S&W SD9VE and Apex trigger kits

[jad0110]

For those of you that know me, you know that though I respect polymer frame pistols, I've never been, well, in love with them. On the other hand, my lower back has been the worst its been in years, and though I prefer steel frame handguns like DA S&W revolvers and 1911s, I decided it was time for a polymer frame semi auto for those days / time periods when a near 3 lb 686 is just too much. Eventually, I'll add an M&P9 Shield to the mix, but so far my back is really appreciating the reduced weight of the SD9VE.

I really like the gun, haven't had a glitch other than bumping the slide long a couple of times on the last shot, resulting in the slide failing to hold open. It feels sooo much better in my hand than any other polymer pistol. Fits like a glove. Granted, it doesn't warm my heart the way a S&W revolver, Colt Single Action Army or 1911 does, but I really appreciate this gun for what it is: a solid, dependable, easy to carry self defense pistol.

2 issues, I've already fixed one: I prefer clean sight pictures, and 3 dot sights have always struck me as being fussy. Black electrical tape on the rear dots fixed that.

Issue #2 is the trigger. Though I like not having the Glock or XD "dingle berry" safety protruding from the trigger face itself, the action is gritty and spongy feeling. The grittiness is improving, but the spongy, springy feeling is still there. Not the slick feeling of a nice S&W double action revolver, but doable.

It'd be nice to clean up the action while keeping the pull weight about the same (I prefer firmer triggers). Any thoughts on the Apex kits? Do they help with the sponginess?

Also, I noted the Apex trigger has the "dingle berry" safety sticking out of it. How does it feel compared to the Glock and XD triggers? I ask because those triggers always irritated my trigger finger after a 150 rounds or so.

Any other suggestions?

Again, pull weight doesn't bother me a bit, I actually rather like it.

Thanks!

 

[RX-79G]

The Apex products are all going to lower your trigger pull. I think some of what you feel as "spongy" is just the way these kinds of triggers tend to be.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

There're a couple of fine utoob tutorials for cleaning up the trigger action of the stock parts. When I got my S&W, I looked through a couple rather than sending out for an APEX (fine product, by the way) and was quite pleased with the results for only a half-hour or so of tweaking. I can't steer you to the one I liked but it was not one of the ones which involve stretching or cutting of springs. Steer clear of those guys.

And the fit? I was honestly shocked at the ergs of these pistols. Far and away better than every single other poly and a great many metal grips that I've ever held.


Todd.

 

[jad0110]

Yeah, I am familiar enough with striker fired actions - the sponginess is a common theme. I've been spoiled by the ultra smooth double action on my hammer-fired Vz.82 I guess! But as stated, the trigger is acceptable as is.

AppacheCoTodd,

Thank you for that suggestion, I was thinking there may be a way to clean the action up a little to smooth it up. Dry/live fire is helping noticeably, but it has a room for improvement. And I've always avoided the spring cutters ... yikes. I don't mind steering via a PM ... sounds like we have similar preferences in our triggers (smooth and clean as possible, weight doesn't matter so much).

And I agree on the ergos. Not quite as nice feeling as a CZ-75 or Hi Power, but darn close. Slightly slick, I may try Talon grips on it. And yes, the best feeling polymer frame pistol I've ever handled or fired. Way better feeling to me than a Glock (which I highly respect nonetheless). S&W really knocked it out of the park with the SD series, I actually prefer them to the M&Ps. Every bit as functional for me, but less costly. Very impressed.

 

[Walkalong]

I put one in my son's SD40VE and it is an improvement. It doesn't turn it into a light trigger or a great trigger, but it is better. Dependable pistol with a heavy trigger.