The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 2.0 Compact is a favorite among both law enforcement and civilian shooters. Its blend of reliability, ergonomics, and concealability makes it a versatile choice for concealed carry, home defense, and range practice. This in-depth review will explore its features, performance, and overall suitability for various applications.
Key Features of the M&P 9 2.0 Compact
The M&P 9 2.0 Compact builds upon the success of its predecessors, incorporating several improvements that enhance its functionality and user experience. Here are some standout features:
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Compact Size and Weight: As the name suggests, the "Compact" designation signifies its smaller size compared to the full-size M&P 9 2.0. This makes it ideal for concealed carry, offering a manageable profile without sacrificing significant firepower. Its weight is also well-balanced, minimizing fatigue during extended use.
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Improved Ergonomics: Smith & Wesson significantly refined the grip texture in the 2.0 series, providing enhanced control and a more secure hold, even with wet or sweaty hands. The interchangeable backstraps further customize the grip to individual hand sizes, maximizing comfort and accuracy.
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Reliable Operation: The M&P 9 2.0 Compact is renowned for its reliability. Its robust design and high-quality components ensure consistent functioning, even under stressful conditions. This makes it a dependable choice for self-defense scenarios.
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Ambidextrous Controls: Both the slide stop lever and magazine release are ambidextrous, allowing for easy manipulation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. This enhances usability and adaptability for a broader range of users.
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High-Capacity Magazine: The standard magazine capacity typically holds 12 rounds, providing sufficient ammunition for most self-defense situations. Extended magazines are also available for increased capacity.
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Accessory Rail: The inclusion of a Picatinny rail allows for the attachment of various accessories like lights and lasers, further enhancing its versatility for different shooting applications.
Performance and Handling
The M&P 9 2.0 Compact's performance is largely consistent with its reputation for reliability. The trigger pull is generally smooth and crisp, contributing to accuracy. The pistol's compact size makes it maneuverable, but some users might find the shorter barrel slightly reduces felt recoil. However, the improved grip texture effectively mitigates this. Accuracy is consistently good at typical self-defense distances.
Who is the M&P 9 2.0 Compact for?
This pistol is an excellent choice for several users:
- Concealed Carry: Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for everyday carry.
- Home Defense: Its reliability and capacity make it a suitable choice for home protection.
- Experienced Shooters: Those familiar with handguns will appreciate its features and performance.
- Law Enforcement: Its reliability and versatility have made it a popular choice among law enforcement agencies.
Considerations
While the M&P 9 2.0 Compact offers many advantages, potential buyers should consider:
- Recoil: The shorter barrel might lead to slightly increased felt recoil compared to full-size models.
- Capacity: While the standard magazine holds 12 rounds, some users might prefer higher capacity options.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 2.0 Compact stands as a strong contender in the compact 9mm handgun market. Its blend of reliability, ergonomics, and concealability makes it a versatile and dependable choice for various applications. While individual preferences may vary, its overall performance and features make it a worthy consideration for anyone looking for a reliable and capable compact handgun.
