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

Suppressors
Suppressors

A Victory That Ends A Gun Registry

On August 5, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the Northern District of Texas held that key regulatory provisions of the NFA are unconstitutional as applied to certain categories of firearms.

Criminal Clues: Tips to Avoid Appearing Like a Soft Target

You don’t have to be the hardest target, but you don’t want to be the softest. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a target for a criminal looking for his or her next opportunity.

Beretta A400 Solo: For the One-Gun Hunter

The new Beretta A400 Solo is designed as a no-nonsense hunting shotgun that is an entry point to the company’s premium semi-auto shotgun family.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 10, 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: FK Brno PSD-C

Manufacturers have achieved excellent results with small-caliber bottleneck designs, as evidenced by cartridges such as the .357 SIG and 5.7x28 mm. The .30-caliber 7.5 FK continues this legacy and is now chambered in the FK Brno PSD-C.

Firearm Industry Celebrates America's 250th With More Commemorative Options

For the entirety of 2026, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the firearm industry continues to roll out commemorative products to mark the occasion.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.