Shield 45 positive experience! *Update* Apex sear now 4/29 update added

[ontargetagain]

UPDATE:
I picked up the the Hogue GripAll grip not because I found the OEM too aggressive but simply because I wanted a bit more girth and a little cushion in the web of my hand. A real pain the arse to put on but quite a comfortable grip overall and it does nice to absorb a bit of the vibration through the hard plastic grip so I am very pleased with it!

Karl

 

[bsmiley]

Interesting reading and I respect what you're doing Dad_Roman.
I'm in my mid 40s and I remember when Glocks and striker pistols first hit the market. Learning a DA/SA took some practice and you learned to feel the trigger.
I'm glad Apex did the engineering and perfected the manufacturing to mass produce their parts and kits. It shows me that S&W chose not to continue engineering the sear and plunger further.
I believe Apex makes a healthy profit on each part and every kit. I applaud that and they deserve every penny. What you get for your money makes a great trigger system for a small total investment.
Its also freedom. People can choose to just put in the sear and some time polishing, or they can do an aluminum trigger, or a whole kit. Spend as little or as much as they want.
Its a great era when you can get an amazingly reliable and quality pistol for such a low price. Great warranty and excellent after market products to make it suit your tastes and needs.
I do get a kick when someone tries the Apex sear and feels the difference.

 

[greeenteeee]

I did not modify the factory sear but instead put in a replacement Apex sear and polished it. Is that what you are doing or are you modifying the factory sear? And thanks!
Karl

Great thread! I've been going into this myself, and only went with the Sear as the rear sight removal was intimidating (and potentially with aesthetically negative side effects if I screw up). Luckily in about 500 rounds, the take-up is pretty smooth.

I was debating polishing the Apex sear-- the finish/color was off so I was concerned about it. Maybe I'll go back in.

Pic #3 shows a high polish on the loop.


First....the actual Apex sear in the Shield9. Initially the OEM sear had a 6.5lb pull. The Apex sear brought it down to 5lb with no additional work, polishing etc.

Second....the modified Apex style sear in the Shield45. Now to be perfectly honest here, I am not some longtime gun sporter nor am I intimately familiar with trigger variations. I am however somewhat mechanically inclined. That being said, I will also admit that my particular Shield45 (and the wife's) seemed to have an excellent trigger(s). The OEM sear in the 9mm seemed very smooth, crisp and nice (2k rds) but somewhat heavy on pull. The Apex made a dramatic difference in the 9.

The Shield45 had a 5lb pull with the OEM sear. (Can you believe that? Thats pretty great!)

The Apex style modification yielded me about 4 ozs along with high finish polishing on the sear and the loop.

I havent compared it to the Instructional PDF yet and I might have been too conservative on cutting the bevel into it. Better to take off too little than too much .....so I might go back in and dress it down some more.

Heading to Houston this weekend to see the kids and grandkids so Ill take it with me and get some range time down there to see how it feels in practice instead of theory.

Indeed better to be conservative than too aggressive!

Though, I've had this apart 2 times now. I'm concerned with the roll pins as they get borderline tough to punch back in place. I wouldn't be surprised if the pin's diameter at the ends were getting larger from tapping on it.

Here's my loop:

The second time I played with the loop to try to mess with over-travel.

 

[Dad_Roman]

I havent been messin with the loop. Lemme get this "sear" thing down first. One step at a time

Thats a great picture of your sears, OEM/Apex. I have been really regretting not having a pic of the Apex sear before I put it in.

It gets hard to judge where to go when your cutting that new ramp from memory

......and us ole farts memory aint worth beans anyhow

Good stuff...movin forward. Gonna shoot the ole girl this weekend and see what she says. Will advise!


