Originally Posted by
Randy Lee
Hello All,
I apologize for kicking a dead horse after so long. I figured that replying to this thread was the best place to answer some long asked questions.
In regards to the machined locking block, we abandoned the project after making a handful and testing them. Due to the tolerance variations of the gun, we saw no statistical data that they improved the accuracy. We will let Smith formulate their changes in the locking blocks and MIM them as they see fit. The cost to manufacture the new locking block would make it unprofitable, especially in light of the sporadic and minimal gains.
The Apex/Bar-Sto barrel:
Years ago I had asked Irv if he could make a barrel to my specifications. The barrel that Bar-Sto produces is based upon Irv's years of experience in barrel manufacturing and not on my design specifications. As a result, I did not feel comfortable placing my company name on something that I had no hand in creating. The Bar-Sto barrel is a very good barrel, however there are very specific dimensions and twist rate that I require to accomplish my accuracy expectations.
As PPGMD mentioned, we asked him to keep quiet while I tried to sort things out. Irv is a good friend and an exceptional barrel maker and I do not want to tarnish his reputation. It boils down to the fact that any barrel that carries the Apex name must be entirely to my specs. Period.
So I have spent the better part of 4 years quietly looking at the 9mm accuracy deficit with the M&P. I have watched the various forum posts while I collected accuracy data and slide measurements throughout this time. I have also watched literally tens of thousands of individual frames of high speed video looking for clues as to the root cause of erratic accuracy. This is in part, why no one has heard from me.
I cannot comment on my findings as I am going through the patent process at this time. I will say that it is a complex, multi-faceted problem rather than just one single root cause. I can also say that we have a pretty good solution to the problem...
The point of all this is that I have been testing my barrel design since the beginning of the year. I can say with confidence that the M&P is mechanically capable of shooting 2" groups at 50 yards with commercially available 124 gr and 147 gr ammo, and sub 1" with tailored hand loads. Our test guns were 5" Pros and 9Ls shooting 5 shot groups from a Ransom Rest. When I am permitted to attach photos of some of the test targets, I shall.
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