I Tortured The Cheapest 2011, NOT what i expected

Published on May 24, 2026
Duration: 16:14

This video provides an in-depth durability test of the Live Free Armory Apollo V2, a sub-$1000 2011 pistol. The test pushes the firearm to its limits with 2000 rounds, highlighting its resilience despite significant abuse and identifying ammunition as the primary source of malfunctions. The reviewer, demonstrating significant experience with firearms, concludes that the Apollo V2 offers exceptional value and quality for its price point, recommending it for those looking to enter the 2011 market.

Quick Summary

The Live Free Armory Apollo V2, a $850 2011 pistol with a steel frame and aluminum grip, proved to be highly durable in a 2000-round test. Most malfunctions were linked to cheap Federal 115gr ammunition, while Outlier 124gr ran flawlessly. The pistol itself showed resilience even after abuse, making it a strong value recommendation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Optic Check
  2. 00:18The Rise of Budget 2011s
  3. 00:35Introducing the Apollo V2 & Vortex Optic
  4. 00:43Initial 500 Round Impression
  5. 00:52The 2000 Round Durability Test Begins
  6. 01:10Ammo Issues: Federal 115gr vs Outlier 124gr
  7. 01:41Apollo V1 vs V2: Grip Evolution
  8. 01:58Apollo V2 Design & Features
  9. 02:24Trigger Performance Over Time
  10. 02:46Hammer Follow & Optic Drift
  11. 02:55The Optic's Performance
  12. 03:03Malfunction Analysis
  13. 03:23Quality Comparison: Apollo V2 vs Others
  14. 03:46American Made & Value Proposition
  15. 03:51Malfunctions: Ammo vs Gun Related
  16. 04:15Federal 115gr Ammunition Deep Dive
  17. 04:26Outlier 124gr Ammunition Performance
  18. 04:50Remaining Malfunctions & Lube Negligence
  19. 05:05Abuse Test: Dropping & Dirt
  20. 05:16Optic Durability Under Stress
  21. 05:35Grip Separation & Trigger Feel
  22. 06:07Fixing Grip Separation
  23. 06:28Iron Sight Failure
  24. 06:59Safety Wobble & Optic Issues
  25. 07:16Vortex Optic Quality Control Issues
  26. 07:38Red Dot Discussion: Vortex Experience
  27. 07:58Final Recommendation: Apollo V2 vs Kimber
  28. 08:27Conclusion: Apollo V2 Performance
  29. 08:41Final Thoughts on Ammo & Gun Reliability
  30. 08:55Trigger & Accuracy Observations
  31. 08:59Optic Luck of the Draw
  32. 09:10Apollo V2 Key Features Recap
  33. 09:38Final Verdict & Value
  34. 09:50Outro & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Live Free Armory Apollo V2 pistol?

The Live Free Armory Apollo V2 is a budget-friendly 2011-style pistol featuring a steel frame and aluminum grip, designed as an optic-ready firearm with a full-length dust cover. It aims to provide a high-quality 2011 experience at an accessible price point.

How did the Live Free Armory Apollo V2 perform in a 2000-round durability test?

The Apollo V2 performed exceptionally well in a 2000-round durability test, with most malfunctions attributed to poor quality ammunition. The firearm itself showed remarkable resilience, even after being subjected to abuse like drops and dirt, with only minor issues like grip separation and a loose iron sight.

What ammunition was used in the Apollo V2 torture test, and what were the results?

The test primarily used Federal 115gr and Outlier 124gr ammunition. The Federal 115gr caused numerous malfunctions due to its dirty nature and tendency to swell, while the Outlier 124gr ran flawlessly, demonstrating a significant difference in reliability between the two.

Is the Vortex Defender CCW optic recommended for the Apollo V2?

The Vortex Defender CCW optic is not highly recommended based on this test. While it survived the abuse, it failed to hold zero and drifted significantly, indicating poor reliability for practical use, despite its low cost.

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