Let’s Talk About Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40
The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 promises to transform the notoriously spongy factory trigger of the M&P into something crisp, predictable, and duty-ready. Apex Tactical Specialties aims to deliver a smoother pull, reduced travel, and a shorter reset, all while maintaining a safe trigger pull weight for everyday carry or law enforcement use. This kit caught my eye as a potential solution to improving the performance of my well-worn M&P 9mm.
I’ve always found the stock M&P trigger lacking, especially compared to some of my other pistols. The long travel and vague break made consistent accuracy a challenge, and I yearned for something more refined. I considered complete pistol replacements, but the Apex Tactical Specialties kit offered a more cost-effective and potentially equally effective solution.
Upon opening the package, I was impressed by the apparent quality of the components. The polymer trigger felt solid and well-made, and the included springs and sear appeared to be of higher quality than the factory parts. The inclusion of a slave pin was a welcome touch, suggesting Apex Tactical Specialties understands the challenges of installing such components.
I considered other trigger kits, including some from GlockTriggers.com and Overwatch Precision, but I was drawn to Apex Tactical Specialties’s reputation for reliability and its specific focus on a duty/carry trigger weight. My primary goal wasn’t a super-light competition trigger, but rather a dependable and consistent trigger for self-defense scenarios. This kit seemed to strike the perfect balance.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension. Installing trigger components can be tricky, and I was hoping the advertised drop-in nature of the kit would hold true. The quality of the parts and the promise of improved performance definitely fueled my anticipation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 at my local shooting range. I ran several drills, focusing on speed and accuracy at distances from 7 to 25 yards. The most significant difference was the reduced pre-travel; the pistol fired much sooner, which significantly enhanced my shooting speed.
The trigger pull felt smoother and more consistent than the stock trigger. The rounded face of the polymer trigger was comfortable, even after extended shooting sessions. I did experience a few initial failures to reset in the first 50 rounds, but this seemed to resolve itself as the parts broke in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 has proven to be remarkably reliable. I have fired over 1000 rounds with the kit installed, and it continues to perform consistently. There are no noticeable signs of wear or tear on the components.
Cleaning is straightforward; I simply field strip the pistol as usual and clean the trigger assembly with a brush and solvent. The Apex Tactical Specialties trigger group appears to be well-sealed, preventing excessive fouling. This kit significantly outperforms the stock trigger in terms of consistency and feel.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40
Specifications
The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 includes a polymer trigger body with a center-mounted pivoting safety. The kit is designed for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, excluding the M&P 45, M&P M2.0, and M&P Shield. It also features a heavy-duty sear spring, a fully machined sear, a duty/carry spring set, and an ultimate striker block kit.
The stated trigger pull weight is 5.0 to 5.5 lbs, a crucial specification for duty and carry applications. The polymer trigger aims to reduce pre-travel and over-travel by approximately 20%. The pivoting safety maintains factory safety values.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 delivers on its promise of a smoother trigger pull and reduced travel. My M&P now has a crisp, predictable break and a noticeably shorter reset, making follow-up shots much faster and easier. The stated 5.0-5.5 lbs pull weight feels accurate and appropriate for a carry gun.
While the kit is advertised as drop-in, I did have to make a slight adjustment to the trigger bar loop to ensure proper function, which Apex Tactical Specialties themselves warned about. Overall, the performance is excellent, and it far exceeds my expectations for a trigger upgrade at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer trigger body is well-designed and feels comfortable in hand. Its rounded face provides a smooth surface for the trigger finger. The reduced travel contributes to a more positive and responsive feel.
There is a slight learning curve as one gets accustomed to the shorter reset. Overall, the kit enhances the ergonomics of the M&P by providing a more refined and controllable trigger.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 appear to be high-quality. After several months of use, I have not observed any signs of wear or degradation. Routine cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to maintain the trigger’s performance.
I anticipate the kit will last for many years with proper care, making it a worthwhile investment. The stainless steel and polymer materials resist corrosion and wear effectively.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 includes all the necessary components for a complete trigger upgrade. There are no additional accessories required.
While the kit itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with standard M&P pistol frames and slides. Users can still customize other aspects of their pistol, such as sights, grips, and slides, without affecting the functionality of the Apex Tactical Specialties trigger. The enhanced trigger works well with other aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40
Pros
- Significantly smoother and more consistent trigger pull compared to the factory trigger.
- Reduces pre-travel and over-travel by approximately 20%, resulting in a faster and more responsive trigger.
- Maintains a safe 5.0-5.5 lb trigger pull weight, suitable for duty and carry applications.
- Easy to install with basic gunsmithing skills (though minor adjustments might be necessary).
- High-quality components that are durable and reliable.
Cons
- May require minor adjustment to the trigger bar loop for proper function, depending on the specific M&P pistol.
- Not compatible with M&P 45, M&P M2.0, or M&P Shield pistols.
Who Should Buy Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40?
This kit is perfect for:
- M&P owners who are dissatisfied with the factory trigger and desire a smoother, more predictable pull.
- Law enforcement officers or security personnel who carry an M&P and require a reliable and safe trigger system.
- Concealed carry permit holders who want to improve the accuracy and controllability of their M&P.
Who should skip this product?
- Owners of M&P 45, M&P M2.0, or M&P Shield pistols, as this kit is not compatible.
- Individuals seeking a super-light competition trigger (this kit is designed for duty/carry).
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A basic gunsmithing tool kit for potential minor adjustments during installation.
- High-quality ammunition for testing and break-in.
Conclusion on Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40
The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger plus Duty Carry Kit for S&W M&P pistols in 9mm and .40 is an excellent upgrade for any M&P owner looking to improve their pistol’s trigger performance without sacrificing safety or reliability. The reduction in travel, the smoother pull, and the consistent break make a noticeable difference in accuracy and controllability. While the installation may require minor adjustments, the overall improvement in trigger feel is well worth the effort.
At $99.99, the price is justified by the quality of the components and the significant improvement in performance. I would highly recommend this kit to anyone seeking a duty-grade trigger upgrade for their M&P. If you are tired of the mushy stock trigger, this kit is a game-changer. Upgrade your M&P today and experience the difference!