**Range report added...see post #4**
I’ve been intrigued by the new Steyr 9mm pistols since they came out a few years ago. They had an interesting design with some neat new features, but reports of functioning issues kept me from picking one up. The reputation of the recent models is improved, and the newish L9A1 model seems to be working out well from what I’ve read. I picked this one up off the EE last week—here are my initial thoughts.
The Steyr L9A1 is a slightly longer version of the M9A1 pistol that’s been sold for a few years here. It’s not really a long-slide pistol, since the barrel is only 0.53” longer than the 4” version in the US-sold M9A1, and only about 0.3” longer than the the Canadian version with its slightly extended barrel. I prefer the proportions of the longer version I think. Here it is compared with what are probably two of its closest competitors price-wise, S&W M&P40 on top and Glock 22 on the bottom. The bulky front end, to me at least, makes the pistol look smaller than it actually is. The slide is noticeably less bulky than the Glock’s slide—I’m hoping that this lighter reciprocating mass will mean less muzzle flip.
The first thing that stood out to me was the distinctive grip—it’s quite steeply raked and has lots of odd textures and shapes. The good news is that it’s incredibly comfortable to me—I especially like the narrowed portion at the top of the backstrap, and how the back of frame overhangs the web of the palm…kind of like a beavertail safety on a 1911. You often hear about these pistols compared with Glocks, but to me it feels more like my M&P40, although the Steyr is more comfortable—it snugs right in very nicely. It doesn’t have replaceable backstraps, so shooters with larger hands (mine are on the small side) might find the grip too small.
The finish on the slide is on the slightly glossy side of matte—it reminds me more of the finish on my H&K Mark 23 than on the old or new Glocks I’ve owned or my M&P. It has forward grasping grooves for those that use them.
There is a steel subframe contained within the polymer receiver—this gives the pistol added weight compared with a Glock—28.6 oz vs. 25.1 oz. The M&P has a similar subframe, although the Steyr’s is more substantial.
The front of the trigger has the now-common “safety”, but unlike the Glock’s hinged affair it actually moves parallel to the trigger face, and is flush with the trigger face when fully retracted. I like that…the little nub of the Glock’s safety that sticks out even when fully depressed bugs me a little bit. One downside is the the spring on the trigger safety is not that much less stiff than the actual trigger spring…and it has a long “pull” before it's depressed completely. The previous owner of my pistol put in a lighter weight striker spring so that has lightened the trigger pull somewhat from factory weight. In any case, it’s a bit of an odd feeling compared to Glock triggers…dry firing it gives a light but a little imprecise feel, with a little bit of creep. The reset is nice and short, and with no pre-travel after the reset. I’m don’t believe that a lighter trigger is always a better trigger—in dry fire at least I prefer a standard Glock trigger. (see post 6 for an update)
Of course, one of the most famous features is the “trapezoidal” sighting system. This is one of the features that originally intrigued me about the pistol—it supposedly provides both faster target acquisition and a precision aiming point. I’m uncertain if this claim will prove true or not—they certainly are different! The circular dealy is a loaded chamber indicator—it protrudes a bit when there's a round in the chamber.
Disassembly is easy—push in the button (which is also a trigger-locking device) behind the disassembly lever, rotate the lever down and slide comes off the front. The steel guide rod is, I think, aftermarket.
As I mentioned at the top, the newer Steyr pistols don’t have the same reputation for trouble-free operation of similar pistols like the Glock—the early M9s seemed to be the most-affected ones suffering from things like ejection problems. The previous owner of mine reported no issues in the 500 rounds fired so I’m hopeful that there’ll be no headaches. I’m off to the range tomorrow evening—I’ll report back then.
I’ve been intrigued by the new Steyr 9mm pistols since they came out a few years ago. They had an interesting design with some neat new features, but reports of functioning issues kept me from picking one up. The reputation of the recent models is improved, and the newish L9A1 model seems to be working out well from what I’ve read. I picked this one up off the EE last week—here are my initial thoughts.
The Steyr L9A1 is a slightly longer version of the M9A1 pistol that’s been sold for a few years here. It’s not really a long-slide pistol, since the barrel is only 0.53” longer than the 4” version in the US-sold M9A1, and only about 0.3” longer than the the Canadian version with its slightly extended barrel. I prefer the proportions of the longer version I think. Here it is compared with what are probably two of its closest competitors price-wise, S&W M&P40 on top and Glock 22 on the bottom. The bulky front end, to me at least, makes the pistol look smaller than it actually is. The slide is noticeably less bulky than the Glock’s slide—I’m hoping that this lighter reciprocating mass will mean less muzzle flip.
The first thing that stood out to me was the distinctive grip—it’s quite steeply raked and has lots of odd textures and shapes. The good news is that it’s incredibly comfortable to me—I especially like the narrowed portion at the top of the backstrap, and how the back of frame overhangs the web of the palm…kind of like a beavertail safety on a 1911. You often hear about these pistols compared with Glocks, but to me it feels more like my M&P40, although the Steyr is more comfortable—it snugs right in very nicely. It doesn’t have replaceable backstraps, so shooters with larger hands (mine are on the small side) might find the grip too small.
The finish on the slide is on the slightly glossy side of matte—it reminds me more of the finish on my H&K Mark 23 than on the old or new Glocks I’ve owned or my M&P. It has forward grasping grooves for those that use them.
There is a steel subframe contained within the polymer receiver—this gives the pistol added weight compared with a Glock—28.6 oz vs. 25.1 oz. The M&P has a similar subframe, although the Steyr’s is more substantial.
The front of the trigger has the now-common “safety”, but unlike the Glock’s hinged affair it actually moves parallel to the trigger face, and is flush with the trigger face when fully retracted. I like that…the little nub of the Glock’s safety that sticks out even when fully depressed bugs me a little bit. One downside is the the spring on the trigger safety is not that much less stiff than the actual trigger spring…and it has a long “pull” before it's depressed completely. The previous owner of my pistol put in a lighter weight striker spring so that has lightened the trigger pull somewhat from factory weight. In any case, it’s a bit of an odd feeling compared to Glock triggers…dry firing it gives a light but a little imprecise feel, with a little bit of creep. The reset is nice and short, and with no pre-travel after the reset. I’m don’t believe that a lighter trigger is always a better trigger—in dry fire at least I prefer a standard Glock trigger. (see post 6 for an update)
Of course, one of the most famous features is the “trapezoidal” sighting system. This is one of the features that originally intrigued me about the pistol—it supposedly provides both faster target acquisition and a precision aiming point. I’m uncertain if this claim will prove true or not—they certainly are different! The circular dealy is a loaded chamber indicator—it protrudes a bit when there's a round in the chamber.
Disassembly is easy—push in the button (which is also a trigger-locking device) behind the disassembly lever, rotate the lever down and slide comes off the front. The steel guide rod is, I think, aftermarket.
As I mentioned at the top, the newer Steyr pistols don’t have the same reputation for trouble-free operation of similar pistols like the Glock—the early M9s seemed to be the most-affected ones suffering from things like ejection problems. The previous owner of mine reported no issues in the 500 rounds fired so I’m hopeful that there’ll be no headaches. I’m off to the range tomorrow evening—I’ll report back then.
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