Yesterday I installed the apex trigger and spring kit on my sd9ve . The first thing I noticed was it did away with that gritty feel the old system had. It did not improve the long pull distance and reset length; but it's so much smoother and lighter I barely notice the distance.
I don't have a trigger pull scale so I will take the word of others that it is now around the 5.5 pull pound level.
If you are going to do this to your sdve I strongly suggest you review the how to video from apex on YouTube a few times before you start. The only problem I had was trying to properly line up the slide stop so the trigger group retaining pin could capture it. For twenty bucks and a couple of hours (mostly on the problem mentioned above) you cant go worng and it seems to really clean up the factory pull.

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Freedom isn't free

I have a 9mm and 40cal shield need to do this to mine

I also have a Shield in 9mm but not sure if I'm ready to tackle it yet. My next sd addition will be the big dot sight system. It should be here this week. If you do the shield trigger let me know how it goes. Happy shooting

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Freedom isn't free

I have both the apex trigger (plastic) and spring kit. The trigger replacement really shortens the takeup pull and there is now no noticeable over travel. I have a trigger scale and mine now breaks at 4.5lbs avg over 5 pulls. I love mine

Did you have the same install issues as others have had on the trigger?

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Freedom isn't free

I installed a trigger and spring this weekend = disaster. The trigger did not allow enough travel to trip the sear. I reinstalled the old trigger.

It took me a while to discover that the lighter spring did not have enough strength to relocate/reset the trigger bar after the sear is released, about one time in five. Meaning the gun wouldn't fire. I removed the new spring and reinstalled the old one...

Apex has a good reputation and deservedly so. It is possible my 2012 SD9 is a little out of spec, or perhaps I did not file enough of the back of the trigger away to make it work, or something else that is my fault. In any case, it did not work for me.

I am also suspicious of the lighter striker spring and did not install it. I am back to having a smooth but long and somewhat heavy trigger pull, in a totally reliable pistol. Which is okay. I still like Apex and appreciate the value of their parts in my M&Ps.

I don't know if the SD can be turned into a "great" target gun, or if we should even try. I wonder how many other people have the problems I experienced.

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S&W Rover

Thanks for the info. I was on the fence about the trigger install. For every one good report I have heard three bad reviews about doing it. I have not experienced any of the issues you have mentioned; but, then again I still have my stock trigger in my sdve. Glad you were able to get you sd up and running again. I also have a shild but for now I'm good the way it is. Happy shooting

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Freedom isn't free

SD wont be a great target gun... it will be a great self defense gun

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Fugitive Recovery Agent

-hmbiohazard, I agree totally

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Freedom isn't free

I sent an email to Apex today with some comments on the problems I had with the trigger and the spring. Scott called me back and explained the factors in obtaining a good installation and is sending me another trigger (that he will hand fit to a SD before sending) and offered to send me another spring. I declined the spring, because I want to err on the side of reliability, but await the new trigger (and will send the old one back).

I am again impressed with Apex. They make fine products and stand behind them. I am thinking that variances in the SD's frame make the fitting of a trigger a bit problematic, but am very happy to see that Apex is working hard to make sure I get a good deal and can make the trigger work.

The SD is very sweet, and fitting an Apex trigger that will work will make it better. It isn't a target pistol, it is a great self-defense gun that shoots nicely enough.

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S&W Rover

I would bet you didn't file enough or at the right spot.
I had to try/file mine about 5 or 6 times.
When it tripped the sear everytime, I filed it another few seconds and called it done. Instead of pounding that roll pin in and out...I used a punch...
WAY easier!

Sold my SDVE but it was a reliable, bang everytime gun...I had the apex spring and trigger...
Thinking about the AEK trigger for my 40c....

Good point on reassembling with a punch, to test a few times, rather than reinstalling the trigger pin AND THEN finding out it wasn't quite right.

I may not have taken enough off the back of the trigger. We'll see when the new one arrives. I feel like I really know the inner workings of this pistol now.

