Shopping for a new firearm is overwhelming because there are so many choices, but Smith & Wesson’s flagship M&P series is a great place to start.
You want a duty pistol, AR, pistol-caliber carbine, or bullpup shotgun? The M&P line has what you need. With so many models, calibers, and options, there’s a lot to sort through!
Today, we’re going to dive into the M&P line, look at its history, and walk you through the best Smith & Wesson M&P models we’ve used, tested, and come to trust.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best for Easy Racking
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Best .45 ACP
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Best Micro-Compact
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Best AR-15
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Best 5.7
Table of Contents
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Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp | 9mm | 4.22″ | 7.25″ | 25.4 oz | 15+1 | $749 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal | 9mm | 4.25″ | 7.4″ | 30 oz | 17+1 | $779 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ | .380 ACP | 3.68″ | 6.7″ | 18.3 oz | 8+1 | $414 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield M2.0 | .45 ACP | 3.3″ | 6.45″ | 22.9 oz | 6+1, 7+1 | $486 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 | .380 ACP | 2.75″ | 5.25″ | 11.9 oz | 6+1 | $269 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III | 5.56 NATO | 16″ | 35″ | 6.5 lbs | 30+1 | $699 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 | 5.7x28mm | 5″ | 8.5″ | 26.7 oz | 22+1 | $640 |
How We Tested the Best Smith & Wesson M&P Models
For this article, we gathered a bunch of Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and carbines we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on ergonomics, size, and experience.
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked those so you can read more. Every review handgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.
Meanwhile, every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.
Best Smith & Wesson M&P Models
1. Performance Center M&P 9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Less felt recoil than the base M&P
- Great trigger
- Customizable ergonomics
Cons
- Expensive
- Plastic optic adapter plates
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1
- Barrel Length: 4.22″
- Overall Length: 7.25″
- Weight: 25.4 oz
- Optic-Ready: Yes
The Compact Carry Comp earned top honors because it’s just so dang versatile.
This pistol is small enough to be your EDC, large enough to shoot accurately at 25 yards or more (with training), reasonably priced, and far more refined than your average carry gun.
Is it a Glock 19 Killer? The Compact Carry Comp is sized like a Glock 19 but it feels much, much better to shoot.
It’s better than the original M&P9 M2.0 Compact, too. The Performance Center trigger and integrated compensator make a significant difference.
This pistol feels like a compact gun on your waist but it shoots like a full-size M&P thanks to the longer barrel (just 0.03 inches shorter than a full-size M&P barrel) and built-in compensator. Mount your optic and light of choice on this thing and you’re in business.
The slide is optic-ready and comes with adapter plates included. Smith & Wesson also provides four sizes of backstrap inserts and a nifty Performance Center cleaning kit.
Not looking to spend that much? There’s nothing wrong with the base-model M&P9 M2.0 Compact. It was our top EDC pick until the Carry Comp hit the scene, after all.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Check out our review of the M&P9 M2.0 here.
2. M&P 9 M2.0 Metal – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Accurate
- Good ergonomics
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17+1
- Barrel Length: 4.25″
- Overall Length: 7.4″
- Weight: 30 oz
- Optic-Ready: Yes
Here’s a gun that has become an office favorite at PPT headquarters: the M2.0 Metal. Bringing a metal-framed vibe to the M2.0 lineup, it features a T6 aluminum frame that’s absolutely top-notch.
While the added weight does make it slightly heavier, that isn’t a bad thing.
A little extra weight does wonders for recoil mitigation, and this couldn’t be truer than with the Metal. Seriously, this is a flat shooter.
We were nailing targets at 7 yards with no problems whatsoever — not to mention zero reliability issues.
The sights are also metal (notice a theme here?) in a white, three-dot configuration with serrations on the rear block to mitigate glare.
The Metal sports some nice curves that fit even large hands and a nice beavertail to protect from slide bite. Overall this gun feels fantastic! It’s light and well-balanced.
The Tungsten Gray Cerakote is also a nice touch and elevates the looks of this pistol.
Want more? The full video review below has all the details, as does our written review.
3. M&P .380 Shield EZ – Best for Easy Racking
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Easy to rack the slide
- Comfortable for concealed carry
- Minimal recoil
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Not much room for customization
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 8+1
- Barrel Length: 3.68″
- Overall Length: 6.7″
- Weight: 18.3 oz
- Optic-Ready: No
I was skeptical about the M&P380 Shield EZ but, after helping a friend teach a few handgun classes and going to the range with a few of my friends, I changed my tune. This little pistol rocks!
