7 Best M&P Triggers (All Models)
One of the best upgrades you can do to an M&P is adding one of the best M&P triggers. The standard trigger is not great and has a gritty and spongy feeling.
Adding one of the best M&P triggers will increase your accuracy and allow you to shoot quicker.
Because of the popularity of M&Ps, there are a lot of options, and this post will recommend the best M&P triggers you can buy.
This post will review the best M&P triggers for every generation and model.
Best M&P Trigger
Apex M&P 1.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
- Lowers trigger weight between 3.0 and 4.0 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Total trigger travel is similar to most factory 1911-type pistols
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells
Best M&P M2.0 Trigger
Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit
- Reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 2 lbs
- Reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 40%
- Reduce trigger pre-travel, over-travel, and reset distance
- Smooth uptake and reset Crisp trigger break
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GrabAGun
Best M&P Shield Trigger
Apex M&P Shield 1.0 Action Trigger Assembly Enhancement Kit
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 2 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GrabAGun
Best M&P Shield 2.0 Trigger
Apex M&P Shield 2.0 Action Enhancement Trigger Plus Duty Carry Kit
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 1-2 lbs.
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
Price Check: Optics Planet, Brownells, GrabAGun
Why Get A Different M&P Trigger?
If you want to improve your M&P, one of the easiest things to do is add a good aftermarket trigger. A newly upgraded trigger will increase your accuracy because of a lighter and smoother pull.
With a heavy and gritty trigger, you will miss shots. Also, with a long and heavy reset, you will not be able to shoot fast while being accurate.
Out of all the customization you can do to your M&P, adding the best triggers is where you should start. Overall, this will make the most difference in your shooting experience.
If you want to know what are some other best upgrades for the Smith & Wesson M&P pistols check out my article Best M&P M2.0 Upgrades & Accessories.
Increased Accuracy
A shorter trigger pull will allow you to shoot more accurately. With a long trigger pull, you are waiting for the gun to fire as you pull. Often you will move off target with a long trigger pull and also try to anticipate the trigger’s break.
With a very short and light trigger pull, you will maintain a steady aim and not drift off target. You almost want to be surprised when you start squeezing the trigger of the breaking point.
I understand why factory triggers are heavier, it is because of safety reasons. Your finger shouldn’t even be on the trigger until you are aiming and ready to fire.
So the biggest benefit of a premium aftermarket trigger is accuracy. You still need to practice and have basic shooting fundamentals.
Shooting Faster
Shooting faster is another reason you want to upgrade the standard M&P trigger. With a shorter trigger reset, you can shoot more follow-up shots faster. Combine this with a shorter pull, and you can shoot quickly while staying on target.
Not everyone will want to shoot fast, but in a real-world scenario where you must defend yourself, putting as many rounds on target as quickly as possible is ideal to stop the threat.
Adding one of these best M&P triggers will give you both advantages. You will shoot quicker and be more accurate.
Best M&P Triggers
One concern many people have with even thinking about touching a trigger on a firearm, especially M&Ps, is that the gun will still function properly and safely.
The good thing is that all the aftermarket triggers mentioned below are still safe and function properly. Your gun will operate even better.
I mention triggers for every different model of the M&P. So if you have a 1.0, 2.0, or a shield, there is a trigger that will work for you.
Here are the best M&P triggers…
1. Apex M&P 1.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
The first trigger on this list is the Apex M&P 1.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit.
Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear and Trigger Kit reduce trigger pre-travel and over-travel while simultaneously allowing you to position your finger lower on the trigger to take full advantage of lower trigger pull weights.
These triggers reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 50%.
Choose your trigger pull weight with the Apex Tactical Smith & Wesson M&P Trigger Kit with the included springs – the silver spring provides 3lb, and the green spring provides 4lb.
Plus, you get a reduced reset along with a smoother uptake. This kit will work with all Smith & Wesson M&P pistols (excluding the M&P M2.0).
These offer many improvements over the standard factory trigger, like improved pivoting safety, reduced over-travel, and shortened reset.
