More work on the M&P

[NightCat]

So, I've already posted up about installing the APEX DCAEK, I found a really cool DIY for guys who dont want to spend the money for the parts kit and are really handy with files and other such hand tools, I'm sure its a repost, but there are some things on here I'm looking to capture and gain some input on.

Here is the link to the Write-up, it's in a nice PDF format.

http://www.burwellguns.com/misc/M&Ptriggerjob.pdf

And just for comparison, here are the parts or some of them at least from my DCAEK, for those who may be interested.


The bottom Sear obviously is the "fully machined" APEX Sear, and you can see how the over-travel is reduced due to the change in shape and how the over all shape of the sear is smoothed out as well as the back portion.

I am looking into modifying my APEX Sear...however I'm sorta sketch on that due to the fact that it isnt exactly a cheap kit to replace if I fuck up...sure, its better than a new pistol...but eeeh.

I'm mostly just looking into taking some steel wool or maybe my dremel tool with a polishing wheel on it and polishing up some of the surfaces as mentioned in the PDF...


Clearly, the APEX Striker block wont need any work for it is already radius'd quite well and really rather smooth and polished.

However, what caught my eye in the PDF is how the Trigger bar was polished where it makes contact with the Sear...I'm really debating dong that with either as I said before, steel wool or a dremel tool, perhaps some 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper to remove as little material as possible.

I like the DCAEK over the stock trigger a lot, I just still feel like there is something missing...or not quite perfect for my style.

I might go about buying and installing the APEX RAM, its a Reset Assist Mechanism, its supposed to produce a much more tactile reset on the trigger.

Understand I had an XDm prior to my M&P and for anyone wondering, the trigger on it is absolutely phenomenal.

Regardless.... I sold my XDm to put some work into the M&P. I'm debating using my old cheap ass nasty soldering gun to do some Stipple work to the gun.

I don't shoot with gloves and I do feel as though I could do with a little better grip in certain places, and there is a very defined plastic mark on the tang where the weapon was cast. I'll probably sand that down with some fine sand paper.

But I've been looking a lot into stippling and the patterns and the positive response it provides.

And yes, I am debating taking a line out of Travis Haley's book and doing a reference mark on my trigger guard, I dont quite think I'm brave enough for that...

Regardless, what caught my eye on that PDF is on Page 21/46. The polishing of the trigger bar.

I can see how that will help the engagement of the sear and smooth out the pull...so, Im super interested in that but would like to get feedback from anyone who HAS done it first.

Also, the striker polishing is extremely interesting to me, starting on Pg. 25/46. I'm not sure if I fully understand the reasoning behind it, besides the obvious polishing = less resistance, less resistance = smoother pull = easier to stay on target between shots.

The before and after pics dont really show me a lot...Im not 100% sure as to what the guy modified...It doesnt look a whole lot shinier to me...(polished)

So anyone care to chime in?


Regardless, I'm not sure exactly why I made a thread about this...its more so as I'm looking into parts, and other people's M&P's and the More I shoot it, the more I realize the small things I want to add on, or change, or modify to fit my style and my demands.

I'm definitely going to do an indexing point for my reaction hand thumb on my frame by stippling it a little. and I'll probably use (as indicated by a YouTube Video) a PMAG to practice on so if I fuck it up Im not out a $600+ pistol just a magazine..which, oh no...not a PMAG lol.

So, Just looking around the net for some other peoples shit to get some idea's.


So far, all I have done is Trijicon Night Sights and my APEX DCAEK.

The plan is as follows,
Night Sights
APEX DCAEK
Additional Trigger work as needed
Storm Lake 4.95" threaded barrel (yes...I plan on running a suppressor....why? because its my god given right under the constitution...nuffsaid)
Slight Stippling work (where needed)
DuraCoat/SeraCoat FDE (because I can and I like FDE...a lot..)
Extended magazines (Taylor Freelance) just for plinking days.
Surefire X300.

So, I really want to do a lot to this pistol to make it on par with my AR.

Any feedback you guys have or any experience would be much appreciated.

I'm sure it all sounds "tactiCool" but as I shoot this more and more, I discover all the little things that I want to do to get more consistent and improve my shots.

The suppressor is more so because I've never ran a suppressed weapon and I've always wanted to...its the ability to shoot without ear pro, and the ability to not make a giant flash in a defensive situation...and yes, the James Bond factor is there haha.

[Fromk]

The Arredondo mag extensions are pretty good and will 5 rounds of 9mm without changing the spring. They're not too expensive either. I'd hold off in any more trigger work until the parts you have are broken in. It'll get better over time.

[Great-Kazoo]

I have about 50 rounds through the 9c i don't mind the trigger, yet as posted and from other sources i'll wait until i have an easy 500 down the pipe before doing anything.
From what i read, tweaking the factory trigger assy is similar to doing a glock. Those are easy to polish here, clean there, i would do a fluff & buff before dumping any money into it.

[grubby669]

APEX FSS

[NightCat]

I already have the DCAEK.....I'm looking into the AEK Trigger. The aluminium one, Im not a fan of the hinged trigger as it comes.


But you all have made a good point about breaking in the gun first, I think I'm around 400-500rnds in right now. Definitely not fully broke in, but I'm trying to get all my work done first so I can break in all the components at once and have it where I want it.

I'm sure I'll see the largest difference when I change barrels.

I'm thinking next for this is the RAM from APEX, and the AEK.

[CareyH]

I just got my M&P9(its used with 3k rounds down the pipe) just from finger banging it(LOL) in the garage, I have noticed the "false reset" I have heard about with the m&p's. So I think the first thing I will do is the RAM and some trigger work at home. I am not trying to make it a race(as I already have enough of those) I just want to smooth it out a bit.

nightcat, if you want a suppressor buy it now so you can have it to play with by next summer. I think my next NFA toy will be a 9mm suppressor too.

[SA Friday]

I know Burwell. He's a good guy and has been customizing M&Ps since they first came out for USPSA and IDPA use. Tons of experience with the platform. He's in PA. We worked together as ROs at the last USPSA Summer Blast competition, it was back in... 2008 (I think). Last I knew he was still doing custom jobs on M&Ps.

He's a pretty funny guy too. His last DMV license photo, he shaved the top of his head and left 4-5" of hair ringed around his head before going in for the photo. He made this dorky smirk face in the picture. He looks goofy as hell in it. Told me it's gotten him out of at least a half dozen speeding tickets.

[NightCat]

hahaha good stuff!

I'm just waiting on funds right now to get my AEK and RAM, and then next check that doesnt get eaten by bills I'll get my Barrel...or I'll get my Barrel first and the APEX goodies later..

I'm trying to not get a whole lot of rounds through the pipe because I know I'm going to change it and have to re-break in the Storm Lake Barrel.

Urrrghhhh.....HOBBIES!! Y U SO EXPENSIVE!?!!?!?

[NightCat]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand just another slight update,

Stippled my palmswell and I'm going to be ordering and installing an APEX AEK Aluminium trigger and Reset Assist Mechanism (RAM).

I'm still debating buying an FRE or not...I have no extraction issues with this thing...

Only issues I have sometimes is a failure to go to slide lock upon firing my last shot.

[Fromk]

Only issues I have sometimes is a failure to go to slide lock upon firing my last shot.

Does that only happen with your extended mags? Mine rarely lock the slide back while I'm shooting with my Arredondo extensions. It's not the end of the world when you're ready for it but it was disappointing. What is weird and annoying is it will always lock when I pull the slide back myself.

I know there's an different spring on the market but I don't feel like forking over the cash to upgrade right now.