Understanding the M&P 2.0 Trigger
From the moment your finger caresses the trigger, to the moment the round leaves the barrel, the trigger plays a crucial role in your shooting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive shooter chasing milliseconds or a responsible gun owner prioritizing accuracy and safety, a well-tuned trigger can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment of the sport. And when it comes to modern firearms, the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 has earned its place as a popular choice. This article will delve deep into the M And P 2.0 Trigger system, explore its characteristics, and guide you through the process of upgrading it for optimal performance.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 pistol, renowned for its reliability, ergonomic design, and modularity, has quickly become a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. However, the factory trigger, while generally reliable, often leaves room for improvement in terms of feel, pull weight, and reset characteristics. This is where trigger upgrades come into play. The ability to fine-tune the M And P 2.0 Trigger can transform your shooting experience, leading to greater accuracy, faster follow-up shots, and a more satisfying overall feel. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about upgrading your M&P 2.0 trigger.
The core of the M And P 2.0 Trigger system, like most modern striker-fired pistols, is a carefully orchestrated series of components working in harmony. Understanding these parts is key to knowing how to optimize them. The trigger itself, the part your finger interacts with, actuates a trigger bar. The trigger bar then interfaces with the sear, which holds the striker (the firing pin) under spring tension. Upon trigger pull, the trigger bar moves the sear, releasing the striker to strike the primer and initiate the firing cycle.
Key to the M And P 2.0 Trigger operation are the components involved in resetting the trigger. After firing, the slide recoils, pushing the trigger bar back and allowing the sear to re-engage with the striker, readying the gun for the next shot. The trigger’s reset refers to the distance the trigger must travel forward before the sear re-engages and the trigger is ready to fire again. This reset length is critical for fast and accurate follow-up shots.
The factory trigger of the M&P 2.0 is designed for reliability and safety, often prioritizing these factors over a truly exceptional feel. While the trigger’s pull weight is generally acceptable for most shooters, it can be somewhat heavier than what competitive shooters or those prioritizing accuracy might prefer. The factory trigger pull may also exhibit a degree of pre-travel (the distance the trigger moves before the sear begins to release), overtravel (the distance the trigger moves after the sear releases), and a relatively long reset. These characteristics can contribute to a less-than-ideal shooting experience, potentially hindering accuracy and follow-up speed. Many users find the factory trigger to have a slightly gritty feel, which can further impact their shooting performance. This is where the possibilities of an enhanced M And P 2.0 Trigger shine.
Identifying Trigger Upgrade Needs and Goals
Before you start modifying your firearm, it’s important to determine what you aim to achieve. Consider these primary reasons for wanting to upgrade your M And P 2.0 Trigger:
Perhaps you’re driven by the competitive spirit. In action shooting sports like USPSA or IDPA, every fraction of a second counts. A lighter, crisper trigger with a shorter reset can dramatically improve your split times (the time between shots), allowing you to engage targets faster and maintain a higher level of accuracy.
Or, maybe your priorities lie in self-defense or concealed carry. A lighter trigger pull can improve accuracy, but a trigger that is too light may increase the risk of accidental discharges. For these purposes, a smoother, more predictable pull with a distinct reset is often preferred. This allows for more controlled and precise shot placement under stress.
The third major reason for changing out a trigger is a desire to improve the overall shooting experience. Many shooters simply find the factory trigger to be less than ideal. It might feel “mushy,” have excessive pre-travel and overtravel, or lack a crisp break. Upgrading the trigger to something with a better feel and a more predictable action can significantly enhance your enjoyment and proficiency with your M&P 2.0 pistol.
The first step is to evaluate the current state of your M And P 2.0 Trigger. This is where you’ll get to know your pistol intimately. Begin by dry-firing the gun and carefully observing the trigger’s feel. Pay attention to the following:
Pull Weight: Using a trigger pull gauge, measure the force required to fire the gun. A typical factory trigger may range between 5 to 7 pounds.
Pre-travel: Notice how much the trigger moves before the sear begins to release.
Overtravel: Observe how much the trigger continues to move after the shot breaks.
Reset: Pay close attention to the length of the reset. How far must you release the trigger before it clicks and is ready to fire again?
Overall Feel: Does the trigger feel smooth and consistent, or is it gritty or spongy?
The more you understand your trigger’s characteristics before and after modification, the better you’ll be able to evaluate the effectiveness of any changes. It is essential, however, to have realistic expectations. While aftermarket parts can significantly improve a trigger, they can’t magically transform a pistol.
Trigger Upgrade Options: Parts and Modifications
Fortunately, a wide range of aftermarket parts are available to enhance your M And P 2.0 Trigger.
