I'm looking for information on if this kit

https://apextactical.com/store/produ...php?pid78.html

is truly a drop in kit or if you had to make some modifications?

I know on the site it says "gunsmith installation recommended". Online, it seems like some people just do the installation easily, but then I see some videos on YouTube of people having to modify the trigger bar loop.

What was your experience? I'm handy enough with tools, I am concerned about having to make any modifications that would affect reliability.

It was easy to install in my 9c. The only issue I had was my sear plunger and spring went flying. I found the spring, but the plunger is still lost. I bought 2 new ones from Speed Shooters Specialities. You usually do have to open up the trigger bar loop. It is scarier sounding than it is. Just use a flat bladed screw driver and stick it in t he loop. Then gently twist the screw driver thus making the trigger bar loop bigger. Where the loop "closes" is where you want to see it opening. Enlarge it by very small amounts at a time. Check to see if the sear engages. If it does then great, you are done. If it doesn't, then gently open the trigger bar up some more and test. Some guns take almost no change to the trigger bar loop, some take quite a bit. If you open it too much you can close it some with needle nose pliers. If you can afford it, get the Apex Armors block too. It makes it a lot easier to work on your M&P's.

I just dropped in the Apex sear. No spring changes. The trigger went from about 7-1/2# to 5-3/4#. I have done nothing to the striker block and the trigger has smoothed out nicely with continued usage.

Me too and trigger pull and feel is much better. One thing I learned at my shooting club is the Shield does smooth up nicely AFTER 500 rounds. The guys wrinkled their noses at my Shield trigger before the sear replacement LOL. It was exceptionally harsh. We all shoot IDPA so hard triggers are not the norm. Good luck!

Agree the trigger does get better with use. I probably have close to 1000 rounds through mine. I might consider just trying the sear first. Would be way easier and would save some money too. Good info. Thanks.

If you have the required tools, it is a very easy job - EXCEPT for removing the rear sight to replace the striker block. This requires a good sight pusher or a lot of courage, a vise, a big hammer and a brass punch you don't mind sacrificing to the cause.

The sear is a 15 minute job, max, less if you've done it before.

I suggest that you check APEX's online videos to see if this is a job you feel comfortable doing.

I installed the entire kit, minus the new trigger itself, in both of my Shields. The hardest part is removing the rear sight to replace the firing pin plunger.

Since then, I have installed one of the new triggers (and have the other waiting). The directions tell you to clean up the opening in the frame to clear the new trigger. A very important step !

Sometimes, the trigger bar needs to be cleaned up at the tip so there is no binding inside the AEK.

It is covered in their video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEmP_F9oAHI

In some instances, the trigger slot in the frame is a bit to narrow and needs to be filed. We installed two of these triggers today and both times, the trigger bar and frame needed filed to get the trigger to fit.


C4

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

Excellent info. Thanks!

I was all set to do it on my own. Bought a hammer and punch kit, watched all the videos...and then found a local gunsmith who would install it, and my trijicon sights same day for $50. Done deal. Glad I had him do it as I know everything is done perfectly. Now to put some rounds through it this weekend.

Post an image with the sights


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm

I watched a few videos on how to install the Apex Kit. It seems a little testy; if I say so myself.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm