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


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  #1  
Old 10-03-2016, 11:52 AM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Default Shield 9: stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?

Greetings, All,

So far, I'm as pleased as punch with my new Shield 9 pistol! Fits my hand very nicely, is small enough, without being TOO small, and should work very well for my intended purpose.

The trigger is crisp, and feels OK to me, but it does cause my sight picture to "shimmy" when the sear releases. The "snap" of the trigger shakes up my sight picture. I've not been able to shoot this pistol, as of yet, as our local range is closed, due to high fire danger, right now. I want to hit an indoor range, down the mountain, but don't want to have to leave my brass after shooting. In any case, I do look forward to finally being able to shoot my Shield 9, as soon as I can make it happen!~

So, my question for all you Shield owners: have you left your OEM S&W trigger in your pistols, or replaced it with an Apex trigger kit, and if so, which kit did you choose, and why?

Thank you for any and all info, suggestions, or comments you can share with me! Much appreciated! I have long thought of my S&W 642 to be my "everyday" pistol, but now that the Shield has come, that may end up changing my thoughts about that! I love the 642, but if the Shield works out for me, would prefer the extra rounds in the pistol, than the 5 shots in the 642, and then a faster reload, than the simplicity and ease of carry of the 642. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc
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Old 10-03-2016, 12:02 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Quote:
it does cause my sight picture to "shimmy" when the sear releases.
That is because you are not pulling the trigger straight back, and the release of the sideways pressure causes the gun to move. The cure is to adjust how you hold the gun so you are pressing the trigger straight back, with no sideways pressure. You will see the difference in your dryfiring when you get it right. I noticed the same issue when I first got my Shield, and corrected it by adjusting my grip, as is often necessary with small pistols. The appropriate mechanical improvement to address this issue is a trigger overtravel stop, NOT installing a lighter trigger.

IMHO, deciding to modify a pistol before you have learned to shoot it is, well, premature at best. I kept my Shield stock, and have been using it in IDPA/BUG. The only change I plan is to install a Dawson Precision Front sight so I can better my 20yd shooting.
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Old 10-03-2016, 12:27 PM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Hi, OKFC05,

Thank you for your comments, and I agree with what you suggest. However, I have been shooting pistols, of all stripes, for more than 50 years, and have not had that problem before, even with such little poppers as the P3AT, and P32 Keltec offerings. But, I am most certainly going to shoot the Shield 9, BEFORE making any changes, at all, and it's very possible that what I seem to be experiencing in dry firing practice, is not going to manifest itself in actually firing the Shield. I asked about the trigger, only because that "snapping" effect is something I've never experienced before, even with the KT pistols, or other even super tiny pistols, like my Freedom arms .22 Mag, and .22 Short revolvers.

Thank you, again, for your excellent comment, and I'll most certainly be experimenting to see if my trigger control is, indeed, the cause of what I am experiencing. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc
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Old 10-03-2016, 12:49 PM
sschrick sschrick is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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definitely break it in first. a lot of dry fire practice and at least 200-300 rounds. That will just start to give you a feel for the trigger. When I first go mine, I had to adjust my finger position on the trigger to get the bullets to go where they should. Now, not much problems. I also did notice when dry firing, without a firm grip, the gun does "dance around" when the sear releases. This does not always translate to missed shots. I still have my Shield9 as stock. For me, once you get used to the trigger, it does not really matter.
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Old 10-03-2016, 01:33 PM
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Hi, sschrick ,

Thank you, very much, Sir! Your comments were exactly what I was hoping for, and it's good to see that others have experienced the same "dancing around", as I have with the Shield in dry firing. I hope, and expect, that my experience will mirror yours, when I finally get a chance to fire this pistol. Thank you, again, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

P.S. Spent 20 minutes this morning, changing my grip around, to see if different trigger positions for my finger made any difference. In truth, no change, not matter where I put my finger on the trigger. The release still seems to make the pistol "dance around" a bit. So, I am very hopeful that this will not effect my POI on target at all.
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Old 10-03-2016, 02:16 PM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I've only been in this hobby going on 4 years now, and never modified any of my handguns though i can definitely see differences in each model in that caliber for trigger/grip feel. The difference between my full size MP and my new PC Shield trigger-wise? Oh yeah its noticeable..... but that said, while i do like the feel of the PC trigger, i can do fine with either.

I haven't spent much if any time dry-firing, as I prefer to practice at the range. I'm sure that goes against the grain for many here, I just like the idea of sending 100+ rounds down range with live ammo so i can truly gauge how i am reacting upon each shot and adjust as needed. That works for me anyhow.

Back on point, I too would suggest putting rounds thru any new gun, especially if it could be a new type for the shooter, to see how it feels for them. Then if they still feel a change is needed for them, not my place to say don't do it lol.

After all, there are those who are more than happy with their new Mustang GT, while others have aftermarket pieces ordered before they even pick up their new ride.

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Old 10-03-2016, 06:07 PM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I've stayed stock. I agree with Ranger17. I prefer to practice with live rounds. Dry fire will tell you that the gun wiggles when you pull the trigger. Duh! It wiggles before you pull the trigger. It wiggles differently while you pull the trigger. It wiggles differently after the trigger breaks. Dry fire won't tell you what direction you wiggle. It won't tell you how the wiggle will affect your POI.
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Old 10-03-2016, 07:09 PM
Shield9mm Shield9mm is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I installed the apex sear only, and I'm very please with it. Trigger was a bit mushy and gritty before, now it is crisp and clean.
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Old 10-03-2016, 07:14 PM
TAC TAC is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I had two different 9mm SHIELDS, since they were introduced. Both stock triggers were perfectly acceptable, right out of the box. They both got better, after a couple hundred rounds. No complaints.
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Old 10-03-2016, 10:53 PM
kilyung kilyung is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I shot my Shield a lot before putting in Apex mods. Big difference IMO.
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Old 12-08-2016, 01:18 PM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Greetings, All,

