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

Hunter in gun store
Hunter in gun store

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

A Deadly Testing Ground: Guns of the Spanish Civil War

Great powers have often used smaller conflicts as test beds for new weapon systems, and also as dumping grounds for obsolete machinery. The Spanish Civil War was one such conflict.

Sequel: The New Taurus Judge

Not content to merely mark the gun's 20th anniversary with a special engraved edition, Taurus also introduced the New Taurus Judge this year.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 3, 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.