Tag Archives: 9mm

Anechoic Anechox 35 Suppressors

November 13, 2024Product review, suppressors35, 35L, 9mm, anechoic, anechox, titaniumcoldboremiracle

Suppression

Suppressors have become mainstream for most firearms owners, save those poor souls living behind enemy lines. For those living in free America however, suppressors are everywhere. I am a huge fan of shooting suppressed, and I am always happy to share my experience with new suppressor products. Today I am bringing you a review of something new to me, from a company called Anechoic Suppressors. The model we are looking at today is the Anechox 35 suppressor.

Anechoic is a strange word, but makes a lot more sense if you break it down. The definition of the word means free from echo and reverberations. These suppressors use Anechoic’s X-Baffle Anechoic™️ Chamber System to reduce the report of your firearm. Additionally the design uses a flow-through style design to help reduce back pressure on semi-automatic firearms. I’m glad you’re here for it, lets get deep into the baffles of these suppressors.

The Anechoic Anechox 35 Suppressor

Specifications

Max Caliber	.350 bore rated for 338LM
Sound reduction	34dB (standard) 40dB (35L)
Length	6.5” (standard) 8.1” (35L)
Diameter	1.6”
Weight	8.3Oz (standard) 10.2 (35L)
Materials	Titanium, 17-4 Stainless steel
Finish	Cerakote
Mounting hub threads	1-⅜ x 24
Warranty	Lifetime
Full-auto rated	yes

As I opened the box to the Anechox suppressor I was impressed with what I saw, but would these suppressors live up to the expectation? I lifted the suppressor from the foam, and was very surprised at the weight. They definitely feel like pistol cans, as if they were made from aluminum. My immediate thoughts were; no way this is 338LM rated. Something I intended to get to the bottom of for sure.

anechoic anechox 35L suppressor, eotech, desert tech quattro 15

The Anechox 35 and 35L both came finished in OD Green Cerakote, which made them stand out a little bit. The exterior machined facets gave a good grip purchase, and the curious vents at the front of the suppressor looked very interesting as well. The overall workmanship looked fantastic.

Also in the box there were included tools for servicing and disassembling the suppressors. I really like the way the tools fit the hub end of the suppressors, there is very positive engagement reducing the likelihood of slipping off and damaging either the tool or suppressor. There was also a large Torx-bit included that fits into the muzzle end of the Anechox 35. The hub threads matched the industry standard which I really liked, as it would allow me to use a variety of mounting configurations. The suppressors came with 1/2-28 direct-thread adaptors installed.

anechoic anechox 35 suppressor, desert tech WLVRN

Shooting The Anechoic 35 Suppressors

After playing with these cans for a bit, it was time to get them hot. The very first shots through the Anechox suppressors were on my CZ Scorpion EVO. The Scorpion typically has a SiCo Octane 45 suppressor on it, and after swapping out to the Anechox 35 it sounded almost the same. Neither of us could distinguish a noticeable difference.

These suppressors are so multi-purpose that it created a dilemma of finding a wide enough variety of host firearms to test every facet of their performance. I had to bring quite a collection, which made these tests quite fun.

shadow systems MR 920, anechoic anchox 35 suppressor, holosun 507c

Besides the Scorpion EVO, I also shot the Anechox 35’s on a Shadow Systems MR920. A smaller 9mm pistol threaded 1/2-28, using a Nielson booster assembly which threaded nicely into both suppressors. I also switched over to a Canik METE SFT Pro 9mm pistol, a full-size gun to get a feel for handling both sizes of pistol.

Canik METE SFT Pro, anechoic 35 suppressor, Holosun SCS Carry RDS — suppressed setup, the Canik METE with **Holosun SCS** Carry optic, and the Anechox 35

Rifle Use

I also wanted to test the Anechox 35’s on various rifles. First up was one of myAR15 builds, which was an easy option with predictable results. Additionally I figured I would use it on my Desert Tech WLVRN, mainly because the green can looks good on a green gun. Additionally I would use my Desert Tech SRS M2, because of the ease of swapping calibers. I could shoot 308win, 6.5CM, and 338LM all through the same gun using the Anechoic 35 suppressors.

I figured that shooting all these calibers from 338 down to 5.56 and 9mm would give a very good understanding of this suppressors performance. I figure it would likely cover most anything the average gun owner would need suppressed.

anechoic anechox 35L suppressor, desert tech srs m2, Apex Optics Rival — Even the mighty 338 Lapua Magnum was tamed by the Anechox 35L suppressor

Sound Suppression Performance

Noise

Shooting my assortment of firearms with the Anechox 35 and 35L suppressors was an interesting experience. The semi-auto pistols shot flawlessly with the suppressors installed, and while they were certainly much quieter, they were louder than I expected. After some thinking, I think it’d just been a while since I shot suppressed 9mm auto pistols. The opening breech of the pistol sends a good portion of the sound waves right at you.

The autoloading rifles on the other hand sounded just as I expected, probably because I’m used to them suppressed. Smaller carbines like the Quattro 15 rifle, and the WLVRN sounded fantastic. Likely due to the oversized suppressor for the smaller 5.56 cartridges.

desert tech wlvrn, eotech vudu, anechoic anechox 35 — theDesert Tech WLVRN 20″ 5.56 coupled to the Anechox 35 and **Eotech Vudu 1-6**

Stepping it up to something bigger like 308 Winchester still produced an acceptable muzzle report. Since I don’t have any testing equipment, lab coats, or PHD, I can only judge these suppressors based on what my ears hear. Having shot countless suppressed 308 rounds, the Anechox 35’s sounded as good as most anything else. They may or may not have been quieter than a comparable can, but there was simply not enough difference for me to care.

Anechoic suppressor, bergara crest carbon — we also shot the Anechox 35 on the **Bergara Crest Carbon 308**

I’ll admit, when I saw that these suppressors were rated for 338LM I was a bit uneasy. They are incredibly light, and I felt like a Lapua would blow them open. But once I’d screwed them onto the rifle there was no going back. I’d swapped the 22″ 308 barrel from my SRS M2 and installed a 26″ 338LM barrel in its place. I loaded a few rounds of 300gr ammunition, and with some trepidation I sent a few downrange. I watched my bullets impact the steel target at 760 yards, so I sent a few more. Everything sounded just like it always does when I shoot the 338 suppressed, including the slap of lead against steel.

Backpressure

Its not uncommon to feel debris blowing back from suppressed pistols. There is always some backpressure that can send things into your face, so make sure you wear eye pro always. While there was some noticeable backpressure while shooting the 9mm pistols, it wasn’t enough to concern me.

Direct impingement rifles like my AR seem a little more susceptible to backpressure. But again, I think the oversize Anechoic chambers allowed for much gas expansion, reducing backpressure. And with rifles like my WLVRN, you can adjust the gas pressure down as needed to prevent excessive blowback and over-operation.

Accuracy

In my experience, suppressors help calm down a rifle as it recoils. This often results in better accuracy while shooting suppressed. I found that the Anechox 35’s had no adverse affects on my rifles accuracy, if anything they shot better than unsuppressed.

