Apex Tactical Dcaek kit review for m&p

Johnny Lightning · May 19, 2013, 04:54 PM

I recently purchased the dcaek kit from Apex Tactical for my m&p 9mm due to having a horrible stock trigger. I had watched the videos of Randy at Apex Tactical on YouTube and searched the internet for reviews on the dcaek and decided it was the best way to get the results I wanted without taking it to a gunsmith. I installed the parts while watching the how to video minus the new trigger spring in about an hour which is about what I thought it would take. If I would have installed the new trigger spring I would have around a 5-5.5# trigger like the stock setup but w/ the old spring and other apex parts installed I ended up at 4# which is perfect in my opinion! The trigger is now super smooth vs gritty w/ stock setup and I lowered the trigger to 4# for under $90!

Priceless! If you have a stock m&p do yourself a favor and get one of the Apex Tactical kits....you will not be sorry!

Fremmer · May 19, 2013, 05:18 PM

Good review. Does the kit just consist if parts to replace in the trigger/fire control unit? How much mechanical aptitude & tools are required?

Johnny Lightning · May 19, 2013, 06:32 PM

The dceak kit comes w/ sear, sear spring, trigger spring, and safety plunger w/ spring. Everything to make your trigger AWESOME!

MrBill120 · May 19, 2013, 07:21 PM

I installed the DCAEK in my M&P 45c. Love the trigger, but now I'm having the issue where the takedown level won't stay down on disassembly.

shooter60 · May 19, 2013, 07:22 PM

I have installed the Apex FSS trigger in all my M&P's it shortens the trigger pull to mimic a 1911 trigger all mine have about a 4.5# pull it is by no means a 1911 trigger but it is pretty dang close I just bought a 9c and going to put a Apex trigger in it to

**9mmepiphany** · May 19, 2013, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fremmer

Good review. Does the kit just consist if parts to replace in the trigger/fire control unit? How much mechanical aptitude & tools are required?

You'll need a couple of punches and a hammer.

It is easier if you have a vice to hold the slide as you tap out the rear sight, but I've done it a couple of times without one. I do have their Armor's Block, which I didn't have when I first installed my FSS, and it does make taking the roll pins out a bit easier

golfer_ray · May 19, 2013, 11:55 PM

OK, I will admit that I'm an old dumb*ss accountant who should never handle a punch or anything mechanical. I was told that anyone with "average" mechanical ability could do this. OK, defining "average", I have changed the oil in my car a few times (although once I drained the transmission fluid by mistake & wondered why the car sounded funny afterwards), but I thought I was qualified. I did everything per the video but putting the whole thing back together was a challenge for me. When the spring from the sear(?) flew off into the sunset, I took it to a gunsmith. After a few weeks, they told me I had bent the trigger bar & sent to S&W for repair. I got it back a few weeks later & it shoots fine now.

I will say the video is great, but don't overrate yourself. That's what I should have done.

breakingcontact · May 20, 2013, 01:51 AM

Don't beat yourself up. Pistols are hard to work on. Not much room, lots of small parts.

postalnut25 · May 20, 2013, 01:59 AM

I have Okay to Above Average skill. Used to turn wrenches prior to becoming a cop. It is fairly simple. The trick is to be patient, because hurrying will cause you to mess stuff up.

Now- back to the Apex review. Prior to carrying 1911s on duty, I carried a M&P9 Pro, with a M&P9c as my back-up/off-duty. I put the D/CAEK with the Reset Assist onto the 9c. Once the Apex parts went into that gun, it had a better trigger than the Pro Series that I carried on the duty belt.

My two cents, for what its worth.

breakingcontact · May 20, 2013, 03:30 AM

I've read the same. After the Apex upgrades its better than the pro.

