NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 3.6” Compact Pistol

by
posted on September 1, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Building off of an already established and proven line, Smith & Wesson took the 4”-barreled M&P9 M2.0 Compact and made the already concealable pistol even more easy to carry with its 3.6” Compact, the subject of this week’s review. Like all M2.0 pistols, the 3.6” Compact features the aggressive texturing and customizable grip panels of its predecessors—and four differently sized modules are supplied with each gun. The pistol features steel combat sights in a three-dot configuration. Bilateral slide release levers and a reversible magazine release button make the pistol accommodating of both left-and right-hand shooters. Check out our NRA Gun of the Week video to learn more about that Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 3.6” Compact pistol.

Specifications:
Model: M&P9 M2.0 3.6” Compact
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol
Frame: black polymer
Slide: stainless steel; Armornite finish
Barrel: 3.6” stainless steel
Magazine: 15-round detachable box
Sights: three, white dot
Trigger: double-action; 5-lb., 10-oz. pull
Weight: 25.9 ozs.
MSRP: $569

Additional Reading:
Tested: Smith & Wesson’s M2.0 Pistols
Tested: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol
Range Report: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact, 2000 Rounds
Tested: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Pistol
Smith & Wesson Reintroduces Model 19 Revolver

 
  



 

  

  



  

  


Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

I Have This Old Gun: Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle

In the 1890s, U.S. military small arms were evolving rapidly. The recent discovery of smokeless powder, along with the development of new operating systems and cartridge designs, led the U.S. Navy to adopt a radically new platform: the Model 1895 Lee Navy rifle.

Carry Comped: Smith & Wesson Performance Center’s Compensated Bodyguard 2.0 & Shield X

Smith & Wesson introduced compensated models of two popular concealed-carry handguns in its lineup, the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X, both designed to help handgunners improve recoil control.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.