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Gear
June 29, 2026
Best M&P 2.0 Performance Upgrades 2026: Triggers, Magwells & Barrels
A performance-first M&P M2.0 upgrade guide for the range and the duty belt, not carry. Apex Forward Set triggers, competition magwells, threaded match barrels, capacity base pads, and fiber-optic sights, each verified for the polymer and metal-frame full-size and compact M2.0.
Our Top Picks
- #1 Apex Polymer Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit ($110): Best overall upgrade: the Apex Forward Set trigger that transforms the M&P 2.0 press
- #2 Floyds M&P 2.0 Full Size Magwell ($75): Best reload upgrade: a flared competition magwell for the full-size M2.0
- #3 TRYBE Match Grade Threaded Barrel ($179.99): Best barrel: in-stock 1/2x28 match barrel for full-size and compact, comp and suppressor ready
Our Top Picks
1
Apex Polymer Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit
$110Best overall upgrade: the Apex Forward Set trigger that transforms the M&P 2.0 press
2
Floyds M&P 2.0 Full Size Magwell
$75Best reload upgrade: a flared competition magwell for the full-size M2.0
3
TRYBE Match Grade Threaded Barrel
$179.99Best barrel: in-stock 1/2x28 match barrel for full-size and compact, comp and suppressor ready
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Best M&P 2.0 Performance Upgrades 2026: Triggers, Magwells & Barrels
This is the performance hardware set for the M&P M2.0, the trigger, magwell, base pad, barrel, and sight upgrades that pay off on a shot timer and a duty belt, not in a concealment holster. Every pick is verified for frame material and slide size, because the M2.0 splits hard between the polymer guns and the aluminum Metal and Competitor frames. For the carry-focused loadout (carry optics, night sights, lights, and holsters) see our M&P carry upgrade guide, and for the optic-mounting decision see the M&P 2.0 optic plate guide.
M&P 2.0 Upgrade Priority: What to Buy First
Spend in the order that buys the most shootability per dollar. Magazines and a base pad come first because they are the cheapest, most repeatable buy and they feed every other upgrade. The Apex Forward Set trigger is the single biggest change to how the gun shoots. A flared magwell only earns its place in competition divisions that allow it. Confirm your frame material before ordering a trigger or magwell, the aluminum Metal M2.0 and Competitor do not take polymer-frame parts.
Magazines + Base Pad
$40-$60
Priority1
ImpactCheapest buy, host for every extension
Apex Forward Set Trigger
$110-$180
Priority2
Impact~5.5 lb to ~3.5-4.5 lb, forward-set flat face
Competition Magwell
$70-$75
Priority3
ImpactFastest reload (Limited/Open divisions)
Threaded Match Barrel
$180-$219
Priority4
ImpactTighter chamber, comp or suppressor host
Fiber Front Sight
$39
Priority5
ImpactFaster front-sight pickup on irons
| Priority | Upgrade | Cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magazines + Base Pad | $40-$60 | Cheapest buy, host for every extension |
| 2 | Apex Forward Set Trigger | $110-$180 | ~5.5 lb to ~3.5-4.5 lb, forward-set flat face |
| 3 | Competition Magwell | $70-$75 | Fastest reload (Limited/Open divisions) |
| 4 | Threaded Match Barrel | $180-$219 | Tighter chamber, comp or suppressor host |
| 5 | Fiber Front Sight | $39 | Faster front-sight pickup on irons |
Frame split:The Apex polymer ($110) and aluminum-shoe ($180) trigger kits and the Floyds and Springer magwells are polymer-frame parts. The aluminum Metal M2.0 and the Competitor run the metal-frame Apex Forward Set kit ($171) and the makers’ separate metal-frame magwells. For where the M2.0 5-inch sits against the rest of the field, see our best full-size 9mm pistols guide.
Complete Your Build
Sling, light, backup sights, and QD mounts, the upgrades most builders add first.
