Put an Apex Aluminum Trigger in my Shield.

[gunfighter48]

I've already installed the carry kit but left the S&W trigger return spring in the pistol. Got the trigger pull down to 5 - 5.25 lbs. So I took a look at the Apex trigger and figured why not.

I got the trigger, took the pistol apart and started the install. First thing after watching their install video was that the trigger bar didn't lock into place. The pin was inserted too far. So I tapped it back and forth until I could get the trigger bar to stay in place long enough to get the pin tapped all the way in. The pin is a very tight fit and took some healthy taps to seat it.

Got the pistol reassembled and noticed when dry firing that unless I got my finger to the very bottom of the trigger, the safety would hit the frame just enough to make a bump in the trigger pull. Took it to the range and put 150rds thru it and it was still hitting the frame.

So when I got home I took a look with my magnifying hood on and it looked like the trigger was sitting a little too close to the rear. There was plenty of length to the trigger safety when checking it. But if my finger didn't press all the way against the bottom of the trigger it would just barely hit the frame.

So I took the trigger out and with a jewelers file took a very, very small amount off the bottom of the safety where it contacted the frame. Tried it again in the pistol and it was still hitting to much of the time. So I filed off a very little bit more and rounded the bottom edge of the safety. Tried it again and it was much better. And there is still plenty of length to insure proper safety action. But now I can get my finger in the trigger and not get the hitch in the trigger pull.

I'd say it's just a manufacturing tolerance issue, each pistol may be just a hair off but still in S&W tolerance range. I do like the trigger, much less take up, nice crisp trigger release and less over travel. And my trigger pull is now a reliable 4lb 10z shot after shot. For me it was worth the money and effort. YMMV

 

[1hatchet]

Wow, sounds like you are well on your way to being a skilled S&W armorer. After this report think I will stick to the plastic trigger.

Thanks for the detailed post.

Hatchet

 

[OldLawman]

I know that Apex also recommends checking and slightly opening up the hole in the frame itself for the new trigger. The one I installed certainly needed that.
Strictly personal preference, but I took mine out and replaced it with the factory trigger. The safety tab of the Apex part has sharp edges that need to be rounded more.

 

[AGoyette]

I know that Apex also recommends checking and slightly opening up the hole in the frame itself for the new trigger. The one I installed certainly needed that.
Strictly personal preference, but I took mine out and replaced it with the factory trigger. The safety tab of the Apex part has sharp edges that need to be rounded more.

We have guns installed with both the Apex aluminum and polymer triggers. While the aluminum trigger was getting hung up on the frame in the beginning ( uninstalled it and reinstalled it fixed it) none of them have sharp edges on the trigger safety. We have Apex triggers in 5 M&P pistols and no issues.

 

[gunfighter48]

I know that Apex also recommends checking and slightly opening up the hole in the frame itself for the new trigger. The one I installed certainly needed that.
Strictly personal preference, but I took mine out and replaced it with the factory trigger. The safety tab of the Apex part has sharp edges that need to be rounded more.

I always modify the least expensive part which is the trigger safety. I would rather not modify the frame. That way whatever trigger is installed will work in the shield, possibly with minor modification.

 

[dgyver]

Mine installed without any problems.