By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2023
ABOUT SMITH & WESSON
In 1854 – Smith & Wesson® introduced the .41 Magazine Pistol, “The Volcanic,” and never looked back. It was the first repeating American firearm capable of successfully using a fully self-contained cartridge.
In 1877 – The .38 Safety Hammerless became the world’s first double-action, concealed-hammer revolver.
In 1899, the .38 Military & Police was introduced alongside the .38 S&W Special cartridge, now known as the Model 10; over six million units have been produced since its introduction.
Smith & Wesson produced its first automatic pistol, the .35 Automatic, in 1913.
1935 – Smith & Wesson introduces the .357 Magnum. The .357 Magnum quickly caught the interest of law enforcement agencies looking for a way to deal with more treacherous and better-armed criminals.
1942 – The Victory M&P model was released for the United States Women’s Naval Reserve, better known as the WAVES (for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) stationed at Norfolk, VA Naval Base, that carried important, confidential messages between various section units.
The Model 36, Chief’s Special®, debuted at the IACP conference in 1950.
In 1955, S&W unveiled the Model 29 chambered in .44 Magnum – the handgun made famous by Clint Eastwood in the movie “Dirty Harry.” In 2005, Field & Stream rated the Model 29 as the 5th best gun ever made, the only handgun to make their top ten.
In response to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Training Unit, Smith & Wesson built a pistol that could fire the newly developed .38 AMU cartridge. In 1961, the Model 52 was introduced and became known as the most accurate target pistol of its day.
In 2003, an entirely new frame size was developed to fire the new .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. The Model S&W500™ is the world’s biggest, heaviest, most powerful factory-production double-action revolver.
In 2005, Smith & Wesson® debuts the M&P® Pistol Series. Law enforcement officials championed the new line of polymer pistols. In the first year after their debut, over 100 departments purchased M&P pistols.
The M&P15 was introduced at the 2006 SHOT Show to overwhelming enthusiasm.
2017 – The M&P M2.0™ family is the culmination of a decade of research and design featuring upgrades to nearly every aspect, including trigger, grip, frame, and finish.
THE S&W PERFORMANCE CENTER SPEC SERIES M&P 9 METAL 2.0
“True to its design, this pistol not only sets a new benchmark for the Spec Series line but also places a heightened focus on performance, ensuring users encounter the pinnacle of what Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center models have to offer. Our M&P polymer handguns have long been recognized for their reliability and ergonomic design. By combining these trusted attributes with the durability of the Metal M2.0 platform and adding modern performance upgrades, we were able to elevate the Spec Series to the next level. This design is a bridge between tradition and progress and offers a distinct edge across today’s dynamic shooting environments.” ~ Smith & Wesson Product Manager Corey Beaudreau
THE FRAME
The frame and grip are manufactured from aluminum, and the grip features a 180-degree angle with an aggressive texture. The internals feature an enhanced performance center trigger and sear for a lighter, crisp trigger.
THE SLIDE & BARREL
The sights are suppressor height and will co-witness, and the S&W C.O.R.E mounting system for Micro Red Dot optics is standard. The slide features lightening cuts to reduce weight and give you positive purchase with manipulation. All finished in an Olive Drab Green Cerakote.
The 4.8-inch stainless steel barrel is threaded and comes with a new Faxon/S&W collaboration compensator attached at the factory, giving you less recoil and muzzle flip, which means faster target acquisition and follow-up shots.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Full Size, Striker Fired, Semi-Automatic
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 17/23 Rounds
Sights: Tall Night Sights front and rear. C.O.R.E. Optics mounting system for MRD sights.
Barrel Length: 4.8 Inches
Overall Length: 8.5 Inches
Height: 5.5 Inches
Width: 1.3 Inches
Weight: 28.5 Ounces
MSRP: $999
URL: www.smith-wesson.com
THE VERDICT
It is a visually beautiful Spec Series pistol with features typically found in a much more expensive firearm. See if this is the one for you at your Smith & Wesson dealer.
It ships in a custom insert hard case with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts, two 17-round magazines, two 23-round magazines, a challenge coin, and a Karambit-style knife.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].