View Full Version : Apex Grade Barrel For The S&W M&P9: A Quick Look
Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel - 4.25”
I purchased my Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel (4.25”) directly from Apex Tactical Specialties. I shipped my Smith & Wesson M&P9 CORE directly to them for the fitting/installation of the barrel.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/xv40xcdorf7b60oc354vpqwzljriq56m.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/u2rzi5zji2jipjnzo8krifctxxz7u23m.jpg
The next pics give you a close look at the different geometry that Apex Tactical Specialties developed for their barrel.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/sl19d7kexf8c6qqwp91l0phqorpba43i.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/6j3yyyr58om4w11fqvooii1hz2qhspg9.jpg
I paid the additional fee for Apex Tactical Specialties to test-fire my M&P9 CORE after their fitted barrel was installed. The test-target that was included with my returned pistol is pictured below. Aside from some brief demographics written on the test-target, the only technical information that was written on the test-target was a note stating:
10 @ 10
I can only assume that meant that the test-target was of a 10-shot group fired at a distance of 10 yards. The group has an extreme spread of 2.226”. An extreme spread of 2.226” at 10 yards would sub-tend to an extreme spread of 5.565” at 25 yards. My M&P9 CORE grouped better than that with the original factory barrel.
The Apex Tactical Specialties test-target . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/cttbzrap1h9ozaz1ji0x7kf5h4fw0v16.jpg
To date, I’ve fired 150 rounds of quality factory loaded ammunition through the Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel during function testing and barrel break-in. I like to have fired at least 200 rounds through a pistol barrel before conducting an accuracy evaluation of it.
There have been no malfunctions with the Apex barrel in my M&P9 CORE while firing an assortment of:
Federal 9BP 115 grain JHP
Speer 124 grain Gold Dot
Federal 9MS 147 grain JHP
Federal 147 grain HST
Speer 147 grain Gold Dot G2.
Since the Apex Tactical Specialties test-target was fired at a distance of only 10 yards, I did fire a few 10-shot groups from a distance of 10 yards (from the bench) for comparison. The group pictured below was fired using factory loaded Federal 147 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 0.633”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/7nui5iogi2tah6uhgquznboidyna9e28.jpg
.....
03/06/16
https://app.box.com/shared/static/33q8ovnh2vcfab3ofsw1i796q8gfn1w4.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/qfggnn4dpspv8xd3iwn4ued36jye5i8h.jpg
....
03/08/16
The 10-shot group pictured below was fired at a distance of 15 yards using factory loaded 124 grain Gold Dot ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 0.912".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/6kktkbr2aen0x2ly1ql8nchlssftronr.jpg
.....
03/12/16
At this point, I have a total of 300 rounds of factory-loaded ammunition fired from the Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel and have not had any malfunctions. The 10-shot group pictured below was fired from the bench at a distance of 25 yards using factory-loaded Federal 124 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.38"
https://app.box.com/shared/static/jsup51migvq06t5w99wi289f0yzx8vza.jpg
....
The recessed crown . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/ik0xl36rpy8hhrr9m0d1lkfafy0aeugr.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/fhgnf455zbtxt7sl2b5cgwskedfbajzo.jpg
.....
4-17-2016
Strictly for kicks and giggles, here's a pic of a statistically insignificant 5-shot group fired from the bench at a distance of 25 yards. The group has an extreme spread of 0.75".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/foyk7qm0437ym4p6660zaowg94vfind5.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/qy43c2ybtj02qu85sfstzhlyq14wjhq4.jpg
....
05/07/16
Here's a pic of another 10-shot group fired off the the bench at a distance of 25 yards. This group was fired using one of my standard hand-loads (not tuned for any particular barrel) that is seated with the Federal 124 grain HST bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 1.08".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/mm2juegg6o521vhwo92ohstipmg3qesf.jpg
....
05/08/16
To date, I’ve fired 850 rounds from the Apex barrel. There have been no malfunctions to report.
....