Johnny Lightning · May 20, 2013, 08:42 AM

When punching out the pins on my m&p to do the install I used a roll of masking tape under the frame and it worked like a charm. I saw a video of a guy doing the same thing when detail stripping his m&p and thought it was a good idea. I also used the rear sight shim as a punch to remove the sight and that also worked really well. If you take your time you will be fine.

cfullgraf · May 20, 2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakingcontact

I've read the same. After the Apex upgrades its better than the pro.

Yes. I have an early 9Pro and a standard 9mm with the Apex kit. The Apex kit trigger is better than the 9Pro, but not enough for me to upgrade the 9Pro.

**9mmepiphany** · May 20, 2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Lightning

When punching out the pins on my m&p to do the install I used a roll of masking tape under the frame and it worked like a charm. I saw a video of a guy doing the same thing when detail stripping his m&p and thought it was a good idea. I also used the rear sight shim as a punch to remove the sight and that also worked really well. If you take your time you will be fine.

I used an old Pinewood Derby body, which already had holes drilled in it from experimenting with weight placement

A word of warning about changing sight sets. The rear sight isn't had to drift out...after you loosen the set screw. However, the front sight is notoriously tight.

I tried to change my front sight to a Dawson fiber optic and finally gave up and sent it to a gunsmith to finish. He told me that the M&P front sight is notoriously hard to remove...plus the Dawson sight base usually needs to be fitted anyway

71Commander · May 21, 2013, 07:52 AM

When taking the rear sight off, be careful. There's a spring under the sight. Don't lose it.

**9mmepiphany** · May 21, 2013, 12:59 PM

Even more important is to not lose the metal disc that covers that spring under the rear sight

Sauer Grapes · May 21, 2013, 09:35 PM

Nice review! I shoot with a few guys that opted for the Apex for thier M&P pros'. Both of my pro series in .40 had a terrible triggers for a pro.
I just polished everything and recut the sear and plunger. It's not quite as good as the Apex, but it's close.

cfullgraf · May 21, 2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9mmepiphany

I tried to change my front sight to a Dawson fiber optic and finally gave up and sent it to a gunsmith to finish. He told me that the M&P front sight is notoriously hard to remove...plus the Dawson sight base usually needs to be fitted anyway

After having some problems changing the front sights on other handguns, I bought a sight pusher for the M&Ps. Makes the job much easier but a bit pricey if you only have one M&P.

raze · May 21, 2013, 10:28 PM

Good to see the kit is working I picked up a m&p 45c and I like everything but the gritty heavy trigger. Ordered the apex stuff the other day now off to wait some more.

Seems simple to install all ready had it apart to take the safety out

David E · May 22, 2013, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBill120

I installed the DCAEK in my M&P 45c. Love the trigger, but now I'm having the issue where the takedown level won't stay down on disassembly.

I wonder if you lost that stupid spring that looks like a bent staple with one leg. It impinges upon the takedown lever. I bought extras!

Find an exploded parts diagram to see which spring I'm talking about then check if its still there. .

Skribs · May 22, 2013, 01:21 PM

Yeah, the kit itself is great, but I am totally inept with actually working with my hands that a gunsmith is required even for something this simple for me. If you are capable of punching out pins, putting stuff into place, and punching pins back in, that's great.

I, on the other hand, managed to put a hole through my AEK trigger and bang up the safety spring in the process, despite *someone* on this site telling me "if you can put together a computer, you can install your own drop-in trigger kit." That said, this is more a flaw in my ability to do anything mechanical and not the kit itself. The kit is amazing.

**9mmepiphany** · May 22, 2013, 01:36 PM

Mine doesn't stay down either. I can't remember if it ever did. I just use my right thumb to hold it forward as I pull the slide forward with my left hand

MrBill120 · May 22, 2013, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David E

I wonder if you lost that stupid spring that looks like a bent staple with one leg. It impinges upon the takedown lever. I bought extras!

Find an exploded parts diagram to see which spring I'm talking about then check if its still there. .

No, I still have the little bent spring. It still retains the take down lever. Only thing is now the lever pops back up when disassembling which it hadn't done prior to taking the gun apart.

