The Smith & Wesson M&P series (short for Military & Police) has become a modern classic in the handgun world. Trusted by law enforcement agencies across the U.S., this striker-fired 9mm pistol blends reliability, ergonomics, and modularity into a versatile carry and duty platform.
The M&P 2.0 improved on the original with a crisper trigger, more aggressive grip texture, and enhanced frame stiffness. And if you're looking to suppress a pistol? This thing was practically made for it.
Fun fact: Competitive shooter Hunter Constantine—one of the top USPSA Production shooters in the country—runs the M&P 2.0 as his go-to handgun. It’s a platform that performs at the highest levels of speed, precision, and reliability.
Table of Contents
Threaded Barrel Selection
Want to suppress your M&P 2.0? Step one: get a threaded barrel.
While some factory models come suppressor-ready, the easiest and most reliable path is to drop in a quality aftermarket threaded barrel. We recommend the SilencerCo Threaded Barrel for the M&P9. It’s a direct drop-in for both M&P 1.0 and 2.0 full-size models and comes ready with the 1/2x28 threads you need.
Other options include Apex Tactical, but SilencerCo’s barrel is trusted for tight tolerances and reliable lockup—making it one of the most popular upgrades in the suppressor community.
Suppressor + Booster Considerations
If you’re running a full-size M&P, good news: it’s a forgiving host. The extra mass and slide length help with reliable cycling. That said, you’ll still need a booster (aka Nielsen device) with most pistol suppressors.
Here’s the general rule:
-
Use a booster if you're running a direct-thread suppressor on a tilting-barrel semi-auto like the M&P
-
Skip the booster if your suppressor is extremely light, it may run without a booster, like the JK Armament CCX 9.
Top Suppressors for the M&P
The M&P 2.0 is a workhorse—and it deserves a suppressor that can keep up. When choosing the right can, keep these priorities in mind:
-
Durability for long sessions and hard use
-
Backpressure control to keep things cleaner and smoother
-
Modularity for switching between pistols and compact setups
-
Mounting style (QD vs direct thread) based on your preferences
Here are four standout suppressors from Silencer Shop’s pistol lineup that pair perfectly with the M&P:
-
Rugged Obsidian 9 – A tried-and-true favorite for good reason. It’s full-auto rated, modular (full or short length), and sounds phenomenal on the M&P platform.
-
CGS MOD9X – Ultra-lightweight with impressive sound performance. Thanks to its internal design and minimal first-round pop, the MOD9X is a top-tier option for precision-minded shooters who want quiet without compromise.
-
JK Armament CCX 9 – A sleek, modular can that’s incredibly compact and configurable. Ideal for shooters who value a smaller footprint—especially with optics.
-
HUXWRX FLOW 9k Ti – Flow-through tech means no booster needed and drastically reduced blowback. If you hate gas face and want something duty-tough, this is it.
Whether you're running drills, carrying daily, or just want a quieter experience, each of these suppressors makes the M&P platform even more capable.
Sight Setup for Suppressor Use
One of the first things you'll notice when shooting suppressed: your factory sights probably won’t cut it. A suppressor tends to block standard-height sights, making proper sight alignment difficult—unless you upgrade.
Suppressor-Height Sights
Installing suppressor-height iron sights is a popular solution. These taller sights allow you to see over the can for proper sight picture and target acquisition. While there are no M&P-specific options currently available through Silencer Shop, aftermarket manufacturers offer several iron sight upgrades that are compatible with the M&P 2.0 platform. These are a solid option whether you're running irons only or want reliable backup sights to co-witness with a red dot.
Red Dot Optics
For many M&P owners, upgrading to a red dot is the move. The M&P 2.0 is available in optics-ready models that accommodate today’s most popular micro red dots. One standout option is the EOTECH EFLX, which offers a large window, rugged construction, and excellent clarity. It mounts via the DeltaPoint Pro footprint and is a natural fit for modern suppressed setups.
Whether you choose a red dot or tall irons, upgrading your sights is a key step in building a suppressor-ready handgun that’s fast, accurate, and easy to shoot.
Best Ammo for Suppression
For optimal performance and minimal noise, subsonic 9mm is the way to go—especially with a quality suppressor.
Go-to options include:
-
147gr or heavier subsonic FMJ or hollow point
Because of the M&P’s full-size slide and spring weight, it typically cycles subsonic ammo reliably—even with a suppressor mounted. That said, always test your load before relying on it for training or duty.
INSTALLATION & SETUP: SIMPLE STEPS
Suppressing your Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is straightforward—just follow these steps:
-
Unload and clear your pistol.
-
Field strip the slide (remove the barrel and recoil spring).
-
Install the SilencerCo threaded barrel—it drops in easily with no gunsmithing required.
-
Reassemble your M&P with the new barrel in place.
-
Attach your suppressor using the correct piston or mount; hand-tighten only.
-
Manually cycle the slide to check for smooth function and proper lockup.
-
Head to the range and test fire with both subsonic and standard ammo to confirm reliable cycling and effective sound suppression.
That’s it—you're ready to enjoy a quieter, more controllable shooting experience.
Takeaways & Optimization
Suppressing the M&P 2.0 is one of the easiest and most rewarding upgrades you can make to this already capable platform. With just a threaded barrel and a solid 9mm suppressor, you’ll experience:
-
Less recoil
-
Easier follow-up shots
-
Hearing-safe shooting (especially outdoors with subs)
-
A tactical edge that feels like cheating—in a good way
Ready to build your setup? Start with the SilencerCo M&P threaded barrel, and explore our full line of 9mm suppressors at Silencer Shop.
