M&P Compact Apex Kit Installed - Question/Feedback

[Chdezjr]

Hi all,

I searched the board prior to posting this, but didn't find the answer I was looking for, so here goes:


After taking my newly purchased M&P compact for a range session, I found it handles very well and is a relatively good shooter, save for the subpar trigger on it. I see why many describe it as gritty with a hard to determine reset. This is an older stock model from 6/2013 that I got a great deal on, so I decided on getting the Apex kit and polymer trigger setup. I had such a good experience after getting the DCAEK kit on my current carry (Shield 9) that it just seemed like a logical step.

Well, I just got my pistol back from the gunsmith, and maybe it's just me, but the kit makes a MUCH larger difference in the compact (and full size) models than the Shield. The gunsmith told me he put the lighter spring (4lbs.) in, and that it is as close to a 1911-style trigger pull that he has ever felt. Dry firing revealed VERY little take up, almost looking like the trigger has been pushed back a bit, and a nice positive *click*. Racking the slide to reset shows very little movement forward for the trigger to reset again for the next round to fire.

I am currently used to the setup I have in my Shield which should have reduced the pull to about 5.5lbs, and am really surprised at how light this trigger is. I'm also surprised at how much less take-up there is before I hit that 'wall' prior to firing.

Should I put some rounds down range before passing judgement on the new setup, or would it be worth it to just have my gunsmith replace the Trigger Return Spring with the 5lb. version? It is clearly lighter than the Shield I am currently carrying.

Also, am I going crazy or did the trigger actually move back a bit? Maybe I was just used to the curve of the stock trigger and find the flatter Apex trigger to feel like I am further back...

Before and After photos are attached to show the visual difference of the triggers. both are reset and ready to fire.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

Army standard for a 1911 was 4.5 lbs minimum. If you are getting a SWaMPy Compact into that area, I suspect some safety concerns, depending on the shooter. As always put 200 rounds down range, measure the trigger pull before and after, then decide.
Geoff
Who has an early SWaMPy 9c and has an APEX trigger he tried and removed from a Sigma SW9VE.

 

[Darwinchip]

Also, am I going crazy or did the trigger actually move back a bit? Maybe I was just used to the curve of the stock trigger and find the flatter Apex trigger to feel like I am further back...

That pre-travel you got rid of had to go somewhere. The geometry of the new trigger is such that its default position will be further back.

As for the pull weight: did you get an action enhancement kit or a forward set sear kit?
If it's the forward set sear kit you can make your pull heavier by putting in the stronger trigger spring, the one your gunsmith opted not to use.
Then you can make it a little heavier still by putting the factory sear and plunger springs in place of the kit ones. (It's not a great amount heavier with these but every little bit helps.)

 

[Chdezjr]

That pre-travel you got rid of had to go somewhere. The geometry of the new trigger is such that its default position will be further back.

As for the pull weight: did you get an action enhancement kit or a forward set sear kit?
If it's the forward set sear kit you can make your pull heavier by putting in the stronger trigger spring, the one your gunsmith opted not to use.
Then you can make it a little heavier still by putting the factory sear and plunger springs in place of the kit ones. (It's not a great amount heavier with these but every little bit helps.)

Awesome - Thanks for the heads up! That answered my question(s). To answer yours, I got the FSS and Trigger kit (on their website as Part# 100-024)

I plan to try it out at the range and if it works out for me after the sessions, then I'll leave as is. If not, I'll ask that he put the heavier spring in.

 

[Heyman]

Awesome - Thanks for the heads up! That answered my question(s). To answer yours, I got the FSS and Trigger kit (on their website as Part# 100-024)

I plan to try it out at the range and if it works out for me after the sessions, then I'll leave as is. If not, I'll ask that he put the heavier spring in.

Why not put the spring in yourself? The M&P is very easy to work on.

 

[Chdezjr]

Why not put the spring in yourself? The M&P is very easy to work on.

I had already paid for the installation and he said he would switch out the spring for the heavier one if I preferred. Turnaround time was less than 24 hours too and I send over all of my work to him.