Powder River VS. Springer trigger kit

[JWard79]

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with the trigger kits from power river precision & springer precision. I have placed a PRP kit into my XD40SC, & am looking to do some work on my XDM9 but have no experience with the springer kit. From what I can tell from the vendor websites the trigger kits both look sound, but use different approaches to achieve reduced trigger weight and reset. The PRP uses a plastic insert for an overtravel stop & I assume the same is addressed with the springer trigger bar. Both kits come with sear and trigger springs, and was wondering if they were the same rate or if they are made to each manufacturors specs. But what I would really like to know is what trigger feels better. I have had work done or have installed parts from either company & have no real basis to chose one over the other. Both companies have proven to be reliable sources of aftermarket equipment & I am looking for some firsthand experience before I make my next purchase.

[RIIID]

A trigger job done by a gunsmith will yield the best results and the optimum trigger.

Rich

[Field]

a trigger job done by a gunsmith is going to cost you a bunch more money while yielding debatable improvements in trigger action over simply putting in a kit yourself

imo PRP is a little bit better than Springer but thats just me. cause one thing if you were to get the full kit for springer you need to buy a new sear and then they also want you to buy this $80 trigger bar and you are spending 1.5 times to twice as much as the prp drop in kit and you will have very similar results

Edited July 24, 2010 by Field

[Loves2Shoot]

I'm not sure where you get an $80 trigger bar (ours is $60) but the reason we make a new trigger bar is to upgrade the strength and reliability over the factory parts along with a reduction in travel. If all we wanted to do was make a reduced trigger travel we wouldn't make a new sear and trigger bar, we could just have copied the modification the factory does to the safety lever to reduce travel. We know where the factory parts are prone to failure and have improved upon the factory parts for improved performance and reliability.

Our springs were made to my specs after extensive testing for reliability versus trigger lightening.

A kit is NOT the same as a full blown trigger job. The trigger feel is what you get from the sear releasing the striker and the pressures involved.

The PRP parts do what they were designed to do also.

[buckaroo45]

I had Springer do a combat trigger job (3.5#) and trigger parts buff on my 40 XDM LImited. It's not a 1911, not much else is, but it's easily as good as any other trigger I've run. They're right. For the few $ extra, let the pro do it. You won't be sorry.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Ideally you should always practise with one eye closed, standing on your weak side leg, with weak hand only.

Then when you get to a match, everything else seems easy. - some guy from Dallas

[JWard79]

I appreciate everyones comments. The intent wasn't to start a debate over professional gunsmith work vs the parts kit, just looking for advice. The main reason I am looking for a parts kit is to be able to swap the parts back to stock when necessary (ie. USPSA vs IPSC production rules). I assume I could do the same if the pistol was worked on professionally, but I would be less inclined to do so. I also enjoy being able to do simple work on my own pistols. As far as the XDM goes I would like to have a little better trigger feel, & I don't think a professional trigger job would improve my shooting or enjoyment of the sport. For that I would need unlimited ammo and a quality range complex in my backyard, along with a hall pass from the little lady.

Scott - Thanks for the reply, will be looking to get a Springer kit in the future.

[Beretta Lover]

send it to Scott Springer, he does great work, I have had him work on three pistols

[Avezorak]

I have tried both prp and springer kits installed properly and they were about the same. Much better than stock. However the one I felt that Rich did was out of this world. I cant see spending 100+ for parts and installing it myself or paying more to have a gunsmith do it when the work and shipping both ways to Canyon Creek is only about 200. Just my .02

[RobfromME]

Good afternoon, JWard79,

I was agonizing over which trigger to buy for my XD45 Tactical. The Powder River Precision, Springer Precision, and Canyon Creek triggers all have good reviews, and that made the decision more difficult. I finally settled on the Powder River Precision match/target easy fit trigger kit. I couldn't be happier! I installed it myself and found it to be straight forward and very well made. The best part is my trigger is better than what I ever dreamed!! It is the closest I've ever had a striker fired pistol feel like a 1911 trigger, no overtravel (you can adjust to suit you), very short reset, crisp, well defined release. I was really shocked at how good it was.

I watched the video he has linked to on his website that shows the installation before I did it, and it was very helpful if you're not familiar with the XD or if you're used to a Glock.

I was so happy with it, I just bought another Powder River Precision kit for my XD9 Tactical. Daniel at Powder River Precision was fantastic to deal with...very fast shipping, and very responsive to questions before the purchase, and after the purchase. He's really a top notch guy.

The good news is, it appears that all three of the vendors have solid reputations with excellent products and the customer service to back it up. Although I can only speak for Powder River Precision, I would bet you'd be happy with any of the kits.

