Elevate Your S&W M&P Performance: The Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit Explained

For Smith & Wesson M&P pistol owners seeking to unlock their firearm's true potential, the trigger system often becomes the primary focus for enhancement. The stock M&P trigger, while functional, can sometimes be described as having a long take-up, a somewhat spongy break, and a less-than-ideal reset. This is where dedicated aftermarket solutions like the Apex Tactical Specialties 100-054 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit come into play. This highly regarded, drop-in upgrade is specifically engineered to revolutionize the shooting experience for S&W M&P 9mm and .40 S&W centerfire models, transforming a good pistol into an exceptional one.

Who is this upgrade for?

This Apex trigger kit is designed for a wide range of M&P enthusiasts and serious users:

• Competitive Shooters: Those participating in USPSA, IDPA, or 3-Gun competitions will immediately appreciate the reduced trigger pull weight, minimal pre-travel and over-travel, and the crisp, positive reset, all contributing to faster, more accurate splits and improved stage times.
• Self-Defense and Home Defense Users: A more predictable and lighter trigger pull can significantly enhance confidence and control in high-stress situations, promoting consistent shot placement when it matters most.
• Recreational Shooters & Enthusiasts: If you spend considerable time at the range and simply want a more enjoyable and precise shooting experience from your M&P, this kit provides a tangible improvement in feel and performance.
• Anyone seeking to optimize their M&P's ergonomics: The flat-faced design offers a unique and highly beneficial leverage point for the shooter's finger.

What problem does the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit solve?

The primary goal of this kit is to refine and optimize the M&P's trigger pull. It directly addresses common complaints about the factory trigger by:

• Reducing Trigger Pre-Travel: This is the initial "slack" or movement of the trigger before the sear begins to disengage. The Apex kit significantly shortens this, providing a more immediate and responsive feel.
• Minimizing Over-Travel: This is the distance the trigger continues to move after the striker has been released and the shot has fired. Less over-travel means less movement that can disrupt your sight picture or shot follow-through.
• Achieving a Lighter, Smoother Pull: While exact pull weights can vary slightly depending on spring configurations and individual pistol tolerances, users typically experience a reduction in pull weight to the 3-4 lb range, combined with a smoother, more consistent pull stroke.
• Providing a Crisp, Tactile Break: The kit ensures a clean, unambiguous trigger break, which is crucial for precision shooting and anticipating the shot.
• Delivering a Shorter, More Positive Reset: A key factor for rapid follow-up shots. The Apex kit's forward set sear provides a very short, audible, and tactile reset, allowing shooters to get back on target faster.
• Improving Trigger Ergonomics: The flat-faced trigger design allows shooters to place their finger lower on the trigger face, maximizing leverage and making the perceived trigger pull feel even lighter. This also promotes a more consistent finger placement shot after shot.

Understanding the Key Components and Their Impact

The Apex Tactical Specialties 100-054 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit is a comprehensive solution, meticulously engineered to work synergistically within your Smith & Wesson M&P pistol. Let's delve into the core elements and their specific contributions to an enhanced shooting experience.

The Flat-Faced Trigger:

The most visually distinctive feature of this kit is its flat trigger face. Unlike curved triggers, which can encourage varied finger placement and inconsistent pull, the flat design offers several advantages:

• Consistent Finger Placement: A flat surface allows the shooter to consistently place their finger in the same position for every shot. This consistency is paramount for accuracy, as it helps in applying linear pressure directly to the rear, minimizing lateral movement that can pull the gun off target.
• Enhanced Leverage: By positioning the trigger finger lower on the flat face, closer to the pivot point, shooters can achieve greater mechanical advantage. This increased leverage makes the trigger pull feel lighter and more controllable, even without a significant reduction in spring weight.
• Improved Trigger Discipline: The flat face encourages a straight-back press, reinforcing proper trigger discipline and reducing the tendency to "slap" or "milk" the trigger.
• Comfort and Feel: Many shooters find the flat-faced trigger to be more comfortable over extended shooting sessions, reducing finger fatigue, especially during competitive events or high-volume training.