As before, the statistically insignificant 5-shot groups pictured below are strictly for kicks and giggles. These groups were fired off the bench at a distance of 50 yards.
This group was fired using Federal factory loaded 147 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.88”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/k5nqhy3jquqvjnzw7lcjx5p4i5oabopj.jpg
This next group was fired using one of my standard hand-loads (not tuned for any particular barrel) that is seated with the Speer 124 Gold Dot bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 1.49”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/4g6bixl8ngkbunpm1imwyeu6hj3gb0jk.jpg
Continuing with one of my standard hand-loads topped with the Hornady 90 grain XTP bullet, the Apex barrel turned in this 5-shot group with an extreme spread of 1.38”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/t44izkwayrj9rb8n2d7cgce79l9bx35g.jpg
Lastly, my particular barrel has shown a preference for the 124 grain HST projectile. This 5-shot group was fired using my standard hand-load for that bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 0.93”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/28y7m3b8jjlnaueekl3xa7cn9hzwvs97.jpg
....
06/10/16
To date, I have a total of 1105 rounds fired through the Apex barrel; no malfunctions to report.
Velocity Comparison
I compared the velocities of three different bullet weights fired from the Apex Grade barrel fired back-to-back with the factory original barrel. The strings of fired consisted of 10-shots over an Oehler 35-P chronograph. All velocities listed in the table below are muzzle velocities, as calculated from the instrumental velocities using Oehler's Ballistic Explorer software.
Atmospheric conditions
Temperature: 78 degrees F
Humidity: 42%
Barometric pressure: 30.03 inches of Hg
Elevation: 950 feet above sea level
https://app.box.com/shared/static/2y4zkvi3ke2wo5hpgmqx186p589lnor6.jpg
....
Maybe their test firing was concerned with function and point of impact verification.
You would think that test firing would be included in the original price.
MatthewJ7654
02-28-16, 23:50
I don't have the measurements or a pic to illustrate the accuracy improvement I've gotten with my Apex Grade Semi Drop In barrel, but it is significant. I can't say enough about the new barrel. Furthermore, I have not experienced any failures with this new barrel through approximately 500 rounds.
I received my barrel on Friday. I was able to fit it following the instructions given by Randy Lee on the Apex video. I dropped it in my pistol this morning and took it to the range. This is a 2014 manufactured M&P FS9 with the slide machined by L&M precision for a Trijicon RMR 06. The gun has about 7000 rounds through it and was fairly accurate to begin with. This one does seem to like the 124 grain Winchester JHP better than FMJs. When I would want to really press the accuracy that was always my go to ammo. The factory barrel was able to shoot nice groups out to 25 yards and I could regularly shoot a B/C steel at the 100 with this gun. I was able to get a SHOT Show discount from Brownells on the barrel so decided if I was going to do it, I should take advantage of the discount.
I didn't have any extra JHP around when I headed out this morning so I used some Speer 124 grain FMJs.
The POA/POI shifted about 4.5" from the factory barrel. The groups were very nice.
Here was my 2nd group at 25 yards. I had adjusted my POA but not quite enough. Once I am completely comfortable with the reliability I will zero the gun to this new barrel.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1737_zpseivelasi.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1737_zpseivelasi.jpg.html)
I proceeded to run the 500 point aggregate 2 times back to back from the 25 and ended with a 460 and a 458. Those are the highest scores I have ever gotten with training ammo. My first untimed group ended up with a crappy picture but it was a 98 with 5X.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1739_zps0ebh4uzs.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1739_zps0ebh4uzs.jpg.html)
I can't wait to take the time to get this dialed in and use some higher quality ammo and see what it can do.
I forgot to mention it in the post. I was holding around the 4:30-5:00 on the outside edge of the 9 ring for these groups.
Ugh, this thread adds to my conflict with the direction I should take in the handgun department.
