Video Review
Background
The M&P platform ran in its first version configuration for 12 years. Through the course of a decade, Smith & Wesson managed to harness a very large and loyal fan base. The Performance Center M&P9L, just as it sounds, is the performance version of the M&P from Smith & Wesson. It is a very proven pistol and still holds a special place in the minds of many shooters. Though this particular model was replaced by the 2.0 version, which came out in 2017, it’s still an excellent option for someone who wants a Performance Center M&P.
The M&P is one of the only factory striker-fired pistols to have a 1911 grip angle, and it comes with a slew of added features when coming out of the Performance Center shop. The Performance Center takes things to the next level over standard production pistols, incorporating semi-custom features while still remaining true to the overall stock pistol. These guns receive more polishing and fitment, making them more geared towards competition and target shooting overall.
Range Time Testing
I actually became more familiar with the 2.0 version before handling an original version such as this one. By encountering them in reverse order, you realize where many of the great features of the current version actually came from, such as the takedown tool and the ported slide. This gun was incredibly innovative when it came out.
The M&P is very comfortable to shoot. Though there were a lot of changes that came with the 2.0, the difference in shooting them is not earth-shattering. I even took the time to compare this pistol to a fully modified Fueled by Ed Brown 2.0 version and, for someone who doesn't need all the racy bells and whistles but still wants some, it really is perfect.
I truly enjoyed putting this Performance Center through the paces, and it surely would handle whatever was thrown at it. The long slide and ported barrel help to reduce recoil. Even getting a ported barrel from the factory was a pretty innovative idea when this was first offered, and the dual 11 and 1 o’clock cuts really do make a difference.
Slide vent ports and lightening cuts also assist in further reducing muzzle flip. Ergonomic controls such as ambidextrous slide releases make it easy to manipulate. While the grip texture on the standard M&P was often thought to be too smooth, the Performance Center received a new texture that will keep your hands planted. The grip texture was noticeable in helping to maintain a positive grip even when sweating in hot weather.
Specs & Features
Since this was a Guns.com Certified Used gun, it came with a few extras. This particular M&P has an aftermarket drop-in trigger, which both crispens and shortens the pull. But there were plenty of things to really like about the original features as well. Here are some of my favorite additions:
- Two 17-round magazines
- Ambidextrous slide stop
- High-strength polymer frame
- Stainless-steel chassis, barrel, and slide
- Picatinny-style rail
- Three interchangeable palm-swell grip sizes
Beyond that, there were additional specs that came into play to make this 9mm Performance Center M&P9L a great option as a competition or target shooting base gun right from the factory. Here are some of the standard specs that come into play for that.
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Front Sight: Green fiber optic
Rear Sight: Red fiber optic
Weight: 28 ounces
With lightening cuts to keep it from entering the too-hefty range and high-visibility fiber-optic sights, getting and staying on target is still easy today. The improved grip texture is still effective, and the overall size aids in gaining a nice sight radius.
Add to that all the other touches that came from the Performance Center, and there’s no reason this older version wouldn’t be a great target gun for those who don’t require the newest bells and whistles.
Final Thoughts
