Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-03-2012, 05:33 PM
240Khon 240Khon is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Apex Shield Carry Kit

Anyone done this yet? Very interested in the results. Here's the link: https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid65.html
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-03-2012, 06:05 PM
SimpleWeaponSolutions's Avatar
SimpleWeaponSolutions SimpleWeaponSolutions is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 225
Liked 364 Times in 184 Posts
Default

I just received my Shield duty carry kit today and will install it this weekend and post an update this weekend.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-03-2012, 06:51 PM
gnystrom gnystrom is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 1,062
Liked 2,109 Times in 860 Posts
Default

I just worked with the hard sear and it is a great product. Now with thousands of rounds and dry fires it is a thing of beauty.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-03-2012, 08:54 PM
Ransom's Avatar
Ransom Ransom is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 548
Likes: 731
Liked 325 Times in 157 Posts
Default

I don't have a lot of experience with other guns to compare the Shield with, but the trigger seems pretty much perfect. I read the Apex description of what they do, but does this trigger really need improving? Now, if they sold a kit for my Bodyguard 380, that would get my attention.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-03-2012, 09:44 PM
Hohopelli's Avatar
Hohopelli Hohopelli is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Liked 33 Times in 24 Posts
Default

I installed mine last Saturday and it's a serious improvement. If you take note of where the trigger engages the sear and the point of firing.. The kit will cut this in about half and drop the weight by a couple of pounds.. Very easy to install as well.. Ron
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-03-2012, 09:44 PM
OldLawman OldLawman is online now
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Posts: 467
Likes: 102
Liked 403 Times in 107 Posts
Default

I run it on both my 9mm Shields.
Just the right touch.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-03-2012, 10:21 PM
jrhodes973 jrhodes973 is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Does the kit include that white frame thing that the video guy uses to hold the shield?

What is the tool used to drive out the rear sight?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-04-2012, 02:07 AM
snuf's Avatar
snuf snuf is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Indy
Posts: 304
Likes: 157
Liked 114 Times in 33 Posts
Default

I installed every thing except the USB. Can't get the rear sight to move.
Still looking for an inexpensive sight pusher.
Pull went from 6 lbs. to 4.75 lbs. I still have a small amount of grit during the take up.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-04-2012, 03:03 AM
mrcllusb mrcllusb is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: GA
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrhodes973 View Post
Does the kit include that white frame thing that the video guy uses to hold the shield?

What is the tool used to drive out the rear sight?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
No it doesn't include the block? You can always ask them where they got it from..

Last edited by mrcllusb; 10-04-2012 at 03:08 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-04-2012, 10:49 AM
Hohopelli's Avatar
Hohopelli Hohopelli is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Liked 33 Times in 24 Posts
Default

You can use a 1911/universal bench block. Wheeler makes one that is available most everywhere. The rear sight is TIGHT! Clamp the slide in a padded vise and carefully drive the sight out with a steel punch and hammer. You'll need a new sight afterwards as the original will be battered. The gritty feeling is most likely due to a burr in the striker block channel.. Youtube can help you out.. Ron
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10-04-2012, 11:34 AM
yanici yanici is offline
US Veteran
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: N/E Massachusetts
Posts: 443
Likes: 126
Liked 155 Times in 84 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by snuf View Post
I installed every thing except the USB. Can't get the rear sight to move.
Still looking for an inexpensive sight pusher.
Pull went from 6 lbs. to 4.75 lbs. I still have a small amount of grit during the take up.
Same here. I live in MA and unfortunately got a MA compliant Shield with the 10#+ trigger. I too got the Apex kit installed minus the USB. Still a big improvement but there is a little grit in the safety block. I gave up trying to drive out the rear sight. Maybe if a good sight tool comes available for the Shield I might try again.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-04-2012, 12:18 PM
gnystrom gnystrom is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 1,062
Liked 2,109 Times in 860 Posts
Default

