Pistol chassis can improve accuracy and stability, but these days, shouldering a firearm with a barrel less than 16” is a risky proposition.
The ATF is set to release a new rule that will treat “stabilizing braces” like any other kind of stock, which will require many pistol chassis owners to apply for a $200 tax stamp to turn their pistols into short-barreled rifles.
Enter the APEX-Series Carbine Conversion Kit (CCK) from Minnesota-based Meta Tactical. The APEX is the world’s first bullpup style CCK, and it avoids those pesky federal firearms laws by including a 16-inch barrel in the kit.
Just pop in the new barrel, slide the gun into the bullpup chassis, and you’re good to go.
The APEX will be available for full- and mid-sized Glock, P80, and Smith & Wesson handguns chambered in 9mm, .40, .45, and 10mm. Company reps told us that they plan to add SIG Sauer and Springfield in the spring or summer.
Meta will offer the chassis in black, stealth grey, OD green and flat dark earth, and the full kit will retail for $599.99. The company is taking preorders now, and units will start shipping at the end of February.
We got a chance to see the product for ourselves at SHOT Show 2022. The chassis appears well built, and it shoulders comfortably. The bullpup design allows the entire rifle to stay within 26” fully extended so that 16” barrel doesn’t impact maneuverability.
The forward charging handle manipulates the slide, and the trigger mechanism on the chassis pulls the trigger on the gun. The trigger felt heavy but usable when we tried it on the show floor, but we’ll need to run a full test and review to verify the efficacy of this component.
The chassis works with the spring and guide rod that comes with the user’s handgun.
Company reps told us that the longer barrel practically eliminates recoil impulse and reduces shot report, and the chassis allows users to make more accurate shots at longer distances than the stock pistol. The 16” barrel also adds another 200 fps to a 9mm, depending on the load you’re using, according to Ballistics by the Inch.
The muzzle device is included in the package, but unfortunately, the APEX barrel uses a custom thread pattern, so users won’t be able to affix a suppressor.
Additional features include:
- Adjustable stock
- Magazine release button
- Standard pop-up sights
- Flat top AR-15 grip compatible
- Built in cheek rest
- Non-reciprocating charging handle
- M-Lok accessory compatible
- Quick-disconnect sling compatible
Click HERE to check out the APEX-Series for yourself.