Any of you that run an M&P may have an opinion about the stock trigger, and may have considered an upgrade via Apex (we posted in August about a replacement trigger; and other parts for that matter).  Well, it seems Smith & Wesson is not terribly pleased about [EDIT: the M&P Dream Gun] and has sent their legal team after Apex, Brownells, DP Custom Works, Blowndeadline Custom, and SSVi.

I know a number of people that only bought an M&P because of Apex’s trigger for it (that was a deciding factor).

I can marginally understand them going after the unauthorized use of the trademark, but to claim unlawful modification?  Does that mean when you buy from Smith & Wesson you are leasing the gun?  I understand (as should everyone) that you are null and voiding the warranty if you have custom work done, but that should not preclude you from doing whatever the hell you want to do to your own gun.

Readers, what are your thoughts?  Is this an over reaction?  Is this okay for Smith & Wesson to do?  What does this mean for other companies that do custom work?  My personal feeling is that once you buy it, you can do whatever you want as long as you are not violating NFA and are willing to take full responsibility for those mods.

The post was made by SSVi on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/_miiI5F8ZN/

[UPDATE]  One commenter posted that it may be related to the Dream M&P Build showing at SHOT.  Which does seem more plausible than a blanket C&D to several companies.  It would clarify to see the full letter–still looking.  Thanks to Barry for the insight.

[UPDATE 2]:  Ballistic Radio has published the whole letter on their Fabebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ballisticradio/photos/pcb.738309049633261/738308282966671/?type=3  So, yes the C&D is initially focused on the M&P Dream Gun concept but it also has some ambiguity about promoting gun smithing skills.  And Demand #2 requests a cease of sale of any modified S&W that bears their logo/trademark.  Lawyers in the group, please chime in–thoughts?

[UPDATE 3]: We were sent the full copy of the letter: