Do you own an Apollo 11? Curious of others' experience, so leave your feedback. Despite some issues, I still like the platform and plan to build it. Thanks for watching!
@love4gtsandguns ... Next time you're shooting and it won't fire, just drop the mag out on the table and try to fire the round that's still in the chamber. That'll let you know if it's the trigger bow hitting the mag, or if it's an actual dead trigger. More than likely, it's still the trigger bow issue, and that can be adjusted pretty easily. If it is the trigger bow issue and you get that adjusted, the round falling out when you eject the mag will probably be something that you'll never notice. That round is still being held in the mag, but it has just shifted far enough forward that it gets stripped out when you eject the mag. Once the gun fires and cycles, that round will get chambered. I've had the other issue as well, where it will lock back with one round left in the mag, and I fixed that by shaving just a hair off of the shelf on the follower that engages the slide stop lever.
@jujuscustomshop Almost certain you are correct as I've tested further. LFA sent me another magazine and pretty much all the LFA and Checkmate mags are not firing so its a grip module / trigger fitment issue. 🤔 Weird though it doesn't have the issue of the trigger pull with the Springfield Prodigy mags. Are the specs of those that different? Also, it does fire without the mag inserted fine.
@@love4gtsandguns ... That's good news then, since it always fires without the mag, it's definitely the trigger bow issue. And yeah, the dimensions of the Prodigy mags could be just slightly different, and just enough to keep the hammer from releasing. It doesn't take much...we're only talking about thousandths of an inch to make enough difference to get that hammer to drop. When you get the trigger bow adjusted, it should work with all of your mags. But keep in mind, that grip module could be part of the problem. You could get it working by adjusting your trigger bow, but then when you get another grip module, the adjustment that you made to get it working with the LFA grip might cause you problems with a different brand of grip, ya know? Just don't let it stress you out too much, cause I'm sure you can get it worked out with a little tweaking.
@@jujuscustomshop Damn! I was hoping not to get a lemon or one from a bad batch. I think I might change the grip module to avoid that as an issue. Maybe the trigger as well. Appreciate the feedback. I watched your video where you went to the Prodigy grip. How is that working out?
@@love4gtsandguns ... Since you're planning on changing the grip anyway, then I would probably do that first and try using the trigger you have, just to see if that will solve the problem. The Prodigy grip made a world of difference on mine, and the gun feels way more solid. I'm going to take it to the range this weekend to do some more testing, but I think I've got most of the issues fixed. I still need to test more to see how reliably it's going to run with a suppressor.
A couple of things - 1) early lockback with one round left in the magazine is caused by the last round impacting the slide stop and prematurely engaging it. This is a common issue with all 2011 style pistols. The followers need to be fitted to your slide stop. Try switching the followers from the LFA magazines to the Prodigy magazines and see if that fixes it 2) The unfired round falling out of the magwell when you eject a loaded magazine is common with some 2011 magazines. LFA magazines are actually made by Check-Mate and they will do the same thing in my 2011s. It may be a feed lip issue. I hope this helps.
Good info, so appreciatethe feedback. I didn't consider changing the followers, so will look at that. I did notice the difference in the design of the followers. 2011 magazine thing is a pain in the ass! The Apollo 11 is nice so once the mag issue is ironed out it will be great. Considering changing the grip also. What 2011 are you running?
@@love4gtsandguns I have a 5" Prodigy. Watching your video more, I think the grip module is out of spec. It looks like your trigger bow is getting bound up between the grip module and the magazine. This would explain the weird trigger freeze you are experiencing. I know the LFA grip module is 3D printed and flexes a lot. Also, I don't think you're getting double feeds. A double feed would be two rounds trying to get into the chamber at once. It looks to me like the a round is falling out of the magazine well when you strip the magazine. This is very common with 9mm 1911 style firearms. It's caused by the 9mm rounds being much shorter than the magazine - which of course are really sized for .45 acp and the top round in the magazine moves forward under recoil and when you strip the mag it falls out. It shouldn't be an issue or induce malfunctions. It's annoying and you may be able to fix it with a stronger springs - Altas Gun Works offers them. You may be able to induce this without even shooting live ammo by putting a loaded mag in the gun with the slide back and then using the slide stop to drop the slide. Then eject the mag and a round will probably fall out of the mag well. I hope this makes sense! 2011s are an adventure for sure.