EDIT: Roll pins...yea a tube naturally flares when you hammer on the end of it but we are talking "thousandths" here and that pin is plenty long. Just bevel the ends a touch to take the flare back off

 

[PaPow]

A little background, I am a revolver guy LOL. I relinquished a beautiful S&W E Series 1911 a few months ago to a good friend who is making it a safe queen so I know it got a good home

My favorite gun to shoot is my 625 5" 45acp revolver, I guess I like the 45acp round as I have had several 9mm full sized semi-autos and I don't keep them long. Reading all the positive reviews on the Shield 45 I just got mine and took it out first time to the indoor range. I am a reloader, I don't buy factory ammo though I did buy a box of Federal 230gr to shoot first in the Shield so that if there were any issues with feed and eject I could eliminate my reloads. The factory trigger on mine as measured with Lyman digital was close to 7lbs, not something I am at all used to but really didn't feel that bad. After checking the trigger again after shooting is settled in more in the 6lb 5oz range. Yes it has some grittiness but not a lot of take up and a pretty decent break and minimal overtravel to the stop.
Now, I primarily shoot plated SWC's bullets, I use several different powders too, I had 4 or 5 powders in reloads with the SWC's with me and I tried them all, and they ALL worked fine! Only slight issue was feeding in the first round but no issues on feed and eject so that made me quite happy!

My thoughts, I didn't expect as much as I got for what I paid for this gun, I have taking a liking to it and am giving it respect. Since I like to tinker and I will upgrade the feel of the trigger and reduce the break by adding an Apex sear, the rest I will polish up and study as it comes apart, YES I could shoot it just as it is, YES it shot surprisingly accurate for such a small sight radius. I know I will shoot it even better as I refine the trigger but that is what I like to do with all my guns and I understand why it can't be refined as a 'production' gun. I thinks S&W has a great gun here in this 45 Shield, I'm going to really enjoy it and after putting 100 rounds through it in about 45 mins I had no complaints on how it felt in my hands and they are about a good medium+ size and I am not a big guy at 160lbs. If you are on the fence post about this gun, I suggest you get one, not likely you will regret the small amount spent for the satisfaction and potential it offers!
Just my opinions......
Karl

**Update** 4/11
I installed the Apex sear only part #100-163. Wow! I am now at sub 5# pulls (4lb 7oz to 4lb 13oz) and with a crisper cleaner break. A very nice feel to the trigger overall. Off to the range tomorrow to try it out These upgrades are more for my pursuance of more like a target trigger, this is NOT a carry gun for me.
More to come.............
**See post #22 for update report**
**See post #25 for Striker block plunger update** 4/29/17

Could you please post all the APEX items and their part numbers you used in your build please...?

 

[Shield9mm]

Could you please post all the APEX items and their part numbers you used in your build please...?

I bet you didn't read the thread...I installed the Apex sear only part #100-163

 

[ontargetagain]

Great thread! I've been going into this myself, and only went with the Sear as the rear sight removal was intimidating (and potentially with aesthetically negative side effects if I screw up). Luckily in about 500 rounds, the take-up is pretty smooth.

I was debating polishing the Apex sear-- the finish/color was off so I was concerned about it. Maybe I'll go back in.

Indeed better to be conservative than too aggressive!

Though, I've had this apart 2 times now. I'm concerned with the roll pins as they get borderline tough to punch back in place. I wouldn't be surprised if the pin's diameter at the ends were getting larger from tapping on it.

Here's my loop:

The second time I played with the loop to try to mess with over-travel.

Your 'loop' looks much better than the profile on mine, mine was a little rough and not evenly flat like yours, however it all works just fine!
Nice work on the polishing job
Karl

 

[ontargetagain]

I havent been messin with the loop. Lemme get this "sear" thing down first. One step at a time

Thats a great picture of your sears, OEM/Apex. I have been really regretting not having a pic of the Apex sear before I put it in.

It gets hard to judge where to go when your cutting that new ramp from memory

......and us ole farts memory aint worth beans anyhow

Good stuff...movin forward. Gonna shoot the ole girl this weekend and see what she says. Will advise!


