M&P 45 2.0 Review: High Caliber Heavy Hitter

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 is a modern iteration of the iconic Military & Police series, tailored to enhance performance and reliability. With a history of service in various law enforcement agencies and among military personnel, the M&P series is built to meet stringent demands for durability and effectiveness. The M2.0 version carries on this legacy, improving upon its predecessors with various refinements.

Design advancements in the M&P 45 M2.0 are evident in its crisp trigger action, featuring a lighter pull and a tactile and audible reset. Material upgrades such as the aggressive texturing on the grip and the inclusion of interchangeable palm swell inserts ensure a secure hold and a customizable fit for different hand sizes. Caliber options in three capacities allow users to choose according to their needs, balancing stopping power with magazine capacity.

Safety and reliability are paramount in the construction of the M&P 45 M2.0. Smith & Wesson has integrated several safety mechanisms without compromising the handgun's quick readiness. Critical to its design is the reliability of the striker-fired system and the consistency it provides across a variety of scenarios. Aesthetically, the M2.0 balances a professional appearance with ergonomic considerations, presenting a firearm that performs as reliably as it looks.

Key Takeaways

• The M&P 45 M2.0 continues the legacy of the M&P series with enhanced features.
• Interchangeable grips and advanced materials contribute to its adaptability and comfort.
• It emphasizes safety and reliability without sacrificing performance and design.

Design and Materials

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 pistol showcases a robust combination of materials, utilizing a polymer frame for lightweight handling and a stainless steel chassis for structural integrity. Both are enhanced by innovative finishes for durability and performance in various conditions.

Polymer Frame and Grip Texture

The polymer frame of the M&P 45 M2.0 provides a rigid yet lightweight foundation for the pistol. This frame supports a textured grip and is meticulously designed to enhance shooter control. The grip texture ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions, and is integral to the firearm's ergonomic design.

• Frame Material: Polymer
• Texture: Enhanced grip for improved control

Stainless Steel Chassis and Armornite Finish

Central to its resilience and longevity, the M&P 45 M2.0 features a stainless steel chassis. This chassis guarantees dimensional stability and reduces flex during operation. The pistol's major metal components, such as the slide and barrel, are treated with an Armornite finish. This hardy coating provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The firearm is available in multiple color options, including Flat Dark Earth.

• Chassis: Stainless steel for structural support
• Finish: Armornite for corrosion resistance
• Color Options: Includes Flat Dark Earth

Caliber and Capacity

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 2.0 is known for its chambering in the mighty .45 ACP, offering users a blend of potency and capacity. Engineered for both performance and practicality, the M&P 45 2.0 features a standard magazine capacity that aligns with the expectations of law enforcement and personal defense.

Recoil and Handling of Different Calibers

The M&P 45 2.0 is predominantly associated with the .45 ACP cartridge, recognized for its stopping power and an assertive yet manageable recoil profile for experienced shooters. In contrast to the snappier recoil of the 9mm and the .40 S&W, the .45 ACP often delivers a push-like recoil. Smith & Wesson also provides the M&P series in these other calibers, offering users options to select a balance of recoil and capacity that suits their needs and shooting style.

The .45 ACP's recoil is tempered by the pistol's ergonomic design, including the four interchangeable palm swell inserts, which help ensure optimal hand fit and improved control. The inserts cater to various hand sizes, impacting the shooters' ability to manage recoil and maintain consistent accuracy.

Magazine Design and Capacity

Magazines for the M&P 45 2.0 are thoughtfully designed to complement the handgun's role as a reliable tool for law enforcement and defense. They utilize a double-stack design that efficiently houses the cartridges, with a 10-round capacity being standard. This balances the larger size of the .45 ACP rounds with a respectable number of rounds for defensive scenarios.

• Magazine Capacity: 10+1 rounds (.45 ACP)
• Magazine Release: Ambidextrous for efficient and quick magazine changes

The pistol's magazine release is positioned to facilitate easy and intuitive access, allowing for swift magazine changes without compromising the shooter's grip. The capacity of the M&P 45 2.0 offers a practical count of 10+1 rounds, which situates it well within the expected scope for full-sized defense pistols while ensuring legal compliance across various jurisdictions.

