1st range trip with M2 Compact 9

[modbuilder]

PIcked up a new M&P2.0 Compact 9 last week, and got to the range with it today. Thought I'd share initial impressions. It was ordered in to my LGS for me, so I'm guessing it's fairly recent production (no born-on date on the documentation). I must be lucky because the trigger was not gritty. I measured the pull weight at 5.8 lbs. Field stripped it for clean and lube, and found everything clean except the barrel, and I'm assuming that was from a proof round. Factory lube looked like normal gun oil. Really like how easy it is to take down for cleaning.

Ran 80 rounds through it using both mags with no malfunctions of any sort -- 60 rounds FMJ and 20 rounds HST defense JHP's. Sights were dead on at 7 yds. The stippling was too sharp for comfort, so a little light sanding is in order. The trigger was probably as good as it gets from the factory, but I was getting pinched and the long take up was not working well for my trigger control. An Apex flattey is likely as soon as Christmas is over. This is scheduled for a home defense gun, and it's getting a Steamlight weapon light/laser for Christmas.

The only gripe I have is how hard the mags are to load. This is my first S&W pistol after owning Sigs, Kahrs, and H&K's. These mags are by far the hardest to load, even assuming they'll ease up a bit with use. A Maglula is definitely on the horizon.

All in all, it's a great gun. Looking forward to years of ownership. ....R

 

[gonerydin]

Nice range report. There is a date code on the box label.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[NewToGuns17]

I've left both my mags loaded for the 2 months I've had move and reloading them is a breeze now. I too had to buy an uplula, but it was for my shield (which I got before my 2.0).

 

[modbuilder]

I've left both my mags loaded for the 2 months I've had move and reloading them is a breeze now. I too had to buy an uplula, but it was for my shield (which I got before my 2.0).

Good suggestion. Starting it tonight.

 

[Charlier26]

I got to play with a M2 Compact with the Flatty Apex at my gunsmith's shop last week. VERY short takeup and reset. I have the AEK Apex kit on mine, but have to admit, the flat one is awesome. You will really like it.

 

[Big1]

Awesome report, so it seem like a keeper for sure.

 

[dsk]

The way the mag followers are shaped I have a heck of a time getting the first round into the mag and have to use an Uplula. Once that first round is loaded however I can do it by hand if need be.

 

[Crafty714]

First thing I did was load all 3 magazines (bought a 17 round, too) and left them loaded. Going this weekend to shoot it.

 

[dipperdave]

The way the mag followers are shaped I have a heck of a time getting the first round into the mag and have to use an Uplula. Once that first round is loaded however I can do it by hand if need be.

This is my experience as well. Fully loaded mine and am leaving like that for a couple of weeks to see if it helps.

 

[mauser9]

Thanks for the report. According to your report they do sound reliable with different ammo. Any major or minor improvements over the earlier model?

 

[modbuilder]

Apologies for the delay. I can't comment on changes over earlier model 'cause this is my first M&P. The mags are getting a little easier to load after sitting loaded for a couple weeks, but a Maglula is definitely happening after I got to use a buddy's at the range. Awesome loading aid. FWIW, I gather that the first round is supposed to be loaded by hand before loading the rest with the Uplula.

This same buddy took my M&P 2.0 Compact 9 and ate the center out of a fairly small target at 21 feet. Pi$$es me off that he can shoot my gun better than I can, and with the factory trigger. Apex is still in the plan. In the meantime, practice, practice, practice. Still 100% reliability with both ball and JHP ammo with 4 different shooters.

Safe and happy Christmas to "All Ya'll".............. R

 

[modbuilder]

Forgot to mention

I've loaded the first round both by releasing the slide stop and by sling shot. Pistol doesn't seem to care. The slide stop is a little stiff to release easily with only thumb of right hand, but it's either wearing in or I'm getting used to it. I'm 100% successful now releasing the slide stop with just thumb of right hand gripping the pistol. Worth noting -- the wife can't release the slide at all, but she's also a 70+ lady at 5ft even. I assured her it wouldn't be a problem because it would always be "ready to go" with just the safety set whenever she needed it.

I ordered this pistol with the safety because I wanted it to have the same operating controls as the other pistols in the house. The wife has no trouble disengaging the safety with the shooting hand thumb, but needs the off-hand thumb to re-engage it, mostly because she has smaller hands rather than because of the stiffness of the safety.

fyi......... R

 

[catcus-jack]

I use the support hand thumb after loading the full magazine it is in perfect position to release the slide.And get right back to the firing grip.

 

[modbuilder]

Update

Have been to the range only a couple of times since the initial range report. Gun continues to run flawlessly. Decided to move on the Apex flattey with forward set sear (Apex #100-154). A little pricey but wanted the gun to be as good as it can be. Thought this was as good a place as any to report results.

Measured the factory trigger pull at 5lbs 14oz, which is very close to the 6.0 lbs listed on the Apex chart for the factory trigger. Using the Apex chart, decided to use the factory return spring with the Apex purple sear spring. The Apex chart projects that to produce a 5.0lb trigger pull with all the reduced travel and smoothing benefits.

Found lots of installation info online and decided to install the kit myself. Can't say it was easy, but it wasn't too tough if you take it slow and have patience. Side benefit is learning a lot about how it works. Only surprise was how hard the rear sight was to slide to the side. Dang that thing was in there good. Ended up buying a $45 sight pusher to keep from marring the finish. It was tough even with the sight pusher, but got 'er done.

Really like how smooth it is now and all the advertised benefits -- reduced take up, crisp release, short reset. Nice. And no more pinch from the curved trigger. Measured the pull weight with my patented water bucket, coat hanger, and digital kitchen scale rig (I swear it's a lot more reproducible than the Lyman gauge). Got a 3lb 9oz release -- significantly less than projected by the Apex chart. It sure does feel good though. Probably too light for a home defense gun, but I'll run it awhile and see how it ages.

Haven't taken it to the range yet. Our indoor range had a fatality this week with a guy shooting himself in the chest with a .45. Hard to get much detail about how it happened. Best guess is another "empty gun" AD. May be a while before I can update how the gun runs. For now... dry fire is awesome! Apex flat trigger with forward set sear kit is recommended!

Best regards.......... R