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Home Articles

First Look: S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm In-Depth Review

Ben Findley by Ben Findley
October 3, 2017 - Updated On December 29, 2021
in Articles, Gun Reviews
Reading Time: 14 mins read
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Just this month, Smith & Wesson introduced their M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm handgun to supplement its M&P M2.0 full-size gun released earlier this year. It is my opinion that this new compact 9mm will directly compete with the very successful Glock 19 compact 9mm pistol, used by many for concealed carry. There are other compact 4-inch barreled guns that compete in this compact category. I shall present some later in this review.

The M2.0 Compact is intended to provide major changes from the original M&P 9 C design (especially the trigger, aggressive texturized grip, and extended stainless steel chassis for stability.) I wanted to test and evaluate the changes and improvements for this compact concealed carry gun for myself, since I already own the other variants. I was ready to especially experience the improved trigger, audible and tactile short reset, the more aggressive grip and improved ergonomics, 4 palmswell inserts, and the stainless steel chassis, etc. Thanks to Smith-Wesson I was able to receive one of the first ones produced to test and evaluate it for readers, students, and for myself.

I wondered if this M2.0 Compact would meet my preferences and personal criteria for my concealed carry or home defense guns? Are the trigger improvements and short, tactile and audible reset really “significant” improvements? Does the extended steel chassis help any with muzzle flip and felt recoil? Is the trigger press lighter, crisper, and smooth compared to the original version’s hard press? Does the grip texturing help for a more solid grip? I want to analyze, compare, and evaluate this M&P M2.0 Compact relative to some of my top 9mm guns, so I can recommend it or not in this article. Some of my students will shoot and evaluate it and give me feedback. I have reviewed several 9mm compact and full-size guns in depth recently, several on this website. I evaluate my Top 21 concealed carry guns in the recent second printing of my book “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.” I definitely favor the 9mm for concealed carry and want to help readers and students compare this new model to my other recommended 9mms. The Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm series has a reputation for quality and accuracy, so how does this improved M2.0 Compact model rate?

I use my handgun selection criteria, compare each criterion to the gun’s features, and show my range test results for the M2.0 Compact, to help you analyze your handguns and make the best selection for yourself. You can add or subtract from my criteria to meet your needs and preferences. I was very anxious to compare it factor by factor to my other quality 9mm guns and receive input from some of my students to see if it truly ranked in my top concealed carry pistols. Know that I am not on the Smith-Wesson payroll, have not been paid by them for this article, and not influenced to say certain things about the gun. I want to be honest and straight-forward with my opinions and ideas the way I see the pistol to sincerely help folks. Specifically, I want to hands-on test and evaluate to learn:

  1. How accurate is it out of the box, with the improvements and without modifications?
  2. What weight is the new trigger press? Is the trigger really light, smooth and crisp?
  3. Does it have a short and distinct reset that is easy to feel and hear?
  4. Is it a reliable gun with FMJ and JHP ammo?
  5. Does the extended rigid and steel chassis frame help with muzzle flip, recoil, and reduce torque when firing it? (6) Is the high grip-to-barrel-bore axis comfortable for me and does it help reduce muzzle rise and help for a faster aim recovery?
  6. Is the slide stop truly ambidextrous and does it freely and easily control the slide?
  7. Do you have to press the trigger to disassemble it or can you deactivate the sear easily beforehand?
  8. Which of the 4 interchangeable palmswell grip inserts work best for me?
  9. Does the 18-degree grip angle work for me and must I rotate my hand to operate the controls with this angle?
  10. Is the grip texture too aggressive for me and like gritty sandpaper or not?
  11. What are its pros, cons, and special features?
  12. Is this a 9mm compact gun I would recommend or not for concealed carry and/or home defense?

First, I will give you the M&P M2.0 Compact’s Specifications and special Features. Then, I will follow with a mini-visual comparison between the original M&P 9 C and this new M&P M2.0 Compact. Then I will present a chart comparing this new M2.0 Compact to 6 other current 4-inch barrel 9mms for concealed carry. Next comes my 10 criteria and their definitions. Following this, I will conduct my live-fire range test, show actual results, and give my opinions with ratings and support for each of my criteria, with individual one-by-one analysis and ratings. Then my final overall recommendation or not is given, based on my assigned number of points and my opinions. I hope this saves you some time and helps you make an important decision about what 9mm compact handgun to buy for concealed carry.