I am still amazed at how nice my XD trigger is! It's factory trigger used to be the worst trigger I'd had on a handgun, now it's nearly the best!

Warmest regards,

Rob

Edited July 26, 2010 by RobfromME

[xdnok]

Have had the opportunity to test both PRP and Springer kits on multiple XD tacticals First off both kits are very worthy and a huge improvement over the stock trigger provided you do your part on the install.... The PRP match kit I thought was a little more challenging to install due to the over travel stop but doable and if you mess up and go too far with fitting it's only a $17.00 mistake on the Springer it is a $60.00 bar. To my somewhat educated trigger finger the main difference between the two is the PRP kit seems to have a shorter sear travel but a sharp release and the Springer has a slightly longer and heavier but smoother sear travel and release. In the end I prefer the Springer kit for ease of fitting and feel.

[j33716]

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with the trigger kits from power river precision & springer precision. I have placed a PRP kit into my XD40SC, & am looking to do some work on my XDM9 but have no experience with the springer kit. From what I can tell from the vendor websites the trigger kits both look sound, but use different approaches to achieve reduced trigger weight and reset. The PRP uses a plastic insert for an overtravel stop & I assume the same is addressed with the springer trigger bar. Both kits come with sear and trigger springs, and was wondering if they were the same rate or if they are made to each manufacturors specs. But what I would really like to know is what trigger feels better. I have had work done or have installed parts from either company & have no real basis to chose one over the other. Both companies have proven to be reliable sources of aftermarket equipment & I am looking for some firsthand experience before I make my next purchase.

I have been shooting the XD and XDM line for about 3 years and I am very happy with them. Triggers are not drop in components and they take some finesse because each gun is slightly different as the shooters preferences are different. Sending to a gunsmith is much better than an inexperienced individual trying to learn how to do trigger job. I am sure both Canyon Creek and Springer did not do their best trigger job the first time. I have had trigger jobs from both places and they are excellent. The cost of the parts vs. having the complete job done is neglible. Remember if you screw it up, the parts cost will be more than having them do it right.

Edited August 3, 2010 by j33716

[j33716]

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with the trigger kits from power river precision & springer precision. I have placed a PRP kit into my XD40SC, & am looking to do some work on my XDM9 but have no experience with the springer kit. From what I can tell from the vendor websites the trigger kits both look sound, but use different approaches to achieve reduced trigger weight and reset. The PRP uses a plastic insert for an overtravel stop & I assume the same is addressed with the springer trigger bar. Both kits come with sear and trigger springs, and was wondering if they were the same rate or if they are made to each manufacturors specs. But what I would really like to know is what trigger feels better. I have had work done or have installed parts from either company & have no real basis to chose one over the other. Both companies have proven to be reliable sources of aftermarket equipment & I am looking for some firsthand experience before I make my next purchase.

Do you want to shoot or is your goal to be a gunsmith?

[Field]

Do you want to shoot or is your goal to be a gunsmith?

are you more making a statement regarding your general dislike for 'wannabe' gunsmiths or is this a real inquiry?

believe it or not you CAN install parts and modify the gun YOURSELF and get very good results out of it

[Loves2Shoot]

Field, you are making the assumption that everyone is as mechanically capable as yourself. This is not a correct assumption. You would be very surprised the varying level of mechanical competency folks have.

Most everyone can sing, but how well varies greatly.

[Field]

well yeah and to be fair i have felt some trigger jobs done for people on other guns that were very very nice, and then gunsmiths are great at doing other things such as putting sights on a handgun without effecting the cosmetics, such as both my 9mm and 40 xdm slides have vice jaw marks on them and the sights have little impact marks from using a punch. i probably couldnt resell my 40 even if i wanted to

its just sometimes i feel that there is this odd atmosphere in the shooting community where if you dont have the official title of 'gunsmith' then people throw rotten peices of donkey dung at you for trying to do something yourself.

im not trying to degrade gunsmith/pistolsmith occupational people in any way its just if you wanted to fix something with your car and you werent a certified mechanic how often does somebody say 'stupid wannabe mechanic.' ?

Edited August 5, 2010 by Field

[Loves2Shoot]

When you have a full time specialist fix your car, you get their support should something happen, and you should expect the work is done without scratching your car our having your oil filter fall off on the highway. Some people want the experience of professionals that have done something thousands of times, versus learning to do it once for themselves.

We don't belittle folks who want to do things themselves, we even went to the effort to put videos out there so people can see the basics of what needs to be done so they can decide if it is within their ability. Some of the folks that say "have an expert do it" have learned it can be even more expensive and frustrating if you try it your self and are not as successful as you would like have been. Maybe that comes off offensive, but like you, they are sharing their experiences.

