Live Free Armory Apollo 11 Handgun

I have not really been a fan of the Live Free Armory Apollo 11 handguns, because of their 3D printed grip modules and the stylized horizontal lines cut into the sides of the slides (that busy look is not really my style). However, I can certainly appreciate how budget friendly they are. I considered picking one up to go along with the three budget 2011 clones that I acquired earlier this year, but decided that I just didn't like the gun's features and aesthetics enough to justify buying one. I recently came across a used compact that was priced super cheap, so I figured it would be a good project to customize on a budget, and... I am a sucker for a steel frame Commander 2011 with a full length dust cover. 😜

Photos from the Gunbroker auction

I installed the same Osight/Olight budget accessories that I installed on my other budget 2011 clones, but I did have to use a 1-degree shim to properly adjust the optic as the optic cut is level with the top of the slide rather than having a downward forward tilt.

I was planning to replace the 3D printed grip module with a new Springfield Armory Prodigy grip module, but I found a used Alpha Foxtrot Romulus grip module locally for only $60 that was complete with the trigger, mag catch, and beavertail. The Romulus grip modules are very similar to the Prodigy grip modules, and the lead time on Prodigy grip modules can be kind of long depending on their current inventory, so the used Romulus grip module was a nice find. 

I did my typical RFV Tactical texture work to the grip module, but I had to fit the Romulus grip safety to the gun as the factory grip safety is longer than normal and wouldn't work with the Romulus mainspring housing. It took quite a bit of work to fit the Romulus grip safety to the gun, but it actually matches up to the back of the frame better than the factory grip safety did.

I did my typical performance and reliability tuning to the gun so that it would have a trigger pull weight between 2.5 and 3 pounds, cycle smoothly, and feed/extract reliably. The slide's stripper rail has a ramped cut similar to my Race City Defense RC9c, so cycling the slide back and forth by hand is very smooth with absolutely zero disconnector hang up.

The gun had a little bit of wear and tear on the finish and controls from the previous owner, so I did my normal dehorning, thinned down the thumb safety levers to accommodate my high grip, and refinished everything in my new custom Black Nitride Mimic Cerakote color.

Despite the 3D printed grip module and it's loose tolerances, the build quality and value seem to be just a little nicer than my EAA/Girsan CMXX. Upgrading the grip module definitely improved the overall look and feel of the pistol, and it shoots really well.