Pros and Cons

Perhaps the greatest feature of these can’s is their multi-purpose use. If you are only going to have one suppressor, then one of these would be a great choice due to the adaptability.

As I’ve just mentioned, the sound suppression for most caliber firearms is great. And having a multipurpose suppressor like this would allow you to use it on a whole collection of firearms. Add to that the ease of convertibility using the industry standard hub mounting threads, you can mount these suppressors on anything. Moving the cans from one host to another can be enhanced by using your preferred mounting system.

the Anechox 35 (left) and the Anechox 35L (right)

These Anechox 35’s are quite pleasing to the eye. The sexy splines down the suppressor add both tactile gripping for install and removal as well as a pleasing look. The flow-thru front end of the suppressor also has an attractive appeal to it, in addition to its functionality. The variety of color options adds to the good looks of these cans, I love the green.

Because they are so lightweight, it came as no surprise that these cans heat up fast. Most cans do, so it’s not a big deal. It did seem like they heated up quick with few shots, but anything funneling a 338 Lapua through it this fast has the right to get hot in my opinion.

One thing I found that was slightly irritating was the 1/2-28 threaded caps that came with the suppressors were pretty tight. By that I mean you almost had to push them over the muzzle threads to get them started. The lead-in was tight, the threads themselves were fine. It was a small issue, but worth noting.

the tools included with the Anechoic suppressors were very convenient and serviceable

Another slight peeve of mine was related to the finish. Cerakote usually holds up pretty good for me, but it almost seemed like this Cerakote didn’t get cooked or something, as it felt too easy to mar the finish. For me this isn’t a huge deal as I typically re-coat my cans every other year or so. It also could just be because of the green color perhaps, either way it wasn’t a big deal to me. Once they got hot, and were well handled you couldn’t really notice anyways.

Concluding Thoughts

I applaud the efforts of folks bringing new and better products to the willingly oppressed NFA owners of this country. The Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor series fits great into my collection of firearms, and increases the adaptability of my suppressors. If they were the only suppressors I owned, I could do everything I need to do suppressed.

anechoic suppressor, desert tech srs m2, apex optics Rival — the **Desert Tech SRS M2** in 338LM, Anechoic 35L, and the **Apex Optics Rival scope**

With an MSRP starting at $1099, they are not the cheapest suppressors out there for sure. But you don’t wan’t that anyways. The light weight feature of these suppressors alone warrants the price, but adding in their multipurpose hub mounting compatibility, limited full-auto use, and the versatility of going from your Glock to your 338 precision rifle makes it a pretty easy choice.

I have been quite pleased with the performance and features of the Anechoic Anechox 35 and 35L suppressors. If what you’ve seen here today has sparked your interest, give them a good look at your local class III dealer or order from their website.

-CBM

Staccato XC: the Rule to Measure Exceptions

September 30, 2024pistols, Product review, Uncategorized9mm, staccato, staccato XCcoldboremiracle

Preface

Over the last few years, I have developed an affinity for pistols. To be specific, full-size tactical pistols. As this addiction has grown, I continued to adjust my sights on better and better options. Today I am bringing you a review of one of those amazing pistols, the Staccato XC 9mm pistol.

As I mentioned, my taste has matured. Partially in part to being exposed to many fantastic options. In my line of work, it is easy to be exposed to high quality firearms. My very first experience with a Staccato was a year or two ago, with a review of the Staccato P. I really liked that pistol, but all it really did was push me towards something even better. The Staccato XC is arguably at the top of the Staccato heap, which sits at the apex of 2011 pistols.

What is a 2011?

Staccato’s basic design is a modernized version of the OG 1911 pistol, with a widened grip allowing double stack 9mm cartridges to be used. After this complete redesign of the famous pistol, it makes perfect sense to rename it 2011. Basically a hundred years later, the title fits as a gun for the next century. Staccato popularized the 2011 trend, and it has been embraced by many other manufacturers. Big names like SpringField Armory and Wilson Combat have introduced 2011 models. Where before they only offered the 1911.

Why would you want a 2011 over a 1911 you might be asking? And if you are, you might be due for a prostate exam. The 1911 has seen incredible service life and action across the globe. The venerable 45 ACP cartridges it fires are heavy and lethal, so why would you abandon this design for something new?

An easy answer is that the 9mm Parabellum has basically won the popularity contest. I see no value getting into the weeds of cartridge arguments today, most shooters prefer the 9mm over the 45 ACP. And it’s easy to understand why, its far more affordable, offers more capacity in a given firearm, and is still quite useful in lethal and competitive fields.

These things considered, it seems the 2011 design was simply an eventuality waiting to happen. The popularity of the 1911, with all of its benefits, made an excellent candidate to customize and fill-out with a fat bottomed magazine brimming with 9mm cartridges.

Continue Reading Here

staccato xc 9mm pistol — the XC outfitted with a **Holsun 507 Comp** and **Surefire X300 Turbo**

The Staccato XC

Caliber: 9×19 mm 17+1 or 20+1 Capacity

Trigger: 2.5 lb

Barrel: 5.0” Island Comp

Weight: 37.56 oz Without optic & no magazine

Frame: Steel 4140 Steel – Billet Precision Machined

Recoil System: 5.0″ Tool less Dawson Precision® Tool Less Recoil System

Dimensions: 8.7” x 1.5” x 5.9” Width at grip is 1.3”

Magazine: Comes with 2 x 17 Round Magazines

staccato XC — I also shot the XC with a **Gideon Alpha RMR red dot**

staccato XC 9mm, sierra outdoor master 9mm, ammunition — **Sierra’s 115 grain HP** ammunition makes a great defensive option

The incredible compensator built into the front of the barrel greatly reduces muzzle rise, keeping the gun on target. You can even see the red dot all through the recoil most of the time.

Continue Reading Here

Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 9mm pistol

August 4, 2024pistols, Product review9mm, bca, bear creek arsenal, grizzly, grizzly 101coldboremiracle

Introduction

Polymer framed pistols are becoming more and more common every day. With so many options how can you tell which one to choose? Today we are going to dive into yet another new striker fired polymer framed gun so you can decide if it fits your needs. Today we are reviewing the Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 pistol, a 9mm handgun very similar to the popular Glock 17.

Specifications

Color	Black
SKU	CGP101-91917SSWC2POLY
Weight (lbs)	1.430000
Magazine Capacity	17 Round Magazine
Barrel Length	5
Twist	1:16
Barrel Finish	Stainless Steel
Material	416R Stainless Steel
Thread Pitch	Non-Threaded
Caliber	9MM
Flutes	Non-fluted
Gas System	Blow-Back

History

It would seem that BCA has made at least one attempt at a 9mm pistol before. An all metal version that looks very similar to the Grizzly 101. Perhaps that didn’t go the way they wanted it to, because I see no sign of it on their website. If I had to guess, I’d say that a polymer frame turned out to be much more profitable and perhaps easier to make.

BCA seems to catch a lot of negative attention from the public, at least if you believe what you read on social media and internet forums. I might be lucky, as the only experience I have had with BCA has been a positive one. You can read about the BCA BC-8 Huntmaster here. The Grizzly is only my second exposure to a BCA firearm, and I’m glad you can come along to see how it goes.