Our bodies are all different, and that includes hand size and grip strength.
If you have small hands, you might struggle to get a proper grip on larger-framed pistols. If you struggle with dexterity or grip strength, racking the slide on a typical 9mm pistol can be a real obstacle to ownership. The M&P380 Shield EZ addresses both of those challenges.
If that sounds relatable, Smith & Wesson designed this pistol with you in mind. Redesigned from the ground up, the M&P380 Shield EZ is, in my opinion, one of Smith & Wesson’s greatest ideas to date.
Convenience features include a grip safety, tactile loaded chamber indicator, and easy-load magazines.
On top of serving people who might have trouble racking slides or managing recoil, the EZ serves a secondary group: those who like a manual safety.
The M&P380 Shield EZ fills that niche perfectly with both a grip and manual safety. As an added bonus, there’s no hinged trigger to deal with.
Even if you don’t fall into the target audience, the Shield EZ is a fun gun to shoot with very little recoil.
For a full look into the Shield EZ, read our review here or check out the video review below!
What do you think of the EZ? Rate it below!
4. M&P 45 Shield M2.0 – Best .45 ACP
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Hard-hitting .45 ACP
- Two magazine sizes
- Easy to carry concealed
Cons
- Big-bore recoil
- Lack of customization
Specs
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 6+1, 7+1
- Barrel Length: 3.3″
- Overall Length: 6.45″
- Weight: 22.9 oz
- Optic-Ready: No
Here’s one for the .45 ACP loyalists because 9mm didn’t win back-to-back world wars.
The M&P45 Shield M2.0 is a beast of a concealed carry gun. It’s slightly larger than its 9mm counterpart and only holds one less round, but rest assured that there’s plenty of stopping power in that stubby magazine.
This little pocket gun can carry six or seven rounds of .45 ACP, depending on which magazine you’re running. That’s pretty substantial for something so compact!
With great power comes great recoil, so its grip texture is more aggressive than the 9mm shield variant.
It’s designed and optimized for concealed carry. The Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield M2.0 is the perfect concealed carry gun for people who carry a big-bore pistol or no pistol at all.
5. M&P Bodyguard .380 – Best Micro-Compact
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Teeny tiny
- Integrated laser sight available
- Less recoil than 9mm
Cons
- Difficult to grip
- Limited capacity
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel Length: 2.75″
- Overall Length: 5.25″
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Optic-Ready: No
We’ve all experienced times when we wish we had a little something extra. Walking down a dark alley, going for a nighttime jog, or even just taking out the trash.
The Bodyguard .380 may look like a toy, but it’s a seriously potent firearm. Besides, if you say you’ve never fantasized about an ultra-concealable gun for high-speed and imaginary spy missions, you’re lying.
This micro-compact pistol is perfect for deep concealment or pocket carry.
The trade-off to having such a concealable weapon is that it will take some extra training to acclimate yourself to shooting such a small firearm. It’s really tricky to shoot well.
You can, however, shorten the learning curve a bit by getting a Crimson Trace Laser model.
For more deets, read our review here!
6. M&P 15 Sport III – Best AR-15
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Entry-level price, mid-level components
- Endless customization potential
- Updated features
Cons
- Not ambidextrous
- No quick-detach mounts
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Capacity: 30+1
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 35″
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Optic-Ready: Yes
Don’t forget that the M&P series includes more than just pistols — there are carbines, PCCs, and shotguns, too!
The M&P 15 Sport III is Smith & Wesson’s answer to the demand for affordable AR-15s that offer more than bargain-basement components. This carbine is one heck of a value proposition.
For less than $700, you’ll get a solid platform for your journey into the world of AR customization.
Factory upgrades include a free-floating hand guard with Picatinny and M-LOK mounting points for accessories, a six-position adjustable buttstock, and a respectable trigger that measured just over three pounds in our testing. That’s pretty nice for the price.
This is a definite step up from the M&P 15 Sport II. We’re not sure how they made it less expensive, but we’re glad they did because this is an awesome AR for first-time buyers.
If and when you get the modding bug, you can help yourself to all kinds of AR-15 accessories and upgrades, thanks to the standardized platform.
Want to know more? Hit up our in-depth review and watch the video to see it in action!
7. Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 – Best 5.7 M&P
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good trigger
- High capacity
- Light recoil
Cons
- Mag loader required
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Capacity: 22+1
- Barrel Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 8.5″
- Weight: 26.7 oz
- Optic-Ready: Yes
Rounding out our list is the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7. Since its beginning, the 5.7x28mm has been an interesting caliber. Though most manufacturers have shied away, Smith & Wesson dove straight in with its M&P 5.7.
