Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 .40 S&W
Model: 11522
Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 .40 S&W
Model: 11522
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Smith & Wesson launched the original M&P in 2005 as a direct answer to the Glock G22 — polymer frame, striker action, modular grip, designed from the start for law enforcement use. The .40 S&W was the original chambering. The M2.0 revision that followed brought a noticeably improved trigger, more aggressive grip texture across the full frame, and a stainless steel chassis for added rigidity. At 25.9 oz and 7.4" overall, the full-size M2.0 is built for duty or range work, not daily concealed carry.
The 6.5 lb trigger is heavier than the Glock G22's 5.9 lb pull. Owners report the M2.0 trigger has a crisper break than the original M&P — the M2.0 revision specifically targeted the old trigger's reputation for mushiness. The grip texture is frequently cited in owner reviews as one of the most aggressive in the polymer-frame class, which helps control the snappy recoil .40 S&W produces in lighter frames. The four interchangeable palmswell inserts (XS, S, M, L) let most shooters dial in the grip without modifications.
The .40 S&W chambering is in commercial decline — most law enforcement has moved back to 9mm, and S&W's own modern launches in this platform favor 9mm. That context matters: buyers today are typically working through existing .40 ammo stock, picking up a departmental trade-in, or specifically want .40's heavier bullet. The M&P 40 M2.0 was the original M&P — it predates the 9mm variants — and that history is baked into its design. Worth knowing: S&W has made an M&P 40 M2.0 OR (Optics Ready) variant with the C.O.R.E. cut that accepts RMR, RMSc, and Holosun footprints without a separate milling job.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Four interchangeable palmswell inserts (XS/S/M/L) fit a wider range of hand sizes than the Glock G22's fixed grip — no aftermarket work needed.
- The M2.0 trigger revision is well-documented as a meaningful improvement over the original M&P 40's spongy take-up. Owners report a cleaner break and shorter reset on the M2.0.
- Aggressive grip texture across the full frame gives real purchase during .40's snappier recoil cycle — more texture than most competing polymer-frame duty pistols ship with as standard.
- The 6.5 lb trigger is 0.6 lbs heavier than the Glock G22's 5.9 lb pull — not a deal-breaker, but noticeable side by side.
- No optic cut on the standard model. The OR variant solves this, but it's a separate SKU at a higher price point.
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 .40 S&W ranks among full-size .40 S&W handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What optics fit the M&P 40 M2.0 OR (Optics Ready) variant?
The OR model uses a C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) slide cut that accepts optics on the Trijicon RMR, RMSc, and Holosun 407/507 footprints. The standard model (this listing) has no factory cut. If you already own this standard version and want to mount a red dot, aftermarket slide milling typically runs $150-200 depending on the shop and footprint.
Do the removable backstraps actually fit different hand sizes, or is it mostly marketing?
The M&P's palmswell insert system is genuinely functional. The four sizes (XS, S, M, L) change the grip circumference at the palm swell — not just the backstrap angle — which makes a real difference for shooters with small or large hands. Most owners land on S or M. The XS insert is useful for compact-hand shooters who otherwise can't reach the trigger correctly.
Is the M&P 40 M2.0 a drop-in replacement for the original M&P 40?
Holsters, magazines, and most controls are interchangeable between original M&P 40 and M2.0. The frame geometry and dimensions are the same. The main differences are internal: the M2.0 has a revised trigger group, a stainless steel chassis insert in the frame, and more aggressive grip texture. Original M&P 40 magazines feed reliably in the M2.0.
