for a full size, and they installed without a hitch. The grips add just under 2/10 of an inch of width to the very center of the grip where the batteries reside.
Shooting the M2.0: Range Results
Three different pistols came in for testing: a 9mm with a 4.25-inch barrel, a .40 S&W with a 4.25-inch barrel and a 9mm with a 5-inch barrel and thumb safety. I’ve been shooting all three with an assortment of practice and self-defense ammunition and have experienced no malfunctions. These pistols are very soft to shoot owing to the low bore axis and well-rounded contours. Both 9mm versions handled smoothly, and the .40 S&W presented only a slight increase in perceived muzzle rise by comparison.
Since I had multiple pistols in the same cartridge with different barrel lengths, I set up my Shooting Chrony Beta Master Chronograph 15 feet downrange and measured shot strings to compare velocity differences. I tested ammunition ranging from 115-grain and 124-grain practice loads to 147-grain defensive rounds including Federal American Eagle and SIG Sauer loads — all performed reliably.
I tested all three for practical accuracy from a good rest at 25 yards, firing five-shot groups and measuring the diameters of all five and that of the best three shots within. All three were dead-on for windage, with groups centered laterally according to my point of aim. Depending on the ammunition, impacts were either right through the front sight or right on top of it. Even though both front and rear sights are mounted in dovetails and adjustable side to side, no changes were needed. The factory sights are adequate for most shooting sports applications right out of the box.
2026 Editor’s Note: What Has Changed Since 2017
The lineup has expanded considerably since this review was originally published. Current variants include full-size, compact and subcompact options, plus C.O.R.E. variants cut for red dot optics, Performance Center editions and thumb safety and non-safety configurations across all options. The current lineup also includes .45 ACP variants. Color options now include Flat Dark Earth and two-tone stainless steel slides in addition to standard black. The Armornite finish is standard across the line for corrosion resistance. Most holsters and magazines from first-generation M&P accessories remain compatible with the current series.
Since its debut, the 2.0 has faced stiffer competition in the law enforcement and EDC markets. The Sig P320 has become a dominant law enforcement sidearm, and Springfield’s lineup has expanded aggressively. Shooters who want to modify their pistol with aftermarket parts will find more options available for the Glock platform, but the M&P 2.0 remains competitive out of the box without aftermarket work. The design has been recognized at Shot Show and within the shooting sports community as one of the more refined factory striker-fired options available.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that I liked these guns. I tend to carry either 9mm or .45 ACP, as I’ve always found that the increased recoil of the .40 S&W caliber negates some of the increased capacity benefits. However, with this pistol, I found the .40 S&W very easy to control and manage, even during fast strings of fire.
You can’t beat the capacity-to-size ratio of the 4.25-inch-barrel compact, and it makes a great concealed carry gun. Add the dramatically improved trigger and it’s a keeper.
Sources
Smith & Wesson: smith-wesson.com
Crimson Trace: crimsontrace.com
Federal Premium/American Eagle: federalpremium.com
SIG Sauer: sigsauer.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 a good pistol?
Based on range testing across three versions and an assortment of practice and self-defense ammunition, the 2.0 produced zero malfunctions. All three were dead-on for windage at 25 yards with no sight adjustments needed. The dramatically improved trigger and reliable performance make it a keeper.
What is the difference between the M&P 1.0 and M&P 2.0?
The 2.0 brings three meaningful upgrades: a dramatically improved trigger with a grit-free take-up and crisp break measuring 5 to 5.25 pounds on non-safety versions, a more aggressive skateboard-tape-style grip texture covering the full circumference including the front strap, and front slide serrations in addition to the original rear serrations. The internal chassis was also redesigned to extend farther into the polymer frame for added rigidity.
How many rounds does the M&P 2.0 hold?
Capacity varies by version and caliber. The full-size 9mm holds 17+1, the compact 9mm holds 15+1 and the subcompact 9mm holds 12+1. The .40 S&W full-size holds 15 rounds per magazine plus one in the chamber. Each pistol ships with two magazines.
Does the M&P 2.0 come with a safety?
The 2.0 is available in both thumb safety and non-safety configurations. The non-safety version uses a hinged trigger safety as its primary passive safety. The thumb safety version runs approximately 1 pound heavier on trigger pull and has a slight tactile click just before the break from contact with the safety mechanism.