I have an M&P Pro and Full Size that are very reliable, very comfortable, but suffer/lack in accuracy. I shoot Glocks well, and a few years ago I purchased a 19 Gen 4. Unfortunately, it ejected brass in a sprinkler like pattern, most often hitting me in the face. The Glock still calls my name, but I haven't seen anything that definitively illustrates that Glock's ejection issues have been resolved.
All of this has led me to consider various Sigs, HKs, CZs, etc. over the past 12+ months, until I saw this new barrel offering from Apex.
I don't mind dropping the coin on any of these offerings, price isn't a factor I'm overly concerned with, I just hate to throw good money after bad.
I would appreciate anyone's insight regarding my dilemma.
All the reports I've seen show that fitted barrels fix the issue, drop in is hit or miss since there is still dimensional variance.
I put another 50 rounds through my new Apex barrel. This time I was able to use all 124 grain +p Winchester Ranger ammo. I have had good results with this ammo in the past so I was hoping for some good groups. I was not disappointed. I still haven't changed the zero on my RMR. All these groups were fired from 25 yards, standing with no rest and a 2 hand grip. I was still holding at roughly the 4-5 o'clock position in the 8 ring for these groups. The first one I was still holding a bit higher than needed but ended up with a nice group on the bull.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1743_zpsxavyrkt0.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1743_zpsxavyrkt0.jpg.html)
I replaced the bull and adjusted my point of aim slightly. I then shot this group.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1746_zpsvq4kk9xw.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1746_zpsvq4kk9xw.jpg.html)
I went back to the 25 and shot another group on top of that. The composite of the last 2 groups is in this photo.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1747_zpsrcpqgt4v.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1747_zpsrcpqgt4v.jpg.html)
So out of the 3 groups I shot a 98-4X, a 99-5X, and my last group was a 98-3X. I am very happy with the results. This gun was a decent shooter before but I feel the groups are tightened up and it is much more consistent between the FMJ and my duty JHP rounds. To me it was well worth the money spent on the barrel.
Just a couple more pictures. I was finally able to get a break down on some of these groups and I thought I would share these pictures as well.
FMJ group from my 1st day with the barrel.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1751_zpsovmmvxyw.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1751_zpsovmmvxyw.jpg.html)
Group with JHP from above
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1750_zpsgqbvnind.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1750_zpsgqbvnind.jpg.html)
Second group with JHP from above
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1752_zps8ibgddqb.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1752_zps8ibgddqb.jpg.html)
Last one was just playing around with that group. I called the one that was high as a flier as I pressed the trigger, so I thought I would re-run that group without it to see what it was.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1753_zpsfbzzkraw.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1753_zpsfbzzkraw.jpg.html)
So when I am doing my part with the gun I am running 10 shot groups around 2.5-3.0" with this barrel. My hope next week is to get another 300-400 rounds out and then probably zero it and start carrying it. I also want to get it on some bags to see if I can tell just what the true mechanical accuracy of this gun is.
RAM Engineer
03-03-16, 15:27
What app is that?
mkmckinley
03-04-16, 23:34
Nice shooting, what program are you using for the grouping?
Smith needs to buy out Apex, and make the best SF gun on the market for a reasonable price. Enough. But, then again, third party is good, and they make plenty of good stuff for others as well!
wixx'nstixx
03-05-16, 12:04
It looks like the Ballistic app.
Nice shooting btw
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/33q8ovnh2vcfab3ofsw1i796q8gfn1w4.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/qfggnn4dpspv8xd3iwn4ued36jye5i8h.jpg
....
The 10-shot group pictured below was fired at a distance of 15 yards using factory loaded 124 grain Gold Dot ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 0.912".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/6kktkbr2aen0x2ly1ql8nchlssftronr.jpg
.....
I was out this week and ran some more rounds through this barrel. It is really consistent. I am sitting at about 450 rounds downrange from it now and I have had zero issues. Here are 2 quick groups that I printed this past Monday.
The software used to measure this is the Ballistics Advanced Edition or Ballistics AE, it uses the JBM ballistics engine. A good friend of mine bought it for his long range shooting and I have been sending him the pictures for the measurements.
