m&p

Apex Tactical Duty/Carry Kit & AEK Trigger

Apex Tactical AEK Trigger Not unlike other popular polymer striker fire pistols, the S&W M&P has factory internals that are meant to be a common denominator for all gun owners. While it's perfectly satisfactory for most gunsumers, Apex Tactical manufactures Action Enhancement Kits, or AEKs, to suit your competitive, duty, or carry needs. The Apex Tactical Duty/Carry Kit & AEK Trigger are two products I was recommended to add to my S&W M&Pc pistol to give the already decent performance and accuracy a bit of a "polish."

The Duty/Carry AEK kit is compatible with S&W M&P Full Size, Compact, Long Slide and Pro Models, with or without thumb safeties and magazine disconnects. It is not compatible with the M&P Shield or .45ACP M&P pistols.

Apex Tactical AEK Trigger

The kit includes an APEX fully machined sear, APEX M&P Ultimate Striker Block Kit (Ultimate Striker Block, USB Spring, Talon Tactical Tool) and Duty Carry Spring Set (Sear Spring,  Trigger Return Spring, aluminum slave pin). All those modiciation parts work in conjunction to shorten over-travel of the trigger and create a smoother pull, all while keeping the pistol at a safe 5-5.5 lb trigger pull weight for Duty/Carry applications. I know many of you have heard/read already the saying, "You don't want to have to explain to a prosecutor in court why you modified your defensive weapon with a lightened trigger" but there's a reason why all LEO and military keep their sidearm triggers in the 5lb range, and for a non-competition pistol you plan on using for personal defense its a good idea to follow step.

The AEK Trigger Kit is compatible with all S&W M&P Pistols including the 45 ACP models. It directly replaces the factory hinged trigger with a solid body machined aluminum trigger (a lower price polymer trigger is also available) that has a center mounted pivoting safety.  The flat target style trigger purposefully forces the shooter's finger on the center line of the trigger and encourages trigger manipulation directly to the rear, which leads to better accuracy.  The reduced pre-travel and over-travel is approximately a 20% difference from the S&W factory trigger.

Apex Tactical AEK Trigger

I found that installing the Duty/Carry Kit was fairly straight forward when watching the Apex Tactical instructional Youtube video (Part 1 and Part 2). The only hangup I had was connecting the AEK trigger to the trigger bar. Despite being preset from Apex, it refused to budge for me. In fact, I broke a cheap punch on it after wailing repeatedly with far too much force than what should have been necessary. I had to use a bench vice to start the pin even more, which was then too far for the trigger bar to be attached. A quick visit to the gunsmith took care of it, and he was in agreement that the pin in question was unusually stubborn.

After installation of both the AEK Trigger Kit and the Duty/Carry kit, I found that the trigger pull was indeed very smooth and the distance for both pre-travel and over-travel were much shorter than before. The reset however disappeared almost completely, and will take some getting used to at the range as it feels like a competition trigger. I was able to bump the trigger and get unintended double taps, but installing the Reset Assist Mechanism (RAM Kit) next should reproduce a proper reset and an overall safer carry pistol.

Apex Tactical Duty/Carry Kit & AEK Trigger

I would recommend these kits to any M&P owner who is wanting a better trigger pull and tighter groups. It does take some getting used to, and if you have never disassembled a striker fired pistol beyond whats needed for cleaning I would recommend either taking it to a gunsmith or studying up on the Youtube videos repeatedly before taking it on yourself.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The AEK Trigger is an enhanced trigger for the Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols, reducing  trigger pre-travel and over travel.

The Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit delivers a smooth, consistent 5½ lb. trigger pull with less over-travel and shorter reset for an improved performance of your pistol while maintaining its safety features for daily carry.

Target Market: Law Enforcement, competition shooters, and individuals who own a S&W M&P

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Center Mounted Pivoting Safety bar
  • Reduced trigger pre-travel & over-travel by approximately 20%
  • Flat, smooth face trigger encourages trigger manipulation directly in line with the bore axis
  • Trigger Return Spring
  • Limited pre-travel, limited over-travel, and improved safety features out of the AEK Trigger
  • Retain the factory sear spring to get a slightly lighter 5 lb. pull.
  • Installation Slave Pin
  • Both kits engineered for a drop-in fit, though gunsmith installation is recommended.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: N/A

What others are saying?: "As a 1911 shooter, moving to any plastic gun is a challenge to shoot well. I am spoiled on 1911 triggers. This kit comes close to what I am used to on a 1911. A bit more take up, but otherwise smooth, light and crisp release and reset. My groups improved greatly and rival those of my 1911. A bit pricey to pay 150.00 for a trigger on a 400.00 gun. But if this is your carry gun, worth it." -Lawrence Plasek, Apex Tactical Website Review

Price point:

AEK Trigger: MSRP = $76.99 Retail = Same price on Brownells

Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit: MSRP = $92.95 Retail = Same price on Brownells

I need it now! Availability Available on Brownells or direct thru Apex Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Creates a very smooth, consistent trigger pull that feels lighter than standard 5-5.5lbs
  • Online videos available to assist with each process
  • Shorter over-travel and shortened trigger reset.
  • The kit itself is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing (however, armorer or gunsmith installation is recommended).

