So got my m&p 40 2.0 back in January right when they came out. Got my had some mis molding on the plastic i had to smooth out right out the box. Was very gritty when working the trigger.
Got to take it to the range so i could zero the sights at 20 yards. Was hitting way way low, thinking it was me I looked at my grip, my stance and rounds I was using. Still to no avail was hitting low got it center but still low, so got out a pistol bench the range had, tried again still low.
So got with Dawson precision did my measurements off a bench out 20 yards and figure out the point of impact was 6.5 inches low at 20 yards. Now I don't know about you guys but thats unacceptable for any pistol to me. So i called s&w and was told to do a 15yard 3 round group and as lng as it was 1 in of center it was acceptable and they would do the same thing at the factory with a 6 to 8 week wait.
Decided to hell with it. After alot of fighting with it and testing with over 4000 rounds and my instructors trying it also (making sure it wasn't just me) I ordered a .065 taller rear sight and a whole apex kit to put my trigger at 3.5lbs and did all the work myself. Now I am loving this pistol it shoots one hole groups at 25 yards and very smooth trigger. Just need a 40 match barrel now

Conclusion out the box a 2.0 shouldn't come out the box firing 6.5inches low or gritty trigger. If they're (s&w) claiming it new and reworked to be a better pistol. Ive talked and talked with s&w reps and same thing send it in and give us 6 to 8 weeks BUT if it shoots with in a 1 in of center at 15 yards it'll be sent back with no work done.

I don't believe S&W claims that any of the Shields are match grade pistols. One inch of center at 15 yards is more than adequate for SD as the pistols seemed to be marketed. Most encounters will be 3 yards or less. That would make for a pretty tight group if you had the time to aim in an emergency. Usually you don't. But I agree with your observations. They should come out of the factory ready to shoot but it appears many these days are falling short of expectations.

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Si vis pacem para bellum.

If it was the 4.25 barrel 2.0 and the poi was 1 in at 15 yard standard they say id be fine. But the 5in barrel dropping 6.5inches at 20 yards is crazy. But my buddy just got a 9 5in 2.0 and it falls with s&w 15 yard standard.
So i guess. I just got the unlucky draw getting a first run 2.0

Hey Cfailing I have a 4.25 m2.0 in 9mm I bought recently.it's been spot on accurate and trigger was crisp clean no grit right out of box. I must have got lucky on mine anyway I. Have a shield 45 that was shooting way low and left I had to do some work on sights and partially me too and it is now shooting good. I believe it was like 6.5 inches below at 12 yards. It makes you wonder who there quality control people that inspect them. Other than that I love my S&Ws I am glad you got it going great.