Still a Strong Choice in 2026

The S&W M&P9 M2.0 has been around long enough that it no longer needs to prove it belongs among the major striker-fired pistols. Smith & Wesson has continued developing the platform with updated triggers, optics-ready configurations and an increasingly broad M&P lineup.

My experience goes back to an earlier version of the M2.0. I own both a full-size and Compact model and have put roughly 1,000 combined rounds through them without a malfunction.That gives this review a slightly different perspective. Rather than looking only at what Smith & Wesson sells today, I can also tell you what has held up over time—and where newer M&P M2.0 pistols have improved on the guns I originally reviewed.

Editor’s Update: This review has been updated for 2026 to reflect changes within the current S&W M&P M2.0 lineup, including newer trigger and optics-ready configurations. Justin’s hands-on testing and scores are based on his earlier full-size and Compact M2.0 pistols, so his original shooting experience has been preserved while outdated product information, accessories and buying information have been updated.

S&W M&P9 M2.0 Background

Smith & Wesson introduced the polymer-framed M&P pistol in 2005 and followed with the M2.0 generation in 2017. The M2.0 brought meaningful changes to the platform, including more aggressive grip texture and an extended internal steel chassis. Smith & Wesson also retained one of the M&P’s most useful features: interchangeable palmswell inserts that allow shooters to adjust how the grip fits their hands.

The M&P family has continued to evolve since this pistol was produced. Newer configurations have added features such as optics-ready slides and Smith & Wesson’s newer flat-face trigger. My full-size test gun is an earlier S&W M&P9 M2.0 with a 4.25-inch barrel, 17-round magazine, and the original S&W M&P9 M2.0 hinged trigger. I also own the 4-inch Compact with its 15-round magazine. That distinction matters because some of my criticisms, particularly about the trigger, apply specifically to these earlier M2.0 pistols.

S&W M&P9 M2.0 – Our Take

Now the real reason you’re here…The meat and potatoes of the review. Let’s dig in and see how this M&P fares.

Reliability

The M&P line is about as reliable as a gun gets. I have two M&Ps, one full-sized, one Compact, both 2.0 variants. After shooting a combined 1,000 rounds I have yet to have a malfunction, and I don’t think my experience is atypical. The M&P lives up to our modern expectations of reliability.

Accuracy

The M&P line has been plagued with supposed accuracy problems since the very beginning, and I often see this blamed on barrel quality. A cottage industry sprang up offering replacements for the factory tubes. Much of this is probably overblown; most shooters probably aren’t coming close to the mechanical accuracy of the gun. Though a new barrel is not a listed feature of the 2.0 model these complaints seem to have died down somewhat.

The trigger was easily my biggest complaint about my original S&W M&P9 M2.0.

My pistols use the earlier hinged M2.0 trigger. The take-up is long, the wall isn’t particularly distinct and the break has more movement than I prefer. It works, and I’ve shot the pistol well with it, but it never became one of my favorite factory triggers.

That’s worth clarifying today because the M&P line has continued to evolve. Newer M2.0 configurations are available with Smith & Wesson’s flat-face trigger, so someone shopping a current pistol may have a noticeably different trigger experience than I did with my earlier test gun.

For my particular pistol, however, the trigger remains the component I’d be most inclined to change.

The M&P’s factory sights aren’t bad at all. They are all steel with three dots. I’ll be honest – I could care less about the dots, but these are still quality sights. Though I replace most of my sights with Heinie Straight-8s (including my M&Ps) I’m still glad S&W deigned to put metal in the sight dovetails.

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of the M&P are what drove me to it. I am all about the idea of “dance with the one that brung ya” (as my dad would say) when it comes to shooting the guns you are issued. Whether you’re issued a Beretta 92, a custom 1911, or a Glock 17 (I have been issued all of the above) you overlook your objections and get as good as you possibly can with it. If your guns aren’t issued, though, get what objectively works the best for you.

I can shoot a Glock reasonably well but it feels like a 2×4 in my hand. And it’s not just about my feels, it’s also about the fact that I have a very hard time preventing the gun from shifting during recoil. The M&P fixes that. The grip is more aggressive, it’s curved to accommodate an actual human hand, and equally important, it’s small enough for me. I can’t say enough good things about the ergonomics of the M&P 2.0.

And that doesn’t just go for the grip. The reversible magazine release is well designed, being large and prominent enough to hit reliably. The 2.0 version of the M&P has an ambidextrous slide stop/release lever, and the general feel of the thing. It’s a well-engineered pistol.