Features

Bear Creek Arsenal is known for manufacturing a variety of AR type rifles in assorted different calibers and configurations. The Grizzly is a departure from what BCA commonly manufactures, this could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.

The Grizzly is built on a polymer frame similar in size as I mentioned to the Glock 17. This is a great idea as it allows the Grizzly to use many of the Glock 17’s support products, like magazines, and other accessories.

In addition to the commonality, there are some things that set the Grizzly apart from the gun that it appears to emulate. Some cuts to the slide expose the stainless steel barrel, and the slide comes pre-cut for RMR type red dots. Something I would be sure to look into.

Some pretty standard green sights round out the top of the slide which are perfectly useful. If we turn our attention to the frame, you’ll find there is a nice texture molded into the grip. As well as some finger shelves alongside the top of the trigger guard.

No safety other than the trigger blade safety, which is fine by me. A nice undercut where the guard meets the grip makes the pistol comfortable in the hand. And the 17-round magazines are made by KCI.

Other models

The Grizzly 101 is available in a couple different options, mainly different barrel configurations. There are both threaded and unthreaded versions of the pistol. And you can select a couple different titanium nitrided colors of gold, copper and black. I’m no fortune teller, but I’d bet there are other options in the works that will also soon be available.

Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 Pistol review

Before shooting the Grizzly, I wanted to install a Trijicon RMR. It was easy enough and fit perfectly. Some red dots have a cutout to allow the use of the iron sights, the RMR sits high enough that you can almost see the iron sights but not quite. But with the RMR installed I was ready to hit the range.

I’d brought a couple boxes of ammo from Federal and AAC, and MWLP Trailforger. All were 115 grain FMJ. I started stuffing them into magazines in preparation, loading 17-rounds into the KCI magazines.

Shootability

My very first impressions of shooting the Grizzly were that it seemed a touch spicier than I expected. It’s a full size 9mm pistol, so I expected it to be fairly mild. I also noticed rather quickly that the grip seems a little more square than others. Some folks may find that preferable, but for me it felt just a touch less comfortable.

The Grizzly texture is definitely helpful in getting a good grip on the pistol. And I really like the two finger shelves above the trigger, it allows your thumbs a place to engage. The trigger feels like a striker pistol, I don’t mean that as a bad thing either, it feels just like every other similar gun I’ve used. Reloads were easy using the slide release, I often feel a great variation between different Glock type pistols. I was happy to see this one was easy to feel and press.

The Grizzly green sights were perfectly suitable, but the Trijicon RMR was more my style.

Reliability

During the course of my shooting, the closest thing to a malfunction I experienced was a failure to lock back. It seemed to follow the magazines, so I think it’s fair to put the blame there. I also used a Fab Defense 18-round magazine, which worked flawlessly. I was also able to shoot the Grizzly with a Glock magazine that also worked great.

Other than that the pistol chugged along through everything I threw at it.

Extraction and ejection were just as I’d expect, throwing spent cases clear. The controls were all smooth and never skipped a beat.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the square-ish feeling grip, which might just be my preference showing through. Other than that the gun felt very comfortable in my hand. The undercut trigger guard kept your fingers comfortable while gripping, and the angle of the grip was familiar and pointed well.

The Grizzly has a very similar profile to the Glock 17, but it wouldn’t fit proper in any of my Safariland Glock 17 holsters. So there must be enough difference to matter, though I expect it is likely due to the slide cuts.

Accuracy

Accuracy from the Grizzly was also as I expected, I guess it should come as no surprise that a Glock clone shoots like a Glock. Particularly when shooting with the RMR installed it was pretty easy to keep shots on target. At 10 yards groups would average between 2-4 inches depending on cadence and ammo. To put it bluntly, I felt just as accurate with this gun as with any other G17 styled pistol.

Value

Despite being a pretty close copy of the Glock, I was quite surprised by the low price of this pistol. But as I mentioned at the top, copies of these popular pistols are becoming more and more popular. So I shouldn’t be surprised that the cost keeps coming down.

The Grizzly is listed for $295.00 on the Bear Creek website, which is a pretty agreeable price. Obviously this pistol is priced there for a reason, and you can tell by looking at the gun that it is going to cost less than its cousins. What I mean by that is there are some features on the gun that suggest a less refined process. For example, the stainless steel barrel functions flawlessly but also appears slightly unfinished. Non-chamfered edges on the muzzle look just a tad raw for my taste. The conspicuous BEAR CREEK ARSENAL down the side is a little over the top for me as well, the logo alone should be enough. The machining and molding look good, and to be honest I’m surprised you can make any money on a gun at this price point.

I guess that means I think this gun is a good buy, and if it stands up to round count and use it probably will certainly be a good buy. Time will tell.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Very affordable
Compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories
Optics ready for RMR footprint
Good grip texture

Cons

Inexpensive suggests cheap
Doesn’t fit my safariland holsters
Slightly unfinished look

Report Card

Shootability (B) shoots well but seems to lack some refinement

Reliability (A-) Only malfunctions seemed related to magazine

Accuracy (B) Nothing fancy, does what you need

Ergonomics (B) Feels good, but also feels sort of like a first try

Value (A) If the Grizzly stands up to use, it seems like a great value

Ammunition Preference

The Grizzly didn’t seem to show a preference for any of the ammo I shot through it. Both 115 and 124 grain loads worked great. I used Federal Premium 115 with great results as well as AAC 115 grain ammunition.

Accessory Upgrades

Because it’s already cut for it, I would highly recommend adding a red dot. I used the Trijicon RMR which cost more than the gun itself. So perhaps something a little more comparable in price would be something like the Gideon Alpha red dot. A good weapon light like the Surefire X300 pictured would also make a good companion.

Final Thoughts

After shooting with the BCA Grizzly 101 for a while now, I can say I definitely like it. I wouldn’t be trading it for any of my other pistols, but it certainly has a home in my collection. I intend on shooting it a lot more, perhaps it can be my loaner pistol. That way I can see how it stacks up over time and higher round count. Follow me to see how that goes.

-CBM

ZRO Delta FKS 9mm Pistol

July 18, 2024pistols, Product review9mm, FKS, FKS 9, ZRO Deltacoldboremiracle

Introduction

It seems like Glock clones are coming out of the woodwork lately. Almost every time I boot up the computer I find another new pistol that is building on the famous polymer framed pistols. But like a true gun nut, I embrace this storm of striker guns. And today I am bringing you yet another fresh handgun review, hot out of it’s mold. Today we are reviewing the ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistol, a pistol very similar to the Glock model 19.

ZRO Delta FKS 9

ZRO Delta has been well known for making products like AR15 rifles and sub assemblies, as well as optics mounting solutions. Additionally they manufacture the FKS 9 pistol and “The One” modular pistol which is a similar 9mm gun with various modular interchangeable configurations. The ZRO FKS 9 is available with a variety of Cerakoted slide colors as well, with grey, green, bronze and FDE options. And of course the black Nitride standard finish.

