APEX TACTICAL Information Release - May 1, 2012
On April 13th, Smith & Wesson released their new M&P Shield. Since its
release we've been inundated with requests for information about what Apex
products will be available for the Shield. We've kept you all waiting for the last
couple of weeks, so let's jump in to the Shield's similarities and differences in relation
to the full size M&P.
What we know
When our Shield arrived here at Apex, it had a gritty pre-travel, hard break and relatively long over travel, yet a distinct reset. Upon detailed disassembly and inspection, we noticed the following parts interchangeable between the Shield and the full size M&P.
In the R&D lab, we tested the Shield with our Duty/Carry kit installed and it produced the same results as with the standard M&P series guns. The DCAEK took the trigger pull down from 5.75 lbs. with more than .110" over travel to 5 lbs. with .060" over travel, with a noticeably smoother uptake and crisper break.
The Apex Hard Sear and USB Kit were tested in conjunction with the factory springs in the Shield and we found the results to be the same as with other M&P models we've tested. The trigger pull was brought down to 4.25 lbs. with a smooth uptake and crisp break.
We do not recommend installing the Apex Competition Spring kit or Comp AEK into the M&P Shield as it is a product we feel is best kept with a trigger pull above the 4 lb. mark.
Apex Products that DO NOT work in the Shield
The Apex Forward Set Trigger and AEK triggers do not work in the M&P Shield. The factory trigger in the Shield is narrower than the M&P triggers. We are presently working on a solid body polymer trigger to replace the factory trigger.
The Apex Failure Resistant Extractor does not function in the Shield. The Shield Extractor is much narrower than the M&P Extractor. We are uncertain at this time if the necessity will exist for a Shield model of the FRE, but we will certainly look into it as time goes on.
The Trigger Pivot Pin in our M&P Shield measures .130 in diameter, which is significantly smaller than the full size M&P. The slave pins we currently offer in our Kits, will not work in the Shield. We are working to produce a slave pin specifically for the M&P Shield which will be included in any kit that requires the trigger to be installed into the frame.
Other Notable differences
The frame rails on the Shield's locking block are certainly stouter than the M&P's. The Sear Housing Block has an additional piece of frame rail on its left side right behind the ejector, which is never a bad thing, the more frame rail surface you have, the better the lockup and overall durability. The frame also has a steel support at the front, just forward of the locking block, which we surmise adds rigidity to the frame to enhance durability.
Final Thought
The M&P Shield is a great little carry gun. Its magazine capacities of 7 and 8 rounds coupled with its slim line body and reliability make is a great carry piece.
To get the latest up to date information on the Shield Carry Kit and other Apex products, Like us on Facebook, follow our Blog or sign up for our newsletter on our Shopping Cart.
On April 13th, Smith & Wesson released their new M&P Shield. Since its
release we've been inundated with requests for information about what Apex
products will be available for the Shield. We've kept you all waiting for the last
couple of weeks, so let's jump in to the Shield's similarities and differences in relation
to the full size M&P.
What we know
When our Shield arrived here at Apex, it had a gritty pre-travel, hard break and relatively long over travel, yet a distinct reset. Upon detailed disassembly and inspection, we noticed the following parts interchangeable between the Shield and the full size M&P.
- Sear
- Sear Spring
- Sear Plunger
- Striker Block
- Striker Block Spring
- Striker Block Washer
- Trigger Return Spring
- Striker Assembly
- Extractor Pin
- Apex Hard Sear
- Apex Ultimate Striker Block Kit(USB Kit)
- Apex Duty/Carry Sear and Trigger Return Spring (DC Spring Kit)
In the R&D lab, we tested the Shield with our Duty/Carry kit installed and it produced the same results as with the standard M&P series guns. The DCAEK took the trigger pull down from 5.75 lbs. with more than .110" over travel to 5 lbs. with .060" over travel, with a noticeably smoother uptake and crisper break.
The Apex Hard Sear and USB Kit were tested in conjunction with the factory springs in the Shield and we found the results to be the same as with other M&P models we've tested. The trigger pull was brought down to 4.25 lbs. with a smooth uptake and crisp break.
We do not recommend installing the Apex Competition Spring kit or Comp AEK into the M&P Shield as it is a product we feel is best kept with a trigger pull above the 4 lb. mark.
Apex Products that DO NOT work in the Shield
The Apex Forward Set Trigger and AEK triggers do not work in the M&P Shield. The factory trigger in the Shield is narrower than the M&P triggers. We are presently working on a solid body polymer trigger to replace the factory trigger.
The Apex Failure Resistant Extractor does not function in the Shield. The Shield Extractor is much narrower than the M&P Extractor. We are uncertain at this time if the necessity will exist for a Shield model of the FRE, but we will certainly look into it as time goes on.
The Trigger Pivot Pin in our M&P Shield measures .130 in diameter, which is significantly smaller than the full size M&P. The slave pins we currently offer in our Kits, will not work in the Shield. We are working to produce a slave pin specifically for the M&P Shield which will be included in any kit that requires the trigger to be installed into the frame.
Other Notable differences
The frame rails on the Shield's locking block are certainly stouter than the M&P's. The Sear Housing Block has an additional piece of frame rail on its left side right behind the ejector, which is never a bad thing, the more frame rail surface you have, the better the lockup and overall durability. The frame also has a steel support at the front, just forward of the locking block, which we surmise adds rigidity to the frame to enhance durability.
Final Thought
The M&P Shield is a great little carry gun. Its magazine capacities of 7 and 8 rounds coupled with its slim line body and reliability make is a great carry piece.
To get the latest up to date information on the Shield Carry Kit and other Apex products, Like us on Facebook, follow our Blog or sign up for our newsletter on our Shopping Cart.
