CCW Gun Series: Improving The M&P
The parts aftermarket is naturally driven by popularity of the intended pistol. The M&P is one that the market is still playing catch up with. Now I say that only because there isn’t nearly the amount of stuff out there for these Smith’s as there are for Glock. On the other hand there really isn’t a lot that is needed for the M&P.
For me the first thing that has to go is that squishy trigger shoe. I know there are just as many that love it as those that hate it, I just happen to be in the later group. If you love it, don’t change what isn’t broken. For those like me lets look at the options. For basically anything M&P you want to look at Apex Tactical Specialties. They are the authority for M&P aftermarket parts. It just so happens that my “go to” supplier (Brownells) just happens to have everything you’ll need.
So for a move to a more Glock style trigger Apex has a package all ready for you. Their Forward Set Sear package is excellent. However it will only work with pistols manufactured after 2011. So know your gun and whether this will work before purchasing. Now this kit comes with two different trigger springs. A 4lb and a 5.5lb spring. They list the 4lb as competition and the 5.5lb as carry/duty and for reasons spelled out in Making Your Carry Glock Rock I would stick to their suggestion of the 5.5lb carry spring unless you don’t intend to carry this weapon.
The kit also comes with the forward set sear. This sear will force the trigger to stay forward enough to shorten the total trigger travel to 0.120”. That means you have a significantly shorter trigger pull as well as reset. This new sear also has a much nicer finish on it so you are better insured a smooth trigger pull.
The striker block kit that is included with this set comes with a really handy installation tool that no M&P owner should be without. You will need it for this kit as well as installing new sights. Now the advantage to having this part in is the fact that it’s nicely polished (it doesn’t take much to give it a great working surface to don’t expect a perfect polish) so, once again, it will work smooth as butter against anything touching it. The real win for this addition is that, in conjunction with the new trigger, it actually improves the safety function. Lawyers like an even more safe firearm.
Please note that this package works with all M&P models but will not work on the Shield. For the Shield you will need THIS package.
The other thing that I really like for the M&P is the Apex Ram. Once installed it’s only job is to give you a more positive trigger reset. The stock reset can be kind of wimpy but with the Ram even under stress there is no mistaking the feel or “click” of the reset.
For those who don’t want to change the trigger shoe Brownells has all these parts without the trigger change. The above link will even take you directly to a search for these parts. I’ve installed many kits for customers and they have always been thrilled with the changes.
The only other thing to change on an M&P are the sights. There are many available for it so I will leave sights to another article.
For installation of these parts, if you feel confident you're free to try it out. But I have to advise you that as simple as these parts look if you don't already know how to do these changes, please take it to your local gunsmith (or I'd be happy to do it for you). It could save many of you taking your gunsmith what we call a "box-O-gun".
Thanks for reading.
You may also like other articles in this series:
