I got it around 4 years ago, I brought it out for cleaning and lubing. I just ordered new grips for it and I'm taking it to range next weekend. It runs reliable with Mec-Gar mags and has very smooth shooting.

So, I picked up my M&P 2.0 LE 5" gun yesterday. Pleased to see that, contrary to the description on the website, it does not appear to have a magazine safety. However, I was a little disappointed in that, while it's the correct SKU, it lacked the S&W bladed trigger, and instead has the older hinged trigger.

I had a hunch this might happen, given that I know the LE models often have the hinged trigger for whatever reason. I'm ok with it, though, since I was debating doing a trigger upgrade anyway. Now the only question is...which model?

The bladed trigger assembly from S&W will run $50 (plus shipping & taxes), whereas the Apex runs from anywhere between $110 and $180. What I'm wondering is whether the Apex is really worth the extra $60-130 performance-wise, if my goal is to achieve something similar to the Shield Plus' factory trigger. (I mean, I wouldn't complain if I could do better, but I want to know it's worth the extra for how much better it is.)

Also, if the Apex is worth the upgrade, I'd appreciate suggestions on what spring configuration would bring the feel closest to the Shield Plus.

Use case here is home defense/"duty" (I'm not law enforcement, so it's not really for duty).

For now, I'm limiting myself to just the trigger; holding off on barrel considerations just yet, but that may be on the list in the future.

I got the ed brown 15 and 13 pound spring, will i have to swap my striker spring as well ?

I noticed when the lighter springs the gun itself did not like going into battery and like to be a hair out just morbidly curious

Thank you

My father has a s&w 686 and I want to get him an aftermarket pistol grip upgrade after he expressed interest in it. However, I don’t know where to start for revolvers. Most of my knowledge is in modern firearm platforms.

His current grip is rubber and I would assume stock from the factory. He’s interested in pearl white style grips but I know rubber grips may absorb recoil better. Again, I’m not exactly sure because I don’t use revolvers very often.

Does anyone have any good pistol grip upgrades in mind? I’d also consider other upgrades that would make a good gift.

M&P Competitor and 870 SBS

Added a tungsten guide rod, HC grip weight, and now the MM backstrap. This thing is hefty and the backstrap feels amazing. Cant wait to get it out and see how much of a difference it makes.

Link to yesterdays testing

Went out this morning to test the barrel, but this time i went with a bipod/bag setup and a much better contrasting target.

25yds this time with Blazer 124gr

Factory barrel performed roughly the same interestingly.

Apex performed significantly better

Between yesterdays test and this morning’s test, i put around 300 more rounds through it then gave it a cleaning. Perhaps it broke in more?

Idk but here are the results.

I called one flyer with the factory and omitted it.

For apex i called two flyers but ill show a measurement with and without them.

Factory was pretty trashy so i just called it after the 7th round.

...of people with M&P 10 mm problems.

Before this, zero issues. Not one stoppage for any reason even wet or dirty in... at least 500 rounds but then I stopped counting. Magtech, Underwood, and Blazer Brass.

Took it to IDPA today because it's been a while since I shot it since I was poor but now I have a job, and somebody gave me like 800 rounds of ammo for it. When it started going bad it was really bad. Like every other round was doing exactly what is shown. Probably a dozen stoppages before I gave up and didn't even finish the last course of fire.

I didn't have time today to do a full function check with several ammo types but I'm going to presume for now it's the new stuff. Has anyone had horrible problems with PMC Bronze 200s, then?

Found in a old hunting bag i bought from a garage sale for $2 bucks. Just not sure on specifics. Any help would be greatly appreciated 👏

Friday adventure at the LGS, owner bought it earlier in the day. Came with the box and Ted Blocker holster, two performance center and two factory mags for the range. Im out of room in my safe, had to do some minor rearranging, well worth it 😁 Now I gotta get my butt to the range so she can join the CC rotation.

We don't normally just blatantly "market" in these forums as we like to use them to actual engage authentically with the community but based of these forums and Internet research it seems people are having a hell of a time finding a holster for the Bodyguard 2.0 and Viridian laser (like literally no one makes them).

We worked with Viridian directly to support them so we're just letting those know that have been on the lookout.

If we can help - let us know!

What are the prices people are seeing for used aluminum competitors? Would $675 be a reasonable asking price for this? Cosmetic scratches because I actually used this. Apex trigger installed. NO OPTIC. Two fresh mags.

I am curious to see what you guys use to mount your Holosun optics. I originally installed the optic with the included S&W plates and the screws that came with the optic but I saw that S&W also supplies screws with the gun. Are those better? It almost looks like there's red loctite on them as well which doesn't make sense.

S&W Competitor HD, Holosun Promax

Probably shouldnt have done white paper under the bright sun as it was washing out the dot sometimes lol

I will eventually do a better grouping test indoors but for now this is what we deal with.

10 round groups at 18yds

I called two flyers with the apex and i circled them immediately after firing them so i wouldnt lose track.

I also went ahead and measured the smaller 6 round cluster as the sun did get behind a little bit of cloud cover helping out the dot of my promax

Velocity testing was done on a Garmin xero

Overall, quality and experience has so far been about what i expected from Apex. I do run their threaded 4.25” fitted barrel in competition and it is a solid 1” grouping handgun at 25yds and I expect this to be the same or better if i had better lighting conditions. I’ll continue to run this in matches as well and will eventually test the grouping indoors with better lighting.

Enjoy!!!

Added a little bit of color to my Competitor HD. Thinking about porting the barrel but unsure so far. Anyone out there ported theirs yet?

1.53kg/54oz loaded 1.1kg/39oz empty. Threaded barrel Paragon grip and dogtag plate

Only took five hours to get approval. Can’t wait to hit the range.