@schmidtmpa Yes, it makes plenty sent. Can't hurt to test it out. I think part of the issue is definitely the grip along with the magazines. Looking at grips now trying to decide which route to go. Considering the Prodigy one, but I'm not a huge fan of the girth of them. Thinking about Staccato or Cheely but still researching.
@@love4gtsandguns It's treating me well. No real issues yet. I do have one of the Gen 2 versions with a lightened slide. I've made some changes to it - magwell, new springs and a tool-less guide rod, but no internal changes yet.
I thank UA-camrs to get the very first gen production models and spend all this money to see the failures and need to be tweaks to these tools. After a year or so it’s safe to buy . So thank you for your sacrifice. I ordered mine hopefully it’ll be here Monday?
@TexasSon74 😂 No prob, thanks for watching. LFA fixed it, and its burning up all ammo now. I posted an update. Its now at my guy getting some upgrades.
Exactly why i have not purchased this gun yet. Im back and fourth between this and tge mac9ds. I really want the apollo, but dont want the headache that might come w it.
Thanks for sharing……. I’m at 300+ RDS with mine…. The only issue I had with the checkmate mag was the slide locking back with one round in the mag. It happened 3x but then worked itself out writhing the first 100 RDS. You should send this video to LFA along with the pistol again and see if they can figure it or replace the firearm. That sucks though. I feel your pain.
Appreciate the feedback bro. I just might do that. A product should function properly out the box without having to spend additional money to make it do what it was advertised and designed to do. This is the first firearm I ever had to send back to the manufacturer in all my years which is more disappointing because its one I was more excited about.
I think LFA has been working out the kinks as they go along. My full sizes Apollo 11 has been perfect. Its important to note that aftermarket magazines usually need to be "tuned" to the pistol to function 100%. The feed-lips are often out of spec for the specific pistol. This can also occur if you drop the magazine. The problems in this video seem unusual. I'd need to inspect the pistol.
Thanks for the feedback. In actuality, I believe the issue I am having is the same as the original issue which is the trigger and grip module related. I sent it back to LFA again. The first time, they replaced the grip module but not the trigger which I believe the issue may be the trigger bow. Something is out of spec in that area.
I wanted this gun since they first announced the compact in fde/black. But every single person i know that got one has had issues right out the box. Some 2011s need a bit of break in, i understand that. But these are all straight up malfunctioning brand new. For a thousand dollars, to have that happen, to me is unacceptable. That being said i have heard from everyone that the customer service is great and they will take it back and re work it promptly. But again, it shouldnt have to be sent back to begin with in my opinion. Anyway, im enjoying your transparency and your content and i just subscribed!! Check out the mac 9 ds!! Dont think youll be disappointed!
Same. Finally got one and this.... definitely not the video I wanted to make about it, I wanted to sing its praises. Mac 9 is literally in my shopping cart as we speak. 😂 Apollo 11 is smooth as butter when it runs so I will get this figured out also.
Oh, appreciate the feedback. I plan to be honest and transparent here. I refuse to edit video to make a bad product look good or hide issues with a good product.
New to the channel, I have the Apollo 11 the full size. I haven't had any issues with the mag that came but I did have an issue What does staccato magazine that I bought. It wouldn't stay in the gun. My gun shop let me Exchange them out for atlas mags
@cliftonbean Definitely. Comes with the territory though right. 🤷🏾♂️ I will probably change out the grip module as I really don't want to keep sending it back n forth to LFA to keep getting replacements and ultimately end up changing it anyway. On the other hand, I feel like I should get a working product.
2:03 you couldn’t do that again if you tried lol. Love your videos! I’m one of the lucky Apollo owners. Last weekend the range officer and guy next to me wanted to shoot it. Both were very impressed. I’m carrying it now.
