Hey guys I picked up a 9mm shield and I can't decide if I should get the apex carry kit or Lou's trigger job from BEC. Anyone have experience with either one and can tell me the differences between them?
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M&P Shield - Apex or Lou's Custom Job at BEC?
- Thread starter KiloVictorTango
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I also had mine done at BEC by Lou and the trigger is amazing I think it's 5.13 lbs. I also had Ameriglo night sights put on. The original trigger pull was over 10 lbs.
I have an Apex DCAEK on the way for my full size MP9, and plan to bring my Shield to BEC.
I couldn't decide so I figured I'd do both.
I couldn't decide so I figured I'd do both.
I did the Apex kit on my Shield, but needed Lou's help to finish it (striker block). I felt the difference between my trigger and his and preferred his to mine any day.
Just did an Apex kit on my shield and am really happy. Also added some Ameriglo sights. I picked the Apex kit over a trigger job for 3 reasons
1) I like having the ability to return the gun to stock or at least have the stock parts if I need them
2) I wanted to learn more about how the gun operates, so doing the Apex kit gave me an excuse to tear it apart and learn.
3) it took me 30 minutes, tops, to do the apex kit while a trigger job usually takes at least a few days if not more. My Shield is my only CCW so I didn't want to sent it away for work if I didn't have to.
I have read great things about Lous work and wouldn't hesitate for a second to let him work on my gun. But for me, the Apex was the right choice. I'm happy with the decision...
and be prepared, I shot my Shield for the first time today since doing the Apex kit, and between the trigger and the new Ameriglo sights, it's like a whole new gun.
1) I like having the ability to return the gun to stock or at least have the stock parts if I need them
2) I wanted to learn more about how the gun operates, so doing the Apex kit gave me an excuse to tear it apart and learn.
3) it took me 30 minutes, tops, to do the apex kit while a trigger job usually takes at least a few days if not more. My Shield is my only CCW so I didn't want to sent it away for work if I didn't have to.
I have read great things about Lous work and wouldn't hesitate for a second to let him work on my gun. But for me, the Apex was the right choice. I'm happy with the decision...
and be prepared, I shot my Shield for the first time today since doing the Apex kit, and between the trigger and the new Ameriglo sights, it's like a whole new gun.
Hands down....
Lou at BEC.I have one that he did and have one with
An apex kit.
I can't wait to have Lou make it right ..!!
Lou at BEC.I have one that he did and have one with
An apex kit.
I can't wait to have Lou make it right ..!!
yanici
NES Member
I haven't even bothered shooting it yet with the MA 10 lb trigger![[rofl]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/013.gif "ROFL [rofl]")
It might be a good idea to run a couple of hundred rounds through it before you do any trigger work, just to be sure the gun runs well and you don't need to send it in for any warranty work.
Agree with John on this one. If there are warranty issues, might want to get them taken care of before doing any work. Plus it's always nice to have a pre/post comparison.
DemonChronicles
NES Member
Apex kit here in my .40c M&P, love it. Can't go wrong with either.
When I bought my shield I dropped it off to Lou on my way from the gun store.
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One thing you need to ask yourself is do you trust your gunsmithing skills on a gun yo might need to save you or a loved one's life.
- - - Updated - - -
One thing you need to ask yourself is do you trust your gunsmithing skills on a gun yo might need to save you or a loved one's life.
I don't think those are compatible with the Shield(or any recent 9mm M&P since they changed the sear housing). Plus reset is definitely pronounced on my Shield 9mm with the Apex kit so I don't know that it's needed.
I just installed an Apex DCAEK kit in my 9c. I'm no gunsmith. The most I've done is build an AR lower and detail strip a Ruger MK III. It wasn't difficult. You shouldn't be worried about doing it yourself. The biggest thing is having the right tools, which isn't much.