Cons:

  • The kit itself is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing, however AEK trigger pin was unusually stubborn and needed persuasion from my smith.
  • Trigger reset is not tangible and barely audible, Reset Assist Mechanism is probably needed to finish off the kit for my carry purposes.

Score: 8.0

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast link

Graphic Design and Web Design services www.hunterofdesign.com

Firing Line Review

 

 

Apex Tactical Armorers Block & Tooling Plate Review

Apex Armorers Block For a Do-It-Yourself Gunsmith or an actually professional, the Apex Tactical Armorers Block & Tooling Plate comes in handy for supporting Smith & Wesson M&P or Glock pistols for disassembly and modification. While not entirely necessary for taking down a pistol for cleaning or certain modifications, its a great support when a hammer and punch is called for. I also found the reversibility of the block to also be hand for reassembly, or even just stippling the frame one side at a time.

 

I would recommend both the Armorers Block and Tooling Plate to anyone taking an armorer's course, or interested in adding some new internal parts to their Glock or M&P pistol.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Apex Armorers BlockClaim to Fame: The Apex Polymer Armorer's Block and Tooling Plate provide a raised surface for you to work on your M&P and Glock Pistols.

Target Market: Law Enforcement, competition shooters, and individuals who own a S&W M&P

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Supports S&W or Glock pistols for armory work and detail disassembly
  • Pre-positioned bosses, slots and holes remove pressure from critical function surfaces while pins are driven in and out
  • Thumb Safety and Magazine disconnect drop into holes and slots to prevent damage no matter what position they are in
  • High Density Polymer construction prevents marring of the frame while driving pins in and out
  • Retaining slots on each side of the block hold the striker
  • One side of the block is for the 45 striker, and the other is for the 9/40/357 striker.
  • Moveable bosses are easily adjustable to position frames quickly and easily
  • Raised walls on each side of the block position the trigger bar within the trigger to easy trigger swappin
  • Made in The USA
  • Instruction videos are available here.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: N/AArmorersBlock-3

What others are saying?: "Whomever dreamed this up is a genius. It is great when you need to remove pins, and it is even better when you want to replace a striker spring, which had always been a particular pain in the neck for me because it required either a third hand or some field expedient for one. This block is even better than a third hand. " -Lawrence Plasek, Apex Tactical Website Review

Price point:

MSRP = Polymer Block $29.95, Armorers Tray and Pin Punch $24.95

Retail = Same price on Brownells

I need it now! Availability Available on Brownells or direct thru Apex Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bosses are finger tightened and no tools necessary to adjust
  • Magnet "donut" in core of tray helps capture rogue pins or springs
  • Works for most Polymer pistols including M&Ps and Glocks

Cons:

  • Wish the Armorer's Block and Tray/Punch were a set
  • Roll pin punch not suited for all pin punching tasks, a taper or flat tip punch would also be helpful with some Apex parts

Score: 8.5

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast link

Graphic Design and Web Design services www.hunterofdesign.com

Gut Level Gear - Holster Review

Gut Level Holster Review

I had decided to take a low light handgun class this year and wanted to train with both weapon mounted and handheld flashlights. This put me on the search for a holster for my M&P 9 and a tlr-1s Streamlight. Luckily for me, the Gut Level Gear Holster came on line. After looking over the product line, I decided to order one up from Steve Griffin the owner.  A little background on Steve. Steve served in the Army for 11 years, a police officer for 20 years and has shot in various forms of competition for over 30 years. That's quite a resume for making a holster that truly works. The years of serving the public as a police officer probably aids in his ability to listen and evaluate your needs for your holster.

On to my holster. I decided on a Guardian Kydex outside the waistband holster. This holster is offered with or without light and with a few different mounting options. You can choose from tek-loc, Safariland ELS or belt slide. I chose the belt slide which seems to work the best for me. Fit and finish were great, granted its not hand tooled leather but nice none the less. Its a clamshell design with two tension screws on trigger guard side. There is no distortion in the bend and all edges are clean and smooth. Belt slide mounting hardware is well away from the gun so no worries of contact. Retention is on the flashlight, mine was perfect no adjustment needed. I carried the empty holster to work for almost two weeks, and gun and holster for 3 weekends. Overall impressions were great. It was well balanced, tucked close to the body and rock solid. Draws were quick and re-holstering was easy. His experience shows through in quality and practicality. The M&P with the light is not my daily carry, but could be thrown into rotation anytime with this holster. I'm definitely ready for my classes now.

