M&P40 Compact 2.0: Why Bother?

​Almost 4 years ago, Smith & Wesson release the 2.0 series which included the new “Compact” 4” model, which directly competes with the much-loved Glock 19/23 in size and capacity. After years of success with the M&P line, Smith & Wesson noticed a few things that could use changing to further improve an already robust design without necessarily fully inventing the wheel. If you look at the M&P 2.0 line, you will see how the engineers took the older generation and basically changed only that which needed improvement and left the rest alone. This means that there is still some parts compatibility between the older generation and the newer 2.0, such as magazines, springs, sights, and other generally high wear parts, making the switch that much easier for those of us worried that parts we already have will be useless. Granted, my compact is a new size addition, requiring a new set of recoil springs for my collection.

WHY THE 4” VERSION?

Because it feels better....That's what she said. ​When I was looking at getting the M&P 2.0, I was actually looking at just getting the ‘Subcompact’ model, which is the 2.0 version of the original ‘Compact’ that I fell in love with. However, the subcompact was all but impossible for me to obtain at the time, so I settled for the Compact version which had its own merits that made it a close second in the race for my heart.

​For me, the Compact actually has more merits going for it than the Subcompact, if you look at a few different factors. First is basic size, which mimics the Glock Compact models exactly. I carry the Glock 23 Gen4 at the moment and the size of it is not only conducive to shooting, but also to pretty much any task you can give it. The barrel length for instance is the key to most of its versatility since, I would roughly guess, 95% of the ammunition for self defense are designed AROUND the 4” barrel for optimal performance. Not to say that more length wouldn’t deal more damage, but also remember that many companies burn powders that burn off perfectly at 4”, leading to dubious gains when used in longer barrels. This was one of the biggest selling points for me to stay with this size category.

ERGONOMIC UPGRADE?

​The biggest change that has made an impression on me, no pun intended, is the grip. First time I grabbed the M&P 2.0, I understood what other people were saying about the grip being much better than the original. The slick grip is something I had become used to, but this texturing definitely helps. The grip just stays better when your hands are wet and your grip is wearing off. I imagine this texturing will make their subcompact so much easier to handle, because I can tell you from experience that it needed help when shooting .40 cal.

​The texturing fails to live up to a perfection rating though. I have carried both the compact and the Shield 2.0 only to find that the grip seems to require a bit of time for adjustment against your skin. I can say personally that my love handle was not impressed after a full day of walking, sitting, standing, etc. Also, I guess I will be one of the few to note that the texturing does seem to grab clothing of the soft cotton variety. The grip also has given my shooting hand palm a workout in the calluses. In fact, after one whole day of working on perfecting my grip pressure for maximizing control, my hand was literally scuffed raw. But before this becomes a deal-breaker for you, this is more of a testament to the level of dedication in training I will go. I am extreme in a lot of my practices and I will risk health and comfort to reach a training goal.

SHOOTING CHARACTERISTICS

​The grip on the new 2.0 was surprising and a bittersweet change, but the shooting characteristics of the 2.0 are delightful though subtle. There were some changes to the internals such as the firing components, frame rails, and dust cover. All of these things seem to work with the grip to give the M&P 2.0 a different feel when shooting. First thing about the frame rails is that they are longer, giving the slide a smoother rearward movement and greater stability. The dust cover has a steel reinforcement that is designed to resist frame flex, minimizing vibration into the hand and making the pistol more flexible with the different WML or laser weights. Truly I can say that the new recoil impulse is much smoother and more enjoyable. Lastly, the upgraded firing components make the break on this new generation less pronounced and thus less attractive to me. I happened to enjoy the old crusty crispness of the older triggers. I couldn’t care less about an audible reset, since I haven’t heard or felt one in so long when shooting. The only thing you should be feeling for is recoil, but if you’re happy with your mediocrity burger, cool for you. Overall, I will definitely say that the M&P 2.0 Compact is an excellent shooting pistol as long as you are good yourself. In .40 caliber, I am sure people are going to think it hits like a freight train. If that is the case, I must be superman because it just feels like I am shooting a hot 9mm.

SUPPORT SUCKS

​I absolutely failed in my research to see if the market had the support I needed, in order to justify my purchase. If I would have known that my M&P 2.0 Compact was not going to have GOOD light bearing holster variety, I am pretty sure I would have just said no thank you and kept my money. The 4” M&P 2.0 is the redheaded stepchild of the M&P line even after almost 4 years.

CLOSING RANT

​It sucks incredibly for people like me who would love nothing more than to REPLACE my Glock 23 Gen4 with a pistol that will shoot easier and last longer. But no, now I am knee deep in Special Glockerations, preparing for another 6 month tour of the good old Alaskan winter while my beloved new M&P 2.0 Compact is playing Guard Dog instead of being by my side. Ugh…way to fail me, MARKET!!!

​Anyways, if you want something that is going to shoot easier, smoother….just be better than a Glock 19/23, grab an M&P 2.0 Compact 4”. But, if you are wanting it so you can carry a WML like myself, you are going to have to cough up more for a custom holster that costs at least twice as much and has half the quality. Other than that, I have no opinion.