Help educate me on M&P 2.0 Compact 9 mm Please

[cmansguns]

Hello M&P semi auto subset Forum members. I'm a long time member of SWCA, but always a wheel gun guy, shooter, collector, revo fanboy. The semi's that I have enjoyed for bucoo years are BHP, S&W Model 39-2, Ithaca WWII 1911A1...the steel frame style.

I now have a S&W striker fired 9mm semi-auto described as M&P, 2.0 Compact, 4" barrel, 4 sets of palm swell grip adapters, 2 original 15 rd mags, gun lock w/keys, red plastic empty chamber indicator, all in original cardboard box.

I suspect this was a Covid or Richmond riot "panic" buy that was never used, not even loaded, (probably couldn't find any ammo!). I got it on a trade for an old well worn shotgun that I had no use for. Trade value for the package about $400.

Anyway....new to this section of the Forum, the following are generic questions that I hope you long time users of these striker fired weapons can help me out with.

1. The gun has no thumb safety. My EDC is a 38 snub nose so I won't be EDC this gun, but is this gun normally carried with one in the pipe (15+1)?
2. The slide release is so stiff it cannot be released without some very serious use of thumb pressure..seems easier to just rack-slam the slide. Normal for this style gun?
3. The trigger (have not fired live rounds yet) feels "plastically", "gritty" "clicky", "clacky" medium pull weight. Not 10 pound MA compliant, but not real light either. Again...normal? Does it wear in with a few hundred rounds?
4. Checking the box end label I see S&W SKU of 11683 which has not shown up on the multiple "discontinued" lists I've seen, so can you guess at the manufacture date from the label? I see in bold "092320" and I see a blue sticker "2-16". I'm used to seeing Julian date codes, but is this gun September 23, 2020 with a a LGS inventory date of Feb 16th or ????. Opinion would be appreciated.

5. The gun will be a range gun, for fun and paper punching, family too (everyone loves the Model 39-2 when we're out and about) so I do want to be able to educate myself and family on safe handling of this gun. The only thing missing from the package was the original Owners Manual. I called S&W Customer Support and was told they don't sell the Manuals, rather they are downloadable from their website. I did download the Manual (p/n 3012548, Rev: M&P_M2.0_Pistol_031220), but this guy is 52 pages of 8-1/2" x 11" and is a book in itself. Tried Flea-Bay but alas none out there for sale (original size) that would complete the "package" for me. Anybody got one, or an extra, for sale?

I'm into this whole package for $80.00 so looks like a fun gun to shoot. I've got a decent stash of 9mm ammo so not worried about high priced stuff. Does this gun like any real particular brand ammo specifically?

Thanks in advance from any of you 2.0 Compact users for any answers that will help me and my crowd enjoy this newest member of the collection.

 

[tnmandpshooter]

My 3.6" .40 caliber trigger was gritty. I put an apex trigger, sear, plunger, and plunger spring in it. I left the s&w sear spring in it and now its 4.5" and smooth as glass.

Sent from my SM-A515U using Tapatalk

 

[panther]

You got a nice pistol. It's a great range gun and a great house gun for self defense.
You'll find the slide release and trigger will both improve with use. The M&P eats just about any brand of ammo out there. I like 124gr best at the range, Fiocchi and S&B do well in mine.
You should have at least one spacer in there too. With a spacer you can use the full sized 17rd mags.
I can't help you on the date code, more knowledgeable people then me will be along though.
It's a solid, reliable pistol. As good as any out there that cost alot more, with S&W support to back it up.

 

[dla]

Lube the thing and the trigger will smoothe right up.
The 2.0 sandpaper grip is my favorite as the gun does not move in my hand - great for one-handed shooting.
Mine is a 40sw so I cant attend the 9mm pride parades.....

 

[RobzGuns]

Nice Swap!
1. Striker Fire pistols have several internal safeties, as well as the trigger safety, so they may indeed be safely carried '+1' without fear, with no need for a thumb safety. For more on how striker fire pistols work, view the animation on this site:
Handgun Animations

2.Technically (and this is VERY debatable) the Slide Stop is not 'intended' to be used as a Slide Release, but it will become easier to manipulate with wear. Many (including John Wick) use the thumb of the support hand to release the slide, rather than the shooting hand.

