How To Install The Apex Kit In The J-Frame Revolver

Apex's Scott Folk walks you through the proper way to install the Apex Duty/Carry Spring Kit in a Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver.
Recommended Tools:
Flat-Blade Screwdriver
Needle Nose Pliers
Rebound Slide Removal Took
Gun Oil

[@theparalexview785]

I got a Wilson spring kit for a used S&W 642 (no internal lock) I bought a month ago. I'd already test fired it at the range and it felt fine as-is. But I thought a new spring kit couldn't hurt, and I've replaced springs before with most of my revolvers, from the Model 1917 .45 ACP Colt and S&W, through my Model 586, Ruger SP101, and others. The procedure is just as demonstrated in this video (with the minor exception of leaf springs). When I got the side plate off I noticed the trigger rebound spring was green/blue. That seemed unusual for a factory spring, so I googled around. Turns out the previous owner had already installed the Apex spring kit, and the Wilson springs were actually heavier. So I left the revolver as-is, other than internal cleanup and lubricating with Beeman's white paste grease - very slick, tenacious, never liquefies, tames springs so they feel and sound less sproingy, yet doesn't hinder any action. I'll save the Wilson spring kit for my 1970s Model 49 Bodyguard. It's not bad, but not quite as slick as the 642 Airweight.

[@DisabilityExams]

Just finished installing the Apex kit on a 638. Thank you for this video, I wouldn't have been able to do it myself without it. Pleased with results!

[@scratchadams]

I just installed the apex springs in my 642. World of difference. Pull is so much smoother. I did not swap out the firing pin though and am glad I did not. In my opinion the springs were the only thing that needs to be replaced. My accuracy has improved ten fold. Highly recommend. Thanks for making such a great product.

[@dannybarton940]

I installed a TK Custom kit in my 640 and did install the firing pin. The one that came with the kit was slightly longer than stock. They call it "extended". So the reason I did this is because I installed a light spring kit in my Model 60 some time ago and got light strikes. Had to go back to stock. As soon as I test fire the 640 and am satisfied with reliability, I will put a kit in the 60 and use the extended firing pin. Trigger weight reduction was awesome! I guess if you don't have light strike issues with your 642 you don't need the extended pin.

[@scratchadams]

@@dannybarton940 Yeah never yet had any issues with light fire strikes. Knock on wood

[@colewestwood2906]

Picked up a second kit for a different revolver. Relatively easy install and a trigger pull that lets you know that the time and money were well spent. People who say that a J Frame is good only at bad breath distances need to get this upgrade!

[@oplefirem]

Thanks for selling me.

[@colewestwood2906]

@@oplefirem yes, both of my J Frames continue running like champs after installing the kit. Not one light primer strike in live fire and, coupled with a very intentional dry fire routine, they are incredible shooters.

[@joshroten3997]

Just completed this install and function test. Works great. Nice, practical reduction in trigger pull for a SD pistol. 👍 BTW: I’m nit a gunsmith - but I did make sure I had the right tools on hand before I started and referred to the video throughout. No issues what so ever.

[@Lee-fi4vo]

So relaxing to watch your calm, slow installations!

[@jimmeyer4822]

Install on a 640 and 442 with great success! Excellent full kit that includes firing pin and its spring. Everything you need and easily installed. Very happy and NO light strikes on either gun so far.

[@kelltrad6127]

I had the Wilson combat spring kit on my old J frame. Just installed this apex kit on my newer 442. Night and day difference. Apex kit is much much better. Trigger pull is around 8, while Wilson was around 10 still. Apex is much smoother as well.

[@niadhf]

As always, a very helpful install video. I have these kits on each of my J frames. Thank you.

[@bluidog2]

I put this kit and a Hogue grip on my wife’s J frame. What a change! 👍

[@Smallvet]

Those Hogue grips are nice I have the lava red.

[@J.R.F.23]

Thank you so much for making this video. It truly made the installation a breeze ‼️

[@Inferno3333]

This gave my old Airweight 642 quite a nice trigger pull. Kudos on another great kit!

[@apextactical]

Glad you like it.

[@genepitney155]

Just finished my Apex kit on a 642 and this video is the best for reassembly with clear pictures. My new J- frame is smooth and trigger feels great. One question.... why is the firing pin replacement needed?

[@greenbudkelly2820]

Excellent video and kit

[@jimhiller]

Great video. Thanks..

[@dinobucaria4218]

These springs are also good for S&W mod.60 (38 special 2 ") ???

[@richerich853]

Is there anything you recommend to polish while I'm in there?

[@cthrasher8960]

Will this work on a 351 c 22 mag?

[@nunyabidnis5407]

Installed this kit todayin my wifes Ladysmith. All went well and it makes a huge difference. However the new firing pin would stick in the forward position. It took a lot of force to push it back in. I reinstalled the original pin and spring. Hopefully I won't get light strikes.

[@apextactical]

Contact our customer service at 623-322-0200 to troubleshoot the issue.

[@maxwellmark]

What is the reason for changing the firing pin? I’m assuming it has something to do with light strikes... is it longer?

[@apextactical]

The combination of the Firing Pin and the Reduced Power Firing Pin Return Spring is designed specifically to reduce the probability of light strikes, particularly in revolvers with high-performance trigger action work.

[@Tex89r]

Would this work on RIA M206

[@robertpratt6705]

Great video and whT an amazing difference. We did ours at the rang with a gun Smith watching. Easy install and wife loves the difference.