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Base Platform
Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 5"
Smith & Wesson / $599.00 base
Full-size M&P with 5" barrel, interchangeable palmswell inserts, flat-face trigger
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Best M&P 2.0 Competition Triggers
The best M&P 2.0 trigger upgrade is the Apex Flat-Faced Forward Set kit. The forward-set geometry moves the shoe forward to extend reach to the trigger face, and Apex rates the kit at about a 2 lb lighter pull, dropping a factory M2.0 from near 5.5 lb to roughly 3.5-4.5 lb depending on the sear spring while trimming overall trigger travel around 40 percent. The only real decision is shoe material and frame material: a polymer or aluminum shoe on the polymer guns, or the metal-frame kit for the Metal M2.0 and Competitor. Apex includes a duty/carry sear spring so primer strikes stay reliable even at the lighter pull.
1
Apex Tactical Polymer Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit for M&P M2.0
Best overall value: the Forward Set trigger that defines the M&P 2.0
$110
View at OpticsPlanet
- +Forward-set geometry moves the shoe forward to extend reach to the trigger face for a flatter, more consistent press
- +Apex rates about a 2 lb lighter pull, roughly 3.5-4.5 lb depending on the sear spring, and trims overall trigger travel about 40 percent
- +Fits every polymer-frame M2.0 size in 9mm, .40, and .45 (full-size, compact, subcompact)
- −Does not fit the aluminum Metal M2.0 or Competitor, which need the metal-frame kit
- −Installation requires full fire-control disassembly at an armorer level
- −Polymer shoe rather than the machined aluminum of the premium kit
2
Apex Tactical Aluminum Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit for M&P M2.0
Best premium feel: same forward-set internals with a machined aluminum shoe
$180
View at OpticsPlanet
- +Identical forward-set geometry and ~2 lb pull reduction as the polymer kit
- +CNC-machined aluminum flat-faced shoe with a textured face for repeatable finger placement
- +Multiple anodized colors for a competition build
- −Roughly $70 over the polymer kit for a shoe change, the internal improvement is the same
- −Polymer-frame M2.0 only, not the Metal frame or Competitor
3
Apex Tactical Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger Kit for Metal Frame M&P M2.0
Best for the Metal frame: the competition trigger for the M&P Competitor and Metal M2.0
$171
Shop at Midwest Gun Works
- +The frame-specific Forward Set kit that fits the aluminum Metal M2.0, Metal M2.0 HD, and the Competitor
- +Same forward-set flat-faced feel and pull-weight reduction as the polymer kit, matched to the metal fire-control housing
- +Lets metal-frame competition shooters run the same trigger geometry across their polymer and metal guns
- −Metal-frame M2.0 only, it will not fit polymer-frame guns (use the polymer kit there)
- −About $61 over the polymer kit ($171 vs $110)
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Best M&P 2.0 Magwells
The Floyds Custom Shop magwell is the competition reload pick for the polymer full-size M2.0. A flared magwell funnels an off-angle reload into the grip and is the biggest reload-speed upgrade a competition M2.0 can take. Both picks below are polymer full-size parts machined by M&P specialists, and both require the maker’s own base pad to seat, they will not sit on a factory floorplate. One division note before you buy: external magwells are prohibited in USPSA Production and Carry Optics, and legal in Limited, Limited Optics, and Open. If you shoot Production or Carry Optics, skip the magwell and spend the money on base pads and a trigger instead.