Good stuff! Love to hear all the good man because the Apollo is nice. Think they just should have done better with the grip module or more importantly, QC.
Did you notice which brand of ammo was the common denominator when having issues? I don't mean the magazine problems, I mean failure to load. I have seen two videos so far where an LFA had problems with Winchester, so when you mentioned that you had some Winchester to try out, I made note of it. Hope you make the right adjustments or tweaks needed to get this up and running well, looks like a good potential carry..
I haven't had any ammo issue that I can point to honestly. That day I was using Monarch brass and Blazer brass both FMJ. Never got around to the hollow points. The feed issue wasn't technically a feed issue, it was just the Prodigy, Springfield, mags not feeding the last round and locking the slide back which is likely due to the follower and not the ammo. I will continue to update as I journey.
Have a compact as well, and while my first 200 rounds had a couple light strikes, I haven’t been having any of these issues. Not sure if it’s a specific batch or if you have yourself a lemon or what. Curious to find out what ends up being the de facto issue(s).
Thank you for the review man! Unfortunately I had the same issues with the Prodigy and I got rid of it. I can’t trust those inexpensive double stack firearms. Reliable 2011 are running for $2,000 and more but I guess that’s what you get for a piece of mind. All firearms out of the box should run flawlessly without any break in periods
LFA said it was the grip module and something with the slide initially so they replaced them. I let someone else try with the initial issue and even a 1911 guy at the range location. They all thought it was strange and couldn't get it to function with the mag inserted. Shot great if you put a round in the chamber and removed the mag. Not a bad question to rule out user error I guess. 😂 Hard to create this issue even as a gun newb though. Push the grip safety, pull the trigger... not rocket science.
@@NCTACOI wouldt doubt that. That’s exactly where LFA went cheap on is the 3D printed grip module. Would be the first thing I switched out on the Apollo 11.
@@love4gtsandguns I hope the next Gen they just raise the price a few hundred and make a better grip. After buying a new grip it's the same price or more than a prodigy.
@@TherealRonWickyou can call Springfield armory and ask them to send you a prodigy grip module for like $50 after tax and shipping. It works great after just a bit of fitting!
@@TheFat_Operator It definitely felt that way in the beginning. 😂 I will say the customer service is great and they fixed it. It runs great now with no issues.
![A True "2011" for UNDER $1000 [Live Free Armory Apollo 11 - Unboxing and Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yKwFaNSNloI/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you own an Apollo 11? Curious of others' experience, so leave your feedback. Despite some issues, I still like the platform and plan to build it. Thanks for watching!
@love4gtsandguns ... Next time you're shooting and it won't fire, just drop the mag out on the table and try to fire the round that's still in the chamber. That'll let you know if it's the trigger bow hitting the mag, or if it's an actual dead trigger. More than likely, it's still the trigger bow issue, and that can be adjusted pretty easily. If it is the trigger bow issue and you get that adjusted, the round falling out when you eject the mag will probably be something that you'll never notice. That round is still being held in the mag, but it has just shifted far enough forward that it gets stripped out when you eject the mag. Once the gun fires and cycles, that round will get chambered. I've had the other issue as well, where it will lock back with one round left in the mag, and I fixed that by shaving just a hair off of the shelf on the follower that engages the slide stop lever.
@jujuscustomshop Almost certain you are correct as I've tested further. LFA sent me another magazine and pretty much all the LFA and Checkmate mags are not firing so its a grip module / trigger fitment issue. 🤔 Weird though it doesn't have the issue of the trigger pull with the Springfield Prodigy mags. Are the specs of those that different?
Also, it does fire without the mag inserted fine.
