The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 Compact is a carry-length striker-fired .40 S&W built for concealed carry. S&W no longer makes it, so it is a used buy. At 25.4 oz it was built without a thumb safety, so there is no lever above the trigger and nothing to clear on the draw.

Two magazines came in the box, each holding 13 rounds. The grip stands 5.0 inches and takes palmswell inserts that change its circumference, with aggressive texture across the whole frame. The barrel is 4.0 inches of stainless under Armornite with a 1 in 10 twist, and the extended stainless chassis embedded in the polymer runs the length of the frame to cut flex and torque when the gun fires. The slide has no optic cut.

If you're cross-shopping, the Glock G23 Gen5 is still in production, matches the 13 rounds at 26.67 oz with a 4.02-inch barrel and ships with three magazines. The full-size Smith & Wesson M&P 40 M2.0 is a used buy as well, and holds 15 rounds behind a 4.25-inch barrel on a 5.5-inch grip. Between the two M&Ps, the Compact gives up two rounds and half an inch of grip height.