I saw an apex video on you tube where they state the sear provided in their Shield kit is the same as the part sold for the M&P. Anybody have first hand experience with this?
Am thinking I already have a pretty nicely worked ( per Burwell instructions) spare M&P sear that might drop right in.

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Dave

I received this information from Jon Shadwick at Apex Tactical, back in eary June:


Here is all the intel we have pertaining to the M&P Shield:

What we know
When our Shield arrived here at Apex, it had a gritty pre-travel, hard break and relatively long over travel, yet a distinct reset. Upon detailed disassembly and inspection, we noticed the following parts interchangeable between the Shield and the full size M&P.

Sear
Sear Spring
Sear Plunger
Striker Block
Striker Block Spring
Striker Block Washer
Trigger Return Spring
Striker Assembly
Extractor Pin

That being said, our present M&P products were tested in the M&P Shield for function. We put a teaser on our Facebook page on April 25th, that we were testing our new M&P Shield Carry Kit (SCK). Claire, Jon and Scott took the M&P Shield to the Hogue Action Pistol range to fire the first 1000 rounds through the new M&P Shield in order to test our products for the release of the Shield Carry Kit and we will continue to shoot it more in coming weeks. The products we had installed in the Shield for that test were as follows:


Apex Hard Sear
Apex Ultimate Striker Block Kit(USB Kit)
Apex Duty/Carry Sear and Trigger Return Spring (DC Spring Kit)

Through 1000 rounds of Blazer Brass ammunition, the Shield performed admirably, feeding each round effortlessly with zero stoppages of any kind. The Shield was shot off hand with 2 hands, by left and right handed shooters as well as strong and weak hand only.

In the R&D lab, we tested the Shield with our Duty/Carry kit installed and it produced the same results as with the standard M&P series guns. The DCAEK took the trigger pull down from 5.75 lbs. with more than .110" over travel to 5 lbs. with .060" over travel, with a noticeably smoother uptake and crisper break.

The Apex Hard Sear and USB Kit were tested in conjunction with the factory springs in the Shield and we found the results to be the same as with other M&P models we've tested. The trigger pull was brought down to 4.25 lbs. with a smooth uptake and crisp break.

We do not recommend installing the Apex Competition Spring kit or Comp AEK into the M&P Shield as it is a product we feel is best kept with a trigger pull above the 4 lb. mark.

Newsletter Subtitle
Month Year

Apex Products that DO NOT work in the Shield
The Apex Forward Set Trigger and AEK triggers do not work in the M&P Shield. The factory trigger in the Shield is narrower than the M&P triggers. We are presently working on a solid body polymer trigger to replace the factory trigger.

The Apex Failure Resistant Extractor does not function in the Shield. The Shield Extractor is much narrower than the M&P Extractor. We are uncertain at this time if the necessity will exist for a Shield model of the FRE, but we will certainly look into it as time goes on.

The Trigger Pivot Pin in our M&P Shield measures .130 in diameter, which is significantly smaller than the full size M&P. The slave pins we currently offer in our Kits, will not work in the Shield. We are working to produce a slave pin specifically for the M&P Shield which will be included in any kit that requires the trigger to be installed into the frame.


Other Notable differences
The frame rails on the Shield's locking block are certainly stouter than the M&P's. The Sear Housing Block has an additional piece of frame rail on its left side right behind the ejector, which is never a bad thing, the more frame rail surface you have, the better the lockup and overall durability. The frame also has a steel support at the front, just forward of the locking block, which we surmise adds rigidity to the frame to enhance durability.


Final Thought

The M&P Shield is a great little carry gun. Its magazine capacities of 7 and 8 rounds coupled with its slim line body and reliability make is a great carry piece.

To get the latest up to date information on the Shield Carry Kit and other Apex products, Like us on Facebook, follow our Blog or sign up for our newsletter on our Shopping Cart.

Hope it helps

Jon

On 6/4/2012 11:55 AM

I purchased the Hard Sear alone. Using a couple of videos and about fifteen minutes got the trigger to about 5-3/4# and it now, about 1000 rounds later, it is very smooth. I changed no springs or did anything to the striker block. The first link explains how to modify the safety. It will help you understand how to move the cage assembly out of the way to remove the sear pin allowing the sear to be removed. NOTE the small spring under the sear. REMOVE sear carefully. Apex Tactical probably has newer videos up on their website but this worked great for me. Take your time re installing the assembly back in the frame. Force nothing. It takes a little time to get it back in just right the first time.
M&P Shield Manual Safety Removal - YouTube

Hard Sear Install.wmv - YouTube

WOW!! Who's better than you two guys!!?
Great info! Hope to use it this week. Thanks MUCH!

Dave

__________________
Dave

The sears are the same.


C4

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S&W M&P Armorer
S&W LE Distr.

Let us all know how it went for you.