The Steyr S9-A1 9mm Pistol – SHOT Show 2012

I got to shoot a LOT of guns at Range Day for SHOT Show 2012. A LOT of guns. I’m not trying to rub anything in, I’m just trying to get the message across. I shot a LOT of guns at Range Day. Some of those guns I don’t know that I’ll care to shoot again, and some of them I already have in hand for review or I’ve bought for myself (see TC Dimension Rifle & Regent 1911). And out of all of those guns that left an impression on me (some negative, like the Chiappa Rhino Revolver), I have a couple of favorites that left a super sweet taste in my mouth leaving me want more the more I think about it.

The all new Steyr Mannlicher S9-A1 fits the description of my absolute favorite handgun fired during Media Day at the Range. ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. Why? The Steyr S9-A1 (also new C9-A1 and M9-A1) fit the palm of my hand like a glove, it’s super low bore axis (like an auto version of the Chiappa Rhino except less sucky) means minimal recoil and nearly absent muzzle flip, and the proprietary Steyr triangular battle sights were very natural for me. Admittedly I’ve never fired any generation of Steyr pistols, nor have I ever peered through the triangular/trapezoid style sights. That said, I’m hooked. I rung the plates at 35 feet with routine ease with the M9-A1 which is the full sized model, the C9-A1 which is the mid-sized or compact version, and the S9-A1 which you see in the video.

I’ve heard tales of older generation Steyr Arms pistols being a bit finnicky when it comes to reliability, as in as they get older they refuse to feed a whole magazine, or they’ll only digest more expensive ball ammo (per Joe Grine of TTAG). But if the new ones can perform as reliably as they feel in the hand they’re sure to be a win. The new M, C and S series A1 pistols are available in 9×19 or .40 S&W with a conversion kit.