[mdschappell]

For what it's worth, I installed the PRP easy fit match trigger in an XD. It wasn't difficult, but it wasn't fast either. I took my time and I believe I had a good result, much better than factory. The most difficult thing was fitting the overtravel stop, which wasn't difficult at all, just time consuming.

[RobfromME]

Good evening, JWard79,

Hi...RobfromME again here.

I was interested to see the attention given by Loves2Shoot regarding this post. I think this speaks very well for his concern for the customer's satisfaction. It is no small feat to try and monitor the many forums to try and keep pace with customers. You'll also note that he recognizes the various skill levels of his customers by offering both his kits for you to install with all the assistance he can provide, or he also will do it for you. You have a choice (not like Obamacare!)

I didn't purchase the Springer kit, I bought the PRP (Powder River Precision) kit. However, based upon the reputation of Springer, and the attention and concern of Loves2Shoot for the customer, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Springer kit. What I'm seeing in this post is what made my decision to pick so difficult...they're both so damned good with good people behind them. I understand Canyon Creek is the same from the other posts I read, but I'm not as familiar with them. How did I pick PRP? Just did the eenie-meenie-minee-mo thing! I knew I couldn't go wrong either way! Each offers something different in the application, but has the same results...a MUCH better trigger.

We're pretty fortunate as XD shooters....no matter which we choose, we'll be happy! And each one will do the work if we're not so inclined. It's so true our experiences and skills differ widely. I would let my youngest daughter help me rebuild airplane structure, but some of my peers I would be reluctant to let change my water filter!! I worked in tool and die shops to help pay for college way back when, and I've always been mechanically inclined. But if you're not, no harm done; send you gun to Springer or Powder River and you're sure to be happy. Check the forums out, too...there's been guys & gals who tried and really messed things up on their own, but guess what? Both Springer and Powder River were there to support them, too.

I, too, found getting the over travel stop fitted took the most time, but I didn't find it difficult, just time consuming. But I enjoy doing that kind of thing as well as shooting so it was fun. If you don't just send it to the experts at PRP or Springer.

Warmest regards,

Rob

[Kevin Morris]

I ordered the Springer Precision kit for my XDM 40 back in the spring. A fellow shooter at my local club with significantly more experience than I was kind enough to do the install. I must say that this trigger has exceeded my expectations. It improved the feel and consistency significantly as well as eliminated any chance I would ever have of blaming an errant shot on something other than my uncooperative and impatient finger.

While I'm certain the other products mentioned are quality options as well, Springer Precision is the only one I have any experience with and it was all positive.

[j33716]

Do you want to shoot or is your goal to be a gunsmith?

are you more making a statement regarding your general dislike for 'wannabe' gunsmiths or is this a real inquiry?

believe it or not you CAN install parts and modify the gun YOURSELF and get very good results out of it

No my question was not to imply anyones ability. No need to get defensive.

Trigger work is not one of those things you get right on your first try. Most high level shooters focus on shooting and not being a machinist. Spending that much time on a good trigger may be better served practicing instead. On the other hand if you are not so focused on being the best shooter you may have more fun tinkering or being a gunsmith. One has to decide how much time they are willing to invest vs what the goal is. Is the goal to get a great trigger job or to learn how to do trigger work?

[shogan191]

I can see that this thread is a couple of years old but because it is still on the first page of Google search I'm going to add.

I've installed one PRP Drop in and was extremely pleased with it. Used the Video that was provided and although I am NOT mechanically inclined was able to complete with no issues. This past weekend my wife shot my XDM 9mm 4.5 inch and she shot it so well that it's now hers. I've purchased another XDM, this one in 40 and just ordered a second PRP trigger kit.

I wan't to emphasis that I am not mechanically inclined but like trying to do things myself. Many times I am unsuccessful and that's fine. I like trying to do things myself for the fun of it. It's not a waste of range time, I don't mind paying for my mistakes. It's a hobby and obviously I didn't get into it to save money.

Besides gunsmiths love getting Bag O Gun deliveries.

[1911carry]

I own multiple XDMs I have never sent my gun out to either PRP or SPRINGER. I tried to install a Springer trigger at one point and failed miserably (not their fault...). Then I installed a PRP drop in trigger. It was easy to install and made a world of difference. I cannot accurately compare the outcome of the two triggers since I failed to install the springer correctly, but the PRP drop in is easy and yields great results.

It all depends on what you want. If you want the best results then send it off. If you want something easy to install that will offer improvements over the stock trigger then I think the PRP drop in is the way to go.