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Thoughts on the new M&P 2.0 Compact

68K views 443 replies 74 participants last post by  fastbolt 
#1 ·
I've seen a few short articles and advertisements for the new Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 compact recently and I have to say I'm pretty intrigued by it. It is basically a Glock 19 sized M&P. What I like about it over the Glock is the 18 degree grip angle, the grip texture, metal sights, stainless steel inner chassis, and just the basic styling. The thing I don't like as much is the articulated trigger, of course that can be changed out for an Apex unit.
I had planned on picking up a gen 5 19, but now I'm not so sure. I may wait a while and see what kind of reviews and real world experience people have with the 2.0 compact first. What are the initial thoughts of the GT folks? Like it, hate it, don't care? Let's hear it?
 
#298 ·
Had a chance to test-fire a 2.0 Compact the other day. It belongs to another instructor (who could buy it here in CA, using the peace officer exemption).

My initial thought was that it felt great in my hand. Slim and a "perfect" fit. He said it had the Medium backstrap/palmswell installed. Plenty of "grip" friction.

Great balance in the hand, with a "lively" feel. The slightly shorter grip and slide feels "quick" in the hand compared to the slightly larger full-size M&P's, but more hand-filling and with a little more "heft" than the standard compacts.

He had a bright red fiber optic front sight and plain black/serrated rear sight (which made picking up a complete sight picture in low light a bit challenging).

Nice trigger pull and excellent practical accuracy at various distances.

If I were still working, I'd be tempted to get one and carry it as an optional/approved personally-owned duty weapon, and I gave up the desire to carry anything other than issued weapons many years ago.

Bottom line? This new 2.0 Compact is serious competition to the G19. Great handling and shooting duty-size 9.

I suspect we're going to see a lot more duty holsters filled with the handier sized G19 & 2.0C as time passes. ;)
 
#300 ·
Had a chance to test-fire a 2.0 Compact the other day. It belongs to another instructor (who could buy it here in CA, using the peace officer exemption).

My initial thought was that it felt great in my hand. Slim and a "perfect" fit. He said it had the Medium backstrap/palmswell installed. Plenty of "grip" friction.

Great balance in the hand, with a "lively" feel. The slightly shorter grip and slide feels "quick" in the hand compared to the slightly larger full-size M&P's, but more hand-filling and with a little more "heft" than the standard compacts.

He had a bright red fiber optic front sight and plain black/serrated rear sight (which made picking up a complete sight picture in low light a bit challenging).

Nice trigger pull and excellent practical accuracy at various distances.

If I were still working, I'd be tempted to get one and carry it as an optional/approved personally-owned duty weapon, and I gave up the desire to carry anything other than issued weapons many years ago.

Bottom line? This new 2.0 Compact is serious competition to the G19. Great handling and shooting duty-size 9.

I suspect we're going to see a lot more duty holsters filled with the handier sized G19 & 2.0C as time passes. ;)
I for one appreciate your honest review of your thoughts on the 2.0.
 
#307 ·
Well, I took mine to the range this weekend for the first time. I spent most of the time playing with which blackstrap I like the most.

Anyways, shot a box of Critical Duty 135gr +p (my carry ammo), and two boxes of Freedom Munitions 115gr reman. 0 issues, and solid ejection pattern. This was a bare stock run, but I’ll be adding new sights this week. Not sure if I’ll be modifying the trigger or not yet. I like the hinge design (sue me), and the reset is definitely there.

Overall: very pleased with the gun, and I’ll probably be selling my 2.0 4.25, and keep the compact and the 5.0 FDE competition gun. (Feel free to send me a PM if interested in the 4.25, happy to discuss sending it to your FFL). I paid $425 shipped to my FFL from Keely Arms. For the price, I couldn’t pass up, and I like it better than my Gen4 19 so far. Buy in confidence!
 

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#309 · (Edited)
#310 ·
Here are two pretty informative vids about the M&P 2.0 pistols. I wrote S&W off after the issues I had with the first M&P 1.0 gen version and swore I was done with S&W pistols. Well, I tried one of the 2.0 compacts and I will just say I am impressed. Mine has been reliable and very accurate through around 900 rds of various types and weights of ammo.The trigger on mine is decent and I have had absolutely no issues at all. I have owned all the top 9mm brands in the last 30 years. Currently, my favorites in the following order are : #1- The S&W M&P 2.0 compact #2- CZ P-10C #3- Glock Gen 5 G19



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvtWF_D0ZM8



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhPk1kjKLPM
 
#316 · (Edited)
Really useful ambi slide release on modern most popular striker fired pistol?
Generation 5 Glock, CZ P10c, FN 509, H&K VP-9, Walther PPQ. The M&P 2.0? not that much... even so, I prefer the 2.0 Compact because all other reasons.
 
