Steyr C9-A1

[LeipersForkFirearms]

Picked up a Steyr C9-A1 a few days ago and so far it has been awesome. The ergonomics and trapizoid sights are great (after you get use to them). Anyone have more experience with these?


http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293111_315818885181879_265883217_a.jpg

[1911-A1]

This doesn't tell me much. Can you quantify why it's so great? How many rounds have you put through it? What kind of accuracy standard are you going for?

Generally, people research the gun BEFORE they buy it.

[LeipersForkFirearms]

Thanks for the reply! I did research the gun BEFORE I bought it. Just looking for other forum members who may have one and their experiences with the gun/steyr....I probably should have worded my post differently

300rds through this gun so far with no problems (low count but it is new). The Grip angle and general ergonomics of the gun are better than a glock and the design almost eliminates muzzle flip. The Trap sights are different from a traditional set-up but naturally land you on target when you draw the weapon.....the C9-A1's are new but the M9's have been around forever

Heres the set-up in the office with a custom holster from Jostens Holsters

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/481130_322711484492619_1397777610_n.jpg

[legumeofterror]

I have had an M9A1 for some time now. I would consider it an improved Glock. Complete disassembly is easier with the used of an internal "chasis" to hold the trigger components together. The slide short/lighter, so less reciprocating mass translates to less felt recoil. The trigger is quite nice, with a clean, predictable break and a very tactile reset. The grip angle is much more ergonomic. The sights are a bit odd, but once you sort them out they are quick.

Mine has been reliable so far, with the only real issue being a round of Tula blowing up in the gun. Really well though out and built pistol.

[Noodles]

I have no idea on the C9A1

I went through a weekend handgun class with my boss who used an M9-A1. It ran about 75% of the time while it wasn't inline double feeding at every other mag. Biggest FTE machine I've ever seen. After getting the run around from Steyr USA on ejectors, being told he must run 124gr ammo and whatnot he decided to get an M&P9 instead. Hasn't had a single issue since. During the class we were using the exact same ammo and my PPQ had exactly zero issues.

Whatever Steyr did to some of the A1s has given me exceptional skepticism of that platform as anything but a casual range-use toy. Now, before I piss off a bunch of A1 owners, it's not every gun that does this, it's just PLENTY of them. Too many for me to consider or recommend that gun. Steyr Owners Club or whatever is full of people who it seems really want to love that gun, but all acknowledge FTE is a common issue.

I would suggest you really run the gun out, 500-1000 rounds or so before you trust it. If it works, great, it has some nice features (I don't personally like the sights, but whatever), I'm just highly cautious of the A1s.

[Rayrevolver]

I bought an M9A1 back when CDNN was selling them cheap. Steyr was good about sending out new mag springs or anything you needed.

I can't remember my stoppage count over 4000 rounds, maybe 5 or 6? It did 3 or 4 classes without any hiccups and the last 1000 without issues. I might carry it but probably not since I have other 100% reliable options.

It sat for years but I decided to shoot IDPA for 2 weekends with it. I forgot how easy it was to shoot really fast. Biggest operational issue is the small mag release. It sometimes slowed me way down.

Find the BT website (Big Taco) and buy his $12 bushing. He also sells recoil springs/guide rods.

[bm176]

very nice, purchased one about 2 months ago but with the 3 dot sight. having owned 3 glocks, i prefer the steyr. i have done some range results shoots pretty good considering the very short barrel.

LFF, did yours come with 17 round mags? or 15? i thought they come with 17rounders but when mine came in, only had 15

[bondmid003]

I was looking at a C40 for awhile but decided on a P2000. Nice looking gun though

[bm176]

some close up pics of my c9a1, and some range results first time out
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/054-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/050-3.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/051-1.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/053-4.jpg
went to the range to sight in my new ak yesterday, and took along the c9a1 heres 10 shot group at 7y
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/002-17.jpg
then its first outing in april
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/019-10.jpg
since i dont have a .40 pistol i might consider the steyr full size version

the mags are friggin cool
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/060-1.jpg

[legumeofterror]

Some comparisons with the comparably sized Glock 19:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0158.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0157.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0159.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0160.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0161.jpg

As you can see, the mass of the slide has been reduced signifigantly:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0162.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/Glock%20Vs%20Steyr/IMAG0163.jpg

[19852]

I have no idea on the C9A1

I went through a weekend handgun class with my boss who used an M9-A1. It ran about 75% of the time while it wasn't inline double feeding at every other mag. Biggest FTE machine I've ever seen. After getting the run around from Steyr USA on ejectors, being told he must run 124gr ammo and whatnot he decided to get an M&P9 instead. Hasn't had a single issue since. During the class we were using the exact same ammo and my PPQ had exactly zero issues.

Whatever Steyr did to some of the A1s has given me exceptional skepticism of that platform as anything but a casual range-use toy. Now, before I piss off a bunch of A1 owners, it's not every gun that does this, it's just PLENTY of them. Too many for me to consider or recommend that gun. Steyr Owners Club or whatever is full of people who it seems really want to love that gun, but all acknowledge FTE is a common issue.

