Elevating the M&P 2.0: The Pursuit of Enhancement
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is a dominant force in the world of modern handguns, beloved by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Its reputation rests on a foundation of reliability, ergonomics, and a modular design that caters to a wide range of users. This inherent adaptability makes the M&P 2.0 a perfect platform for upgrades, transforming a solid performer into a truly customized and high-performing firearm. This article delves into the myriad of ways to enhance your M&P 2.0, boosting its accuracy, feel, and overall capabilities.
Unlocking the Potential: Advantages of Upgrading
The benefits of upgrading your M&P 2.0 are numerous and multifaceted:
Precision Enhancement
Improving accuracy is often a primary driver for upgrades. Enhanced sights, a crisper trigger, and a more comfortable grip can all contribute to tighter groupings and more consistent shot placement. This translates to better performance in both competitive settings and when practicing.
Trigger Optimization
The factory trigger on the M&P 2.0 is good, but aftermarket triggers can take it to the next level. Upgrades can deliver a lighter, smoother, and more predictable trigger pull, drastically improving your ability to shoot accurately and quickly. This makes follow-up shots faster and more manageable.
Ergonomic Refinement
Enhanced ergonomics are crucial for comfort and control. Upgrades like improved grips, extended controls, and even slide modifications can enhance your handling and reduce felt recoil. A better-fitting pistol reduces fatigue and allows for more consistent performance.
Customization as a Craft
The M&P 2.0 is a highly customizable platform. You can personalize nearly every aspect of the pistol, from the color scheme to the sights and trigger. This allows you to create a firearm that perfectly matches your individual preferences and shooting style. The joy of ownership also comes from transforming the handgun into something uniquely yours.
Boosting Reliability and Resilience
Many upgrades are designed to improve the overall durability and reliability of the pistol. High-quality aftermarket parts can often enhance the longevity and function of the gun, ensuring it continues to perform flawlessly under demanding conditions.
Optimizing Performance: Diving Into Upgrade Categories
Let’s explore the core areas where upgrades can make a significant impact on your M&P 2.0.
Improving the Trigger Pull: The Heart of the Firearm
The trigger mechanism is central to the shooting experience, and a well-tuned trigger can dramatically improve your accuracy and speed.
Factory Trigger vs. Aftermarket Innovation
The factory trigger of the M&P 2.0, as mentioned previously, is adequate, but aftermarket trigger systems provide a superior experience. They are often designed with lighter pull weights, shorter travel distances, and a more defined reset.
Trigger Kit Mastery
Brands such as Apex Tactical offer complete trigger kits that include a new trigger, striker block, spring, and other components. These kits often drastically reduce trigger pull weight, resulting in faster and more accurate shooting. These kits are renowned for their quality and reliability. Installation is often straightforward, although you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions and, if in doubt, seek the help of a qualified gunsmith.
Trigger Face Considerations
Beyond complete trigger kits, you can also focus on the trigger face itself. Some users prefer a flat-faced trigger, which provides a consistent surface for finger placement and can improve the perceived feel of the trigger pull. Others prefer curved trigger designs for their familiarity.
Enhancing Target Acquisition: The Sights Perspective
Your sights are your direct connection to the target, and their quality directly impacts your accuracy.
Factory Sights: A Starting Point
The standard sights that come with the M&P 2.0 are typically adequate for basic shooting. However, they can be somewhat limited in low-light conditions or for those seeking greater precision.
Aftermarket Sight Superiority
The aftermarket offers a wealth of options designed to enhance target acquisition.
Fiber Optic Sights
Fiber optic sights use a fiber optic rod to collect ambient light, creating a bright, easy-to-see aiming point. These are especially helpful in bright sunlight.
Night Sights
Night sights utilize tritium vials that glow in the dark, providing a clear sight picture in low-light conditions. They are excellent for defensive use.
Adjustable Sights
Adjustable sights allow you to fine-tune your point of aim.
Red Dot Optic Supremacy
Red dot sights (RDS) have become increasingly popular.
Mounting Methods
Installing an RDS usually involves removing the factory rear sight and mounting the optic directly to the slide or using a mounting plate. Make sure the adapter plate is compatible with your specific model.
RDS Choices
Numerous reputable brands offer red dot optics designed for the M&P 2.0, including Trijicon, Holosun, and Leupold.
RDS Benefits
Red dots greatly enhance target acquisition by providing a single, easily visible aiming point that doesn’t require you to shift focus between front sight, rear sight, and target. This can result in faster and more accurate shooting.
Ergonomic Enhancements: The Grip and Beyond
Comfort and control are essential for accurate and efficient shooting. Several upgrades can improve the ergonomics of your M&P 2.0.
Grip Enhancements
Grip modules: Some users prefer to improve the grip of their M&P 2.0 by replacing the standard grip module. Others may opt for stippling or grip tape. Stippling creates a textured surface that provides superior grip, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. Grip tape provides a cost-effective solution. Both offer better recoil control.
Extended Controls: The Advantage
Extended Magazine Release: An extended magazine release makes it easier to drop the magazine, which is especially useful in rapid reloads.
Extended Slide Release: An extended slide release can enhance the ease of releasing the slide. This can be particularly helpful for shooters with smaller hands or those who want to maximize their speed.
Magazine Well Expansion
Some aftermarket magazine wells are flared and enlarged, making it much easier to insert the magazine during a reload.
Internal Optimization and Peripheral Upgrades
Don’t neglect the internal components and other subtle but powerful upgrades.
Guide Rods: Spring Rate Considerations
Aftermarket guide rods, often paired with different spring rates, allow for adjustments to the cycling of the slide and can help manage recoil, which is a very important component in maintaining accuracy.
Magazine Springs: Ensuring Reliability
Upgrading to stronger magazine springs can improve feeding reliability, especially when using higher-capacity magazines or when shooting rapidly. This adds more control and less malfunction to the shooting experience.
Slide Customization
You can also modify the slide for aesthetic or performance purposes. This may include milling the slide for red dot optics, lightening the slide to reduce recoil, or applying a custom finish.
Cosmetic Enhancements
Cerakote or other durable finishes are also popular, offering both aesthetic improvements and enhanced corrosion resistance.
Planning and Prudence: Before you Upgrade
Before embarking on any upgrades, consider the following key points:
Define Your Purpose
What will you primarily be using your M&P 2.0 for: concealed carry, competition, or general range use? The answer will guide you toward the most appropriate upgrades.
Budget Considerations
The cost of upgrades can vary significantly. Establish a budget beforehand and prioritize upgrades based on their impact.
Installation Competence
If you’re not comfortable working on your own firearm, consider having a qualified gunsmith install your upgrades. Many upgrades have a moderate level of mechanical complexity.
Testing for Reliability
Always thoroughly test your upgraded pistol after making any changes to ensure that it functions reliably.
Stay Within the Law
Be sure that any modifications you make comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
The Art of the Upgrade: Enhancing Your Experience
Upgrading your Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is a journey of personalization and performance optimization. By carefully selecting and installing upgrades, you can transform your firearm into a truly customized tool that enhances your shooting skills, enjoyment, and confidence. Consider starting with the basics: trigger, sights, and grip. From there, the possibilities for customization are vast. Embrace the opportunity to refine and improve your M&P 2.0.
Further Exploration
If you’re ready to begin upgrading your M&P 2.0, consider consulting resources from reputable firearm retailers and gunsmiths. Online forums and communities are also a great source of information and advice. By investing in upgrades and tailoring your M&P 2.0 to your individual needs, you’ll experience a new level of shooting satisfaction.
