SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0
Posted Jun 15, 2023
Introduction
Today’s market is saturated with all kinds of semi-automatic guns for self-defense. This has made it difficult for people to make a well-informed decision when choosing a weapon. With such competition, firearm companies are finding ways to make their products stand out from the rest. One of the most popular self-defense handguns on the market today is the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0. This handgun is viewed as one of the best defensive pistols available today due to its reliable and powerful design. In this review, we will be discussing the features of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0, examining its performance, and assessing its value to determine whether or not it is a good purchase for the money.
Design
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol with a 3.0-inch barrel, a width of 1.0 inch, and a full-size grip. The design is versatile, making it suitable for concealed carry or open carry and allowing it to fit most hand sizes. It is constructed with a stainless steel slide, a lightweight, scratch resistant polymer frame, and has white dot sights. This combination of lightweight materials and balanced design makes it easy to handle and aim accurately. It also features a low bore axis for less felt recoil.
The weapon also features a barrel with fully supported ramp, an integral safety trigger, and a tactile loaded chamber indicator. These features make the weapon a reliable and powerful self-defense tool. The operation of the M&P9 Shield M2.0 is striker-fired with a trigger that has a light take-up and a crisp break. The total capacity of the M&P9 Shield M2.0 is 7+1 rounds and the weight of the handgun is 18.3 ounces unloaded.
Performance
The performance of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is top-notch. The weapon is well-balanced and feels comfortable in the hand, which allows for maximum accuracy. The weapon also features an easy-to-use trigger, which allows for quick draw and follow up shots. Its low bore axis helps with recoil management, making it easier to keep on target. The barrel is fully supported ramped, which adds to the accuracy of the gun. Additionally, the magazine capacity is great for a self-defense handgun and the gun can be made safe quickly with the integrated safety trigger. Overall, the performance of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is excellent.
Reliability
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a reliable self-defense handgun. It is constructed with high-quality materials and designed with precision to be reliable and durable. The weapon is reliable in all conditions and in all types of climates. The reliable construction and design also make the M&P9 Shield M2.0 suitable for long-term use. Additionally, the the magazine capacity is large, allowing for more rounds to be fired in a self-defense situation.
Value
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and powerful self-defense handgun. While it is slightly more expensive than similar handguns on the market, the price tag is justified by the quality of the weapon and its performance. The materials used in the construction of the gun are top notch and the design is well thought out, making it a great value for the money.
Conclusion
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an excellent self-defense handgun. It is reliable, durable, and powerful due to its design and construction. Its recoil management, magazine capacity, and easy-to-use trigger make it a great choice for self-defense. Additionally, the price tag for this firearm is justified by its quality and performance. Therefore, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is an excellent value and a great choice for self-defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very reliable and proven design.
- Advanced trigger system provides an exceptionally smooth, light and consistent pull.
- Features aggressive grip texture for a sure grip.
- Compact and lightweight design provides excellent carryability.
- Ergonomic design that is easy to manipulate.
- Added slide serrations and porting provide enhanced recoil management.
- Proven design backed by the legendary Smith & Wesson name.
Cons:
- Limited aftermarket accessory support as compared to similar handguns from competing manufactures.
- Higher price tag limits its affordability.
- Compact size may be uncomfortable for some shooters with larger hands.
- Relatively short sight radius may challenge the accuracy of longer and more difficult shots.
Who Should Buy
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a handgun designed for experienced shooters who are looking for a reliable carry gun. The M2.0 comes in multiple calibers and, if not concealed carry, can be used for home defense.
Those who should buy Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 are those who have experience using handguns and need a reliable, lightweight carry gun that will not bog them down. This gun is perfect for civilians looking for a concealed carry option or for law enforcement needing a reliable sidearm.
Those who should not buy Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 are those who are inexperienced in the use of handguns and don't have a need for a reliable carry gun. Additionally, handgun purchasers who are looking for a weapon for home defense should look at other calibers, as this gun is designed primarily for concealed carry.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm | .45ACP | .45ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 7+1 and 8+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 30+1 |
| Barrel Length | 3.1" | 5" | 5" | 14.5" |
| Weight | 18.3oz | 39.9oz | 37.6oz | 7.8lbs |
| Finish | Matte Black | Matte Black | Burnt Bronze Cerakote | Matte Black |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: 9mm
•Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
•Overall Length: 6.1 inches
•Weight: 18.4 ounces (unloaded)
•Capacity: 7+1/8+1
•Sights: 3 dots
•Action: Striker-Fired
•Grip: Polymer
•Slide: Stainless Steel
•Frame: Polymer
•Finish: Black/FDE, Black/Gray or Black/OD Green
•MSRP: $479.00
Popular Accessories
- Concealed Carry Holster: A popular choice for the M&P9 Shield M2.0 is a concealed carry holster to keep it comfortable and secure while on the go.
- Gun Sights: Installing gun sights can help improve accuracy when shooting. Options like TruGlo Tritium Pro Night Sights provide better visibility even in low-light conditions.
- Magazine Extension Kits: Installing a magazine extension kit can increase the capacity of the pistol's magazines to hold more ammunition.
- Grip Tape: Adding grip tape can help improve shooter comfort and control when handling the pistol and also helps to eliminate slippage.
- Flashlight or Laser: Lights and lasers such as Streamlight TLR-6 for SMITH & WESSON M&P Shield M2.0 are popular to help with accuracy and target visibility when lighting is limited.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 is known for its extreme accuracy. This particular pistol has the potential to consistently hit 1" groups at seven yards due to its popular trigger system and the stainless steel barrel equipped with an armornite finish. Its barrel has also been honed to a mirror-like polished bore for improved accuracy. Additionally, the M&P9 Shield M2.0 has a precision-machined stainless steel chassis that works with its low barrel bore axis to decrease muzzle flip and felt recoil. Altogether, these features make the M&P9 Shield M2.0 an excellent choice for accurate firing.
