Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Metal Series – More Durability with Same Great Design

Known for its polymer frame, the Smith & Wesson M&P now comes in a metal version. Is it any good? Meaghan Roble shares her thoughts.

Built for higher performance, the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Metal Series provides everything we love about the M&P 2.0 on a lightweight metal frame. It is compatible with all M&P M2.0 components from magazines to palm swells. If you’re looking for a durable and rugged handgun that won’t break the bank, the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Metal Series is a suitable option.

Specifications

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action: Striker Fire

Safety: No Thumb Safety

Weight: 30.0 oz

Capacity: 2 17-round magazines included

Barrel: 4.25” (10.8 cm)

Slide Material: Stainless Steel

Frame Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum

Grip: (4) Interchangeable Palmswell Inserts

Trigger: M2.0 Flat Face Trigger

Front Sight: Steel White Dot

Rear Sight: Steel White 2-Dot

Optic Ready? Yes – (7) Optic Plates Included

MSRP: $899.00

I am partial to Smith & Wesson handguns. The first handgun I ever purchased was the S&W SD VE. Since then, I have owned the M&P Performance Center, M&P M2.0, M&P Shield, M&P M2.0 Compact, and now the M&P M2.0 Metal Series. The main reason I am always drawn to the M&P models is the interchangeable palm swells. I like that I can adjust the grip on the pistol to fit my hand better.

When I first held the M&P M2.0 Metal Series, I liked the weight of it. It is slightly heavier than the M&P Performance Center. Since the frame is aluminum versus steel, it isn’t excessively heavy, and it doesn’t weigh down my waistline/belt. This is an important factor for me when it comes to using this handgun in competition.

The fact that Smith & Wesson made this handgun compatible with almost all the M&P 2.0 components is a huge advantage. I tested this claim out by using my M&P Performance center magazines, with extensions, in the handgun. It ran flawlessly. To push it even farther, I put the M&P Performance Center slide on the metal grip. It functioned without issue. I also used the handgun with my M&P Performance Center competition holster. I did have to adjust the tension a bit, but the holster worked with the handgun. Since this version is the same size and shape as the older polymer M&P 2.0, it is just as concealable.

Unfortunately, I did find one flaw in the compatibility: the M&P 2.0 aftermarket extended magazine release does not work with the M2.0 metal series. Smith & Wesson has informed me that they will not be making any new parts for this model. So, hopefully, another company will take the time to create an extended magazine release for this new model.

At the range, I did a comparison between shooting the M&P M2.0 Metal Series and the M&P Performance Center. The Performance Center I have is an older model with a ported slide and barrel. My first thoughts were that the Performance Center would have less recoil than the M2.0 Metal Series, due to the ported slide and barrel. I was surprised when I didn’t really notice a difference in recoil between the two handguns. I can only assume that this is due to the additional weight of the M2.0 Metal Series.

The trigger on the M2.0 Metal Series is crisp and has a lighter let-off for quicker reset and reengage. Although it cannot be compared to the after-market trigger, I have in the M&P Performance Center from Apex Tactical. It is a very nice stock trigger that I don’t plan on changing for competition, at least for the time being.

I am very impressed with the M2.0 Metal Series. It is a great addition to the Smith & Wesson M2.0 line-up. After putting roughly 500 rounds through it in one range session, it had zero malfunctions and was very accurate with a Vortex Venom 6moa red dot on it.

It is worth purchasing M&P M2.0 Metal Series if you already like the M&P M2.0, or if you’re looking for a durable handgun with a metal frame. Smith & Wesson did a great job putting all the things that we like about the M2.0 series on a metal frame, and I’m excited to see what other models they release in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Meaghan Roble is an anti-gunner turned gun activist. She is a USCCA certified instructor and an NRA-certified range safety officer. Meaghan is an A Girl & A Gun Chapter Facilitator and the Wisconsin State Director for DC Project. She owns her own Firearms Training & Education business, Roble Defense, and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with others.

 

 

 

 

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