S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Review: Another great 10mm

Striker fired polymer framed pistols seem to be all the rage these days. Smith & Wesson is no stranger to the subject, and today we will test and review one of their offerings. In today’s review we will check out the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0.

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Background 

The M&P line of pistols has been around much longer than I had known. With a focus on duty service with the military and police. But these handguns have come a long way since those first manually ejected .38 Special pistols.

The M&P line has evolved with some very venerable models, most of them chambered in the very popular 9mm. Smith & Wesson’s 2.0 version of the M&P 9 is also available in 10mm auto. The 10mm has become another one of those great cartridges with a cult following. You may ask yourself why, I mean isn’t it just a longer .40 S&W?

Sharing bore-size with the .40 is a familiar trait of the 10mm. But it carries a great deal more energy due to its longer case length and greater powder charge. With average velocities two to three hundred feet per second faster than the .40, the 10mm is a powerful cartridge. 

But does this cartridge live up to the legendary reputation?

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Features

1 Picatinny accessory rail

You can add your favorite weapon light under the front of the pistol.

2 M2.0 flat-faced trigger

The flat-faced trigger allows comfortable placement and a very clean trigger pull.

3 Optics ready slide

The M&P 10mm optics ready slide allows easy and robust mounting of a red dot optical sight to co-witness with the tall iron sights.

4 15 round magazines

Shooting bigger cartridges doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice capacity.

5 18 degree textured grip

The grip angle and texturing allows for natural aiming and control of the pistol.

6 Low bore axis

The low bore axis keeps the pivot point of the pistol lower allowing for better control.

7 Adjustable grip insert

Interchangeable backstraps allows you to custom fit the M2.0 to fit your grip and hand size.

Models and Variations of the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

The M&P 10mm M2.0 is also available with a thumb safety, a long slide version, as well as a Performance Center model. 

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 – Review

Shooting the M2.0 was going to be a treat for me. I already loved the feel of this pistol, and getting it on the range would prove to be a good time. With a few boxes of ammunition, I headed up to my spot to see how big of a difference there was between 9 and 10 millimeters. I’d also brought some accessories to kit out the pistol a few different ways.

First up, I shot the pistol just as it came, using the iron sights and some Blazer ammunition. With  15 rounds loaded up, I started shooting. You can definitely feel the extra pep in the step of the 10mm. 

Ergonomics

Like every other M&P 9, it felt great in the hands, just a bit more spicy due to the extra millimeter in the ammunition. The unique sound of 10mm cases bouncing across the ground sounded like coins being tossed in a parking garage. 

I was very pleased with the improved M2.0 trigger. It has a fantastic wall that you feel as the first stage is taken up. It is very consistent and predictable, followed up with a smooth snap when you press. I typically dislike blade safeties, but this design I really quite liked.

Another control that surprised me was the slide release. There appears to be a spring-detent that makes the sensation of a popping when you press the mag release. It really adds a nice touch to the reload.

Shooting through the fifteen round magazines went all too fast. Even adding a plus-2 magazine base plate for a total of 17 cut the fun off too soon. But to be fair, seventeen rounds of 10mm is a pretty impressive battery. 

Accuracy and Shootability

The tall sights of the M&P M2.0 were very easy to see and pick up while presenting. Shooting accurately with this pistol was awesome, easily hitting most things within handgun range. Adding a red dot to the gun brought another level of fun to shooting the M&P. Keeping your eyes focused on the target while raising the pistol until the red dot lined up felt like cheating. 

Reloads took me a little bit of practice to get used to. I typically train with a Glock 17 clone or a P320 of some type. The magazine release on the M&P was different enough that I had to make a more deliberate effort to press it. I’m sure this is simply a question of practice and training. 

The flared magwell also helped me with reloads, making it easy to stab the magazine under pressure. 

Shooting both the Blazer and American Eagle ammunition, the M&P hummed along like a tuned engine. No malfunctions of any kind were experienced, and it left me wanting more ammo. 

Value

With an MSRP under $700, this pistol sure seems to bring a lot of features and value. With its optics ready slide, quality trigger, and the ability to pump 10mm auto rounds like a slot machine. You’d be hard pressed to beat this for a service grade 10mm pistol.

Final Thoughts

Smith & Wesson surely knows what they are doing with the M&P line. One thing after another kept making me like the pistol more and more. 

The M2.0 has a fantastic trigger, shoots smooth and reliably. And it feels fantastic in the hands. The 9mm version of this pistol has an incredible lineup of competition. But when it comes to 10mm, the field narrows considerably.

For the price, this pistol brings a great deal of value and features that will live up to the M&P standard of service. If you are looking for a good 10mm pistol for defense or just for fun, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0.

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Pros and Cons 

S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 Starter Pack

These items are must haves for all firearms owners and range trips:

• Eye Protection: Upgrade your eye protection with one of our picks for the best shooting glasses!
• Hearing Protection: Don’t head off to the range without some good hearing protection.
• Gun Cleaning Kit: A good gun cleaning kit will make maintenance easier.
• First Aid Kit – Keep a good first aid kit on hand for your range trips.

Upgrades and Accessories for the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

A pistol like this deserves a good holster. I am a big fan of the Safariland ALS line of holsters and would strongly recommend getting one that fits your model M&P.

An optics ready pistol like this for sure needs a good red dot. I used a cheap one that fit, but I would recommend something much better for this handsome pistol. Something like the always popular Holosun 507 or an Aimpont Acro.

Plus two base plates like the ones seen here from Floyd’s Custom Shop are a great way to increase the capacity of your M&P. There are many great options from other companies as well. 

Upgrades and Accessories for the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

Holster Safariland 6360RDS Holster		Level 3 retention Multiple color options Works with red dot and a weapon light	Buy on Amazon
Magazine Extension Floyds Custom Shop M&P Mag Extension		+5 for 10mm and +3 for 45 ACP Anodized aluminum	Check Price
Budget Red Dot Holosun 407C		2 MOA dot Built in solar panel back up RMR footprint	Buy on Amazon
Red Dot Aimpoint Acro P2		Enclosed emitter 3.5 MOA dot Aimpoint reliability	Buy on Amazon

Best Ammo for the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

Ammunition used during our testing was from Blazer and American Eagle. Both were 180 grain FMJ loads. Both of them shot very well, and I couldn’t say one shot any better than the other. 

This 10mm usually carries a magazine full of Speer Gold Dot 200 grain Jacketed hollow points. These also shoot great from the pistol, and double as defensive rounds. 

Other 10mm Handguns to Check Out

If you are looking for some other 10mm handgun options, check out our best 10mm handgun article. Below are two full sized, polymer framed 10mm handguns that would be good to consider as well.

How to Care for Your S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

The video below shows you how to disassembly and reassemble your M&P M2.0 for maintenance.

Important Links and Manuals for the S&W M&P 10mm M2.0

Here are some links to the manufacturers website and user manual.

• M&P 10mm M2.0 by Smith & Wesson
• S&W M&P 10mm M2.0 User Manual