I also did not do the USB because of the need to remove the rear sight. If you do install the USB you will also need to use the springs that come with the kit to actually re-increase the trigger pull weight to a usable level. Lots of dry fires have smoothed out my stock USB and I changed nothing but the sear.
My trigger went from a new stock 7-1/2# to a nice crisp 5-3/4#.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 10-04-2012, 03:10 PM
motomed motomed is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 5
Liked 12 Times in 8 Posts
Default

had a gunsmith put the entire kit in at the same time as he installed sights, cost $75. Both the cost of the kit and paying someone with the right tools to do the job were worth it to me. my stock trigger was heavy and rough, I have no complaints at all now.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-04-2012, 03:17 PM
RobsTV's Avatar
RobsTV RobsTV is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: W. Pasco Florida
Posts: 266
Likes: 115
Liked 84 Times in 47 Posts
Default

Friend has one of the Harbor Freight 12 ton shop presses. Do you think that will work fine for removing/installing rear sight?

EDIT: Just took a look at HF and they have a 1/2 ton Arbor Press for $35 less 20% coupon = $28.
Might be the best solution, even better than a sight pusher that costs at least twice as much, provided it will do the job.

Heck, could a reloading press be adapted to work?

Last edited by RobsTV; 10-04-2012 at 03:27 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10-04-2012, 03:28 PM
alatour's Avatar
alatour alatour is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
Liked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I have the DCAEK in both my 9 and .40 works great. I used this sight pusher to remove the rear sight. Good sight pusher for the money and the amount of times I use it.
An Affordable Pistol Sight Adjustment Tool
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 10-04-2012, 04:55 PM
gnystrom gnystrom is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 1,062
Liked 2,109 Times in 860 Posts
Default

There is no question that a lot of different tools will work. Hammer and brass punch to a $150 sight pusher. The question I asked myself is, how often do I need to remove rear sights on a firearm? The $20 or less a gunsmith charges adds a layer of protection to me damaging the gun or losing springs and such.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 10-04-2012, 10:39 PM
Hohopelli's Avatar
Hohopelli Hohopelli is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Liked 33 Times in 24 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gnystrom View Post
There is no question that a lot of different tools will work. Hammer and brass punch to a $150 sight pusher. The question I asked myself is, how often do I need to remove rear sights on a firearm? The $20 or less a gunsmith charges adds a layer of protection to me damaging the gun or losing springs and such.
That's the best option for most people. If you have a pistolsmith that you can trust and it's not something you're interested in doing yourself, by all means use the pistolsmith. In my case, I need the experience and the pistolsmith fee paid for my vise! Cheers.. Ron
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 10-05-2012, 02:47 PM
RobsTV's Avatar
RobsTV RobsTV is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: W. Pasco Florida
Posts: 266
Likes: 115
Liked 84 Times in 47 Posts
Default

And now for an opposing point of view.

Shield was sent to S&W to fix .40 mag drop, and also to lower measured 9.5lb trigger pull. Based on comments and reviews, I ordered Apex kit while it was away. Since I got the Shield back from S&W, trigger was better than before, almost all grittiness is gone, and not bad for stock that is not broken in yet. Tested the Shield last night and all worked well, with a very good stock trigger after being repaired by S&W from the original 9.5 lb pull. I did not measure pull after repair, since it now felt fine, but guess it is around the 7 lb range now. (pain to measure, as I don't have easy to use tools, and instead make a device to measure each time). Plus I was already going to install Apex kit anyway.

This morning replaced only the sear and trigger spring from Apex Shield Carry Kit. Could not remove rear sight with hammer and punch to install USB, but might try this weekend with a press.

If I had a second chance, I would not install the Apex Carry Kit. While I do notice a slight difference, perhaps lowering pull a pound or two, and making things a little smoother, spending $80+ on parts to make this slight barely noticeable difference seems foolish now. For $20 I would do it again, but for $80 - $100, no, and especially no if I had to buy additional tools or pay a gunsmith. The Shield reviews rave about how great the stock trigger is, huge improvement over prior M&P's, and to pay 1/4 the price of the gun for a better trigger leaves me regretting the add on. Now a trigger as bad as my Bodyguards, I could see spending the $80 on trigger improvements. But the Shield? It already had a good trigger.

EDIT: 3 days later I ground down a chiesel edge blunt flat, and was able to remove the rear sight. Only slight damage was done to the rear sight. Replaced the USB and spring. Not much of a noticeable difference after completing the job, and now after doing the USB, would definitely never do this a second time.