1
Floyds Custom Shop M&P 2.0 Full Size Magwell
Best competition magwell: the specialist's flared opening for fast reloads
$75
Buy Direct from Floyd's Custom Shop
- +6061 hard-anodized aluminum funnel that flares the mag opening for sub-second reloads
- +Purpose-built by the M&P magwell specialist for the polymer full-size M2.0 in 9mm and .40
- +Sits tight to the frame for a clean competition profile
- −Polymer full-size M2.0 only, it does not fit the Metal frame or the Compact
- −Will not seat on factory floorplates, it requires a Floyds extension or base plate on every magazine
2
Springer Precision Competition Magwell for M&P 2.0 9mm
Best USPSA-division magwell: pairs with Springer's division-legal extensions
$70
Buy Direct from Springer Precision
- +Aggressive funnel sized for USPSA reloads on the polymer full-size M2.0 9mm
- +Designed as a system with Springer's 140mm and competition base pads for a consistent reload
- +Black, gray, and brass-weighted options for the build
- −Polymer full-size M2.0 only, the Metal frame uses Springer's separate metal-frame magwell
- −Requires a Springer extension or base pad to seat, not factory floorplates
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Best M&P 2.0 Base Pads & Magazine Extensions
The Taran Tactical +5/6 is the capacity pick here. Base pads add capacity and, paired with a flared magwell, give you the full reload benefit. The TTI base pad takes a full-size 17-round 9mm magazine to about 23+1, and the XS extension is the rare single SKU that covers both the compact and the 18-round extended full-size magazine, taking the compact 15-round magazine to 20 and the 18-round full-size to 23. XS does not publish a count for the 17-round full-size factory magazine, so confirm your tube before ordering. Watch length against the division rules: USPSA Limited and Carry Optics measure the magazine against the 141.25mm gauge, not a loose 140mm shorthand, so a tall stack can gauge out. For the competition upgrade path on the Glock side, compare our Glock 34 upgrades guide.
1
Taran Tactical TTI +5/6 Base Pad Kit (M&P 9/40 Full Size)
Best capacity add: takes a full-size 9mm mag to about 23+1
$41
Buy Direct from Taran Tactical
- +Adds five to six rounds, taking a 17-round full-size M&P 9mm magazine to roughly 23+1
- +Machined aluminum base pad with a stronger included spring for reliable feeding at the higher count
- −Polymer full-size M&P 9/40 magazines only, not Metal-frame or Compact mags
- −Extended length is for the belt and the range, not concealment
2
XS Sights +5 Magazine Extension (M&P 2.0)
Best dual-fit extension: one SKU covers the compact and the 18rd extended full-size
$40
Buy Direct from XS Sights
- +The only single extension that fits both the compact and the 18-round extended full-size M&P 2.0
- +Takes the compact 15-round magazine to 20 and the full-size 18-round extended magazine to 23
- +Simple drop-on extension with a stainless steel spring
- −XS does not publish a count for the 17-round full-size factory magazine, confirm your mag before ordering
- −Adds length, not for carry use
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Best M&P 2.0 Magazines
Buy the magazine before the base pad. The factory 17-round full-size 9mm magazine is the reliable host every extension in this guide threads onto, and the factory 23-rounder reaches competition capacity with no aftermarket parts and doubles as an M&P FPC carbine magazine. Match the tube to your frame size, the compact runs the 15-round magazine, the full-size runs the 17.
1
Smith & Wesson S&W M&P M2.0 Full Size 9mm 17rd Magazine
Best baseline mag: the factory 17-rounder to build extensions on
$54
View at OpticsPlanet
- +Factory full-size M&P 9mm magazine, the reliable host for TTI, XS, Floyds, and Springer extensions
- +Steel body with anti-friction coating for consistent feeding
- +The right starting magazine before adding a base pad or magwell system
- −17 rounds flush, competition capacity needs the factory 23-rounder or a base pad
- −Full-size length, the compact uses the 15-round magazine
2
Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm 23-Round Magazine
Best factory capacity: 23 rounds with no aftermarket parts
$59
View at OpticsPlanet
- +Factory 23-round magazine that reaches competition capacity without an aftermarket base pad
- +Also feeds the M&P FPC carbine, so it doubles across a pistol and PCC kit
- +Factory reliability at the higher count
- −Longer than a flush magazine, range and competition use
- −About $5 more than the 17-round magazine ($59.89 vs $54.89)
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Best M&P 2.0 Threaded & Match Barrels
The TRYBE Defense threaded barrel is the broadest-fitment match pick, covering the full-size and the 4-inch compact M2.0. A 1/2x28 threaded match barrel buys a tighter chamber and crown plus a muzzle ready for a compensator or suppressor, and fitment is the whole decision here. The Apex drop-in is compact-only for the 3.6 and 4.0 inch guns. Confirm your slide length before ordering, and plan a taller sight or optic for co-witness if you run a can.
