accuracy of the M&P 4" 2.0

[The Viking]

I shot my M&P 2.0 4" against my Glock 17 Gen 5. The targets were at 20 feet. I used a rest. The M&P had a DP Pro optic and the G 17 had an SRO optic. The G 17 gave me a ragged one hole group. The M&P gave me a pattern like a shotgun. I was a bit disappointed in the accuracy of the M&P.
So what has been your experience accuracy wise with the M&P 2.0?
I really like this pistol. So I am a bit disappointed in this result.

 

[Telecaster]

I’ve had 4 M&Ps and they’ve all been like that.

 

[C8-ATX]

I just purchased a new 2.0 compact. I hope it doesn't perform like this compared to my other 9mm, Glock 17 (Gen2 vintage )

If it does I'm going to be upset....

 

[murphydog]

Disappointing to be sure. Perhaps trying different ammo in the M & P, and stocking up on the brand that worked so well in the Glock, just in case.

 

[LVSteve]

How big was this "shotgun pattern"? Need a frame of reference here. Also, as soon as you add an optic you have another variable. Does the optic on the M&P hold zero as well as the Glock optic?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

It could be cause by numerous things...or any combination of things. It could be barrel lockup...barrel specs...ergonomics...trigger action. Not saying it's any or all of these though.

Glock uses polygonal rifling...I don't know what S&W uses. Quality control...quality control...quality control. What does S&W use for specs? Maybe the group size reported is considered within spec by S&W?

 

[IAM Rand]

To each their own. You stick with Glock, I will stay with Smith & Wesson

 

[Saudade]

Is it the same M&P as in this thread?

2.0 Wow!!

 

[The Viking]

How big was this "shotgun pattern"? Need a frame of reference here. Also, as soon as you add an optic you have another variable. Does the optic on the M&P hold zero as well as the Glock optic?

I would guess around 31/2 inches maybe even 4. I was what I would consider combat accuracy where the pistol is meant to fire and not to deliver any good results for competition.

 

[The Viking]

To each their own. You stick with Glock, I will stay with Smith & Wesson

Not just me scroll down and look at the users Glock - Wikipedia
However, I like the ergos, rtf, and the thumb safety plus the better trigger on the M&P 2.0. So I am not done with testing this pistol yet. My plan is too let someone else shoot it and see what happens.

 

[The Viking]

Is it the same M&P as in this thread?

2.0 Wow!!

Nope I have five of them all 2.0. I am sorting them out. But that one did give me great expectations for the others.

 

[Equus]

Every single M&P I own will shoot circles around all but 1 of my Glocks. I’ve not kept a single Gen5 Glock due to abhorrent accuracy in all of them. I do have a G21.4 that is very accurate and a G22.3 that is almost as good. Take those dots off and try the irons before you sell a pistol down the road.

 

[The Viking]

Thanks guy appreciate all the information. Some more testing is in order. Be interesting to see what happens.

 

[Dave Lively]

I would guess around 31/2 inches maybe even 4. I was what I would consider combat accuracy where the pistol is meant to fire and not to deliver any good results for competition.

A 3.5 to 4 inch group at 20 feet is not normal for a M&P. When I hear "combat accuracy" I think around a 4 or 5 inch group at 25 yards.

I don't know what is wrong but something is definitely wrong. I would start with the sight. If the iron sights are usable with the optic maybe try using them and see if the groups improve.

 

[stansdds]

It could be the pistol's ammo preference, it could also be the difference between the Glock and the S&W when it comes to trigger, grip angle, and grip texture. There is a bit of a trend with people who are really good with Glock pistols not being really good with S&W pistols and the reverse also seems to be true. They are very different designs.

 

[hardluk1]

I have a 4" compact 9mm I decided to buy one 2 years ago after watching and older Hickok45 video of him shoot the 9mm 4" compact 2.0 and added holosun green circle dot for a future carry . I carry a m&p 4.25 40 or lw commander in 45 ! 15 yard groups are 2.5 to 3" standing and shooting s l o w l y but I'm 68 and wear trifocals and had trigger finger surgery on my index and middle finger . My grip and smoothness of function is not what it was so apex triggers are an improvement for me ! Now from the bench shooting for a rest group will reduce by half with standard pressure ammo in 115gr fn thru 147gr hp with very little change in group size. My 19 year old grandson shoots 2 to 2.5" group size but at 25 yards . maybe you have a **** maybe its you or the ammo is some bargain fodder but it is up to you to figure out what to do . Maybe let a non glock guy give it a try before you decide what to do .

You have been a glock guy for how long ? Maybe you should try just the m&p only for a while before making up your mind then do what ever make you happy . I tend to tell glock guys to stay glock for carry .

My wife has an early production m&p core that was an all around **** but she loved it. After the apex trigger and then a apex gunsmith fit barrel easy to do at home it shoots like a highend custom with 5 shot cluster at 25 yards in my wifes and grandsons hands . I more of 2" shooter now with it .

 

[brian686]

Can you co-witness the iron sights through the optic? If so, try aiming with just the irons and see if the accuracy improves. It could be you just don't pick up the dot on that optic like you do the SRO.

 

[Ameshawki]

Switching between Glocks and just about anything else messes up a lot of people. Not sure what it is about the Glock, but it seems people shoot Glocks well, or other things well, but generally not both. Also see that with dyed in the wool 1911 shooters.

As far as M&P accuracy, frankly they can be spotty. Especially the first ones. My gen 1 is just ok, my Shield is quite nice for a pocket gun, and my 2.0 Pro Series is a tack driver.

 

[LVSteve]

I would guess around 31/2 inches maybe even 4. I was what I would consider combat accuracy where the pistol is meant to fire and not to deliver any good results for competition.

Something is awry there. I would expect to get 3.5-4" groups or better at 20 feet standing with a two handed hold. For sure, my LE surplus M&P 1.0 pistols can do that. I would look for something loose with the optic system. Loose scopes and action screws have bitten my butt a couple of times on rifles at the range. I agree with an earlier poster on trying the irons if possible.

 

[The Viking]

OK first all the posts are much appreciated. Must say posted the same thing on the Glock forum and got a lot of guys there saying they shoot the M&P better than their Glocks.
Today I made a second run at the M&P. I let one of the young guys, who worked at the range shoot it for accuracy in five shot groups. The first group was three together and two together about 1/2 inch off to the right. The second group was five touching each other in a straight line. I then ran a man size target all the way down to the end of the range ( 40 feet); and I took head shots. 4 went in the head and one hit the neck just above shoulder height. I was very pleased. I think the pistol shot well for a compact designed as an edc. It is definitely a keeper and I like its ergos, trigger, tnumb safety ( something not available on a Glock) and rtf. Hard not to like this little pistol. Now I will have to decide whether I want to put in the time to get better with this pistol or shoot something else. I am an old 1911 shooter so i like good triggers ( which this pistol has combined with thumb safeties. Before I shut up - let me say I have a old sped op M&P 1.0 with an aftermarket trigger installed that I just love and use to shoot IDPA with some years ago. Thanks again for the posts they were much appreciated.