SPECIFICATIONS:

9x19mm

Advanced Polymer Frame and Handle

Reversible Ambidextrous Magazine Release

Improved 18-degree Grip Angle

Standard, Deluxe (RMR® Cut), or Premium (Optic Cut with plates) Slide, 6.75”

4140 Precision Match Barrel, 4”

15 Round Capacity Magazine x1

Optional Premium Slide w/ Optic Cut (Plates available for purchase)

Sights: White Dot Rear/Front

Trigger Pull: 5.5lb

Width: 1.25”

Weight: 21.5 oz

The FKS 9 pistol that we are looking at today is very comparable to the Glock 19 sized pistols. There are of course some differences between them, for example; the FKS features an 18 degree grip angle. Many shooters find the 1911 comparable grip angle better for shooting. The FKS 9 has additional features like a match grade 4-inch barrel, available optics ready slide, and reversible magazine release.

The advanced polymer frame features molded textures very comparable to stippling. As well as thumb-shelves on both sides of the trigger guard area which also enhance your purchase on the grip. There is also an extended beavertail at the back of the slide to prevent getting bit by the slide. Under the muzzle of the gun you will of course find an accessory pic rail for weapon lights.

The pistol uses Glock style magazines, which is a huge plus due to the variety and availability of options. Sights for the FKS are white dots which I found to be quite effective. The compact size of the pistol and these features make it a great option for a CCW.

Shooting the ZRO Delta FKS 9

Shooting the FKS 9 was very predictable. I’ve found with many of these clone type pistols that they carry all the best of their ancestors while bringing new benefits as well. So one shouldn’t be surprised when these feel familiar. Like my other 18 degree pistols, the FKS 9 always seems to line up with my line of sight. The sights are easy to pick up when they are already lined up with your target.

As with other features of the FKS 9, the controls are also very familiar. And muscle memory takes over easily. The trigger feels great, breaking cleanly and consistently. Reloads came smoothly with the slide release easily activated with little resistance. Feeding from the Magpul P-Mag worked without any issue.

Chewing through boxes of ammunition went swimmingly for the FKS 9. I used ammunition from PMC Bronze, several boxes of AAC 115 gr, as well as a large volume of 115 gr Trailforger ammo. All of them worked great, save for a single malfunction out of hundreds. The malfunction appeared to be ammo related, as the round failed to go into battery. A quick rack of the slide solved the issue.

Pros and Cons

I really like shooting the ZRO FKS 9, it fits comfortably in the hand. The texture feels grippy against my palms, and the thumb-shelf allows additional purchase. I often find smaller pistol frames harder to hold onto, but this one definitely didn’t give me that vibe. The extended beavertail also helped give better contact with the grip and help control the recoil. I found the overall gripping of this pistol to be noticeably better than many of its competitors.

The sights are pretty low key, and yet I found them very bright and easy to see. That said I love shooting pistols with red dot’s, so I think I’d rather have the FKS with the optics cut slide. Additionally I like that the FKS fits with most Glock accessories, such as holsters magazines and others. It makes the pistol very easy to step into.

Another great thing about the FKS is it’s affordability. Its not as affordable I guess as some of the cheaper clones like the PSA Dagger, but it also feels better and looks better as well. Time will surely tell if the performance will match the looks. But even at $400 for the base model, the ZRO Delta FKS 9 isn’t a hard buy to make unless you are dwelling around the bottom of the pistol pool.

The ZRO FKS 9 pistol is an easy buy in my opinion, it has a comfortable reliable shooting performance. Surely due to the quality machining and quality coatings. And accuracy was just what you’d expect from a pistol like this, hitting clay targets at 20 yards was easy, even at a quick cadence.

Last Words

In a market full of clones, it might be hard to stand out from the competition. I have had the good fortune to shoot quite a few different clones, and while I haven’t really disliked any of them this one stands out. The smooth feel and operation of the FKS feel more refined than others. The great trigger snap and reset are as good as any other Glock type pistol. I suppose I could say this gun just looks and feels of better quality than many of the others.

I’ll continue to shoot the FKS 9, along with my other pistols. Not only to push up the round count, but also to continue comparing it with others. We are living in a truly exciting time where so many options are available. If you are looking into a striker type pistol for whatever purposes be it CCW or just shooting fun, have a look at one of these ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistols. They are definitely worth your time.

-CBM

Check out the rest of our pistol reviews here

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm

November 23, 2023pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware9mm, ccw, m&P, shield, smith and wessoncoldboremiracle

Introduction

Today we have a treat for you readers. We are taking an in depth look and review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm sub compact pistol. The Shield is one of many CCW focused handguns with features and design to benefit today’s concealed carrier.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Length	6.1 inches
Height	4.6 inches
Width	.95 inches
Weight	20.9 ounces
Size	Micro-compact
Capacity	8 rounds
Action	Striker fired
Barrel Length	3.1 inches
Frame material	Polymer
Sights	Fiber Optic
Optics ready	no
Safety	Thumb safety
Barrel Material	Stainless steel
Laser	no
Color/finish	Black
Number of magazines	2

Background

The M&P series of pistol has a long history of service, and with the Shield model Smith & Wesson brought that reputation to a micro-compact pistol. The Shield was designed to maximize features in a very small and portable handgun.

The Shield incorporates the handsome cuts and rugged features familiar of all pistols in the M&P line. It compresses these great features into a narrow and small framed polymer-framed pistol to give its owners an edge when they need it most.

M&P pistols have been around for a long time, but the Shield is a much newer development. The first M&P pistol goes back as far as WW2, a revolver chambered in the .38 Special. The lines focus on military and police service seem more like a tradition now than anything. Selling weapons to law enforcement and not the public is scandalous at best, let’s hope firearm manufacturers don’t need to relearn that lesson.

The Shield has an incredibly narrow design, which makes it a particularly good choice for a carry pistol. The engineers at S&W worked some impressive magic fitting all the M&P goodness into this slim and sexy little pistol.

Continue Reading at Gun University

Shield Features

Patented take-down lever for easy disassembly and cleaning.
18 degree grip angle aids in natural aiming comfort
Striker fired action with sear deactivation system
Chamber indicator is both tactile and visual
Metal finished with Armornite® durable finish
Two magazines included with purchase

Other Models

M&P Shield Plus Crimson Trace

M&P Shield Plus 30 Super Carry

M&P Shield Plus Optics Ready

M&P Shield Plus Review

To test the Shield I grabbed several boxes of ammunition and headed into the mountains to give it a good thrashing. Both my son and I spent several hours shooting, loading, and shooting some more with the little Shield.

The small size of this pistol is impressive, when you hold it in your hand it is surprisingly narrow.

It might almost even be too narrow if you are a person with really large hands. With a full magazine, the pistol still felt quite lightweight.

With all that in mind I anticipated a pretty good snap when the little Shield went off. But to my surprise, it was much easier to control than I expected. This surely had something to do with the ported barrel. The muzzle blast created a visual V of flame, and kept the pistol from rocking excessively in the hand.

The trigger is just the right amount of length in my opinion for a CCW pistol. It breaks nicely and predictably. This made shooting the Shield very pleasant, and also allowed me to shoot it quite accurately.

Hitting targets within 20-30 yards was very doable. The short stature of the Shield did not seem to inhibit my ability to shoot it well, this is a big plus in my opinion.

