The M&P has enjoyed "rolling changes" rather than designated mods. Improvements to the M&P done at various times include changing the twist rate on the 9mm barrel for improved accuracy with 115 grain bullets; a different trigger bar (with the H) for improved reset and firmness; a heavier spring for 9mm (marked with blue instead of green paint); a change of the sear (marked with an R) and its shape, from oval to a more tear-dropped profile, to enhance the geometry of the trigger; and a simpler design for the striker block spring (under the rear sight) that seems mostly for easier assembly rather than a functional purpose. There was also a change in the firing block, but I forget what it was. Did I get all of them?
All of these improvements occurred with no external markings on the exterior of pistol and no new model designations to indicate they took place. (All of this refers to the base M&P; there are, of course, major variants such as the long slide, the VTAC, the CORE, etc. There are also versions with and without the magazine safety, and with or without the thumb safety. There are also M&Ps finished in Melonite and M&Ps with a PVD finish, as well as the elusive model with a bright stainless slide. There really are a lot of different stock numbers, but the rolling changes mentioned here have occurred across the various models over time without the stock numbers changing).
The "Gen 2" may look different, and presumably will have some re-engineered components, with a lot of basic parts that are different from the latest M&P that we know. The suggestion made by a number of posters that the Gen 2 is intended for the military competition makes sense to me. It both separates the new model from anecdotal criticisms of the current M&Ps, and delineates it (with its significant new features) for the commercial market coinciding with the military contract trials. And it allows S&W to gear up the plant for production of both on the same line if they win the contract, and to get a new commercial product out if they do not.
I just bought a new M&P9 (made in October, 2015). With the various rolling improvements now incorporated in the base M&P, I intend to forego the expensive Apex mods and keep it stock. When S&W comes out with the M&P Gen 2, it will probably be more accurate, have more features, and be "better," but I'd like to wait for it to be on the market for a while before I buy it so the bugs can be worked out!
All of these improvements occurred with no external markings on the exterior of pistol and no new model designations to indicate they took place. (All of this refers to the base M&P; there are, of course, major variants such as the long slide, the VTAC, the CORE, etc. There are also versions with and without the magazine safety, and with or without the thumb safety. There are also M&Ps finished in Melonite and M&Ps with a PVD finish, as well as the elusive model with a bright stainless slide. There really are a lot of different stock numbers, but the rolling changes mentioned here have occurred across the various models over time without the stock numbers changing).
The "Gen 2" may look different, and presumably will have some re-engineered components, with a lot of basic parts that are different from the latest M&P that we know. The suggestion made by a number of posters that the Gen 2 is intended for the military competition makes sense to me. It both separates the new model from anecdotal criticisms of the current M&Ps, and delineates it (with its significant new features) for the commercial market coinciding with the military contract trials. And it allows S&W to gear up the plant for production of both on the same line if they win the contract, and to get a new commercial product out if they do not.
I just bought a new M&P9 (made in October, 2015). With the various rolling improvements now incorporated in the base M&P, I intend to forego the expensive Apex mods and keep it stock. When S&W comes out with the M&P Gen 2, it will probably be more accurate, have more features, and be "better," but I'd like to wait for it to be on the market for a while before I buy it so the bugs can be worked out!
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