This Apex M&P trigger is machined from aluminum and comes with everything you need to improve the pull weight. The forward set kit reduces the pull weight up to 2 lbs. and provides a smooth, consistent pull every time.
It comes with multiple springs to allow you to customize your M&P for carry or competition use. This trigger and kit are designed to drop in without any gunsmithing, however, gunsmith installation is recommended.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Apex Tactical Specialties |
| Trigger Shape: | Tactical Flat |
| Gun Make: | Smith & Wesson |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P except M&P M2.0 |
| Condition: | New |
Features:
- Lowers trigger weight between 3.0 and 4.0 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Total trigger travel is similar to most factory 1911-type pistols
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
- Easy to install
- Requires use of sear housing block designed for large-size sear plunger and spring
Apex M&P 1.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
- Lowers trigger weight between 3.0 and 4.0 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Total trigger travel is similar to most factory 1911-type pistols
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells
2. Agency Arms M&P 1.0 Drop-In Trigger Kit
The Agency Arms M&P 1.0 Drop-In Trigger Kit features a flat-faced trigger shoe paired with Apex Tactical forward set sear internals.
This kit reduces pre-travel and over-travel of the trigger, reduces reset, and reduces the trigger pull weight to produce approximately a 4-5 lbs trigger pull (depending on the trigger return spring being used). For non-thumb safety models.
The reduced trigger pre-travel and over-travel produce a feel similar to a single-action fire control system.
The overall reduction in trigger travel is approximately 50%, and a smooth trigger pulls through the break with a reduced reset.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Agency Arms |
| Gun Make: | Smith & Wesson |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P |
| Model Generation: | 1 |
Features:
- Includes Agency Arms Flat Faced trigger shoe
- The striker block kit includes a striker block spring and talon tactical tool
- Spring kit includes 4 and 5.5lb trigger return springs, trigger return spring install tool, sear spring, and ram spring
- Results in trigger pull weight near 4lbs for competition or 5.5 for duty/carry
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Total trigger travel of .120″
- Works with all Smith & Wesson M&P pistols in all centerfire calibers and configurations except M&P Shield
- Requires the use of the sear housing block designed for the large-size sear plunger and spring
Agency Arms M&P 1.0 Drop-In Trigger Kit
- Includes Agency Arms Flat Faced trigger shoe
- The striker block kit includes a striker block spring and talon tactical tool
- Spring kit includes 4 and 5.5lb trigger return springs, trigger return spring install tool, sear spring, and ram spring
- Results in trigger pull weight near 4lbs for competition or 5.5 for duty/carry
- Smooth uptake and reset
Price Check: Optics Planet, Brownells
3. Timney M&P 1.0 & 2.0 Alpha Competition Pistol Trigger
The Timney M&P 1.0 & 2.0 Alpha Competition Pistol Trigger was made to be the best item for anybody needing a high-quality option.
These triggers are fashioned working with heavy-duty and reliable components to provide you with a product that will be effective for a long time.
Manufactured utilizing some of the most useful accessible components and construction, these last you an incredibly long time.
It has a factory pull weight of 3 pounds. It has the same feel and performance that matches the reliability of the M&P system by providing an improved trigger design that does not sacrifice any part of the reliability.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Timney Triggers |
| Color: | Black |
| Fabric/Material: | Aluminum |
| Trigger Shape: | Straight |
| Trigger Pull Weight: | 3 lb |
| Gun Make: | Smith & Wesson |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P |
| Model Generation: | 2, 1 |
| Finish: | NP3 Nickel Teflon |
| Weight: | 0.01 lb |
Features:
- Three-pound pull weight* (slightly higher pull weight for original M&P Gen 1 models)
- Crisp trigger break
- Teflon nickel (NP3) – sear and safety plunger (this process virtually eliminates friction, allowing for an extremely smooth feel)
- Straight aluminum trigger – jointed with internal pivoting finger safety
- It uses all stock parts and springs
Timney M&P 1.0 & 2.0 Alpha Competition Pistol Trigger
- Three-pound pull weight* (slightly higher pull weight for original M&P Gen 1 models)
- Crisp trigger break
- Teflon nickel (NP3) – sear and safety plunger (this process virtually eliminates friction, allowing for an extremely smooth feel)
Price Check: Optics Planet, Brownells
Related Articles
- Best Glock Upgrades & Accessories (All Models)
- 9 Best Glock Triggers (Complete List)
- Best M&P Shield Upgrades & Accessories
4. Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit
One of the best triggers for your M&P 2.0 is the Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit.
