The Smith & Wesson M&P series of handguns is one I’ve found exceptionally ergonomic and subjectively handsome over the years while browsing the local gun counter. Even so, it has shockingly evaded me at the range, where everything I need to know about its performance and functionality has remained a mystery. Not one to blame things on guns, this one was really my fault. That’s why I didn’t hesitate when Smith & Wesson asked if I’d review the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Metal Carry Comp.
Smith & Wesson doesn’t aim to wow you with their relatively unexciting cardboard presentation, but the box isn’t why we’re here, so I won’t spend any more time on it. The contents did not disappoint. Aside from the main course of compensated striker-fired 9mm, we get two 17-round magazines, seven optics plates with hardware, a really nice cleaning kit, and four interchangeable palmswell inserts in small, medium, medium/large, and large.
The ported stainless steel slide is nicely machined and finished in black Armornite, a nitride-based internal and external treatment used by Smith & Wesson. Manipulating the action on the Performance Center Metal Carry Comp is effortless in any condition thanks to aggressive slide cuts providing exceptional grip. Iron sights provided on this M&P feature a blacked-out and serrated U-notch in the rear with a bright night sight in the front. The sight picture is easy to pick up, likely aided by the comfortable 18-degree grip angle making this handgun very easy to point.
Speaking of sights, this Performance Center M&P is optic-ready and ships with a set of plastic mounting plates for a variety of optic footprints. There has been some discussion regarding the durability of the plastic plates, however, as is the case more times than I can remember, I suspect these issues have to do with over-torquing. I didn’t have a spare optic to mount this time, but I recommend using blue Loctite and not cranking down past 12-inch lbs. Aftermarket metal plates are readily available if they’ll help you sleep at night but I’m likely sticking to the factory plates. An interesting feature of the optics-ready design is Smith & Wesson’s ClearSight Cut designed to divert gasses away from the optic and maintain an unobstructed view through long strings of fire.
The Performance Center Metal Carry Comp 4.22″ ported 1:10″ twist stainless steel Armornite finished barrel combined with the ported slide is another aspect, aside from the metal frame, that sets this handgun apart from other M&P9 models. Three lightning cuts to each side of the port add to the overall aesthetic although I am not sure they do much more.
Keeping with the quality of the slide the aluminum frame of the Performance Center handgun is machined very nicely as well, with standard fare like a forward accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers, the traditional 90-degree takedown lever, and a reversible magazine catch for right and left-handed shooters which is stippled for excellent traction even with wet hands. I also appreciate the extended ambidextrous slide catch/release which is large enough to be tactile, but small enough to be unintrusive.
The front strap and included palmswells are aggressively yet tastefully stippled, making for one of the best grips I’ve felt recently. I opted for the small palmswell which quickly swapped out thanks to the clever Frame Assembly Takedown Tool that locks in and releases on the backside of the grip.
Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center flat-face trigger features a smooth take-up and a fairly definable wall for a factory striker-fired system. It glaringly lacks a tactile reset, which I am told is common to the M&P series, indistinguishable by sound or feel. The actual reset, however, is short enough to get fast follow-up rounds downrange for any experienced shooter.
At The Range
It’s about time I get an M&P9 on the range even though starting the relationship with Performance Center Metal Carry Comp model made me feel somewhat spoiled. As mentioned, Smith & Wesson nailed the ergonomics, which paid dividends in the comfort category. Combined with the grip texture, overall handling was a 5 out of 5, with a nice low profile cutout on the frame to use as a throttle with my support thumb.
For ammunition, I shot Remington 115-grain FMJ followed by Federal HST 124 grain +P. Others have mentioned the smaller port size on this model may hinder the potential to take full advantage of the built-in compensator, but I believe that metric is dependent on the ammunition you’re using. I’ll explain.
Remington 115-grain shot flat with not enough muzzle flip to mention, but this range ammunition doesn’t have much steam anyway, so taking advantage of the porting is not really something you’ll notice much. Where it counts, the sights track beautifully and follow-up shots are fast on target.
9mm +P still being 9mm, I normally find HST 124-grain totally manageable, but this is where I noticed the porting. Consider this a practical hands-on opinion rather than a scientific comparison, but the sights tracked just as well as with the 115-grain FMJ range ammunition, confirming, for me at least, that the compensator functions just right when it needs to with the added pressure of the +P ammo ultimately making better use of the porting.
Accuracy from the Performance Center Metal Carry Comp was what I expected. Shooting 10-round groups from 7 and 15 yards, my point of impact was right on the mark with 7-yard groups resulting in about a 1-inch hole and 15-yard groups opening up just a bit, mostly due to the shooter. I’m curious how I’ll do when I put an optic on this one.
I eventually picked up the speed and stopped trying for the tightest groups, switching to low-ready and doing some holster work. The Performance Center M&P9 felt more like an old friend than a firearm that was new to me, landing A-zone groups quickly other than a single Charlie in my last attempt where I sped things up looking to find my failure point.
Three hundred rounds sailed by without malfunction, which I’d expect from a handgun whose designation denotes “Military & Police.” The Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Metal Carry Comp is a mouthful to say, but great fun to shoot. I’m looking forward to spending additional time shooting this gun, especially with an optic. I’d recommend this firearm to any shooter, from beginner to advanced, who is looking for a solid performing home defense or everyday carry.
The M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Metal Carry Comp is available with an MSRP of $999.
For additional information on Smith & Wesson’s entire lineup, visit smith-wesson.com.
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