Smith & Wesson's M&P9 M2.0 line of striker-fired handguns has expanded significantly since its first release, and for 2022, the firm introduced new twist to the typically polymer-framed lineup by introducing versions with a metal frame. Now the company has added to its M&P metal series lineup with the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor, a handgun that comes geared for competition use right out of the box.
Following the trend of the other metal-framed M&P semi-automatics, the Competitor has an aluminum frame, which features lightning cuts, polymer grip inserts for the front- and backstrap, and a three-slot Picatinny rail segment machined into the dust cover. While the takedown and slide-catch levers remain similar to those on standard M&P9 M2.0s, the magazine release of the Competitor is enlarged and reversible, and the magazine well at the bottom of the frame is also enlarged. The trigger is tuned for competition use, with an enhanced sear which offers a cleaner trigger break.
The steel slide of the M&P9 Competitor features lightening cuts on the top and sides near the muzzle, which offer both weight reduction at the front of the pistol and adds an eye-catching aesthetic. There are also serrations cut into the slides of the slide at the front and rear for secure manipulation. On top of the slide, the Competitor comes with a dovetailed set of iron sights, with the front sight featuring a fiber-optic insert and the rear being blacked-out and serrated for increased contrast. The slide is also cut for mounting micro red-dot optics, and comes with an included mount cover screwed in place.
The M&P9 Competitor comes in two versions, with either 17-round or 10-round capacities. There is also the option of having both the slide and frame finished in Tungsten Grey Cerakote, or a two-toned version where the slide is finished in black Armornite. All versions come with four magazines included in the box. All sub-versions of the Competitor, regardless of finish or magazine capacity, have a suggested retail price of $999. To learn more about the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor, visit smith-wesson.com.
