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

Freedom Ordnance FM9D 1
Freedom Ordnance FM9D 1

Review: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D

New small arms with groundbreaking designs are rare in an industry where new products tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Fortunately, Freedom Ordnance marches to the beat of a different drum and invested its creative energy into developing the unique, innovative FM-9D. 

Number of Retail FFLs Dwindling

The number of retail outlets with an FFL Type 01 license to sell firearms has declined by more than 13 percent in just the last five years.

Ammunition Depot and NRA Partner to Expand Support for Second Amendment Litigation

The NRA has invested more than $3 million in California Second Amendment litigation since 2021 and has provided support for Rhode v. Bonta; Ammunition Depot is launching a checkout donation option to help fund ongoing legal efforts.

The Murdoch & Co. EM85: An SA80 for America

Most modern service rifles are sold in the U.S. in semi-automatic form. There is one glaring exception, and that is the British L85. Murdoch & Co., an American company, is changing that reality with its EM85.

I Have This Old Gun: The British Brown Bess

One of the most iconic military longarms ever made, the British Land Pattern musket, more commonly known as the "Brown Bess," equipped British infantrymen across the world for more than a century.

Rifleman Interview: CCI Rimfire Ammunition

CCI’s rimfire offerings were part of the Plinkapalooza event in May.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.