@@love4gtsandguns ... That's good news then, since it always fires without the mag, it's definitely the trigger bow issue. And yeah, the dimensions of the Prodigy mags could be just slightly different, and just enough to keep the hammer from releasing. It doesn't take much...we're only talking about thousandths of an inch to make enough difference to get that hammer to drop. When you get the trigger bow adjusted, it should work with all of your mags. But keep in mind, that grip module could be part of the problem. You could get it working by adjusting your trigger bow, but then when you get another grip module, the adjustment that you made to get it working with the LFA grip might cause you problems with a different brand of grip, ya know? Just don't let it stress you out too much, cause I'm sure you can get it worked out with a little tweaking.
@@jujuscustomshop Damn! I was hoping not to get a lemon or one from a bad batch. I think I might change the grip module to avoid that as an issue. Maybe the trigger as well. Appreciate the feedback. I watched your video where you went to the Prodigy grip. How is that working out?
@@love4gtsandguns ... Since you're planning on changing the grip anyway, then I would probably do that first and try using the trigger you have, just to see if that will solve the problem. The Prodigy grip made a world of difference on mine, and the gun feels way more solid. I'm going to take it to the range this weekend to do some more testing, but I think I've got most of the issues fixed. I still need to test more to see how reliably it's going to run with a suppressor.
Got mine three weeks ago. Zero issues. Trigger is 3.5lbs. Love it. So far about 1,000 rounds through it.
Always love to hear the flawless experiences. Enjoy!
A couple of things - 1) early lockback with one round left in the magazine is caused by the last round impacting the slide stop and prematurely engaging it. This is a common issue with all 2011 style pistols. The followers need to be fitted to your slide stop. Try switching the followers from the LFA magazines to the Prodigy magazines and see if that fixes it 2) The unfired round falling out of the magwell when you eject a loaded magazine is common with some 2011 magazines. LFA magazines are actually made by Check-Mate and they will do the same thing in my 2011s. It may be a feed lip issue. I hope this helps.
Good info, so appreciatethe feedback. I didn't consider changing the followers, so will look at that. I did notice the difference in the design of the followers. 2011 magazine thing is a pain in the ass! The Apollo 11 is nice so once the mag issue is ironed out it will be great. Considering changing the grip also. What 2011 are you running?
@@love4gtsandguns I have a 5" Prodigy. Watching your video more, I think the grip module is out of spec. It looks like your trigger bow is getting bound up between the grip module and the magazine. This would explain the weird trigger freeze you are experiencing. I know the LFA grip module is 3D printed and flexes a lot. Also, I don't think you're getting double feeds. A double feed would be two rounds trying to get into the chamber at once. It looks to me like the a round is falling out of the magazine well when you strip the magazine. This is very common with 9mm 1911 style firearms. It's caused by the 9mm rounds being much shorter than the magazine - which of course are really sized for .45 acp and the top round in the magazine moves forward under recoil and when you strip the mag it falls out. It shouldn't be an issue or induce malfunctions. It's annoying and you may be able to fix it with a stronger springs - Altas Gun Works offers them. You may be able to induce this without even shooting live ammo by putting a loaded mag in the gun with the slide back and then using the slide stop to drop the slide. Then eject the mag and a round will probably fall out of the mag well. I hope this makes sense! 2011s are an adventure for sure.
@schmidtmpa Yes, it makes plenty sent. Can't hurt to test it out. I think part of the issue is definitely the grip along with the magazines. Looking at grips now trying to decide which route to go. Considering the Prodigy one, but I'm not a huge fan of the girth of them. Thinking about Staccato or Cheely but still researching.
@@schmidtmpa How is the Prodigy treating you?
@@love4gtsandguns It's treating me well. No real issues yet. I do have one of the Gen 2 versions with a lightened slide. I've made some changes to it - magwell, new springs and a tool-less guide rod, but no internal changes yet.
I thank UA-camrs to get the very first gen production models and spend all this money to see the failures and need to be tweaks to these tools. After a year or so it’s safe to buy . So thank you for your sacrifice. I ordered mine hopefully it’ll be here Monday?
@TexasSon74 😂 No prob, thanks for watching. LFA fixed it, and its burning up all ammo now. I posted an update. Its now at my guy getting some upgrades.