This was a group with 124 grain Speer Lawman FMJ. I was again holding at the 4-5 on the 8 ring.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1767_zpsn53qvnlj.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1767_zpsn53qvnlj.jpg.html)
with measurements
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1775_zps2byvvcj5.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1775_zps2byvvcj5.jpg.html)
This one I shot with 124 grain Ranger +P Winchester JHP using a dead center bullseye hold. This was off a rest, but I am really not that great at rested shooting.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1774_zpsuwyowvz5.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1774_zpsuwyowvz5.jpg.html)
with measurements
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/mike53818/IMG_1776_zps6aeb4pls.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/mike53818/media/IMG_1776_zps6aeb4pls.jpg.html)
I would love to try it with some 115 and 147 grain but the 124s are all I have had the time to get my hands on.
I would highly doubt that Apex test fired your gun at 10yds. More like 25yds.
C4
I would highly doubt that Apex test fired your gun at 10yds. More like 25yds.
C4
I've been contacted by the Project Specialist for Apex Tactical Specialties and that test-target was indeed fired at a distance of 10 yards.
...
I've been contacted by the Project Specialist for Apex Tactical Specialties and that test-target was indeed fired at a distance of 10 yards.
...
That seems super odd as barrels don't show any issues till 15yds or farther. That group spread is large to me (looks like a 25yd groups off a rest).
C4
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Here is a 17rd group I shot this morning (free hand) @ 20yds with random 115gr 9mm I "found" loose in my range bag (read crappy ammo). I should also mentioned that I have not pulled a trigger on a pistol in over 2 months. This is why I thought the 10yd group looked large.
C4
That seems super odd as barrels don't show any issues till 15yds or farther. That group spread is large to me (looks like a 25yd groups off a rest).
C4
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
10 yards, standing freestyle.
I figured I should chime in about the test target in question.
The target does reflect 10 shots from a distance of 10 yards offhand. It was what our technician shot for function and approximate sight in after the barrel was fitted, not for group. The technician was shooting in a poorly lit indoor range using the iron sights, since the optic was not provided. This was also in the mix of some 20 firearms that the tech had to test fire that day. While I will not make any excuses for the large group, it is important to bear in mind that the gun is obviously capable of consistent mechanical accuracy.
The test fire fee is not the same as the Ransom Rest accuracy charge. If you were charged for the Ransom Rest test, please call our office so we can arrange for your gun to be returned to us for expedited Ransom testing.
We differentiate function/sight adjustment targets from accuracy targets by the red center. When I shoot from the Ransom Rest, I use a black and white target with a black dot in the center because the RMR dot matches the 1" black center at 25 yards.
Here are a couple of examples of our Ransom test targets:
38280
38281
The groups are pretty typical ofthe results we are getting from our Gunsmith fit barrels.
We are changing our test fire procedures for barrels we fit in house as a result of this thread to reflect mechanical accuracy. It was one of the things that slipped through the cracks since I have been doing more administrative work that back at the bench or in the shop...
-Randy
That looks more like it Randy. Thanks for chiming in and I think it is wise to make that change (as people will see that group and not be impressed). The groups you posted ARE impressive.
C4
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
At this point, I have a total of 300 rounds of factory-loaded ammunition fired from the Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel and have not had any malfunctions. The 10-shot group pictured below was fired from the bench at a distance of 25 yards using factory-loaded Federal 124 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.38"
https://app.box.com/shared/static/jsup51migvq06t5w99wi289f0yzx8vza.jpg
....
Everybody say it with me
APEX MAKES THE MOST ACCURATE M&P BARRELS IN THE UNIVERSE!
The recessed crown . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/ik0xl36rpy8hhrr9m0d1lkfafy0aeugr.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/fhgnf455zbtxt7sl2b5cgwskedfbajzo.jpg
.....
