
Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 Review: Specifications, Performance, and Price
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Smith and Wesson, one of the most iconic firearms manufacturers, is renowned for producing reliable, durable, and highly accurate handguns. Since its founding in 1852, Smith and Wesson has earned a place as a top choice among gun enthusiasts, law enforcement, and military personnel around the world. This article provides a detailed guide to some of the most notable Smith and Wesson models, focusing on both pistols and revolvers. We’ll take a closer look at the top Smith and Wesson handguns, including three of their most popular models: the M&P Shield, the SD9VE, and the Governor.
Additionally, we’ll provide insights on who manufactures Smith and Wesson guns, the company’s popular models, and the best holsters for Smith and Wesson handguns.
Check out reviews of the best Smith and Wesson pistols and best Smith and Wesson revolvers
Smith and Wesson offers numerous high-quality handguns, but three models stand out as exceptional choices based on popularity, performance, and versatility. Let’s examine these models in more detail.
Smith and Wesson Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Magazine Capacity | Overall Length | Weight | Safety Features | Accessory Rail |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smith and Wesson M&P Shield | 9mm or .40 S&W | 3.1" | 7+1 or 8+1 (9mm), 6+1 or 7+1 (.40 S&W) | 6.1" | 20.8 oz (9mm), 19 oz (.40 S&W) | Optional Manual Safety | No |
Smith and Wesson SD9VE | 9mm | 4.0" | 16+1 | 7.2" | 22.4 oz | Self Defense Trigger (SDT) | Yes |
Smith and Wesson Governor | .410 Bore, .45 ACP, .45 Colt | 2.75" | 6 rounds | 8.5" | 29.6 oz | Tritium Night Sights | No |
The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield is one of the brand’s most popular and versatile models, especially among concealed carry enthusiasts. This compact, striker-fired pistol is part of Smith and Wesson’s M&P (Military and Police) series and is chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W. With a slim profile and lightweight design, the M&P Shield is easy to conceal and comfortable to carry all day, making it a top choice for personal protection.
Key features of the M&P Shield include its durable polymer frame, stainless steel slide, and enhanced grip texture, which provides secure handling even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the M&P Shield is known for its crisp, consistent trigger pull, which contributes to its accuracy and ease of use. This model is available with or without a manual thumb safety, allowing users to choose based on their safety preferences.
The Smith and Wesson SD9VE is another popular model, especially among budget-conscious shooters who don’t want to compromise on quality. Known for its reliability, this semi-automatic pistol is chambered in 9mm and is ideal for both home defense and range shooting. It offers a solid build quality, ergonomic design, and smooth handling, making it suitable for novice and experienced shooters alike.
The SD9VE features a polymer frame with an integrated front and rear sight, ensuring quick target acquisition. It also has a Self Defense Trigger (SDT) that provides a consistent trigger pull. While this model lacks some advanced features found in higher-end Smith and Wesson pistols, it delivers solid performance, especially given its affordability. The SD9VE’s reliability and ease of maintenance make it an attractive choice for users seeking a dependable self-defense firearm.
The Smith and Wesson Governor is a versatile and powerful revolver, offering multi-caliber capability that allows it to fire .410 shotshells, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt cartridges. This flexibility makes the Governor ideal for both personal defense and outdoor activities, as it can effectively handle a variety of threats and shooting situations. With a 6-round capacity and a large frame, the Governor is a reliable and highly durable revolver.
Constructed from stainless steel and featuring a rubber grip, the Governor is built for heavy-duty use. Its Tritium night sights ensure visibility in low-light situations, and its versatile ammunition capability provides users with significant flexibility. As a result, the Governor is popular among gun owners who want a single firearm that can serve multiple purposes.
Smith and Wesson is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, where it operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to produce its renowned firearms. The company has a longstanding history of innovation in handgun design, creating everything from revolvers with unique safety features to modern polymer-framed pistols. Known for rigorous quality control and advanced engineering, Smith and Wesson continues to be a major player in the firearms industry.
One of the largest Smith and Wesson handguns is the Smith and Wesson X-Frame revolver, particularly the .500 S&W Magnum, designed for big-game hunting. This massive revolver is capable of handling extremely high-pressure loads and is known for its stopping power, making it a popular choice among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 is one of the smallest handguns produced by the company. Chambered in .380 ACP, this compact, lightweight pistol is perfect for concealed carry and is easily concealable in a pocket or purse. Its small size and manageable recoil make it an ideal choice for self-defense, especially for those who prioritize ease of carry.
When comparing Smith and Wesson handguns, factors like intended use, caliber, size, and additional features should be considered. Pistols like the M&P Shield are ideal for concealed carry, while revolvers like the Governor are versatile in terms of ammunition types and suitable for a broader range of applications. Budget can also play a role; models like the SD9VE provide excellent value without sacrificing reliability.