I would suggest you really run the gun out, 500-1000 rounds or so before you trust it. If it works, great, it has some nice features (I don't personally like the sights, but whatever), I'm just highly cautious of the A1s.

I had both the M-40 and M-9 and both were subject to FTE. I wanted to like them, but could not. Plenty of other pistols that do work.

[m4brian]

Aren't they a good bit heavier than Glocks - even the M&P?

Also, the front end is awfully thick for carry. I actually owned one, but the trigger varied wildly depending on how you held your tongue. In reality I found it a bit large compared to say a G19. Then it gave me a few failure to ejects, and it was gone.

[legumeofterror]

Aren't they a good bit heavier than Glocks - even the M&P?

Also, the front end is awfully thick for carry. I actually owned one, but the trigger varied wildly depending on how you held your tongue. In reality I found it a bit large compared to say a G19. Then it gave me a few failure to ejects, and it was gone.

1.32 lbs for a Glock 19 and 1.68 lbs for the M9A1. The trigger pull on my personal M9A1 is very crisp and predictable with a prominent reset. I don't find the dimensions of the front end prohibitive in any way.

[Rayrevolver]

Aren't they a good bit heavier than Glocks - even the M&P?

Also, the front end is awfully thick for carry. I actually owned one, but the trigger varied wildly depending on how you held your tongue. In reality I found it a bit large compared to say a G19. Then it gave me a few failure to ejects, and it was gone.

The reason the trigger varied was due to the stock bushing. For me, once in 100 rounds I would have a trigger that felt like 10 lbs. The $12 bushing from BT was a cheap fix.

I went the G26 route for carry but I am glad I kept it. Everyone who shot it at IDPA likes it. Maybe not the trap sights, but they like the ergonomics and how it shot.

I don't have a G19 to weigh. I am interested to see how much the whole slide/barrel weighs compared to a G19.

Leipers - have fun with your C9 and keep us posted.

[bm176]

Aren't they a good bit heavier than Glocks - even the M&P?

Also, the front end is awfully thick for carry. I actually owned one, but the trigger varied wildly depending on how you held your tongue. In reality I found it a bit large compared to say a G19. Then it gave me a few failure to ejects, and it was gone.

so did you actually have the new steyr c9-a1 withe the improved trigger?
never had to stick my tongue out shooting the new steyr c9a1, when i had my glock 17 i sure had to stick my tongue out..stock trigger sucks. sold all my glocks. funny my c9a1 ran about 500 rounds and not one single problem. the only problem i realized is me...shooter, still practicing

heres a picture when i first got the steyr next to my glock17, since t hen sold the glock
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/kadiindo/003-9.jpg

[m4brian]

I had the old CDNN special - I actually did not lose money...

I will say this. Grip is great - could be more tacky. But... support is short - at least from what I remember, and that won't likely change relative to a SW or a Glock.

[STG77]

I have had an M9A1 for some time now. I would consider it an improved Glock. Complete disassembly is easier with the used of an internal "chasis" to hold the trigger components together. The slide short/lighter, so less reciprocating mass translates to less felt recoil. The trigger is quite nice, with a clean, predictable break and a very tactile reset. The grip angle is much more ergonomic. The sights are a bit odd, but once you sort them out they are quick.

Mine has been reliable so far, with the only real issue being a round of Tula blowing up in the gun. Really well though out and built pistol.

What was this about the Tula?

[legumeofterror]

What was this about the Tula?

From a thread I made about he issue:


A while ago I had a 9x19mm Tulammo round fail by what appeared to be overpressure in my Steyr M9A1. The primer cover blew off and the case became lodged in the barrel. The pistol was undamaged, and I was able to dislodge the case at home.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/IMAG0071.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/IMAG0075.jpg

After removing the case, I ran 100 rounds through the gun without issue. A week after that I went to the range again and had sporadic failures to fire. The primers were untouched, and I was pretty stumped as to what was going on. I took the slide apart, and a brass price fell out of the firing pin/striker channel. I guess that when the primer failed, the cover was forced into the firing pin hole, and eventually was obstructing the striker.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/DSC01218.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/LegumeOfTerror/DSC01219.jpg

It never occurred to me that this kinda thing would happen, and found it particularly surprising it didn't start effecting the pistol until after 100 rounds in, so I thought it might be informative. Any one else have something like this happen?

[balance]

From looking at the pictures of the inside of the slide, I don't see a firing pin block. Is there something on these pistols blocking the striker from hitting the primer unless the trigger is pulled? Is the striker fully cocked in these pistols?

If the reliability issues have been taken care of, I'd be interested in trying one of these out. They are supposed to have low recoil and flip, and the M9A1 I handled a while back had a grip and trigger that felt pretty good.

[legumeofterror]

From looking at the pictures of the inside of the slide, I don't see a firing pin block. Is there something on these pistols blocking the striker from hitting the primer unless the trigger is pulled? Is the striker fully cocked in these pistols?

If the reliability issues have been taken care of, I'd be interested in trying one of these out. They are supposed to have low recoil and flip, and the M9A1 I handled a while back had a grip and trigger that felt pretty good.

The striker is pre-loaded like a Glock. There is a firing pin safety, but it does not fully block the striker. It impedes forward movement of the striker unless the transfer bar is all the way to the rear.