NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Trigger

by
posted on August 6, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Shield v. Shield continues, and this week American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach is pulling the trigger on a fire control upgrade. The original Shield was praised for its trigger, especially its audible and tactile reset, which was a real improvement over earlier M&P pistols. The Performance Center Shield features a trigger assembly that is even better. Described by S&W as simply an “enhanced trigger,” the PC gun’s 6- to 7-lb. break is on par with the standard gun, but it is definitely a bit crisper. As well, the trigger’s travel is a touch smoother and the reset is nearly 1/8” shorter, making for a very nice pull, overall.

To compete with the Performance Center, Kurtenbach chose to upgrade the project gun with Apex Tactical’s Action Enhancement Trigger and Duty/Carry Kit. The comprehensive kit is far more than just a colorful trigger shoe—though Apex’s new purple model was chosen to really stand out—it also includes new springs, a sear and striker block, as well as a couple items to facilitate installation. The resulting trigger press was noticeably lighter—averaging 5 lbs., 7 ozs.; a 1 lb., 4 oz. reduction—very smooth, and possessing a shorter reset than even the PC gun. The trigger also gave the gun a lot of personality.

 
                       

For more on the installation and the results from the range, watch the video above.

And for another project that included an Apex Tactical trigger upgrade, check out Apex Action Enhancement Kit for Glocks


Additional Reading:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Apex Action Enhancement Kit For Glocks
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Concept  
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Sights
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Shield v. Shield—Recoil
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Conclusion

Latest

Sierra’s MatchKing X
Sierra’s MatchKing X

Hunting with a Legend: Sierra’s MatchKing X Bullet

Sierra’s MatchKing is a highly respected target bullet, but for the new trend of long-range hunting, the design needed to offer improved terminal performance. Enter the MatchKing X.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 19, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline

The new Stoeger carry gun loses nothing—except some weight and girth. This is the Stoeger STR-9 Thinline.

5 Great Products for Your Next Hunt

These five products will help boost your chances at success in the field.

Small Calibers for Self-Defense: Addressing Common Myths & Criticisms

For decades, small cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle were derided as incapable rounds for defensive use and were even considered dangerous for the user by some. Today, those critiques deserve a second look.

New for 2026: HUXWRX Flow 9k PCC & Flow 9 M Suppressors

Continuing the legacy it first established as Operator Suppressor Systems, HUXWRX is still introducing new and mission-specific flow-through suppressors, with its latest products being the FLOW 9 M and FLOW 9k PCC.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.