1
TRYBE Defense Match Grade Threaded Barrel for M&P M2.0
Best in-stock threaded barrel: fits full-size and 4-inch compact M2.0
$179
Buy Direct from TRYBE Defense
- +1/2x28 threaded match barrel that accepts a compensator or suppressor
- +Available for the full-size and the 4-inch compact M2.0, the broadest in-stock fitment
- +Match-grade chamber and crown for a tighter group than the factory barrel
- −Confirm the length variant matches your full-size or compact slide
- −Threaded muzzle adds length, plan a taller sight or optic for co-witness with a can
2
Apex Tactical M&P 9 M2.0 Compact Drop-In Threaded Barrel
Best compact match barrel: Apex drop-in for the 3.6 and 4.0 inch M2.0 Compact
$218
Shop at Midwest Gun Works
- +Apex match barrel with a 1/2x28 threaded muzzle for a compensator or suppressor
- +Drop-in fit for the M&P 9 M2.0 Compact, no gunsmithing
- +Apex chamber and rifling for accuracy gains over the factory barrel
- −M&P M2.0 Compact only, it does not fit the full-size
- −About $39 over the TRYBE barrel ($218.50 vs $179.99)
- −Frequently out of stock at Apex
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Best M&P 2.0 Competition Sights
The Dawson Precision fiber-optic front is the iron-sight speed pick for a competition M2.0, pulling the eye to the dot faster than a plain black post on a timer. It fits the standard M&P dovetail shared by the M2.0 and comes in Perfect Impact heights so you can pair it with a matched rear for a precise zero. This is a daylight competition setup, budget a matching rear and treat it as a speed front, not a low-light night sight.
1
Dawson Precision Fiber Optic Front Sight for M&P
Best competition front sight: a bright fiber dot for fast acquisition
$39
Buy Direct from Dawson Precision
- +Fiber-optic front that pulls the eye to the dot faster than a plain black post on a timer
- +Fits the standard M&P dovetail shared by the M2.0
- +Dawson Perfect Impact heights let you pair it with a matched black or fiber rear for a precise zero
- −Front sight only, budget a matching rear for a full sight picture
- −Not a low-light night sight, this is a daylight competition setup
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M&P 2.0 Slide Milling & Optic Cuts
If your M2.0 is not a C.O.R.E. optic-ready gun, a direct slide cut mills the slide to a specific optic footprint for the lowest, most rigid mount you can get. Milling is a service, not a part: you ship the slide, the shop cuts it to your footprint, and it comes back ready for the optic. Floyds Custom Shop, the same M2.0 magwell specialist above, cuts M&P slides to the major optic footprints.
The trade-off versus a plate system is permanence and rigidity. A direct cut locks you to one footprint but sits the optic lower and removes the plate as a failure point. C&H Precision offers milling alongside its plate line if you want one shop for both. If you would rather keep the factory C.O.R.E. cut and adapt with a plate, the footprint-by-footprint decision lives in our M&P 2.0 optic plate guide. You can also mock up the whole build, optic, plate, trigger, and magazine, in our rifle and pistol builder.
Stock Up on M&P 2.0 Magazines (Do This First)
Magazines are the cheapest, highest-priority M2.0 upgrade, and a performance gun burns through them. A single USPSA stage can demand three to five loaded mags staged at the start, and a full match day runs through eight to ten. Even a range session working reload drills seriously needs six mags before you spend on a trigger or barrel. The factory 17-round full-size 9mm magazine is also the host tube for every TTI, XS, Floyds, and Springer extension in this guide, so buy the mags first, then add the base pads.
Minimum mag count by use: Range and training: 6 to 8. USPSA or IPSC competition: 8 to 10 for full match-day staging. Duty: 6 or more. Buy factory M&P magazines for match-day reliability, and reach for the factory 23-rounder when you want competition capacity without an aftermarket base pad.