I've read it is common issue. I just liked when mine wasn't affected by it.

David E · May 22, 2013, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBill120

the lever pops back up when disassembling which it hadn't done prior to taking the gun apart.

Then something didn't go back the way it was prior to the initial disassembly.

MrBill120 · Yesterday, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David E

Then something didn't go back the way it was prior to the initial disassembly.

No, it was reassembled correctly. Everything just slides back into it's grooves.

Field stripped the M&P45c again last night. Did it like 5 or 6 times, this time no problems. But I have read that some people have had issues with the lever popping back up though.

MrBill120 · Yesterday, 07:55 PM

I do have to say, the DCAEK removed all crunchiness from trigger. It really has a nice feel!!

May 19, 2013, 04:54 PM	#1
Johnny Lightning Member Join Date: April 2, 2010 Location: East Greenville PA Posts: 293	Apex Tactical Dcaek kit review for m&p I recently purchased the dcaek kit from Apex Tactical for my m&p 9mm due to having a horrible stock trigger. I had watched the videos of Randy at Apex Tactical on YouTube and searched the internet for reviews on the dcaek and decided it was the best way to get the results I wanted without taking it to a gunsmith. I installed the parts while watching the how to video minus the new trigger spring in about an hour which is about what I thought it would take. If I would have installed the new trigger spring I would have around a 5-5.5# trigger like the stock setup but w/ the old spring and other apex parts installed I ended up at 4# which is perfect in my opinion! The trigger is now super smooth vs gritty w/ stock setup and I lowered the trigger to 4# for under $90! Priceless! If you have a stock m&p do yourself a favor and get one of the Apex Tactical kits....you will not be sorry!

May 20, 2013, 01:51 AM	#8
breakingcontact Member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 778	Don't beat yourself up. Pistols are hard to work on. Not much room, lots of small parts. __________________ Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/breakcontact Facebook me at https://www.facebook.com/break.cont

May 20, 2013, 03:30 AM	#10
breakingcontact Member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 778	I've read the same. After the Apex upgrades its better than the pro. __________________ Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/breakcontact Facebook me at https://www.facebook.com/break.cont

May 21, 2013, 07:52 AM	#14
71Commander Member Join Date: September 21, 2003 Location: Headin back to Johnson City Posts: 2,327	When taking the rear sight off, be careful. There's a spring under the sight. Don't lose it. __________________ NRA member USPSA CRO US Army 70-72 Patriot Guard rider

May 21, 2013, 12:59 PM	#15
9mmepiphany Moderator Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: northern california Posts: 12,502	Even more important is to not lose the metal disc that covers that spring under the rear sight __________________ Because the journey is the worthier part...The Shepherd's Tale Correct Grip DA Trigger Management How to Dryfire and Hit Stuff *Forum Rules* Choosing your first 1911 A 1911 for duty use What 1911 reliability means

May 19, 2013, 05:18 PM	#2
Fremmer Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Posts: 1,468	Good review. Does the kit just consist if parts to replace in the trigger/fire control unit? How much mechanical aptitude & tools are required?

May 19, 2013, 06:32 PM	#3
Johnny Lightning Member Join Date: April 2, 2010 Location: East Greenville PA Posts: 293	The dceak kit comes w/ sear, sear spring, trigger spring, and safety plunger w/ spring. Everything to make your trigger AWESOME!

May 19, 2013, 07:21 PM	#4
MrBill120 Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: The Cold North East Posts: 201	I installed the DCAEK in my M&P 45c. Love the trigger, but now I'm having the issue where the takedown level won't stay down on disassembly.