Last edited by RobsTV; 10-08-2012 at 07:42 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 10-05-2012, 03:55 PM
motomed motomed is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 5
Liked 12 Times in 8 Posts
Default

so you installed half the kit and determined it wasn't worth it?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 10-05-2012, 04:48 PM
RobsTV's Avatar
RobsTV RobsTV is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: W. Pasco Florida
Posts: 266
Likes: 115
Liked 84 Times in 47 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by motomed View Post
so you installed half the kit and determined it wasn't worth it?
Just commenting as to my results installing the same 1/2 of the kit that a few of the other users here have also only installed. They posted their results and I posted mine doing the same portion of the upgrade. It is an Apples to Apples comparison.

Not actually half of the kit though. More like 3/4 of the kit. according to what the parts are advertised to mainly do, the trigger spring along with sear and sear spring are what seems to lower the pull, while the USB mostly takes care of the grittiness.

As I said, the grittiness has started to go away on its own, as well as possibly helped by S&W tech, and based on what others are reporting, should go away completely after a few hundred rounds.

Based on the above posts, to go further by replacing the USB may require additional costs of Gunsmith, $100+ sight adjusting tool, new rear sight since old one will be battered according to one user, etc. That all needs to be taken into account as a possibilty when thinking of installing the Apex kit.

However, I did also say that I may finish the job this weekend by using a press to remove rear sight.

Mention of the Apex kit might (will) lead some to think the Shield has a bad trigger and needs this kit to correct the bad trigger. Take a look at other review message boards and that is what some are now thinking. Spend $450 on the Shield and then have to spend another $150 to get a trigger kit (installed). Just think it is fair to mention that none of this is mandatory, and that some might find the additional cost does not equal great benefit, since the stock trigger is indeed a good trigger to begin with.

Please don't take things out of context. I said that I would probably do it again for $20 (if it was priced at $20), not worth the retail price of the kit, so if you think that I am judging 3/4 of the kit to be worth $20, I will agree with that. But I would not pay $60+ more for the rest of it (along with the additional tools and labor required to do the USB).

EDIT: from Apex Website:

Fully Machined Sear: Reduces trigger pull weight, over travel and reset.

Ultimate Striker Block Kit: Smoothes trigger uptake and reduces the double click reset.

Duty/Carry Spring Kit:

1) Trigger return spring: Sets the trigger pull weight into the 5 lb range and increases uptake pressure

2) Shield Slave Pin: Used to hold tension on the trigger return spring during installation.

3) Sear Spring: Aids in returning the Sear to its ready to fire position and maintains trigger pull weight.

Last edited by RobsTV; 10-05-2012 at 05:27 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 10-05-2012, 04:59 PM
yanici yanici is offline
US Veteran
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: N/E Massachusetts
Posts: 443
Likes: 126
Liked 155 Times in 84 Posts
Default

RobsTV, I can say that the APEX kit dramatically improved my MA compliant Shield trigger. I tried a free state trigger at my LGS and if that had been available in MA I don't believe I would have bought the APEX kit. The stock trigger on the demo model was that good.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 10-05-2012, 05:10 PM
RobsTV's Avatar
RobsTV RobsTV is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: W. Pasco Florida
Posts: 266
Likes: 115
Liked 84 Times in 47 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by yanici View Post
RobsTV, I can say that the APEX kit dramatically improved my MA compliant Shield trigger. I tried a free state trigger at my LGS and if that had been available in MA I don't believe I would have bought the APEX kit. The stock trigger on the demo model was that good.
That is a perfect example of where this kit will shine.

And of course there are others that have something that rates a 8.5 out of 10, that will pay anything to get it to rate a 9 or 9.5 out of 10. No problem with consumers that always only want the best. I would rather keep the cash and let the 8.5 break into an 8.75, but that's just me. I expected far too much for $80, and realistically, it costs more than $80 to do it right.

Last edited by RobsTV; 10-05-2012 at 05:13 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 10-05-2012, 05:36 PM
Hohopelli's Avatar
Hohopelli Hohopelli is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Liked 33 Times in 24 Posts
Default

Indeed.. You can't get much of anything these days for $75...