#318 ·
Really useful ambi slide release on modern most popular striker fired pistol?
Generation 5 Glock, CZ P10c, FN 509, H&K VP-9, Walther PPQ. The M&P 2.0? not that much... even so, I prefer the 2.0 Compact because all other reasons.
I own and carry the vp9 and the slide release does work equally well on both sides. Kind of a shame S&W couldn't get it right but definitely not a deal breaker.
 
#322 ·
I handled a 2.0 at my LGS and I just couldn’t understand the hype.
It’s not that I didn’t like it but It will not replace my G19.
It’s not that good.
lol
You will buy a New M&P 2.0 Compact...
:fred:
 
#325 ·
MAC did not fall all over himself raving about this gun like he did about the P10c but owners don't seem to be reporting many negative issues.

Just from what I've read on the internet it seems like it's off to a good start.

Regards
Happyguy :)
 
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#329 ·
Picked my sample up yesterday.
The trigger has reverted back to the early M&P in terms of markedly gritty take-up that was not the case on my full-sized 2.0, but the break's decent & I'm not one who cares about the reset.

If it choots well, it'll be the new carry pistol, replacing the new full-sized 2.0.
I look at things like this & wonder why Glock, after so many years, still can't produce a grip that fits the hand comfortably. :)
Denis
 
#336 ·
Picked my sample up yesterday.
The trigger has reverted back to the early M&P in terms of markedly gritty take-up that was not the case on my full-sized 2.0, but the break's decent & I'm not one who cares about the reset.

If it choots well, it'll be the new carry pistol, replacing the new full-sized 2.0.
I look at things like this & wonder why Glock, after so many years, still can't produce a grip that fits the hand comfortably. :)
Denis
if you have a little grittiness it will likely clear up quickly after shooting it.

I believe it's from the way the trigger bar flops over against the ambi slide stop connector bar. The trigger bar slides against it until it lifts away from the angled slide stop bar.

You can shoot it, polish the bars where you see a slight wear mark or get an apex trigger. The Apex trigger holds the bar proud away from the slide stop connector bar. The Apex trigger in the M2.0 is remarkable.
 
#330 ·
Yeah I kinda followed your lead and seem to have struck a nerve. You would have to buy the full sized M&P (or any other full sized gun) to get the standard 17 rounds as H&K hasn't figured it out.
Screw you buddy. I'll let you in on a little secret. I don't own HK or have any stock in the company so I really could care less about what you think about their decision to short you 2 rounds in their magazines. I guess you are a S&W stockholder or wouldn't take such offense to such an offhand comment and let it offend you so. No one else was offended. Youre the typical mommas basement keyboard warrior. I can absolutely guarantee you wouldn't say anything remotely offensive to my face you scumbag.
 
#342 ·
I bought two full-sized M&P .40s a while back, separated by about three years.

Both had notably gritty take-ups.
The 2.0 full-size 9mm earlier this year did not.
The new compact 2.0 9mm is back to that gritty take-up. :)

Yes, it should reduce.
I'm just commenting on the sample here as part of the new model discussion, to advise what I found on my sample.
I'm not complaining.
I've seen commentary elsewhere on exactly the same grittiness in other new 2.0 compacts.
Just advising it's here on this one.

Forgot to address the slide lock from earlier posts.

S&W deliberately re-designed the slide stop such that it has a new detent on the left side & a new engagement dynamic on the right side.
Both were designed to remove the tendency in many M&P pistols to auto-close on a mag insertion/reload.

It is NOT designed or intended to be an ambi slide release.
It is not designed or intended to be a right-side release.

The slide can be locked by pushing UP on either side, but is designed & intended to be ONLY pushed UP on the right side as a slide lock, and not DOWN on the right side as a slide release.

This is one of the new design features of the 2.0 pistols.
If you can't release the slide from the right side, the gun's operating exactly as S&W intends it to be operating.
If you can, it's actually not.
Denis
 
#343 ·
I bought two full-sized M&P .40s a while back, separated by about three years.

