APEX Tactical Ultimate Striker

[Bkreutz]

Yep I definitely watched the video. They start with sights that are already loosened and freely move with a few taps of the hammer. I am on a fresh gun that doesn't play nicely.

With the kit they give you a piece of plastic that fits where the sights go exactly. It is used to hold the spring in as you drift. Given that I didn't have a brass punch or sight specific tool I figured the plastic piece that was designed to fit in the channel might serve. Fairly logical assumption if you ask me. It just doesn't transfer the hammer energy well enough and will not work.

@ S&W Rover thanks for the advice. I think I am going to get the tool. Is this the one you are referencing?

Maryland Gun Works Front & Rear Sight Tool S&W M&P

Also can you confirm if this works on the M&P compact or just the FS? I think the sights are the same, so I am making the assumption it will work just fine on a compact.

I looked at this but the disclaimer on the bottom that says the tool is only made to install sights and not to remove tight factory sights makes me pause. There are a couple of other companies that make them so I'm still trying to decide. I know it would be cheaper to use punches, but I'm a sucker for new tools. Right now I'm leaning toward this one http://www.midwayusa.com/product/163458/b-and-j-machine-p500-standard-universal-front-and-rear-sight-tool (or the pro model, can't decide)

 

[JoeyEcko]

As far as the gritty triger you can either instal the apex parts or just polish the stricker block and polish the triger bar were it makes contact with the stricker block and it feels really nice after. You can find videos on youtube on how to do it youre self fairly easy

 

[jeffhughes]

As far as the gritty triger you can either instal the apex parts or just polish the stricker block and polish the triger bar were it makes contact with the stricker block and it feels really nice after. You can find videos on youtube on how to do it youre self fairly easy

Or just shoot the gun. Nothing beats a 2000 round trigger job...

 

[Rgoodwin]

I ran 1200 rounds through my FS9 before I did the DCEAK kit from Apex. I'm glad I learned to shoot it first. I have not shot pistols in 30 years so I have a lot of catching up to do. I'm more accurate now as the pistol always was. I had to learn how to stand, my grip was wrong so that was a challenge but very natural now. It's cool when everything from my trigger finger back to my shoulder is square and properly braced but not tensed up. Felt recoil is deminished and I'm quick but not fast to get back on target. Practicing some now off balance, one hand, two hands chest high etc. cause if something happens they won't give you time to get properly set like range shooting.

 

[Rastoff]

Or just shoot the gun. Nothing beats a 2000 round trigger job...

Sure, 2,000 round "trigger job" would be fun, but what's the cost? You'll spend $1K at today's prices. Or, you could just install the Apex parts for 1/10th the price and get straight to business.

 

[Robotech]

Here's the tool I got: Sight Tool

I chose the Springfield XD version, which has the stepped blocks to hold the front of the slide for the front sight, but needed a slightly shorter block for my FS M&P slide, as the stack-up between the frame, blocks, and slide was JUST too tight. It fits the shield fine as is, but if you are going to use it on a regular M&P, make sure you let them know.

 

[WBlacklidge]

Thanks for the link! I sent them an email and will update here with what they say. It is a good bit cheaper than other options.

 

[shtr3]

I just replaced the USB and the Fully Machined Sear. It several things. It reduced trigger pull by approximately 2 lbs. But most of all the grittiness is all gone. Replacing the Striker Block is what took the grittiness away and i mean none left. Love my M&P trigger now.

 

[LS1BadBird]

Hello, I'm a new member who noticed this thread and was looking for an answer to the OPs actual question.
I was considering changing just this spring for a slightly less trigger pull. I'm a casual shooter who just wants a mild change, for a reasonable price that I can do myself. Is this what I should be considering?
Thanks

 

[Rastoff]

LS1BadBird,
The short answer is no, it won't solve your issue. However, there is hope. The part you want is this one: https://apextactical.com/store/product-info.php?pid18.html

That is the Apex Hard Sear. The one in that link is for the 9mm and .40S&W models. It will cut your trigger pull weight down to about 4.5lbs.

However, if you really want to do it right, get the Forward Set Sear kit. Yes, it's more money, but that kit has all the upgrades in one. I started with just the sear and ended up with the whole kit. My gun is much nicer now.

 

[Flavorman]

The Apex USB will remove the gritty feeling.
The Apex Sear will reduce the trigger pull.
Neither of these things is causing you to shoot low left.

If you are shooting low left and have poor grouping, it sounds like you need more practice with your gun. Dry firing is a big help with learning trigger control.
The lower trigger wieght with an Apex sear will help you maintain better control of the gun though.

I think this is the correct advice. I'm a new shooter (3 years) and shot low left with everything I tried (H&KP30 9mm, M&P 9mm, M&P 22, Beretta 92fs 9mm, Springfield xdm 9mm, etc.) so clearly the issue was me. I decided to skip the range for a while and dry fired my stock M&P 9mm 20-30 times a day for the past 2 months. I went to the range on Friday and shot 48 out of 50 in a 3 x 3 inch group at 10 yards. Before dry firing I'd be lucky to get better then 50% in a group this small with most misses low left.

I love my M&P 22 but don't consider it very accurate. The trigger is almost too light and the target ammo i use isn't very accurate. For that reason i shoot it for fun but use my 9mm's to determine how well I'm actually shooting.

 

[Der Biermeister]

M&P 40c. Entirely OEM at the moment.

I think my biggest problem is trigger control. So I have been experimenting with where my finger seats in the trigger guard and slowly pulling. Its a gritty mess currently. It is also a very strong pull compared to my M&P 22. I want to get the uptake smooth and consistent first then work from there.

The Apex mod WILL definitely reduce your trigger pull down to 5.0 lbs and also get rid of the grittiness. I know, because I have done this to both my FS 9 and 40 Shield and measured the pulls both before and after. The FS 9 had what I would call unsatisfactory grittiness -- now it is GONE.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

As far as purchasing the sight pusher, there are 2 options, post a "wanted to buy" ad here on the forum, use the sight pusher to install the USB, readjust your sights and the post a "for sale" ad for the sight pusher. There are lots of people installing the Apex USB so selling the tool should not be an issue. The second option is to start a thread to see if anyone local to you has a sight pusher you can "rent / borrow". Be careful removing the rear sight, it hold a small spring in place that will pop out when the sight is removed. I suggest removing the sight in the confines of a clear plastic bag, so if the spring does pop out, you will be able to capture it before it springs across the room.

 

[WBlacklidge]

Just an update:

I put in an order for the Sight Tool from this website;
Universal Hand Gun Sight tool - Home - El Cajon, CA

I got the "Springfield XD
(XD blocks also work on most Sigs, M&P's & HK's)"

I have been unable to get the sights off my M&P 40c so hopefully this will work.

 

[WBlacklidge]

The tool showed up.

Verdict: GREAT

I opened the box, grabbed an old TShirt, locked it into place and the rear sight started to budge and came loose.

Upon removal of the parts I noticed there were metal shavings all in the cavity where the spring and other parts came out. I cleaned it up and dropped in the new USB/spring. Trigger is smooth and good to go. A few dry fires and I have no issues.

I bet if I just kept the OEM S&W parts in and cleaned them up it would have improved things.

I highly recommend the sight tool and the USB kit. They both work and you can't ask for more than that.

Thanks for the help and advice.