Safety and Reliability

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 is a polymer pistol renowned for its robust safety features and consistent reliability in performance. It appeals to law enforcement teams and anyone requiring a dependable firearm.

Manual and Trigger Safety Features

The M&P 45 M2.0 features several safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharges. Manual safety is optional and provides an external lever that the shooter can engage when the firearm is not in use. In addition, trigger safety ensures the gun cannot fire unless direct pressure is applied to the trigger, an essential feature that contrasts with firearms without such measures, like many models of the Glock series.

Accuracy and Performance Assessment

When assessing accuracy, the M&P 45 M2.0 has preferred heavier bullets, such as the Sig Sauer V-Crown and Hornady Critical defense rounds. This preference could influence reliability and accuracy during operation. The trigger pull is designed to be smooth and consistent to aid accuracy. This is especially important when comparing it to other polymer pistols in its class, where trigger performance can significantly affect precision.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 2.0 combines improved ergonomics with customizable aesthetics, catering to a wide range of users seeking a balance between practical handling and visual appeal.

Grip Angle and Ergonomic Considerations

The M&P 45 2.0 features a grip angle that promotes a natural hand position, enhancing the shooter's comfort and control. This ergonomic design ensures a more intuitive aim and helps in reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The ergonomics of the firearm are further complimented by a steel chassis that provides structural integrity and weight distribution, aiding in the management of recoil.

Additionally, the M&P 45 2.0 boasts a grip texture that is aggressive enough to maintain a firm hold without being abrasive. Users also have the option to adjust the grip size thanks to interchangeable backstraps, which cater to different hand sizes and personal preferences.

Sights and Aesthetic Options

The front sight of the M&P 45 2.0 comes standard with a white dot, simplifying target acquisition by providing contrast against various backgrounds. The sight setup provides a clean, unobtrusive aesthetic while remaining functional and user-friendly.

The M&P 45 2.0 offers an ambidextrous thumb safety for shooters who prefer or require ambidextrous controls. This feature caters to left-handed shooters and adds to the handgun's symmetric visual appeal. The thumb safety and other customizable controls contribute to the thoughtful aesthetics of the firearm, allowing users to personalize their weapon's appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses some of the most common inquiries about the specifics and capabilities of the M&P 45 M2.0, offering clear, concise information to those interested in this handgun model.

What features distinguish the M&P 45 2.0 from its predecessors?

The M&P 45 2.0 is an evolution of the M&P line, featuring a refined, crisp trigger with a lighter pull and a noticeable reset. It also boasts an aggressive grip texture and the addition of four interchangeable palm swell grip inserts for optimal hand fit and trigger reach.

How does the M&P 45 2.0 trigger performance compare to other models?

The M&P 45 2.0 is reported to have a trigger that delivers a smoother pull and a clean break compared to previous models. This enhancement in trigger performance places the M&P 45 M2.0 competitively with other striker-fired handguns in the same class.

Can you outline the customizability options for the M&P 45 2.0?

Customizability is a crucial aspect of the M&P 45 2.0 with its aggressive grip texture and four interchangeable palm swell inserts, which allow shooters to adjust the grip size for a more comfortable and secure hold according to their hand size.

What capacity magazines are available for the M&P 45 2.0?

The M&P 45 M2.0 is compatible with magazines of different capacities. Typically, the handgun comes with a standard capacity of 10+1 rounds, but magazine capacity can vary, so it's essential to confirm the specific model's capacity.

What are the dimensions and weight of the M&P 45 2.0?

The dimensions of the M&P 45 2.0 vary across its different models, with compact and full-size variations. Generally, the handgun's weight is substantial yet manageable, balancing firepower and ease of carry.

Which holster models are recommended for the M&P 45 2.0?

Several holster models are recommended for the M&P 45 M2.0, taking into account user preference for concealment, retention, and ease of draw. The choice of holster will depend on whether the user prefers inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), or other types of carrying methods.