S&W Announces Steel Frame Pistols M&P M2.0 Metal HD and Competitor HD models.
- Graham Baates
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
We recently reviewed the S&W Performance Center M&P M2.0 9 Metal and were somewhat edisappointed. The pistol looks fantastic, but the slight shift in weight of a frame barely adding two ounces and slide shedding an ounce was not enough to create a noticable change in shooting characteristics over the class M&P 2.0. As suspected, Smith & Wesson had other things in mind and has now announced a line of steel-framed pistols. Will one be reviewed on GBGuns? I'm not sure, Aside from visuals, I didn't find much "performance" feel for the Performance Center price tag on the aluminum model. Smith & Wesson will need to really step things up to warrant further investigation, but I'm, sure the usual batch of entertainers will tell you how great the gun is.
Below is the original press release from Smith & Wesson.
"MARYVILLE, TN., (1/15/2026) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the M&P9 M2.0® Metal HD and Competitor® HD pistols.
The next evolution in the M&P handgun line, the M&P Metal HD Series represents the pinnacle of Smith & Wesson heavy-duty pistols. Now available in two models, users have their choice of purpose-based designs right out of the box.
The M&P Metal HD is a metal masterpiece built on a rugged stainless steel Armornite® coated frame with a 5-inch barrel for unmatched durability, reduced recoil, and lightning-fast follow-up shots. Its new aggressive grip texture design and updated slide serration pattern allow for enhanced control even in wet conditions. The included Night Fision® tritium sights and C.O.R.E.™ optics-ready package ensure precision with or without the use of a red dot and a trusted M2.0 flat-faced trigger deliver perfection at every pull. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the M&P Metal HD holds a 17+1 capacity and ships with two magazines. Excluding the magazine, this pistol has a total weight of 34.9 ounces, an overall length of 8.25-inches, and a height of 5.5-inches.
For those who look to measure time in fractions of a second, the M&P Competitor HD is engineered for speed. Also chambered in 9mm Luger and constructed on a robust steel-frame this variant features a 5-inch spiral fluted stainless-steel barrel and exhibits a new slide design with distinct lightening cuts and deeper, more aggressive serrations that collectively aid in reducing felt recoil. It has the same overall height and length as the Metal HD but is slightly lighter at 34.5 ounces. The M&P Competitor HD includes HIVIZ® tritium sights and a C.O.R.E. optics package in addition to an external magwell and extended magazine release to ensure flawless, high-speed reloads. This model also utilizes an M2.0 flat-face trigger design, holds a 17+1 capacity, and ships with two magazines.
Additional features shared by both pistols include a picatinny-style rail for mounting accessories, four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts, and thumb safety/compliant models. The M&P Metal HD Series is the perfect package, yielding nothing but the best shooting experience of any M&P yet — precision-engineered pistols designed for dominant performance.
For more information on the M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD and Competitor HD pistols, visit www.smith-wesson.com."