2.0 9mm Compact slide/frame fit

GKC

US Veteran
Joined
Feb 19, 2010
Messages
5,138
Reaction score
5,259
Location
Texas
I can't believe I didn't notice this until now, but the slide/end plate on my 2.0 9mm Compact isn't flush with the frame, when it is fully in battery. The rear of the slide/end plate overhangs the frame (I don't have a picture right now...will take some this evening, and post them when I can.) Normally one of the things I check carefully is fit when I'm buying a new gun, but I was feeling terrible the day I bought this gun (nothing is SO terrible that I can't buy a new gun...it's not like I was in the ICU!)

I haven't taken this gun to the range yet, due to my back issues. The pistol goes into battery, and the slide won't go forward any further by pushing on it. It dry fires, and cycles by hand normally. It's probably just a cosmetic issue.

I'm sure I'm being overly OCD about this...and in a review I read today, the reviewer commented that his 9mm Compact had the same "issue." It didn't cause any problem with performance, and I'm assuming mine won't either...I can't wait until I can go to the range to see for sure, but that will be a while (pending surgery.) I've also seen pictures with the slide/end plate sitting flush with the frame.

How is the fit on yours?
 
Register to hide this ad
Well, coming from decades of beautifully made Belgian Brownings, Colt Hammerless models from the early and mid 1920's, CZ's, and such, there is really very little that compares in a poly gun. So, my question is: How much does it overhang? Mine sits proud by about .015 - .020" depending on how I hold it at an angle. Doesn't bother me. Shoots like a dream and is very reliable so far at about 2500 rounds. No failures or disappointments at all.

Sorry about your back. I'm with ya on that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKC
Well, coming from decades of beautifully made Belgian Brownings, Colt Hammerless models from the early and mid 1920's, CZ's, and such, there is really very little that compares in a poly gun. So, my question is: How much does it overhang? Mine sits proud by about .015 - .020" depending on how I hold it at an angle. Doesn't bother me. Shoots like a dream and is very reliable so far at about 2500 rounds. No failures or disappointments at all.

It isn't very much...I just got home from yet another doctor's appointment, so I haven't taken any pictures yet. It's certainly enough to be noticeable (which bugs me because I didn't notice it in the gun shop before I bought it.) I realize it's not a 1911 or classic BBQ gun, so as long as it goes into battery and fires, it will do what I need. I doubt that S&W would do anything about it anyway, as long as the gun fires correctly.

Sorry about your back. I'm with ya on that.

I'm sorry if you are having back problems...when your back hurts, it just affects everything you need or want to do.
 
The slide on my compact 2.0 over hangs also. I missed it at the LGS and really haven't looked at another to compare. My full-size 2.0 is flush.
Both guns function perfectly.
I think yours will also.
Good luck,
David.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKC
The slide on my compact 2.0 over hangs also. I missed it at the LGS and really haven't looked at another to compare. My full-size 2.0 is flush.
Both guns function perfectly.
I think yours will also.
Good luck,
David.

So, maybe it's a feature of the compacts, and not a bug! ;)
 
I recently picked up a full size 9 2.0 and it is not flush. I didn't think anything of it. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that plastic, striker fired guns are engineering marvels but are the epitome of non-precision manufacturing. The gun shoots great.
 
This is one of the consequences of products across the manufacturing spectrum when craftsmanship gets replaced by robotics, 3-D printing, and a huge demand for toys on the part of the public. Its not a defect, but it's not high end machinist's art either. Those guys are still around, but in very small numbers. The minor mis-match we are talking about here would never be tolerated at a Colt or Herstal plant back in the day. My 1927 Colt Hammerless .380 is a masterpiece of smooth, beautiful machining with a fit and finish like a piece of jewelry. Still, the vintage has been criticized for rougher production after 1920! Same goes for the Belgian made BHP's. And just get ahold of a CZ-75 Compact. The salesman had to pry my fingers off it while extolling the virtues of the S&W 2.0 Compact.

Virtues there are aplenty, but they are all of the New Age of manufacturing, which places all emphasis on pure practicality, and re-defines craftsmanship in the light of corporate economics and cost saving methods.

I have no regrets in buying the Shield or the 2.0 Compact. They do the job, with or without some minor perceived defect or lack of detail.

Incidentally, my Shield slide lines up as well as the one on my Colt Hammerless...
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKC
Incidentally, my Shield slide lines up as well as the one on my Colt Hammerless...

My Shield did too...in fact, of all the M&Ps I've owned, I don't think I've ever had one that didn't line up, rear of slide to frame. I still need to take a picture, but it isn't "terrible" although it is noticeable, especially to someone with OCD.

I've pretty much come to the end of the line of my handgun ownership...my sons have no interest in guns, and the heyday of my buying/selling/trading has ended, so I decided to get rid of all but two. I sold my Shield 45 to buy this 2.0 Compact because I wanted a 9mm, and I thought this could fill the bill in several ways: range gun, carry gun, home/self defense gun, inexpensive caliber to shoot, and ammo is widely available. All of those things still apply. The only other gun I have is a Ruger SR1911 CMD in 45, and the fit and finish on it is everything I could ask for. So, my 9mm Compact will be my working gun, and my SR1911 will be my BBQ gun. Satisfaction exists in both capacities. :)
 
Here's the picture (I'm not too good with my camera, but hopefully you can see the detail.)

9bY37X9.jpg
[/IMG]
 
If the pistol functions, it's largely a "Frankly, Scarlett....".
Denis
 
Here's the picture (I'm not too good with my camera, but hopefully you can see the detail.)

9bY37X9.jpg
[/IMG]

Yeah, that's about like mine. It's mostly the plastic insert. No big deal. Like you say: Theyre working guns.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKC
Yeah, that's about like mine. It's mostly the plastic insert. No big deal. Like you say: Theyre working guns.

I just replaced the rear plate on mine...I got one with a Texas Star from NDZ. Still has the overhang, but now it looks purdy.
 
Back
Top