If you are in the market for Smith & Wesson 9mm handguns, you’d better be prepared for the enormous volume of options you should consider. How not to sink in this ocean of firearms that look alike and have similar names? Read this article. We won’t cover all S&W 9mm models, we have lives to live after all, but we are happy to share our list of the best Smith & Wesson 9mm handguns for 2024. If you are reading this a few years later, these guns are probably still viable. Why? Because Smith & Wesson is known for making firearms that last a lifetime. Without further ado, let’s get to our Smith & Wesson Pistols Review.
Table of Contents
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0
Magazine Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 4.25”
Weight: 27.2 oz.
Action: Striker Fire
Grip: Synthetic
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 is yet another round of evolution for the M&P (Military and Police) series, introduced in 2005. Don’t let the title deceive you, for this pistol line is not exclusive to those who protect the law and peace. What began as a full-size duty gun line soon expanded to include compact and competition variants, and now the M&P series is widely available on the commercial market.
Thriving on the success of the original gun, M&P 2.0 entered the market in 2017 with even more elaborate features that bring the already well-established series to a new level. This particular model is from the C.O.R.E. PRO series, which means it boasts a few further improvements that set it apart from the main production models. One of the main changes of M2.0 is the aggressive grip texture that secures your hand on the grip. The surface is not abrasive enough to ruin clothing or scratch skin yet is rougher than the original grip ensuring the most comfortable and reliable holding experience.
The trigger pull of this S&W 9mm pistol is crisper and tangible, with a more noticeable audible and tactile reset. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 is equipped with a trigger stop to prevent the overtravel. A low barrel bore axis reduces muzzle rise and makes aim recovery even faster, while an extended rigid stainless steel chassis system reduces flex and recoil while firing. M2.0 is a decent advancement of the M&P line. If you are looking for a reliable full-size handgun, it is worth every dollar you will spend on it.
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus
Magazine Capacity: 10+1, 13+1
Barrel Length: 3.1”
Weight: 20.2 oz.
Action: Striker Fire
Grip: Polymer
An outstanding representative of the next generation of everyday carry pistols, the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus is one of the latest variations of the already mentioned M&P line.
This model, just as the original M&P Shield, is packed with various features for ultimate concealment. The plus version eradicates some of the drawbacks of its predecessor that is no longer in production. Even though the original M&P Shield was optimized for concealment through lower profile and thinner design, it had a low cartridge capacity.
Even after the brand updated the Shield with the M2.0 features by improving and lightening the trigger pull and increasing the grip textured coverage for improved recoil management, the capacity issue lingered. Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus was developed to face this challenge and bring users a concealed carry gun that could hold more than 8 rounds while still being comfortable to carry discreetly. The engineers somehow managed to make it only 6.1 inches long, 1.1 inches wide, but able to hold a 13+1 magazine. Another distinctive feature of this Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol is a flat-faced trigger for more consistent finger placement. This thin and lightweight pistol will make for a perfect everyday carry companion.
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
Magazine Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 5”
Weight: 26.9 oz.
Action: Striker Fire
Grip: Polymer
Another member of the M2.0 family, this S&W 9mm pistol has a lot in common with the first gun we’ve covered in this review. It has the same aggressive grip texture for improved control, a low barrel bore axis to mitigate muzzle rise and a new crisp trigger with a lighter trigger pull and more noticeable reset.
How are they different, you might ask? Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is generally longer, has a polymer grip (vs. synthetic), and weighs a bit less. It is performed in a different color and features ambidextrous thumb safety. Aside from that, it is endowed with all merits of the M2.0 series member.
This model doesn’t have as many additional pleasant features as a C.O.R.E. PRO series one, but that simplicity makes it more affordable. If you want all the major benefits of an M&P M2.0 but don’t want to pay extra, this sand-colored bud will have your back.
Smith & Wesson 1911 Pro Series
Magazine Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 5”
Weight: 40.9 oz.
Action: Single Action
Grip: Wood
For those who prefer time-proven classics, Smith & Wesson presents their 1911 Pro. Eye-catching looks cover not less impressive insides worthy of a PRO Series family member. Even though this pistol is almost twice as heavy as Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus, you can feel where every ounce comes from.
The 1911 Pro’s stainless-steel frame boasts several features that are usually found only on custom-made guns. The RoCo Wood grips look classy while ensuring a secure grip both while drawing and shooting. The trigger guard undercut makes the grip even more comfortable. The front strap features 30 lines per-inch checkering that is aggressive enough to provide enough roughness while not hurting your hand.
An oversized external extractor ensures efficient extractions and quicker ejections. The beavertail palm swell contributes to more precise recoil control that allows for quick follow-up shots. The single-action trigger is crisp and smooth, with a short travel distance and a quick noticeable reset. This S&W 9mm pistol will make for a perfect shooting range weapon.
Smith & Wesson CSX
Magazine Capacity: 10+1. 12+1
Barrel Length: 3.1”
Weight: 19.5 oz.
Action: Single Action
Grip: Interchangeable Backstraps
Smith & Wesson CSX is the ultimate concealed carry pistol in micro-compact frame size. Built on an aluminum alloy frame with interchangeable polymer back straps, this model is highly customizable to cater to whatever your needs are. A remarkable magazine capacity of 12+1 rounds for a gun of this size makes CSX one of the best everyday carry options out there. This 9mm Smith & Wesson also ships with a 10+1 magazine for those situations when deeper concealment is a priority.
The CSX features a textured front strap and part of the grip for more secure gripping. You can also find an already-met flat-faced trigger that helps with finger placement and ambidextrous manual thumb safety. The recoil management is easy thanks to textured panels and a beavertail. As a rule, lighter guns have more issues with torque management, but it is no issue for a Smith & Wesson CSX.
Smith & Wesson 986PC
Magazine Capacity: 7
Barrel Length: 5”
Weight: 35 oz.
Action: Single/ Double Action
Grip: Synthetic
The only revolver on the list (but still a S&W 9mm) concludes our top with a few tricks up its bore. Featuring stainless steel L-frame and titanium cylinder, this revolver is the ultimate expression of old-time craftsmanship merging with cutting-edge technologies. Synthetic textured grip for firm and confident holding, all-glass bead finish for attractive satin-like appearance, a cylinder cut for moonclips to hold multiple cartridges together – those are the distinctive features of Smith & Wesson 986PC.
Performance Center Mainspring gives the revolver a 10-pound double-action trigger pull. If you like revolvers more than pistols and were looking for a reliable and good-looking 9mm wheel gun, this piece of art fits the description just right.
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FAQs
A Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol is a type of handgun that fires the 9mm cartridge. These pistols are known for their reliability, accuracy, and innovative features. They’re used by law enforcement agencies and civilians alike.
Popular Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols include models from the M&P series, like the M&P9 and M&P Shield, as well as the Smith & Wesson CSX 9mm.
The M&P9 is known for its superior ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and high-capacity magazines. It also offers options for an external thumb safety and has a reputation for reliability and accuracy.
Yes, the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 is available with an external thumb safety. However, it’s also offered without an external thumb safety for those who prefer that configuration.
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