The Forward Set Sear:

This is the heart of the kit's performance enhancement, working in conjunction with the trigger to redefine the M&P's trigger cycle.

• Reduced Pre-Travel: The forward set geometry of the sear allows it to engage the striker at a different point in the trigger's arc. This significantly reduces the initial "take-up" or slack found in the factory trigger, bringing the shooter closer to the break point sooner.
• Minimized Over-Travel: Once the striker is released, the forward set sear design also limits the trigger's rearward movement, or over-travel. Less over-travel means the trigger stops almost immediately after the shot breaks, preventing unnecessary movement that could disturb the sight picture and aiding in faster shot recovery.
• Crisper, More Defined Break: The altered engagement surfaces of the forward set sear contribute to a much cleaner and more predictable trigger break. Instead of a vague or mushy feel, shooters experience a distinct "wall" followed by a sharp, crisp release of the striker.
• Shorter, More Positive Reset: Perhaps one of the most celebrated improvements for competitive and tactical shooters is the dramatically improved trigger reset. The forward set sear ensures that the trigger resets with a shorter travel distance, and often with a more pronounced audible and tactile "click." This allows for exceptionally fast follow-up shots, as the shooter knows precisely when the trigger is ready for the next press.

Spring Combinations (Included Components):

The Apex kit includes a carefully selected set of springs that work in harmony with the new sear and trigger to achieve the desired pull weight and feel. These springs contribute to the overall reduction in trigger pull weight and the smoothness of the action.

Why Choose Apex Tactical Specialties for Your M&P Upgrade?

Apex Tactical Specialties has established itself as a premier name in the aftermarket firearms components industry, particularly for Smith & Wesson platforms. Their reputation is built on:

• Precision Engineering: Apex products are designed and manufactured with exacting tolerances, ensuring reliable function and superior performance. They understand the intricacies of firearm mechanics.
• Rigorous Testing: Every Apex product undergoes extensive testing to ensure durability, reliability, and safety. This commitment to quality means you're investing in a product that performs consistently.
• Focus on the M&P Platform: Apex has a long history of developing industry-leading upgrades specifically for the S&W M&P series, demonstrating a deep understanding of its design and potential for improvement.
• Trusted by Professionals and Enthusiasts: From competitive shooters to law enforcement officers, Apex parts are frequently chosen for their proven track record of enhancing firearm performance.

When considering an upgrade for a critical component like your firearm's trigger, choosing a reputable brand like Apex Tactical is paramount for safety and performance. This specific kit, UPC 856008005512, exemplifies their dedication to quality and innovation.

Installation and Compatibility Considerations

One of the significant advantages of the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit (UPC 856008005512) is its "drop-in" nature. This means it's designed to be installed by the user without requiring complex gunsmithing tools or extensive modifications to the pistol frame or slide. Many detailed installation videos and guides are available online to walk users through the process step-by-step. However, if you are not comfortable working on firearms, it is always recommended to have a qualified gunsmith perform the installation to ensure proper function and safety.

Crucial Compatibility Notes:

It is absolutely vital to understand the specific compatibility of this kit to ensure it works correctly with your M&P model.

• Designed For: This kit is explicitly designed to work in any Smith & Wesson M&P model pistol in a centerfire caliber. This includes the original M&P 9, M&P 40, and similar full-size or compact original M&P models.
• NOT For Use In: This kit is NOT compatible with:
  • M&P M2.0 models: The M2.0 series has a redesigned trigger group that requires different Apex kits.
  • Any M&P Shield models: The Shield series is a slimline, single-stack design, and its internal components are different.
  • .22 caliber M&P models: These rimfire pistols have entirely different operating mechanisms.