3. The trigger will smooth out with use (lots of dry fire). As mentioned, there are trigger kits that are very easy to install with the help of YouTube. You can also achieve a lighter pull with just the Apex Sear.
There is a great DIY 'trigger job' (polishing) tutorial here:
S&W M&P Trigger Job

4. The "092320" number is most likely the Build date and the blue sticker is most likely the store's sticker. With everything being slowed during the Pandemic, it's very possible that the store may not have received it until 2-16, but it could be a non date code for the store. (unsure)

Since you've been a Wheel Guy and are just getting into Pistols, it wouldn't hurt to take an 'Intro' class, if only to learn the new platform in a controlled environment, as well as learning how techniques vary from revolvers to pistols. When my Wife got into shooting I took the Intro class with her, just as a refresher and man, I'm glad I did! At the time, I was still using the old 'Cup & Saucer' grip.
Enjoy!!

 

[Saudade]

OK, congrats on your acquisition. Now onto your Q's.

<snip>
1. The gun has no thumb safety. My EDC is a 38 snub nose so I won't be EDC this gun, but is this gun normally carried with one in the pipe (15+1)?

Opinions vary but typically Yes, 1 in the chamber. If you're so inclined, you can add a manual safety just by buying the parts.

2. The slide release is so stiff it cannot be released without some very serious use of thumb pressure..seems easier to just rack-slam the slide. Normal for this style gun?

Normal. Racking (slingshot) is the "book" method of releasing the slide. You'll hear a lot of differing opinions on this. If you chose to use the slide catch as a release, it will get easier with use.

3. The trigger (have not fired live rounds yet) feels "plastically", "gritty" "clicky", "clacky" medium pull weight. Not 10 pound MA compliant, but not real light either. Again...normal? Does it wear in with a few hundred rounds?

Well, it is plastic. Not a fan of the hinged trigger myself. Have you cleaned and lubed it yet? Read your manual (watch a few YT vids) to understand how to field strip and lube it properly. Much of the grit will go away with proper cleaning, lubing and use.

4. Checking the box end label I see S&W SKU of 11683 which has not shown up on the multiple "discontinued" lists I've seen, so can you guess at the manufacture date from the label? I see in bold "092320" and I see a blue sticker "2-16". I'm used to seeing Julian date codes, but is this gun September 23, 2020 with a a LGS inventory date of Feb 16th or ????. Opinion would be appreciated.

S&W switch from Julian dates a few years back. "092320" is the date, no decoder ring needed. I have no idea what the 216 is, perhaps an internal stock number for their books.

5. The gun will be a range gun, for fun and paper punching, family too (everyone loves the Model 39-2 when we're out and about) so I do want to be able to educate myself and family on safe handling of this gun. The only thing missing from the package was the original Owners Manual. I called S&W Customer Support and was told they don't sell the Manuals, rather they are downloadable from their website. I did download the Manual (p/n 3012548, Rev: M&P_M2.0_Pistol_031220), but this guy is 52 pages of 8-1/2" x 11" and is a book in itself. Tried Flea-Bay but alas none out there for sale (original size) that would complete the "package" for me. Anybody got one, or an extra, for sale?<snip>

I'd try calling S&W back and speak to another rep.

 

[jurek]

Hello M&P semi auto subset Forum members. I'm a long time member of SWCA, but always a wheel gun guy, shooter, collector, revo fanboy. The semi's that I have enjoyed for bucoo years are BHP, S&W Model 39-2, Ithaca WWII 1911A1...the steel frame style.

I now have a S&W striker fired 9mm semi-auto described as M&P, 2.0 Compact, 4" barrel, 4 sets of palm swell grip adapters, 2 original 15 rd mags, gun lock w/keys, red plastic empty chamber indicator, all in original cardboard box.