Exactly why i have not purchased this gun yet. Im back and fourth between this and tge mac9ds. I really want the apollo, but dont want the headache that might come w it.
What “headache”? All of the reviews I have seen have been positive.
I have had mine for 2 months-- zero issues and it eat everything I put through it. Overall for the money it's a fantastic pistol. Made in the USA.
@dolson5332 Finally got mine back a while ago, and it ran beautifully. Not I have is with a custom shop to get work done.
I like that gun I almost bought one but I got the Canik TTI combat instead and am very happy with it..
@@johnnyferguson2401 TTI is a beautiful option.
Thanks for sharing……. I’m at 300+ RDS with mine…. The only issue I had with the checkmate mag was the slide locking back with one round in the mag. It happened 3x but then worked itself out writhing the first 100 RDS. You should send this video to LFA along with the pistol again and see if they can figure it or replace the firearm. That sucks though. I feel your pain.
Appreciate the feedback bro. I just might do that. A product should function properly out the box without having to spend additional money to make it do what it was advertised and designed to do. This is the first firearm I ever had to send back to the manufacturer in all my years which is more disappointing because its one I was more excited about.
Exact same here with the one round left, it’s absolutely flawless now at 800rds.
The checkmate mag is the same as the oem. Both are made by checkmate, they are also makers of the staccato mag
I know, which is why the issue was weird. Sending it back to LFA again. 😞
I think LFA has been working out the kinks as they go along. My full sizes Apollo 11 has been perfect. Its important to note that aftermarket magazines usually need to be "tuned" to the pistol to function 100%. The feed-lips are often out of spec for the specific pistol. This can also occur if you drop the magazine. The problems in this video seem unusual. I'd need to inspect the pistol.
Thanks for the feedback. In actuality, I believe the issue I am having is the same as the original issue which is the trigger and grip module related. I sent it back to LFA again. The first time, they replaced the grip module but not the trigger which I believe the issue may be the trigger bow. Something is out of spec in that area.
Subscribed! Sorry you're having issues with your LFA. I'll be watching to see if they get it sorted out for you!
Appreciate the sub. I will keep you all posted. Thanks!
I wanted this gun since they first announced the compact in fde/black. But every single person i know that got one has had issues right out the box. Some 2011s need a bit of break in, i understand that. But these are all straight up malfunctioning brand new. For a thousand dollars, to have that happen, to me is unacceptable. That being said i have heard from everyone that the customer service is great and they will take it back and re work it promptly. But again, it shouldnt have to be sent back to begin with in my opinion. Anyway, im enjoying your transparency and your content and i just subscribed!! Check out the mac 9 ds!! Dont think youll be disappointed!
Same. Finally got one and this.... definitely not the video I wanted to make about it, I wanted to sing its praises. Mac 9 is literally in my shopping cart as we speak. 😂 Apollo 11 is smooth as butter when it runs so I will get this figured out also.
Oh, appreciate the feedback. I plan to be honest and transparent here. I refuse to edit video to make a bad product look good or hide issues with a good product.
New to the channel, I have the Apollo 11 the full size. I haven't had any issues with the mag that came but I did have an issue What does staccato magazine that I bought. It wouldn't stay in the gun. My gun shop let me Exchange them out for atlas mags
Nice, great to hear. I think my issue is more with the grip module and some mags are being affected more than others.
@@love4gtsandguns it does sound like it, that's it's upsetting and makes it hard to enjoy the purchase
@cliftonbean Definitely. Comes with the territory though right. 🤷🏾♂️ I will probably change out the grip module as I really don't want to keep sending it back n forth to LFA to keep getting replacements and ultimately end up changing it anyway. On the other hand, I feel like I should get a working product.
I know it’s juvenile to say….but, it sure is a nice looking firearm. Especially in that color.
@@matthewwoods2102 It is a looker. Nothing juvenile about appreciating beauty.
2:03 you couldn’t do that again if you tried lol. Love your videos! I’m one of the lucky Apollo owners. Last weekend the range officer and guy next to me wanted to shoot it. Both were very impressed. I’m carrying it now.
