Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center Review: Precision Meets Compact

Few brands in the firearms industry have as much respect and recognition as Smith & Wesson. With roots tracing back over a century, Smith & Wesson has been at the forefront of handgun innovation, continuously shaping the world of firearms with its dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

The M&P (Military & Police) series is a testament to this legacy, a line that was developed with the feedback of law enforcement professionals, ensuring reliability and functionality in high-pressure scenarios. Among this renowned series, the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center emerges as a unique blend of tactical design and advanced features. It promises the best of both worlds: compactness suitable for concealed carry and the firepower and precision that the brand is celebrated for.

In this review, we aim to unwrap the layers of the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center Ported, examining its features, detailing its performance, and giving you an inside look into what makes this handgun a standout choice for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.

Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center – Overview & Features

Feature	Specification
Caliber	.45 ACP
Action	Striker-fired
Capacity	6+1
Barrel Length	3.3 inches (Ported)
Overall Length	6.5 inches
Front Sight	Hi-Viz Green Dot
Rear Sight	Hi-Viz Red Dot
Frame Material	Polymer
Barrel Material	Stainless Steel
Weight (Unloaded)	22.5 ounces
Safety	Split Trigger Safety

The Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center Ported is a micro-compact and potent firearm, well-regarded in the shooter’s community. This .45 ACP pistol comes securely packaged with essential items and clear instructions to guide new owners. In the box, you’ll find two magazines: one with a standard base plate and a 6+1 capacity, and another with an extended base plate, offering additional grip length. Additionally, an owner’s manual and a safety lock are included to ensure safe usage and storage of the firearm.

Manufacture specs bring attention to some standout features of the M&P 45 Shield M2.0. Notably, the ported barrel and slide which serve not only as an aesthetic enhancement but also functionally by reducing muzzle flip during firing. Another prominent feature includes the hi-viz fiber optic sights, designed with a red rear sight and a green front sight, providing a bright and distinctive sight picture in varied lighting conditions. The compact design and strategic feature placement aim to ensure user comfort, manageability, and accuracy, even with the powerful .45 ACP rounds.

In the upcoming sections, further exploration of each feature and detailed hands-on experiences will provide a comprehensive insight into the M&P 45 Shield M2.0, aiding potential buyers and firearm enthusiasts in understanding the varied aspects of this compact firearm.

Overall Appearance: M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center

When it comes to the overall look of the Smith and Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center it’s an eye catcher. The slide serrations immediately grab your attention. Then there’s the ported slide, which not only provides a functional benefit but adds a touch of aggressiveness to its look which I love!

The grip’s design and texture mesh seamlessly with the slide’s aesthetics. It’s clear that Smith & Wesson paid close attention to detail on the design, ensuring every component flows cohesively. Even with its micro-compact and slim profile they haven’t sacrificed a bit on style. In my eyes, the ported slide is the crowning jewel in terms of aesthetics for this firearm. Every time I glance at it, I find myself appreciating its design all over again. Simply put, I’m absolutely in love with how this firearm looks!

The Grip & Ergonomics

Handling a micro-compact pistol, one’s immediate expectation would be for the grip to be slim and streamlined, and the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center fits that bill perfectly. For someone like me with smaller hands, this firearm feels almost perfect in my hand. That being said, the grip does come across a tad short, considering its micro-compact nature. However, a simple solution I’ve found is using the magazine with the extended base plate that is included with the firearm along with the standard one.

Now, let’s talk about the grip texture. To be honest, I’m on the fence about it. At first touch, it feels reminiscent of sandpaper. But when you’re actively handling the firearm, the texture offers an exceptional grip, ensuring a firm hold even if your hands are sweaty or wet. That’s a definite plus in terms of functionality. But here’s where I’m torn: the texture’s roughness can be rather uncomfortable when the firearm is concealed and pressed against my body. I prefer the appendix carry, and it’s hard to ignore the constant abrasion of the grip against my skin. While I’ve somewhat adapted to this by having an undershirt tucked in when carrying, it does make me reconsider if this would be my go-to for concealed carry, especially when comfort is a primary consideration for such firearms.

