SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN)
Posted Jun 15, 2023
Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is a compact, lightweight handgun designed for concealed carry and self-defense use. The M2.0 is an upgrade of the original M&P Shield, which has become one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market. The Shield M2.0 features an improved trigger, enhanced ergonomics, and a larger, more comfortable grip. Additionally, the M2.0 has an extended slide and barrel assembly, which results in improved muzzle velocity and accuracy. In this review, I'll take an in-depth look at the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) and discuss its features, advantages, disadvantages, and overall performance.
First, let’s look at the specifications of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In). This single-stack pistol is chambered in 9mm and has a 4" barrel, 6+1 or 7+1 capacity depending on the magazine used, a stainless steel slide with a black Melonite finish, and a polymer frame with a stainless steel chassis. The pistol also features a reversible magazine release, a loaded chamber indicator, and a picatinny rail for accessories. The trigger features a short pull, crisp reset, and a tactile reset point.
When it comes to ergonomics, the M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is designed to fit comfortably in your hand. The pistol features an aggressively textured, sculpted frame with deeper finger grooves that make the gun feel great when drawing from the holster. Additionally, the beavertail on the back of the frame helps to protect your hand from the slide. The magazine release is reversible, making it easy to operate with both left- and right-handed shooters. The loaded chamber indicator is a nice addition that allows you to quickly and easily check if the chamber is loaded or not, without having to rely on the traditional tactile and/or visual methods. Finally, the slide serrations on both the front and rear of the gun make it easy to manipulate under stress.
When it comes to overall performance, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is a solid performer. I was impressed with the reduced trigger pull and crisp reset, which made shooting more accurate and enjoyable. The pistol had solid accuracy out of the box; when firing at 15 yards, I was able to get 2.5-3-inch groups with Federal HST and Sig Sauer V-Crown defensive ammunition. The pistol was reliable as well, I ran several hundred rounds through it with no issues. Recoil was manageable with hotter defense loads and rapid-fire strings. As expected, the extended barrel and slide give the M2.0 a boost in muzzle velocity and accuracy.
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is a great choice for concealed carry and self-defense. With its reduced trigger pull and crisp reset, the pistol offers excellent accuracy for defensive shooting. The pistol is also ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand and its aggressive texturing will help you maintain a firm grasp on it. The loaded chamber indicator is a nice addition that adds another layer of safety. The extended barrel and slide improve muzzle velocity and accuracy, while the magazine capacity allows you to carry extra rounds.
Overall, I was very impressed with the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In). The pistol is reliable, accurate, and ergonomically designed. The trigger is incredible, and the extended barrel and slide give the gun an edge in terms of accuracy and muzzle velocity. The magazines are well made and feel secure in the gun. Price-wise, the M2.0 is on the higher end of the scale; however, for the features and performance, the cost is justified. The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is an excellent choice for concealed carry and self-defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Dependable and reliable for self-defense and personal protection
- Small and lightweight for easy carry
- Good ergonomics and low recoil
- Good accuracy when sighting is done properly
- Magazines have a larger capacity than other similar pistols
- Ambidextrous slide release for easy manipulation
- Aluminum alloy frame makes it durable and lightweight
- Licensed and backed by Smith & Wesson
Cons:
- Extra safety mechanism may frustrate users
- Gun is a bit heavy for pocket carry
- May be difficult for some shooters to access the magazine release
- Not suitable for larger hands
- Rear sights may require adjustment for better accuracy
- Aftermarket parts may be difficult to find
Who Should Buy
This handgun is suitable for adults who have the proper training and licensing and who need a reliable, easy-to-use firearm for self-defense, target shooting, or sport shooting. It should not be purchased by minors, inexperienced shooters, or those without proper licensing or authorization.
Comparisons
| SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN) | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9 mm | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Magazine Capacity | 7-Round | 7-Round | 8-Round | 30-Round |
| Barrel Length | 3.1" | 5" | 5" | 14.5" |
| Sights | Front: White Dot Rear: White 2-Dot | Adjustable Rear | Adjustable Rear | Picatinny Top Rail |
| Weight (Empty) | 18.3 oz | 41.2 oz | 46.6 oz | 7.5 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In)
-- Caliber: 9mm
-- Barrel Length: 3.1"
-- Capacity: 7+1 Round
-- Magazines Included: Two
-- Slides: Stainless Steel
-- Sights: Flat Faced Fiber Optic
-- Grips: Black Polymer
-- Safety: Manual Thumb
-- Weight: 19.7 oz
Popular Accessories
- Holster - Finding the right holster for your SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN) is essential for comfortable and safe carrying. Options here include classic leather holsters, IWB (Inside the waistband), OWB (Outside the waistband), Level 2 Retention, and much more.
- Magazine Extension - Adding a magazine extension can increase your capacity and make it easier to draw and reload your gun.
- Firing Pin Safety - This is a must-have safety for any gun, and it’s important to replace the firing pin safety in your SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN).
- Light/Laser Combo - This is a great way to improve accuracy and target acquisition, and can be an excellent accessory for your SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN).
- Magazine Disconnect Safety - This important piece is essential for your SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 SHIELD M2.0 (LE TRADE-IN) and will ensure that the gun won’t fire unless a magazine is in it.
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 Shield M2.0 (LE Trade-In) is a reliable and highly accurate handgun. The M2.0 boasts a crisp trigger pull, a comfortable grip, and a tactical white-dot rear sight for precision and fast target acquisition. With it, users can enjoy an impressive accuracy of 2-inch groups at 25 yards, allowing for precision shots even in long-range accuracy drills. Additionally, this model also features a recoil-reducing design for reliable cycling even with hot defensive rounds. Ultimately, the M2.0 Shield offers a perfect combination of precision, reliability, and power, making it an excellent choice for both range and personal defence.