Good stuff! Love to hear all the good man because the Apollo is nice. Think they just should have done better with the grip module or more importantly, QC.
What did LFA do to your pistol when you sent it back?
Did you notice which brand of ammo was the common denominator when having issues? I don't mean the magazine problems, I mean failure to load. I have seen two videos so far where an LFA had problems with Winchester, so when you mentioned that you had some Winchester to try out, I made note of it. Hope you make the right adjustments or tweaks needed to get this up and running well, looks like a good potential carry..
I haven't had any ammo issue that I can point to honestly. That day I was using Monarch brass and Blazer brass both FMJ. Never got around to the hollow points. The feed issue wasn't technically a feed issue, it was just the Prodigy, Springfield, mags not feeding the last round and locking the slide back which is likely due to the follower and not the ammo. I will continue to update as I journey.
Have a compact as well, and while my first 200 rounds had a couple light strikes, I haven’t been having any of these issues. Not sure if it’s a specific batch or if you have yourself a lemon or what. Curious to find out what ends up being the de facto issue(s).
Yep, think I definitely got lemon from a poor batch. I will continue to update as I learn more.
Anyone have a concealed holster recommendation? Thanks
How does it compares to the staccato P
@chemdog73 Not close, unfortunately. You will have to put some $$ into an Apollo to get close. But, its a good gun.
@ I already have one but I see the LFA 2011 in a local shop, but after watching this video and other channels I m good on it
@chemdog73 QC isn't the best in my opinion. If qc was better and they used a more solid grip module, this would be a contender.
@@love4gtsandguns I see that, great video, thanx
Is their mag a Checkmate? I have 1 it's horrible.
@terrynunn5288 Yes. Since I got it back the second time, all the magazines work so the issue with mine was the gun.
new trigger wilson combat
Will look into that, thanks.
I’ll stick with my Staccato’s and my Atlas’s.
Thank you for the review man! Unfortunately I had the same issues with the Prodigy and I got rid of it. I can’t trust those inexpensive double stack firearms. Reliable 2011 are running for $2,000 and more but I guess that’s what you get for a piece of mind. All firearms out of the box should run flawlessly without any break in periods
why you shooting the hostage?
@@Jessersadler 😂
What did LFA say was the issue? Not saying it’s you at all but have you let anyone else try it
LFA said it was the grip module and something with the slide initially so they replaced them. I let someone else try with the initial issue and even a 1911 guy at the range location. They all thought it was strange and couldn't get it to function with the mag inserted. Shot great if you put a round in the chamber and removed the mag. Not a bad question to rule out user error I guess. 😂 Hard to create this issue even as a gun newb though. Push the grip safety, pull the trigger... not rocket science.
@@love4gtsandguns wonder if these cheap made grips are causing the issue.
@NCTACO Thats my theory. Outside of the grip, the rest of the gun is great.
@@NCTACOI wouldt doubt that. That’s exactly where LFA went cheap on is the 3D printed grip module. Would be the first thing I switched out on the Apollo 11.
Is it a keeper or off to the pawn shop 🤔
Feeling like a keeper honestly. Thinking the grip module may ultimately go, but overall, the rest of the gun is solid and I like it.
@@love4gtsandguns I hope the next Gen they just raise the price a few hundred and make a better grip. After buying a new grip it's the same price or more than a prodigy.
@TherealRonWick Depending on the grip choice, yup. And agree, should have went with a more solid grip from jump.
@@TherealRonWickyou can call Springfield armory and ask them to send you a prodigy grip module for like $50 after tax and shipping. It works great after just a bit of fitting!
Try some Mec Gar Magazines.
Dude! Skip the round if it won’t go…. SCREW IT! 2011 mags have a break in…..
Damn?!?
I have a $100 high point that's more reliable lol
🗑️🗑️🗑️ a $900 paperweight. Spend half that and get a Glock 17 and be done.
@@TheFat_Operator It definitely felt that way in the beginning. 😂 I will say the customer service is great and they fixed it. It runs great now with no issues.