Both had notably gritty take-ups.
The 2.0 full-size 9mm earlier this year did not.
The new compact 2.0 9mm is back to that gritty take-up. :)

Yes, it should reduce.
I'm just commenting on the sample here as part of the new model discussion, to advise what I found on my sample.
I'm not complaining.
I've seen commentary elsewhere on exactly the same grittiness in other new 2.0 compacts.
Just advising it's here on this one.

Forgot to address the slide lock from earlier posts.

S&W deliberately re-designed the slide stop such that it has a new detent on the left side & a new engagement dynamic on the right side.
Both were designed to remove the tendency in many M&P pistols to auto-close on a mag insertion/reload.

It is NOT designed or intended to be an ambi slide release.
It is not designed or intended to be a right-side release.

The slide can be locked by pushing UP on either side, but is designed & intended to be ONLY pushed UP on the right side as a slide lock, and not DOWN on the right side as a slide release.

This is one of the new design features of the 2.0 pistols.
If you can't release the slide from the right side, the gun's operating exactly as S&W intends it to be operating.
If you can, it's actually not.
Denis
Good info. Both of my 2.0 compacts have a somewhat gritty take-up but it is getting better as more rounds are put through the gun. I also noticed it doesnt auto close when slamming the mag home..a feature I like. Meaning I like the auto close, one less step I have to worry about. Regardless, love the 2.0 compact!
 
#347 ·
I stopped by Point Blank today and they had a single compact 9 in the case.

It was a good looking, good feeling gun, and it was just the right size in my opinion. The trigger in this one had no noticeable grit in the take up and had a very clean break with little to no creep. I might replace the trigger with an APEX trigger, but the sear and firing pin block were just fine the way they are .

I would have bought it if it had a thumb safety and wasn't priced at $549.00

I will end up with one of these sooner or later.

Regards,
Happyguy :)
 
#348 · (Edited)
I installed the Apec Tactical Duty/Carry trigger enhancement kit in my M&P 2.0 compact a couple of days ago. The factory trigger is not bad, especially once you get some rounds through it. With the Apex kit installed, it now pretty much equals my CZ P-10c's trigger that has around 1400 rds on it. The trigger reset is just a *little* less audible than the P-10c's trigger, but still has a plenty tactile feel and is audible enough for anyone. The shape and the width of the Apex trigger shoe *for me* is much better than the factory hinged version. The Apex kit not only shortened the take up, but now it is completely and absolutely smooth. The triggers wall and break point have also been moved forward some, I am guessing around 1/16" of an inch or so. M&P triggers usually break farther back than most striker pistols in my experience. I am glad now that I did not wait and get the forward setting sear kit coming out soon, as the duty/carry kit is perfect in everyway, *for me*. *My* 2.0 compact not only has been perfect in the reliability department through 800 rds, but it has very good accuracy, equaling my CZ P-10c and the VP9 I used to own. I out shoot my Gen 5 G19 with my 2.0 compact and P-10C by around 1.500" inches at 25 yds. It also has no BTF which my Gen 5 G19 still occasionally does. *IF* my 2.0 compact pistol continues to perform as it has, which is perfect, in 6 months or so, I will most likely be thinning the herd out some. Other than adding some new sights of my preference, I like everything about it. I have never been able to say that about a pistol before, and I have owned a bunch of them through the years. So right now *for me*, it is the best 9mm pistol I have ever owned, bar none.
I wish I had a trigger pull weight gauge to see what the trigger breaks at, but it is absolutely perfect for me. Not to heavy and not to light. Just a bit heavier than my P-10c, probably right at 4.5 lbs and no creep. Also using the medium large grip insert, this pistol fits my hand just right and makes the trigger reach just right for me. I have also gotten used to the grip texture and do not plan on toning it down at all, as I carry OWB. IMHO, it has better grip texture than my P-10c and is way better than my Gen 5 G19.


 
#351 ·
Oh my, so brave AND manly.

H&K still hasn't figured out how to make a 17 round magazine.
Yes I am. If I'm not mistaken hk has made a few 30 rounders in their day. Not that it really matters being that I don't work for HK and I just buy what I enjoy. Just like im going to buy an M&P 2.0 compact even though it's a 15 round gun.
 
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