Century Arms Apollo 11 V2 Compact 9mm FDE 18+1

About this product

The Century Arms Apollo 11 V2 Compact 9mm FDE 18+1 is a duty-rated compact pistol built on a steel frame with an aluminum grip module and an optic-ready slide for concealed carry or home defense applications. It's a direct evolution of the original Apollo series, addressing user feedback with deeper serrations and a revised grip texture. Imported by Century Arms, this model carries the lineage of the Large Frame Auto design into a more concealable footprint without sacrificing the 18+1 magazine capacity that defines the platform.

What is the Apollo 11 V2 Compact 9mm used for?

This pistol is engineered primarily as a high-capacity concealed carry or duty backup weapon that doesn't compromise terminal ballistics or magazine capacity. The 7.50-inch overall length and 35-ounce unloaded weight place it squarely in the compact duty pistol category, making it suitable for IWB holsters while maintaining a full firing grip. The tritium front night sight and accessory rail support low-light engagement and weapon-mounted light usage, which is critical for home defense scenarios where positive threat identification is non-negotiable.

How does the Apollo 11 V2 Compact compare to the CZ P-10 C?

The Apollo 11 V2 Compact holds a definitive advantage in magazine capacity with 18+1 rounds versus the CZ P-10 C's 15+1, but it does so at the cost of added weight and width. The CZ P-10 C uses a polymer frame that brings its unloaded weight down to approximately 26 ounces, making it nearly 9 ounces lighter than the Apollo's steel and aluminum construction. Where the Apollo excels is in its flat-shooting ported barrel and the solid, non-flexing feel of a metal frame during rapid strings of fire—a trade-off between carry comfort and shootability that each user must weigh.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The pistol weighs 35 ounces (2.04 lbs) unloaded and measures 7.50 inches in overall length with a 4.02-inch barrel. The slide width is 1.26 inches, which necessitates holster selection specific to full-size 2011-pattern handguns rather than more common Glock 19 dimensions. The grip circumference, thanks to the aluminum V2 module, measures 5.75 inches—a full 0.25 inches larger in circumference than a standard Glock 17 grip, which dictates hand size compatibility.

Who is this NOT for?

Shooters with smaller hands or those prioritizing absolute minimal carry weight should avoid this platform. The grip requires a hand span capable of managing a 5.75-inch circumference, and the 35-ounce weight becomes noticeable after 10 hours of all-day concealed carry. This is not a "first pistol" recommendation; it's a tool for experienced users who understand the maintenance demands of an external extractor and the holster compatibility issues of a 1.26-inch wide slide.

What's in the box?

The factory packaging includes the pistol, one 18-round steel magazine, a polymer magazine loader, a cable lock, and the operator's manual with Century's warranty documentation. Unlike some competitors in this price range, it does not include an optic plate kit—those must be sourced separately from Century for approximately $45, adding to the true out-the-door cost if you plan to mount a red dot. The manual outlines proper break-in procedures for the first 200 rounds, which is standard for tight-tolerance metal-frame pistols.

Is the Apollo 11 V2 Compact worth it at $899.99?

At $899.99, it occupies a competitive price point between entry-level 2011 clones and established duty pistols like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, but delivers different utility. The value proposition centers on the 18+1 capacity in a concealable format and the durability of Cerakote over steel, which will outlast blued finishes under heavy sweat exposure. Consider this purchase if you need a suppressor-host capable pistol (threaded barrel variant available) or a home defense tool that bridges the gap between a full-size duty gun and a micro-compact, but understand you're buying into a less common platform with corresponding aftermarket limitations compared to Glock or SIG.