The narrow grip that I thought might be too thin, was actually very comfortable. The very low profile safety seemed to be almost too low profile, but disengaging the safety was actually just fine. It took a little more deliberate effort to engage the safety, but using my thumb to move it to the fire position was flawless.

The magazine release also took a little bit more deliberate effort, which is probably a good thing for a CCW. The only thing I disliked about the magazine was the spacer at the bottom of the floorplate. It had a little bit of play that could cause some fumbling when seating the mag.

The fiber optic sights were fantastic, the red rear sights contrast beautifully with the green front sight. The sights popped even in the lowlight of a cloudy evening. And made for one hit after another.

Drawing the pistol from a holster was clean and smooth. The edges of the pistol have just the right amount of softening to avoid snagging on clothing. The grip angle kept the pistol on target everytime I presented it on target.

While I prefer more than 10-rounds for my CCW pistol, the Shield really seems to be a valid contender in my estimation. I was actually surprised to see the MSRP of $499 after playing with this pistol for a day. It really did impress me more than I had expected.

Shop all M&P Models at Sportsmans Warehouse

Pros & Cons

Pros

Very compact and slender, easily concealed
Great trigger and reset
Thumb safety for those that want it
High visibility sights are easy to pick up
Very controllable while shooting
Affordably priced

Cons

Lower capacity than many other options

Report Card

Shootability (A-) The Shield is very comfortable to shoot, and easy to control despite its small stature

Reliability (A) We experienced no malfunctions during testing, it runs like a machine

Ergonomics (B+) The grip is a little narrow for my taste, but it didn’t seem to affect my shooting

Accuracy (B+) For a pistol this small, it shot very well. Keeping patterns under three inches at ten yards

Value (A) For the price of the Shield, you get excellent features and performance

Preferred Ammunition

Federal Champion 115 brass is what we shot most of. It functioned great and did not leave significant carbon fouling on the gun. The short barrel of the Shield definitely resulted in some fireballs while shooting.

Speer Gold Dot 124 HP is what is normally carried in this pistol. It functions well and shoots accurately from the Shield.

Upgrades and Accessories

A good holster is an absolute must for the Shield. There are so many good Kydex holsters you can surely find one that fits your needs. One like this UM Tactical Qualifier holster keep the Shield tight and close. Make sure you try out a couple options to see what fits you best.

The S&W 13-round magazine can give you a bit of additional magazine capacity over some of the smaller capacity mags. With room for thirteen rounds it adds an additional level of security to your favorite concealed carry pistol.

And if twelve rounds isn’t enough for your daily carry, carrying an extra magazine in this Comp Tac magazine pouch. It attaches to your belt as an outside the waistband accessory, so you can carry an additional magazine for added security.

Palmetto State Armory has excellent pricing on all M&P firearms

Conclusion

Shooting the M&P Shield was a surprisingly good experience, not that I expected it to go poorly. I just liked it much more than I anticipated. The compact size of the Shield makes it an excellent choice for concealing. And with the reliable function and heritage of the M&P line it will stand up to daily carry.

The bright sights and grip angle make it easy to get on target quickly, the only drawback I could come up with really is that it holds fewer rounds than other options. There are several great models in the M&P Shield Plus line, surely you can find one that fits your needs best.

-CBM

If you like this review, check out the rest of our pistols

Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion

November 7, 2023pistols, Product review9mm, Legion, P320, sig sauercoldboremiracle

Statement of Facts

Today I come before you as an unrepentant Sigo-phant. By that I mean that I have been a big fan of the P-Series of pistols for as far back as I can remember. In one form or another I have carried a P pistol for almost twenty-five years now. Including today’s subject, the Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion.

Sharing this perspective is only to clarify that I have a bit of a bias on today’s review. So keep that in mind as you read for the next few minutes.

Having said that, let’s get started. The P320 came to market nearly a decade ago, a cutting edge design many would say. This because of the P320’s ability to morph into any number of configurations.

At it’s heart, the P320 is a striker fired semi-automatic pistol. But there is more to the P320 inside, its serialized fire control unit (FCU) holds the trigger and sear mechanism. This allows the FCU to be swapped between different grip modules and used with what has become a plethora of different slide, caliber and barrel combinations.

All this modularity has resulted in an exhausting list of P320 options, including recently adopted military designated models.

P320 X5 Legion Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	17 +1 (3 mags included)
Sights	Dawson precision
Red Dot footprint	PRO (DeltaPoint Pro)
Length	8.5 in [216 mm]
Width	1.6 in [41 mm]
Height	5.8 in (147 mm)
Weight	43.5 oz (1.2 kg)
Sight Radius	6.8 in (173 mm)
Barrel Material	Carbon steel
Finish	Legion Gray Cerakote

us optics RISE red dot, sig sauer p320 X5 legion

Like all Legion series pistols, the P320 X5 Legion uses most of the popular features available. It is optics ready, though it often will require the use of Springer Precision mounting plates. An accessory picatinny rail under the slide fits all your weapon light options. And things like a flared magwell and skeletonized flat-shoe trigger add to the ensemble.

As the flagship of the P320 line of pistols, Sig has added some sexy slide cuts and balanced the pistol by adding weight to the grip frame. The tungsten infused polymer grip frame feels like its made from metal, which in my opinion adds to the quality feel.

The X5 comes with two recoil springs and a solid steel op rod, to allow shooters to customize the operation of the pistol. All the customization is part of the P320 family.

Pro & Cons

Pros

Modular design allows customization
Great trigger
Optics ready
Dawson Precision sights
17+1 Capacity (comes with 3mags)
Accessory Rail
Flared Magwell
Ambi slide release
It’s a Sig Sauer FFS!

Cons

Not lightweight
Limited holster options

First Impressions

Opening the box I knew exactly what I was getting, but I was excited none the less. The Legion came with all the traditional stuff in the box, including two extra mags which I thought was nice.

I lifted the pistol from the box and was immediately stirred by the feel of it. It reminded me of the P226 that I always loved. Excellent weight and balance let you know this thing was meant to shoot particularly hard.

Drawing the slide seemed easier than expected, probably due to the weight of the slide. Pressing the trigger proved to seal the deal for me, everything about this pistol felt as I had hoped it would.

Time to Accessorize

Wasting no time, I had pre ordered several great accessories for the X5. Because that is the American thing to do. Selecting a good holster for it from Safariland’s holster finder was easy enough, though I was a bit let down by how few options there were. Mainly due to the longer barrel configuration, but I ended up with a Safariland SLS holster that fit perfectly. Most P320 models have an incredible assortment of holster options.

Weapon lights are a must-have, and I ordered the holster to fit a Surefire X300. There are many great light options, but I went with a mainstream choice because it works and has history.

Even breaking out the credit card to order a custom threaded match barrel from Armory Craft wasn’t out of order. I wanted the ability to shoot the X5 suppressed, and the boys at Armory Craft know the P320 as well as anybody.

For a suppressor I usually shoot either my Yankee Hill Machine Nitro N2.0 or the Yankee Hill Machine R9.

Extra magazines are always nice, so I bought a few of those as well because you can never have too many. Topping off the slide with a US Optics DRS 2.0 Enhanced red dot made shooting the gun even more fun.

