Unboxing the P-10 F
I love the feeling of opening the box of a new gun. A hard polymer case contained the pistol, three magazines, some grip panels, and some assorted cleaning tools. The first thing I noticed when opening the case was the bright gold-colored trim of some of the pistol’s components.
As I lifted it from the box, I immediately noticed that this P-10 is a bit longer than most. It’s half an inch longer than the full-sized P-10, giving it a slightly longer sight radius. Like every other P-10 I’ve shot, this one felt great in the hand as I lifted it to chamber check. Smooth slide operation was also a familiar P-10 trait.
I practiced my best competitive presentation and was already wishing for a range to shoot. The bright fiber-optic front sight really popped against the gray sky. I grabbed my gear and headed to the open country where I do my shooting.
Features
The P-10 F is one of those pistols that feels like a lot. This might be a downside for a CCW pistol, but it’s something I prefer in a range pistol. A full-sized grip and extended slide and barrel give more to hold onto as well as a wider sight radius.
The polymer frame of the pistol keeps the weight reasonable, even though it is a little bigger than other P-10s. If you are a fan of the family, you will find the grip familiar and comfortable. As you might expect, the frame also features a Picatinny accessory rail under the front of the slide – ideal for mounting whatever accessory you might need.
CZ installed an HB Industries trigger at the factory. I like the trigger in the standard P-10s, but this one feels even better. In addition to the aftermarket trigger, the P-10 F Competition comes with an Apex Tactical extended magazine release, with a slide release and backplate from Apex Tactical as well. These small upgrades add up to a very pleasant shooting experience.
Magazines hold 19 rounds and feature aluminum base plates from the Henning Group. All these accessories are anodized in the same gold color to make the P-10 F stand out.
The CZ P-10 F Competition also comes from the factory with an optics-cut slide. Almost any red dot optic can be added to the P-10 F using the appropriate adapter plate from companies like EGW and others. If optics aren’t your cup of tea, the P-10’s bright fiber-optic sight really pops, even in low light.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 19+1
- Frame: Fiber-reinforced polymer
- Trigger: Striker-fired
- Sights: Fiber-optic front
- Barrel Length: 5 inches, Cold hammer forged
- Width: 1.26 inches
- Weight: 30 ounces
- Overall Length: 8.5 inches
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Safety: Firing pin block safety, trigger safety
Range Time
Shooting the P-10 F was as pleasant as I expected. Like most P-10s, the Competition model has the smooth function of a polymer/steel hybrid. The tight operation of the slide gives you that old feeling that puts a smile on your face.
Perhaps one of the only complaints I’ve ever had with P10 pistols is that the slide release can be a touch harder to operate; however, the Apex Tactical slide release completely remedied this concern on the P-10 F. While only slightly increasing the pistol’s profile, it greatly improves your ability to control the slide.
Trigger pull on the P-10 F was great, though perhaps not as light as a custom 2011. I am certainly no competition pistol shooter, but I loved the feel of the crisp trigger breaking. Accurate shooting was easy with such a crisp trigger, and the click of the trigger resetting after every shot kept me ready for the next.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get hands on an optics mounting plate in time for publication. But shooting the P-10 F using only the included sights was still an excellent experience. The rear serrated sight makes a nice flat contrast to the bright fiber-optic front sight. Together they made an excellent picture against various targets.
Pros & Cons
With the 19-round magazines, shooting strings are longer than I’m used to but typical in competitive shooting circles (so I hear). And this brings up the only improvement I would ask CZ to make on the P-10 F Competition: flare the magwell. Obviously, this is personal preference, but I like the larger magazine wells. Call me lazy if you must, but adding a flare to the P-10 F would have prevented a few missed reloads.
With its longer slide and additional weight, the P-10 F Competition shoots like a dream, though it might be even flatter and smoother with a compensator on the muzzle. As it is, the pistol shoots outstanding and accurately. I would have loved to add a red dot sight to see if it produced even better results.
With a rich history like that of the P-10 family, it is no surprise that its refinement has produced such good results. The pistol has excellent handling and controls, and the time-tested design surely has proven itself when it comes to reliability and function. The added features and benefits I’ve outlined on the Competition model are well worth noting as icing on the P-10 cake.
The few negatives I’ve found with the P-10 F Competition are easily overcome. The flared magwell is easily added and is available from companies like Strike Industries for around $20. I’d really love it if CZ switched all P-10 slide cuts to be compatible with some optics, as other manufacturers have done, allowing you to mount popular red dots without having to buy an adapter plate. Even so, adapter plates only cost $50-100 depending on what you want, so it’s not a big deal.
Pros:
- High capacity with 19-round magazines
- Excellent handling and controls
- Smooth shooting
- Proven P-10 reputation
- Snazzy looks with that gold trim
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Feature-rich pistol at a reasonable price
Cons:
- Magwell is not flared
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Optics mounting requires an adapter plate
Final Thoughts
CZ’s P-10 F Competition came through with a shining performance, just as I expected. I had no doubts that I would really like the gun, but it’s always nice to have your expectations met. The few gripes I had about the pistol are easily overlooked, especially compared to all the excellent advantages that the pistol brings.
What’s more, the P-10 F Competition can be had for street prices under $800. In my opinion, that is quite a bit of gun for a reasonable price, and the P-10 F stands head-to-head with many other pistol options out there that surely cost a good deal more.
You may or may not find yourself in the competitive shooting circuit. Whether your weekends are spent chasing a podium spot or just chasing holes in cans, the CZ P-10 F Competition pistol is certainly worth your time and consideration.