This pistol offers decent ergonomics and proved to be accurate and reliable during our range testing. It averaged 2-inch groups while shooting at 7 yards, and we saw no malfunctions or stoppages.
While customization options are somewhat limited, its ergonomics and price make it a viable option. With a 22+1 capacity, it’s a fun plinker if you can afford the ammo.
Otherwise, it would be a decent option for home or personal defense — though its overall size would make it a bit more difficult to conceal.
You can catch our full review on the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 for more details.
How to Pick the Best Smith & Wesson M&P Model
These are all great options, so how are you supposed to pick just one?
Start by asking yourself why you’re in the market for a new gun in the first place.
If you’re looking for a do-it-all carry pistol, the Compact Carry Comp can handle CCW, home defense, and range day duties. Want something with more flash and finesse? The M&P9 M2.0 Metal is fine machinery worthy of the premium price tag.
Our subcompact and micro picks are great for deep concealment and times when you aren’t too concerned about using an optic or light. There are even extra heavy-hitting and easy-racking options.
The M&P 15 Sport III is the latest and greatest AR-15 carbine from Smith & Wesson. It’s priced to sell but you’ll get a few nice upgrades over entry-level Ads.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Leading the research for this article is former Pew Pew Tactical author Justin Chang. Justin is a firearms enthusiast who alternates between the tactical world and competition shooting. He started shooting when he moved to Texas and has since been thoroughly immersed in all things that go bang. In his free time, he can be found researching everything from guns to ballistics to Gucci gear.
Editing this article and adding to it is freelance editor Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Smith & Wesson did a bang-up job with the M&P line. It’s one of the best places to find awesome firearms that are trusted by everyone from average citizens to law enforcement and professional competitive shooters.
Some will serve you better than others, depending on what you want them to do, but there are no bad choices.
The bottom line is that M&P is good to go out of the box.
Did we miss your favorite M&P model? Let us know in the comments below. Interested in something new from Smith & Wesson? Check out our Smith & Wesson Response review!
Latest Updates
January 2024: Removed Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 and M&P9 M2.0 Compact. Added Smith & Wesson Performance M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp and M&P 5.7.
29 Leave a Reply
Mistake here! The picture shown of the M and P 2.0 compact is actually the subcompact! The compact is much bigger than the subcompact in the photo!
The S&W 380 EZ is a pretty terrific shooting pistol. But the lack of capacity, especially in a .380, caused me to buy an Sig P365 380 the first time I saw one. Damn awesome pistol! Anyway, I posted to several S&W videos begging them for a “pro” model. One with higher capacity, “regular” magazines. But Sig beat them to the punch.
BRING BACK THE 4500 AND THE 5900 SERIES!!
If you're going to mention the .380 EZ, why no mention of the EZ 9mm? It's a nice gun once you get used to it. Now I can rack a .45 acp with the best of them but I'm not trading in my EZ. I keep hoping the wife will want to try it.
I keep hoping the same for my .380 EZ. I have no use for it but it’s too nice to dump so if the wife will shoot it the it has a purpose. She has and shot it well. But she’d rather shoot my SW22.
sure can' t put a S&W revolver on the list...
I picked up the M&P 2.0 Compact Spec edition with optics ready slide, Suppressor Height sights and threaded barrel earlier this year. Really love how well it shoots. S&W has 23 round extended magazines available for it too! It will be my EDC during colder months. It's close to being as invisible as my Shields.
Purchased a M&P EZ Shield 2.0 in .380 for a lady friend to use. Sold my M&P9 1.0 and purchased the M&P9 Metal. I like them both.
It is of course a matter of opinion. S&W has applied the M&P logo to so many different products that they are devaluing their historical logo S&W. I don't think it is brand loyalty but in pistols I own an MP9C, a 380EZ, a 9EZ, a 686PLUS and a Taurus Spectrum. Why so many? Frankly I won the 380EZ, I tried to exchange it for the 9EZ and was told they would take the new gun in as used and sell me the 9mm. At the time the dealer had no 380 ammo in stock to sell. Like winning a car and no one has gasoline. It is hard to justify 380 as 9mm is more powerful, less expensive and getting impossibly as small.
The sport 2 was my first AR Ive owned. Bought it back in 2019. Got it for $580. How times have changed. Anyway, the gun is solid. Its basic. Phosphate bcg and the trigger is really gritty. But to get started its a fine gun. Ive shot probably 1000 rounds so far and had zero issues.
