Earlier this year, Smith & Wesson began a revolutionary gun-making strategy: crafting the frame from metal. If that sounds more “old school” than “new cool,” remember that polymer-framed pistols have dominated the market for years. For those of us who prefer the solidity and weight of aluminum, S&W introduced the M&P9 M2.0 METAL. It’s called the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor. If that’s a few too many letters and numbers to commit to memory, just call it the Competitor … because that’s what your fellow shooters just might start calling you.
The Competitor is exactly what it sounds like—a competition-perfected pistol created to give shooters a competitive edge. This metal-framed semi-auto 9 mm comes with a 5-inch barrel for a longer sight radius, which enhances accuracy right out of the box with iron sights. Those iron sights are (naturally) fiber optic at the front; and blacked-out and serrated at the rear for fast sight picture acquisition. However, should you choose not to use the iron sights, the gun’s slide is cut for optics.
The Competitor’s sear has been perfected for a lighter, crisper trigger let-off, which boosts reset time. The new pistol comes with an oversized mag release that is reversible for both right and left-handed users and ships with a total of four magazines. It includes a flared magazine well for fast and efficient reloads.
Due to its metal construction, the Competitor tips the scales at 29 ozs., but unless you’re trying to conceal the gun, all that extra weight is going to do is reduce recoil while you’re shooting. Choose from models available in 10+1 or 17+1 round capacities with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote or black Armornite slide finish. MSRP $999; www.smith-wesson.com.
