Sarsilmaz has been making firearms ever since 1880. I was introduced to some of their handguns by TR Imports in 2017. SAR USA was established in 2018 as an official U.S. importer and presence for Sarsilmaz. The company has been regularly releasing high-quality firearms, such as the SAR9 C. I have the Sarsilmaz SAR9 C, so I am familiar with the CM9 Gen 2, CM9 Gen 2, P8L and SR 38 (not currently import). All of these pistols shared one thing in common: they were heavily inspired from guns made by other manufacturers. Apart from the larger-sized ST9 I had very limited experience with what many would call a modern, polymer-framed striker-fired pistol made by the company. Sarsilmaz’s SAR9C escapes the “clone” label and is a truly original design. The SAR9C looks modern and reminiscent of the decades-old Glock 19 design. It has a 4-inch barrel and a 15+1 capacity. The SAR9 C compact model of the notoriously torture-tested SAR9 is the SAR9 C. (Photo by Alex Landeen). The SAR 9 was developed and entered the competition for Turkey’s “Original Indigenous Gun Project”. The test included extreme heat, extreme cold and accuracy testing, among other things. Fivety copies of each model were submitted. Three were selected randomly. Each pistol fired 30,000 rounds without any malfunctions during testing. Before a malfunction occurred, the test was extended to 50,000 rounds by one pistol. Remember that those 50,000 rounds were not the 115-grain range loads that we use in the U.S. They were NATO loads of 124-grain ammunition, which are usually loaded to 10 percent more pressure than standard American-range ammunition. Pressure-wise, the test was equivalent to 55,000 rounds (mostly a pallet load), of standard range fodder. The SAR9 was not only the longest-lasting gun tested, but also performed better than the competition in accuracy tests. These results earned the SAR9 “Turkey’s Original Indigenous Pistol” title from the Presidency for Defense Industries. Another one? The SAR9 C is another polymer-framed, striker fired, 4-inch-barreled 9mm pistol with a 15+1 capacity. Many have found this size to be ideal for carry and range. Larger guns are more comfortable to shoot, less recoil, have a wider sight radius, and are easier to aim with. They are not great carry companions. Although smaller guns are easier to carry, they can be less fun at the range. They are therefore less likely to be shot by even the most disciplined of carriers. The SAR9 C features basic three-dot sights that were easy to pick up during testing. (Photo by Alex Landeen). The compact mid-size gun is ideal for anyone who wants to carry a gun that they can use for heavy training. Because it is compact and can hold your cargo, it’s similar to driving a hatchback. Sarsilmaz created yet another option in this crowded category. This has increased competition and given consumers another option that might be the right choice for them. An introduction to the SAR9C I first saw the new SAR9C at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Victor, Idaho. I learned what makes the SAR9 C stand out from the rest. Polymer-framed, striker fired pistols like the HK VP70 have been around 50 years. There have been many changes in features since then. Ergonomics is one feature that never stops evolving. Every shooter’s hand is different: longer or shorter, wider or smaller, meaty or bony, or a combination of all these. It is almost impossible to find a handgun grip that fits all. With the P99, Walther introduced the interchangeable backstrap. It has become a standard feature on all SAR9 Cs. There are three interchangeable backstraps, and three-per-side panels. These can be mixed and matched to suit individual preferences. I found the medium-sized backstrap and side panels to be most comfortable, despite having larger hands. The backstraps don’t affect the tang of your grip. They only affect how the mid-palm, lower and lower are filled. (Photo by Alex Landeen). A high undercut at the triggerguard’s intersection with the frame is an addition to a grip that is strong. This undercut reduces the chance of the triggerguard forming a callus on the middle finger of your firing hand. It also allows the entire hand to grip the frame higher, which improves shooter recoil control. The pistol’s extra weight is also a benefit to recoil control. It weighs in at least two ounces more than other pistols of the same size. While a few extra ounces may not make a significant difference in carrying, they can make a difference when shooting. An Internal Chassis I believe the extra ounces are due to the modern construction of an internal chassis. This