SMITH & WESSON M&P40 SHIELD M2.0
Posted May 19, 2023
Smith & Wesson’s M&P40 Shield M2.0 is one of the most popular handguns on the market, and for good reason. This slim, lightweight, reliable, and accurate semi-automatic is an ideal choice for concealed carry or home protection. It is made from high quality materials, has a simple yet effective design, and features innovative modular components which can be swapped out to customize the weapon to suit different needs. In this in-depth review, we’ll cover all the basics of the M&P40 by taking a look at its features, performance, and reliability.
The M&P40 Shield M2.0 is a striker-fired semi-automatic handgun with a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide. This combination of durable materials makes the gun resistant to wear and tear, and it is designed to be resistant to scratches and other imperfections caused by everyday carry. It has a 3.1-inch stainless steel barrel with 1:10 twist rate and black nitride finish. The barrel also features Smith & Wesson’s Armornite corrosion-resistant finish. The gun has a 6.1-inch overall length and is only 1.2 inches wide, making it one of the most compact handguns on the market and ideal for concealed carry. The gun is fitted with a white-dot front sight and a low-profile rear sight both drift adjustable for windage.
The M&P40 Shield M2.0 has a sleek, ergonomic design, and it is comfortable in the hand. The grip texture provides a secure hold with minimum discomfort while firing. The gun also has a double-action only trigger with a 5.5-pound pull weight. The trigger itself is smooth and consistent and the reset is short and audible.
The M&P40 Shield M2.0 also offers a variety of features to make loading, unloading, and operation easier and more efficient. The slide release is ambidextrous and easily accessible while the magazine release is integrated and can be activated with either hand. The M&P40 also includes an extended thumb safety and a magazine disconnect safety. The gun is also compatible with Smith & Wesson’s X-Change kit, which allows you to switch out the slide and barrel to convert the gun from a 9mm to .40S&W. This makes the gun an affordable option for those who want the versatility of a .40S&W but don’t want to buy two separate guns.
When it comes to performance and reliability, the M&P40 Shield M2.0 is a top-notch firearm. Its 3.1-inch barrel is perfectly suited for concealed carry, making it easy to draw and accurately fire. The M&P40’sAccu-trigger combined with the 5.5-pound pull weight of the trigger provides a smooth, lightweight response with minimal overtravel and a positive reset. This ensures a consistent, reliable shooting experience every time you pull the trigger. Finally, the M&P40’s Armornite corrosion resistant finish ensures the gun can withstand the elements and general wear and tear without any significant degradation.
Overall, the Smith & Wesson M&P40 Shield M2.0 is an excellent handgun for both concealed carry and home protection. It is slim and lightweight, incredibly accurate, and dependable. The gun features high quality materials, a comfortable design, and innovative modular components. The M&P40 is also backed up by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime warranty which ensures that the gun will continue to perform at the highest level for years to come. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate semi-automatic handgun, the M&P40 Shield M2.0 is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact design ideal for concealed carry
- High quality design with three interchangeable back straps to fit most users
- High capacity with 10 rounds in both the magazines that come with it
- Versatile with multiple calibers available
- Striker-fired action with a smooth, light trigger pull for greater accuracy
- Quality sights included for better accuracy
- Picatinny rail for attaching accessories like lasers or flashlights
Cons:
- Not as slim as some other concealed carry pistols
- Does not offer manual thumb safety
- No night sights option available
- Standard magazine capacity only 10 rounds, with extended magazines available up to 15 rounds
Who Should Buy
SMITH & WESSON M&P40 SHIELD M2.0 is a professional-grade handgun that is perfect for people who are looking for a reliable, concealed carry piece. The firearm is a great choice for those who want a high-quality, durable handgun for self-defense that is small enough to carry. It is an ideal option for law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and experienced gun owners.
However, this product is not recommended for inexperienced gun owners or someone who is just beginning to learn how to use a firearm. It is important to understand gun safety and proper operations before purchasing any firearm, regardless of how small or easy it may seem. Seeking professional firearm instruction and guidance is recommended for those who are new to shooting.
Comparisons
| Model | Capacity | Barrel Length | Grip | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH & WESSON M&P40 SHIELD M2.0 | 7+1 | 3.3" | Polymer | Matte Black | $399.00 |
| H&K VP9SK | 10+1 | 3.39" | Polymer | Black | $699.00 |
| Sig Sauer P320 Compact RX | 15+1 | 3.9" | Polymer | Nitron | $789.00 |
| Walther PPQ M2 Sub Compact | 12+1 | 3.18" | Polymer | Black Oxide | $549.00 |
| Glock 19X | 17+1 | 4.02" | Polymer | Coyote Tan | $737.99 |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Action: Striker Fire
- Capacity: 7+1, 8+1
- Barrel Length: 3.1"
- Overall Length: 6.1"
- Weight: 18.3 oz
- Frame: Polymer
- Slide: black stainless steel
- Sights: White Dot Front/White 2-Dot Rear
- Grip: Polymer
- Safety: Thumb Safety & Striker Block Safety
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters
- Magazine Extension
- Laser Sight
- Flashlight
- Grips
- Sights
- Suppressors
- Magazine Pouches
- Recoil Springs
- Trigger Kits
Accuracy
The Smith & Wesson M&P40 Shield M2.0 is renowned for its accuracy. The gun is designed specifically for target shooting and self-defense. The model features a polymer frame with superior ergonomics, providing shooters a comfortable and intuitive hold on the gun. The M2.0 also comes with a 3.1-inch barrel that offers precision accuracy and consistent shot placement. Additionally, the gun's trigger features an audible reset click that allows the shooter to be aware when the trigger is in the reset position for rapid follow-up shots. All these features combined make the Smith & Wesson M&P40 Shield M2.0 highly accurate and a reliable choice for self-defense and recreational shooting.
