Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 metal. Is metal better than plastic?

Published on November 13, 2022
Duration: 20:24

This review compares the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal to its polymer counterpart, highlighting key differences in frame material, trigger, and ergonomics. The metal frame offers a slightly softer recoil impulse and improved durability for competitive shooting, while the flat-face trigger is a significant upgrade over the older curved design. However, the lack of frame texturing on the metal version and the omission of suppressor-height sights are noted as drawbacks.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal offers a 7075 T6 aluminum frame for a slightly softer recoil and improved durability, especially for the Magwell. It features a significantly better flat-face trigger with a crisp break and ~4lb pull, a notable upgrade over the polymer version's curved trigger. However, it lacks side frame texturing and comes with standard sights despite optic cuts.

Chapters

  1. 01:03Introduction & Brand Name Clarification
  2. 01:16Introducing the M&P 2.0 Metal
  3. 01:30Reviewer's Relationship with Smith & Wesson
  4. 02:17Unboxing and Included Accessories
  5. 02:54M&P 2.0 Metal vs. Original Polymer Comparison Setup
  6. 03:07Caliber and General Comparison Points
  7. 03:29Barrel Specifications and Accuracy
  8. 04:13Slide Serrations and External Similarities
  9. 04:30Key Slide Differences: Threaded Barrel & Sights
  10. 04:42Optic Cuts vs. Sight Height Discrepancy
  11. 05:13Metal Frame Coating: Tungsten Gray Cerakote
  12. 05:22Major Change: The Aluminum Frame
  13. 05:35Steel vs. Aluminum Frame Weight and Recoil
  14. 05:51Recoil Impulse Comparison: Metal vs. Polymer
  15. 06:35Slow-Motion Recoil Footage
  16. 06:55Milling and Futuristic Design
  17. 07:11Biggest Downside: Lack of Frame Texturing
  18. 07:33Grip Texture Comparison: Polymer vs. Metal
  19. 07:46Grip Styles and Slippage Issues
  20. 08:56Cerakote Slippery Nature
  21. 09:21Magazine Release Differences
  22. 09:33Ambidextrous Controls and Takedown Levers
  23. 09:46Slide Swapping Functionality
  24. 10:10Huge Change: The Trigger
  25. 10:13Flat Face vs. Curved Trigger
  26. 10:33Trigger Quality: Leaps and Bounds Better
  27. 10:37Smith & Wesson Trigger Reputation
  28. 10:56Comparison to Sigma Trigger
  29. 11:21Aftermarket Trigger Comparison (Apex)
  30. 12:16Trigger Pull Demonstration
  31. 12:37Over-travel Bumper Feature
  32. 12:52Trigger Pull Gauge Measurement
  33. 13:21Magwell Comparison
  34. 13:30Benefit of Metal Frame Magwell for Competition
  35. 14:30Who is This Gun For?
  36. 14:34Target Audience: Metal Frame Enthusiasts
  37. 15:13Target Audience: Competitive Shooters
  38. 15:40Demand for All-Metal M&P
  39. 15:51Price Difference Analysis
  40. 16:14Nitpicks: Texturing and Grip Tape
  41. 16:50Price Steepness and Aluminum Costs
  42. 17:13Sights as a Missing Feature
  43. 17:35Steel Version Consideration
  44. 18:18Overall Impression and Reliability
  45. 18:38Reliability of Older Models
  46. 18:49Holster Compatibility
  47. 19:07Unique Guns and Smith & Wesson's Evolution
  48. 19:21Comparison to CSX
  49. 19:51Final Verdict: Worth the Upgrade?
  50. 20:01Future M&P 2.0 Metal Variants
  51. 20:10Concluding Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal and the standard polymer version?

The M&P 2.0 Metal features a 7075 T6 aluminum frame, offering a slightly softer recoil impulse and improved durability, especially for the Magwell. It also comes with a superior flat-face trigger compared to the polymer version's curved trigger. However, the metal version lacks frame texturing on the sides and comes with standard height sights despite optic cuts.

Is the flat-face trigger on the M&P 2.0 Metal a significant improvement?

Yes, the flat-face trigger on the M&P 2.0 Metal is considered a major upgrade. It provides a crisper break, a more tactile reset, and an approximate 4-pound pull weight, making it one of the best stock triggers available for the M&P line, significantly outperforming the older curved triggers.

What are the drawbacks of the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal?

The primary drawbacks are the lack of texturing on the sides of the aluminum frame, which can lead to grip slippage, and the inclusion of standard height sights despite having optic cuts. The Tungsten Gray Cerakote finish, while attractive, can also feel slippery.

Who would benefit most from the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal?

This pistol is ideal for shooters who prefer a metal-framed handgun, competitive shooters who need the durability of an aluminum frame and Magwell for frequent reloads, and those who appreciate the improved flat-face trigger. It offers a familiar M&P feel with premium upgrades.

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