Apex Barrels for 9mm 2.0 Compact 4 inch

[OKCWildcat800]

The pros of fitting and installing an Apex semi-drop in are well documented. What I'm looking for is any feedback on the Apex drop-in threaded barrel. Anyone have any experience with it, like it better than the stock barrel?

Better yet, has anyone shot both the semi-drop in and the threaded barrels, and have a comparison of the two?

I've sent similar questions to Apex recently and still waiting on a response. The threaded option appears to have different dimensions/tolerances from the stock. I would just like to understand where it fits on the benefit scale going from same as stock to Apex barrel that needs some fitting. I wish there were a semi-drop in threaded option for the 4 inch compact. I will be buying one of these, just not sure which one yet. Only considering the threaded barrel because it give me the option of tinkering/tuning via a comp, recoil spring, and loads.

 

[Short_Round]

Following.

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[song dog]

Their has been prior posts on the topic of APEX barrels; some members posted their targets and I like the tight clusters. I've also done some other search on APEX barrels, a few on You Tube but not a lot while mostly positive of accuracy. My M & P 2.0 9mm 4 1/2 off @ gunsmith now having a non-threaded installed. Now this Gunsmith only installs the "gunsmith" fitted barrel, tighter and best improvement in accuracy. This gunsmith has done testing and achieved 2" groups @ 25 yds. I use my 9 for Action Pistol steel plates. Now while the drop in barrels are accurate and if you can install it and want more out of your M & P its worth it. I wished APEX produced a barrel for the Shield, I buy it .......

When my M & P is return plan to do testing and post on the Forum.

You might want to check with APEX I don't believe they are making the Gunsmith fitted barrels any longer only the drop in.

 

[OKCWildcat800]

You're correct, they no longer make the gunsmith fit. Only the pure drop in, and the semi drop-in (requires fitting). The tolerances on the 2.0 are such that the gunsmith level of fitting is no longer required.

 

[OKCWildcat800]

No response from Apex as of today. No big deal. I did some research on comps (carry and micro), should I choose the threaded option. I didn't find anything that persuaded me to go the threaded drop-in route.

Also, I came across the semi-drop in Apex for $114 from lockedloaded.com. And while I was there I picked up an Apex AEK polymer trigger kit for $87.

Anyone know a gunsmith experienced in M&P/Apex work in the OKC area?

 

[song dog]

Sold over 3 million Shields, wished APEX produced drop in barrels for them too. I researched the other drop in barrels for the Shield wasn't impressed enough to take the plunge.

 

[OKCWildcat800]

UPDATE

I have now installed the AEK trigger kit and the semi drop in barrel. Both pretty straight forward to install, barrel just takes patience (go slow). Like their video says...its a process.

The trigger is polymer but feels much more substantial and stable compared to the stock hinged trigger. Overall the action is way way smoother, "the wall" and reset both more noticible. I was ok with the stock trigger, just didn't like the mushy feel of the hinge. The Apex trigger really exceeds my expectations. Dry firing alone there is a huge difference. Actually shooting feels much more instinctual.

Haven't done any shooting with the barrel yet. The fit up is amazing. The hood of the barrel fits perfectly into the slide. With the recoil spring removed it drops in and out of battery with gravity, yet there is no perceptible wiggle when in battery. The stock had a little movement, but the Apex is just ridiculous. The fit up of the locking surface goes from extremely tight to perfect as you go through the fitting process. There's just a noticeable difference in the action just cycling the slide by hand. Can't wait to take this thing to the range.

If you're considering either one of these upgrades they're well worth it. And if you've field stripped and cleaned your gun, you can install both of these yourself. Apex customer service is amazing. The fitting file they carry was out of stock but the provided a spec for alternatives, and they also provided additional install directions to go along with their videos. I had a couple fo questions about during barrel fitting and the quickly answered those as well.

 

[CB3]

I've posted this before, but some may not have seen it. I had Apex install their threaded 9mm barrel to my full size slide.

I had tried another company's drop in barrel with no improvement in accuracy.

After installing other Apex components myself, I was very impressed with their products and Customer Service. I bit the bullet and paid the big bucks for Apex to install their barrel and go through the whole gun. It had about 2,500 rounds through it at that time.

The Apex test target is below. I now have over 2,000 trouble free rounds through this gun after the upgrade. It is:

Reliable
Accurate
Smooth
and a joy to shoot.