By the way, the MGW site pusher for the M&P works perfectly for the SD (and presumably the SD-VE). I installed a Warren Tactical fiber optic on the front and a Warren Tactical all-black sight on the back: my favorite combination. My recommendation: don't ever use a punch to remove a front or rear sight, buy or borrow a MGW sight pusher.

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S&W Rover

I just recently installed the Apex spring kit and the Apex polymer trigger in my SD40VE and it was the best thing I did. Fortunately, I didn't have to file any off of my trigger. The whole process took 30 mins and it was literally a drop in install. I have fired about 150 rds through it now without any issues at all. I also installed the Galloway SS guide rod with the 20# spring as well. It's like a completely different (better) firearm now.

I just had TruGlo TFO put on my 40c yesterday. My LGS has the tool, gave them 20 cash to put on the front and rear.
With a vice and a brass punch, I could probably get the rear sight off. Front, I don't even want to think about it....

I told my LGS you can buy that tool for $130 now a days. He said they paid $300 for it...originally.

I like my LGS, so I didn't want to mention "Internet" or "Online shopping" and sound like a jerk....LOL.

S&W...I'm with you. I got to know the workings of the SDs very well, from the trigger to the springs and the internals of the slide. Well worth the time spent figuring it out.

I really loved my SD, but...I shoot and love my 40c better.
My next pistol will be a 5" barrel 9mm for target and IDPA...

i got my rear off with a punch and jewelry hammer when i did my duracoat job. the front i kept on because it wasnt budging. when i get some night sites i will have dajogejr's lgs put em on and hope i get the same pricing lol

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Fugitive Recovery Agent

Thats the same problem I had trying to remove the front sight. I'm open to suggestions on how to get it off.

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Freedom isn't free

I bought a MGW sight pusher -- it does a great job, and to me it is worth it if I change sights more than two times -- which I have.

You can rent them from Speed Shooter Specialties. Link: Sight Tools For Rent : Welcome to Speed Shooter Specialties

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S&W Rover

Here is my experience with upgrading my SD40VE.

SD40VE Upgrades

Stevewonderful - we have had similar experiences here. I am about to install a new replacement Apex trigger sent to me by Scott (for free)... and see how it works. Bottom line is that I am satisfied with mine as it is (with the regular trigger and trigger spring) but will give it one more try because, well, Scott was good enough to send me a new trigger. Besides, I have a Galloway wide takedown lever I need to install...

Overall, I really like this gun -- and don't mind that not everything I tried worked out. More on the replacement trigger when I am done.

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S&W Rover

Check out this post I made, it might be helpful...

Apex spring kit and trigger install tips

I did the same on my SD9VE (Aug 2016). I did have to spend two hours painstakingly filing the trigger to make it work. I was able to save myself some work by trimming off some of the excess polymer on the seam behind the trigger using a sharp penknife.

Filing the back of the trigger while it's installed is a bit tricky, but with patience, care you'll get there. Using a penknife to shave off the roughness created by the filing really makes for a nice finish too. The cost was over $100 for all the parts needed.


If you already own an SD9 series handgun, these upgrades are well worth the investment in time and money, not to mention the educational experience of completely disassembling and reassembling your firearm.


If you are contemplating these upgrades to your SD or MP, WATCH THE VIDEOS, and watch them more than once, and follow them step by step.

Put the slide in a vise. I took a round punch and hit one side with a grinder to make it flat. Take hammer and hit it harder than you think it will take to get it off (tapping it didn't do anything)

Just installed the Apex trigger on a new SD9VE. Still have factory springs. Noticed a glitch right away when dry firing...did not trip the striker, but only every now and then. Still, not acceptable. Used a high quality fingernail file to shave a bit off the back of the trigger...have dry-fired a few dozen times with each hand and it clicks every time. I will be taking it to the range on Friday...have springs coming, but depending on what I think, may not change them. LOVE the feel of the Apex trigger! Really didn't like the factory hinged trigger at all, but I assume it was to avoid further legal probs with Glock. I've put a lot of rounds through S&W .357 revolvers...a lot of rounds, so trigger pull weight is not as big a deal to me. I like the look and feel of this auto...can't wait to hit the range! The Apex install video is a MUST. I got the job done with very rudamentary tools. Proud to have another S&W in my arsenal.

