M&P Apex Advice

J

JJ45

New member
I'm a little confused by what Apex offers to improve the trigger on an M&P 9 FS.

The AEK is about 89 bucks. There is no trigger but just parts;
hard sear
striker block
couple of springs

Is this a worthwhile upgrade without the inclusion of a replacement trigger?

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated...Treedog
 
I'm kind of in the same boat for my M&P 45. I've been considering upgrading to an Apex kit even though I think the factory trigger is pretty decent (at least that's been my experience). I believe the kit you mentioned cures the grittyness of the trigger that some people are experiencing and the kits offer different springs to adjust trigger pull weight. Apex also makes a full kit that offers a metal trigger which is the one I'll be going with if I do the upgrade. Amazon seems to have the best price for the M&P 45 kit not sure about the 9mm. I just like the idea of a metal trigger and a 4.5 lb trigger pull.
 
The AEK is about 89 bucks. There is no trigger but just parts;
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You are mistaken. The DCAEK is just parts. The AEK trigger is the trigger itself.

The 2 best options are:

DCAEK + AEK polymer trigger (you don't need the aluminum one)

Or FSS w/ flat face trigger (1911-ish... not recommended for carry duty)
 
Uncle, I'm probably wrong about this but thats what I mean about confusion.

On Midway's Site, they have this among other Apex kits;

ApexTactical Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit (AEK) S&W M&P9MM,357SIG,40S&W-that is the main description.

This is what they say is included;
Apex M&P Hard Sear
Apex M&P Ultimate Striker Block
Apex M&P Increased Rate Sear Spring
Apex M&P Trigger Return Spring

That is everything included (no trigger) Midway could be mistaken also. But if this particular kit exists is it worth $90 to install it w/o a trigger?...Still confused JJ
 
They are correct. That is what you want... the DCAEK (Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit).... for best results, also get the AEK polymer trigger.

Also, just buy from Apex directly.
 
I guess I just always have. Easy to use, speedy delivery, and you can call them right up on the phone if you get stuck and they're happy to walk you through it, real-time.

I don't know what the price differences are, if any... but I guess I figure more of your money goes to Apex if you buy from them directly, and I'm happy to support them.
 
That's a good enough reason, Thanks

But another question, why would adding the trigger to the kit give "for best results" over keeping the stock trigger? Does anyone have a specific answer to this?

Again I'm green about this whole Apex M&P thing and just trying to learn something.
 
The AEK trigger is solid with a trigger safety thing similar to Glock while the factory M&P trigger is hinged... this gives the impression of much more trigger travel than there actually is. The AEK trigger feels a lot more solid.
 
If you want a defense/carry trigger... The Poly AEK trigger and the DCAEK.

Very nice trigger with dynamics similar to the factory trigger, meaning take up, break, then a little over travel. Less overall travel than the factory setup, and superior feel.


The FSS is very nice, I have one. I have the Poly trigger version, as I am not a big fan of flat triggers, they feel odd to me. The duty springs make for a nice 5lb break.

When set up like Apex recommends, it has little take up, a very crisp 1911ish break, and then over travel. Less overall travel than the AEK, but more over travel.

I set my FSS up differently though. I set it up to have take up, then break before a small amount of over travel. So its similar to an AEK, but less travel overall.


I like replacing the stock hinged trigger, because it feels like it flexes, and that adds to the mushy feel of the trigger. Just doing a basic trigger job/polish and swapping the trigger for an Apex, really improved my M&Pc. Not as nice as a complete kit and polish would do, but close.
 
Why mess with the trigger? M&P's, Glock's, H&K's, Sig 320's, XD's ----- all armory grade duty weapons designed to be easy to carry and quick to action. I just picked up a new M&P9 FS-----test fired on 05/26/2015. The trigger has a tad bit of take up and then breaks very clean with no tactical/audible reset. It's fine for 10 yards and in. I scratch my head when I hear of someone spending $150 to $200 to update a Glock, M&P or Sig 320. Why not just go ahead and get a Springfield Armory 1911 TRP-type of pistol? They can be had for $750.00 at Buds.
 
Why not just go ahead and get a Springfield Armory 1911 TRP-type of pistol? They can be had for $750.00 at Buds.
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Ummm... can you get me a link? My TRP was $1,400.... I don't even like 1911's, but I'd buy another one for $750.

That kind of leads into your other point.... because not everyone wants a 1911. I don't understand the mentality of "if you want a good trigger, get a 1911. Otherwise shut up and be happy with what you got." The new M&P's have remarkably better triggers than the old ones did... but still they are not anywhere close to their potential. A full Apex kit in an M&P is pretty much the best trigger you can get on any striker fired handgun today... to include PPQ, P320, and VP9.

The P320 has a really good trigger out of box... but it also responds very well to some gun smithing. My full size is stock and my compact has been worked over by Robert Burke (The Sig Armorer).... there is a quite noticeable difference.

I have no interest in a 3lb, low capacity gun like a 1911 just to get a decent trigger. That's why we spend $200 on a great trigger for a high capacity, light weight gun. :D
 
I get it Uncle Malice and choice is what makes America; America. The M&P9 will become my everyday knockabout go to handgun. The fit is perfect for me and three dot novaks just work with my 50 something eyes. In fact my Glocks are about to be updated with Novaks.
 
You are mistaken. The DCAEK is just parts. The AEK trigger is the trigger itself.
Click to expand...

They are correct. That is what you want... the DCAEK (Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit).... for best results, also get the AEK polymer trigger.
Click to expand...

APEX AEK:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/956820/apex-tactical-competition-action-enhancement-kit-aek-s-and-w-m-and-p-9mm-luger-357-sig-40-s-and-w

APEX DCAEK
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/129780/apex-tactical-action-enhancement-trigger-kit-s-and-w-m-and-p-polymer-black

AEK trigger polymer
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/147319/apex-tactical-action-enhancement-kit-aek-trigger-s-and-w-m-and-p-aluminum-black?cm_vc=ProductFinding

AEK trigger aluminum
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/462702/apex-tactical-duty-carry-action-enhancement-kit-aek-s-and-w-m-and-p-9mm-luger-357-sig-40-s-and-w?cm_vc=ProductFinding

For the OP, keep in mind there is both a DCAEK and a regular AEK with the latter meant more for competition. This is in addition to the AEK trigger itself, which can be had in polymer or aluminum. There are a lot of options.

I guess I just always have. Easy to use, speedy delivery, and you can call them right up on the phone if you get stuck and they're happy to walk you through it, real-time.
Click to expand...

I'd rather go through MidwayUSA or Brownells. APEX direct is FedEx ground which is ludicrously slow for me on the East Coast from CA. Brownells and MidwayUSA offer faster shipping options for only a little more.
 
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FWIW, I took the advice and went with the DCAEK kit and AEK Trigger(polymer)

Thanks again, always good advice...JJ
 
The stock trigger return spring, if left in the weapon, will give a lighter squeeze, something like 4.5 lbs compared with about 5.5 lbs.

Those who have installed the kit-Do you recommend keeping the stock spring or replacing it with the kit spring. Maybe that would defeat the duty/carry purpose?

My 1911s break at about 4.5 but they are equipped with thumb and grip safeties.
 
Use the spring in the kit.

If you want it for carry/defense... Having the trigger be at least 5 - 5.5lb is best. The break will be much better and it will feel lighter than what it is when shooting.
 
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