M&P 9L PC: First shots and review

[Gunsguna]

What's the build date on the case label ?
You should have the latest trigger parts that have
a very audible reset. Mine does, felt and heard.

The date is right below where it say's M&P9
In my case 051516 for May 15 2016

The born on date is 8/15/16. thanks

 

[Gunsguna]

It might be because of the frame you have, mine does not
have the plug in the frame where the lock would go.

Therefore no need for a RAM. Check out this video explanation
from Apex Tactical on frame types.

RAM Function Explanation - YouTube


.

My frame has the aluminum plug with the letter L. So therefore, if I want to get that audible reset, I have to buy the RAM kit from Apex? I wonder what determines who gets what frame?

 

[Gunsguna]

I shot 450 rounds through mine yesterday and was hitting steel out to 25 yards. Needless to say I'm quite impress. This is my first long slide pistol and I want to get a Glock 34 and PPQ Match now too.
My build date is 5/23/16 and my pistols reset can't be felt or heard. I ordered the Apex RAM kit and the delivery guy just dropped it off not too long ago. Installed it in less than 5min.. Reset is now felt and heard. It's not as good as my Glocks or PPQ M2 reset. However the reset travel is nice and short like the PPQ.

Nice shooting. I'm already looking for my next gun. It will be a 1911 45acp. Looking at s&w, sig, and Dan Wesson.

It looks like i'm going to be interested in getting the Apex Ram kit. I'm assuming this isn't the kit that replaces the entire trigger system? I'm also assuming it's not that big of a deal to install the RAM kit based on the fact you did it in 5 minutes? Next question is where can I purchase it? And lastly, forgive me for assuming.

 

[Gunsguna]

Never mind. I found the Apex RAM kit for $23.95. I watched a video on how to install it and it seems easy enough. Thanks for the info, people.

 

[clarkz71]

My frame has the aluminum plug with the letter L. So therefore, if I want to get that audible reset, I have to buy the RAM kit from Apex? I wonder what determines who gets what frame?

Some States require that lock, I'm guessing something changed
and S&W sells both frame types now since both my M&P
and Arngog123 with the plug / RAM M&P were both built in mid 2016

 

[Gunsguna]

Some States require that lock, I'm guessing something changed
and S&W sells both frame types now since both my M&P
and Arngog123 with the plug / RAM M&P were both built in mid 2016

thanks for you help, again. I did find the Apex RAM kit on Amazon with free expedited shipping for Prime members... and i'm a Prime member. Ordering today along with a roll pin punch kit. If I recall right the video said I would need a 1/8 punch. Other than that, it looks pretty straight forward for a amateur like me to install.

 

[clarkz71]

Glad I could help.

You may want to get the Apex armorers block & tray
I have them & they work great.

Armorer's Tools

 

[Arndog123]

Got my Apex kit through Amazon too. Love being a Prime member because shipping is quick. Just wish I could order firearms through Amazon too.

The install is a piece of cake. Hardest part for me was punching out the rollpin. It was tight and had to beat it out pretty hard.

 

[Gunsguna]

Glad I could help.

You may want to get the Apex armorers block & tray
I have them & they work great.

Armorer's Tools

Well of course I want and need those. But I want to have $$ left over for ammo.lol Seriously, I can see myself needing those in the future and i'm sure they would assist and probably make the job easier installing the RAM; however, a simple roll pin punch set should do the job for this simple procedure?

 

[Gunsguna]

Got my Apex kit through Amazon too. Love being a Prime member because shipping is quick. Just wish I could order firearms through Amazon too.

The install is a piece of cake. Hardest part for me was punching out the rollpin. It was tight and had to beat it out pretty hard.

It looks like Apex has partnered with Amazon to supply its goods. I saw where an Apex was directly answering consumer questions.

 

[Arndog123]

I used a thick piece of cardboard as my armorers block. I already had a cheap Harbor Freight punch set from working on my AK's.

 

[Gunsguna]

I used a thick piece of cardboard as my armorers block. I already had a cheap Harbor Freight punch set from working on my AK's.

it looks like i'll be using something similar.

 

[clarkz71]

The armorers block works well & is universal

I bought it for my Glocks, but as you can see
in the Apex videos it for the M&P as well.

Really hold the frame secure.

Apex Armorers Block - YouTube

 

[Gunsguna]

The armorers block works well & is universal

I bought it for my Glocks, but as you can see
in the Apex videos it for the M&P as well.

Really hold the frame secure.

Apex Armorers Block - YouTube

you've sold me,clark. lol I just don't want to spend the $$ right now. I think I can get through this trigger upgrade without it. I'll consider it when and if I have have to make further upgrades. Which I'm hoping to leave the gun alone after this. I really want to leave as close to manufacturer's specs as I can.

 

[clarkz71]

I would never tell anyone how to spend "Their money"

Just providing my experience with a product that works
and I feel make's working on my pistols easier.

And yes, work can be performed without this tool.

 

[Gunsguna]

I would never tell anyone how to spend "Their money"

Just providing my experience with a product that works
and I feel make's working on my pistols easier.

And yes, work can be performed without this tool.

You misinterpreted my comment. I know you weren't telling me how to spend my $$... even if you did, it wouldn't offend me. It's all good, brother. I very much appreciate your suggestions, thoughts, and comments.

 

[clarkz71]

OK, cool.

Just like to be clear, this is the internet.......... lol

 

[Gunsguna]

Success!!!

I had intended to do a pictorial of installing my Apex RAM, but needed to keep my attention on to what I was doing. First time doing anything to a gun, except for installing my Venom Vortex last week.

I did take one picture after removing my roll pin.


Removing the roll pin was relatively easy. I was hoping everything would go as smoothly as it did. With a little patience, everything else was accomplished without using any 4 letter words.

I had to gently pry out the sear housing block by placing a roll punch under the slide guide on both sides. Inserted the RAM with notched side up and inserted the trigger bar.

Getting the sear housing block back in was a little more difficult, but eventually found how the notches lined up and with a little force it popped back into the frame. Replaced the roll pin and slid the slide back on to dry fire.

There is a noticeable crisper trigger pull. The reset did have an audible and tactile feel on the reset, but not as much as I was hoping for with the RAM. However, for $22.75 I'm very happy with the results. And I know a little more about how my gun works. Well worth the time and $$.

 

[Gunsguna]

Just back from the range. The gun now has over 500 rounds through it without a FTF or FTE (all federal 115 grain). It has ran flawlessly. I have my Vortex Venom sighted in to as close as I am going to get it... which is pretty close from what I can tell. Here's a picture of one of the targets I was using today. Everything was shot from 21 feet.

However, you will see some shots that went way off (everything outside the 3rd ring)... all of those were shot from 75 feet. Unfortunately, they set me on the side of the range where the lighting isn't nearly as good as the other side. I couldn't see very well, and after shooting a magazine full at 75 feet decided to keep everything at 21 feet.

I've got the correct hand grip down and it's feeling more comfortable, but it is something I continue to have to consciously think about. I'm sure with time it will come naturally. This was only my 3rd time to the range. Can't wait to get back