In recent years, Smith & Wesson has completely redesigned and upgraded the M&P line of pistols. This includes an entire range of metal-frame handguns, designed for duty or competition. The latest release from Big Blue is the addition of steel-frame models with 5-inch barrels to the METAL HD line.
SPECS
These pistols maintained many of the features of their predecessors within the M&P family, but with the addition of 5” barrels and full-size metal frames. Smith & Wesson is targeting the growing population of production-division competitors and enthusiasts who want a flatter, softer-shooting gun.
The standard specs are as follows:
- Model(s): M&P M2.0 Competitor HD, M&P M2.0 Metal HD
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Sights: HIVIZ tritium/fiber-optic front sight, blacked-out serrated U-notch rear. Night Fision Yellow/Green Tritium front sight, Blacked-out U-Notch Rear.
- Optic Cut: Yes, with plates.
- Safety: Option for Thumb Safety and No Thumb Safety
- Barrel Length: 5”
- Overall Length: 8.25”, 8.25”
- Width at Grip: 1.67”, 1.3”
- Height: 5.8”, 5.5”
- Weight: 34.5 oz., 34.9 ounces
- Price: $1,299.00, $11,49.00 MSRP
FEATURES
Both the M&P9 M2.0 METAL HD and the PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9 M2.0 COMPETITOR HD feature stainless steel frames that provide balance and recoil control, weighing 34.9 ounces and 34.5 ounces, respectively, without a magazine.
The aggressive frame texturing enhances grip, including stippling along the sides, a textured front panel, and interchangeable back straps that the shooter can customize to fit them. Each has a 5-inch barrel: the METAL HD combines a standard barrel with a serrated slide, while the COMPETITOR HD boosts performance with a 5-inch fluted barrel and lightning cuts on the slide. Both models include upgraded slide serrations and sights for confident target acquisition.
The COMPETITOR model ships with four magazines, while the METAL HD ships with two. Options also matter: models are available with or without an external thumb safety, and a 10-round-compliant version, making the Metal HD line versatile for duty, competition, or other situations where precision is essential.
Zooming Out
The edition of 5”, full-size pistols to their METAL HD lineup was a long time coming, and it’s good to see these options available. Smith & Wesson continues to expand its already robust lineup with even more soon-to-be fan favorites.