Sights: The Hi Viz Experience

When it comes to the sights on this firearm, I’m thoroughly impressed. The Hi Viz sights are an absolute treat in both regular and dim lighting situations. Naturally, like many other sights, they might not perform optimally in complete darkness unless you’re using night sights. But these have been exceptional in nearly every other setting.

What I’ve particularly appreciated is how these sights immediately catch the eye upon drawing the firearm. The presence of any light source makes them pop, ensuring quick target acquisition. Moreover, the contrast of red sights in the rear and green in the front is a smart touch, making sight alignment intuitive and faster. In summary, I’m genuinely fond of these sights, and I wouldn’t think of replacing them anytime soon.

The Trigger

When it comes to the trigger on the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center, there’s quite a bit to discuss. First and foremost, its inherent safety feature. The split trigger design, where you need to depress the bottom half before a full pull can be initiated, very similar to the FN 509 – a gun I’ve previously reviewed. If you’re curious about that, you can check out my FN 509 review here.

Moving on to the actual shooting experience, the trigger certainly doesn’t disappoint. One of the first things I appreciated was its well-defined wall. There’s something immensely satisfying about feeling that clear point of resistance. And as for the trigger break, it is firm and crisp break which adds to its predictability, enhancing the shooting experience.

The reset, as well, is commendable. It’s tactile and adds to the fluidity of successive shots. While no trigger is ever “perfect” and there’s always room for improvement, I genuinely believe Smith & Wesson has done a fantastic job with this one. Right out of the box, it adds value to the firearm, making the shooting experience rich and enjoyable.

It’s that moment again – time for our customary trigger pull weight test using the Wheeler manual trigger weight scale, where we scrutinize whether the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center lives up to the manufacturer’s claims of 5.5lb. After conducting three pulls and meticulously measuring the results, the average trigger pull weight registers at an impressive 5.2 lbs.

The question of whether to upgrade the trigger always lingers. Should we, or should we not? Dive into the comments and let me know your thoughts. If you’re in the “yes, upgrade” camp, which trigger do you recommend and why? Looking forward to the dialogue and insights below!

The Slide and Barrel

When it comes to the slide of this firearm, I can’t help but be impressed every time I lay eyes on it. Aesthetically, it’s stunning. From the sleek serrations to the intricate ports and engravings, it’s clear that Smith & Wesson have poured their craftsmanship into every detail. Those full-length rear serrations aren’t just for show either; they provide an outstanding grip when racking the slide.

However, there’s a particular design choice that leaves me scratching my head a bit. The addition of the small section of serrations on the front lower part of the slide seems more cosmetic than functional. In practice, they’re a tad challenging to grasp, and when you do try, the frame can sometimes obstruct you. I lean towards believing that this choice was more about aesthetics than practicality.

But let’s get to what I believe to be the showstopper for this firearm – the ported barrel and slide. First off, it’s impossible not to mention how incredible the slide looks with those ports, I know I sound like a broken record but really I just can they enough!! Ported slides hit that soft spot in my heart. But beyond looks, considering this is a .45 caliber, the ported barrel’s performance aspect is nothing short of outstanding. Yes, a .45 naturally has that added punch, but these ports make managing recoil feel like a breeze. It’s clear that Smith & Wesson didn’t just design this feature for its looks – they had performance at the forefront of their minds.

The Mag Release

The mag release on this firearm is, ya know a mag release, but in all seriousness a few things stand out about it. Given its micro-compact design, it’s easy to assume that accessing and interacting with certain features could be tricky, but this isn’t the case with the mag release. It has a distinct and firm feel to it. In terms of placement and design, Smith & Wesson has done a commendable job. I’ve faced no challenges in pressing or locating the mag release, which can be a concern with some compact firearms where features are smaller and more tightly packed together.

Inserting the mag does require a firm push towards the end of its journey into the gun, but what I appreciate is the definite “click” it gives off, assuring you of its secure placement.

