Design
The Adler AD-9 is an extremely affordable 9mm handgun, largely because of its simple nature. This striker-fired design has non-ambidextrous controls, with a standard left-mounted magazine release and slide stop/release.
The polymer frame features subtle stippling for grip texture, while forward and rear slide serrations help with grasping the slide. There’s also a one-slot tac rail – same as the Glock – designed for mounting a light or laser. Interestingly, the top of the slide is not cut for an optic, but there are holes that accept optic screws for mounting an optic to sit on top of the slide.
The AD-9 feeds from Beretta 92-pattern magazines, with two 15-round magazines included. Size-wise, the handgun is akin to the Glock 19, falling more into the compact category.
On the Range
As with most inexpensive guns, I was naturally curious to see if it’s a cheap knockoff or if there is some value in the handgun. The only real way to determine that is on the range.
From a fit and feel perspective, there is nothing to write home about. I do like the forward slide serrations, but the grip texture is not aggressive enough for my hand. The AD-9 is simple, but then again, so is a Glock.
Surprisingly, it only took about two magazines for me to really like this handgun. The recoil impulse is familiar, and the grip is big enough for proper control. The magazine and slide release are both close enough to be actuated with my dominant hand.
Despite using sub-par ammunition, the Adler shot very well. I took a SIG P365 and a Ruger RXM to the range the same day, and I was experiencing light primer strikes about every 15-20 rounds with this particular run of ammo. The Adler, though, only had three light strikes over about 450 rounds.
The iron sights are a simple three-dot design, but it was easy to ring steel consistently. I even had a couple of spare Beretta 92 magazines that ran through the handgun with no issue.
The trigger is one of the best features on the handgun. As someone who has endless experience with Glocks, I can attest it’s an upgrade over the stock Glock trigger. The Adler has shorter take-up, a much clearer wall, a clean break, and a short reset. Familiar, reliable, and accurate – all necessary attributes for any handgun.
Pros & CONS