construction style was first seen in Grand Power pistols a decade ago. However, other companies are now following suit. (Photo by Alex Landeen). This construction style adds rigidity and, most importantly, increases the life expectancy of a handgun. Because it is much harder for pins than polymer to wallow in steel. These chassis also have the added benefit of allowing less internal flex during shooting, which can improve trigger feel. SAR USA offers a complete kit in the Box. While some pistols only come with the minimum, others include a lot more. A metal punch can be used to remove the roll pin. Two 15-round magazines with witness windows are included, one for each round. The one magazine has a flush-fitting, plastic base plate and the other has a slightly larger, steel base plate. A polymer cleaning rod as well as a nice bore brush are also included. (Photo by Alex Landeen). After having reviewed hundreds of guns, I have come to recognize the importance of the owner’s manual. A well-written, illustrated manual demonstrates manufacturer pride and a desire for well-educated owners. A manual of poor quality is an indication of the opposite. SAR USA pays attention to details and will be appreciated by both new and experienced pistol owners. The manual is well-written with smartly-shaded renderings that explain everything a gun owner needs to know. The manual also covers the rest of SAR9 models. You can see the differences between them here. The SAR9C In Hand The steel chassis, steel dual spring recoil system and steel magazine base plate give this pistol a solid, reassuring feeling. The SAR9C feels more like a tool than some polymer-framed pistols. The triggerguard’s high undercut allows for finger positioning in the finger grooves. This is without the gun being forced from larger hands. The controls are easy to reach and the slide lock/release is well-sized and fenced to prevent accidental activation. (Photo by Alex Landeen). Barrel lockup is more secure than most pistols. It also requires extra effort when racking when combined with the dual-recoil spring. It feels like a pistol designed for NATO loads. Range testing would reveal if the pistol can handle soft, American plinking ammunition. Dry firing can cause some creep and grit in the trigger. This is accompanied by an audible indication that there’s friction between trigger and frame. This will likely disappear over time. The SAR9C is slightly wider than other pistols in this size range at 1.4 inches. I have come to appreciate this as an extra material to grip and distribute recoil. Based on how well the gun locks up and the strength of the recoil system, I was unsure how the SAR9 C would perform against standard American-grade 115gr ball ammo. Imports that were originally made for 124-grain NATO loads in the past have had problems with soft 115-grain range ammunition. (Photo by Alex Landeen). The first magazine load of the 115-grains didn’t lock on empty. After a few magazines, everything was fine. The pistol’s strong system was able to withstand 115-grain loads, and even took +P loads without complaint. We kept the accuracy testing realistic for a carry gun with different ammo. This includes range and defensive loads shot freestanding at 15 yards. After a few magazines of ammunition, the trigger was smooth. It is both heavy enough for carrying and light enough to shoot at the range with precision. The pistol’s pull weight and feel are perfect for multi-purpose use. (Photo by Alex Landeen). Who is it for? The more accurate question is “Who’s the SAR9 C for?” It is sized to be used as a carry gun or duty weapon, with adjustable ergonomics that can be used by most hands and a recoil-soaking system and operating system. This pistol is priced to beat the rest and has a track record of reliability that instills confidence. People with weak eyes and wrists may be dissuaded by the stiff springs and absence of a red dot option. The SAR9C is an excellent pistol, and there aren’t many shooters who wouldn’t like it. Visit SARUSA.com for more information. SAR USA SAR9 C Specs Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4 Inches
Overall Length: 7.2 inches
Weight: 26.8 ounces (empty).
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish with black oxide
Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $452 (black) and $484 (stainless). This article was originally published by Combat Handguns March/April 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email [email protected]. Continue Reading Search The post TESTED – SAR Makes Compact with the SAR9C Concealed Carry appeared originally on Personal Defense World.