Field Testing the P320 X5 Legion

Traditionally I do reviews fairly early with new guns, but today I am writing this after having shot and carried this pistol for more than a year. So I can cut to the chase a little bit here. After thousands of rounds, weeks and months of carry, I am quite confident in the function and performance of the X5.

After all this time, it still feels fantastic in my hand. And having shot it countless times with very satisfying results keeps me sleeping very tight at night. And regardless of shooting the pistol suppressed or otherwise, I can’t remember much in the way of malfunctions. I have no doubt there have been some, but I can’t remember them.

Accuracy with the P320 X5 Legion has been fantastic, shooting better than I thought I could shoot. Once adding a red dot it seemed like I could hit anything a pistol would be shot at.

Breaking the trigger feels even better now, the ease of reloads and hitting the magazine just right every time. Its enough to make me feel like one of those hot chicks in the Taran Tactical videos. I’ve shot everything from steel and paper targets to charging badgers, and this X5 is just hot shit, I love it.

Score Card

Reliability (9-10)

As I just mentioned, I can’t even remember any significant malfunctions with the P320 X5 Legion. Though I think I had an occasional failure to lock back. For the most part it runs like a typewriter. Everybody laughs about the history of P320’s going off unexpectedly, but it appears that issue has been put to bed.

Ergonomics (8.5-10)

The standard X5 Legion grip module fits my hand perfectly. So I don’t really have any complaints, though I’d like it if there was an adjustable backstrap. The controls are in all the right spots, and it flows just right as you operate every function.

Customization (9-10)

I’ve already mentioned all the custom options with the P320 family of pistols. The incredible aftermarket support allows you to do near anything with this pistol.

us optics RISE, sig sauer p320 x5 legion — the X5 with the new **US Optics RISE red dot** and **Surefire X300 light**

Appearance (9-10)

Again, remember I am biased. But this is one of the best looking mainstream pistols out there in my opinion. Everything about it looks good; cuts in all the right places, the textures, and finish all look fantastic.

Value (8.5-10)

For the $1000 street price, the X5 Legion is not out of reach for serious pistol fanatics. Sure I wouldn’t call it cheap, but there is more value to be found over the lifetime of the pistol.

Final Thoughts on the X5

Like I said from the beginning, I am a registered Sigo-phile. But with experiences like Ive had with the P320 X5 Legion you can’t blame me. The pistol just shoots!

Its handsome and functional while bringing an incredible array of customization and aftermarket part options. If you too love the feel of P-series pistols, the X5 Legion will surely fit your fancy as well. As long as you keep in mind this isn’t a carry pistol, it’s a serious range gun. Or I suppose if you are a security or law enforcement professional it would also fit in nicely. Surely it won’t be long before I add another P320 to the family, stay tuned until then…

-CBM

If you like this review, check out our other pistol reviews

The Affordable CZex Appeal of the CZ P-10S Compact 9mm Pistol

October 13, 2023pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware9mm, ccw, Cz, P-10, P-10Scoldboremiracle

Introduction

With so many names in the firearms manufacturer world, it’d be hard to swing a dead cat in any gun store without hitting a good one. CZ-USA is another one of the big names in the gun world, and today we will take a look at one of their handguns for which they’re so famous; The CZ P-10S.

The P-10 series of pistols is a polymer frame striker fired line of 9mm handguns. Today we will take a specific look at the P-10S which is almost the smallest of the P-10 family, with a focus on use as a concealed carry weapon.

I am a bit of a CZenophile, and having been a fan of the European firearm manufacturer I was excited to get hands on the P-10S. And as soon as I opened the box I felt that old feeling coming back again. The initial impressions of the pistol are very positive; the trigger feels great, the sights pop and even with its small size it can carry a healthy CCW payload of 12+1 before any alterations. I expect I am going to enjoy shooting this pistol.

Unboxing the P-10S

I opened the polymer case that contained the pistol, and was greeted by a pretty familiar spread. The pistol laid in foam with an extra twelve round magazine, and a few other extras. There were two additional back-straps to change out to fit the shooters hand, and a couple extended magazine floorplates. There were also a few cleaning tools and allen wrenches for adjusting the pistol setup. And of course there was the typical cheap gun-lock forced upon gun manufacturers by our sophomoric legislators.

I lifted the pistol from the case, and started right into playing with it. The slide locks open quite easily on an empty magazine, perhaps it needs a little breakin as well. As the slide release is pretty stiff with an empty magazine in the gun, though it’s certainly easier with a loaded magazine.

I found the standard magazine floor-plates to be just a little bit small for my hand size. Certainly useable, but the extended floor-plates also included fit my hand perfectly. I suppose for ultimate concealability the standard length of the magazines might be beneficial.

Snapping the trigger a few times to see how it felt made me like the gun just a little bit more. The trigger has a blade safety, and it breaks quite consistently as far as my finger feels it. The reset feels good too, the whole operation got me eager to get this CZexy little pistol on the range.

I inspected the optics ready slide, a fantastic feature that more and more modern handguns are incorporating. I was for sure going to remove the base-plate to install a red-dot to see how I liked the P-10S with an optic.

Specifications

Rangetime

After getting hands on a case of 9mm 115 grain ammo from Ammo To Go, I grabbed a few other items and my range bag before Junior and I headed into the hills to shoot the P-10S.

With a few targets setup, we started stuffing magazines full of Federal Champion 115 grain cartridges. I am definitely going to get a good holster to use with this pistol, to see how well I can shoot it from the draw.

Shop all CZ P-10 Models at Palmetto State Armory

Loading mags was a lot more time consuming, and a chore compared to unloading them with the P-10S. We ran through several magazines of ammo so quickly I had to start keeping track.

The little CZ was a smooth shooter, I oftentimes find very small 9mm pistols to be a little more uncomfortable due to the reduce purchase on the smaller grip. The P-10S was not that way, it was quite comfortable and easy to keep on target.

My son also spent a great deal of time shooting the pistol, his hands are a touch smaller than my own. Which made the P-10S a perfect fit for him (and started a conversation about switching ownership of the pistol).

The factory sights were a great fit for my shooting style. I really appreciated the sights lining up almost every time I presented the pistol. It also made me anticipate adding a red dot even more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Great trigger
12+1 magazine capacity
Optics Ready
Chamber Indicator
Partially pre-cocked striker
Picatinny accessory rail
Reversible Magazine release
Ambi Slide-release
Included extended mag floor-plate
Interchangeable grip backstrap
CZex Appeal
Undercut trigger-guard
Trim & smooth edges to avoid snags

Cons

Grip is a bit small for bigger hands
Slide release is a tiny bit stiff

P-10S Reliability

One of the reasons CZ pistols are so popular is because of their long history of service. Many CZ pistol designs are working hard right now all over the world. The P-10S carries on this distinguished service history.

We shot several hundred rounds through the P-10S, and we will surely be shooting many hundreds or thousands more. The only malfunction experienced during my testing was a single case of stove-piping the last round on one occasion. I dont know the cause of this malfunction, but it was the only one we experienced.

