My S&W M&P 2.0 has finally arrived

G

gaseousclay

New member
I got a call from my LGS a couple days ago to let me know my S&W finally arrived. I'll be picking it up in a couple of days, so i'm pretty excited considering I've waited over 3 months for the thing.

My question, this is my first handgun purchase, and outside of a safety class, what upgrades should I invest in? Should I get new sights, or are the factory sights decent enough? What about a holster? I have no immediate plans for CCW but am mainly thinking of an OWB kydex holster for a safety class. I'm currently researching tactical lights, a Vaultek safe and plan on buying a couple of spare magazines, but i'm open to other suggestions/recommendations.

Right now I have about 600-700 rounds of 9mm ammo and a Pelican 1170 case for range use. I don't have a cleaning kit yet either, but this is something that i'll eventually buy. I just wanted to know, of the things listed above, which do you think is the most important? Thanks!
 
I like to keep my SD guns stock so my M&P9C is as it came from factory.

Holsters and ammo are expensive enough and when training classes are factored in that’s about all I can scrape up money wise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Congratulations on getting your first handgun. If it is anything like the one my son-in-law just purchased the Apex trigger kit would be my suggestion. The trigger on his is pretty bad. Having owned an M&P, now passed on to a grandson, I was surprised at just how bad this new gun is in the trigger department. I hope yours is better.
 
A trigger upgrade would be a big help. There are many M&P gunsmiths out in the websphere, including Smith and Wesson's in-house performance center.

However, I recommend getting used to it first. After several range sessions you may decide that your M&P, as is, satisfies your needs and shooting ability.
 
If it was a first gen M&P a trigger MIGHT be in your future. The 2.0 triggers are good right out of the box

Im an admitted trigger snob, 1911’s, custom Glocks and ALL of my 1st gen M&Ps have after market triggers. My 2.0 compact trigger is bone stock. Its the gun i EDC. Its the gun i teach all my handgun classes with. It would be my handgun of choice for a SHTF/riot type event.

Mine did not come with night sights...so i added those. Other then that its good to go, right out of the box.

One caveat, the stippling on the frame is SHARP. I took a very fine grit sandpaper and LIGHTLY took off the sharp tips of the texture. A couple of light swipes is all it takes. Think of each point as a pyramid. You just want the tip softened.
 
I have a 2nd gen 2.0 with the laser sight..... trigger is just fine from the manufacture.

If you are set on spending more $$$ on this well designed weapon....

I'd suggest purchasing a spare [or 2] "extended" 8 round magazine as they provide a more comfortable and secure grip than the 7 round "shorty". The gun comes with one of each.
 
michaelcj said:
I have a 2nd gen 2.0 with the laser sight..... trigger is just fine from the manufacture.

If you are set on spending more $$$ on this well designed weapon....

I'd suggest purchasing a spare [or 2] "extended" 8 round magazine as they provide a more comfortable and secure grip than the 7 round "shorty". The gun comes with one of each.
Click to expand...

The OP did not specify whether it was a Shield or not, so we have to guess which model they have.
 
For lights I like Streamlight TLR-1, they are proven lights.
Holsters, Ive really become fond of JM custom holsters.

Me personally, I hate 3 dot sights which S&W uses. My S&W Shield now wears Ameriglo Hackathorn sights and the M&P9c wears an Ameriglo pro glow front sight with a custom made Dawson precision rear sight.
 
+1 for doing nothing to it until you have learned to use it well.

+ 1 for getting at least 2 extra mags.

Get a an Uplula mag loader and spend the rest of your money picking up ammo when and where you can find it.

I agree that the 2.0 trigger is just fine out of the box.

Don't worry about a cleaning kit. You will be better off just picking up the basics separately. Cleaning rod, bore brush, solvent and oil (or just a CLP). And use some old cotton rags or microfiber clothes for wiping down. Old tshirts can be cut into smaller patch-sized pieces. And a cheap toothbrush is good for scrubbing out smaller nooks and crannies.
 
A good quality pistol cleaning kit will be valued every time you return from the range for many years. The good kits will have a quality handle and a steel rod, you’ll see the difference right away.

Get a bottle of CLP or Break Free and a syringe of a modern silicon gun “grease” (it’s a lubricant, not grease.)

I really like the Boresnakes for a quick clean, too. Get one of those, too. And extra patches and save some old clean T Shirts to cut up in to rags.

Get a small toolbox to keep all your cleaning supplies in.

Get yourself a range bag to keep your shooting glasses, in-ear plugs, Muffs (your 9mm isn’t that loud, plan for the guy next to you shooting .40... get big cans and plan on using muffs AND plugs at some indoor ranges). You’ll want targets, masking tape (to repair holes- save the planet, save some money, etc.) Range rod, small tool kit (the Lyman tool kit I have is about half the size of the one they sell now... shop around for proper gunsmithing screwdrivers and I keep a tiny screwdriver kit for tiny screws from a Harbor Freight too. Sight screws are tiny. While you are there, a set of punches and a small brass hammer, but those don’t go in your range bag. Your pistol goes in there, too.

A separate box for ammo, for me... just keeping on the safe side if any law about transporting in my state, ammo and firearm in separate bags is clearly not a violation of anything.

Do you have loctite? Eventually you’ll get purple and red.

Good sharp scissors to cut up your own patches from old t-shirts?

These are all things I would get for a newbro shooter before swapping triggers or sights unless you are shooting in a club setting and have a mentor or pal where you can experience the difference before playing LEGO parts swap with your pistol.

Give your pistol’s insides a thorough cleaning before shooting. You want to remove old grease that’s used to prevent rust and metal chips from manufacturing and apply proper lubricant. This step alone can improve your trigger feel and prevent wear or galling. Check all screws for tightness, too. This will familiarize you with your pistol, too.
 
Last edited:
On the older original M&P's the Apex trigger kit makes a HUGE difference. BUT the trigger ends up being so light and with a much shorter pull that I'd not advise it unless you get a M&P with the safety. The ones I've had done ended up with a better trigger than my 1911's. And I wouldn't carry a 1911 with the safety off.

The 2.0's are good enough straight out of the box. I'd spend my money on ammo and spare mags. I like a weapons mounted light for home defense. Not as practical for most carry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top