These are designed to be drop-in and should require no further gunsmithing of any kind. However, professional gunsmiths should install these kits since they contain several small and large parts that need to be crafted together in a specific order.
The included Ultimate Striker Block Kit greatly boosts the trigger pull weight of your firearm down to an acceptable weight for a top-end service pistol.
These springs are tough enough to handle the heavy load you’re putting on your gun but light enough to deliver precise shooting experiences.
You can reduce trigger over-travel and customize your trigger reset to make it more responsive and precise.
This kit is engineered to provide the M&P M2.0 pistol owner with a smooth, consistent trigger pull with the advantages of shorter over-travel and shortened trigger reset.
Using a combination of the Apex springs, factory sear, and trigger return springs allows the user to set the trigger pull weight within a range suitable for duty/carry down to a weight desired for competition.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Apex Tactical Specialties |
| Color: | Black |
| Trigger Shape: | Tactical Flat |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 |
Features:
- Reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 2 lbs.
- Reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 40%
- Reduce trigger pre-travel, over-travel and reset distance
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Crisp trigger break
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
- Direct drop-in replacement parts, not fitting required
Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit
- Reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 2 lbs
- Reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 40%
- Reduce trigger pre-travel, over-travel, and reset distance
- Smooth uptake and reset Crisp trigger break
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GrabAGun
5. Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
One of the best triggers for the M&P 2.0 is the Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit.
This trigger directly replaces the factory-hinged trigger with a solid body aluminum trigger featuring a center-mounted pivoting safety that maintains factory safety values.
The trigger reduces pre-travel and over-travel from the factory trigger.
The Apex Forward Set Kit is engineered to provide the M&P M2.0 pistol owner with a smooth, consistent trigger pull with the advantages of shorter over-travel and shortened trigger reset.
All components work together to provide a pull weight within the acceptable range for a top-end service pistol.
The kit is designed to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing, however, armorer or gunsmith installation is recommended.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Apex Tactical Specialties |
| Fabric/Material: | Aluminum |
| Condition: | New |
| Finish: | Red |
Features:
- Reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 2 lbs.
- Reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 40%
- Reduce trigger pre-travel, over-travel, and reset distance
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Crisp trigger break
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
- Direct drop-in replacement parts, not fitting required
Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
- Reduce trigger pull weight by approximately 2 lbs.
- Reduce overall trigger travel by approximately 40%
- Reduce trigger pre-travel, over-travel, and reset distance
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Crisp trigger break
Price Check: Optics Planet
6. Apex M&P Shield 1.0 Action Trigger Assembly Enhancement Kit
The Apex M&P Shield 1.0 Action Trigger Assembly Enhancement Kit improves upon the original design for the latest in technology.
These triggers feature a smooth uptake and reset, allowing for more precise targeting. The trigger kit provides consistent results with a crisp trigger break.
The kit replaces the factory-hinged trigger with a solid aluminum trigger body. The trigger reduces Trigger pre-travel and over-travel by approximately 20%.
It features a flat face with a center-mounted pivoting safety. The center-mounted pivoting safety bar prevents unintended operation by creating a trigger block that will not disengage unless the shooter places their finger directly on the trigger face.
The flat, smooth-face trigger causes the shooter to place their finger on the center line of the trigger and encourages trigger manipulation directly in line with the bore axis.
The Shield Action Enhancement Trigger is perfect for use with the M&P Shield equipped with the Apex Shield Carry Kit.
This kit combines the Shield Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit and the Shield Action Enhancement Trigger.
