A Legacy of Innovation
Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with American firearms, has a long and storied history. From revolvers that helped shape the Wild West to the modern semi-automatic pistols favored by law enforcement and civilians alike, the company has consistently adapted and innovated. The M&P (Military & Police) series represents a particularly important chapter in Smith & Wesson’s story, designed with input from law enforcement agencies and aiming to provide a modern, reliable, and user-friendly platform. The M&P 2.0 series took the foundational design and meticulously refined it, addressing some of the criticisms of the original M&P while enhancing its already impressive strengths. The compact version, in particular, is a sweet spot for many, balancing concealability with sufficient firepower and ease of use.
What Makes It Compact?
The term “compact” in the firearms world usually refers to a handgun designed to offer a balance between concealability and shootability. The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact achieves this balance by shrinking the dimensions of a full-size pistol without sacrificing too much in terms of magazine capacity or grip comfort. This careful balance allows the shooter to carry the handgun discreetly, making it an excellent choice for everyday carry (EDC). The smaller size lends itself to easier concealment under clothing, and the smaller size also makes it somewhat easier to maneuver during close-quarters engagements. This makes it a suitable choice for both personal defense and professional applications. The specific dimensions, including length, height, and width, are crucial to understanding how easily it can be concealed, making it a popular option for people that need a concealed carry pistol (CCP).
Unveiling the Key Features
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is packed with features designed to improve handling, performance, and overall user experience. Several key characteristics deserve special attention:
Modular Design
The M&P 2.0 Compact embraces a modular design, allowing for customization.
Enhanced Trigger
The trigger is one of the most significant improvements over the original M&P.
Aggressive Grip Texture
The aggressively textured grip ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions.
Stainless Steel Construction
The use of stainless steel for both the barrel and slide contributes to the pistol’s durability and corrosion resistance.
Ambidextrous Controls
The ambidextrous slide stop allows for ease of use for both right and left-handed shooters.
Interchangeable Backstraps
This feature allows for adjustment of the grip to suit various hand sizes.
Examining the Core: Design and Construction
The M&P 2.0 Compact’s design philosophy centers around durability, reliability, and user-friendliness. A closer look at its key components reveals the attention to detail that Smith & Wesson has poured into this handgun.
The Frame’s Architecture
The frame of the M&P 2.0 Compact is crafted from a high-strength polymer. This material provides a good balance of durability, light weight, and resistance to corrosion. The frame also incorporates the fire control system, the grip, and the magazine well. The grip’s texture is one of the most defining characteristics. It’s an aggressive, textured surface that ensures a secure hold, even when wet or in stressful situations. This enhanced grip helps to mitigate recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots. The interchangeable backstraps are another critical feature. Three sizes are usually included with the gun, allowing you to tailor the grip circumference to your hand size. This customization ensures a comfortable and secure grip, which is critical for accurate shooting.
The Slide and Its Finishes
The slide of the M&P 2.0 Compact is constructed from stainless steel, chosen for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. The slide’s finish contributes to the pistol’s aesthetics and provides a degree of protection against wear and tear. Various finishes may be available, such as a matte black or a Cerakote finish. The sights are mounted on the slide. While the standard sights are adequate for many shooters, the M&P 2.0 Compact is designed to accept aftermarket sights, including tritium night sights for low-light conditions.
The Barrel’s Core
The barrel is crafted from stainless steel and typically features a black melonite finish for added durability. The barrel’s length is optimized for the compact size, still providing excellent accuracy and the ability to maintain a high velocity. The internal rifling of the barrel imparts spin on the bullet as it exits the muzzle, further enhancing the accuracy and range.
Controls at a Glance
The controls of the M&P 2.0 Compact are designed to be user-friendly and accessible. The ambidextrous slide stop lever, if present in the model, is positioned for easy access, allowing both right- and left-handed shooters to operate the slide easily. The magazine release is well-placed and allows for quick magazine changes. Trigger safety mechanisms are usually incorporated, such as a trigger safety that prevents the pistol from firing if the trigger is not fully depressed. Some models include a manual safety for an added layer of security.
Triggering Performance
The M&P 2.0 Compact’s trigger system is a significant improvement over the original M&P. It’s a key element in the overall shooting experience and contributes significantly to the pistol’s accuracy and ease of use.
