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

Rifleman Review Smith Wesson Bodyguard 2 1
Rifleman Review Smith Wesson Bodyguard 2 1

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

The Glenfield Model A: Ruger Revives A Storied Brand

Following Marlin's resurrection, Ruger is now reviving another storied brand, Glenfield Firearms, and the brand's inaugural design, the Model A, borrows design elements from Ruger's Gen 1 American rifle.

Review: Beretta BRX1: 6.5 mm Creedmoor Straight-Pull Rifle

Introduced overseas in 2021 and brought to our shores in 2024, Beretta’s BRX1 offers a fresh take on the century-old straight-pull rifle concept.

Auto-Ordnance Releases 250th Anniversary Commemorative Carbines

Auto-Ordnance has introduced a special-edition, semi-automatic Thompson M1 carbine customized by Altered Arsenal to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Benelli Nova 3 Tactical: Innovation Meets Simplicity

Famous for its semi-automatic shotguns, Italian maker Benelli steps up its game in pump-actions—and forecasts more availability of U.S.-market-ready versions in the future.

Marines Turned Arms Inventors: Melvin Johnson & Eugene Stoner

Within the pantheon of U.S. Marine Corps small arms, two rifles are indelibly linked with the Corps’ combat experience in the 20th century, and both were designed by Marines: the Model 1941 Johnson Rifle and the M16.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.