Mini Review - Apex Grade Barrel

[Scott B.]

Project with a new acquisition M&P9 M2.0, 4.25". Trying to get as accurate as possible in a striker fired, polymer-framed pistol without drastically changing platforms from my current M&P9 Pro EDC*.

I've got it setup with Truglo TFX Pro sights and an Apex Action Enhancement Polymer Trigger & Duty/Carry Kit has been installed. I'm running the stock trigger spring for an average pull weight of 5lbs.

The grips on the M2.0 are too aggressive for me, so I knocked them down with some sandpaper. I tested on a backstrap that I wasn't going to use. Taped off the frame and had at it. Result is more aggressive than the Gen 1 M&P but about 50 ~ 60% of the M2.0 texture. As with all polymer framed guns in my collection, I sanded down all the mold lines with particular emphasis on the grip, trigger guard, and trigger area. I also ended up doing some gentle sanding of the trigger face because the slot with the tabbed trigger was bugging me.



Next I sent it off to Apex to have an Apex Grade 'gunsmith fitted' barrel installed. The biggest difference over the stock barrel is in the hood and lug area as seen in the photos. Also has a target crown. Apex is the silver barrel, black is the stock S&W barrel.



Apex turned this pistol around in under 3 weeks.

Results. Very encouraging. The test target was shot from a fixture, at 15 yards, 5 shots in 3 overlapping holes. from the initial rounds through it, I can tell that it's going to be a tack driver once I've gotten used to the trigger.

Is it worth it? From an economics POV, no. The barrel is $199. Labor was free on this deal, but Apex required that the pistol be overnighted to them and overnighted back to me. OUCH! I'm an FFL and found this ridiculous, but do understand it to a point.

My advice, if you want to go this route, is to order the same barrel but have your own competent gunsmith do the fitting. There's also a drop-in barrel option.

Am I happy with it? Yes, and I've long ago recognized that if $$ was the guiding factor, I wouldn't own half the firearms that I do.



* Considered upgrading the current pistol, but it's 15 ~ 20 thousand rounds away from needing a complete rebuild. At that point, I'll probably just retire it.

[Walterrruiz]

The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Compact is just about as close to the ideal handgun for general use, as far as I'm concerned. It is ideal for the nightstand or car, and as far as concealed carry, many have no problem wearing them, but the Shield platform is more my speed, in terms of envelope dimensions. In terms of improvements of practical value with this model, they are numerous. The trigger and the drip have already been cited: with the four included palmswell grip inserts, this pistol is more likely to fit you.

[oljames3]

One of the interesting things about Gun Culture 2.0 (https://gunculture2point0.wordpress.com/), in which guns have value outside of hunting, is cosmetic and functional customization that is not necessary or cost effective.

Similar to a fancy paint job or after-market headers on a 2018 Camaro. Or, in an earlier era, adjustments to the hi-fi stereo that resulted in frequencies outside of the range of human hearing.

After much research, I bought an S&W M&P M2.0 9mm 5inch. At that time, it was only available in Flat Dark Earth with a manual safety. I replaced the back plate on the slide with an aluminum one with crossed cannons etched on it. I wanted my pistol to know it was in the field artillery. The I replaced the base plates on my four magazines with aluminum base plates having interesting graphics. I told my wife I was working on protecting her better and looking good doing it! I blacked out the rear sight's white dots and Sharpied the front sight's white dot red. $100 total.

After about a year and over 60 hours of training, I began to be able to shoot as well as the pistol. I had Dawson Precision sights installed. Fiber optic front and black rear. Charger rear sight; the front face slants forward to engage your belt (or anything else) for one-handed slide manipulation. Easier for my old eyes and hands. $90 installed.

This summer, I began competing in USPSA matches. I am pleased with my accuracy. Last Monday, I took a class at The Range At Austin. When it came time to tape unacceptable hits, I had fewer misses than the other students, one of whom was running a compensated, magwelled, trickster.

For my 21 year old son, the newest LTC holder in my family, I bought an S&W M&P M2.0 9mm Compact 4inch. Blacked out the rear white dots and painted the front bright orange with nail polish. He shoots it well.

Bought another for my father on his 86th birthday. Blacked the rear sight and oranged the front. He really likes it at shoots it well.

If I had more disposable income, I might be tempted to make further changes. For now, I'm comfortable.

Y'all carry whatever and however; just carry safely.

[Scott B.]

It really is a funny hobby sometimes.

I have some guns that are bone stock that I'd never consider altering. Others, I'll change more times than my grandmother changed hair color.