This being my first review of a firearm ever, please go easy on me 
I've never been impressed enough with a firearm (and seen a lack of information on it) to be enticed to write one. I wasn’t asked to write this nor offered any kind of compensation (but if GP or Dlask want to I’d be all game! ) I will apologize in advance that I did not thoroughly clean it after my first range outing with it. She be dirty.
Background/disclaimer
I am very new to shooting handguns, though I've been shooting and hunting with rifles and shotguns for nearly my entire 27 years. I first got the bug after I went shooting with friends on a few occasions, and had a chance to shoot a couple handguns at the West Edmonton mall on a trip. My first handgun was a Norinco NP58 that I purchased a little over 2 years ago. I chose the platform because of its low-cost, the platform’s popularity in service, and of course its appealing looks. I’ve since owned a Sig P226 in .40, a 6” S&W 586 and an Armco-tuned Norinco 1911 Commander .45, I’ve also shot Glock 17’s, M&P 9mm’s, a Desert Eagle .357 as well as a Ruger Mark III.
I, in my infinite knowledge, could not understand why anybody in Canada would buy a 9mm given the ballistic superiority of the .40, and magazine capacity being irrelevant for us poor civilians. Well, fast forward to a couple months ago. After struggling with the .40 as a novice shooter -especially with the 226 frame which has quite a high bore height- and doing quite mediocre with the 1911, I first sold off the P226, then finally sold off the NP58 (which I'm sure to be in the minority, but actually shot better than the Sig consistently) and jumped on Dlask's deal on the Mk7 K100 X-trim in 9mm. I will be the first to admit that although the debate between 9mm, .40, and .45 does serve a purpose for taking up bandwidth, I can honestly say that each cartridge has a place.
Cosmetic
Without a ton of experience to base my judgement on, I can honestly say this is one handsome pistol for its class. It is evident that time and effort was spent on finishing and polishing the slide and frame. The squared machined surfaces are crisp, not washed out, and tooling marks are near non-existent. The front red fiber optic sight is bright, and though I didn’t expect it on a handgun, the red dot looks natural in daylight. The polymer grip has a nice feel, similar to the M&P, and is textured nicely with stippling in all the right places. Nothing appears to have been overlooked with the finishing work at Grand Power.
Fit/function
Performance
I’m a terrible shot, but shooting the X-trim has netted me my tightest groups consistently, bettering even my 586 with .38 special. I accidentally deleted my pictures of the groups, but they were a little larger than the size of an open hand from standing @ 25 yards, after having put only a couple mags through it. With some training (which I’ll be signing up for this summer!) I’m hoping to shrink these down considerably more. I know the gun has it in her, it’s up to me now.
Recoil is extremely manageable, if not embarassingly light. I’m sure making the switch from .40 to 9mm, the lower bore axis and the rotating barrel all play a role. Follow-up shots are very easy, and when shooting at fast intervals at 15 yards, keeping the sight on target is very manageable. I always felt some remorse for not starting off with a .22 to develop my skills, but now that I’ve been shooting the K100, I am feeling better about my abilities and my choice.
Overall I am very pleased with the K100. If you look at the thread showing their manufacturing processes and attention to detail, it is apparent that they really care. For me, this handgun is the perfect blend between a full polymer duty gun and a single action steel-framed pistol. Although the other handguns in my safe will continue to serve a purpose for fun shooting here and there, this one is definitely going to be my workhorse for training and hopefully eventually some competition.
I've never been impressed enough with a firearm (and seen a lack of information on it) to be enticed to write one. I wasn’t asked to write this nor offered any kind of compensation (but if GP or Dlask want to I’d be all game! ) I will apologize in advance that I did not thoroughly clean it after my first range outing with it. She be dirty.
Background/disclaimer
I am very new to shooting handguns, though I've been shooting and hunting with rifles and shotguns for nearly my entire 27 years. I first got the bug after I went shooting with friends on a few occasions, and had a chance to shoot a couple handguns at the West Edmonton mall on a trip. My first handgun was a Norinco NP58 that I purchased a little over 2 years ago. I chose the platform because of its low-cost, the platform’s popularity in service, and of course its appealing looks. I’ve since owned a Sig P226 in .40, a 6” S&W 586 and an Armco-tuned Norinco 1911 Commander .45, I’ve also shot Glock 17’s, M&P 9mm’s, a Desert Eagle .357 as well as a Ruger Mark III.
