Guns AFTERSHOT – ATEi Gets Even More Customy-er Matt Stagliano February 18, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. At SHOT SHOW 2016, ATEi partnered with Cole Partnerships and Training to release the Hybrid for M&P pistols. You can read more about the Hybrid here. To augment the existing customization offerings that they provide for Glock & M&P pistols like slide serrations and trigger jobs, they've quietly released a new “why didn't I think of that” product to the ATEi custom options lineup – a cover plate for optic-milled slides. When ATEi makes a permanent modification to a pistol slide in order to mount a red dot optic, such as a Trijicon RMR, they mill out a section of the slide on a CNC machine. They do this by measuring each shooter's specific optic creating a perfect fit, something other shops tend to skip in favor of a one-size-fits-all model. In most cases, the optic is then installed and the user gets back to business. Beneath the optic is an o-ring that helps maintain a watertight seal. If for any reason the optic is removed, the shooter is left with a big gap on their gun and with no more o-ring, holes that can allow excess moisture into the gun. The cover plates remedy that situation by re-covering the milled out portion of the slide. To attach the plate, the shooter would just use the existing screw mounts. Expected in Q2 2016, the cover plates will be offered for all standard sized Glocks (meaning not the 21/29 wide bodies) and M&Ps, and will come in either smooth finish ($50) or serrated ($75) to match the user's preference. Standard finish on the cover plates will be black nitride, but nickel boron can be requested as well. In addition to the cover plates Doug Holloway, owner of ATEi, will be offering the new APEX Tactical barrels for the Smith and Wesson M&P line. APEX Tactical Specialties is known for extremely high quality aftermarket parts for the M&P pistol, particularly their trigger kits, and this is their first barrel offering. “By far, this is the most accurate barrel I have ever used in an M&P,” says Holloway. The APEX barrel for the M&P has been engineered to slide backward before dropping to allow for greater accuracy. APEX states that when used with a Ransom Rest the barrel was achieving a 5 shot 1.86″ grouping at 50 yards. Not 25 yards — 50 yards. Obviously with caffeine hands and low quality ammo, your results may differ, but if proven true that is a huge step up for M&P pistol barrel accuracy. ATEi will offer both the Semi-Drop In and Gunsmith Fit versions of the barrel, and Holloway recommends that both be installed by a qualified gunsmith for best results. For this service, ATEi is charging $150 for fitting and test firing. The barrels themselves are $199.95 and will be offered in 4.25″ and 5″ unthreaded only. For any information on ATEi's services, look them up on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed. For in depth information on the APEX Tactical barrel, visit the website. You may also watch the video that APEX created for the barrel below: Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. 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