I suspect this was a Covid or Richmond riot "panic" buy that was never used, not even loaded, (probably couldn't find any ammo!). I got it on a trade for an old well worn shotgun that I had no use for. Trade value for the package about $400.

Anyway....new to this section of the Forum, the following are generic questions that I hope you long time users of these striker fired weapons
can help me out with.

cmansguns, congrats on your purchase ! That's a nice shooter!

1. The gun has no thumb safety. My EDC is a 38 snub nose so I won't be EDC this gun, but is this gun normally carried with one in the pipe (15+1)?

Striker fired pistol doesn't required thumb safety. There are enough other safety mechanisms which prevents negligent discharge.
And yes, it can be safely carried with +1 in the chamber. (By "safely" I mean at least having a good holster.)

2. The slide release is so stiff it cannot be released without some very serious use of thumb pressure..seems easier to just rack-slam the slide. Normal for this style gun?

That is correct. It is and will be stiff for sometime. Mine loosened after 500 rounds or so and additionally I polished it a little bit with sand paper.

3. The trigger (have not fired live rounds yet) feels "plastically", "gritty" "clicky", "clacky" medium pull weight. Not 10 pound MA compliant, but not real light either. Again...normal? Does it wear in with a few hundred rounds?

Yes. That is normal. It will gonna be better once you start live firing it.
Don't expect nice, smooth trigger. It will never be. The hinge design is not a good one (in my opinion). I switched it to APEX trigger and then found huge difference.

4. Checking the box end label I see S&W SKU of 11683 which has not shown up on the multiple "discontinued" lists I've seen, so can you guess at the manufacture date from the label? I see in bold "092320" and I see a blue sticker "2-16". I'm used to seeing Julian date codes, but is this gun September 23, 2020 with a a LGS inventory date of Feb 16th or ????. Opinion would be appreciated.

Bold "092320" is your date of production. The blue sticker means something different, not related to the date. If I'm correct M2.0 version was released in 2017, so that firearm couldn't be at LGS in 2016.
[On my box there is sticker with "2010 0127", so you can see how strange things can be found]

5. The gun will be a range gun, for fun and paper punching, family too (everyone loves the Model 39-2 when we're out and about) so I do want to be able to educate myself and family on safe handling of this gun. The only thing missing from the package was the original Owners Manual. I called S&W Customer Support and was told they don't sell the Manuals, rather they are downloadable from their website. I did download the Manual (p/n 3012548, Rev: M&P_M2.0_Pistol_031220), but this guy is 52 pages of 8-1/2" x 11" and is a book in itself. Tried Flea-Bay but alas none out there for sale (original size) that would complete the "package" for me. Anybody got one, or an extra, for sale?

Original "owner's manual" which comes with the firearm IS 52 pages book, just smaller format. It is the same you have downloaded.
If you want to print it out, just print as smaller page size and you will have the same book as original [but you will need really good eyes to read it]

 

[Bumpus13]

Nice piece.

I was giving strong consideration to making the addition of a Compact to my other M&P striker fired pistols (M&P9 and Shield9, both 1.0 versions) But then the Shield Plus came out, and well, after adding that … with a 13+1 capacity in a much smaller package - I'm not seeing the practicality of a "compact" featuring 15+1.

LOL - Not that buying another gun HAS to spring from reasons of practicality. I just think I'm set on the striker fired front, at least for the time being.

Enjoy your new pistol, shoot the snot out of it, and I'm certain it'll serve you and yours well.

 

[9mmPatriot]

Mine is my EDC.
I've added a Holosun 407C green dot mounted via an OuterImpact adapter.

I stepped up from an M&P Shield in 9mm.

Great gun!!

I'm very happy with the performance and the backstrap options are a huge help for fine-tuning my grip/trigger finger placement.

 

[Short_Round]

M&P9C 2.0?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[cmansguns]

Thanks for the info and tips

As stated....Many thanks for the tips and info on this new (to me) M&P 2.0 Compact. The 18 degree grip angle and inserts for backstrap have yielded (for both me and the wife) an incredible grip feel for strong hand shooting. That aggressive texture really adds to firmness and stability.

