The first time I handled a Shadow Systems pistol a little over a year ago, I glanced over it and blew it off as yet another Glock with customized parts that’s essentially still a Glock. 

Shooting the Shadow Systems XR920 Elite changed my mind. 

Disclaimer: I am known on the range and by my students as a “stock guy” when it comes to guns. Some of my colleagues will tinker and adjust and switch out endlessly, experimenting with different parts and configurations, whereas I like my guns the way they are out of the box. If I’m going to alter any components, it’s generally the trigger and the sights or optic. This goes for my long guns, too. “Keep it simple” gets uttered to my students and customers daily. 

This isn’t to say I don’t have a deep appreciation for Zev, Taran Tactical, Geissle, or Wilson Combat. In fact, I really enjoy the upgrades and the workmanship of these custom jobs. But when you spend many years in the gun industry, it becomes harder and harder to get impressed by what can, on the surface, seem like more of the same.  

That said, once I got to really spend some time and put some lead downrange with this pistol, I have an understanding and greater appreciation for Shadow Systems.
 

Table of Contents

Unboxing
Specs
Shooting the XR920
Pros & Cons
Final Thoughts

Unboxing

Cardboard boxes tend to be a red flag for me when I’m reviewing a new gun, with one strong exception: if there is a case of some kind in said cardboard box. I was happy to see that Shadow Systems Corporation of Plano, Texas, included a nylon case for my new pistol.
 

I was immediately struck with two things on my initial inspection. First, it reminded me ergonomically of a Glock 45/19X. “Quicker out of the holster” is how the company's website describes it. I’m a fan of the G45 and consider it one of the better Glock models ever made – and that’s coming from an advocate of longer barrels for performance and shorter grips for concealment. Despite that, I’m a fan of the performance and concealability of the G45/19X. 
 

The texturing on the grip of the XR920 also felt quite comfortable with the right amount of aggression on the stippling. I carried a Glock RTF (Rough Textured Frame) for many months before I realized all my shirts and jackets were mysteriously frayed on the lower right side. Thankfully, this wouldn’t be an issue with the XR920, yet the grip texture was more than sufficient for quick presentation from the holster.   
 

The second thing I noticed was the directional serrations on every side of the slide. It seemed like a bit much until I did some chamber checks and presentations from the holster. After shooting from the holster and racking the slide using different methods, the serrations grew on me. With looks and functionality, the XR920 was impressive.

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Double action/striker-fired
• Weight: 22.4 ounces 
• Frame: Textured polymer
• Length: 7.25 inches unthreaded
• Height: 5.25 inches
• Trigger Pull: 4.5 to 5 pounds
• Capacity: 17+1

Shooting the XR920

At 4.5 to 5 pounds of trigger pull, the XR920 comes in around a pound lighter than a stock Glock Gen 5. It felt well-tuned, smooth, and had a substantial reset – all features I prefer in a defensive safe-action trigger. It gets the job done and does it well enough to qualify it as a service weapon or personal defense pistol.

Tactical high sights were not only highly visible but very sturdy. I was able to use my index finger against the rear sight to chamber check. After repeatedly delivering precise groupings with slow and paced fire, I switched to rapid fire. The decrease in accuracy was expected, but I still delivered solid palm-sized groupings.  
 

The XR920 really shines from the holster, and the company delivers on its claims of being “quicker out of the holster.” This felt like a solid, polished defensive/tactical carry pistol. In the hands of a skilled shooter, the XR920 performs as well or better than any of its competitors.  

This 9mm is sleek and professional. At no point did anything seem gimmicky or “tacticool.” The serrations are functional and made using the gun under pressure more intuitive. 
 

Pros & Cons

The XR920 is a well-made, high-quality tool. If I had to be nit-picky, after a few volleys I noticed the plate for the RMR got loose and needed to be screwed back down. This minor qualm could be corrected with a little bit of Loctite.  

The main benefit to buying a Shadow Systems is the obvious value. The features that come standard with a Shadow Systems firearm (enhanced sights, dremel work, barrel, etc…) would cost much more to add to your stock Glock individually, not to mention time.

The con that stands out the most would be compatibility. Many Glock users enjoy customizations and have created a huge industry for aftermarket parts, but the Shadow Systems modifications would make customization more difficult and costly. That is a minor negative, because Shadow Systems' market seems to be customers that want a customized Glock without the hassle of doing it themselves.
 

Pros:

• Great value for the price
• Fast draw – delivers on “quicker from the holster” claim
• Grip texturing and slide serrations offer secure handholds
• Carrying case included
• Sleek, functional appearance
   

Cons:

• Compatibility with aftermarket Glock parts
• Optic plate screws worked loose during shooting 
   

Final Thoughts

With above average aesthetic and ergonomics, I put the XR920 in a class above. When I looked at the price, I was even more impressed. I’ve personally seen much more money spent on customizing stock Glocks with much less impressive results. 

For what you pay to acquire a Shadow Systems pistol, it would cost you substantially more to convert your Glock to have the same features. Professional work from Shadow Systems delivers an excellent American value.