Should I have a gunsmith install my APEX Shield Carry Kit?

[ColoradoDave]

Hey everyone,

After firing many rounds, the only thing I really don't like about my M&P Shield is the trigger. So I purchased the APEX Shield Carry Kit.

I installed the APEX DCAEK on my M&P 40 full size and it improved the trigger immensely! The install was very easy. However, I have heard horror stories about installing the similar kit on the M&P Shield. From what I hear, removing the rear sight on the Shield is near impossible without marring the sight.

Should I just cough up the cash and have a gunsmith install the kit? Or would it be worth my while to save a little cash and install everything except for the ultimate striker block kit and send that component along with my slide to a gunsmith?

Thanks very much for any advice!

Dave.

 

[Jasonm43]

Hey everyone,

After firing many rounds, the only thing I really don't like about my M&P Shield is the trigger. So I purchased the APEX Shield Carry Kit.

I installed the APEX DCAEK on my M&P 40 full size and it improved the trigger immensely! The install was very easy. However, I have heard horror stories about installing the similar kit on the M&P Shield. From what I hear, removing the rear sight on the Shield is near impossible without marring the sight.


Should I just cough up the cash and have a gunsmith install the kit? Or would it be worth my while to save a little cash and install everything except for the ultimate striker block kit and send that component along with my slide to a gunsmith?

Thanks very much for any advice!

Dave.

If u did it on a full size the shield is easier less springs I. The front block its easy just use a vice with the slide wrapped in a towel and a brass punch and that sight is as good as out
!! Iv now done 7 shields and 4 c or fs ... The shield is by far easier

 

[ColoradoDave]

Thanks for your reply Jason!

I used the following product (and hammer) to punch out the rear sights on my M&P 40:

Brownells Nylon Front-Sight Drift Punch

It worked really well, even though I do not own a vice. Do you think this product should also work the same with the rear sights of the M&P Shield?

Thanks again!

 

[Jasonm43]

Thanks for your reply Jason!

I used the following product (and hammer) to punch out the rear sights on my M&P 40:

Brownells Nylon Front-Sight Drift Punch

It worked really well, even though I do not own a vice. Do you think this product should also work the same with the rear sights of the M&P Shield?

Thanks again!

Is should work great but a vice may be Indespencible in this situation

 

[robkarrob]

M&P Shield Apex Trigger Install (short version) - YouTube


M&P Shield Apex Trigger Install (long version) - YouTube

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Is should work great but a vice may be Indespencible in this situation

I was able to do it without a vice, I used some Irwin bar clamps and clamped it to the edge of my workbench. Worked great.

 

[ColoradoDave]

Would these work?

BESSEY 3-in Cast Iron Vise

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Yea that should do it given you got a solid bench to clamp it to.

 

[ColoradoDave]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'll purchase the vice, watch the videos and get to work. Wish me luck!

Dave.

 

[ColoradoDave]

I was able to do it without a vice, I used some Irwin bar clamps and clamped it to the edge of my workbench. Worked great.

Actually, I think I might do the same with some corrugated cardboard between the bench and the slide to prevent marring.

Do you think this twin set would hold up okay:

IRWIN 2-Pack Mini Quick Grip

Or should I opt for the single, stronger grip with twice the pressure rating:

IRWIN 6-in Next Gen Bar Clamp

Thanks again!

Dave.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

I think you would be better off with the two smaller clamps and 2 contact points. A couple of those clamps are good investments anyway, I use em all the time for various projects. I laid down a piece of foam between the bench and the slide, but I'd think the Cardboard should work too

Good luck!

 

[ColoradoDave]

I think you would be better off with the two smaller clamps and 2 contact points. A couple of those clamps are good investments anyway, I use em all the time for various projects. I laid down a piece of foam between the bench and the slide, but I'd think the Cardboard should work too

Good luck!

Thanks again for all your input, you've been a huge help!

 

[Jasonm43]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'll purchase the vice, watch the videos and get to work. Wish me luck!

Dave.

Great time ahead of u!! And the vice will come in Handy for many other fun gun mods!!

 

[Rastoff]

Ask any woodworker or metalworker, you can never have too many clamps. So, any clamp you buy will be useful. I was building a cabinet once and had every clamp I owned in use. I have more now.

Even if you don't use that vise on this job, you will want/need it down the line.

Good vises are expensive, but worth it. A better way to get one is at a garage sale. A used vise will be 10% of the new one and still out last you by 100 years. My father-in-law gave me one years ago. I don't know what I did without it.