Initial Review - Sterling Arms International (SAI) R9 Mk1, 9mm PCC

I got to the outdoor range today, and was able to shoot at 100m, as somebody had requested. I fired another 100 rounds without any stoppages. My 10-round groups at 100m varied between 9" and approximately 11" using Fiocchi 115gr FMJ ammo. I am not the best PCC shot in the world, so take the group size with a grain of salt. Many could no doubt do much better, but at least we know that the R9 will easily keep all of its shots on an IPSC steel target at 100m. I reckon that's something....

Unfortunately I was not able to recover my targets due to snow and the fact that I am in a wheelchair. Hence no photos.
 
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Well written review, thank you!

Informative, detailed and insightful, without being biased or overly/blindly enthusiastic. Nice to hear about a Canadian-manufactured firearm that is decent quality for price.
 
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I took the opportunity of an idle Sunday afternoon to hit up the indoor range (-26C today!) and put a further 100 rounds through the SAI R9 Mk1. Accuracy was acceptable with most 10-round groups at 40 yds measuring 2.5"/6cm to 3"/7.3cm. As always, the 8lb 5oz Trigger, while crisp, made accuracy more difficult than it needed to be. Aside from that, all went well with another performance featuring flawless reliability from the R9. That makes 500 rounds total to date, without a single stoppage.

Here are some typical 40-yd, 10-round groups from today's session:


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:)
 
Thanks for being so thorough, Bartok! As a lefty I can't wait to see these production models in stores!(Any ETA on 'em?) I was holding my breath regarding the safety and I'm glad to hear it's interchangeable. The bolt catch change needs to happen too! It's a no brainer of a PCC choice then.
 
I'm a lefty and with admittedly limited experience, I had no challenges with the R9. But then I've never felt the need for ambi controls on any of the AR pattern rifles I've ever shot. I just adapt and overcome.
 
KuyaK said:
Thanks for being so thorough, Bartok! As a lefty I can't wait to see these production models in stores!(Any ETA on 'em?) I was holding my breath regarding the safety and I'm glad to hear it's interchangeable. The bolt catch change needs to happen too! It's a no brainer of a PCC choice then.
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Siwash Sports apparently sold out of their first shipment of 10 rifles before they even hit the store racks. You might want to give them a call and get on the "list" if in fact such a thing exists. Otherwise, it will be hit and miss until the initial excitement wears off and initial demand is met.
 
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