Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0: Evolution and Features

One of the most popular striker-fired semi-automatic pistols on the market today is the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0.

The M&P has evolved into the primary competitor to the Glock. As a result, there are now numerous aftermarket parts and accessories made for the M&P 2.0, and there are many IWB holsters and OWB holsters available as well.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the history and primary features of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0.

Evolution and History of the M&P 9

Smith & Wesson has long been making semi-automatic pistols. Their First Generation pistols were the Models 39 and 59, released in the 1950s, which were hammer-fired and metal framed. These guns developed through the years into the Second Generation and then the Third Generation such as the 5906. While very successful from the 1950s to 1990s, by the 2000s it was clear the era of hammer-fired metal framed guns were sun setting in favor of striker-fired polymer framed guns.

As a result, Smith & Wesson introduced the SW99 (a clone of the Walther P99) and the Sigma series, both of which were unsuccessful. Not giving up, Smith & Wesson designed the M&P pistol, which was first introduced in 2005. The M&P was originally built as an evolution of the Smith & Wesson SW99 and Sigma models and to succeed the Third Generation line of metal framed, DA/SA pistols.

Today, the M&P is in wide use with civilians and law enforcement units all over the globe. It has grown in popularity substantially to the point that it is now the primary competitor to the Glock 19 and Glock 17 pistols.

The M&P has essentially turned into Smith & Wesson’s flagship handgun, and there are countless variations of the pistols now available across multiple calibers. The M&P 2.0 was released in 2017 as an upgraded variant. We’ll discuss the primary features of the 2.0 next.

Features and Specs

The M&P9 2.0 has several improvements over the first generation M&P, including aggressive stippling on the grip and a drastically lighter trigger pull. It’s built using a Zytel polymer frame with a stainless steel chassis reinforcing the inside. The barrel and slide are built out of stainless steel, with an additional Melonite nitride finish applied to the outside. This Melonite finish, in addition to being very rust and corrosion resistant, also produces a non-glare surface.

The M&P9 2.0 also features a low bore axis, meaning that the slide runs low and closer to the frame. This reduces muzzle rise and also permits faster follow up shots. Standard trigger pull weight is 6.5 pounds for the standard model and just 4.5 pounds for the Pro series.

The sights are built out of iron and are dovetailed into the slide, meaning that they can be easily adjusted for windage. Novak Tritium sights are also available in the Pro series as an upgrade. A Picatinny rail is integrated into the bottom of the frame for attaching lights and lasers.

Standard capacity of the M&P9 2.0 is 17 rounds, but 10 round magazines are also available for states and jurisdictions with restrictions.

Specs of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0:

• Country of Origin: United States
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 17 rounds (standard factory magazine, extended magazines also available)
• Overall Length: 7.4 inches
• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
• Weight: 24 ounces
• Width: 1.2 inches
• Height: 5.5 inches

Conclusion

Reliable, ergonomic, and available in countless different configurations, the M&P9 2.0 is an excellent choice for a duty pistol in today’s day and age and a solid alternative to the Glock.