For me.. It's worth the cost.. the trigger pull distance is about half the original and the weight of pull is about 2/3rds or so. Ron

PS: The USB does lower the trigger weight.. You'll need to hone the channel to get rid of the grittiness..

Last edited by Hohopelli; 10-05-2012 at 05:57 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 10-06-2012, 09:10 AM
SimpleWeaponSolutions's Avatar
SimpleWeaponSolutions SimpleWeaponSolutions is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 225
Liked 364 Times in 184 Posts
Default

I installed my kit last night, and it made a major improvement. It felt like I had a 15 lbs trigger from the factory and also my rear sight had an insane amount of press fit and it got marred up a bit during removal.

To remove my rear sight, I completely stripped my slide down, remove the striker, and used a propane torch to heat slide and sight. If you decide to do this be careful as there is a plastic sleeve that the striker rides in, and is held captive in the slide by the USB.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10-06-2012, 03:41 PM
robkarrob robkarrob is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 3
Liked 517 Times in 297 Posts
Default

Check out the Apex trigger pull on the Shield at the 10 minute 15 second time frame of this video:

M&P Shield Apex Trigger Install Results - YouTube

Using the stock Shield springs the trigger pull is 4.25 pounds.


Or check this video showing the same trigger with a trigger stop at 8 minutes 10 seconds:

http://youtu.be/b8TzoGDI3Iw

Trigger pull 3 pounds 10-12 ounces by using a Glock trigger spring.


I am sure I will get comments about that being an unsafe trigger for carry. Improvements to a gun, that allow you to shoot it better, make it a better carry gun. The lighter trigger pull and trigger stop, on my Shield, helps me shoot it more consistently and have faster recovery. People should practice shooting their carry gun, so they become used to the trigger pull, recoil and recovery, and can shoot it accurately. This is now my only carry gun and I don't have to worry about different trigger pulls between guns. What makes a safe carry gun is training and practice, and knowing your gun. Also if you follow proper gun safety rules, your finger should be off the trigger until you know your target and are ready to fire. The Shield has a manual safety. I carry with that safety on and practice flipping it off, with my thumb, as I draw my weapon. I also might have a better idea as to how I would react in a stress situation, as I spent many years in LE.

I would agree that a long, heavy trigger pull is what an inexperienced shooter should have. This would also apply to those that have experience, but fail to practice often with their carry gun.





RobsTV you have to clamp the slide in a vice and pound hard on the sight to get it off. You may have to heat the set screw to get it to loosen. Knock it off from left to right. It is pressed on at the factory and you have to pound hard to drive it off. Wrap your punch in tape to protect the sight from damage. I used only the Apex sear and blocker, not the kit.

I can somewhat agree that the Apex kit was not a dramatic change from the stock trigger pull. It shotrened the total sear, over travel, reset from 7/32 inch to 1/8 inch, or 3/32 inch less. Most of that was in over travel. What I liked best was the reduced trigger pull weight from 6.5 pounds to 4.25 pounds using the stock Shield springs. But with my over travel stop I now have a total sear, over travel, reset of just over 1/16 inch. Now that is a big improvement. If I had installed the over travel stop with the stock trigger, my total pull would have been 1/8 inch.

After the Apex install, I still had a gritty pull. I had to remove the blocker and grind a burr out of the blocker bore. See the following video how I did that:

http://youtu.be/6_r-J4zAJHo




Bob

Last edited by robkarrob; 10-06-2012 at 06:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 10-06-2012, 05:07 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

Shooting my Shield 40 today with stock trigger, I was keeping rounds inside a 5 1/2" bull at 25 yards. Standing unsupported. The stock trigger is easy to control, and more importantly, safe. It's your gun and you can do whatever you want with it, but you will never convince me that you need a 3 pound trigger on a carry gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 10-06-2012, 06:30 PM
robkarrob robkarrob is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 3
Liked 517 Times in 297 Posts
Default

It is not my intension to convince anyone to make any modifications to their guns. I am only showing what I did to my gun, and how I did it. A gun is like a steak, some like it rare and some like it well done. We all have our opinions and you won't see me tell anyone they are wrong or try to change their mind. I will only state my opinion and my reasons for that opinion.

