First Look: Smith & Wesson Performance Center M2.0

by
posted on January 8, 2020
** 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. **
Ever since the introduction of the company's M2.0 lineup of handguns, Smith & Wesson enthusiasts have clamored for a refresh of the company's popular Performance Center lineup of M&P handguns, particularly the optic-ready C.O.R.E. models. In early 2020, Smith & Wesson delivered with a collection of Performance Center-tuned handguns packed with features that today's handgunners demand. Watch the video above to see American Rifleman Executive Editor Joe Kurtenbach discuss the features of the new Performance Center M2.0 with Smith & Wesson's Matt Spafford.

This refreshed lineup of Performance Center M&P M2.0 handguns is loaded with competition-ready features, including ported barrels and slides, fiber-optic sights and milled slides designed for use with many of today's popular slide-mounted red-dot sights. The guns are available in 4.25" and 5" barrels and can be had in 9mm and .40 S&W.

“Performance Center M&P M2.0 pistols were designed with the competitive shooter in mind and are packed with features for the competitive shooter," said Tony Miele, senior director, new products and Performance Center, Smith & Wesson. "For those looking to mount an optic on their pistol without custom work, the new C.O.R.E. pistols have slides cut for optics straight from the factory and will support the majority of popular pistol reflex sights on the market.”

Each Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P M2.0 handgun includes a Performance Center-tuned action that offers shooters a cleaner, audible, tactile trigger reset that allows for rapid follow-up shots on target. The guns all come equipped with an adjustable trigger-overtravel stop as well. Check out the features on the three main models of Performance Center M2.0 handguns here:

Performance Center M&P M2.0 C.O.R.E. Pro Series
  • Optic-ready slide complete with optic-mounting kit
  • White, three-dot sights designed to co-witness with a mounted optic
  • Starting MSRP: $700
Performance Center Ported M&P M2.0
  • Adjustable fiber-optic sights
  • Ported barrel and slide designed to minimize muzzle rise
  • Starting MSRP: $700
Performance Center Ported M&P M2.0 C.O.R.E.
  • Optic-ready slide complete with optic-mounting kit
  • White, three-dot sights designed to co-witness with a mounted optic
  • Ported barrel and slide that mitigates muzzle rise
  • Starting MSRP: $714.
For more information on Smith & Wesson's lineup of Performance Center M&P M2.0 handguns, visit smith-wesson.com.

Latest

John Commerford
John Commerford

Political Report | America at 250: Celebrate Our History

It isn’t news to the patriotic members of the National Rifle Association that July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America.

Benelli Updates Its M2 Field Shotgun

Over the years, Benelli shotguns have gotten subtle updates that have made their reliability and usability even better. New for 2026, Benelli’s M2 Field models are getting added features for better comfort and control.

It’s OK to Have Fun

A gun is a serious tool, but it can also be an object of joy.

Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary

While the company's initial Model 2020 Waypoint design was intended to be more of a precision platform, Springfield has since come out with several field-ready variants of the Model 2020, including the Boundary.

Standing Guard | The NRA and Freedom’s 250th

A quarter of a millennium ago this July 4, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.

The Armed Citizen® June 19, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.