Apex Trigger Kit for M&P 340/No Lock

[Old cop]

Does anyone have experience w/the Apex Kit in a J Frame? I'm concerned about light strikes in my new M&P 340. I've never altered any self defense gun but was told the Apex Kit will improve the trigger on my new J, but remain skeptical. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Old Cop
(LEO Retired)

 

[allglock]

I put Wolff 8lb hammer, and 13 pound rebound springs, in all my J frames. I also have put old style S&W pins in any newer guns. Never had a light strike . I have used Apex pins in the past, but I am not happy with the quality of their pins. I have had galling in all of their pins, which causes them to stick in the firing pin channel.

 

[allglock]

Just an FYI, I have measured the newest pins, compared to a pin in my 2008 442. They are both titanium, and the early one measures .484, and the one I just ordered from S&W measured .491. So I guess they have started lengthening, their pins, which is a good thing.
I really doubt that lightening your hammer spring by 1/2 pound will cause light strikes. JMO.

 

[icemn]

You will find a fair amount of discussion on the Apex J frame on this forum. The Apex kit comes with a longer firing pin to avert light strikes. The cost is about $25.00. Good kit. Lots of people like it. I have it in my 442. In my 340pd I tried the Wilson Combat for about $9.00. Am quite satisfied with that. From memory, light strikes don't seem to be a problem, even for those that kept only the stock firing pin. However, for my own peace of mind, I added the Apex extended firing pin to both my 442 and 340pd.

 

[LET-CA]

I recently put an Apex kit in a new Model 60 and have since put about 300 rounds through it without any issues whatsoever. I'm very pleased with the change in trigger pull. I used the YouTube instructions for my disassembly and assembly and was able to avoid any problems. (I purchased the kit from Brownells along with the S&W spring tool which I highly recommend too.)

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I have used Apex pins in the past, but I am not happy with the quality of their pins. I have had galling in all of their pins, which causes them to stick in the firing pin channel.

Allglock's comment above prompted me to post my recent experience with the Apex Firing Pins, something I had been considering, in the Gunsmithing sub-forum. Maybe allglock can provide a little more detail there??

You can find my thread here

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/229600-apex-j-frame-firing-pin-coating.html

 

[allglock]

Here is what happened to EVERY one I installed:
Either they are out of spec. or he is using the wrong steel for these pins. Apex even states that they are hardened.
I installed about 5 or 6 of these, and this happened to all of them! They are very difficut to remove from the frame after this happens.

 

[rmodel1965]

i didnt put the apex pin in mine...i might not after reading this

 

[kingcobra07]

Hey LET-CA

hey whats the part # on that S&W spring tool from brwnell's. Thanks in advance, Steve

 

[Retired W4]

Cylinder & Slide also make a pin for these guns. They have a longer groove for longer travel. Don't know if Apex has the same feature. Snap caps are a must when dry firing. No problems in my 310 with C&S pin.

 

[LET-CA]

hey whats the part # on that S&W spring tool from brwnell's. Thanks in advance, Steve

PM sent with part number - 080-666-000 in case anyone else is interested in the $19.99 tool.

 

[photoman]

I bought a brand new no lock 442, dry fired it 1000 time, cleaned and installed the Apex kit main and rebound springs (only, no firing pin or firing pin spring) and the gun has functioned without a problem for around 1000 rounds. The rebound spring is a bit lighter than I prefer but has functioned perfectly.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I also thought the Apex Rebound Spring was too light, but instead of living with it I am in the process of swapping out the Apex Kit's for Wolff & Wilson Springs.

I would have no problem using the Apex Springs for range work, but if I ever find myself in a situation where my fine motor skills may be diminished I want that trigger right there with me every step of the way. No matter how fast I pull the trigger.

 

[demkofour]

I installed the complete kit in my BUG, a 342Ti. I have a small amount of live rounds down field, but I've dry fired it (with and without snap caps) at least 500-600 times. I removed the FP last night for inspection and found it to look brand new with no sign what-so-ever of abnormal wear.
Trigger press is smooth and trigger reset is more than adequate. I'm quite happy with this set up.

 

[Old cop]

Thanks to all who responded, I learned a lot. I've put over 300 rounds down range in my new M&P 340, plus lots of dry fire, and things have smoothed out quite a bit. I'm going to put at least another 300 through before making a final decision.