Since its introduction the Smith & Wesson M&P has experienced accuracy issues with owners frequently reporting only adequate to mediocre accuracy, and often at just 10 yards. Fine for a polymer frame striker-fired combat pistol, but less so for a competition firearm. For the past four years, Randy Lee, one of the industry’s top design engineers and the president and CEO of Apex, has been working on improving the M&P’s accuracy. The result is the unique Apex barrel geometry, included in the company’s patent pending barrel design, that consistently delivers five-shot groups well under two inches at 25 yards, whether it is with 115gr., 124gr. or 147gr. factory ammunition.
In controlled testing using a Ransom Rest that eliminates the human element and focuses only on the mechanical operation of the barrel in the dynamic environment of the functioning pistol, the new Apex Grade Barrel routinely delivered sub-one inch groups with several under one half inch.
When tested at the extreme of 50 yards, the 5.00” Apex Grade Barrel, shooting 147gr. factory ammunition, delivered a 1.86” five-shot group (measured center to center), putting it on a par with high-end custom built 1911 pistols. By comparison, the same test pistol shot with the Smith & Wesson factory barrel delivered a 5.209” group, nearly three times larger than that of the Apex Grade Barrel.
“After four years of chasing accuracy in the M&P, we are very pleased to introduce our Apex Grade barrel design which doesn’t just improve the pistol’s accuracy but far exceeds that of any aftermarket barrel currently offered,” said Randy Lee.
“Through extensive research and testing we were able to pinpoint the causes of the M&P’s errant accuracy and address them with a proprietary Apex geometry that takes into account the wide range of varying tolerances found from one M&P to another. With either our Apex Grade Semi Drop-In or Gunsmith Fit Barrel, customers can finally get the accuracy they have been chasing in their M&P.”
The new stainless steel Apex Grade Barrels feature a 1:10” twist rate and will be available in 4.25” and 5.00” lengths in either a semi drop-in or gunsmith fit configuration. The Apex Grade Semi Drop-In Barrel can be easily fitted by the end user and is designed to significantly increase accuracy performance, making the M&P capable of shooting a one and a half inch or better grouping at 25 yards.
The Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel is designed for installation by a trained gunsmith who can perform an exact barrel fitting to a specific pistol. This precision approach to fitting makes the M&P capable of shooting a one inch or better grouping at 25 yards.
Final accuracy results after installation may vary based on the individual shooter’s ability, ammunition selection and variations in factory firearm tolerances.
Apex will offer installation and fitting of the Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Barrel as part of their wide range of gunsmithing services. Customers interested in having their M&P worked on should contact Apex Customer Service at (805) 528-5250 for a quote.
The new Apex Grade Barrels for the 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P retail for $199.95 and will begin shipping on Monday, December 7. The barrels are currently available for pre-order at Brownells.com (Semi Drop-In and Gunsmith Fit.
Dealers and distributors can order the new barrels by contacting Apex at dealer@apextactical.com or calling (805) 528-5250.
Features and Specifications:
– For 9mm M&P Pistols Only
– 5.00” or 4.25” Length
– Stainless Steel
– 1:10” Twist Rate
– Recessed Target Crown
– Apex Part #: 105-050 (5.00” Gunsmith Fit)
– Apex Part #: 105-051 (4.25” Gunsmith Fit)
– Apex Part #: 105-052 (5.00” Semi Drop-In)
– Apex Part #: 105-053 (4.25” Semi Drop-In)
– MSRP: $199.95
For more information on parts and services from Apex Tactical Specialties, visit www.ApexTactical.com, like Apex Tactical on Facebook or follow @ApexTactical on Twitter and Instagram. Instructional videos on the installation of Apex parts are available on Apex’s YouTube channel.
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