[@scott2228]

Just had this kit installed in my J frame. Well spent $30. And the armorer are the gun store installed free of charge.

[@TheGary1171]

Helpful video, but I was installing the spring kit in a J frame I bought in 1975 as a rookie. I ended up just using the mainspring. The rebound spring from your kit is about 3/8 inch longer than the main spring that was in it. Of course, the firing pin is on the hammer, so I didn't need the new firing pin or the accompanying spring. What you should sell, for us old timers, is just a mainspring for the old J frame Smiths. I didn't use 75% of the parts, so your price should just cover the cost of the mainspring. By the way, the double action press is a lot better with your mainspring.

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

Is the new pull weight approved by S&W? Massad A. Says to get it in writing from the manufacturer if you change it. Thank you.

[@apextactical]

Smith & Wesson doesn't approve aftermarket upgrades. And that is not exactly what Massad has said. For you, as this is a real concern of yours, you should probably keep it completely stock - and that's perfectly fine.

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

@@apextactical just watched his video on modified triggers again, He does say to contact the manufacturer and ask what is the lightest pull weight that is acceptable( not exact wording) and have them e-mail you that information and archive it on your device. I'm not looking to get in a passing match with anyone. Apex triggers come highly recommended, I was and still am making a point that one of the best and most respected people in the industry makes this point. Thank you for your response.

[@kms7852]

What kind of rear sight and grip are they? I want to get them

[@AmericanMinuteman95]

They come with the 640 Pro. Cylinder and slide makes sights but you need to have the gun milled.

[@LA_Commander]

Those are Hogue grips Minsoo. They are available in a variety of colors. I have some on my Smith j frame and they are black. These grips make the gun 100% better to shoot and to draw.

[@theRodofwar]

wish they would have showed before and after trigger pull comparisons

[@apextactical]

It reduces the trigger pull by approximately 3 lbs.

[@fernandomarcano4908]

Anyone tried on a S & W 629 .44Mag? Results? Thanks

[@apextactical]

The 629 is an N-Frame revolver. This is for the J-Frame revolvers. We have a hammer kit for the N-Frames (Part # 108-002).

[@MrPopeye722]

Just installed the kit. Does anyone else get a slower reset with a bit of a hang up about half way?

[@ScubaSteveS117]

I also have the same issue and my trigger will actually hang before full reset if I ride the trigger forward gently.

[@RajunCajun1]

If the head of the screw is broken off, who should the firearm be taken to to remove the broken screw?

[@apextactical]

Are you referring to a Side Plate Screw? If so, it's best to contact Smith about fixing it.

[@pegleg1az]

Do you make them for Charter Arms? We have two undercover lite's. One Southpaw & one regular.

[@apextactical]

No, nothing for the Charter Arms products.

[@mimip154]

Will this work for j frame 22lr or 22wmr models ?

[@davidjaniec3838]

I would like to know the answer too. I have have a 351 PD.

[@jimmeyer4822]

no

[@LA_Commander]

Do not get a spring kit for the 22 caliber guns. Those are rimfire rounds and need the heavy strike from the hammer to work. With centerfire ammo you can have a lighter strike, but not rimfire ammo. Sorry.

[@garymccausland1272]

You forgot to mention to make sure the side plate screws go back in the same place

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

Yep...

[@bburnsga]

Good demonstration, but you didn't go as far as showing how to remove the actual trigger & replace it...??? There's a piece over the trigger & I'm not sure how that comes off! Disappointing!!! Guess if I do buy this gun, I'll definitely have to find a gunsmith to replace the trigger.

[@apextactical]

Removal of the advancing hand is not necessary to install our kit. We opted not to make this video insanely long by adding in all of the extraneous details that aren't necessary for this install. We are planning to make a video on thorough Smith Revo disassembly and reassembly, but you're looking at an hour or more to do so.

[@huntfisheat73]

Very disappointed in this video especially coming from these guys. What they fail to mention is a few things but one in particular when you take the hammer out like that and drop it on the table there's a chance that the sear pin spring will fall out never to be found again. You'll know this when you're see your PIN falls out of the hammer. I had to find that out the hard way every video on KZbin does not mention that whatsoever. I literally tap the back of the gun exactly like these guys did and when the hammer fell out the cedar pin fell out and I didn't know that the spring was gone until I put it all back together. Needless to say no I'm going to have to wait the week or so for that to come in the mail when all they had to do is tell you on the video to be careful about that and I would have not done it. Other than that it is very very easy to change all the springs just know when you drop that hammer out there's a possibility that shear pin may come out and when it does that little spring behind it will come out as well and you will never find it again.

[@camhester4251]

thanks for sharing , this kit will work on the 637 airweight won't it ?

[@wiltonsmith3397]

Quit crying.

[@chrisbottari5410]

This just happend to me as well and i thought i lost just a spring, is there a pin as well?

[@trvlace]

Did my 642 and experienced jam fires. Used gunsmith tools from brownells. ? It’s a new gun. More rounds?

[@apextactical]

Contact our customer service at 623-322-0200 and they will assist you.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Having gunsmith tools don't make you a gunsmith.

[@trvlace]

I got it going. My 686-6 PC does the exact same. It closes but you gotta roll the Cylinder. It’s not the kit. I am extremely meticulous in my work. Jerry Mickulec used a bic ink pen to push the trigger spring. 😂

[@RadioRich100]

Might get mis fires from light strikes. Just smooth the trigger.