Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp Review: Are Compensators Worth It?

We love compact pistols because they’re easy to conceal but still capable in a self-defense scenario. We could do without the snappy recoil, though.

Enter the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp. It has a compensator cut into the barrel and slide to soften recoil. 

This upgraded M&P isn’t cheap. Is it worth the upcharge? How does it shoot? You asked the right people!

Here’s everything we learned during our hands-on testing of the Carry Comp.

How We Tested The Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp

This is a carry gun, so I ran it through testing that mimics real-world use cases. By that I mean 500 rounds of Blaser 124-grain FMJ at 7 to 25 yards with a red dot.

Some of my favorite shooting drills include slow fire because it’s useful to observe a pistol’s inherent accuracy, the box drill because it takes me back to my Marine Corps days, and rapid engagements of steel TA Targets to pick up the pace and work on engaging multiple targets.

Most shooters are going to add attachments, so I did that as well. I installed a Meprolight MPO PRO-F using the RMR adapter plate that came with the Carry Comp and mounted a Streamlight TLR-7X on the standard Picatinny accessory rail.

I got my start shooting in the Marine Corps, both through training and intra-service competition. Since then, I’ve gotten to train with some incredible pistol, carbine, and long-range precision rifle instructors. 

Whenever I evaluate a new firearm, I put myself in the average gun owner’s shoes. Is it safe and effective? Is it fun to shoot? Is it worth the money? I want to know the same things you do.

Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp Specs & Features

Specs

• Caliber 9mm
• Action Semi-automatic, striker-fire
• Capacity 15+1
• Width 1.4”
• Length 7.25”
• Barrel Length 4.22”
• Height 5”
• Weight 25 oz
• Comes With Two magazines, two magazine grip spacers, optic adapter plates, four backstrap insert sizes, a cleaning kit, a cable lock

Features

• Integrated compensator
• Performance Center trigger
• Performance Center cleaning and maintenance kit

Smith & Wesson M&P Background

Believe it or not, the Smith & Wesson M&P series traces its roots all the way back to 1899 (check out our full M&P history for all the historical tidbits).

We’ve reviewed the current line of Smith & Wesson M&P models. Spoiler alert: they’re solid. The M&P M2.0 platform got some nice advancements over its predecessor, like a steel frame insert, front slide serrations, and improved ergonomics. 

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Compact is a popular carry pistol because it’s small enough to wear inside the waistband but big enough to shoot effectively. I consider it to be on par with the Glock 19 and Sig Sauer P365.

Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center serves as an in-house custom shop where master gunsmiths give firearms a little extra attention. In this case, that’s most noticeable in the integrated compensator – sorry, Power Port – and the upgraded trigger mechanism. 

Who Is the Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp For?

There are some shooters who want something a little bit nicer than the average pistol. If that sounds like you, Performance Center pistols are where it’s at.

The compact Carry Comp is a CCW pistol that doesn’t sacrifice shootability. The trigger is smoother and crisper than the basic M&P trigger. The compensator reduces muzzle rise between shots to keep you on target. The whole thing disappears under your shirt in the right holster.

In other words, it has all the modifications you’d want – and they’re backed by the factory warranty.

Ergonomics: Fit & Feel

The Carry Comp looks good on paper, but how is it in real life?

Backstrap Inserts

The Carry Comp ships with four backstrap inserts. That’s common practice these days, but swapping backstraps is extra easy on the M&P.

All you need to remove and install them is the frame tool inside the grip. The tool acts as a retaining pin, and you can complete the whole process without opening your toolbox. 

Performance Center Trigger

Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center trigger is a nice upgrade from the standard unit.

There’s quite a bit of takeup before hitting a defined wall. The break comes after a tiny amount of creep. Reset is fine; not exceptionally short but not overly long.

This is one of the reasons this pistol costs more than a basic M&P9 M2.0. If you appreciate a nice trigger, it will be a worthwhile upgrade. If not, your purchasing decision will hinge on the compensator.

Handling

The M&P series has been around for ages with minimal external changes. That suggests that most people like the grip shape and control layout. 

It fits the hand well. The grip texture, grip angle, and improved slide serrations inspire confidence.

How Does the Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp Shoot?

Modern pistols deserve modern accessories, so I kicked off testing by installing and zeroing a Meprolight MPO PRO-F. The first thing that jumped out to me was how clean and consistent the Performance Center trigger is. This pistol is easy to shoot accurately, especially for its size.

Over the next few weeks, I shot groups on paper to analyze the Carry Comp’s consistency. It’s accurate enough for CCW duty and then some. Keeping impacts inside an inch at seven yards is totally doable. Landing C-zone hits on steel at 25 yards is equally realistic.