Variant compatibility: Match the tube to your frame size. The full-size M2.0 runs the 17-round 9mm magazine, the compact runs the 15-round magazine, and the factory 23-rounder fits the full-size and also feeds the M&P FPC carbine. The TTI base pad and the polymer-frame Floyds and Springer magwells are built around the polymer full-size 9/40 tube, not Metal-frame or compact mags, so confirm frame and size before extending a magazine.
M&P 2.0 Magazines, Base Pads & Extensions
Magazines & Feeding • $54.89
S&W M&P M2.0 Full Size 9mm 17rd Magazine
- ✓17-round capacity
- ✓9mm Luger
$54.89 MSRP
View at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $54.89
S&W M&P M2.0 Compact 9mm 15rd Magazine
- ✓15-round capacity
- ✓9mm Luger
$54.89 MSRP
View at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $59.89
M&P 9mm 23-Round Magazine
- ✓23 rounds
- ✓9mm
$59.89 MSRP
View at OpticsPlanet
Magazines & Feeding • $41.99
TTI +5/6 Base Pad Kit (M&P 9/40 Full Size)
- ✓+6 rounds (9mm) / +5 rounds (.40)
- ✓CNC billet aluminum, hard anodized
$41.99 MSRP
Buy Direct from Taran Tactical
Magazines & Feeding • $40
XS Sights +5 Magazine Extension (M&P 2.0)
- ✓+5 rounds on the factory spring
- ✓Aircraft-grade aluminum, Black Nitride
$40.00 MSRP
Buy Direct from XS Sights
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M&P 2.0 Upgrade Cost Breakdown
What a performance M2.0 build costs at three spending tiers, on top of the factory pistol. These totals assume a polymer-frame gun. On the Metal M2.0 or Competitor, swap the trigger line for the metal-frame Apex kit ($171) and budget the makers’ separate metal-frame magwell.
Trigger
Entry BuildApex Polymer FSS - $110
Competition BuildApex Aluminum FSS - $180
Top-Shelf BuildApex Aluminum FSS - $180
Magazine
Entry BuildFactory 17rd - $54.89
Competition BuildFactory 17rd - $54.89
Top-Shelf BuildFactory 17rd - $54.89
Base Pad
Entry BuildTTI +5/6 - $41.99
Competition BuildFloyd's pad (with magwell)
Top-Shelf BuildFloyd's pad (with magwell)
Magwell
Entry Build-
Competition BuildFloyds - $75
Top-Shelf BuildFloyds - $75
Front Sight
Entry BuildDawson Fiber - $39
Competition BuildDawson Fiber - $39
Top-Shelf BuildDawson Fiber - $39
Barrel
Entry Build-
Competition Build-
Top-Shelf BuildTRYBE Threaded - $179.99
Total Added
Entry Build~$246
Competition Build~$349 + Floyd's pad
Top-Shelf Build~$529 + Floyd's pad
| Upgrade | Entry Build | Competition Build | Top-Shelf Build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Apex Polymer FSS - $110 | Apex Aluminum FSS - $180 | Apex Aluminum FSS - $180 |
| Magazine | Factory 17rd - $54.89 | Factory 17rd - $54.89 | Factory 17rd - $54.89 |
| Base Pad | TTI +5/6 - $41.99 | Floyd's pad (with magwell) | Floyd's pad (with magwell) |
| Magwell | - | Floyds - $75 | Floyds - $75 |
| Front Sight | Dawson Fiber - $39 | Dawson Fiber - $39 | Dawson Fiber - $39 |
| Barrel | - | - | TRYBE Threaded - $179.99 |
| Total Added | ~$246 | ~$349 + Floyd's pad | ~$529 + Floyd's pad |
Entry (~$246): polymer Apex trigger, a factory mag with a TTI base pad, and a Dawson fiber front. A faster trigger and more rounds on tap for the lowest spend. Competition (~$349 + Floyd’s pad): steps up to the aluminum-shoe trigger and adds a Floyds magwell for the divisions that allow it, seated on Floyd’s own base pad in place of the TTI, since the magwell will not seat on a TTI floorplate. Top-Shelf (~$529 + Floyd’s pad): adds a TRYBE threaded match barrel for a comp or suppressor host and a tighter chamber. Build out the optic and plate side in our builder tool.