Gut Level HolsterFirearms Inside Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: High quality, durability and custom construction.

Target Market: Concealed carriers, sportsmen, competition shooters and armed professionals.

FNB's (Features and Benefits of this Product):

  • Thick Kydex
  • Solid platform
  • Quick delivery

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, but most other colors are available by order.

What other are saying: As mentioned above, this company is brand new.  No others reviews out there yet.

Price Point:

  • $60 (with light)
  • $50 (without)

I need it now ! Availability:  Contact Gut Level Gear at info@gutlevelgear.com, Facebook, or (502) 548-1729.

Our Rating:

+ Nice heavy gauge Kydex + Excellent fit/finish + Great service + Many styles of holsters

- Has the most popular gun molds now, but may need to order mold for some guns

Score: 9.5  Amazing

The quality of work and customer care are top notch. I've since gone back for 2 more, 1 of which was a custom holster for my 2.5" Crimson Trace S&W 642. Highly recommend, its where I spend my money now for Kydex holsters.

Smith & Wesson M&P .22 Pistol

S&W M&P.22

 

By Ryan Michad

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A .22 plinker modeled after the extremely popular M&P series of pistols.

Target Market: Trainers, Plinkers, Small Game Hunters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key Features:

  • 12+1 Round Capacity.
  • Chambers .22 Long Rifle.
  • Pivoting Trigger Safety & Manual Thumb Safety.
  • Three Dot Sights (White).
  • Length: 7.6 inches.
  • Weight: 24 ounces.
  • Ambidextrous Slide Stop & Reversible Magazine Release.
  • Threaded Barrel for Suppressors.

Does it come in black?  The S&W M&P .22 comes with a corrosion resistant finish on the slide and other metal parts, and has a polymer lower frame.

What others are saying?  “I think the new M&P22 makes a lot of sense for anyone who shoots a centerfire M&P pistol for duty or for personal protection. ” -Joel Hutchcroft, Shooting Times

Shooting Times Review

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

I need it now! Availability:  These can be elusive sometimes, but there are some available at most gun shops and on Gunbroker.com

Our Rating

+ The pistol runs reliably. I have shot several hundred rounds suppressed and unsuppressed and have had total reliability. + The ergonomics of the M&P series pistols are amazing and allow for great control of the firearm. + It is very corrosion resistant, like most modern polymer handguns. + The barrel is threaded which makes attaching a suppressor easy if you desire to do so. + The sights are high enough to clear most .22 suppressors.

- I don’t really like the ambidextrous thumb safety. - It comes with only 1 magazine.

Score: 9.0 Amazing!!!90

 

Ryan Michad’s Links

Handgun Radio

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm

S&W M&P Shield 9mm

 

By Ryan Michad

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: A highly concealable and comfortable 9mm pistol with the great ergonomics of the Smith & Wesson M&P Series pistols.

 Target Market: Concealed Carry Permit holders; Home Defense

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) Key Features:

  • 7 & 8 Round Single Stack Magazines.
  • Chambers 9mm Parabellum.
  • Pivoting Trigger Safety & Manual Thumb Safety.
  • Three Dot Sights (White).
  • Frame width of only 0.95 inches!
  • Weight: 19 ounces.
  • 6.5 lb trigger pull.

Does it come in black?  The S&W M&P Shield comes with a corrosion resistant finish on the slide and other metal parts, and has a polymer lower frame.

What others are saying?  “It is thin and lightweight, but shooting the Shield feels like shooting a larger weapon, in that the design of the grip handles recoil very well, with either magazine in place.” -Jeff Quinn, Gunblast.com

Gunblast.com Review

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

I need it now! Availability:  These can be fairly tough to find right now, but there are some available at most gun shops and on Gunbroker.com

Our Rating:

+ The Shield is EXTREMELY thin, which makes it very comfortable to carry. + Even though it is thin, it handles recoil very well. The M&P Series of pistols have some of the most comfortable grips I’ve ever felt. + It is very corrosion resistant, like most modern polymer handguns. + It comes with one magazine with an extension, and one without.

- The sights are great, but night sights would be a plus for low light conditions.

Score: 9.0 Amazing!!!90

Ryan Michad’s Links

Handgun Radio