Century Arms announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Live Free Armory at SHOT Show 2026, bringing the Apollo 11 V2 budget 2011 pistol to their booth alongside the company's existing product lines. The partnership addresses supply constraints and lead times that have limited availability of Live Free Armory's affordable double-stack 1911 platform.
Live Free Armory builds the Apollo 11 in Palm Bay, Florida. The original Apollo 11 earned recognition as an affordable entry into 2011 pistols, typically selling for $999 MSRP compared to $2000-7000 options from premium manufacturers. The Apollo 11 V2 represents the next evolution of that platform, though specific changes and refinements weren't fully detailed at the show beyond "enhanced performance, reliability, and refined ergonomics”. You know, the usual jargon.
I saw that Matt Ferland, VP of Sales and Marketing for Live Free Armory, stated the partnership would "provide the horsepower needed to bring our products to market more efficiently”.
Live Free Armory Apollo 11 V2:
- Chambering: 9mm
- Standard models: $999 MSRP
- Kit models remain unconfirmed
- Available in full-size, compact, and sub-compact configurations
- Finishes: Black, FDE, and Grey Cerakote
- V2-specific improvements not detailed at show
The original Apollo 11 uses heat-treated 416 stainless steel slides, 4140 steel frames, match-grade 4.9" bushing-less bull barrels (full-size), and holds 17+1 rounds with double-stack magazines. The trigger adjusts from 3.5-4.5 lbs, and the slide comes with an RMSc footprint optic cut.
Whether the V2 changes any of these core specifications wasn't clarified. I unfortunately wasn't informed enough at the time to ask at the booth. Century's distribution network should improve dealer availability and reduce the lead times that previously slowed Apollo 11 orders.
Does $999 get you interested in trying a 2011, or are you saving for other, more premium options? IF you already have a 2011, how do these compare? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
