SMITH & WESSON M&P9L PERFORMANCE CENTER
Posted May 25, 2023
Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center
If you are looking for an all-in-one 9mm pistol with plenty of features, then the Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center is the perfect choice for you. It combines the reliability and accuracy of the M&P pistol platform with adjustable target sights, an extended magazine release and an ambidextrous slide lock/release levers, all of which are standard on the Performance Center series of pistols.
The M&P9L Performance Center comes with a stainless-steel hammer, precision-made accessory rail and a polymer frame, as well as a match-grade barrel with an extended slide release. The sights are adjustable target, with two dots at the rear and a single dot at the front. The trigger is crisp and clean, even up to five pounds of pull.
The performance center series also offers a threaded barrel available which allows for the use of a suppressor, as well as the use of compensators and other devices.
The 9mm caliber, seventeen round magazine, and 5-inch barrel make the M&P9L perfect for both law enforcement and home-defense needs alike. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, while still packing the punch of a larger handgun. The polymer frame is well-constructed and durable, and is designed to absorb some of the recoil generated by the 9mm round.
In regards to accuracy, the M&P9L can hold its own with almost any other pistol in its class. The barrel and sight alignment, combined with the excellent trigger pull, make for a pistol that can be accurately and reliably fired.
When it comes to reliability, the M&P9L is one of the most reliable handguns on the market. While the Performance Center series is a high-end pistol, it still manages to keep up with any of the more expensive pistols on the market. The M&P9L does not have any common malfunctions, such as failure to fire or feed jams.
The Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center is one of the best 9mm pistols on the market when it comes to features, accuracy, and reliability. You get the accuracy of a competition-grade firearm, along with the durability and dependability of a work firearm. With its durability and well-designed features, the M&P9L is an ideal handgun for both law enforcement and home-defense needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Responsive trigger pulls
-Lightweight and easy to handle despite its full-size frame
-Excellent accuracy
-Comes with accessories like a holster and magazine loader
-Textured grips for comfort and better control
-Available in multiple finishes
Cons:
-Expensive compared to other handguns of similar size
-May challenge those with weak wrist strength due to its recoil
-Minimal magazine capacity (8 rounds)
-Lacks internal safety options
Who Should Buy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center should be purchased by serious firearms enthusiasts who are interested in a pistol that offers precision accuracy and superior performance. The gun is an ideal choice for target shooting and competition shooting.
The Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center should not be purchased by those new to firearms; the gun is complex and may be difficult to use for inexperienced shooters. It should also not be purchased by anyone intending to use it for self-defense; the gun could be unsafe and potentially dangerous in the hands of someone with limited firearm experience.
Comparisons
| Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 | Product 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber: | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length: | 4.25'' | 4.76'' | 4.5'' | 4.25'' |
| Action: | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto |
| Capacity: | 17+1 | 17+1 | 17+1 | 15+1 |
| Front/Rear Sight: | Adjustable | Adjustable | Optics | Fixed |
| Grips: | Polymer | Polymer | G10 | Aluminum |
| Weight (Empty Mag.): | 22.7 oz. | 20.7 oz. | 20.3 oz. | 25.2 oz. |
Features / Specs
- Model: SMITH & WESSON M&P9L PERFORMANCE CENTER
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Striker Fired
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.5”
- Grips: Interchangeable Backstraps
- Weight: 25.8 oz.
- Frame: Black Polymer
- Slide: Stainless Steel
- Sight: Fiber Optic Front & Adjustable Rear
- Finish: Matte Black Stainless Steel Slide & Barrel
Popular Accessories
SHIELD pistols?
- Holsters: Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center Shield pistols require a special holster due to its unique shape and dimensions. Popular holster options include IWB (Inside the Waistband), OWB (Outside the Waistband) and Appendix holsters.
- Grips: Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center Shield pistols are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket grips for a custom fit and feel. Popular grips include rubberized, wrap-around, and textured grips for enhanced control.
- Sights: Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center Shield pistols are best options for accurate shooting with their factory mounted low profile 3 dot sights. However, many shooters like to replace them with high visibility fiber optic sights or adjustable sights for enhanced accuracy.
- Lights/Lasers: Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center Shield pistols come factory equipped with an accessory rail that is perfect for mounting lights, lasers, and other accessory items. Popular lighting and laser devices include tactical lights, weapon laser sights, and laser flashlight combos.
- Magazines: Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center Shield pistols should always be used with high-quality magazines for reliable performance. Popular magazines include Smith & Wesson factory magazines, extended magazines and high capacity magazines.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P9L Performance Center is an excellent firearm for home defense and competitive shooting. Its reliability and accuracy are top notch, and it is well-built from quality materials. The 5" stainless steel barrel has a full-length guide rod and 2-dot sight system, delivering accuracy and reliable cycling in any condition. The gun has very little recoil, allowing for quick target acquisition as well as multiple follow-up shots in quick succession. With its crisp trigger, the M&P9L Performance Center can deliver pinpoint accuracy in a wide variety of shooting scenarios. For home defense and competition shooting, the M&P9L Performance Center can be relied on to perform flawlessly, time and time again.