Well, I finally had a chance to run 100+ rounds through my Shield 9, and I have to say, I LOVE this little pistol!! This range session convinced me that I do NOT need to replace the trigger, as mine is crisp, clean, and feels great! The pistol, itself, was 100% reliable, and shoots to POA very nicely!! I was shooting WW White Box 147 grain JHP's and they fed and extracted, perfectly, with no jams or other problems. The recoil was surprisingly light! I'm used to shooting my Glock G27 and 23, and so the Shield 9 was a a very easy recoiling pistol, IMHO. The facts that it's so reliable, and that it shoots to POA, make this pistol one of my favorites, and it will probably replace my 642 as an EDC BUG. I love the 642, as well, but much prefer to have a few more rounds available, and a quick reload, if necessary. After the terrorist shootings, just down the mountain in San Bernardino, CA, more rounds, and easier reloads are no longer theoretically important. They are of PARAMOUNT importance, to me!!

Just thought I'd post this update, and will do more as I get more time to shoot. Our local range remains shut down, due to the constant threat of forest fires. So, I had to drive to a range 2 1/2 hours South, to shoot with my brother at his club range.

As the WW White box 147 grain JHPs are so accurate, and function nicely, I'll keep using those. But, I've also bought some WW Train and Defend ammo, in the same 147 grain weight, and if it is as reliable as the White box stuff, and as accurate, I'll switch to T&D.

I have been using a G-Code Incog Eclipse holster with the regular "mojo", for the Shield, and love it! I'll add a few more holsters, and end up with enough to cover several scenarios, as needed. Thanks for reading, and thanks to S&W for the most excellent Shield 9 pistol!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc
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Last edited by Doc Mark; 12-08-2016 at 01:21 PM.
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  #12  
Old 12-14-2016, 10:58 AM
greerstyl greerstyl is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Full apex kit with trigger is amazing. I think the shield is awesome either way. But it's incredible with the whole kit.
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  #13  
Old 12-14-2016, 11:17 AM
Shield9mm Shield9mm is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I have the apex sear, and striker block on mine, the factory trigger was kind of gritty and mushy. Mine has been flawless too.

Last edited by Shield9mm; 12-14-2016 at 11:23 AM.
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Old 12-14-2016, 11:29 AM
TruckinThumper TruckinThumper is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greerstyl View Post
Full apex kit with trigger is amazing. I think the shield is awesome either way. But it's incredible with the whole kit.
^This

I cant plug Apex enough.

While it is not a 1911 trigger, it will work, and work well.

I have 2 M&Ps, both got the Apex trigger kits before I hit 500 rounds.
The stock trigger setup is horrible (I come from 1911s) I went with Apex's Thin Blue line.....25% of the sale went to help the families of fallen LEO.

I went from the 6-7lb range to close to 3 lbs.

I very good investment
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Old 12-14-2016, 11:42 AM
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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The trigger is not the problem. As you said, it's crisp and feels OK to you, so my suggestion would be to experiment with a firm grip and shoot it as much as possible until you get used to it.
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Old 12-14-2016, 12:55 PM
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Slingn Slingn is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Coming from a FS pro version with a trigger pull of about 4.5 lbs to the shield over 6, I too noticed a little wiggle when the trigger broke. Practice with different grip and finger placement has helped that a lot. Do the quarter test. Balance a quarter on your front site and dry fire. Do it until you can dry fire without the quarter falling off. No more shimmy problem.
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Old 12-14-2016, 06:54 PM
Angus46 Angus46 is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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I have to comment on this one. I have a new model M and P pro. I had exactly the same issue when the sear broke. Not a trigger pull problem, but a slide/barrel lock up problem. Set your sear and then watch the slide from the side and see I feel it jumps when you break the trigger. Mine would move all over the place. Had nothing to do with my grip or trigger press. My guess yours is doing the same thing due to loose tolerances in the barrel lockup and slide rails. A new oversized gunsmith fit barrel fixed that. Now no movement at all when the sear breaks.

While was at it also an Apex trigger kit. I agree not near a tuned 1911 trigger but close. I had polished and worked over all the contact surfaces on the Pro trigger before and was pretty happy with it. However, the Apex kit definitely improved the break, reset and distance traveled.

If you have the money I think you will be happy with the kit.
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Old 12-14-2016, 07:05 PM
bobswinea bobswinea is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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When I first got my Shield I spent a lot of time dry firing it. Used a penny on the slide until I could dry fire reliably without it falling off. Also spent dry fire time with barrel about one inch away from blank paper taped to the wall. This also helped. I am happy now that I can put every round live fire into an 8 inch paper plate at 7-10 yards. I am content with this performance. Its not what I would describe as a "tack driver" but it wasn't designed for that. Its a great defensive weapon. Thanks.
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Old 12-15-2016, 12:18 AM
Bonephish Bonephish is offline
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Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit? Shield 9:  stock trigger, or Apex trigger kit?  
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Under $100 and well worth it...

The Apex Duty/Carry Kit for the M&P Shield was designed to provide the Shield pistol owner a smooth, consistent trigger pull that is approximately 2 lbs lighter (based on variations in factory tolerances) with the advantages of shorter over-travel and more detectable trigger reset. All of the components work together to provide a pull weight within the acceptable range for a top end, service pistol. The kit itself is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing. However, armorer or gunsmith installation of the Ultimate Striker Block (USB) into the Shield slide is strongly recommended**.

Expected Results
– Reduces trigger pull by approximately 2 lbs.
– Smooth uptake and reset
– Reduces reset length
– Reduces over-travel
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