After more than a decade Smith & Wesson has released the 2.0 of their M&P line. While most of the differences suggest a 1.5 or 1.7, the most exciting part of the launch is the new compact model. The sub-compact Shield and full-size models were aimed at the brand’s namesake, Military and Police, but the Goldilocks compact size was no where to be found.
A 15-round capacity, 4″-barreled compact had been missing. Now released everyone wants to compare it to the classic Glock 19. The Glock 19 may be the dominant compact, or at least the one that everyone has purchased, modified, and then moved on to something else, but I don’t find the comparison fair.
Not fair to Glock that is. Glock hasn’t evolved much over the last thirty years and the M&P 2.0 Compact is a modern handgun. Such a comparison would be like pitting a 2017 Mustang against a 1985 Camaro. The aesthetics alone put the 2.0 Compact in another class.
Then you pick it up. Edges are nicely rounded, the grip feels like it was meant for a human hand, and the trigger doesn’t feel like dragging a trashcan down a hallway. Don’t get me wrong, the Compact 2.0 isn’t the ultimate handgun, but I suspect that it will fill all the roles that a Glock 19 has but better.
Will the aftermarket flood with parts and accessories? I doubt it. I’m sure there will be a few trigger shoes, springs, and maybe barrels, but out of the box this gun doesn’t beg for modifications. See the video above for an in-depth look at the build. Specs below come directly from the product page.
