Apex Duty/Carry kit

[Gunnslinger]

I just installed this on my M&P 340. I think it made a nice difference and the trigger feels a lot better. The pull is still somewhat heavy, but much better than 12 lbs.

Only thing I noticed is that the trigger reset is a little weak. It goes back forward on its own, but it doesn't seem to do it with the "authority" it did in stock form. Anyone else with this kit notice that?

Thanks

 

[birdshooter]

I noticed that trigger return was kinda slow too. I actually removed my kit and went back to the stock set up. While the kit definitely lighten up the pull in my revolver, I thought it made the action kinda jumpy. In my opinion, in my gun, the stock set up is smoother, though heavier.

 

[Ranger514]

I didn't notice anything other than a distinctly improved trigger pull when I installed the Apex Duty/Carry kit in my 642.

 

[OKFC05]

I don't care for the ultra light rebound springs and don't go below 14#, even in my competition revolvers. I don't like the feeling of starting to outrun the trigger in fast double action.

For me, changing springs alone without making sure the rebound parts are slick does not cut it.

 

[Gunnslinger]

I noticed that trigger return was kinda slow too. I actually removed my kit and went back to the stock set up. While the kit definitely lighten up the pull in my revolver, I thought it made the action kinda jumpy. In my opinion, in my gun, the stock set up is smoother, though heavier.

Yeah, I feel exactly the same way. I still haven't shot it at the range yet, so we'll see. Maybe I'll get used to it. I carry this gun a lot in the winter months, so I really want to be able to count on it.

 

[kimber70]

outch I was going to order that kit but not now......

 

[chief38]

I just installed this on my M&P 340. I think it made a nice difference and the trigger feels a lot better. The pull is still somewhat heavy, but much better than 12 lbs.

Only thing I noticed is that the trigger reset is a little weak. It goes back forward on its own, but it doesn't seem to do it with the "authority" it did in stock form. Anyone else with this kit notice that?

Thanks

Be cautious as to what you do to a SD CARRY GUN! Nothing takes the place of reliability in a SD weapon. A SD gun's trigger should snap back with a positive feel and not drag or lag. My SD carry guns remain Factory set up and all I do to them is disassemble, clean, de-burr ONLY where necessary, lightly lube, reassemble, shoot, shoot, shoot. All my carry guns are 100% reliable and smooth. The DA triggers are not light target shooting quality but they are smooth and reliable.

 

[Helderberg]

I removed the trigger, rebound slide and hammer and stoned the edges that contact the frame on my 638. Not a big removal of material just a rounding of all squared surfaces and edges. Made the action smoother and then the Apex spring kit added to the feel but I do not use the gun for EDC. I did buy a 642 PC and solved all my problems. I like the Apex kit but do not trust it for personal protection. Just my .02 but, to be fair, the 638 with the Apex kit is a big improvement in trigger pull. Fun range gun for me.

 

[Ogie]

outch I was going to order that kit but not now......

My 642 functions just fine with the Apex kit and trigger pull and smoothness is much improved.

 

[Gunnslinger]

outch I was going to order that kit but not now......

You might want to give it a try. Don't get me wrong, the trigger pull is way better, but it just feels a little weird when returning to it's forward position.

I understand the people who don't want to modify a SD weapon, but I know how important shot placement is (more so when you only have 5 rounds). I think the lighter trigger will really help my accuracy.

Also, I emailed Apex and they said I could always put the stock rebound spring back in, but it would make the trigger heavier. Probably lighter than stock, but not as light as with the full kit. I'll shoot it a bit at the range and see if I have any issues. It's too bad my S&W didn't come with the trigger on the Ruger LCR. I shot one of those and the trigger is much better.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Only thing I noticed is that the trigger reset is a little weak. It goes back forward on its own, but it doesn't seem to do it with the "authority" it did in stock form. Thanks

Yes, that is what happens when you put a lighter rebound spring in there. I prefer to leave them as S&W set them up. Dropping a pull a pound or two is not enough to compromise a fast trigger return when follow-up shots are such an important part of a self-defense scenario.

 

[Gunnslinger]

Well after dry firing a bit more, I decided that I don't like the trigger return. I went ahead and put the stock rebound spring in, but kept the rest of the Apex kit in the gun. The trigger pull is definitely heavier again, but the reset is much better. The pull might be slightly lighter than stock now, but it's hard to tell.

I'm not sure if I should leave the apex main spring, firing pin and spring in, or just return the whole gun to stock. I guess if the Apex spring is lightening the pull even a little, I might as well leave it. I'm not worried about the trigger return anymore.

 

[Foxtrot40]

I installed an Apex kit in a 637 and a 642. Did not like the Apex rebound spring and reinstalled the stock rebound spring in both. DA pull on both was lightened, especially on the 642!

 

[Gunnslinger]

I installed an Apex kit in a 637 and a 642. Did not like the Apex rebound spring and reinstalled the stock rebound spring in both. DA pull on both was lightened, especially on the 642!

Cool. Wasn't sure if mixing & matching was OK, but I really do like the stock rebound spring vs the Apex one.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Yep , 100% reliable is goal #1 .

Any brand new gun should be dry fired a min of 500 time , if not live fired for initial break in before even deciding if anything further is nesecary.

Trigger weight per se is a minor issue in and of itself. Smoothness and consistancy is what's important.

 

[Gunnslinger]

**update**

Went to the range and gun worked flawlessly with the Apex kit and stock rebound spring. Trigger pull is still moderately heavy, but it's better than stock. I thought my accuracy was improved, so I'm happy overall. I feel better about carrying my j-frame now that I know I can shoot it a bit more precisely.

 

[71velle]

I believe the factory PC guns come with a lighter rebound spring. Springs can be bought in several different weights and I think that the apex kit comes with a very light rebound spring. You could try a rebound spring weight between the stock and apex one.

 

[Coastie762]

The rebound slide/spring assembly performs two separate functions. The obvious one is to return the trigger to its forward position.

The second function is to cam the hammer back away from the fired position in order to permit the firing pin to retract into the frame. To do this, the rebound slide/spring must be able to overcome the force of the mainspring that is trying to push the hammer forward. Friction between the rebound slide and the frame also affects this action.

For revolvers with an exposed hammer, the rebound slide also actuates the hammer block. "Hammerless" revolvers do not require or have this feature installed.

A common method to reduce trigger pull is to either clip coils off the rebound spring or install a reduced power spring. Too light and you run into either a weak trigger return as reported above or a trigger that does not fully return, which is unacceptable in a carry weapon.

Well broken in revolvers or ones that have the internals polished can and do work well with reduced power rebound springs. The key is to find one with sufficient force to provide the desired return speed and feel.

If you want to experiment, Wolff makes a "calibration pack" that includes rebound springs of different weights. You can use them to find the correct weight for your individual revolver. While the gun is apart you may want to lightly polish the rebound slide and it's corresponding contact areas in the frame. The key word is "lightly". I also put a dab of moly paste on these areas when reassembling. A little clean up makes a lot of difference in the trigger feel.

Remember that reliability trumps all when it comes to a carry weapon. If you choose to make any modifications ensure that you test the results enough to ensure that it will work when needed.