At this point, I have a total of 300 rounds of factory-loaded ammunition fired from the Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel and have not had any malfunctions. The 10-shot group pictured below was fired from the bench at a distance of 25 yards using factory-loaded Federal 124 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.38"
https://app.box.com/shared/static/jsup51migvq06t5w99wi289f0yzx8vza.jpg
....
Wow. Thank you for the report.
10 yards, standing freestyle.
This is freestyle . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/btlo1s6db2e63gxkza2mlu70bxm8da66.gif
This is the two-handed standing position . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/r0vqw8o2e6l5330d4gj00pu0ruh8c13p.jpg
....
This is freestyle . . .
https://app.box.com/shared/static/btlo1s6db2e63gxkza2mlu70bxm8da66.gif
....
No that's shooting lying on your back.
Thank you for the informative post. I planned on going with a fitted Storm Lake barrel but the Apex offering sure does peak my interest.
On that note; does anybody recommend a smith to properly fit the Apex barrel? It looks like Apex isn't taking any new services until they catchup on there current backlog, and I don't feel confident performing the work myself.
Thank you
I just received my APEX 4.25" barrel two days ago. Had it installed in maybe 40 minuets at most. The barrel is of very high quality overall and the fitting was as described in the video. I did not need to fit the front of the barrel or the sides of the hood, just the length and lock up.
Don be afraid to do this unless you have ZERO mechanical ability. All you need is a file, bench top vice and patience. I would safely say that I had my barrel in and out 30 plus times to get it to fit being very cautious.
Remember LESS IS MORE when fitting.
I have already been to the range and the barrel functions without issue. YES it is more accurate! How much is hard for me to explain seeing all my shooting is off hand. What I did gain was consistence. Now when I get a bad shot I can look in the mirror and now understand why. Prior to the APEX I would question point of impact on many shots that I knew where good shots.
Happy enough and saw the results I needed to order a 5" barrel as well.
556BlackRifle
04-03-16, 10:42
Molon, great report. Thanks for taking the time to put this all together and sharing it with us.
Strictly for kicks and giggles, here's a pic of a statistically insignificant 5-shot group fired from the bench at a distance of 25 yards. The group has an extreme spread of 0.75".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/foyk7qm0437ym4p6660zaowg94vfind5.jpg
https://app.box.com/shared/static/qy43c2ybtj02qu85sfstzhlyq14wjhq4.jpg
....
.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/6j3yyyr58om4w11fqvooii1hz2qhspg9.jpg
....
Here's a pic of another 10-shot group fired off the the bench at a distance of 25 yards. This group was fired using one of my standard hand-loads (not tuned for any particular barrel) that is seated with the Federal 124 grain HST bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 1.08".
https://app.box.com/shared/static/mm2juegg6o521vhwo92ohstipmg3qesf.jpg
....
05/08/16
To date, I’ve fired 850 rounds from the Apex barrel. There have been no malfunctions to report.
....
As before, the statistically insignificant 5-shot groups pictured below are strictly for kicks and giggles. These groups were fired off the bench at a distance of 50 yards.
This group was fired using Federal factory loaded 147 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.88”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/k5nqhy3jquqvjnzw7lcjx5p4i5oabopj.jpg
This next group was fired using one of my standard hand-loads (not tuned for any particular barrel) that is seated with the Speer 124 Gold Dot bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 1.49”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/4g6bixl8ngkbunpm1imwyeu6hj3gb0jk.jpg
Continuing with one of my standard hand-loads topped with the Hornady 90 grain XTP bullet, the Apex barrel turned in this 5-shot group with an extreme spread of 1.38”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/t44izkwayrj9rb8n2d7cgce79l9bx35g.jpg
Lastly, my particular barrel has shown a preference for the 124 grain HST projectile. This 5-shot group was fired using my standard hand-load for that bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 0.93”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/28y7m3b8jjlnaueekl3xa7cn9hzwvs97.jpg
....
06/10/16
To date, I have a total of 1105 rounds fired through the Apex barrel; no malfunctions to report.