Other Variations

The M&P line includes numerous other variations, including the full-size, 4.25” barrel shown here, a Compact, 4” barrel model (also pictured here) and a long-slide, 5” model. M&Ps are available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. The longer, full-sized magazines can be shared with the Compact M&Ps of like caliber. An OEM grip sleeve, similar to the one on the 8-round Shield magazines is available to extend the Compact’s grip surface when using the longer mags.

The double-stack M&P pistols are available with or without a thumb safety. Though I have opted not to go with the safety on my M&Ps, the safety is well executed and not unlike a 1911 thumb safety.

If you don’t like something about your M&P there’s a lot you can do about it. As one of the most popular pistols on the market, just about every option under the sun is available to you. Nearly everyone makes holsters for the M&P. The accessory rail supports all manner of lights and lasers. Sights of all stripe including night sights, fiber optics, plain black sights are available all day long. Upgraded internal parts – most notably from Apex Tactical Specialities – can fix just about any problem, real or perceived – that you might have with your M&P.

Current M&P M2.0 Options

The M&P M2.0 family has expanded considerably since Justin’s test pistols were introduced. Current configurations include full-size and Compact pistols, optics-ready versions and models using Smith & Wesson’s newer flat-face trigger. You can learn more about the current 4-inch M&P9 M2.0 Compact here.

Pros & Cons

Reliability	Outstanding – as good as anything on the market today.	A+
Accuracy	Though decently shootable the M&P is a long, spongy trigger that makes a Glock feel like a custom 1911.	B
Shootability	One of the nicest full-sized guns to shoot. The only thing really docking points here is that dang trigger.	A-
Ergonomics	One of the best feeling, most comfortable pistols out there.	A+
Value	An average price for an above average pistol.	A

Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Justin Fields

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S&W M&P9 M2.0 Starter Pack

S&W M&P9 M2.0 Gun Deals

Best Accessories for the S&W M&P9 M2.0

If you plan on carrying this weapon, don’t be a dope and just shove it down your pants. Get a quality holster. But there’s so many holsters out there, it can be really difficult to find the right one for you. If I had to choose a holster, these three would right at the top of my list.

Best Ammo for Your S&W M&P9 M2.0

Breaking in and getting to know your firearm is one of the most important parts of owning one. What’s the point if you don’t know how to shoot. However, if you start taking your working rounds out to the range, you’ll find bigger holes in your wallet than your target. Be sure to set aside some quality range and working ammunition in order to best balance your shooting.

Final Thoughts

Years after I started shooting the S&W M&P9 M2.0, the things I liked most about it haven’t really changed. The grip still fits my hands exceptionally well. The interchangeable palmswell system gives shooters useful control over fit, and both of my M2.0 pistols have proven extremely reliable.

My biggest complaint was always the trigger on my earlier guns. Smith & Wesson’s continued development of the M2.0 line makes that criticism less universal today, since newer configurations are available with a different flat-face trigger and other modern features.That’s ultimately why the M&P9 M2.0 has aged well. Smith & Wesson didn’t abandon the platform. It continued refining it.

My original pistols aren’t the newest versions anymore, but roughly 1,000 trouble-free rounds give me little reason to think less of them now than I did when I first reviewed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S&W M&P9 M2.0 reliable?

Justin’s full-size and Compact M&P9 M2.0 pistols have fired roughly 1,000 combined rounds without a malfunction. Individual firearm performance can vary, but reliability was one of the strongest aspects of his testing.

What is the difference between the M&P9 and M&P9 M2.0?

The M2.0 generation introduced changes including more aggressive grip texture and an extended internal steel chassis. The M&P M2.0 family has continued evolving since its 2017 introduction.

Does the S&W M&P9 M2.0 have an optics-ready slide?

Some current M&P9 M2.0 configurations are optics-ready, but not every M2.0 is. Justin’s original 4.25-inch test pistol predates many of those newer configurations, so check the exact SKU before purchasing.

Does the M&P9 M2.0 have interchangeable backstraps?

Yes. The M&P M2.0 uses interchangeable palmswell inserts that allow shooters to change the grip circumference to better fit their hands.

Is the M&P9 M2.0 Compact the same as the full-size M&P9?

No. The Compact Justin discusses uses a 4-inch barrel and 15-round magazine, compared with his full-size pistol’s 4.25-inch barrel and 17-round magazine.

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Review: Another great 10mm

S&W M&P 9 Shield Plus Review: Upgraded CCW Contender

Other Full Sized Pistols of Its Class to Consider

If you’re still on the fence about the S&W M&P9 or there’s no way you want to suffer through that limp noodle of a trigger , there are still some other great full-sized selections out there. 

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