Let’s Talk About Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W
The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W is designed to replace the factory trigger in Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 pistols. It aims to provide a smoother, more consistent trigger pull, reduced travel, and a crisper reset, essentially enhancing the overall shooting experience. I’ve always believed a good trigger is the cornerstone of accurate shooting, and the M&P 2.0, while a solid platform, always felt like it was held back by its factory trigger.
My search for this kit stemmed from wanting to improve my M&P 2.0’s trigger pull for competitive shooting. The stock trigger felt spongy and lacked a distinct break, hindering my ability to achieve consistent, accurate shots under pressure. After a lot of deliberation and watching countless reviews, I decided on the Apex Tactical Specialties kit hoping it would deliver the performance upgrade I needed.
Upon unboxing the kit, I was immediately struck by the quality of the components. The flat-faced aluminum trigger felt solid and well-made, a far cry from the plastic factory trigger. The sear and other components looked precisely machined, promising a significant improvement over the stock parts.
I considered the Agency Arms trigger and the Overwatch Precision TAC trigger, both popular M&P upgrades, but the Apex kit had a reputation for reliability and a more significant reduction in pre-travel. Its promise of being a drop-in kit also appealed to my desire to avoid extensive gunsmithing. My initial excitement was high, and I was eager to see if the kit would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Apex trigger kit at my local shooting range, focusing on slow-fire accuracy and rapid follow-up shots. The difference was immediately noticeable, with a significantly reduced pre-travel and a much crisper trigger break. The flat face of the trigger felt more comfortable and allowed for consistent finger placement.
Testing in varied weather conditions, I found the enhanced grip and trigger control remained consistent even with slightly sweaty hands. Installation, although theoretically “drop-in,” required a bit of finesse and patience, as some minor adjustments were necessary to ensure smooth operation. Initially, the reset was not as pronounced as I expected, a concern echoed by some user feedback I’d read.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use and hundreds of rounds fired, the Apex trigger kit has proven to be quite reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on any of the components. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only occasional lubrication of the sear and trigger bar contact points.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory trigger, the Apex kit is a vast improvement, offering enhanced accuracy and faster follow-up shots. The trigger pull has smoothed out further over time, providing an even more consistent and predictable shooting experience. Despite the initial concerns about the reset, I’ve grown accustomed to its subtle feel and found it reliable in practical shooting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W
Specifications
- The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W is specifically designed for M&P M2.0 polymer frame pistols in 9mm, .40S&W, 10mm, and .45ACP. It is compatible with Full Size, Standard, Compact, and Subcompact models, excluding the Shield and Shield M2.0.
- The trigger is constructed from aluminum, providing enhanced durability and a more solid feel compared to polymer triggers. The kit is available in a red finish, adding a distinctive aesthetic touch to your firearm.
These specifications are critical because they ensure compatibility with specific M&P models, deliver enhanced durability through the aluminum construction, and offer an improved trigger feel that directly impacts accuracy and overall shooting performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W substantially enhances the pistol’s trigger performance. It delivers a smoother, more consistent trigger pull, reduces pre-travel and over-travel, and provides a shortened trigger reset. The kit maintains factory safety values, ensuring the pistol remains safe to operate.
While the reduced pre-travel and crisper break noticeably improve accuracy and speed, the subtle reset could be a point of contention for some shooters. It largely meets expectations by providing a significant upgrade over the factory trigger, although the reset feel might not be to everyone’s preference.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit features a flat-faced aluminum trigger with a center-mounted pivoting safety, offering a modern and ergonomic design. The flat trigger face promotes consistent finger placement, while the aluminum construction provides a solid, quality feel.
The design is user-friendly, although installation might require some technical skill. The ergonomic improvements, particularly the flat trigger face, significantly enhance the overall shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the trigger and the high-quality sear ensure excellent durability. Regular cleaning and lubrication, as recommended by Apex Tactical Specialties, are essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Given its robust construction, the Apex trigger kit is expected to last for thousands of rounds with proper care. The design allows for easy maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W is primarily a self-contained upgrade, focusing on the trigger mechanism itself. While it doesn’t directly interface with external accessories like optics, it enhances the performance of any M&P 2.0 pistol it’s installed in.
The trigger shoe itself is not modular, but its performance improvements make it an ideal foundation for building a customized M&P 2.0. The trigger kit is compatible with most standard M&P 2.0 accessories, enhancing the overall versatility of the firearm.
Pros and Cons of Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W
Pros
- Significantly reduces pre-travel and over-travel for a more responsive trigger pull.
- Aluminum construction provides enhanced durability and a premium feel.
- Improves accuracy and speed due to the consistent trigger break and reduced travel.
- Maintains factory safety values, ensuring the pistol remains safe to operate.
- Flat-faced trigger promotes consistent finger placement for improved ergonomics.
Cons
- The reset is not as audible or tactile as some shooters might prefer.
- Installation can be challenging and may require gunsmithing skills for proper fitting.
Who Should Buy Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W?
The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W is perfect for competitive shooters and serious enthusiasts looking to enhance the performance of their M&P M2.0 pistols. Those seeking a crisper, more responsive trigger pull will greatly benefit from this upgrade.
This kit may not be ideal for individuals who are completely new to firearms or those uncomfortable with detail oriented mechanical work, given the potential installation challenges. Users who prefer a very pronounced and audible reset might also find the Apex kit’s reset to be too subtle for their liking. A must-have accessory would be a set of high-quality gunsmithing tools, including punches and a slave pin, to aid in the installation process.
Conclusion on Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W
The Apex Tactical Specialties 100153 Flat Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit S&W is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to improve the trigger performance of their M&P M2.0 pistol. While the installation might require some effort and the reset may not be to everyone’s taste, the overall improvement in trigger feel, accuracy, and durability makes it a compelling option.
At $180.50, the price is justified by the significant performance gains and the quality of the components. I would personally recommend this kit to experienced shooters seeking a more refined and responsive trigger in their M&P 2.0. Upgrade your M&P 2.0 today and experience the enhanced performance the Apex trigger kit has to offer!