Finally a good 2011 for less than $1000? Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander Review

Published on July 28, 2024
Duration: 18:45

This review of the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander 9mm pistol highlights significant improvements over the initial release, particularly in reliability and manufacturing. The commander-sized model addresses previous issues like slide stop breakage and extraction problems by bringing machining in-house and refining extractor tension. While minor gripes remain regarding the manual safety bevel and grip safety bump, the overall value proposition is strong, positioning it as a capable 2011-style pistol for recreational shooting, home defense, or concealed carry at a sub-$1000 price point.

Quick Summary

The Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander 9mm pistol offers significant improvements over its predecessor, addressing reliability issues like slide stop breakage and extraction problems. With a refined trigger, updated manual safety, and a price under $1000, it presents a strong value proposition for a 2011-style firearm suitable for various applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Impressions
  2. 00:50Apollo 11 Commander Overview
  3. 01:49Recap of Original Apollo 11 Issues
  4. 02:34Technical Specifications
  5. 03:36What Changed: Reliability & Design
  6. 05:07Reliability Testing & Ammunition Performance
  7. 06:51Grip Module & Manual Safety Updates
  8. 07:52Range Test: Bill Drill Comparison
  9. 09:39Range Test: 20 Yard Steel Array
  10. 10:37Range Test: 25 Yard Grouping
  11. 11:44Commander vs. 5-Inch Model Comparison
  12. 12:55Negatives & Minor Grips
  13. 13:36Grip Module Texture & Design
  14. 14:39Value Proposition & Comparison to Competitors
  15. 17:26Final Verdict: Is it a Good Value?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key improvements in the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander compared to the original model?

The Commander model addresses critical issues like slide stop breakage and extraction problems by bringing slide stop machining in-house and ensuring proper extractor tension. It also features an improved manual safety design and a refined trigger with better feedback.

How does the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander perform with different types of ammunition?

The Apollo 11 Commander demonstrates a wide operating window, reliably cycling through various ammunition, including light loads and challenging rounds with hard primers like AAC 124gr. The gun's springing is well-suited for high-velocity ammunition.

What are the main drawbacks of the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Commander?

Minor drawbacks include the manual safety's bevel creating a potential hot spot, a grip safety with a shallow memory bump that might not always engage, and a slightly slicker grip module texture compared to the original model.

How does the commander-sized Apollo 11 compare to the 5-inch government model?

The commander-sized model offers a more balanced feel and is easier to swing between targets, making it preferable for many shooters, especially those using red dot sights. The 5-inch model provides a longer sight radius for iron sight users.

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