After reading all these posts, I think I'd be better off paying a gunsmith $30 to do the job for me if I decide to go that route. However, I do think the pull on my 9mm is slightly less than on a friend's 40 caliber that I shot.

Hello Posters. My Wife Just Purchased The S&W SD9 VE. We Then Purchased The Apex M&P Polymer Action Enhancement Trigget Kit. My Cousin Installed It. I Just Realized That It Is The Wrong Kit. We Have Not Shot It Yet. Everything Seems To Work Well, The Trigger Feels Smoth. Should I Uninstall It, Trash It And Purchase The Apex SD Polymer Action Enhancement Trigget Kit?
Thank You, WellWicked

If I were you I would call Apex direct or email them with your concern.

Why chance it and have something wrong...

Just a minor niggle...the SD 9VE IS a great self-defense gun. I just bought a new one (April 2016 production date) and the trigger is lighter and smoother than ever. I'm guessing 7 pounds (with my booger hook) and the frame has a more pronounced texture, so it's grippier. I won't need to put a grip sleeve on this one. I'm putting in the wider take down lever today, and then I'll put on night sights as soon as I can. That's all I plan to do to this great home and self defense pistol, other than run some ammo through it.

Maybe that explains why the trigger pull doesn't seem so bad on mine. They must have made recent improvements.

GKC you are right...this is not a tack driver as the lockup is not the tightest however it feed and ejects anything I have been able to stuff it with with no problems at all! My trigger pull using the SW factory springs and the Apex trigger is 6 lbs. Good poundage for a self defense striker pistol...the reset with the new trigger is perfect for this type of weapon.

Wrong. I emailed S & W and was told the trigger pull is the same as it has always been. I'm just going to get used to it by shooting a lot and not be concerned. If I'd have been shooting a pistol with a 4# trigger pull I could see where this pistol would be a larger issue.

That's the best thing to do!

That is EXACTLY what happened Rover.

You can do the filing with the gun assembled by the way.

Just keep filing a little at a time and then you will find that sweet spot.

I have put in a total of 7 SDVE Apex triggers and spring kits for me and my buddies and each one needed a different amount filed away. One I had thought something was defective or something I needed to file away so much. But then it hit that sweet spot and it was beautiful.

When you do, you will know right off.

I am loving my 40 trigger.

Doc

Just got done installing my trigger and didn't have to file anything. Reset and fire work beautiful. I can't wait to get to the range

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

Lucky ********

I'm jealous.

All 7 I have put in needed it.

Doc

I just installed a the Apex Trigger and Spring kit on my CA Model SD9VE. Getting through reinstalling the Magazine Disconnect with the Sear Housing Block was Brutal to say the least! I can go into it if anyone here is running into that issue.

Its a trade off. A light trigger is wonderful to shoot but dangerous to carry or handle. A heavy trigger reduces unintentional discharges of the firearm but makes it hard to hit anything. I don't like to modify guns. So if you want a lighter trigger go with a Walther with a 5.5 lb trigger or a Bersa 9mm with a 3.9 lb trigger. But watch out for accidental discharges because they are dangerous.

Generally speaking that is true but the above mentioned mods are reducing a trigger from about 8 pounds to about 6 pounds. Hardly a light trigger and no where near being a dangerous modification.

My XDs and UCII both have lighter triggers than that from the factory and aren't considered dangerous.

When considering heavy triggers in a panic situation, which one is more dangerous? The heavy trigger that is more inclined to make a person miss and hit someone else or the one that is a little lighter and will allow better shot placement that doesn't hurt anyone else? At 6 pounds, one still has to really mean it to discharge the pistol. 8 pounds and heavier is just placating the safety Nazis who don't know **** about firearms.