The newest addition to Smith & Wesson's Carry Comp lineup welcomes the resurgence of interest in 10mm with open arms. The M&P 10mm Carry Comp has a 4-inch stainless steel barrel and slide, both ported and finished in Armornite. Beyond its visual appeal, the gun’s porting, in conjunction with Smith & Wesson’s PowerPort system, redirects gases upward after each shot. The result is a noticeable reduction in muzzle rise and a slight reduction in the felt recoil naturally associated with the 10mm cartridge. This allows shooters to return to the target more quickly and deliver follow-up shots faster and with greater control.
Another feature appreciated by anyone using a red dot is Smith & Wesson's patented ClearSight Design, which routes gases away from the optic during firing, keeping the shooter's view unobstructed. This gun is also optics-ready, supporting a wide range of today's most popular optic footprints. Also included are a set of iron sights, consisting of a blacked-out serrated U-notch rear sight paired with an Ameriglo Trooper front sight. This duo enables rapid target acquisition across a variety of lighting conditions, especially handy when called upon in a defensive situation.
The 10mm Carry Comp from S&W has the familiar 18-degree grip angle found throughout the M&P line, helping shooters to naturally point the handgun and acquire their target with ease. This grip angle also positions the wrists for optimal finger placement on the pistol’s flat-faced trigger. This allows each trigger press to move straight back rather than introducing unwanted lateral movement. Although it is not an ultra-light match trigger, it delivers a crisp, clean break and a short reset. When the trigger resets, it provides both tactile and audible feedback that can be recognized under stress and is particularly beneficial in defensive situations involving either two-legged or four-legged threats.
The grip texture on this handgun may be described as aggressive by some, but during live fire, it is actually quite comfortable against the hand. This texture is especially valuable during hot summer months, when sweaty hands can compromise control. Likewise, when hiking in cold weather while wearing gloves, the same texture helps maintain a secure purchase on the pistol. The magazine release features similar texturing, providing a tactile reference point that assists with magazine changes while allowing the shooter to keep focus on a potential threat. While the 10mm Carry Comp’s full-size frame may not be easily carried or concealed by everyone, it is surprisingly concealable and well-suited as a carry gun, especially when compared to other 10mm handguns on the market. Weighing 27 ounces, it is light enough for daily carry while retaining sufficient mass to help manage recoil.
While some shooters may choose a 10mm pistol for their EDC handgun, interest in backcountry defense has increased significantly. With that in mind, I opted to conduct testing at a distance of 15 yards from our target. I chose this distance as it fell in the middle of the typical range at which bear spray is typically deployed, which so happens to be between 10 and 20 yards. Wanting feedback on a wide range of ammunition, we chose three 10mm options with quite different bullet weights and projectile styles from Remington, Black Hills, and Hornady. These selections included the following: Remington 200-gr. JHP Core-Lokt Handgun; Black Hills 115-gr. HoneyBadger; and Hornady Custom 180-gr. XTP. During our testing, I experienced first hand the benefits of the gun’s PowerPort system, which enabled me to get back on target quickly after each shot and smoothly transition from target to target. Guns chambered in 10mm are often intimidating to those who are a bit recoil-shy, but at no point did the Carry Comp feel unwieldy in my hands. When it was all said and done, the gun produced impressive results, with average group sizes ranging from 1.27 inches to 2.3 inches. Throughout the range tests, I encountered no malfunctions or stoppages, which always makes for a good day.
Ultimately, the Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 Carry Comp proves to be much more than another handgun capitalizing on the growing popularity of the 10mm cartridge. It is a purpose-built defensive firearm designed around performance and design elements that improve the overall shooting experience. Whether you are considering this new handgun as an everyday carry pistol, a dedicated backcountry defense sidearm, or simply another addition to your expanding collection of 10mm offerings, the newest member of the Carry Comp family will serve you well. Once again, Smith & Wesson has produced a handgun that users can trust in a potentially life-saving defensive encounter while retaining its ability to be simply enjoyable to shoot. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.
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