SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD M2.0
Posted May 26, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0: The Perfect Handgun for Self-Defense and Personal Protection
The Smith and Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an ideal handgun for those seeking a defense and personal protection tool in a small, slim and reliable package. One of Smith and Wesson’s most popular handguns, this entry into the M&P (Military and Police) line of handguns is the ultimate powerhouse, boasting many fine features that ensure greater accuracy and precision in a user’s gunning performance. From its solid construction to its advanced grip technology, this protective weapon handily meets the challenges of personal protection and law enforcement operations. In this in-depth review, we will discuss the M&P9 Shield M2.0’s many features and details, why it is optimal for personal and home defense, and why it could be the perfect handgun for you.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 Overview
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a semi-automatic, small-frame handgun. It comes equipped with eight-round magazines and is available in both 9mm Parabellum (also known simply as 9mm Luger) and .40 Smith & Wesson (S&W). Chambered in 9mm Luger, this handgun is specifically designed for personal protection, self-defense, and home defense.
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 has a three and a half inch barrel and features Smith & Wesson’s Easy-To-Remove (ETR) barrel and slide design. The advantage of this design is that it significantly reduces the amount of time needed to remove the slide from the frame for routine maintenance and allows for extremely quick takedown by requiring fewer manipulation steps.
One of the features that make this compact handgun especially desirable is Smith & Wesson’s one-blade trigger. It is short for a double-action only (DAO) pistol, and its flat-faced design, which gives a more solid purchase to the shooter’s trigger finger, allows for repeatable accuracy. Its offered in both Black Armornite stainless steel and Tungsten Gray PVD finishes, which provide enhanced corrosion resistance.
In addition to the basic features discussed above, the M&P9 Shield M2.0 also has a low bore axis, which translates to a lessened felt recoil due to the barrel’s closer proximity to the shooter’s hand. The one-piece ergonomic textured grip provides an enhanced purchase for superior control, while the 18-degree grip angle allows for better pointability.
Another exemplary feature of this compact firearm is its aggressive grip texture. It is stippled on the entire surface of the grip frame, including the backstrap. This texturing technology, known as Aggressive Grip Texture, helps keep the gun stationary in your hand, even when wet.
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 also comes with the renowned Armornite stainless steel barrel coating, which provides resistance to the elements and abrasive wear. Its loaded chamber indicator not only works to save time by eliminating the need for a visual check of the chamber, but it also helps prevent potential negligent discharge as it provides a tactile indicator that round is in the chamber.
This defensive handgun also offers the consumer some customization options. It comes with two interchangeable palmswell backstraps for varying levels of trigger reach, which allow the user to adjust the pistol’s grip to fit their hand size and shooting style (large or small).
Performance of the M&P9 Shield M2.0
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an ideal choice for personal and home defense, and performs excellently when serviceable ammunition is used. Its three and half inch barrel gives it the power of a full-sized 9mm handgun, yet it still maintains a compact size that makes it easy to conceal and carry.
The gun is light enough to be easily managed and users report it being extremely accurate when shooting from the hip. For additional user comfort, it comes with a Picatinny optics Rail which allows for the mounting of optics and lights.
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 has optimal magazine capacity, offering a standard eight round capacity in its magazines, with extended plus-two capacity available. The gun can be easily field stripped and its trigger reset is short and crisp.
In terms of reliability, the M&P9 Shield M2.0 always delivers. With very few reported malfunctions, this firearm rarely fails to chamber, fire, or extract rounds with consummate ease during test and performance review.
Telling the Difference
One of the biggest advantages of the M&P9 Shield M2.0 is that it is easy to differentiate it from the previous M&P9 Shield and M&P9 Shield II that preceded it. Its higher capacity magazine, new texturing on the grip, updated model options, more robust slide design, and improved trigger are symptoms of newer and more superior technology.
This handgun also includes an additional two rounds in each magazine, bringing the capacity from seven to nine, meaning that you have an additional two rounds to effectively defend yourself. Shooters will also appreciate the updated grip texture. It is more aggressive and helps you maintain a firm purchase on the firearm for the best accuracy and control when firing.