Bob
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 10-06-2012, 08:22 PM
kodiakpb's Avatar
kodiakpb kodiakpb is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 353
Likes: 47
Liked 57 Times in 37 Posts
Default

Light triggers are fine for the range. Light triggers in carry weapons under real stress will result in unintentional discharges...especially if shooting from reset. Unintentional discharges...such as unintentional double taps (as an example) are not controlled. Uncontrolled rounds result in shooting something you did not intend to shoot. Go look at the recent thread of some guy installing a DCAEK in his 9C. His trigger was around 4lbs because he did not use all the springs, and he was double tapping at the range shooting paper. You can practice shooting paper all you want..but when your life is on the line your fine motor skills are going to go to hell. My advice to you is to spend some more time becoming proficient without having to rely on a competition weight trigger in order to hit what you are shooting at.

Last edited by kodiakpb; 10-06-2012 at 08:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 10-06-2012, 08:29 PM
icemn icemn is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 499
Likes: 124
Liked 101 Times in 81 Posts
Default

If anybody has a USB and spring that they don't intend to use, I'd be interested.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 10-06-2012, 08:30 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by robkarrob View Post
It is not my intension to convince anyone to make any modifications to their guns. I am only showing what I did to my gun, and how I did it. A gun is like a steak, some like it rare and some like it well done. We all have our opinions and you won't see me tell anyone they are wrong or try to change their mind. I will only state my opinion and my reasons for that opinion.

Bob
I didn't mean to imply you were Bob, I was just speaking generally. I have the same concerns as kodiakpb above. If the trigger feels fine to me now shooting paper with zero stress, what's it going to feel like with adrenaline pumping hard? A whole lot lighter.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 10-06-2012, 08:43 PM
Hohopelli's Avatar
Hohopelli Hohopelli is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Liked 33 Times in 24 Posts
Default

I don't think mine is less than 5# with the APEX carry kit. My usual carry pistols are 4-1/2 to 5# adjusted by a pistolsmith and the shield is heavier. 4-1/2# is the minimum for carry (IMO) and 5# is a good number to shoot for. I don't however like 7-8 or 9#.. Ron
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 10-06-2012, 09:19 PM
sneakerd sneakerd is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Edgewater, CO
Posts: 53
Likes: 6
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I'm pretty happy with my stock Shield trigger as is after about 1500 rounds. I don't expect or want it to be a target trigger. I recently felt an Apex trigger on a standard M&P 9mm and want no part of it. I have 2 Pro Series M&P 9mms, each with almost 3000 rounds thru them. The trigger, like wine, just gets better with age (use). As for sights, I think the 24/7 Big Dots would be perfect. That's my plan. It's a 5-10 yard defense gun- I try to keep that in mind.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 10-07-2012, 11:00 AM
robkarrob robkarrob is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 3
Liked 517 Times in 297 Posts
Default

I said I will get a lot of comments regarding a lighter trigger pull. The mention of the "double taps" reference was someone that just installed the kit and took it to the range. Sure this can happen as he was unfamiliar with the new trigger. My comment was you have to practice with your carry gun and know how it shoots instinctively.

My Shield has a light pull and very short reset. I practice often with it. My finger does not go on the trigger until I am prepared to fire. I pull the trigger and hold, for one shot. I do not release the trigger until I am ready for the next shot. When I release the trigger for reset, it is because I am prepared for the next shot. I cannot get unintended firings using this style of trigger control. But if I need to rapid fire three or four shots in quick succession, my modified Shield and training allows me to accomplish this with good recoil control and accuracy.

I have seen many unintended double taps, at the range. These are caused by releasing the trigger to reset, immediately after firing. Then either the recoil or a flinch causes a second pull of the trigger, bang bang. That cannot happen if they practice keeping the trigger pulled back to the stop, after each shot.

The problem I see reading these posts is too many people buy SD guns and do not practice enough with them. They do not practice often and when they do go to the range, they only practice for accuracy. They do not practice for an actual SD situation. These points are not practiced: draw, point, one handed, weak handed, weak eye, etc.

