New for 2020: Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact Optics Ready

by
posted on September 13, 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. **
smith-wesson-mp-compact-optic-ready-f.jpg
More of today's handgun enthusiasts are discovering the benefits of optics-equipped handguns, and many new reflex optics are emerging on the market with smaller sizes, greater battery life and improve durability. Smith & Wesson now offers a dedicated handgun ready to accept many of these popular sights with the rollout of its M&P9 M2.0 Compact OR.

“The use of optics has become increasingly popular as handgun owners look for ways to enhance their accuracy and shooting experience," said Vince Perreault, Smith & Wesson's brand marketing manager. "To meet the demands of our consumers, the M&P9 M2.0 Compact is now able to accept many popular slide-mounted optics, straight from the factory.”

Smith & Wesson took its standard M&P M2.0 handgun slide and milled a slot just forward of the rear sight. This milled section is compatible with seven mounting plates that ship with the gun. These plates feature mounting holes that line up with the footprints of many of today's popular reflex sights, so all shooters have to do is find the plate compatible with their optic of choice, mount the plate onto the slide, then mount their optic atop the plate.

A nice touch included on these factory Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 Compact handguns is the inclusion of suppressor-height sights. The sights are tall enough to co-witness with a mounted red-dot optic, which provides a back-up sighting solution that can be viewed through the lens. When a mounted optic is not in use, a cover plate is included that blends in with the profile of the slide.

The Compact features a shortened 4" barrel and a shortened grip frame compared to other optics-ready models in the Smith & Wesson lineup. This makes the platform ideal for daily carry, and the addition of a dot sight on a dedicated CCW pistol can provide an intuitive aiming point in all kinds of lighting conditions.

As with all of Smith & Wesson's M&P M2.0 handguns, the optic-ready Compact version is equipped with the 18-degree grip angle and interchangeable grip inserts that provide a close, comfortable fit with a range of hand sizes. The pistol ships with two 15-round magazines and can be had with or without a manual thumb safety. Suggested retail pricing on the optic-ready model is $616. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.