And when it comes to releasing the mag? It’s just as seamless. The mag propels out with gusto, ensuring there’s no fumbling around during a quick mag change. It’s details like this that bolster my confidence in the firearm, especially in situations where every second counts. Overall, I have zero complaints about the mag release on this weapon. It’s functional, efficient, and reliable. Smith & Wesson clearly had the user experience in mind when designing this feature.

The Slide Stop: A Disappointment

Diving into the slide stop, I have a few bones to pick. Don’t get me wrong, from a design perspective, it looks and feels up to par ensuring it fits seamlessly with the overall aesthetics of the gun. However, when we get down to the practicalities of its function, that’s where my grievances arise.

Firstly, when the slide is locked in its rear-most position, releasing it using just my thumb feels like a mini workout. This could potentially be a significant hiccup, especially in scenarios that require swift mag changes. Having to exert extra effort to get the slide to release isn’t ideal, and it disrupts the fluidity one would expect in such a transition.

The resistance is very immense, possibly because of the pressure exerted by the recoil spring on the slide stop, or maybe due to the particular point on the slide where it engages. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but what’s clear is that it doesn’t offer the smooth operation I’ve come to expect from such a reputed brand.

I don’t mean to be all gloom and doom, but as an avid firearms enthusiast, these are the little details that can make or break the overall user experience. Given this hiccup, I’m on the lookout for potential upgrades that might enhance this feature. An efficient slide stop is crucial, and I hope Smith & Wesson takes this feedback on board for their future iterations.

Live Fire and Field Test: The M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center In Action

Stepping onto the range with the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center was like taking a thoroughbred horse for a sprint. For a compact .45 ACP handgun, this firearm is an absolute blast to fire. Every squeeze of the trigger reinforces my fondness for it. Between the two available magazine choices, I lean towards the extended mag. The extra length it provides is just what I need for my pinky to grip comfortably. However, the standard mag also offers just enough real estate for a confident, full-handed grip.

In terms of accuracy, this pistol stands out. It delivers shot after shot with impressive consistency. The sights are clear and brightly visible, making target acquisition almost intuitive right from the draw. Here, I can’t help but applaud the ported barrel and slide combination. They significantly mitigate the recoil, ensuring that my sights remain on target even during rapid fire. This helps in delivering that pinpoint accuracy shot after shot.

But then we get to the slide stop – a feature that has been a consistent challenge for me. Transitioning to a new mag should be smooth, but with this handgun, I find myself wrestling with the slide stop. Instead of a fluid flick to release the slide, I often find myself either slightly retracting the slide or using undue force to jam the stop down with my thumb. It’s an inconvenience that I can’t attribute to a ‘weak thumb’.

Despite this hiccup, I can’t emphasize enough how exhilarating it is to fire this firearm. Over a thousand rounds downrange, and its performance remains impeccable. No misfires, no jams, just pure, unadulterated shooting pleasure. It’s a beast that comes alive on the range, delivering stellar reliability and performance.

Overall Opinion: Summing Up the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center

Reflecting on my time on and off the range with the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center, there’s a lot to appreciate. From its sleek aesthetics to its commendable firing performance, it’s evident that a lot of thought and craftsmanship has gone into this firearm. Its ergonomic design, combined with the ported barrel and slide, elevates the shooting experience, especially considering the potent .45 ACP chambering.

Of course, no product is without its flaws. The grip while carrying appendix can cause irritation and the slide stop presented some challenges, but in the grand scheme of things, we can always find a fix for this setback. With that said, the slide stop doesn’t take away from the outstanding accuracy, remarkable sights, and the sheer pleasure of firing this weapon which make it an excellent choice for both enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable everyday carry (if you like to have an undershirt tucked in behind the grip)

In conclusion, the M&P 45 Shield M2.0 Performance Center is a testament to Smith & Wesson’s commitment to delivering quality and performance. It’s a firearm I’ve genuinely enjoyed shooting and one I’d confidently recommend. Despite a few hitches here and there, its merits significantly overshadow its shortcomings, making it a standout in its class.