SMITH & WESSON M&P9 M2.0 SUBCOMPACT NTS (LE TRADE IN)
Posted May 25, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact NTS (LE Trade In) Review
When looking at subcompact pistols, there is a big selection to choose from, and its always important to select the right one for you. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 subcompact is an excellent option for the everyday concealed carry user who is looking for a reliable and accurate firearm. Often seen as primarily used by law enforcement and military, the M&P9 M2.0 subcompact provides a solid option for the typical pistol user looking for something to carry. Read on for our in-depth review of the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 subcompact.
First, let's take a look at what comes in the box. You can expect to find the pistol and one factory magazine, a lockable hard case with foam cutouts to keep the contents secured, a factory paperwork packet, a magazine loader, and a cleaning brush. You'll also find a very nice mid-weight nylon belt holster with an integrated magazine pouch and a Velcro strap for ease of adjustment and comfort. Finally, the LE Trade-In also comes with night sights, which are a great addition as they help the shooter set sights on a target in dim or no light conditions.
Right away, you can tell that the M&P 9 M2.0 subcompact was designed for those wishing to carry on a daily basis. The grip feels to be an optimal shape and size, allowing for a more secure grip, especially when wearing gloves. The gun itself is also very light in weight for its size, making it a great choice for those who don't want a heavy gun weighing them down.
The caliber of this model is a 9mm, and its made with a stainless steel slide and a black poly frame. The slide is equipped with the expected Smith & Wesson external extractor and a cocking indicator at the back of the slide. The gun also features a manual thumb safety for those who prefer it to other kinds of carry options.
Moving onto the trigger, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 comes with their Action Enhancement trigger. This trigger has an improved geometry that is designed to minimize excess movement and reduce travel time for a clean, crisp break. The trigger features an audible reset, which is great for accuracy and speed. The pull weight of this trigger comes in at around 4.5 lbs.
The gun also features a full-length guide rod, which aids in the recoil mitigation. This is accompanied by three interchangeable palm swells and white three-dot sights for precise target acquisition. The sights can also be adjusted using a 5mm hex key. In addition, the gun also comes with a paddle-style magazine release, ambidextrous slide stop, and MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail.
Now onto the performance. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 subcompact is a reliable and accurate pistol. Its light weight and short barrel length make it easy to control and maneuver, which is great for quick response times and fast target acquisition. We put it through its paces and were not disappointed with the results. On the rifle range, the M&P9 M2.0 subcompact would allow us to easily hit a man-sized target at 25 yards with ease.
The recoil of the M&P9 M2.0 subcompact is also manageable and doesn't punish your hands when firing. The full-length guide rod helps to reduce recoil and limits muzzle flip when the gun is fired.
The magazine capacity is also a plus. The gun comes standard with a 14-round magazine, which you can also upgrade to a 17-round magazine for those who require more rounds.
If you're looking for an excellent concealed carry option, then the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 subcompact is a great choice. The gun is reliable, accurate, and lightweight, perfect for those who want to conceal carry without added weight. In addition, the included night sights allow you to easily acquire targets in low light conditions, a feature not commonly found on subcompacts. If you're looking for a dependable concealed carry option, then the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 subcompact is worth a closer look.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Reliable and ergonomically designed subcompact design.
- Excellent value with LE trade-in.
- Includes 3-dot sights.
- Options for various magazines.
- picatinny rail for accessories.
- Includes backstrap for better grip.
Cons:
- Magazine capacity can be limited.
- Not as light as other striker-fired subcompacts.
- Can be costly when compared to other subcompact models.
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact NTS (LE Trade In) is suitable for law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters who are looking for a reliable semiautomatic handgun with a compact frame. It is especially suited for concealed carry applications. It is not recommended for inexperienced shooters or those who are not personally comfortable with semiautomatic firearms. Additionally, this handgun is not well suited for competitions or target shooting.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Frame | Barrel Length | Capacity | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON M&P9 M2.0 SUBCOMPACT NTS (LE TRADE IN) | 9mm Luger | polymer frame, high performance grip texturing, short reset trigger, Picatinny-style equipment rail | 3.25" | 12+1 | 349 |
| Glock G48 | 9mm Luger | Polymer frame with no finger grooves, built-in beavertail, reversible magazine catch | 4.17" | 10+1 | 449 |
| SIG Sauer P365XL | 9mm Luger | Polymer frame with aggressive stippled grip, extended beavertail, slide cut for micro-compact optics | 3.7" | 12+1 | 599 |
| M&P Shield 9mm | 9mm Luger | Polymer frame, slim profile, aggressive grip texture, high-visibility sights | 3.1" | 7+1 | 349 |
| Springfield Armory Hellcat | 9mm Luger | Polymer frame, textured grip, Adaptive Grip Texture, High-Vis sights | 3" | 11+1 | 569 |
Features / Specs
• Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact
• No Thumb Safety (LE Trade-in)
• 9mm Luger
• 3.6” Barrel
• 12 Round Magazine
• Polymer Frame
• Matte Black Finish
• Steel Slide
• Fixed White Dot Sights
• Front & Rear Slide Serrations
• Overall Length 6.6”
• Weight 24.4 Oz.
Popular Accessories
Some popular accessories for the SMITH & WESSON M&P9 M2.0 SUBCOMPACT NTS (LE TRADE IN) include:
- Gun Sights: Higher-than-stock sights, tritium night sights, or lasers,
- Magazines: Additional magazines can increase capacity, or magazine extensions for added grip.
- Lights and Lasers: Weapon mounted lights and lasers for lower light accuracy and visibility
- Grips and Grip Sleeves: Rubber or synthetic wrap-around grips, or other grip enhancements
- Slides and Ports: For added customizing or upgrading.
- Trigger Kits: For a quicker, smoother trigger pull.
- Holsters And magazine Carriers: For carrying and easy access.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Subcompact NTS (LE Trade In) is an impressive firearm that offers exceptional accuracy for a sub compact pistol. It has a cold hammer-forged barrel design that provides greater accuracy and a consistent performance over a longer life of the pistol. Additionally, the double-action trigger of the gun is engineered to have a short, crisp pull each time you pull the trigger. This helps to prevent any adverse effects on accuracy when firing the gun. The integral rear sight and blade front sight also aid in accuracy when shooting further distances. All in all, this gun is highly accurate and reliable with a great fit and feel in the shooter's hands — making it a great option for those looking for a smaller yet more accurate and reliable pistol.