P-10S Accuracy

The 3.5 inch barrel of the P-10S is more than accurate enough for CCW purposes. During the course of our shooting, we were easily able to keep shot groups under three-inches at 10 yards. As a CCW pistol I think that is plenty accurate enough, and that is without searching for other ammo choices. Perhaps with better ammunition selection the pistol may shoot even better.

Overall Feel of the P-10S

The overall feel of the CZ P-10S is fantastic. My initial feeling of the pistol was that it could use some improvement. But after shooting it significantly on the range I feel much better about it. The grip texture could maybe be a touch tougher, but that’s easily remedied.

The short grip space was also easily corrected by adding the extended magazine floorplates. The slide cuts made the pistol very easy to operate in most any condition. The great trigger and other functions of the P-10S added to the positive impression left on us by the pistol.

My son did mention that with the extended floorplates he did manage to pinch his finger a few times while shooting. This might be something easily corrected with practice.

Firearms Depot also has a great selection of CZ P-10 pistols

P-10S Features

Optics Ready Slide

The optics ready slide of the P-10S accepts the very popular Holosun 407, 507 and 508 patterns. This also makes it compatible with other red dots like the Trijicon RMR and the Riton X3 Tactix. The added capabilities of the red dot sight allow the shooter to keep their focus on the target instead of the sights.

Shop additional red dots on Scopelist

Ambidextrous Controls

For those with left-handed disabilities, the P-10 family of pistols is an excellent choice. The slide release is ambidextrous, and the magazine release can be reversed easily. This gives lefties a great option for a pistol without having to give up compatibility.

Picatinny Accessory Rail

The picatinny accessory rail allows quick and easy installation of a good weapon light. For a CCW pistol like this it is hard to beat something like the Streamlight TLR8 for a good fit and bright performance.

Report Card

Reliability (8.5-10)

Other than the one stovepipe, the P-10S functioned flawlessly. It seemed to get better with more use as well.

Ergonomics (8.5-10)

The ergonomics of the P-10S were very mainstream comfortable, by that I mean it feels like it will fit most shooters. The controls are easily operated (after a little break-in) and adapted to lefties too. The grip angle makes for great target acquisition and sight picture.

Customization (9-10)

The ambidextrous capabilities of the P-10S make it very convenient for most shooters. The optics ready slide makes it easily adapted for whatever sight option you chose. And with good aftermarket support, there are lots of good accessories and add-ons for the P-10S.

Appearance (8.5-10)

The P-10S has a fantastic CZ look to it. Despite its affordable price it looks like a higher priced pistol. The finishes and fitment of the pistol parts give a very professional appearance.

Value (9-10)

I was very surprised how affordable the P-10S is. For the street price you get a pistol that punches above its weight for sure. It does everything that more expensive pistols from other big names in the market accomplish, arguably better in many cases.

cz, p-10s, 9mm ammo, federal ammo, — Check out **Ammoforsale.com for your 9mm supply**

Accessories

A holster for sure

Something simple like the Comp-Tac IWB holster would be a good way to keep the P-10S close and ready. Though to be totally honest holsters are so subjective you’ll really need to try them for yourself.

Weapon Light

A good weapon light would be an excellent companion for the P-10S, I think I am going to order a Streamlight TLR8 to go along with the P-10S. It has good light rating, and also includes a laser.

Alternatives

Sig Sauer P365

For a little more money than the P-10S, you can also get a Sig Sauer P365. I happen to belong to the Sig cult, so this would be an easy splurge for someone like me. The P365 also uses 12 round magazines and allows an incredible collection of aftermarket accessories.

Glock 43X

The Glock 43 is also an easy choice to make. While still a bit more expensive than the CZ, it does give up some magazine capacity. Though it is also a little bit more compact so you can pick your poison.

Conclusion

I think the CZ P-10S was definitely a solid buy for me, and I would do it again. In fact I may start thinking about getting a full size P-10 just to go along with this one.

The P-10S provides outstanding value, and brings with it a solid history of reliable service. This is a near perfect recipe for most American CCW enthusiasts looking to get a pistol.

I will continue to update this article as we gain more experience with this little CZ, with hopes of helping others find their best affordable CCW option. If you like this review of the CZ P-10S, check out one of our other Pistol Reviews Here.

-CBM

2026 Update: My son has been carrying this pistol for quite a while now. As his first concealed carry firearm, her has learned a few things about it. The only complaints he has had, are that he can occasionally pinch a finger while seating the magazine. It has concealed well, and no malfunctions to speak of. He brings out the pistol almost every time we go, and runs a few magazines through the gun with no issues.

A first look at the Canik METE MC9

June 7, 2023pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware9mm, canik, canik usa, mc9, metecoldboremiracle

INTRODUCTION

Canik has been knocking out one new model after another for the last few years; the polymer-framed striker-fired pistols have been received enthusiastically by the American shooting public.

Today we are looking at a new pistol from Canik, part of their METE lineup. The Canik METE MC9 is a micro-compact striker-fired pistol with an eye on the concealed carry market.

The MC9 uses many of the same stylings and features of Canik’s popular TP9 series of pistols. The micro-compact pistol promises to bring Canik’s performance and affordable quality to the average CCW enthusiast.

With both a twelve and fifteen-round magazines included and many other little extras that come with Canik pistols, it is very likely to be a big hit with consumers.

As a frequent carrier of pistols and a Canik owner, I was eager to see how this MC9 stacked up to other pistols I have used in the past. As a micro-compact pistol, I was immediately concerned about capacity, but with as many as fifteen+1 rounds in the gun, those concerns quickly dissolved. a case with canik mete mc9 and holster grips magazines unboxing

Canik pistols are frequently less expensive than their competitors, and when I saw the MSRP was only $419.99, I was even more interested in the pistol. This aggressive price definitely makes the gun more appealing to those with HK taste but a Glock budget. That wasn’t a direct comparison for you HK guys out there, so calm down and store your pitchforks…

The Turkish made Caniks are imported and sold as an outstanding value, giving a great deal of value-added features like coming optics ready.

They also typically include a great deal of accessories, cleaning tools, holsters, and other extras that really make you feel like you got something.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	15+1 rounds (comes with 12 rnd also)
Weight	21.27 ounces
Sights	Rear notch, front white dot
Barrel Length	3.18 inches
Overall Length	6.1 inches
Height	4.52 inches
Width	1.12 inches
Color Options	Black, FDE, two-tone combination

PROS & CONS

PROS

Economically priced
Compact size
Good trigger
15+1 capacity
Optics ready
Picatinny accessory rail
Interchangeable backstrap
Loaded chamber indicator
Flush magazine floorplate included
IWB holster included

CONS

Holster is kinda “meh”
I need one in each color
I couldn’t find any other downsides to the pistol

ON THE RANGE WITH THE CANIK MC9

Of course I couldn’t wait very long to try out this handsome little pistol, so literally the day after meeting it I ventured into the mountains to give it a good wringing.

I’d brought along a bunch of 124-grain reloaded ammunition that I’d produced on my brother’s Dillon 550. And I’d also brought along a couple of boxes of S&B 124 FMJ ammunition to try as well.

canik mete mc9 review with sellior bellot 9mm ammo

After familiarizing myself with everything I could, it was time to load up a few magazines. As is typical with Canik pistols, the magazines are quite nice, and have indication holes cut in the back to show capacity.

