basic pistol smithing kit

[Ktaber]

Hello i am looking for suggestions on a decent priced smithing kit i was pondering getting the apex kit down the road and wanted to know what kits are out there to help me tackle that project

Thanks,
Ktaber

 

[3hounds]

You don't need any gunsmith kit.

They give you a tool with the Apex spring kit.

Did you watch the installation video ?

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[Ktaber]

Oh i didnt realize they included the tool to do it i watched the video to see how difficult it was to install but figured have the right tools would only make it easier

 

[Smiffer]

You will need the basic Roll Pin punches. I think 1/16" and 1/8". The tool to push out the trigger pivot pin included. If you have any mechanical experience this should not take too long.
Just be patient when sliding the trigger pin out and back in. For me the slide lock hat to be wiggled a bit like in the video before it could be removed.

 

[J Rich]

You will also need something like 2 small pieces of wood to get the frame off the table while you take the pins out. This just make it easier the trigger pin sometimes requires a beating.

 

[Jyezahn]

If you plan on doing any further projects, you might consider picking up a rollpin punch set. You can find them pretty cheap at hardware stores. Even Harbor Freight has as set for only $9. Also, a hammer (but who doesn't have one of those?) A bench mat would also come in handy, but you can make do with a towel.

 

[3hounds]

I have edited my comment due to (see below)

Well thanks to the more knowledgeable on this forum, I found out it might be easier to remove the trigger pin from left to right.

The opposite way in the Apex video.

I've tried it on mine and worked like a charm no hammer needed.

Now if I try it the way the video explains it's a bear to come out.

Yours might be different, so try it both ways with that little push pin the kit supplies.

Thanks, J Rich and Jyezahn

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[Jyezahn]

The trigger pin will be fine if you put it back in the right way. It's not the polymer that holds it in place. You don't even really have to pound that pin out, as it's not pressure fitted.

 

[J Rich]

The pin is actually held in with pressure from the slide stop. You could use a little finesse to hold the slide stop forward and just push the pin out. If not it will have to be tapped out.

 

[3hounds]

Well I went back and checked some posts about installing this kit.

J Rich mentioned his came out in the opposite direction as compared to the Apex vid.

So I tried it on mine and it came out easy with just a push of a pen.

Now if I try it the way the Apex video shows I have to pound it out with a hammer no matter how I manipulate the slide stop.

So left to right to remove the trigger pin.

I've installed quite a few of these kits and never thought about taking the pin out the other way.

Thanks J Rich, I'm going to try this at the shop tom. and see if they all come out easier that way.

I think there's 3 left in the case.

Thanks, guys I'll edit my post.

3

 

[J Rich]

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Before my apex install I watched the video and tried it by the book. After beating it a few times I realized it shouldn't be like that. Knowing the pin isn't tapered I just flipped the frame over and gave it 2 taps and it about fell out. Glad that works out good for you as well.

I still wonder why Apex says you have the pin out in that certain direction when it will come out both ways?

 

[Ktaber]

Has anyone looked into the galloway precision spring.kit says it bring the pull down to a 3.5 or 4.5 pound i am just curious as to the pros and cons to either

 

[J Rich]

Has anyone looked into the galloway precision spring.kit says it bring the pull down to a 3.5 or 4.5 pound i am just curious as to the pros and cons to either

I wouldn't carry a DA pistol with a 3.5# trigger. That starts running into reliability issues. Most companies that advertise those kinds of numbers put the "competition use only" disclaimer with it.