Trouble with Apex J-frame spring kit?

Continental Op · #1 10-20-2013, 11:59 PM

I installed the Apex Tactical J-frame spring kit in my no-dash 640 (.38 only) to reduce the trigger pull. The installation went well, but the provided extended firing pin wouldn't fit, so I left the factory firing pin in place. I've put about 150-200 rounds (mix of new and commercial reloads) through it with no problems, but I had three rounds today that required a second strike to fire. Those were the commercial reloads. I haven't cleaned the gun since installing the spring kit, so it's a little grungy.

I assume the Apex main spring isn't strong enough (maybe the lack of the extended firing pin is causing a problem), but I also wonder whether the fact that the gun is dirty is contributing. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry, so I'll put the factory mainspring back in.

What do you all think?
Thanks,
Continental Op

chief38 · #2 10-21-2013, 06:42 AM

You might not like what I think - but here goes............

I like shooting a smooth and light revolver as much as anyone and I do my own action jobs and tuning on all my Target Shooting designated guns. However when it comes to carry guns and defense guns I will only smooth, de-burr and lubricate as I never want any chance of a FTF of any kind. After going through a carry gun and making sure the action is smooth and burr free, I like to shoot the gun many many times and that will also tend to smooth things out quite a bit as well as get you familiar with it's performance, recoil and operation. The LAST thing you would ever want is a defense gun NOT going bang when you most need it.

The ONLY exception is if there is something out of spec. on a defense gun. I once got a Model 60 that had what I believe to be a defective or wrong spring in it. It was so hard to pull, it was impossible to hit anything in the DA mode. I called S&W and they sent me a new and correct Factory Spring which is still in there today and functioning like it should. I don't like after market or lightened springs in defense guns - personally.

7shooter · #3 10-21-2013, 06:50 AM

The Apex firing pin in my 640 just broke . I'm putting the old one back in.

Old cop · #4 10-21-2013, 09:13 AM

. . . . What Chief38 said. I never change anything, save the grips, on my self defense guns.

16thVACav · #5 10-21-2013, 01:23 PM

I've installed two Apex J-frame kits and have had no problems whatsoever with failures to fire or other reliability issues. Both were carry guns.

snubbyfan · #6 10-21-2013, 09:12 PM

Due to my peripheral neuropathy, I needed to do some work on my carry snubby in order to be able to shoot it with any kind of accuracy. Using Wolff springs I installed an 8 pound mainspring and an 11 pound rebound spring. While I had it apart I smoothed the guts with an extra fine Arkansas oil stone, cleaned and relubed. I've never had a misfire and I trust it as my concealed carry gun.

shawn mccarver · #7 10-21-2013, 09:15 PM

Post 2 said everything, and did so in a kind way.

Good show.

If you need a lighter trigger than on a factory J frame, get an M&P, a Shield or a Glock. End of discussion.

Continental Op · #8 10-21-2013, 09:47 PM

I'll put the factory mainspring back in as soon as I can. Can anyone think of a reason not to keep the Apex rebound spring in place? It helps lighten the trigger pull a little, but the trigger return is very positive.

hotrod150 · #9 10-22-2013, 01:31 PM

I leave the stock 8-1/2# mainspring in my j-frames but like a 13# Wolff rebound spring. I also polish the rebound slide and adjacent frame surfaces. First time around, I bought a Wolff variety pack (mainspring & three rebounds) but after that I just bought the 13# rebounds. Wolff sells them alone, in a three-pack, & in a ten-pack.
Continental, I would leave the Apex rebound in place as long as the trigger return is snappy enough.