The Improved Trigger
The trigger on the M&P 2.0 Compact features a crisp break, a short reset, and a more defined feel than the earlier versions. The trigger’s pull weight is generally in a comfortable range, making it easy to control shots. This improved trigger contributes significantly to the overall user experience.
Measuring Precision
The M&P 2.0 Compact is capable of impressive accuracy. The combination of a good trigger, a well-designed barrel, and the ergonomic grip contributes to the pistol’s ability to produce tight shot groupings. The inherent accuracy of the platform, combined with the shooter’s skill, makes it a viable choice for self-defense and competition shooting. The accuracy is often demonstrated when using a variety of ammo.
The Reliability Factor
The M&P 2.0 Compact is known for its reliability. This means that it’s able to consistently fire and eject cartridges without malfunctions. Careful design, quality components, and rigorous testing all contribute to the pistol’s reliability. A reliable handgun is absolutely essential for self-defense.
Managing Recoil
The M&P 2.0 Compact handles recoil effectively, making follow-up shots easier. The aggressive grip texture helps provide a solid grip, which aids in controlling the gun. The design of the grip and the internal mechanisms contribute to the overall recoil management. The shooter is in control, minimizing the impact of recoil.
Ergonomics and Handling: A Seamless Experience
The overall feel of a handgun in your hand is a crucial factor in its usability. The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact excels in ergonomics, providing a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience.
A Comfortable Grip
The grip of the M&P 2.0 Compact is designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes. The interchangeable backstraps are a major factor in achieving this, allowing shooters to customize the grip’s thickness and contour to their preference. The textured grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold.
Weight and Balance
The M&P 2.0 Compact is well-balanced, making it easy to handle and control. The weight of the gun is optimized to provide a comfortable feel while minimizing the impact of recoil. The balanced weight distribution also aids in aiming and maintaining a steady sight picture.
Ease of Use
The controls of the M&P 2.0 Compact are designed to be user-friendly. The ambidextrous slide stop lever is easy to access, and the magazine release is well-placed. Field stripping and maintenance are straightforward. The overall ease of use makes the M&P 2.0 Compact a great choice for both experienced shooters and those new to handguns.
Weighing the Good and the Bad
No firearm is perfect, and the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is no exception. Evaluating its pros and cons allows potential buyers to make an informed decision.
Advantages
The M&P 2.0 Compact boasts several significant advantages. Its reliability, proven through extensive testing, makes it a trustworthy tool. The enhanced trigger contributes to improved accuracy and a more enjoyable shooting experience. The aggressive grip texture ensures a secure hold, while the modular design allows for customization to suit individual needs. The overall value for the price, makes it an appealing choice. The M&P 2.0 compact is a great Smith and Wesson gun.
Potential Drawbacks
There are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Some shooters might find the aggressive grip texture too abrasive. Aftermarket support, while growing, may not be as extensive as for some other popular platforms. The location of the slide release may not be ideal for every shooter.
Comparing it to Other Compact Competitors
The compact handgun market is crowded with excellent options. The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact goes up against some formidable rivals.
Against the Competition
The Glock 19, a legendary compact pistol, is often considered a benchmark. The M&P 2.0 Compact shares many similarities with the Glock 19, but offers some advantages, particularly in terms of ergonomics and trigger feel. The SIG Sauer P320 Compact, another popular choice, features a modular design similar to the M&P 2.0 Compact. While similar, these handguns offer different features.
What Sets It Apart
The M&P 2.0 Compact distinguishes itself with its enhanced trigger, improved grip texture, and ergonomic design. The overall value and the balance between concealability, shootability, and reliability make it a compelling choice.
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact is an excellent handgun, demonstrating advancements over its predecessors. It’s a well-designed, reliable, and user-friendly pistol, perfectly suited for concealed carry and personal defense. It’s a pistol that inspires confidence.
This is a great gun for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-handle compact handgun. Its combination of features, performance, and value makes it an appealing choice for both experienced shooters and those new to handguns.
If you’re looking for a compact pistol that is ready to carry, the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact should be high on your list. It’s a testament to Smith & Wesson’s commitment to producing high-quality firearms.
The Right Choice
If you are looking for a compact handgun that balances size, shootability, and reliability, consider the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact. It’s a compelling package for anyone seeking a reliable handgun for personal defense. Consider what type of shooter you are and the features that you need.
Call to Action
Do you own a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
