Apex sear in Shield 1.0 - How reliable?

[gunsrfun1]

I've read a bunch on the Apex Fully Machined Sear (as they call it), and from all accounts, it helps lighten and smooth out the trigger pull.
My only concern is reliability. Generally speaking, I don't put internal aftermarket parts in my self-defense guns. I'm always concerned about reliability above all else, so I like to stick to factory parts inside.
The trigger pull on my Shield 1.0 is about 6.5 pounds. Nothing I wouldn't be able to handle in a stressful situation, as I wouldn't be taking aim and slowly squeezing the trigger like a target gun. And it would be at relatively close ranges anyway.
That said, I wouldn't mind a trigger pull that's a bit lighter and smoother. About 5 pounds would be nice. Not looking for a 3-pound trigger in a self-defense gun.
I've read a good number of reviews from those who installed this sear, and they all immediately rave about how great it is. But I am concerned with longevity, not first impressions.
My question for those of you who have some long-term experience with this sear: Has this part proven reliable over the course of "many" rounds? Just curious if there are any reports of misfires, failures to reset, etc. from the field, or from those of you who've put a good number of rounds downrange with this sear installed.
Thanks
PS - Not interested in upgrading to the Shield Plus or adding any other parts. I'm keeping the 1.0, so please keep that in mind if you answer.

 

[2wheels]

I’ve had an Apex kit, including the Apex sear in my Gen 1 Shield fir several years and several thousand rounds. Flawless!

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks 2wheels, good to hear from someone with some serious experience with this.

 

[RobzGuns]

The Apex sear is the only mod I've done to my Gen1. It made a world of difference.
Over 30K rounds later, not one mechanical malfunction.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks Robz.

 

[msjdgman]

I have installed the Apex Duty/Carry kit (which includes the sear) into 3 of my guns. A 9mm 4.25 inch 9mm 1.0, a Shield 9 1.0, and a full size 45 1.0. Reliability is not an issue period.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks MS. Looks like it's unanimous so far. Just ordered the sear from Primary Arms.

 

[OldGoat]

It has been reported that "enhancing or modifying" any self-defence handgun outside of its original factory manufactured configuration effectively puts the user in SERIOUS and PRECARIOUS (emphasis intended) legal jeopardy if that handgun should happen to be used in a shooting incident. Comments please.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Depends on who you ask as to the answer to your question. I have read both pros and cons of making modifications to an EDC gun.

Not sure I want to go down that road in this thread and divert from my original question as the OP. But might be worthwhile for you to post your question as a new thread.

Thanks

 

[OldGoat]

Seriously, my harmless comment was/is NOT meant to start a controversy or confrontation. Please disregard and ignore it.

 

[RobzGuns]

OldGoat... Have you read: Facts About "Light Trigger Pull Liability"

There are a few other threads in the Concealed Carry Sub-Forum debating modification liability too.

 

[Marshal Tom]

As msjdgman said, I put the full duty/carry kit in my 1.0 a long time ago and have had no issues whatsoever. I have put hundreds of rounds if not thousands through it.

 

[webfarmer]

I have 944 rounds on my Apex "hard sear" in my Shield 1.0. Zero problems. Installed it myself August, 2013. Hope this helps.

 

[Ron In MD]

My concern with altering internal parts is a liability issue if you carry and or home protection.
In today's world if you had to use your weapon and have to go to court lawyers will try to make you the bad guy for altering your weapon to make it a "killing machine". But that's just me, the world's biggest pessimist.

 

[2wheels]

It has been reported that "enhancing or modifying" any self-defence handgun outside of its original factory manufactured configuration effectively puts the user in SERIOUS and PRECARIOUS (emphasis intended) legal jeopardy if that handgun should happen to be used in a shooting incident. Comments please.

I could see if you had an unintentional discharge with a gun that had a light trigger pull, a prosecutor could have a case against you. However if you were in a self defense situation and fully intended to stop the threat by firing your light triggered/modified firearm; I don’t see how that would increase your liability.

 

[mckenney99]

The only issue of any type of "failure" from an Apex kit I know of was an older friend of mine who installed a Duty Cary Kit in his EDC Gen 1 .40 S&W Shield. He shot the pistol a lot and gradually he started to experience failures of the sear to catch the striker in increasing frequency. After firing. the pistol would fire and cycle perfectly, the trigger would reset but the striker would be at rest. He & I talked about what was happening and finally diagnosed that the Apex Sear Spring had weakened to the point that the slide was cycling before the sear could be raised back up to catch the striker. He contacted Apex and they shipped out a replacement spring immediately at no charge. The new sear spring fixed the issue and the gun was put back in service.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks McKenney, good to know this. I would only replace the sear. In fact, I never replace springs if I can leave the factory springs in. Partly for the reason of what happened to your friend. I am not that picky about trigger pull that a polished sear (basically what the Apex, Volquartsen, and others are) won't satisfy me. So that is generally the only part I usually replace. And that's been on my range guns. This would be the first instance of replacing a sear on a self-defense gun, if I do so.
The reason I made this post is to ensure that people haven't had any cases of accidental discharges, failure to reset, FTF, etc. with the Apex sear. Based on what I am hearing in the responses, the sear itself seems to be totally reliable.
The legal issue of replacing parts is another question, but not what I was focusing on in my post.
Thanks again to all who responded.