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

Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1
Range Ready Plinkapalooza 1

Shooting Is Fun: How I Rediscovered the Benefits of Rimfire

A recent event at Range Ready in Robert, La., reminded us how much fun the simple rimfire firearm can be, whether in handgun, carbine or rifle form.

New for 2026: Daniel Defense MUTE30Ti & NULL9Ti Suppressors

Daniel Defense was one of the first manufacturers to employ additive manufacturing techniques in suppressor-making, and now, the company has expanded its line with the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti silencers.

The Fight for America’s Rifle

Despite the warning we’ll sue to protect commonly owned AR-type rifles, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed Senate Bill 749, which will make it illegal to sell, purchase, import, manufacture or transfer such firearms starting on July 1. 

Gun of the Week: Henry Repeating Arms SPD Predator

The new SPD Predator, an extension of Henry's magazine-fed Lever Action Supreme Rifle design, looks to extract the greatest possible degree of accuracy and precision from a modern lever gun.

The Armed Citizen® May 15, 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.

The Politically Incorrect Truth About the Armed Citizen

The Second Amendment doesn’t—and should not be treated as if—it ends at state lines. American citizens need the national reciprocity legislation that is now active in Congress.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.