About 40 minutes ago, Smith & Wesson tweeted that they are introducing a new M&P M2.0 Compact with a shorter 3.6″ barrel, available in both 9mm and .40 S&W.
Dimensions: M&P M2.0 Compact 3.6″ vs. M2.0 Compact 4″
Length: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ is 6.8” vs 7.3” for the M2.0 Compact 4″, making it a full 1/2″ shorter in overall length.
Height: Both pistols have a height of 5”.
Width: 1.16″
Weight: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ weighs 25.9 oz. vs 27.0 oz. for the M2.0 Compact 4″.
Barrel: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ has a barrel length of 3.6″ vs. 4″ for the M2.0 Compact 4″.
Capacity: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ and 4″ have the same standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds (9mm) and 13 rounds (.40 S&W).
Dimensions: M&P M2.0 Compact 3.6″ vs. Original M&P Compact
Length: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ is 6.8” vs 6.7” for the original Compact.
Height: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ is 5″ vs. 4.3″ for the original Compact when using the flat bottom magazine of the original Compact. However, if you use the original Compact’s magazine with the grip extension, the height of the original Compact becomes approximately the same (5.0″) as that of the Compact 2.0 when measured from the front bottom edge of the original Compact’s grip extension.
Weight: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ weighs 25.9 oz. vs 24.7 oz. for the original Compact.
Barrel: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ has a barrel length of 3.6″ vs. 3.5″ for the original Compact.
Capacity: The M2.0 Compact 3.6″ has a standard magazine capacity (in 9mm) of 15 rounds vs 12 rounds for the original Compact and in .40 S&W, 13 rounds vs. 10 rounds for the original Compact.
Features of the M&P M2.0 3.6″ Compact
- Two 15 round magazines (9mm) or two 13 round magazines (.40 S&W)
- Four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts (backstraps)
- Aggressive grip texture
- Lighter, crisper trigger pull with tactile and audible reset
- Accurate 1 in 10” twist barrel
- Extended rigid embedded stainless steel chassis to provide more torsional rigidity when firing
- Armornite® durable corrosion resistant finish.
- 2 extended sleeves for 17 round (9mm) or 15 round (.40 S&W) magazines.
- Steel – white dot sights
- Optional manual thumb safety
Smith & Wesson’s M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″ strikes an excellent balance between concealment and capacity.
Having since purchased the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6” in 9mm and taken it to the range, here are my thoughts about this awesome pistol:
- Reliability. The Compact M2.0 3.6” is extremely reliable. After shooting 125 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 115 grain 9mm Flex Tip JHP ammo along with 100 rounds of Magtech 115 grain 9mm FMJ ammo and 300 rounds of Blazer Brass 115 grain 9mm FMJ ammo, I experienced no failures whatsoever.
- Trigger. Like the rest of the 2.0 line, the reset is audible and tactile. It also has the same lighter trigger pull (when compared to the older 1.0 models) which I really like a lot. That said, I recommend checking out the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger. It is AMAZING.
- Grip Texture. I admit that I am not a fan of the new aggressive stippling, so I sanded down the backstap and grip texture.
- Handling. The 2.0 uses the same optimum 18-degree grip angle as before, making the point of aim comfortable and natural.
- Accuracy. Not surprising, I find the 2.0 to be very accurate.
- Recoil. As you might expect, recoil is moderate.
Better Trigger for the M&P 2.0 Compact
As mentioned earlier, the trigger in the 2.0 Compact is an improvement over the original M&P trigger. However, the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set trigger kit is a significant upgrade if you are looking for a better trigger in your M&P 2.0 Compact.
Besides having a bit more take up, once the the original plastic hinged OEM trigger resets (at the click), you must then pull through some take-up to get back to the “wall” before the trigger breaks.
Here are videos of the trigger reset before and after installing the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger:
Original Hinged Plastic Trigger in the M&P 2.0 Compact 3.6″ above, trigger reset
Apex Flat Trigger in the M&P 2.0 Compact 3.6″ above, trigger reset
I like the Apex trigger kit so much that I would say when installed in the M&P 2.0 Compact 3.6″, you now have one of the best concealed carry pistols for the money. You can read more about the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set trigger kit here.
Holsters for the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″
Will the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″ fit in Holsters made for the 1st-gen M&Pc?
That depends on the holster. The M&P Compact 3.6″ will not fit correctly in the L.A.G. Tactical (The Defender) Kydex IWB/OWB and the Concealment Express Kydex IWB holsters made for the 1st gen M&P 9c. However, the M&P Compact 3.6″ seems to fit fine in the Galco TR 474 Kydex IWB holster which was made for the 1st gen M&P 9c.
Kydex Holsters Made for the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″
There are a growing number of Kydex holsters made specifically for the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″. A few of them are listed below.
