SDS Imports: PX-9 Review

Shooters may think that we don’t need another polymer-framed high-capacity pistol with a striker-fired mechanism that mimics the Glock. In the last decade, it seems that this description has been applied to nearly every new handgun. As unexciting as new Tupperware guns might be, this is how innovation works; evolution allows for the concept to be maximized.Admittedly, I’m not a plastic pistol kind of guy. I’m not saying they’re bad, but they’re not my thing. The PX-9, or Zigana as it is known in Turkey, has passed rigorous military trials and is used by military units, police departments and private security firms around the world. The PX-9 or Zigana, as it is known in Turkey, has been through rigorous military tests and is used by military units, private security firms and police departments around the world. I was impressed by the pistol’s reliability, comfort in-hand, and features. After shooting a lot of rounds with the Gen 3 PX-9 I felt I had to give it its due. One concern with offshore-made guns is the selection of holsters. This is a valid worry. With the PX-9 this is not an issue. It will fit holsters sized to fit the Springfield Armory XD. The Gen 2 comes with a paddle holster made of polymer, but it’s not something to brag about. The Gen 3 comes equipped with a polymer IWB holster. The availability of spare magazines is another concern. PX-9s can be used with Sig Sauer P226 magazine. PX-9 pistols come with two 18-round Sig Sauer P226 mags. You can’t send a broken firearm to Turkey. SDS Imports, Knoxville, Tennessee can service all Tisas-made guns brought to the United States by SDS Imports, as they have qualified engineers and parts on staff. These engineers have worked with Tisas, where these guns are made, in Turkey, so they’re well-versed in the process. For example, this pistol’s Gen 3 version has a slide that is cut to accept a rear reflex sight. When I received the gun for evaluation, I removed the plate and when I reinstalled it, I broke the heads of the screws holding it in. I called SDS Imports and explained the situation. The next day, a new slide arrived at my door. This is excellent customer service. The Gen 3 PX-9 is equipped with an optics-ready plate and cut. The cut will fit Trijicon RMR. These are duty-sized guns that come with two 18-round magazines. They’re not heavy. The unloaded weight of the Gen 3 is just under 25 ounces. This is only a few ounces more than a Glock 17! It is available in black or desert tan, and comes with a fiber optic front sight and a rear sight that is ledge style. The Gen 3 and Gen 2 both have a straight trigger, a curved trigger on the Gen 2, and a four-slot accessory frame. Both have rounded triggers and passive trigger safety. Both models are available with an ambidextrous thumb safety. The magazine release can also be positioned to activate on the left or right side. The PX9 has also visible and tactile indicators for cocked-striker, loaded-chamber and cocked-striker. The Gen 3 version comes standard with a horizontal trigger. The Gen 2 trigger has a curved surface. One of the most attractive features is the modular grip. The side panels and backstrap can be easily removed and replaced to fit the pistol perfectly to your hand. Each PX-9 is supplied with six grip panels and three backstraps.Additionally, these guns are supplied with an extended and beveled, wide-mouth magazine well. It is also easy to install, and it not only speeds up reloads but, if you have larger hands, it enhances the grip. SDS Imports PX-9 Gen 2 or Gen 3 pistols are reliable and comfortable to use. I found the PX-9 to be more comfortable than a Glock 17 because Glocks tends to press uncomfortably on the first knuckle on my middle finger. The PX-9 is just as comfortable to shoot, if not more so, than the Sig Sauer P320. Accuracy and accuracy were comparable to what you would expect from a duty sized defensive handgun. I’ve fired over 1,000 rounds of a variety of munitions with the Gen 2 and Gen 3 and have yet to experience any stoppage. SDS Imports has imported five Turkish-made handguns, and I’ve spent some time with each one. While I am a fan of American-made products, I also appreciate quality goods, no matter where they come from, especially when the price is good. It’s not a small thing that a brand new PX-9 can be purchased for less than $400. Editor’s Note: this article originally appeared in the January 2022 issue Gun Digest the Magazine.More handgun reviews:NEXT: Download your free Storm Tactical printable target pack62 Printable MOA targets with DOT drills – Rifle range in YARDSThis impressive Target Pack from our friends at Storm Tactical includes62 printable targetsfor rifle or handgun ranges. The target grids and bullseyes are measured in MOA. Subscribe to the Gun Digest newsletter and we will send you your print-at home target pack immediately. Enter your email below.