SAR USA was up next with a pistol sized similarly to the Walther PDP F, sporting a 4-inch barrel and 15-round magazine. While not an entirely new pistol for SAR USA, the SAR9 CX is a slight upgrade to the original SAR9 C with the inclusion of lightening cuts in the slide and a matching Cerakote slide finish. The other bonus for the “X” model is the complement of accessories in the case including a holster, magazine loader, mag pouch and even a rail-mounted weapon light.
The SAR9 CX has a robust build quality, even feeling kind of dense, which I personally liked about it. It sports a contoured grip that comes with interchangeable backstraps and side panels that offer a variety of configurations for a more customized fit. While comfortable, the grip texturing is very subtle and not all that grippy, but it works for the most part.
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Other premium features found with the SAR9 CX include the hammer-forged barrel that features a recessed crown to preserve accuracy. Additionally, there’s an accessory rail and a very usable control interface. While the trigger doesn’t have the lightest pull, it’s not bad either and there’s very little mush found in it. The trigger offers up a fairly authoritative snap and a quite positive reset.
During our testing, the SAR9 CX got fairly positive reviews, especially with regard to its accuracy and comfort during shooting. One evaluator commented that it was the best SAR USA pistol yet, while another said he liked it overall but felt it was a bit overpriced with its $632 MSRP. I personally liked the pistol but I’m a right-handed shooter and the SAR9 CX does not offer an ambi slide stop nor a reversible mag release. So, that may be a consideration for some shooters.
