S&W M&P 2.0 Optics: Everything You Need to Know

The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is one of the most popular duty and carry pistols on the market. Most modern variants including the 40 S&W, 9MM, 45 ACP, 10MM, and the high-performance M&P 2.0 Metal and Competitor models feature the C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) slide cut. This system uses a series of interchangeable plates to accommodate different M&P 2.0 red dot footprints.

M&P 2.0 Optic Footprints & The Plate System

Unlike some pistols that have a single native footprint, the S&W M&P 2.0 footprint is unique and lets you mount any optic with the proper plate. By swapping the plate, you can mount:

• RMR Footprint: The most common choice for "duty" optics like the Holosun 509T or Trijicon RMR.
• DeltaPoint Pro (DPP) Footprint: Ideal for the Vortex ST/XL or the Holosun SCS 320.
• RMSc/K Footprint: Perfect for the Holosun EPS Carry, 407K, or 507K.
• Direct Mount (No Plate Required): The Holosun SCS M&P2 is specifically designed to mount directly to the M&P 2.0 slide without an adapter.

Plastic vs. Metal Optic Plates

While S&W includes a set of plastic plates with most Optics Ready models, many choose to upgrade to aluminum or steel M&P 2.0 optic plates . Aftermarket metal plates (like those from Calculated Kinetics or C&H Precision) offer better rigidity, preventing the "plate warp" that can occasionally lead to a lost zero or sheared screws from heavy use.

Top Rated M&P 2.0 Red Dots by Use Case

• Best for Concealed Carry: The Vortex CCW or Holosun EPS Carry . These enclosed emitters keep lint and debris out of the way, ensuring your dot is clear when you need it.
• Best for Duty: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 or Holosun 509T . These are built from titanium or 7075 aluminum to withstand extreme impact.
• Best for Competition: The Holosun 507 Comp or Trijicon SRO . Its massive window is perfect for the M&P 2.0 Competitor or Metal models where speed is the priority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the M&P 2.0 come with optic plates? Yes, most Optics Ready (OR) models include a bag of seven plastic adapter plates and a variety of screws. If your box was missing them, Smith & Wesson customer service typically provides them upon request, or you can purchase aftermarket plates from Freedom Gorilla.

Will my red dot co-witness with factory sights? If you use the standard S&W adapter plates, the optic usually sits high enough that you will need higher sights to co-witness. However, if you use the Holosun SCS M&P2 , you can co-witness with your factory standard-height sights. You can view the cowitness of the MP2 here.

What is the best screw torque for M&P 2.0 optics? Most manufacturers recommend 15 inch-pounds with a small drop of blue Loctite. Be careful not to use screws that are too long, as they can interfere with the internal components of the slide.