Aftermarket Trigger Shoes or Trigger Bars are a great starting point. These modifications directly impact the physical feel and sometimes the performance of the trigger. Aftermarket trigger shoes, often constructed from aluminum or other high-quality materials, provide a more ergonomic surface for your finger. Some are designed with a flat face, which can improve the consistency of your trigger pull. Some may come with trigger bar modifications that allow for pre-travel adjustment. Installation is often straightforward, requiring only basic disassembly and reassembly of the slide and frame.
Trigger kits are a more comprehensive solution. These kits typically include a trigger shoe, trigger bar, springs, and sometimes even the sear and striker. They are often designed to work together as a system, offering a more significant improvement in trigger pull weight, reset, and overall feel. Drop-in trigger kits are generally designed to be easily installed without requiring specialized gunsmithing knowledge.
Springs are key to fine-tuning the trigger pull weight and feel. Reduced power springs (e.g., a lighter striker spring or sear spring) can decrease the pull weight. However, it’s crucial to use reduced power springs with caution. Always prioritize reliability and ensure that your pistol will consistently fire the ammunition you use. A lighter striker spring, for example, may increase the risk of light primer strikes, which can be a significant concern.
The Sear and Sear Springs play a vital role in the trigger’s break and reset. Aftermarket sears are often engineered to have a more precise sear engagement, resulting in a cleaner, crisper break. Different spring weights can also change the overall feel of the trigger, as well as contribute to a more consistent reset.
You can sometimes make subtle changes with aftermarket Striker options. Changing out the striker may change the overall smoothness and feel of your trigger, but is often paired with sear modifications.
Installation and Tuning
This is where you physically transform your M And P 2.0 Trigger.
Before you begin, safety is paramount. Always ensure your firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Work in a clean and well-lit area, and be sure to wear appropriate safety glasses. Review the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before starting any work, as these can vary between brands and products. It is usually a good idea to watch videos online that demonstrate the process.
The specific tools required will depend on the parts you are installing. However, a basic set will typically include:
A punch set (for removing pins)
An armorer’s block (to support the frame)
A small hammer
A trigger pull gauge (to measure pull weight after installation)
Screwdrivers (if any screws are involved)
Installation of trigger components generally follows a similar procedure. After removing the slide and disassembling the frame, you’ll remove the existing trigger components and replace them with the aftermarket parts. The specific steps will vary depending on the parts. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be mindful of the locations of springs, pins, and other small parts.
Tuning your M And P 2.0 Trigger is the process of making any necessary adjustments after the initial installation to optimize the feel and performance. This might involve:
Adjusting pre-travel: some trigger bars are designed with screws to adjust pre-travel.
Checking for smooth action: make sure the trigger moves smoothly without binding.
Measuring trigger pull weight: after installation, measure the pull weight.
Reviews and Recommendations
Several manufacturers offer excellent upgrade kits and components for the M And P 2.0 Trigger.
Apex Tactical: Apex Tactical is a highly respected brand in the firearms industry, known for its high-quality trigger kits and components. Their trigger kits typically include a trigger shoe, trigger bar, springs, and sear. Apex offers a range of options with differing pull weights and reset characteristics to suit various needs.
Overwatch Precision: Offers high-quality trigger components and complete kits. Their products often prioritize a crisp break and a short reset.
Consider the overall feel, pull weight, and reset when determining what you might choose.
Price: The price will reflect the quality.
For competition shooting, a lighter pull weight, a shorter reset, and a crisp break are often ideal. The Apex Tactical Flat-Faced Trigger Kit, combined with a reduced-power striker spring, might be a good choice. For concealed carry or defensive purposes, a smoother pull with a distinct reset is important for safety. A kit from Overwatch Precision may be a good choice, emphasizing reliability and a positive reset.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Keep your M And P 2.0 Trigger in top condition with regular maintenance. This includes:
Cleaning: Regularly clean your trigger components to remove dirt, debris, and carbon buildup.
Lubrication: Use a high-quality gun lubricant sparingly on the moving parts.
Inspection: Regularly inspect the trigger components for wear and tear.
Troubleshooting common issues:
Light primer strikes: If you experience light primer strikes, ensure your striker spring is the appropriate weight and that the striker channel is free from obstructions.
Failure to reset: If the trigger doesn’t reset, check for any obstructions or binding in the trigger mechanism.
Trigger “mushiness”: “Mushiness” can be caused by worn components or incorrect spring installation.
Conclusion
Upgrading the M And P 2.0 Trigger is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance your shooting experience. By understanding the trigger system, assessing your needs, and selecting the right components, you can dramatically improve your accuracy, speed, and enjoyment of your M&P 2.0 pistol.
Choose trigger upgrades based on your specific needs. It’s also important to understand how these changes will affect how your firearm operates and handle it accordingly.
The path to a superior trigger experience starts here. If you have specific questions or experiences you’d like to share, feel free to leave them in the comments. The more we share, the better!
