Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 .45 ACP
Model: 11523
Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 .45 ACP
Model: 11523
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
Smith & Wesson's M2.0 grip texture is the standout feature on the M&P 45. Four interchangeable palmswell inserts let owners adjust the grip circumference, and the aggressive stippling pattern locks the hand in place during recoil. In .45 ACP, that grip matters more than in 9mm because the heavier slide impulse wants to shift your hand between shots.
The M&P 45 M2.0 carries 10+1 rounds in a polymer frame weighing 29.9 oz with a 4.6-inch barrel. That puts it within an ounce of the Glock G21 Gen5 MOS, but the G21 holds 13+1. The trade-off is the M&P 45's slightly shorter 7.9-inch overall length versus the G21's 8.07 inches, and the M2.0 trigger at 5.8 lbs has a more defined reset than what most owners report on the Glock. The HK HK45 weighs 31.2 oz with the same 10-round capacity, but runs a DA/SA action with a 4.5 lb single-action pull.
Where the M&P 45 M2.0 separates itself is ergonomics. The palmswell system genuinely changes how the gun fits different hand sizes, and the 18-degree grip angle matches what most shooters coming from 1911s expect. No other polymer .45 ACP offers that level of grip customization from the factory.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- Four interchangeable palmswell inserts give genuine grip customization that the Glock G21 and HK HK45 lack from the factory
- At 29.9 oz, it is one of the lighter full-size polymer .45 ACPs, making all-day carry on a duty belt less fatiguing than a 41.3 oz CZ 97 B
- The 5.8 lb striker trigger is the heaviest pull among polymer .45 ACP pistols in this class, where the HK HK45 runs 4.5 lbs in single action
- No optic-ready model exists in .45 ACP, so mounting a red dot requires aftermarket slide work
Category Rankings
How the Smith & Wesson M&P 45 M2.0 .45 ACP ranks among full-size .45 ACP handguns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M&P 45 M2.0 have any known issues?
Early production runs had scattered reports of failure-to-feed with certain hollow point profiles, particularly flat-nosed designs. Community consensus is that a 200-round break-in period resolves most feeding issues. Current production models appear to have tighter feed ramp polishing from the factory.
Will M&P 9mm M2.0 holsters fit the M&P 45?
No. The M&P 45 slide and frame are wider than the 9mm version. At 1.3 inches wide versus roughly 1.2 inches on the 9mm M2.0, most holster makers list them as separate fits. Check manufacturer compatibility charts before ordering.
Which palmswell insert should I start with?
Smith & Wesson ships the medium-large insert installed. Most owners with average-sized hands end up on the medium or small insert for a better trigger reach. Start with the smallest insert and work up until the trigger pad sits naturally on the center of your index finger.