Smith & Wesson M&P Pistol: A Modern Classic for Those Who Protect

Among the polymer pistols that have flooded the market in the 2005st century, the Smith & Wesson M&P stands out not so much for its revolutionary technology as for its well-thought-out balance. Debuting in XNUMX, the pistol was the American arms giant’s response to Glock’s dominance. But instead of blindly copying, S&W created a weapon that combines military reliability, police practicality, and civilian comfort. Its history is one of contract competition, evolving ergonomics, and surprising longevity in a world where gun trends change every year.

History of creation: How S&W regained leadership 

By the early 2000s, Smith & Wesson, founded in 1852, was losing ground in the service pistol market. The US military and police were switching en masse to Glock, and models like the S&W Sigma were criticized for their unreliable trigger mechanism. The company needed a “Glock killer” — a weapon that would restore the trust of law enforcement agencies. Development began in 2002 under the code name M&P (Military & Police). Engineers focused on modularity: the pistol had to be adjustable to any hand, and its design had to allow for quick modernization. In 2005, the M&P was presented to the public, and a year later it was adopted by police departments in Texas and Illinois. A key advantage was a contract with the US Department of Defense in 2017: the M&P M2.0 won the MHS (Modular Handgun System) competition along with the SIG Sauer P320, becoming an alternative for some units. This success has restored S&W's status as a key player in the market.

Design and Features: Ergonomic Genius 

The M&P is the quintessence of pragmatism. Its glass-filled polymer frame has three interchangeable back panels (S, M, L), allowing you to adapt the grip to any palm. The 18° angle of the handle reduces muzzle rise when shooting, and the textured overlays provide a confident grip even when wearing gloves. 

The heart of the pistol is a striker-fired trigger with a partial preliminary cocking. The trigger is smooth, with a clear resistance of about 2,7 kg (in the M2.0 version - 2,3 kg). The safety is automatically deactivated when gripped correctly, and the slide catch and magazine button are ambidextrous. 

The Melonite-coated stainless steel barrel is rated for up to 50 rounds. The slide has a mount for collimator sights (on Optics Ready models), and a Picatinny rail under the barrel for flashlights or lasers. 

The main feature is the quick disassembly system: for cleaning, you do not need to pull the trigger, which increases safety. The pistol can be disassembled in 10 seconds without tools, which is critical in field conditions.

Application: From patrols to special forces 

The M&P has earned its place as a workhorse pistol. More than 60% of U.S. police departments use it in their daily work. For example, in 2011, Boston police switched to the M&P .40 S&W, praising its accuracy and controllability in shootouts. In 2017, the pistol became part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ equipment, and in 2020, the Army Rangers. 

The Shield (25mm thick) is popular with Secret Service agents and civilians who prefer concealed carry. In 2016, American Rifleman named it the “Best Compact Pistol of the Year.” 

In competitive shooting, M&P dominates IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) disciplines where reloading speed and accuracy are important. The Performance Center version, with its lighter trigger and recoil compensator, is a favorite among the pros.

 Competitor Comparison: Why Choose M&P 

- Glock 17: Lighter (625 g) and cheaper, but loses out in ergonomics. Many people find the Glock grip "angular", and the lack of replaceable pads limits adaptation. 

- SIG Sauer P320: SIG has more modularity, but M&P is more reliable in extreme conditions (sand and water tests). In addition, S&W offers a lifetime warranty. 

- FN 509: Better adapted to optics, but more expensive and more difficult to maintain. 

M&P's trump cards: 

1. Price ($500-700 vs. $600-900 for SIG). 

2. "Aggressive" texture of the handle, reducing slippage. 

3. S&W warranty - free repair even after 100 shots. 

Evolution: From M&P to M2.0 and Beyond 

In 2017, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P M2.0, a major upgrade. The changes affected the trigger (the trigger became shorter and lighter), the frame (steel guides were added for rigidity), and the barrel coating. In 2020, the M2.0 Metal version appeared with an aluminum frame for fans of the “classic” weight. 

Of particular note is the M&P Shield, a subcompact model measuring just 25mm thick. It has become a hit among civilians, with over 2012 million units sold between 2020 and 2. 

In 2023, S&W announced the M&P 5.7 chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, whose armor-piercing properties made it a competitor to the FN Five-SeveN. This model is already being tested by special forces in Europe.

Specifications (M&P M2.0 9mm Full-Size) 

- Caliber: 9×19 mm (also .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .45 ACP, 5.7×28 mm) 

- Barrel length: 127 mm (Full-Size), 108 mm (Compact), 86 mm (Shield) 

- Overall length: 210mm (Full-Size), 190mm (Compact), 160mm (Shield) 

- Height: 140 mm (Full-Size), 130 mm (Compact), 110 mm (Shield) 

- Weight without cartridges: 740 g (Full-Size), 700 g (Compact), 540 g (Shield) 

- Magazine capacity: 17 (Full-Size), 15 (Compact), 8 (Shield) 

- Sights: Removable front and rear sights (tritium in the Night Sight version) 

- Barrel life: 50+ shots 

- Trigger pull: 2,3 kg (M2.0), 2,7 kg (original) 

- Additional options: Picatinny rail, optics mount, thread for silencer (on some models). 

The Smith & Wesson M&P is a success story built on understanding the needs of the user. It does not try to impress with space technology, but does the main thing - it works. Be it a sandstorm in Iraq, rain in Seattle or a stressful situation at the shooting range, the M&P will do its job. And while the police patrol the streets and housewives learn to shoot at targets, this pistol remains a symbol of the fact that reliability and comfort are more important than marketing gimmicks.