EDIT: Roll pins...yea a tube naturally flares when you hammer on the end of it but we are talking "thousandths" here and that pin is plenty long. Just bevel the ends a touch to take the flare back off

Be careful when you do change the gap on the loop as if you have to close it down make sure to protect the finish you polished on the loop and don't mar it with pliers! LOL
Nice info you have shared and a job well done and shown that others can also benefit from.
Karl

 

[Shield9mm]

I will be installing the apex duty carry kit this weekend, the factory trigger pull on mine is around 6lb will see how much improvement I'll get.

Already polished the SB.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I bet you didn't read the thread...I installed the Apex sear only part #100-163

Did they redesign the 45 sear? I put one of my unused 45 Apex sears I had on hand for a regular M&P 45 in my 45 Shield and it dropped it down to a 3lb pull. Not something I'd want on a carry gun.

 

[ontargetagain]

Did they redesign the 45 sear? I put one of my unused 45 Apex sears I had on hand for a regular M&P 45 in my 45 Shield and it dropped it down to a 3lb pull. Not something I'd want on a carry gun.

I don't believe those are compatible! The Shield I believe is different in design. The Apex website points out that regular M&P sear not for M&P Shield. Obviously it fits but not to the safe tolerances it should for trigger sear engagement.
Karl

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I don't believe those are compatible! The Shield I believe is different in design. The Apex website points out that regular M&P sear not for M&P Shield. Obviously it fits but not to the safe tolerances it should for trigger sear engagement.
Karl

The same part number on the Apex website says it's for the M&P 45 and Shield: Details I'm pretty sure all Shields use the 45 sear.

Works with all current production Smith & Wesson M&P 45 series pistols, as well as the M&P M2.0 in 9mm and .40S&W and the M&P Shield (9mm/40S&W/45ACP).

 

[ontargetagain]

The same part number on the Apex website says it's for the M&P 45 and Shield: Details I'm pretty sure all Shields use the 45 sear.

What part# are you speaking of? Did you buy a kit with a sear or just the sear part# 100-063?

 

[Shield9mm]

The same part number on the Apex website says it's for the M&P 45 and Shield: Details I'm pretty sure all Shields use the 45 sear.

Yup 100-063

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[ontargetagain]

Yup 100-063

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If there was an AEK kit bought for the M&P, the Apex site still reads that it doesn't function in the Shield 45? Whether that means the other components or the sear I don't know.
Kit # 100-062 on their site still reads not for Shield 45.

I wasn't sure if the sear was from a kit or the 100-063 he was speaking of, now I wonder if I could get one of those sears to make my Shield 45 a Target Gun with a 3lb trigger LOL
Karl

 

[Shield9mm]

If there was an AEK kit bought for the M&P, the Apex site still reads that it doesn't function in the Shield 45? Whether that means the other components or the sear I don't know.

Kit # 100-062 on their site still reads not for Shield 45.



I wasn't sure if the sear was from a kit or the 100-063 he was speaking of, now I wonder if I could get one of those sears to make my Shield 45 a Target Gun with a 3lb trigger LOL

Karl

I don't know, apex products compatibility can be confusing sometimes, before the shield45 were released the sear 100-63 was compatible with the full size 45 and shield 9 only, now it is compatible with other guns including 2.0. But if you look at the pics is still the two dot sear. Some kits includes different parts I guess that's what make them incompatible.


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[ontargetagain]

I don't know, apex products compatibility can be confusing sometimes, before the shield45 were released the sear 100-63 was compatible with the full size 45 and shield 9 only, now it is compatible with other guns including 2.0. But if you look at the pics is still the two dot sear. Some kits includes different parts I guess that's what make them incompatible.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

OK that makes sense, supposedly the 'two dot' sear is the correct sear now Their site is a bit confusion on compatibility but their products are good
Karl

 

[Nakanokalronin]

What part# are you speaking of? Did you buy a kit with a sear or just the sear part# 100-063?

