Experience: Upgrading the trigger on your M&P 9 can make a world of difference. The Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Trigger Kit provides a smoother, more consistent trigger pull, reducing pre-travel and over-travel. This means you can shoot more accurately and with greater confidence. Installation is straightforward, and once fitted, the trigger feels incredibly crisp and responsive.
Online Customer Comments: Many users have praised the Apex trigger for transforming their shooting experience. One user mentioned, "This trigger kit has taken my M&P 9 to the next level. The difference is night and day!"
Why It Fits the M&P 9: The M&P 9 is known for its solid performance, but the stock trigger can feel a bit gritty. The Apex trigger addresses this issue, providing a smoother and more predictable pull, which is essential for both competitive shooting and self-defense.
2. TruGlo TFX Pro Tritium Fiber Optic Sights
Specifications:
Material: CNC-machined steel
Illumination: Tritium and fiber optic
Color: Green
Best Features:
Enhanced visibility in all lighting conditions
Durable construction
Quick and easy target acquisition
Pros:
Excellent in low-light situations
Robust and durable
Easy to install
Cons:
Slightly bulkier than standard sights
Higher cost
Experience: The TruGlo TFX Pro sights are a game-changer for any M&P 9 owner. These sights combine tritium and fiber optic technology to provide bright and clear sight pictures in any lighting condition. Whether it's bright daylight or complete darkness, you'll be able to acquire your target quickly and accurately.
Online Customer Comments: Users love the visibility and durability of these sights. One reviewer noted, "These sights are incredibly bright and make target acquisition a breeze, even in low-light conditions."
Why It Fits the M&P 9: Factory sights on the M&P 9 are decent, but the TruGlo TFX Pro sights offer a significant upgrade in terms of visibility and accuracy. They are particularly beneficial for those who use their firearm for home defense or carry purposes.
3. Streamlight TLR-1 HL Weapon Light
Specifications:
Lumens: 1,000
Battery: CR123A lithium
Weight: 4.18 oz
Best Features:
High-intensity beam
Strobe function
Durable and waterproof
Pros:
Extremely bright
Easy to mount and operate
Enhances nighttime shooting capabilities
Cons:
Adds weight to the firearm
May be too bright for indoor use
Experience: Having a reliable weapon light is crucial for low-light and nighttime scenarios. The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is one of the best options out there. It delivers a powerful 1,000-lumen beam that can illuminate large areas, making it easier to identify threats and navigate in the dark.
Online Customer Comments: The TLR-1 HL has received rave reviews for its brightness and reliability. One user commented, "This light is a must-have for any serious shooter. It’s incredibly bright and easy to use."
Why It Fits the M&P 9: The M&P 9 is a popular choice for home defense, and pairing it with the TLR-1 HL ensures you're prepared for any situation. The light is easy to mount on the M&P 9's rail and significantly enhances your ability to see and react in low-light environments.
4. Talon Grips Rubber Grip Tape
Specifications:
Material: Rubber
Thickness: 0.5 mm
Color: Black
Best Features:
Improves grip and control
Easy to apply
Comfortable texture
Pros:
Affordable upgrade
Enhances grip without adding bulk
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Can wear over time with heavy use
May need replacement periodically
Experience: One of the simplest yet most effective upgrades you can make to your M&P 9 is adding Talon Grips. These rubber grip tapes are easy to apply and provide a significant improvement in handling and control. The enhanced grip can make a big difference, especially in rapid-fire situations or adverse conditions.
Online Customer Comments: Users appreciate the improved grip and comfort. One reviewer mentioned, "Talon Grips have made my M&P 9 feel like a completely different gun. The control and comfort are outstanding."
Why It Fits the M&P 9: The factory grip on the M&P 9 is decent, but adding Talon Grips takes it to the next level. They are especially useful for shooters with sweaty hands or those who need a more secure hold during rapid shooting.
5. Vickers Tactical Extended Magazine Release
Specifications:
Material: Polymer
Color: Black
Compatibility: M&P 9
Best Features:
Extended design for easier magazine changes
Durable construction
Simple installation
Pros:
Makes magazine changes quicker and easier
High-quality build
Improves overall ergonomics
Cons:
Can snag on clothing during concealed carry
May require some practice to get used to
Experience: The Vickers Tactical Extended Magazine Release is a small but impactful upgrade. It extends the release button, making it easier to drop magazines quickly and efficiently. This is particularly beneficial in high-stress situations where every second counts.
Online Customer Comments: Many users have noted the improvement in magazine changes. One user said, "This extended magazine release has made reloads much faster and more reliable. It's a great addition to my M&P 9."
Why It Fits the M&P 9: The stock magazine release on the M&P 9 can be a bit small and difficult to actuate under pressure. The Vickers Tactical release addresses this issue, providing a larger and more accessible button, which can be a significant advantage in both competition and defensive scenarios.
6. Crimson Trace LG-360G Green Laser Sight
Specifications:
Laser: Green
Battery Life: Over 2 hours
Activation: Instinctive activation
Best Features:
Bright green laser for high visibility
Instinctive activation for ease of use
Compact and lightweight
Pros:
Enhances aiming accuracy
Easy to activate and use
High visibility in various lighting conditions
Cons:
Requires regular battery changes
Can be expensive
Experience: The Crimson Trace LG-360G Green Laser Sight is an excellent addition for those looking to improve their accuracy and speed on target. The green laser is highly visible, even in bright daylight, and the instinctive activation means it’s ready to go as soon as you grip your firearm.
Online Customer Comments: Users have highlighted the laser’s visibility and ease of use. One user stated, "The green laser is extremely bright and easy to see, even in daylight. It has improved my accuracy significantly."
Why It Fits the M&P 9: Adding a laser sight to your M&P 9 can greatly enhance your shooting precision, especially in high-stress situations. The Crimson Trace LG-360G is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it an excellent fit for the M&P 9 without adding unnecessary bulk.
FAQs
Q: How difficult is it to install these upgrades on the M&P 9? A: Most of these upgrades are designed for easy installation, even for those with minimal gunsmithing experience. However, some, like the trigger kit, may require a bit more skill and potentially some fitting.
Q: Will these upgrades affect the reliability of my M&P 9? A: When properly installed, these upgrades should not negatively impact the reliability of your firearm. In fact, many of these enhancements are designed to improve performance and reliability.
Q: Are these upgrades suitable for both novice and experienced shooters? A: Yes, these upgrades can benefit shooters of all skill levels. Novice shooters will appreciate the improvements in handling and accuracy, while experienced shooters will benefit from the enhanced performance and ergonomics.
Q: Do I need to replace all these parts at once? A: No, you can upgrade your M&P 9 gradually, starting with the modifications that you feel will provide the most immediate benefit.
Q: Are there any legal considerations for these upgrades? A: Generally, these upgrades are legal, but it’s always a good idea to check your local laws and regulations regarding firearm
modifications.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Smith & Wesson M&P 9 can significantly enhance its performance, handling, and overall shooting experience. From improving trigger performance with the Apex Tactical Specialties Action Enhancement Trigger Kit to enhancing visibility with TruGlo TFX Pro Tritium Fiber Optic Sights, each of these upgrades offers unique benefits. Whether you're a novice shooter or an experienced enthusiast, these modifications can help you get the most out of your M&P 9. Remember, always ensure that any modifications comply with local laws and regulations, and enjoy the enhanced capabilities of your upgraded firearm.