The twelve round magazine comes with an extension for the pinky. I found it to be a perfect fit for my hand.

Though if you are a really big-handed person you will probably prefer the fifteen-round magazine. Both of them loaded up nicely, and I snapped one into place securely as I stepped to the firing line.

The recoil of 9mm cartridges is not particularly significant, but I have found that with smaller pistols like this, they can frequently snap back a little more than expected. The first few shots through the MC9 were actually even more pleasant than I’d expected. Enough, in fact, that it didn’t even feel like a compact pistol.

I lined up the sights on my target and started stacking up the holes.

I can’t wait to get a red dot on this pistol, as I have quickly become a red dot guy. Not that there’s anything wrong with traditional sights, I have just grown to prefer them.

The white dot on the front sight must have slipped past QC, as they’d missed a little spot. But that didn’t stop me from hitting things with it. The pistol pointed nicely, and lined up with my natural aim, making the hit even easier to make.

We spent a few hours shooting, burning through the two boxes of ammo and about as many of my reloads. I would have loved to double or triple the amount of ammo we shot, as the little MC9 ran perfectly and proved to be very fun to shoot.

My second trip to the range with the MC9 included a Holosun 407K, which added another layer of ability to the pistol. The optics plate was a very tight fit, I needed to almost pry it off of the slide. I don’t think it was a big deal, but it gives me even more reason to leave the 407 in place because I don’t want to go through that again.

That said, the 407K is an absolutely perfect fit for the little Canik, literally like they were made for each other. The pins cut into the slide mated perfectly to the bottom, and there was no wiggle room for it to move even without tightening the screws.

Once installed, I didn’t even have to zero the red dot, as it lined up perfectly. Making my shooting even more fun. Using the red dot allowed me to focus purely on the target, and I didn’t even need to focus on the sights of the pistol. Just put the dot in place and squeeze.

RELIABILITY

The MC9 ran flawlessly for the most part. There were a couple of minor failures, but I am very confident the blame can be squarely placed on my reloading QC, I’m embarrassed to say. The feeding and function of the pistol were fantastic; the quality magazines fed perfectly.

Little things like the chamber-loaded indicator were a nice visual and tactile indication of a hot chamber.

Take the plunge, shop for your own Canik pistol here

ACCURACY

The short barrels of compact pistols aren’t particularly well known for great accuracy, but I had no problems hitting what I was aiming at. The adjustable backstrap ensured the pistol fit my hand well, which helped me shoot it better.

Despite its short 3.1-inch length, the barrel did seem pretty robust in its construction. Which probably helps keep bullets headed in the right direction.

The trigger in the little MC9 also felt great, which also aided in shooting the pistol well. The rounded and textured shoe of the trigger gave great purchase and control.

OVERALL FEEL

Like most Caniks I’ve shot, the MC9 felt great.

It was surprisingly light, and it filled my hand appropriately which is something I often complain about with compacts. The controls all felt smooth and easy to operate, and with a reversible mag release, it can work just as well for a left-handed shooter.

The ambidextrous slide release is just the right length to hit with my thumb without having to stretch.

canik mete mc9 review hands on test in mountains

The two magazines give you good options for avoiding the dreaded print of a CCW. The fifteen-round magazine is easily concealed if you’re a big person. While if you are a little more light in the frame, you may find the twelve-round magazine less obtrusive.

I am torn on the holster that came with the pistol. I understand that manufacturers like to offer accessories like these for added value. The problem is that holsters are subjective, and you either offer an inexpensive one that won’t break the bank, but many people won’t like or use.

Or conversely you have to research and see what most people want or like, and make the investment hoping it doesn’t go to waste. Either way, you run the risk of the holster being a dud.

The included holster will certainly work, though I would probably replace it with something better like the Hidden Hybrid.

FEATURES

MAGAZINES

The twelve and fifteen-round magazines give you the option for various concealment scenarios. And the included flat-base floor plate gives you yet another option

SIGHTS

The included sights are perfectly serviceable, but it’s also very nice to have optics mounting solutions included in the box. Mounting up the Holosun 407k was easy, and made a great upgrade.

AMBIDEXTROUS CONTROLS

With no safety, an ambidextrous slide release, and the ability to reverse the magazine release button, the MC9 can easily be configured to shoot right or left-handed.

ADJUSTABLE BACKSTRAP

canik mete mc9 backstrap replacements review

The various back straps that can be swapped out allow you to further customize the gun to fit your hand. This is becoming more and more common, and it is certainly a welcome change.

ACCESSORY RAIL

The accessory rail under the front of the pistol is a perfect place to add a compact weapon light.

HOW WE TESTED

The duration of my testing with the Canik MC9 was mostly range shooting. We tried a bit of drawing and firing, as well as some reloading drills.

There is a stark difference between the full-size pistols with big flared magwells and such, and a small micro compact frame. It’s not as easy to stab the magazine perfectly out the gate. I expect it will take some practice to get good at it, like anything else.

Using the included iron sights, I found the pistol to be very useful and easy to hit targets at typical CCW anticipated ranges. The MC9 might be useful at further ranges, but I didn’t find that as relevant to the subject.

With the red dot installed on the slide, I found it to be even more fun to shoot. Making transitions from one target to another without having to shift focus.

Using the included holster, we also tucked in the pistol to see how it felt to draw from concealment. While I personally didn’t find the holster to be particularly great, it certainly worked as intended. And it sure beats not having one.

After the several hundred rounds fired between several trips to the range, I was quite happy with the performance of the MC9. And felt I had gotten a proper understanding of its strong points and the few issues I encountered.

AMMO USED

Apart from my 124-grain FMJ reloads, I also shot several boxes of S&B 124 FMJ Ball ammunition. Everything we shot through the MC9 worked perfectly except for a couple of malfunctions that were reload issues.

SCORE CARD

RELIABILITY (10/10)

The only malfunctions were due to improperly seated bullets, which has nothing to do with the little Canik’s reliability. Other than that, it ran flawlessly.

ERGONOMICS (9/10)

Micro compacts tend to be a bit small for my hands. I wouldn’t mind having a bit more grasp. The adjustable backstrap and magazine floorplates are great for accommodating, however.

CUSTOMIZATION (8/10)

With an accessory rail, and an optics platform milled into the slide, the MC9 offers some great options to customize it. No doubt there will be other barrel options and such if there aren’t already.

APPEARANCE (9/10)

I’ve always been a fan of Canik’s styling. The METE MC9 is another good example of a handsome pistol. The finish and surfaces all look outstanding.

VALUE (10/10)

For the MSRP of $439.00, I think this pistol is an excellent value

CONCLUSION

After my time with the Canik METE MC9, I was not surprised by how much I liked the little pistol. Much like the last few Canik pistols I have been through, this one met every need I had in a pistol, and it looked good and functioned great. And to top it off, the price is outstanding.

The MC9 provides a solid CCW pistol with better than most capacity while still being small enough to carry around every day. With minimal accessories and some practice, you could find yourself being quite proficient, which is everything in a concealed carry pistol.

-CBM