I feel the point and shoot is the most important SD shooting situation. I have a laser on my SD carry guns. It allows point practice away from the range and shows exactly where that bullet is going. When I got my first laser, I was amazed how bad my point and shoot accuracy was. With much practice my aim is now improved. From normal SD distances I know I can hit my target by pointing, without having the laser activated. For longer distances I do aim, but that does take a few more seconds.

Bob

Last edited by robkarrob; 10-07-2012 at 04:05 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 10-08-2012, 07:41 AM
RobsTV's Avatar
RobsTV RobsTV is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: W. Pasco Florida
Posts: 266
Likes: 115
Liked 84 Times in 47 Posts
Default

A quick update to prior post.
Sunday I ground down a chisel tip edge flat and blunt, and using a 3 lb hammer, was able to remove the rear sight. Only slight smashed metal damage was done to the rear sight, and happened while I was re-installing it. My fault. Replaced the USB and spring. Similar results as first portion. Not much of a noticeable difference after completing the job, and now after doing the USB, would definitely never do this a second time. It now feels slightly mushy compared to stock. Might later go back to stock parts since "to me" the S&W repaired stock trigger felt better. But will try it for a couple months to see if it grows on me.

Couple things I later thought of that might explain user differences.
The normal M&P had a trigger that was not good.
The M&P Shield has a trigger that is good.
Apex kit for the normal M&P makes the M&P better, like the close to the stock Shield?
The Shield uses mostly the same Apex parts as the M&P.

Also, the Shield is new, and they have made at least 3 versions of the .40 Shield. Perhaps the Sear has evolved with later versions. S&W did do something to reduce the trigger pull on mine that was measuring 9.5lbs. Maybe a sear swap?

If you have a Shield that has a bad trigger, I would suggest the first thing you try is the online repair order form at S&W. They will pay for shipping both ways, and in about 10 days, you will probably have a better trigger.

Last edited by RobsTV; 10-08-2012 at 10:30 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 10-08-2012, 11:17 AM
wingnuut wingnuut is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: feedinghills mass.
Posts: 252
Likes: 31
Liked 49 Times in 35 Posts
Default

Did the full trigger kit from APEX on mass comp. gun i will now keep gun what an amazing improvement went from 10.5 lbs. to 5.2 measured wiyh lyman dig. Had to put allen in rear set screw and heat wrench with torch til red hot to loosen , lot of locktite on bottom of site .
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 10-08-2012, 09:01 PM
dwp10mm dwp10mm is offline
Member
Apex Shield Carry Kit  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 74
Likes: 18
Liked 18 Times in 14 Posts
Default

I'm one of the unlucky ones. Well, unlucky in the sense that the two Shields I picked up had extremely heavy trigger pulls. After reading all the great trigger reviews, I was very disappointed after the first pull. It never crossed my mind to call up S&W and complain about the trigger. It sounds like perhaps I should have. But as I had already installed an APEX kit in my 40 Compact, I just decided to order a kit for each one.

I finished the install this weekend. For the first shield, I put in all of the parts. I started with the Striker Block first. As many have issues with the rear site, this is usually the last change people make. With the stock trigger parts, this change showed little to no improvement on the pull. When I finished the sear install, I finally had the trigger pull that matches my other M&Ps.

Now for the 2nd shield, I only put in the hard sear parts and tested the trigger. Honestly, I can tell a difference between the two, but not by much. In fact, this shield feels like the pull may be slightly more crisp than the one with the striker block. I may leave it this way for a while to see how they age.

So was it worth it? For the change in trigger pull based on how I received them....Absolutely. But if I can't tell much difference on the striker block, I may have wished for just the sear and spring upgrade. I'll report back once I test more.

dwp10mm
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
APEX Shield Carry Kit Darryl Z Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 6 05-17-2016 09:26 PM
Apex Tactical M&P Shield Carry Kit Philadelphia Patriot Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 1 04-17-2016 09:34 PM
APEX Shield Carry Kit - Which parts should I install? ColoradoDave Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 28 05-26-2014 03:10 PM
Shield .40 with apex carry kit and aek trigger ACR1010 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 4 01-15-2014 08:22 PM
APEX SHIELD Duty/Carry Kit: ANYONE INSTALL??? preluda97 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 12 10-18-2013 07:31 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:31 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)