During a training session with a trio of steel TA Targets, I recovered between shots quicker than usual. Several boxes of ammo into the training session, my palms weren’t ringing like they usually are with small, light pistols.

I have to credit this to the compensator. I don’t have scientifically calibrated equipment for hands, so I can’t quantify how much it reduced recoil and muzzle rise, but it was noticeable.

That Performance Center trigger is helpful, too. The less you have to flex your muscles to send a round downrange, the more precise you’ll be.

What Sets The Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp Apart?

Carry pistols are, by necessity, small and light. That means they tend to be very snappy. Smith & Wesson’s Carry Comp line aims to dull that sharp recoil impulse by diverting some of the spent gas upward rather than forward.

This isn’t the first time a manufacturer has taken this approach. Springfield Armory offers a compensated version of the Hellcat Pro. Sig Sauer even makes a compensated rimfire pistol – check out the wild P322-COMP!

You can also buy an aftermarket compensator for some pistols. 

It’s a clever design trick that’s effective at reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. The only decision you have to make is whether or not you’re willing to pay more to get it.

By the Numbers

Reliability 5/5

No issues, no complaints. It’s a runner. 

Ergonomics 5/5

M&P pistols always have good ergonomics. If the grip feels a little bit off, you have four backstrap inserts to make it better. The slide serrations provide lots of grip without feeling like a cheese grater. The controls are easy to reach and intuitive to use.

Accuracy 4/5

The Carry Comp is more accurate than most pistols in its class. To get more accuracy, you’re probably going to have to look at something full-size.

The compensator won’t change where individual bullets go, but it will give you more control in between shots.

Customization 5/5

The Smith & Wesson M&P line is extremely popular, so there’s a healthy network of aftermarket support. Companies like Ed Brown Products and Springer Precision offer slides, barrels, triggers, and tools so you can work on your M&P at home.

In the case of Performance Center pistols, Smith & Wesson does most of the big jobs for you.

Value 4/5

The Carry Comp (as tested) has an MSRP of $799, which is $130 more than the standard M&P9 M2.0 Compact. It’s pricy, but you’re not going to get a gunsmith to upgrade your trigger and cut a compensator into your barrel and slide for that kind of money, so it’s a decent value proposition.

Overall 4.5/5

We know what to expect from an M&P by now. The Carry Comp raises the bar – not by a mile, but enough to make it work the upcharge if you’re in the market for a new pistol.

Upgrades and Accessories

Half the fun of owning a pistol is customizing it. Here’s what we recommend for the Carry Comp.

Plastic adapter plates are a bummer, especially on a Performance Center pistol. C&H builds steel adapter plates to interface between Smith & Wesson CORE slides and a range of popular optics. The correct hardware (with blue thread-locker already applied) is included.

Once you have one of those, mount up the optic of your choice. The Meprolight MPO PRO-F I used was a little big for a carry gun but I like the multi-reticle and sleek exterior.

I like to run a light on any pistol I might need to use for self-defense. Anything in the Streamlight TLR-7 family will work great on this one.

Since this is a carry pistol, you’ll want an AIWB holster or off-body carry bag. Some CCW bags even have optional body armor inserts!

As with any firearm, training is key. Don’t sacrifice your sight and hearing in the pursuit of marksmanship, though.

Why You Should Trust Pew Pew Tactical

At the helm of this article is editor Scott Murdock, who got his start shooting in the Marine Corps. In addition to qualifying on rifle and pistol and training with crew-served weapons, Scott competed in the Western Division Matches intra-service shooting competition. Since then, he’s expanded his knowledge with training that includes courses at AMTAC Shooting, Full Spectrum Warrior, and Vortex Edge. Before joining Pew Pew Tactical, Scott reviewed guns, gear, and vehicles for a wide range of publications.

Editing this article is Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. With a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, NSSF, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Jacki runs our experienced team of expert writers and editors. She has worked as a media professional for over 20 years and has specialized in gun media for almost 10 years, authoring 2,000+ articles and editing two books. As Editor-in-Chief at Pew Pew Tactical, she uses her expertise to set testing protocols and editorial standards across the site.

Final Verdict

The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 is a great pistol, regardless of which size or configuration you choose. The Carry Comp is better.

Part of me thought compensated pistols might be a gimmick when they first came out, but pistols like this one have changed my mind. The concept works!

I’d recommend this to anyone, but it’s particularly awesome for shooters who want to enjoy some upgrades without breaking out the toolbox.

What are your thoughts on the Smith & Wesson Carry Comp? Let us know in the comments section below! Like these types of firearms? Be sure to check out our Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal Review and video.