Always double-check your specific M&P model before purchasing any aftermarket trigger kit. Incorrect installation or use in an incompatible model can lead to malfunctions or unsafe conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit

Many questions arise when considering a significant upgrade like a trigger kit for your firearm. Here are some common inquiries about the Apex Tactical Specialties 100-054 kit:

• Q: How will this kit change my M&P's trigger pull weight?
  A: The Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit typically reduces the trigger pull weight to the 3-4 lbs range, depending on your specific M&P model and the spring combination used during installation. This is a significant reduction compared to the heavier factory trigger pull.
• Q: What are the main benefits of a flat-faced trigger over a curved one?
  A: A flat-faced trigger allows for more consistent finger placement, maximizing leverage and making the perceived pull feel lighter. It also promotes a straight-back trigger press, which can enhance accuracy and improve overall trigger discipline.
• Q: Will this kit affect the safety of my Smith & Wesson M&P?
  A: When properly installed, the Apex kit is designed to maintain the factory safety features of your M&P pistol. Apex Tactical is renowned for engineering products that meet stringent safety standards. However, as with any firearm modification, ensuring correct installation and function checks is critical.
• Q: Is this a "drop-in" kit, or does it require a gunsmith?
  A: The Apex 100-054 kit is indeed designed as a "drop-in" installation. Many users with basic mechanical aptitude and proper tools can install it by following detailed instructions or online video guides. However, if you are uncomfortable with disassembling and reassembling your firearm's internal components, professional gunsmith installation is always recommended.
• Q: Can I install this kit in my M&P M2.0 or M&P Shield?
  A: No, this specific kit (UPC 856008005512) is not compatible with M&P M2.0 models or any M&P Shield variants. Apex Tactical offers separate kits specifically designed for those platforms. Always verify the kit's compatibility with your exact M&P model.
• Q: What is the "forward set sear" and why is it important?
  A: The "forward set sear" changes the geometry of how the sear engages the striker. This results in significantly reduced trigger pre-travel (the initial slack before the break) and over-travel (the movement after the shot). It also provides a shorter, more positive, and tactile trigger reset, which is crucial for rapid and accurate follow-up shots.
• Q: Will this kit make my M&P a better self-defense pistol?
  A: For many, a lighter, crisper, and more predictable trigger pull can enhance control and accuracy, which are critical in self-defense scenarios. However, practicing extensively with any modified firearm is essential to ensure proficiency and confidence. Some individuals prefer heavier triggers for defensive firearms to mitigate accidental discharges, so personal preference and training dictate the best choice for you.
• Q: Where can I purchase genuine Apex Tactical products?
  A: Genuine Apex Tactical products, including the Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit (UPC 856008005512), are available from reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. Always ensure you are purchasing from an authorized dealer to guarantee authenticity and quality.

Enhancing Your Shooting Experience with the Apex 100-054 Kit

The Apex Tactical Specialties 100-054 Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit stands out as a premier upgrade for your Smith & Wesson M&P centerfire pistol (excluding M2.0 and Shield models). By addressing the common limitations of the factory trigger, this kit transforms your firearm into a more responsive, precise, and enjoyable tool. Whether you're a competitive shooter chasing fractions of a second, a self-defense advocate prioritizing control, or simply an enthusiast seeking the best possible experience from your M&P, the investment in this Apex kit is a commitment to superior performance. Its thoughtful design, precision engineering, and proven track record make it a top choice for optimizing the feel and function of one of the most popular polymer-framed pistols on the market.

Remember, a refined trigger isn't just about pull weight; it's about consistency, predictability, and the shooter's ability to seamlessly interact with their firearm. The Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set Sear & Trigger Kit delivers on all these fronts, providing a tangible improvement that will be immediately noticeable the moment you press the trigger.

Attribute	Value
Brand	Apex Tactical
Category	Triggers
Series	Sear & Trigger Kit
Model	Forward Set
Firearm Fit	S&W M&P (9, .40)
Color	Black
Style	Flat
Draw Weight	3-4 lbs
SKU	100054
UPC	856008005512