Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
On July 9th, 2024, Smith & Wesson introduced the Performance Center Carry Comp series, building upon the tried and true M2.0 platform. Available in full-size, compact, and micro-compact variants, these pistols feature the CLEARSIGHT CUT, which keeps gases away from the optic for an unobstructed view, the PC Flat-Face Trigger for enhanced accuracy, and the Carry Comp Power Port to reduce felt recoil and keep you on target. The Carry Comp series is something I am very excited to see hit the market. Where weapon light compatibility and optic cuts have almost become standard among production carry guns, a factory low-profile compensator is just icing on the cake.
Specifications for the S&W M2.0 Carry Comp Compact:
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15 rounds
- Frame Size: Compact
- Barrel Length: 4.22″
- Grip: Polymer
- Sights: Night Sights
- Threaded Barrel: No
- Safety: N/A
- Weight: 25.4 oz
- Color/Finish: Black
- Width: 1.4 in
- Length: 7.25 in
- Height: 5 in
M2.0 Carry Comp Out of the Box
While the Carry Comp series offers three options—a metal-framed full-size model and a Shield Plus micro-compact—I opted to review the compact version. The S&W M2.0 Carry Comp arrives from the factory well-equipped, including two 15-round magazines, four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts, and a selection of optic plates to accommodate most red dots on the market. In addition, it comes with a quality cleaning kit, an owner’s manual, and a gun lock.
While many pistols come with minimal accessories, S&W ensures that the Performance Center lineup lives up to its name. The included cleaning kit features a collapsible cleaning rod with a rotating T-handle, 10 cotton cleaning patches, a nylon cleaning brush, bronze bore brushes and nylon jags for various calibers (22 cal, 9mm/357/38 cal, 40/10mm cal, 45 cal), and nylon slotted tips.
To fully explore the platform’s capabilities for this review, I started by mounting a Vortex Defender-ST red dot and a Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X. These enhancements provided the precision of a red dot sight and the versatility of white light for target identification in low-light conditions.
Available on GunsAmerica Now
Barrel/Compensator
The standout feature of the new S&W M2.0 Carry Comp is its integrated factory compensator. While aftermarket compensators that attach to threaded barrels have been around for a while, they often add extra length and lack holster compatibility. The integrated compensator on the Carry Comp strikes a balance, maintaining holster compatibility while keeping a low profile.
During this review, I spent a good amount of time conceal-carrying this pistol in a Tier 1 Concealed AXIS Elite holster, which worked exceptionally well. The company also does an excellent job of promoting training and sharing informative shooting content on their social media platforms so go check them out!
Much like a muzzle brake, the integrated compensator redirects gases upward, pushing the escaping gases down on the muzzle and reducing felt recoil. While it’s difficult to quantify the exact recoil reduction, I found it noticeably effective—I’d estimate a reduction in the 15-30% range. For a low-profile, single-port factory feature, I’m quite pleased with the results.
Slide
To accommodate the single-port compensator, the newly designed S&W M2.0 Carry Comp slide features a “ClearSight Cut,” allowing upward gases to exit through the side while being diverted away from the optic. The slide also includes a top lightening port, which reduces weight and adds a bit of style.
The slide serrations on the Carry Comp differ significantly from the previous M2.0 lineup. While earlier models had more vertical cuts, these new serrations form a backward “Z” pattern, with deeper cuts that not only lighten the slide but also provide excellent grip for racking, even with slippery hands.
Additionally, the slide incorporates the S&W C.O.R.E.™ system for mounting red dots. The Spec Series includes seven different optic plates and screw sets to accommodate most pistol red dots on the market. For this review, I used the Vortex Defender ST and had to slightly modify one of the included optic plates. After a quick sanding of the plastic plate, the red dot mounted securely and performed flawlessly throughout the hundreds of rounds I fired.
Sights
Although I didn’t use the included iron sights since I immediately mounted a red dot, the S&W M2.0 Carry Comp comes with a solid set. The blacked-out serrated rear sight and night sight front sight make for a reliable concealed carry combo. However, these sights sit low and cannot be co-witnessed with most red dots. In my case, the base of the optic was higher than the front sight. For those who prefer iron sights as a backup, taller sights or a deeper slide cut would be beneficial.