It was designed to provide the M&P Shield pistol with a smooth, consistent 5 – 5.5 lb trigger pull with the advantages of shorter over-travel and more detectable trigger reset.
All of the components work together to provide a pull weight within the acceptable range for a top-end service pistol. The kit is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing.
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Apex Tactical Specialties |
| Color: | Red |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield, Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield |
| Condition: | New |
Features:
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 2 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
- Applicable To What Gun(s)
- Works with all Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Pistols in 9mm and .40 calibers
- NOT for use in the Shield 2.0
- NOT currently for use in the Shield 45
Apex M&P Shield 1.0 Action Trigger Assembly Enhancement Kit
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 2 lbs
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms, Brownells, GrabAGun
7. Apex M&P Shield 2.0 Action Enhancement Trigger Plus Duty Carry Kit
The Apex M&P Shield 2.0 Action Enhancement Trigger Plus Duty Carry Kit is one of the best trigger kits for the Shield 2.0.
The Trigger Kit directly replaces the factory-hinged trigger with a solid aluminum trigger body, reducing pre-travel and over-travel by approximately 20%.
It features a smooth face with a center-mounted pivoting safety that maintains factory safety values.
The Apex Duty/Carry Kit was designed to provide the M&P Shield 2.0 pistol owner with a smooth, consistent trigger pull that is approximately 1-2 lbs lighter (based on variations in factory tolerances and the combination of springs used) with the advantages of shorter over-travel and more detectable trigger reset.
However, armorer or gunsmith installation of the Ultimate Striker Block (USB) into the Shield slide is strongly recommended.
(The Shield sight removal to install the USB Kit is extremely difficult. Removal requires delicate precision so as not to damage the sights or slide. We highly recommend having a competent gunsmith perform this task. )
Specs:
| Manufacturer: | Apex Tactical Specialties |
| Color: | Black |
| Gun Make: | Smith & Wesson |
| Gun Model: | Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M2.0 |
| Condition: | New |
Features:
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 1-2 lbs.
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
- Center-mounted pivoting safety maintains factory safety values
Apex M&P Shield 2.0 Action Enhancement Trigger Plus Duty Carry Kit
- Reduces trigger pull by approximately 1-2 lbs.
- Smooth uptake and reset
- Reduces pre-travel
- Reduces over-travel
- Reduced reset
Price Check: Optics Planet, Brownells, GrabAGun
Best M&P Trigger FAQ
Are APEX Triggers Good?
The Apex trigger is incredibly smooth, light, and consistent. It is designed for safe carry. It maintains factory safety values for on- and off-duty equipment.
Is the S&W M&P 2.0 better than the original shield?
It’s much easier to shoot the larger Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 compact, especially if you have large hands. The gun has a better texture than the original shield, and it’s just larger, has softer recoil, the slide dampens a lot of the recoil, and the longer barrel, everything about it is easier to shoot.
Is the M&P 2.0 a good gun?
This gun is very reliable and accurate. It is a great gun for self-defense and anyone looking for a new firearm. The grip texture is perfect, and if I were to recommend changing one thing on it, upgrade the trigger.
Is the M&P better than a Glock?
It’s hard to say Glock has long been known as the most reliable and customizable handgun on the market, but they are both modern striker-fired pistols. Some testing has shown the M&P to be more reliable. They both are excellent choices and very comparable.
What’s the average trigger pull weight?
On modern striker-fired pistols, the average trigger pull weight is between 5 to 8lbs.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- Apex M&P 1.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
- Agency Arms M&P 1.0 Drop-In Trigger Kit
- Timney M&P 1.0 & 2.0 Alpha Competition Pistol Trigger
- Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit
- Apex M&P 2.0 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit
- Apex M&P Shield 1.0 Action Trigger Assembly Enhancement Kit
- Apex M&P Shield 2.0 Action Enhancement Trigger Plus Duty Carry Kit
Related Articles Mentioned
Have you ever used an aftermarket trigger? Which one did you decide to go with, and have you made any other upgrades to your M&P?
Let me know in the comments below.
