Steyr M9

[WARFAB]

The other day I was wandering around Gander Mountain when I noticed they had a used Steyr M9 for sale. Out of all the pistols in the case that one intrigued me for some reason. I'm not sure why, but apparently I have positive feelings about the Steyr brand name. Aside from my inexplicable feelings about the brand name, I also think the pistol looks pretty cool. After thinking about it a bit I looked it up online and read a review that said it had a nice trigger and the sights are cool. I went back to Gander Mountain today to check it out.

First thought as I picked it up is that the grip felt a bit slippery. Based on wikipedia this was one of the older original Steyr pistols and it had smooth grips with just some grooves front and back. It looks like they added a lot more stippling to the newer models. I didn't play with it very long, but the trigger pull did seem pretty nice. Definitely let you know where you are in the pull with the different levels of resistance. Despite the unique shape of the grip, the pistol seemed to point naturally for me. The triangular sights definitely look cool. No idea if they'd make any difference in how I shoot.

If I find a used one with the improved grips in 9mm, I might just have to make it mine.

Random side note: While I was waiting to have a store employee get the gun out of the case for me, I'm pretty sure I saw a permit holder get denied on an NICS check. I thought that was a little odd given the state's recent harassment of permit holders who have gotten some rather innocuous prescriptions filled. Couldn't help but wonder if the state is missing things or if the NICS system is screwing over honest citizens. Things that make you go hmmmm.

[usmcveteran]

Never heard of that pistol before and I just looked it up. Does look interesting. Any idea what gander wanted for it?

[WARFAB]

Never heard of that pistol before and I just looked it up. Does look interesting. Any idea what gander wanted for it?

Either $400 or $499. I should remember but I don't. I think I stopped committing anything to memory after I saw it was a .40 cal.

[Guest]

Get some custom grips or Skate tape or Talons will cure the slip unless you don't wanna change the original look. As for the NICS denial..not everyone may be as squeaky as we might be...grand possibility that it's got naught to do with prescriptions, may be a 6th gun amendment in a County that 5 or more needs a safe inspection..or maybe the dude just wasn't a straight flyer..or then again, maybe it is cause prescriptions lol

[WARFAB]

County rules wouldn't influence a federal NICS check would they? Who knows. I just thought it was interesting.

Good call on the Talons. I read that aftermarket accessories for the Steyr pistols aren't as common as for other brands, but Talon does make grips for them.

[WARFAB]

Spotted a "used" Steyr CA-1. Based on looking at it I'm not sure it has ever been fired. It's in flawless condition and is super clean. I could get it for $350. Very very tempting.

[usmcveteran]

Do it! What do they go for new? That's a tempting price in general.

[WARFAB]

Based on what I'm seeing on Gunbroker and Bud's, they go for between $450 and $500 new.

[WARFAB]

Spotted a "used" Steyr CA-1. Based on looking at it I'm not sure it has ever been fired. It's in flawless condition and is super clean. I could get it for $350. Very very tempting.

Correction: It appears to be a used full size M9-A1 Steyr.

[WARFAB]

Maybe it's just the honeymoon period talking, but this pistol is pretty sweet.

[WARFAB]

After a few range sessions I'm really digging this pistol. The ergonomics are excellent for my hands. The slide release is the perfect size and in the perfect location for me. It took a bit to get used to the trapezoid sights, but now I kind of like that they offer a nice precise point to aim with. No need to visually align the center over the target like standard sights. I tried a friend's Ruger SR9 and found that recoil felt more pronounced, the trigger wasn't as nice, and I had to really reach for the slide release. The only thing better about the Ruger than the Steyr was the more noticeable trigger reset. Personally I think Glocks are pretty ugly and like the looks of the Steyr better. It's not a performance issue, but it's an added bonus if it looks good. Field stripping and cleaning isn't any easier than a Glock, but way easier than my other semi-auto pistols so I'm happy about that. It kind of takes the edge off a trip to the range if you dread the cleaning that will follow.

I'm relatively new to pistol shooting, so with USMCveteran's tips I managed to shoot this group. The group high and to the left was me trying out my friend's SCCY.

[WARFAB]

Still loving the Steyr. I tried shooting a friend's G36 Sunday and it made me like the Steyr that much more. I couldn't activate the slide release with my shooting hand thumb on the G36. The owner then said he needs to get an extended slide release. No need on the Steyr. All the controls are perfectly positioned and easy to use straight from the factory.

I'm still working on my pistol skills, but it looks like I'm making some progress. A special thanks to USMC's pointers.



There was a for sale poster on the board at the club. Someone is selling a mint condition Steyr L9 for $400. I was tempted to expand my collection.

[usmcveteran]

Nice shooting!

[WARFAB]

....only like 26 feet.

Don't want to be accused of misleading anyone.

[WARFAB]

I've had some failure to extract issues the past 2 times I've hit the range. I'm not sure if it was the ammunition, or how clean the pistol was (or wasn't), but I submitted a inquiry to Steyr Saturday afternoon. Today I got a response from them offering to send me a free extractor kit if I provide my address.

I haven't tried contacting the manufacturer for any other guns I own, but Steyr's response time seems pretty impressive to me.