Smith & Wesson has been in business since 1854 and has survived ups and downs that would have been the death knell of many companies. Through economic depressions and two World Wars, the company supplied fighting men and police officers with quality firearms. Throughout its history, Smith & Wesson has introduced innovative, even world-changing, firearms at many points. These include the Volcanic lever-action handgun, the .22 No. 1, hinged-frame fast-loading revolvers, the .44 Russian, the Hand Ejector, the Military & Police, and the immortal .357 Magnum.
Today, the Military & Police name is found on a series of rugged, reliable, and ergonomic 9mm handguns. While polymer-frame, striker-fired handguns have earned a reputation for reliability, they do not always offer the finest ergonomics. Smith & Wesson introduced advanced human engineering into its polymer-frame firearms and has wisely chosen to offer several tiers of development and cost within its polymer-frame line.
The original Military & Police 9mm is a service-grade handgun used by the New Mexico State Police and many other agencies. Then there are special-edition handguns from the Performance Center. The craftsmen at the Performance Center turn out some interesting pieces.
At the top echelon of performance are the Spec Series handguns. These pistols feature enhanced performance based on trigger action, barrel ports, specialized optics, and, often, unique Smith & Wesson finishes.
The latest is the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 SPECVI, offered here in a compact configuration. This pistol is a metal-frame 9mm, an innovation from Smith & Wesson that has proven very popular. The balance, heft, and line of sight are improved over a polymer-frame handgun.
Let us be clear: the polymer-frame Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm is a great shooter. The metal-frame handgun builds upon and improves that performance. We can be very good shots, better shots, or we can be all we can be. Ultimately, it depends on your taste and skill.
M&P 2.0 SPECVI Features and Design
The SPECVI features the ergonomically designed grip frame of the M&P Compact 9mm. The pistol uses a 15-round magazine, and three magazines with Floyd’s base plates are provided to complement the Floyd’s magazine well. This combination aids in speed loads and handling.
The grip frame is supplied with inserts that allow the shooter to tailor the hand fit to their hand size. The pistol also features ambidextrous controls. The slide lock is easily manipulated, and the magazine catch is reversible.
The flat-face Smith & Wesson 2.0 trigger breaks very cleanly at 4.5 pounds and provides a rapid reset. A mounting rail on the dust cover accommodates combat lights.
The big news in the design is the set of barrel ports positioned just behind the front sight. These four ports provide excellent control. The SPECVI is noticeably more controllable than other handguns of similar size.
The pistol is supplied with a factory-installed Aimpoint Acro P-2 red-dot sight. It does not get much better than this. The Acro is a premier hard-use optic that has been proven in extensive testing. Aimpoint products are in use around the world by military and law-enforcement personnel.
The pistol is finished in a champagne Cerakote finish. The finish is both durable and attractive and covers a stainless-steel slide.
The SPECVI is delivered in a Savior Equipment bag. A challenge coin and Smith & Wesson knife are also included. A nice touch is the modern Hunter Constantine carry belt provided with the pistol.
Firing the Smith & Wesson SPECVI
This is a personal handgun, not a loaner. As such, I have enjoyed firing the SPECVI for several months. I have never fired a compact striker-fired pistol that was as easy to use well as this handgun.
The combination of an aluminum frame and well-designed barrel ports results in excellent control. It took a little time to become accustomed to the trigger. The break is excellent, but it must be learned. Once learned, this is an excellent trigger action that complements a trained shooter.
The Aimpoint sight is an enclosed-emitter design. Compared with an open-emitter optic, this design offers less exposure to potential damage from debris and other environmental conditions. The Aimpoint provides a good range of brightness settings, along with Torx-head windage and elevation adjustments. The enclosed emitter offers excellent visibility and a fast, easily acquired aiming point.
I fired quickly at various ranges from 7 to 10 yards and then at 15 yards. This is a nice-handling handgun, and compact accuracy is first-class. Speed loads came easily with the Floyd’s base pads and magazine well.
I cannot imagine being more prepared for an emergency with a handgun than when deploying the SPECVI.
During the evaluation, I also fired the pistol for absolute accuracy. I moved into position on the firing bench behind the Real Avid range bag and fired five-shot groups from a solid benchrest position.
Most groups measured approximately two inches for five shots at 25 yards during a number of test-firing sessions. Occasional groups were as small as 1.5 inches. With basic FMJ loads, some groups opened up to more than two inches. Overall, this proved to be a consistently accurate handgun.
Reliability was exceptional, with no failures to feed, chamber, fire, or eject during the evaluation.
The SPECVI is a well-appointed pistol with a strong combination of features. For a demanding shooter, the SPECVI is a pistol that answers nearly every requirement.
Five-Shot Accuracy at 25 Yards
Five-shot groups were fired at 25 yards from a solid benchrest firing position:
| Ammunition | Group Size |
|---|---|
| Federal 124-grain Hydra-Shok | 2.0 inches |
| Federal 135-grain Hydra-Shok Deep | 2.25 inches |
| Speer Lawman 9mm 115-grain TMJ | 2.5 inches |
| CCI Blazer 147-grain FMJ | 2.1 inches |
Final Thoughts on the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 SPECVI
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal SPECVI 9mm is a well-equipped compact handgun that combines the familiar M&P ergonomics with a metal frame, ported barrel, performance-oriented trigger, factory-installed Aimpoint Acro P-2 optic, and several useful accessories.
The metal frame adds heft and balance, while the barrel ports contribute to the pistol’s controllability. Combined with the crisp trigger and enclosed-emitter red-dot sight, the SPECVI provides a package designed for shooters who want enhanced performance from a compact 9mm platform.
The SPECVI 9mm is a great all-around handgun and one that I expect to deploy often.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal SPECVI Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Width | 1.4 in. |
| Length | 7.25 in. |
| Height | 6 in. |
| Weight | 30.24 oz. |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Size | Compact |
| Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Action | Striker-fired |
| Barrel Length | 4 in. |
| Grip | Polymer |
| Sights | White dot |
| Optic | Included |
| Safety | None |
| Color/Finish | Champagne |
| Threaded Barrel | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Number of Magazines | 3 |
| Barrel Material | Stainless steel |
| Model | M&P 2.0 Metal |
| MSRP | $1,899.00 |
For dealer purchases visit www.davidsonsinc.com
For consumer purchases, visit www.galleryofguns.com
