I can't believe the difference in trigger between my FS40 and my 9 Shield. The FS40 is gritty (still haven't polished the transfer bar) and heavy, Shield is smooth and light. FS40 is about 3 months old (looks like it has the newer sear) and I just bought the Shield. The gritty feel of the 40 is no big deal, it's all in the take-up, but the weight of the break is much more on the 40. I've read S&W did some redesign when they brought out the Shield but I would have thought they would carry it over to the full size guns. Just gun to gun variation or has anyone else noticed ?

My sons .40 compact actually has groves you can catch with your fingernail on the ramp of the trigger bar that actuates the striker block, the trigger is very gritty feeling because of it. He is going to try and polish it out this weekend. I bet the trigger will feel much better afterwards. They look to be a stamped out piece, and the die that stamps them out needs worked on.

SoMoMule I found the same thing. Both my shield and full sized M&P have very new production dates. I got the FS first and thought it wasn't too bad. Gritty for sure and the reset wasnt what I experienced with previous striker fire handguns. Got the shield and thought this is so much better and my accuracy improved even despite the smaller frame size. I put an Apex FSS trigger kit in the FS and fell in love with my FS. Just waiting for Apex to release the same kit for the shield. I had nearly 1,000 rounds through the FS before I installed it as others said it would/should get better, but it never did so I installed the Apex and couldn't be happier.

You don't have to wait. Apex does have a trigger kit I installed on my Shield40.
I like it. https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid65.html

Have an Apex kit on my Compact 40 also.

I got rid of all my trigger woes by installing an APEX duty kit, and then the polymer AEK trigger. I paid $86 for the kit and installation, and $55 for the trigger and installation. Together they made such a fantastic difference and I highly recommend it.

I'm waiting on the trigger for teh Shield! It's gotta be better than the hinged approach.

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9/40FS, 9c, 9 Shield, MP22

I polished the trigger bar on my 40C & it made a world of difference. Most if not all grittiness is gone. The trigger seems to be a tad lighter & if my imagination isn't playing tricks it seems that the reset is more audible. It's possible that these are just perceived feeelings but I'm happy with the results. For my purposes as having an M&P40C as a defensive carry weapon it's as good as I need it. I almost got an Apex kit but I think I'll save my money for now.

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Former USN, Retired US Army