Frame
The Carry Comp’s frame appears to share the same design as other M2.0 pistols, offering a sense of familiarity and S&W’s well-earned reputation for quality. The texturing is mildly aggressive and fits well in my hands. It is also not too aggressive so it is not uncomfortable when concealed carrying. Despite shooting in 100-degree weather with serious sweat, the grip texture performed admirably, keeping my hands from slipping.
Trigger
The trigger is one of the most important interfaces of any firearm, and the Performance Center trigger on the Carry Comp is better than most polymer handguns on the market. The take-up is long but smooth, and the wall is well-defined. There is a fair amount of creep when pulling through the wall, but it’s hardly noticeable during actual shooting. What I really appreciate is the short reset, which places your finger right back on the wall, ready for the next shot. I consistently measured the trigger pull weight at 4.5 lbs, which is typical for a carry gun.
Precision of the M2.0 Carry Comp
To test the pistol’s precision, I used four different types of Hornady carry ammunition along with Blazer Brass, consistently producing 5-round groups around 2″ at 10 yards. While I typically group closer to 1″ at this distance, I noticed a wider horizontal spread with my shots. Vertically, the groups were tight, but left-to-right accuracy was less consistent. I am not quite sure what was causing this, but I was pretty flustered when shooting. Shown below are the groups I shot with this pistol:
| Ammo Type | Avg Velocity (FPS) | 5-Round Group Size |
| Hornady 115gr XTP | 1084 | 1.81″ |
| Hornady 124gr XTP +P | 1151 | 1.77″ |
| Hornady 135gr FlexLock | 1031 | 2.04″ |
| Hornady 147gr XTP | 967 | 1.61″ |
| Blazer Brass 124gr FMJ | 1107 | 1.83″ |
Reliability
Throughout this review, I fired several hundred rounds through the S&W M2.0 Carry Comp, mostly using 124gr Blazer Brass provided by AmmunitionToGo.com, the official ammo sponsor for this review. Their wide selection, competitive pricing, and quick shipping make them a great choice for ammunition. I have bought from them multiple times and have yet to be disappointed.
Given the M2.0 lineage, I had high expectations for the Carry Comp, and it didn’t disappoint. Without any oiling or cleaning, the pistol ran flawlessly. I experienced no malfunctions with any of the 115gr to 147gr ammunition I used, and the M2.0 Carry Comp performed exactly as intended.
M2.0 Carry Comp Performance
The compensator is a forward-thinking feature that shows S&W’s commitment to evolving their everyday carry lineup. While the low-profile compensator doesn’t completely eliminate recoil, it provides a noticeable reduction that I find worthwhile. During low-ready double-tap drills at 10 yards, I consistently achieved two hits in about 0.8 seconds. One thing to note is that when shooting in confined spaces or around a VTAC board, you’ll feel a slightly more pronounced concussive blast, similar to the effect of a muzzle brake on a rifle, but on a smaller scale.
The only downside I encountered was the heat buildup on the forward part of the slide after rapid-fire. During a few 15-round mag dumps under 3.5 seconds, the slide became almost too hot to handle, likely due to the gases venting up into the slide. However, this was only noticeable during extreme use, and it wasn’t an issue during a USPSA match with near 30-round stages.
One thing worth mentioning is that I decided to use the metal frame I had for my M2.0 Spec series pistol for the USPSA match I competed in. I do prefer the full-sized frame vs the compact one I had for this review when it comes to range use and competitive shooting. The full-sized metal frames also have a very aggressive texturing which I am a huge fan of. Smith & Wesson offers the Carry Comp with a metal frame as well though, so consumers have a few different options.
READ MORE: FN 545 Duty Ready Warrior
Summary
Overall, the S&W M2.0 Carry Comp performed exceptionally well, and I’m seriously considering making it my new everyday carry gun. It offers everything I’m looking for: the ability to mount a weapon light and optic, an integrated compensator, a solid 15+1 round capacity, and flawless reliability. With an MSRP of $799 for the standard model and $999 for the metal-framed full-size version, the Carry Comp is a strong contender in the EDC market. For those seeking a more compact option, the Shield Plus variant is available for around $649.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE! ***
Read the full article here