HISTORY
Founded in Austria in 1864 as a sawmill and weapons manufacturer, Steyr has been around nearly as long as Smith & Wesson and Colt firearms. Steyr’s famous Schonauer rifle of 1903 had one of the first rotary magazines used in a rifle.
The company’s revolutionary AUG rifle of 1977 was designed for European military and law enforcement and later accepted by U.S. Customs as its issue rifle. In 2000, Steyr decided to enter pistol manufacturing with what would become the C9-A1, today’s test pistol.
MY IMPRESSIONS
As I figured this was another Glock clone, I did not expect much from this design. Wrong again, Ronbo – this is not a copy-9. Holding the Steyr, I feel an arched rear grip that fills my hand differently than other guns. The finger serrations on the front of the grip aid in control and pointing confidence.
The steel slide wears Steyr’s “Tenifer” scratch-resistant finish. The synthetic polymer frame is tough and lightweight. Although not a heavy gun, the low-centered steel frame seems to point forward as an extension of my trigger finger. The trigger has smooth take-up, breaking crisply at 5 pounds.
My friends with large hands say that this pistol is comfortable to hold, and I agree. There are no unneeded controls on this simple striker-fired handgun.
TRAPEZOIDAL SIGHTS!
Trappa-what? The surprisingly different sights grab my attention. What are these triangles? Steyr has cleverly shaped the rear sight into an open pyramid with bright white lines on each side. I like them.
The open center of the pyramid is completed by the front sight, a white triangle. My mind’s eye cannot avoid completing the pyramid and aligning the front sight into the rear sight. This unique optical arrangement combined with the low frame says “can’t miss” with every shot.
If I need to shoot in a hurry, the Steyr trapezoidal sights will guide me to steady my aim. What a fantastic idea for a self-defense pistol!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Length: 6.7 inches
- Width: 1.2 inches
- Barrel: 3.5 inches
- Trigger: 5 pounds
- Magazine: Steel, 15-round
- Slide: Precision milled steel, “Tenifer” finish
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Frame: Synthetic polymer
RANGE TIME
Area 51 is ready for testing. I have not fired this pistol much today and anticipate some fun in the sun. One noticeable feature is the wide swell at the center grip. It gives me a sensation of control. The low slide reminds me of a CZ-style pistol, as it follows my index finger and keeps muzzle flip down.
The trigger may be a bit smoother than my Glock 17. Designed for military and concealed carry, this Steyer is Certified Used from Guns.com and in great shape to shoot.
Starting on the left steel target, I can hit every time and move the “flapper” steel regularly. These trapezoidal sights are very effective, and I am amazed at how they hold my attention as I aim. They nearly forced me to keep the front sight centered. This makes a head shot possible, too.
The pistol handles the sharp recoil of the 9mm well, thanks to the low slide and nice trigger. Hits on the “milk bottle” steel give a resounding “ding” when hit.
Reliability & Accuracy
The water jugs are easy to hit with the last one blowing apart from a center hit. I love shooting 2-liter soda bottles! It is exciting to see one blow apart.
Even at 15 yards, the sights help me hold on target and hit center – impressive for a 3.5-inch barrel. Notice how easily the magazines drop free from the pistol. The 15-round steel magazines are well-made.
I encountered one failure to hold open the last shot in this test. Reliability is high. No jams were experienced during two mag dumps on steel.
This little 9 mm packs a punch. It is controllable and accurate, and I would be confident carrying it for self-defense. Its double-stack high-capacity magazine means plenty of firepower. It is a quality, accurate pistol.
PROS & CONS
