apex trigger kit on SD9VE

[kendenfloyd]

Yesterday I installed the apex trigger and spring kit on my sd9ve . The first thing I noticed was it did away with that gritty feel the old system had. It did not improve the long pull distance and reset length; but it's so much smoother and lighter I barely notice the distance.
I don't have a trigger pull scale so I will take the word of others that it is now around the 5.5 pull pound level.
If you are going to do this to your sdve I strongly suggest you review the how to video from apex on YouTube a few times before you start. The only problem I had was trying to properly line up the slide stop so the trigger group retaining pin could capture it. For twenty bucks and a couple of hours (mostly on the problem mentioned above) you cant go worng and it seems to really clean up the factory pull.

 

[doggettjim]

I have a 9mm and 40cal shield need to do this to mine

 

[kendenfloyd]

I also have a Shield in 9mm but not sure if I'm ready to tackle it yet. My next sd addition will be the big dot sight system. It should be here this week. If you do the shield trigger let me know how it goes. Happy shooting

 

[retired_diver]

I have both the apex trigger (plastic) and spring kit. The trigger replacement really shortens the takeup pull and there is now no noticeable over travel. I have a trigger scale and mine now breaks at 4.5lbs avg over 5 pulls. I love mine

 

[kendenfloyd]

Did you have the same install issues as others have had on the trigger?

 

[S&W Rover]

I installed a trigger and spring this weekend = disaster. The trigger did not allow enough travel to trip the sear. I reinstalled the old trigger.

It took me a while to discover that the lighter spring did not have enough strength to relocate/reset the trigger bar after the sear is released, about one time in five. Meaning the gun wouldn't fire. I removed the new spring and reinstalled the old one...

Apex has a good reputation and deservedly so. It is possible my 2012 SD9 is a little out of spec, or perhaps I did not file enough of the back of the trigger away to make it work, or something else that is my fault. In any case, it did not work for me.

I am also suspicious of the lighter striker spring and did not install it. I am back to having a smooth but long and somewhat heavy trigger pull, in a totally reliable pistol. Which is okay. I still like Apex and appreciate the value of their parts in my M&Ps.

I don't know if the SD can be turned into a "great" target gun, or if we should even try. I wonder how many other people have the problems I experienced.

 

[kendenfloyd]

Thanks for the info. I was on the fence about the trigger install. For every one good report I have heard three bad reviews about doing it. I have not experienced any of the issues you have mentioned; but, then again I still have my stock trigger in my sdve. Glad you were able to get you sd up and running again. I also have a shild but for now I'm good the way it is. Happy shooting

 

[hmbiohazard]

SD wont be a great target gun... it will be a great self defense gun

 

[kendenfloyd]

-hmbiohazard, I agree totally

 

[S&W Rover]

I sent an email to Apex today with some comments on the problems I had with the trigger and the spring. Scott called me back and explained the factors in obtaining a good installation and is sending me another trigger (that he will hand fit to a SD before sending) and offered to send me another spring. I declined the spring, because I want to err on the side of reliability, but await the new trigger (and will send the old one back).

I am again impressed with Apex. They make fine products and stand behind them. I am thinking that variances in the SD's frame make the fitting of a trigger a bit problematic, but am very happy to see that Apex is working hard to make sure I get a good deal and can make the trigger work.

The SD is very sweet, and fitting an Apex trigger that will work will make it better. It isn't a target pistol, it is a great self-defense gun that shoots nicely enough.

 

[dajogejr]

or perhaps I did not file enough of the back of the trigger away to make it work, or something else that is my fault. In any case, it did not work for me.

I would bet you didn't file enough or at the right spot.
I had to try/file mine about 5 or 6 times.
When it tripped the sear everytime, I filed it another few seconds and called it done. Instead of pounding that roll pin in and out...I used a punch...
WAY easier!

Sold my SDVE but it was a reliable, bang everytime gun...I had the apex spring and trigger...
Thinking about the AEK trigger for my 40c....

 

[S&W Rover]

Good point on reassembling with a punch, to test a few times, rather than reinstalling the trigger pin AND THEN finding out it wasn't quite right.

I may not have taken enough off the back of the trigger. We'll see when the new one arrives. I feel like I really know the inner workings of this pistol now.

By the way, the MGW site pusher for the M&P works perfectly for the SD (and presumably the SD-VE). I installed a Warren Tactical fiber optic on the front and a Warren Tactical all-black sight on the back: my favorite combination. My recommendation: don't ever use a punch to remove a front or rear sight, buy or borrow a MGW sight pusher.

 

[Madoktor1]

I just recently installed the Apex spring kit and the Apex polymer trigger in my SD40VE and it was the best thing I did. Fortunately, I didn't have to file any off of my trigger. The whole process took 30 mins and it was literally a drop in install. I have fired about 150 rds through it now without any issues at all. I also installed the Galloway SS guide rod with the 20# spring as well. It's like a completely different (better) firearm now.

 

[dajogejr]

My recommendation: don't ever use a punch to remove a front or rear sight, buy or borrow a MGW sight pusher.

I just had TruGlo TFO put on my 40c yesterday. My LGS has the tool, gave them 20 cash to put on the front and rear.
With a vice and a brass punch, I could probably get the rear sight off. Front, I don't even want to think about it....

I told my LGS you can buy that tool for $130 now a days. He said they paid $300 for it...originally.

I like my LGS, so I didn't want to mention "Internet" or "Online shopping" and sound like a jerk....LOL.

S&W...I'm with you. I got to know the workings of the SDs very well, from the trigger to the springs and the internals of the slide. Well worth the time spent figuring it out.

I really loved my SD, but...I shoot and love my 40c better.
My next pistol will be a 5" barrel 9mm for target and IDPA...

 

[hmbiohazard]

i got my rear off with a punch and jewelry hammer when i did my duracoat job. the front i kept on because it wasnt budging. when i get some night sites i will have dajogejr's lgs put em on and hope i get the same pricing lol

 

[kendenfloyd]

Thats the same problem I had trying to remove the front sight. I'm open to suggestions on how to get it off.

 

[S&W Rover]

I bought a MGW sight pusher -- it does a great job, and to me it is worth it if I change sights more than two times -- which I have.

You can rent them from Speed Shooter Specialties. Link: Sight Tools For Rent : Welcome to Speed Shooter Specialties

 

[stevewonderful]

Here is my experience with upgrading my SD40VE.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-sd-sigma-pistols/348833-sd40ve-upgrades.html

 

[S&W Rover]

Stevewonderful - we have had similar experiences here. I am about to install a new replacement Apex trigger sent to me by Scott (for free)... and see how it works. Bottom line is that I am satisfied with mine as it is (with the regular trigger and trigger spring) but will give it one more try because, well, Scott was good enough to send me a new trigger. Besides, I have a Galloway wide takedown lever I need to install...

Overall, I really like this gun -- and don't mind that not everything I tried worked out. More on the replacement trigger when I am done.

 

[PowerSurge]

Stevewonderful - we have had similar experiences here. I am about to install a new replacement Apex trigger sent to me by Scott (for free)... and see how it works. Bottom line is that I am satisfied with mine as it is (with the regular trigger and trigger spring) but will give it one more try because, well, Scott was good enough to send me a new trigger. Besides, I have a Galloway wide takedown lever I need to install...

Overall, I really like this gun -- and don't mind that not everything I tried worked out. More on the replacement trigger when I am done.

Check out this post I made, it might be helpful...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...018-apex-spring-kit-trigger-install-tips.html