Velocity Comparison
I compared the velocities of three different bullet weights fired from the Apex Grade barrel fired back-to-back with the factory original barrel. The strings of fired consisted of 10-shots over an Oehler 35-P chronograph. All velocities listed in the table below are muzzle velocities, as calculated from the instrumental velocities using Oehler's Ballistic Explorer software.
Atmospheric conditions
Temperature: 78 degrees F
Humidity: 42%
Barometric pressure: 30.03 inches of Hg
Elevation: 950 feet above sea level
https://app.box.com/shared/static/2y4zkvi3ke2wo5hpgmqx186p589lnor6.jpg
....
Molon, have you shot any groups with a regular ball load like Win Ranger 124 FMJ?
Molon, did I just miss it, or was there no data in this thread on how the gun shot with the factory barrel, with the same loads, using the same methods, etc? Have you done a comparison of accuracy between the factory barrel and the Apex barrel? If so, would you post the results?
Man this thread makes me almost wish I hadn't got rid of my M&P 9... S&W should just take and bring Randy on staff. Look at Sig and Bruce Gray, hard to go wrong when you have innovative people leading the way.
Man this thread makes me almost wish I hadn't got rid of my M&P 9... S&W should just take and bring Randy on staff. Look at Sig and Bruce Gray, hard to go wrong when you have innovative people leading the way.
Yes, it is ridiculous. The M&P could own the market with APEX barrels and triggers OTB - and done 'en masse', it could meet a very good price point. C'mon man.
Yes, it is ridiculous. The M&P could own the market with APEX barrels and triggers OTB - and done 'en masse', it could meet a very good price point. C'mon man.
That is true.....but S&W have the dumb.
where are all the pictures?
Truly impressive results. Though not surprising.
I purchased my M&P9 FS 4.25" with my eyes wide open meaning, ergos are perfect for me &
I knew I would have to replace the trigger. Installed the Flat Face FSS kit, perfect 4½ # pull.
Also have spoken to Randy about the gunsmith fit barrel.
Like #Molon I'm sending my pistol in to Apex for the install.
I'm waiting until they're in the new location and settled in.
Looking forward to testing, between the trigger & barrel this
pistol will exceed my abilities I'm sure.
05/08/16
To date, I’ve fired 850 rounds from the Apex barrel. There have been no malfunctions to report.
....
As before, the statistically insignificant 5-shot groups pictured below are strictly for kicks and giggles. These groups were fired off the bench at a distance of 50 yards.
This group was fired using Federal factory loaded 147 grain HST ammunition. The group has an extreme spread of 1.88”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/k5nqhy3jquqvjnzw7lcjx5p4i5oabopj.jpg
This next group was fired using one of my standard hand-loads (not tuned for any particular barrel) that is seated with the Speer 124 Gold Dot bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 1.49”
https://app.box.com/shared/static/4g6bixl8ngkbunpm1imwyeu6hj3gb0jk.jpg
Continuing with one of my standard hand-loads topped with the Hornady 90 grain XTP bullet, the Apex barrel turned in this 5-shot group with an extreme spread of 1.38”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/t44izkwayrj9rb8n2d7cgce79l9bx35g.jpg
Lastly, my particular barrel has shown a preference for the 124 grain HST projectile. This 5-shot group was fired using my standard hand-load for that bullet. The group has an extreme spread of 0.93”.
https://app.box.com/shared/static/28y7m3b8jjlnaueekl3xa7cn9hzwvs97.jpg
....
Wow. 50 yards? This is near custom 1911 Bullseye accuracy.
I have been on the fence about buying an M&P 9 FS for IDPA because of accuracy issues. I own a 9c as a carry gun and it is the most inaccurate pistol I own (yes, the 9c's are dogs too).
This thread convinced me to buy a new 9FS today for $429😉. My question is how much of a difference there is between the semi-drop VS the gunsmith fit? The APEX site says they are still no longer accepting gunsmith work so I would have to find someone local if is worth it.
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