AEK Aluminum Trigger Review

[Spartikus]

I wanted to write a short review for this trigger because I couldn't really find any reviews out there to help me determine if installing this trigger would help me achieve what I was looking for to improve my M&P 9c. Now I'll be the first to say that the reason I chose the M&P in the first place was because of everything out there, I liked the trigger the best! Now that I have been shooting awhile and own several other guns, however, I have discovered that there are a few things that could make the trigger better. Truth be told, I struggled to shoot my M&P as well as my other guns which put me on the quest to try and improve it. So here are the things I hoped to achieve:

1. Reduce the Pre-Travel
2. Get rid of the rounded feel of the physical trigger to make it easier to pull straight back
3. Help me improve accuracy as a carry gun

*note: I currently have the Apex DCAEK Duty Carry kit installed in the gun but with the stock striker block spring to stiffen up the pre-travel. This helps me pull the trigger more smoothly and not jerk it as much.

Well, I decided to take the plunge and order the AEK trigger from Midwayusa which I got in the mail today! Right out of the package you can already tell it's high quality and much flatter than the stock trigger. Dying to get it installed I started taking the gun apart. All I needed was a 1/8" roll punch, 1/16" punch, small hammer,flat head screwdriver, and feeler gauge (this is optional) to get the job done. The install went quick (especially since I watched the install video ahead of time) and didn't run into any speed bumps. Even adjusting the loop on the trigger bar was pretty quick and after 3-4 tries I had it perfect!

So what are the results? It did everything I had hoped for! It reduced pre-travel as advertised and the trigger is much flatter and easier to pull straight back. Plus a trigger that isn't plastic just feels better. I think part of the longer pre-travel on the stock trigger comes from the hinge design. It causes you to have to pull partially on the trigger just to make it uniform and then it travels the rest of the way before it breaks. The AEK trigger with the center safety gets rid of that.

Now all that's left to do is post a couple pics! Once I get to the range and give it a test run I'll do a part 2 of this review with the results. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you found it helpful.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

This affect overtravel aswell? Been thinking about doing this also. Also would this be worth doing at all without the Apex DCAEK Duty Carry or does it need it to really get any benifit? Nice write up! I like that wasn't heavy read. My particular gun was manufatured in June 2012 and has a very smooth light trigger as it is but I like the idea of a more firm solid trigger.

 

[Spartikus]

This affect overtravel aswell? Been thinking about doing this also. Also would this be worth doing at all without the Apex DCAEK Duty Carry or does it need it to really get any benifit? Nice write up! I like that wasn't heavy read. My particular gun was manufatured in June 2012 and has a very smooth light trigger as it is but I like the idea of a more firm solid trigger.

You absoutley would benefit installing the AEK trigger without the Apex Duty Carry kit and it will drastically reduce overtravel. The one thing to be aware of, however, is the AEK trigger gives you better leverage and with the stock trigger spring you will probably lighten the trigger quite a bit. DCAEK uses a heavier trigger spring which I believe puts me at 5-5.5lbs with the new trigger and the sear spring that comes with it. I would definitely talk to Apex if you want to achieve a certain trigger weight. They are very helpful and friendly and can guide you correctly.

 

[SGT_Kramer]

Thanks for response. I'll give the trigger a try first . I have weights and if it's less then 4.5 I'll order then other parts aswell. I should have no problems since when I first bought this gun I took it all the way down just to see how it all works.

 

[Masterorion9]

The trigger by itself is great. But it was primarily designed to work w/ the AEK's (both comp and D/C) after the success of the FSS & Trigger kit. If you look closely at the back of the trigger there is a small flat portion which comes in contact w/ the frame when it is in the most rearward position. This is your overtravel stop. I can't speak for this version of the trigger but on my FSS it stops a little forward of the normal frame mounted stop. This greatly enhances my own accuracy by reducing shooter error during follow through. Essentially I cannot upset the sight picture by much after the shot breaks because there really isn't much mechanical movement of the trigger after said break. I love this trigger!

 

[George9]

Will this trigger fit the M&P22? If so what's the cost of just the trigger itself. My gun already had a clean crisp light pull..George

 

[gregm784]

Doubt it. It's a totally different game under the sheets

 

[HillTop]

Wow after reading a lot of reviews I am going to have to order this trigger. I have a DCAEK kit in my M&P9 already and it really made the trigger so much better, BUT it is still smooshy and has so much over travel.