Right at the closing bell of the holiday season, Smith & Wesson launched a package that many fans will pine to be under their Christmas tree. Companies continuously add tag lines to package deals as promotional marketing. Think Springfield’s Gear Up Promo or Sig Sauer’s TacPac offerings. Most times manufacturers add additional magazines and other gear to base model guns to entice customers. This largely works, especially in a world where the value of the dollar is continuously degraded. This year Smith & Wesson took a different approach. Rather than take an existing model off the assembly line, the engineers instead took a stroll to Smith’s highly regarded Performance Center. Enter the 2023 (although it’s almost 2024) M&P Spec Series.

Spec Series

At its core, the Spec Series adds gear to enhance a carry loadout. This has included extra magazines, a blade, a hard case, and a challenge coin. While this was always a nice package for the price, the gun was always a standard M&P with the C.O.R.E. optic mounting system. But that is the past.

While the 2023 Spec Series is receiving work from the Performance Center it’s not just a run-of-the-mill M&P 2.0. No, instead Smith is using the M&P Metal as its base. This is a marked increase in performance. The consumer is now getting a package centered around a high-quality pistol that has been improved to handle hard use in training and carry. It is commendable that S&W insisted on upgrading the pistol package to weigh itself when compared to the competition.

Overview

At first glance, the 2023 Spec Series gun is striking. It is not the typical black of Smith’s polymer guns, nor is it in the gray livery of the metal series. Smith instead went with an olive drab Cerakote finish. The finish protects the metal underneath and gives the gun a distinctive look that separates it from the competition. Another noticeable feature is the addition of a compensator on the muzzle. S&W partnered with Faxon Firearms of Cincinnati, Ohio to produce a comp that mates perfectly with the M&P slide. The compensator helps with recoil management and faster follow-up shots—essentially helping the gun shoot flat. With the pistol’s Performance Center pedigree, the trigger has been tuned to meet exacting expectations.

The slide is optics cut and uses the C.O.R.E. optic mounting system that relies on plates to mate a variety of optic brands to the slide. Additionally, the slide is equipped with suppressor height sights for co-witnessing purposes in case the optic malfunctions. Something many fans will truly appreciate is the inclusion of four magazines—two 23-rounders and two 17-round flush magazines. Outside the need for a holster—the gun pistol is range-ready.

Finally, the kit wouldn’t meet Spec-Series aspirations without a blade and challenge coin. The coin is more for collecting purposes. But if in need of one so as not to continue picking up the tab at the local watering hole, this will suffice. While the coin is more novelty, the blade is practical. It is a Karambit-style style blade that has a 2.25” edge and a Kydex sheath.

Final Thoughts

Smith’s 2023 Spec series is sure to be a hit. I think it’s the best one to date. The fact that S&W upgraded to the M&P 2.0 Metal means that it is taking what the Spec Series represents seriously. It's not a package designed for the new or novice shooter. It’s for somebody who takes carrying and training with firearms seriously. With the inclusion of extra magazines, the compensator, and the knife round out what is meant to be an ideal fighting setup. Another positive is the price. For right around $1000 the end user is getting a package that adds value, especially when compared to the competition. Just add a good holster, light, and optic. The 2023 Spec series is available now.