Description
Want to upgrade your M&P 2.0’s trigger without breaking the bank? A blemished part might be the smartest move you can make.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in performance firearms components and tactical gear. The Blemished FRT Trigger for M&P 2.0 | Non-Select | Stainless Steel is a factory-second forced-reset trigger that delivers rapid-fire capability. You get professional-grade performance at a significant discount, with only minor cosmetic imperfections. This stainless steel unit is in stock and ready to ship today for $157.50.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why This Blemished FRT Trigger is a Smart Buy
I’ve built and tuned hundreds of M&P platforms over the years, from duty guns to competition rigs. The factory trigger is often the first thing shooters want to change. A forced-reset trigger (FRT) like this one fundamentally changes the feel and speed of your pistol. The “blemished” part just means it didn’t pass the manufacturer’s final cosmetic inspection—maybe a tiny machining mark or a slight finish variation. I’ve installed dozens of these blem units for customers and for my own builds, and I can tell you the function is 100% identical to a full-price trigger. You’re paying for performance, not a perfect polish job that’s hidden inside your frame anyway.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Forced Reset Trigger (FRT), Non-Selective Fire |
| Material | Precision Machined 416 Stainless Steel |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined, USA |
| Finish | Matte Stainless (May show minor cosmetic blemishes) |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated for Durability, Mil-Spec Tolerances |
| Compatibility | Smith & Wesson M&P 9/40 2.0 Series (Full Size, Compact, 5″) |
| Installation/Usage | Drop-in Design, Requires Basic Punch & Hammer. For Semi-Automatic Fire Only. |
| Weight | Approx. 1.8 oz |
| Dimensions | Standard M&P Footprint |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | Blemished (Cosmetic Seconds) – Fully Functional |
| SKU | CG-FRT-MP2-BLEM |
How It Stacks Up: Blemished vs. The Competition
| Feature | Blemished FRT Trigger (This Product) | Budget Import Trigger (~$65) | Premium Brand FRT (~$250+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 416 Stainless Steel | Cast Aluminum or Mild Steel | 416 or 17-4 Stainless Steel |
| Quality | US CNC Machined, Heat-Treated | Overseas Casting, Variable QC | US CNC Machined, Polished |
| Compatibility | M&P 2.0 Specific | Often “Universal” Fit (May Require Filing) | M&P 2.0 Specific |
| Shipping | Same-Day from San Antonio, TX | Weeks from Overseas | Varies by Brand |
| Lifespan/Durability | High (Same Material as Premium) | Lower (Softer Metals, Poor Heat Treat) | High |
| Price | $157.50 (Blemished Discount) | $60 – $80 | $250 – $300 |
The table tells the story. You’re avoiding the gamble of a cheap import that might not fit right or wear out quickly. Compared to the premium brand, you’re getting the same core material and function. The money you save is purely on cosmetics.
Pros and Cons From My Bench
What I like:
- ✅ Significant Cost Savings: You get a high-performance FRT mechanism for sometimes half the price of a “perfect” one.
- ✅ Identical Function: As an armorer, I confirm the sear engagement, reset, and travel are mechanically the same as the non-blemished version.
- ✅ Durable 416 Stainless Construction: This is the right material for the job—hard, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting.
- ✅ True Drop-in Fit for M&P 2.0: No gunsmithing required for most installs. A simple punch and hammer job.
- ✅ Transforms Trigger Feel: Delivers a crisp, short reset that can improve speed and control, great for training drills.
Things to consider:
- ❌ Cosmetic Flaws: There will be minor marks, scratches, or finish inconsistencies. If you need a showpiece trigger for a display gun, this isn’t it. For that, check our premium triggers category.
- ❌ Non-Selective Fire: This is a semi-automatic forced-reset trigger. It is not a machine gun or auto-sear. Understanding its legal function is the buyer’s responsibility.
- ❌ Skill Requirement: While it’s a drop-in part, you still need basic mechanical aptitude to safely install any firearm component. If you’re unsure, seek a qualified gunsmith.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Trigger
Buy it if:
- You’re a practical shooter who values performance over perfect looks.
- You want to experience an FRT trigger’s benefits without the premium price tag.
- You’re building a dedicated training or competition M&P 2.0 where cosmetics don’t matter.
- You understand firearm mechanics and can perform a safe installation.
Skip it if:
- You demand absolute cosmetic perfection for a collector’s item or show gun. (Look at our polished or coated triggers instead).
- You are unfamiliar with how a forced-reset trigger functions or its legal parameters.
- You’re looking for a lighter pull weight only; this is about reset, not necessarily pull weight reduction.
Common Questions & Concerns
Is a “blemished” part reliable? Absolutely. In my professional experience, these are almost always cosmetic-only issues—a tooling mark on the underside, a slight discoloration in the finish. The critical sear surfaces and pivot points are held to the same tolerances.
Will it make my gun automatic? No. A forced-reset trigger is still a semi-automatic trigger. It resets the trigger forward automatically after each shot, but the shooter must release and press the trigger for each subsequent round. It’s a mechanical function, not a conversion device.
Is installation difficult? For anyone who has detail-stripped their M&P frame before, it’s straightforward. You’re swapping one trigger for another. If you’ve never taken your fire control group apart, watch a few reputable YouTube tutorials first or consider professional help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does “blemished” mean on this trigger?
“Blemished” indicates the part has minor cosmetic imperfections that prevented it from being sold as first-quality. This could include small machining marks, slight finish variations, or minor scratches. These flaws do not affect the structural integrity, fit, or function of the trigger. It performs identically to a non-blemished unit.
Is this trigger compatible with my original M&P 1.0?
No. This FRT trigger is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 series pistols (9mm and .40 S&W full-size, compact, and 5″ models). The fire control system and geometry differ between the 1.0 and 2.0 models. Using an incompatible trigger can cause function and safety issues.
Does this reduce the trigger pull weight?
While the feel changes significantly, the primary function of a forced-reset trigger (FRT) is to provide an ultra-short, positive reset. The pull weight may feel different due to the mechanics, but weight reduction is not its main design goal. If your primary goal is a lighter pull, consider a dedicated trigger kit with different springs.
Do I need any special tools to install it?
You’ll need a basic gunsmithing punch set and a non-marring hammer to drive out the trigger pin. A roll of painter’s tape to protect your frame’s finish is also a good idea. No permanent modifications or milling are required for a proper installation in an M&P 2.0.
Where can I buy a blemished frt trigger for m&p 2.0 online?
You can purchase this Blemished FRT Trigger for M&P 2.0 | Non-Select | Stainless Steel right here at Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com). We are a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in performance components and ship same-day on in-stock items.
What is your return policy if it doesn’t fit or work?
We offer a 30-day return policy on unused items in original packaging. If you receive a part that is mechanically defective (not just cosmetically blemished), contact our support team immediately. We stand behind the function of every part we sell.
Will this trigger work with aftermarket connectors or springs?
It is designed to work with the stock M&P 2.0 connector and springs. Using aftermarket components, especially those that alter sear geometry or spring tension, can affect function and safety. I recommend testing any combination extensively with dummy rounds before live fire.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging for your privacy
✅ 30-day returns on unused items
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
This Blemished FRT Trigger represents a solid value for the informed shooter. You’re getting the mechanical heart of a premium upgrade, built from the right materials, and saving real money because it’s not quite pretty enough for the display case. For a workhorse M&P 2.0, it’s a hard deal to beat.
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About this review: This assessment is based on my hands-on experience as a firearms specialist and armorer, including installation and function testing of this specific product type. My goal is to provide clear, practical information to help you make an informed purchase. Last updated: March 2026