I, in my infinite knowledge, could not understand why anybody in Canada would buy a 9mm given the ballistic superiority of the .40, and magazine capacity being irrelevant for us poor civilians. Well, fast forward to a couple months ago. After struggling with the .40 as a novice shooter -especially with the 226 frame which has quite a high bore height- and doing quite mediocre with the 1911, I first sold off the P226, then finally sold off the NP58 (which I'm sure to be in the minority, but actually shot better than the Sig consistently) and jumped on Dlask's deal on the Mk7 K100 X-trim in 9mm. I will be the first to admit that although the debate between 9mm, .40, and .45 does serve a purpose for taking up bandwidth, I can honestly say that each cartridge has a place.
Cosmetic
Without a ton of experience to base my judgement on, I can honestly say this is one handsome pistol for its class. It is evident that time and effort was spent on finishing and polishing the slide and frame. The squared machined surfaces are crisp, not washed out, and tooling marks are near non-existent. The front red fiber optic sight is bright, and though I didn’t expect it on a handgun, the red dot looks natural in daylight. The polymer grip has a nice feel, similar to the M&P, and is textured nicely with stippling in all the right places. Nothing appears to have been overlooked with the finishing work at Grand Power.
Fit/function
- Ambi controls are a nice touch
- Grip tucks deeply into the web of my hand, feels very comfortable and stable in my hands. I have average-sized men`s hands, wear a Large size in gloves. The Mk 12’s ship with multiple backstraps, however the standard size that shipped with the Mk 7 was just right for me.
- Mag release is large and in charge (on the left side anyways). Has a nice smooth feel and all factory mags want to nearly jump out of the gun when released.
- Accessory rail is pretty standard, nice to have.
- Safety: toggling does not switch incredibly distinctly; its low profile lever takes a conscious effort to engage/disengage and doesn't seat with a nice click. When the safety is engaged it shows red, which is reverse to most common designs. With the K100 being dual action I’m not sure it’s necessary, I would rather have a decocking lever personally.
- Slide fitment and action are very slick, if I recall from a thread in Dlask’s forum each slide is lapped on a machine and hand-finished to make sure each one comes out buttery smooth. It shows!
- Slide release: Too far forward, I find myself reaching and looking for it.
- Take-down: Took a bit of getting used to, the Mk 7’s require the front of the trigger guard to be pulled out of the frame and bent aside in order to release the slide. The design of the Mk 12 (similar to Glock’s tab-style release) appears much quicker, more durable and confidence inspiring. Once you get the hang of setting the rotating barrel in the full out position before re-attaching the slide, it gets considerably faster and easier.
- Trigger: double action is long yet weight feels consistent to pull, breaks very clean and predictably. Single action is very nice, I did not measure the weight but it feels lighter than a stock 226. A small amount of predictable take-up, with a very clean break. Next to zero over-travel. Reset is nice and short (I measured it at a little under 1/8”) bringing you right back to the breaking wall.
Performance
I’m a terrible shot, but shooting the X-trim has netted me my tightest groups consistently, bettering even my 586 with .38 special. I accidentally deleted my pictures of the groups, but they were a little larger than the size of an open hand from standing @ 25 yards, after having put only a couple mags through it. With some training (which I’ll be signing up for this summer!) I’m hoping to shrink these down considerably more. I know the gun has it in her, it’s up to me now.
Recoil is extremely manageable, if not embarassingly light. I’m sure making the switch from .40 to 9mm, the lower bore axis and the rotating barrel all play a role. Follow-up shots are very easy, and when shooting at fast intervals at 15 yards, keeping the sight on target is very manageable. I always felt some remorse for not starting off with a .22 to develop my skills, but now that I’ve been shooting the K100, I am feeling better about my abilities and my choice.
Overall I am very pleased with the K100. If you look at the thread showing their manufacturing processes and attention to detail, it is apparent that they really care. For me, this handgun is the perfect blend between a full polymer duty gun and a single action steel-framed pistol. Although the other handguns in my safe will continue to serve a purpose for fun shooting here and there, this one is definitely going to be my workhorse for training and hopefully eventually some competition.