I really like the trigger on the Performance Center M&P 9 2.0, and I've yet to see any failures after a few trips to the range. I'm not sure I can even notice the difference the ported barrel makes, but it does *look* cool.
Watching my wife trying to SAFELY rack her weapon wasn't happening until the EZ Shield came along. Happy wife, happy shooter. Then arthritis claimed my hands and I ended up trading my Sig for an EZ Shield. Something to seriously consider if "brass and lead" therapy sessions are a part of your life.
When I was choosing a carry gun, my first, I had decided that I needed a min. of 12 rds, .40 cal. That was my benchmark. So I looked at the M&P compact and then the Beretta PX4 compact, both in .40 cal. and both held at least 12 rds, but the Beretta was cheaper. That first decision put me on a path to only have hammer fired handguns for carry, competition, and collecting. Beretta then CZ and boy am I glad I found CZ's! If not then I'd probably be looking at striker fired pistols like the M&P's and Sig 320, except for a few 1911's.
Choosing a pistol. It is like going to Dunkin Doughnuts-so many great choices. Some like chocolate, some vanilla then there is always that one on line for 20 minutes and then tries to decide like it was a surprise that a decision would need to be made.
In terms of cheaper, considering engineering, manufacturing advertising etc pistols are an amazing value. What to buy? A 22 is lightest to carry. A 44 magnum might be best when is some situations. We search for the perfect answer for every situation and settle for some compromise.
Always had Glock because that's what I started with. Decided a few years ago that a 9mm Shield looked like a better EDC option. Boy was I wrong! That gun failed within the first 2 weeks, on the 2nd trip to the range! I figured S&W would make it right, but I got home and realized the frame was cracked too. Brought it back to the dealer for store credit and will never own a S&W gun again! Their knives are OK though.
With the disclaimer that I have changed the sights on all my Glocks, Glock does not have plastic sites. At least, they didn't used to (I can't speak for Generation 5). I have heard this a long time but when I replaced my sites I was surprised to find a metal frame with a plastic coating. Just my 2 cents worth.
How does the Shield Plus get a picture at the top, but not even a mention for EDC?
Bought the Smith & Wesson M&P9 MM Shield EZ with Thumb Safety for my wife and she loves it. She is a little spooked by guns and wanted degrees of safety built in to the one she carries. She now never uses the Thumb safety. I am trying to get a friend to sell me his MP 9 mm. I like it better than my glock mainly because of the size.
I recently joined the M&P fanclub with my purchase of a M&P 2.0 Spec Series 9mm. I love it - it is my new go-to. I absolutely had to support a company that wagged a giant middle finger in the faces of corrupt politicians.
I have a 10mm which absolutely rocks. I also have the 380 PC (wife has one too). They have the same amount of shooting fun as the 10mm but for different reasons. Once at the range I shot the 10mm then switched to the 380. Do you remember in little league using the iron donut on your bat in the on deck circle? Same effect.
Summer carry is my M&P 9 Shield Plus Performance Center with day-glow sights, ported barrel and one slick trigger! Very easy to shoot even with a 3" barrel, ultra concealable. But S&W, no one can get that 13th round in the mag without major issues!
Be careful when stating the M&P Sport II as “Mil-Spec” firearm. It’s not, not even close. From the receivers to the barrel to the BCG they use materials, finishes and QA that in no way match that or exceed Mil-Spec.
For the price, it’s great bang for the buck. In fact its more than adequate for the majority of plinkers, and occasional shooters not to mention I’m sure it’s plenty adequate for most home defense scenarios. But would any police or armed force take these into battle? I highly doubt it unless they are simply purchasing on price.
Recently purchased a S&W 2.0 Shield. Selling my Springfield Armory XDS 2 3.3.
Smith is a better pistol for me.
I’ve got 3 of these models and am proud to support an American company. My Shield 45 is my go-to pistol when I have to get out at night and it has never had a failure. The M&P Compact is accurate and fun to shoot. I traded in an original Shield 9 to purchase the compact just for more capacity and 4” barrel. I’ve never had a problem with any of them.
C’mon, the new M&P 2.0 10MM deserves some recognition. Flat faced trigger is a definite improvement. Optic ready Sights. Fun to shoot.
That’s really pathetic, you didn’t even bring up the Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm. For me I rather have a 10mm then a 9mm. Prove me wrong.
I have the M&P Shield 9mm and .45, Love them both. I definitely got my moneys with these two beauties.
Where's my 310 NightGuard :)
Where's my 310 NightGuard : )