Bloomberg has also highly rated the M&P9 Shield M2.0, giving it the maximum five-star rating on their scale. According to their review, this pistol is “an instant classic” and it “checks all the boxes for those wanting a reliable and accurate concealed carry handgun with great aesthetics to boot.”
Final Thoughts
Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a next-generation, small-frame handgun that offers unmatched performance, reliability, and accuracy. This is a three-inch capacity handgun chambered in 9mm Luger, allowing it to be effective for personal and home defense with sensible performance.
The M&P9 Shield M2.0 is ultra-light, yet robust enough to provide a sure feeling grip. It also is equipped with Smith & Wesson’s advanced grip technology, boasting an aggressive texturing to maintain purchase, even when hands are wet. This recoil-absorbing feature helps to focus the shooter’s aim, while its updated trigger enhances accuracy.
Bloomberg gives this small-frame handgun the maximum five-star rating, making it an attractive and reputable addition to your gun cabinet, and it doesn’t hurt that this model is a close competitor to Glock and Springfield Armory models.
When you factor in superior features and performance, dependability, and capacity, it’s clear to see why the M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an ideal choice for personal and home defense and a must-have for any serious handgun enthusiast.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Light-weight and ergonomically designed for a comfortable and secure grip
-Quick and easy to draw from a holster or pocket
-Wide variety of sights and accessories available
-Continuous Picatinny rail for lights and lasers
-Striker-fired design for fast target acquisition and accuracy
-Manual thumb safety
Cons:
-Relatively smaller magazine capacity
-Trigger pull can get gritty when brand new
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 pistol are those who have firearms experience and are comfortable operating handguns. This type of pistol is semi-automatic and is designed for reliable accuracy and performance under any conditions. It is ideal for concealed carry, home defense and even recreational shooting.
Those who should not buy this handgun are those who do not have firearms experience or are uncomfortable handling a handgun. The SMITH & WESSON M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 is a powerful firearm and requires proper knowledge to operate safely and effectively. It is not recommended for those who do not have adequate experience.
Comparisons
| Product Name | Caliber | Barrel Length | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&W M&P9 Shield M2.0 | 9mm | 3.1” | 7+1, 8+1 | 18.3 oz |
| Glock 43X | 9mm | 3.41” | 10+1 | 17.95 oz |
| SIG Sauer P365 | 9mm | 3.1” | 10+1, 12+1 | 17.8 oz |
| Springfield Armory XDS | 9mm | 3.3” | 7+1, 8+1 | 21.5 oz |
| Ruger Security 9 | 9mm | 4” | 15+1 | 23.7 oz |
Features / Specs
• 3.1-inch barrel
• Safe Action trigger system
• Polymer frame with Finger Groove
• Compact Slim Design
• Stainless steel slide
• 6.1-inch Overall length
• 4.6-inch Overall height
• 1.0-inch Wide
• 6 + 1 or 7 + 1 Capacity
• White dot front sight, steel low profile carry rear sight
• Picatinny-Style Equipment Rail
• Ambidextrous Slide Stop and Reversible Magazine Release Button
• Double Action trigger pull
• Optimal 18-degree grip angle
• Striker fire action
Popular Accessories
9mm?
- Laser Sight
- Extended Magazine
- Magazine Speed Loader
- Magazine Disconnect Removal Tool
- Extended Slide Release
- Flared Magwell
- Enhanced Trigger
- Extra Magazines
- OWB Holster
- Laser Bore Sighter
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield M2.0 is known for its accuracy. With an improved trigger, lighter design, and improved grip, this handgun is much easier to shoot and has an improved accuracy over earlier Shield models. In terms of accuracy, the M&P9 Shield M2.0 provides better accuracy than typical concealed carry handguns due to its high-end design and accuracy ratings. As a result, this gun is great for shooters of all skill levels who want to fire full power 9mm rounds with confidence and accuracy.