Assuming the shield is similar to the rest of the M&P series, you'll need a punch to knock out a couple of roll pins. Make sure it is long enough. Mine weren't, luckily by that point it was out far enough and not so tight that a small screwdriver worked. In fact, removing the rear pin was the hardest part of the whole job. Damn it was in their TIGHT.
You'll need a clamp or something to hold the slide to drift out the rear sight. This also took quite a bit of hammering. That dovetail is tight as well.
Obviously a hammer. If you don't have a hammer, and you own a gun, there are issues...
That is about it. A small thin pair of tweezers is helpful for some of the smaller springs and parts.
I highly recommend doing something to the M&P triggers. They aren't very good stock, and I can only imagine that a MA trigger is just awful. The Apex kit got rid of the gritty feeling and the false reset on my trigger. I don't have a pull gauge, but I think it also increased the weight. I may be swapping back out the sear spring and/or trigger reset spring back to stock to make it lighter. It seems okay anyways though.
Assuming the shield is similar to the rest of the M&P series, you'll need a punch to knock out a couple of roll pins. Make sure it is long enough. Mine weren't, luckily by that point it was out far enough and not so tight that a small screwdriver worked. In fact, removing the rear pin was the hardest part of the whole job. Damn it was in their TIGHT.
You'll need a clamp or something to hold the slide to drift out the rear sight. This also took quite a bit of hammering. That dovetail is tight as well.
Obviously a hammer. If you don't have a hammer, and you own a gun, there are issues...
That is about it. A small thin pair of tweezers is helpful for some of the smaller springs and parts.
I highly recommend doing something to the M&P triggers. They aren't very good stock, and I can only imagine that a MA trigger is just awful. The Apex kit got rid of the gritty feeling and the false reset on my trigger. I don't have a pull gauge, but I think it also increased the weight. I may be swapping back out the sear spring and/or trigger reset spring back to stock to make it lighter. It seems okay anyways though.
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If you are talking about one from BEC it was one week for trigger job and night sites. But the trigger job was cheaper than buying the Apex kit and there is no question the gun will work if needed.
lol. Awesome.
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I'm thinking if it went back to the factory without the original parts in place that would certainly void the warranty. That would be the case of any product, not just this.
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Oh, and Lou did my Shield trigger...as well as a 40c. Down around 5 lbs and I'm very happy.
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I have never heard of a trigger job voiding a warranty. It would have to be extremely screwed up I am guessing for the company to even consider it. In that case I doubt they would send it back until they reinstalled the OEM parts. The only gun company I have seen exchange parts back to original as a matter of fact is Ruger. There is always the exception though.
ok thanks,, I just picked up my shield this weekend love the size and concealability, but gotta do something about the trigger
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For sure, mine sucked too as do all MA compliant ones. Hey, I go with Lou at BEC every time. First class work, nice person, and if you get him when he's not too busy (that one is a crap shoot), the turn around is pretty quick. He's done a ton of these M&P based pistols so no worries, it will come home to you the way you want.
I have a Shield 9mm that I had Lou do a trigger job on and install night sights. The price was right and the work was well done. The trigger pull on mine is at 5lb 10oz, I don't remember what it was but it's much nicer. I also put a rubberized Talon Grip on the gun and it feels a lot better in my hand. My big complaint is the stock hinged trigger so hopefully Apex comes out with a replacement trigger like they do for the full size M+P's.
I had Lou do my Glock also and I got back some parts from the trigger job on it but don't see any in my box from the shield (only the original sights) so I guess his job is of his own doing ?
Overall I like it , just need to change out the trigger for a Glock style
I had Lou do my Glock also and I got back some parts from the trigger job on it but don't see any in my box from the shield (only the original sights) so I guess his job is of his own doing ?
Overall I like it , just need to change out the trigger for a Glock style
Brought mine to Lou before running any ammo through it. One week turn around couple of months ago. Results were outstanding and performance has been flawless. He is great to work with - no matter what you bring to his shop.