May 19, 2013, 07:22 PM	#5
shooter60 Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 16	I have installed the Apex FSS trigger in all my M&P's it shortens the trigger pull to mimic a 1911 trigger all mine have about a 4.5# pull it is by no means a 1911 trigger but it is pretty dang close I just bought a 9c and going to put a Apex trigger in it to

May 19, 2013, 11:55 PM	#7
golfer_ray Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Posts: 73	OK, I will admit that I'm an old dumb*ss accountant who should never handle a punch or anything mechanical. I was told that anyone with "average" mechanical ability could do this. OK, defining "average", I have changed the oil in my car a few times (although once I drained the transmission fluid by mistake & wondered why the car sounded funny afterwards), but I thought I was qualified. I did everything per the video but putting the whole thing back together was a challenge for me. When the spring from the sear(?) flew off into the sunset, I took it to a gunsmith. After a few weeks, they told me I had bent the trigger bar & sent to S&W for repair. I got it back a few weeks later & it shoots fine now. I will say the video is great, but don't overrate yourself. That's what I should have done.

May 20, 2013, 01:59 AM	#9
postalnut25 Member Join Date: March 8, 2010 Location: Colorful Colorado Posts: 479	I have Okay to Above Average skill. Used to turn wrenches prior to becoming a cop. It is fairly simple. The trick is to be patient, because hurrying will cause you to mess stuff up. Now- back to the Apex review. Prior to carrying 1911s on duty, I carried a M&P9 Pro, with a M&P9c as my back-up/off-duty. I put the D/CAEK with the Reset Assist onto the 9c. Once the Apex parts went into that gun, it had a better trigger than the Pro Series that I carried on the duty belt. My two cents, for what its worth.

May 20, 2013, 08:42 AM	#11
Johnny Lightning Member Join Date: April 2, 2010 Location: East Greenville PA Posts: 293	When punching out the pins on my m&p to do the install I used a roll of masking tape under the frame and it worked like a charm. I saw a video of a guy doing the same thing when detail stripping his m&p and thought it was a good idea. I also used the rear sight shim as a punch to remove the sight and that also worked really well. If you take your time you will be fine.

May 21, 2013, 09:35 PM	#16
Sauer Grapes Member Join Date: February 19, 2009 Location: S.E. PA. Posts: 886	Nice review! I shoot with a few guys that opted for the Apex for thier M&P pros'. Both of my pro series in .40 had a terrible triggers for a pro. I just polished everything and recut the sear and plunger. It's not quite as good as the Apex, but it's close. __________________ I have all the guns I need, just not all that I think I need.

May 21, 2013, 10:28 PM	#18
raze Member Join Date: December 3, 2011 Location: Danbury, Ct Posts: 35	Good to see the kit is working I picked up a m&p 45c and I like everything but the gritty heavy trigger. Ordered the apex stuff the other day now off to wait some more. Seems simple to install all ready had it apart to take the safety out

May 22, 2013, 01:21 PM	#20
Skribs Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Location: Lakewood, Washington Posts: 5,059	Yeah, the kit itself is great, but I am totally inept with actually working with my hands that a gunsmith is required even for something this simple for me. If you are capable of punching out pins, putting stuff into place, and punching pins back in, that's great. I, on the other hand, managed to put a hole through my AEK trigger and bang up the safety spring in the process, despite someone on this site telling me "if you can put together a computer, you can install your own drop-in trigger kit." That said, this is more a flaw in my ability to do anything mechanical and not the kit itself. The kit is amazing. __________________ What we need are laws that address the problem of violence, which completely disregard the tools being used. This would do more to fix violence (including "gun violence") and less to restrict my rights. Win/win.

May 22, 2013, 01:36 PM	#21
9mmepiphany Moderator Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: northern california Posts: 12,502	Mine doesn't stay down either. I can't remember if it ever did. I just use my right thumb to hold it forward as I pull the slide forward with my left hand __________________ Because the journey is the worthier part...The Shepherd's Tale Correct Grip DA Trigger Management How to Dryfire and Hit Stuff *Forum Rules* Choosing your first 1911 A 1911 for duty use What 1911 reliability means

Yesterday, 07:55 PM	#25
MrBill120 Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: The Cold North East Posts: 201	I do have to say, the DCAEK removed all crunchiness from trigger. It really has a nice feel!!