In my Shield 40, I installed only the Apex sear and striker blocker. Per Apex if you buy their carry/duty kit, it comes with a stronger sear spring and stronger trigger spring, for a 5-6 pound pull. If you keep the stock Shield springs the pull would be 4-5 pounds.
I've got two different trigger pull weight scales. My stock Shield pull was 6 lbs 9 oz. I kept the stock Shield springs and my pull is now 4 lbs 4 oz. That is exactly where I wanted it. The break is all the way back and there is 3/8 inch take up until I start the sear pull. The sear pull is 1/8 inch with 1/32 inch of over travel. The reset from full over travel is 3/32. My trigger pull from start of sear pull to the over travel stop is half that of the stock Shield. A 4 pound pull is not unsafe, especially with 1/2 inch pull to break.
I keep reading that a carry gun needs a strong (heavy) trigger pull and a long pull. I think that is incorrect. A 4 pound trigger is not a "hair trigger". If you practice with the gun, you better know the trigger pull. I am talking about someone that follows all safe gun handling rules. Especially the finger off the trigger until sure of target and ready to fire.
I have a Ruger LC9. It has a 1 inch trigger pull at 8 pounds. It is no safer than my Shield. Because of the long heavy trigger pull, it is harder to get consistent groupings. I practice with the LC9, but can not get close grouping firing under rapid firing SD training. However I can with my Shield. If the LC9 had a similar trigger action as my Shield, I would bet the groupings would be similar. The LC9's so called safe CC trigger (50 state certified) is just bad.
So now you have to actually use the gun in a SD situation. I think you would rather be holding a gun that you know you can shoot better. My modified Shield trigger is better than the stock Shield trigger so you know which one I shoot better. Please don't say in a SD situation accuracy is not important. If that is correct why do you take your SD weapon to the range? For inaccuracy practice?
Did I open a can of worms with this post?
Apex trigger mods, LaserMax laser, Talon Grip.
Bob