Related M&P & Competition Guides
Best M&P 2.0 Optic Plates 2026 - The C.O.R.E. versus aftermarket footprint decision, with the right plate for each red dot footprint.
Best M&P Shield Plus & M2.0 Carry Upgrades 2026 - The carry loadout: carry optics, night sights, lights, and holsters for the everyday-carry M&P.
Best Full-Size 9mm Pistols 2026 - Where the M&P M2.0 5-inch ranks against the rest of the full-size 9mm competition and duty field.
Best Glock 34 Upgrades 2026 - The comparable competition upgrade path on the Glock platform if you are cross-shopping striker guns for USPSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the best M&P 2.0 trigger upgrades?
The Apex Tactical Flat-Faced Forward Set trigger family is the standard. The polymer kit ($110) and the aluminum-shoe kit ($180) fit every polymer-frame M2.0 in 9mm, .40, and .45. Apex rates the kit at about a 2 lb lighter pull, dropping a factory M2.0 from near 5.5 lb to roughly 3.5-4.5 lb depending on the sear spring, while trimming overall trigger travel roughly 40 percent. The aluminum Metal M2.0 and Competitor need the separate metal-frame Forward Set kit ($171) because the metal fire-control housing differs from the polymer frame.
▶Does the M&P 2.0 have a threaded barrel?
Standard M&P 2.0 models ship with a flush barrel, only specific compensated or Spec Series variants come threaded from the factory. To thread a standard gun, drop in a 1/2x28 aftermarket match barrel: the TRYBE Defense barrel ($179.99) fits the full-size and the 4-inch compact M2.0, while the Apex drop-in barrel ($218.50) covers the 3.6-inch and 4-inch M2.0 Compact. Match the barrel to your exact slide length, a 3.6-inch compact needs the Apex barrel. Both accept a compensator or suppressor.
▶Is it illegal to thread a gun barrel?
No. Installing a threaded barrel on a pistol is legal federally and in most states, and a threaded muzzle by itself is just a thread. Attaching a suppressor is the regulated step: that requires an ATF Form 4 and NFA registration, though under the 2025 OBBBA the federal making and transfer tax on suppressors is now $0 and eForm approvals are running in days to a couple of weeks. Check your state law, a few states restrict threaded barrels or suppressors.
▶What is the difference between the M&P 2.0 Metal and Competitor?
Both use an aluminum frame rather than the standard polymer, which adds weight to settle recoil. The Competitor is the dedicated 5-inch optic-ready competition build, while the broader Metal line includes duty-oriented configurations. For upgrades the key point is fitment: aluminum-frame guns need metal-frame-specific magwells and the metal-frame Apex Forward Set trigger, polymer-frame parts do not interchange with them.
▶Is the M&P 2.0 as reliable as a Glock?
Yes. The M&P 2.0 is a duty-proven striker-fired pistol adopted by numerous law enforcement agencies, and it runs the same broad ammunition range with the same reliability expectations as a comparable Glock. The aftermarket trigger, magwell, base pad, and barrel upgrades in this guide improve shootability and capacity without compromising that reliability when installed and tested correctly.
▶What are the common problems with the M&P 2.0 Metal?
The aluminum-frame Metal M2.0 adds front-end weight that some shooters love for recoil control and others find changes the balance versus the polymer gun. The practical upgrade gotcha is parts fitment: the Metal frame does not accept polymer-frame magwells or the polymer Apex Forward Set trigger, so you must buy the metal-frame versions (the metal-frame Apex kit and a metal-frame magwell from Floyds or Springer). Confirm frame type before ordering any magwell or trigger.
ABAuthor
Avid shooter with 10+ years of experience including competition shooting, and an associate member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Built 10+ AR-pattern rifles and several handgun platforms for home defense, competition, and suppressed night shooting.
10+ years shooting experienceCompetition shooterBuilt 10+ AR-pattern riflesAssociate member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
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