I WAS headed to the range to put this gun up against my Model 39-2 at 10 yards.....but.....(unfortunately for me)...son called and said "forget the range today....9mm ammo is back in stock at $25/50rds...no limit and the place is simply mobbed."

Will try again on a light workday next week. I've got plenty of ammo and want to give them both an honest workout.

I'm over a thousand posts on the wheel gun sub-sets of the Forum....is this brand new "affinity" for black plastic gonna get me in trouble over there or do you guys keep everything here totally separate (kinda like the old wives and girlfriends thing)?

Do you think it will wear off....or this another one of those S&W slippery slopes we all talk about? Yea.....I know you guys are probably just like me.....very good enablers

Again.........thanks for the tips and advice...it will be fun!

 

[Old cop]

I have the 2.0 four inch M&P & just used it for my LEOSA certification. As someone who carried a Glock before my '97 retirement I like it much better than the Glock I was mandated to carry. As to the slide release I'm a lefty so muscle memory has me using the slingshot method & it will get better w/use, but not much. The slide release on the right side of the frame, for us south paws, is useless. As to the hinged trigger it's OK, but nothing special. There are after market options but I left mine stock.

 

[jurek]

The slide release on the right side of the frame, for us south paws, is useless.

With few hundreds rounds and a little polishing work it is very usable.
I'm left handed and the slide releases smoothly for me.

 

[Old cop]

With few hundreds rounds and a little polishing work it is very usable.
I'm left handed and the slide releases smoothly for me.

Thanks, what parts do you polish specifically? My 2.0 has 300 + rounds downrange and the lefty slide release is unusable.

 

[68Dave]

Congratulations on your 2.0 compact. Both of my 2.0 guns have pretty nice triggers, especially compared to my old 1.0 shield. You may have a burr in your striker block channel. I recommend watching some of the trigger videos and at least looking at your gun to compare.
Good luck,
David

 

[jurek]

Thanks, what parts do you polish specifically? My 2.0 has 300 + rounds downrange and the lefty slide release is unusable.

I disassembled entire slide stop lever. Used sandpaper 800, then 1200 and finished with Flitz paste. I used it for internal portion of the lever, didn't touch the outside parts which go over the frame.
Additionally I rounded a little bit the lever's end which goes inside slide's notch.

I did it before first 50 live rounds. It was somehow OK, however after additional 500 or so rounds it became very easy to release the slide.

I also worked on it without shooting. Just pressed it up / down at home while watching TV, so I'm guessing the slide stop lever had 3 or 4 times more movement that live rounds.

 

[kbm6893]

The slide lock drops like butter in my 2.0 Compact and I only have a couple hundred rounds through it.

 

[Daryl Licht]

I have several M&P pistols. Only one was bought with the thumb safety, and I ended up getting the plugs and removing it.

The slide stop is stiff, no doubt. The left side is too stiff and the right side is pretty much unusable to release the slide. I mostly just rack the slide.

I typically carry a Shield 1.0 when the weather is warm, and in cooler months carry a 3.6" 2.0 Compact or sometimes a CZ P10C. Always with a round in the chamber. When I put the gun away at bedtime I just remove the holster with the gun in it. Every week or so the carry gun is taken out of the holster, cleared, stripped, cleaned and re-lubed. Folks who carry IWB understand why. The point of all that is that I'm of the belief that accidents are more prone to happen when holstering and reholstering. We don't have any kids here so it's not a problem.

I must be the only person on the planet who likes the shape of the M&P trigger. It's shaped like a pistol trigger is supposed to be shaped. I don't like the Glock style trigger. To each his own.

 

[9mmPatriot]

I must be the only person on the planet who likes the shape of the M&P trigger. It's shaped like a pistol trigger is supposed to be shaped. I don't like the Glock style trigger. To each his own.

Make that two of us.


I'm not against mods and upgrades, but for my needs the trigger is perfect.

 

[jurek]

Make that two of us.


I'm not against mods and upgrades, but for my needs the trigger is perfect.

Whoever designed that trigger was a third person on your list.