Just the sear from about a year ago. That part number is the same sear for the larger 45 models and all Shields. Post number 42, click on the "Details" link.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

If there was an AEK kit bought for the M&P, the Apex site still reads that it doesn't function in the Shield 45? Whether that means the other components or the sear I don't know.
Kit # 100-062 on their site still reads not for Shield 45.

I wasn't sure if the sear was from a kit or the 100-063 he was speaking of, now I wonder if I could get one of those sears to make my Shield 45 a Target Gun with a 3lb trigger LOL
Karl

I was just talking about the sear I linked earlier, not the kit. The kit is not for the Shield 45 since it is a bit different than the 9/40 models. I don't know if it's the same sear as the one they have now, but the one I have gave The 45 Shield a 3lb trigger pull. I also have the same sear just by itself in both of my FS45s.

 

[greeenteeee]

A second Apex Sear (PN: 100-063) found itself in my hands.

Debating on replacing the PC sear with it or leaving it as is and selling it off. (My Shields are 9s)

 

[Shield9mm]

but the one I have gave The 45 Shield a 3lb trigger pull. I also have the same sear just by itself in both of my FS45s.

The apex sear when used alone drops the trigger pull about 2lb. For that reason apex springs are a bit heavier so the trigger pull doesn't drop too much specially on a carry gun.

The apex kit were designed to improve the trigger mechanism not to drop the trigger pull alone, that's why they always recommend to install the whole kit.

Since you installed the sear alone that's why your trigger pull is significantly low. After installing the duty kit on my shield9 it went down from 7lb to 5.5lb. I Just finished installing the duty carry kit on my shield45 and it dropped from 6lb to 5lb.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

The apex sear when used alone drops the trigger pull about 2lb. For that reason apex springs are a bit heavier so the trigger pull doesn't drop too much specially on a carry gun.

The apex kit were designed to improve the trigger mechanism not to drop the trigger pull alone, that's why they always recommend to install the whole kit.

Since you installed the sear alone that's why your trigger pull is significantly low. After installing the duty kit on my shield9 it went down from 7lb to 5.5lb. I Just finished installing the duty carry kit on my shield45 and it dropped from 6lb to 5lb.

I understand, but my FS45s have a 4.5-5lb trigger pull with just the sears. I put the same sear in a 9mm Shield and it went down to a 4.5-5lb trigger pull. I put that same sear in my 45 Shield and it drops it down to 3lbs.

 

[Shield9mm]

OK that makes sense, supposedly the 'two dot' sear is the correct sear now Their site is a bit confusion on compatibility but their products are good

Karl

Have you measured the trigger pull before and after the apex sear?


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[Bonephish]

I installed only the Apex aluminum trigger in my .45 and my Lyman gauge shows 4.2#. I hate the factory hinged plastic triggers and have Apex triggers in all my M&P's.

 

[ontargetagain]

Thought it was time to refresh my satisfaction of my Shield 45 with Apex sear
I have had the gun now several months, I have probably 350+ rounds through it and most of them my reloads of 230, 200 and 185gr bullets with all kinds of powders. Other than the fact that bullet seating depth is critical for this barrel to properly chamber the rounds the gun has been accurate with anything I put through it. I honestly shoot it better than I was shooting my full size E Series 1911.

The trigger has settled in at a very pleasant and no-creep crisp 4lbs. I have not had any problems with slide functions or mag functions. I never really intended on a 3.3in bbl to become one of my favorite 25-50ft target guns but it has. The simple 3-dot contrast sights work well at my indoor ranage too and it is poorly lighted.

I had the Sig 320 and Walther PPQ M2, both known for nice factory triggers, well my Apex Smith is still tops!
Thanks Smith & Wesson for the nice little thrill that this Shield offers in shooting enjoyment in a compact 45!
Karl