Vedder Kydex Holsters
Vedder makes an excellent IWB Kydex holster for the M&P Compact 3.6″ (I just purchased one and it is my new favorite IWB holster) called the LightTuck™ Kydex IWB. This holster has a very small profile, sweat shield and a variety of ride height and cant adjustments with a very nice metal clip. It’s also very reasonably priced at $59.99. You can find it here: https://www.vedderholsters.com/lighttuck/ Vedder also makes Kydex OWB holsters, pocket holsters, mag holsters, hybrid holsters and even gun belts. Speaking of gun belts, check out the Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt review here. I just recently purchased this outstanding gun belt which sells for a very reasonable price. 
L.A.G. Tactical Kydex Holsters
The Defender from L.A.G. Tactical is a nice Kydex holster for my M&P M2.0 Compact 3.6″ and can be used for either IWB or OWB. To get it, go here: http://www.lagtactical.com/the-defender-inside-and-outside-the-waistband/ 
DeSantis Kydex Holsters
DeSantis makes a few IWB Kydex holsters specifically for the M&P Compact 3.6″. You can find them here: https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/slim-tuk/ https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/facilitator/ https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/ds-paddle-holster/
Priority 1 Kydex Holsters
Here are a few IWB holsters from Priority 1 Holsters: https://priority1holsters.com/holsters-by-firearm/smith-wesson/m-p-2-0-3-6-compact/
Hybrid Holsters Made for the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″
Pegasus By Desantis Holsters
DeSantis Holsters makes a few hybrid IWB holsters specifically for the M&P Compact 3.6″. You can find them here(when selecting the 3.6″ model in the drop down, scroll all the way to the bottom): https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/intruder/ https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/invader/ https://www.desantisholster.com/pegasus-kydex/infiltrator-air/ 
Leather Holsters Made for the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″
Galco Gunleather
Galco makes several leather IWB holsters specifically for the M&P Compact 3.6″. You can find them here: https://www.galcogunleather.com/kingtuk-iwb-holster_8_7_1176.html https://www.galcogunleather.com/kingtuk-air-iwb-holster_8_7_1412.html https://www.galcogunleather.com/stow-n-go-inside-the-pant-holster_8_7_1302.html https://www.galcogunleather.com/tuck-n-go-inside-the-pant-holster_8_7_1320.html https://www.galcogunleather.com/summer-comfort-inside-pant-holster_8_7_1306.html
Concealed Carry with the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″
I’m a little shorter than average and I have no problem comfortably concealing the M2.0 3.6″ inside the waistband, even in the Summer when wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts with my Vedder LightTuck Kydex holster and my Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt. So, it should be no surprise that the M&P Compact M2.0 3.6″ is my favorite EDC gun.
Final Thoughts about the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact M2.0 3.6”:
The M&P Compact M2.0 3.6” is truly a remarkable compact-sized pistol (especially with the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set trigger installed) that can be used equally well for both concealed carry and home defense. Smith & Wesson’s M&P Compact M2.0 3.6” strikes an excellent balance between concealment and capacity.
Moreover, the shorter 3.6″ barrel (1/2″ less in overall length than that of the 4″ barrel Compact M2.0 and the Glock 19) along with the 15+1 (9mm) capacity (or 13+1 in .40 S&W), 18-degree grip angle, crisp lighter trigger and the low-bore axis all make for a well-balanced, natural and comfortable gun to shoot. It also feels more substantial in your hands, especially when compared to the smaller sub compacts and pocket pistols which can be a little snappy due to their lighter weight/diminutive size.
Although I initially would have preferred that this new 3.6″ Compact have a shorter grip like the original 1.0 Compact (UPDATE: Smith & Wesson introduces the M&P 2.0 SUBCOMPACT Oct. 2019) to accommodate a 12 round magazine, I ended up really liking the new M&P M2.0 3.6″ Compact. I recommend that anyone interested in the M&P M2.0 3.6″ Compact go to their local gun store and check it out.
Suggested retail pricing is $569 but you should be able to purchase it for less at your local gun store.
Will the new 3.6″ fit in holsters for the first-gen M&Pc ? Thanks!
Great question! It depends upon the holster. My L.A.G. Tactical, The Defender Kydex IWB holster for my 1st gen M&P 9c does not fit correctly with the Compact 3.6″ in it. However, my Galco TR 474 Kydex IWB holster (which I don’t like as much and thus don’t use very often) fits great. Since I really like my L.A.G. holster, I ordered a new L.A.G. Tactical Defender holster for 3.6″.
Width of the m&p 2.0 3.6” original vs width of m&p 2.0 3.6” with new flat-face trigger?
The width of the original M&P 2.0 3.6″ with the plastic hinged trigger is 1.16″ which is exactly the same for the “Optics Ready” M&P 2.0 3.6″ with the flat faced trigger.