Jump to section

2. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Features

  • 1. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Specifications
  • 2. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Features
  • 3. Criteria and Considerations for this Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol
  • 4. Smith-Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Range Test
  • 5. Range Test Results for the S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm for each of my 10 Criteria
  • 6. Total Points = 95 out of 100 Possible.

S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm DEALS

  • Palmetto State Armory
    $499.99 VIEW
  • Low Barrel Bore Axis for Comfortable Grip and Better Control
  • Optimal 18-Degree Grip Angle – Comfortable
  • 4 Interchangeable Palmsweel Grip Inserts (S, M, ML and L)
  • Enhanced Trigger – Improved Short, Soft and Smooth Press. Clean Break; Crisp, Short Reset
  • Extended, Rigid Embedded Stainless Steel Chasis to reduce flex and torque; keeps gun rigid and stable when shooting rapidly
  • Rounded with No Sharp Edges – Small and Concealable; Low Profile
  • Aggressively Textures Backstraps – just right for better control; not slippery
  • Do Not Need to Press Trigger to Field Strip
M&P 9 Compact (Left- probably the new "Subcompact") & Enhanced M&P 9 M2.0 Compact (Right)
M&P 9 Compact (Left- probably the new “Subcompact”) & Enhanced M&P 9 M2.0 Compact (Right)

The new for 2017 Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 9mm Compact has a 4 inch barrel, while the M&P 9 Compact from about 10 years ago has a 3.5 inch barrel. Both have no grip finger grooves and the M2.0 Compact has a nice more texturized grip and a better trigger, in my opinion. Both are great concealed carry guns, but the older M&P 9 C will probably become the new subcompact concealed carry gun, while the new M2.0 is the compact concealed carry gun. There are plenty of 4-inch barrel 9mm concealed carry guns on the market now and below are just a few.

Dimensions Comparison of Some 4-Inch Barrel 9mm concealed carry Handguns [with original M&P 9 Compact (or “subcompact”) ]:

S&W M&P M2.0 CompactS&W M&P 9 CompactGlock 19CZ P10 CompactSA EMP 4 Contour SAOSA XDs 4Sig Sauer P320 Compact
Weight Empty (oz)2421.723.6526312525.8
Length (in)7.256.707.367.307.507.007.20
Capacity1512151510715
Height (in)5.004.304.995.205.504.405.30
Width (in)1.201.181.181.261.151.001.30
Barrel (in)4.003.514.014.024.004.003.90
Aggressive Grip Texture of M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm is Just Right for Me
Aggressive Grip Texture of M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm is Just Right for Me
Jump to section

2. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Features

  • 1. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Specifications
  • 2. Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Features
  • 3. Criteria and Considerations for this Smith Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol
  • 4. Smith-Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm Pistol Range Test
  • 5. Range Test Results for the S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm for each of my 10 Criteria
  • 6. Total Points = 95 out of 100 Possible.
Page 2 of 6
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Tags: 9mmcompactm2.0reviews&w
Ben Findley

Ben Findley

Col. Ben" is retired with 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as "Expert" in small arms. Ben is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force's Air War College and taught there. He is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, certified NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor. He shot competitively and ranked for several years in four International Defense Pistol Association handgun divisions and now teaches Florida Concealed Carry classes. He was recently selected for the Florida Veterans' Hall of Fame. Col. Ben is a Vietnam-era Veteran and Persian Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and the Bosnia War-era Veteran.

Ben is a Florida Expert Legal Witness: Handguns, Concealed Carry, & Safety with the First Judicial Circuit, Florida- Office of Public Defender. He is a graduate of the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Academy for civilians at Escambia County, FL and a graduate of the Pensacola, FL Police Department's Police Academy for civilians. He completed Sig Sauer Academy's Practical Handgun Skills course in New Hampshire, as well as the Advanced Concealed Carry Course with FFT. He also completed the NRA Advanced and Intermediate courses in Concealed Carry and Personal Protection Outside the Home. His doctorate degree is in business and education and he served as a certified federal Mediator and Ombudsman. While serving as Deputy Commander for NW FL and AL, Admission Liaison Officers, U.S. Air Force Academy, he was given the Outstanding Counselor award and the Tallman Outstanding Leadership Service award. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit medal by HQ, Air University.

Ben wrote the 5-Star, 367-page, top-rated book "Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection" (second printing) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters. His reference book is available in 4 countries, endorsed by several handgun organizations, on the NRA Bookshelf, and is available at a discount on his website at FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at [email protected].

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