Steyr L9-A1 9mm Full Size

The Austrian black sheep

Sure, the Austrians and Swiss have dominated the handgun market for quite some time now. Glock and Sig are probably the two most commonly thrown around names when it comes to handguns. But what about the others? CZ? Excellent. How about HK? Also superb. But...what about Steyr? Nah, they're a rifle company known for the AUG.

                               ***WRONG***

Steyr has been making handguns since WW1, whether or not the were "good" is another story. They were innovative for their time, but generally Steyr is known for their rifles, and superb ones at that.

This is the Steyr L9-A1, a 9mm with a 17+1 capacity and a grip angle to die for. Okay, not literally....but it does feel amazing in the hand. These guys can be had for anywhere from high $300's to $450 ish all day long. They have an extremely high grip purchase and a very low bore axis. Think CZ with the bore axis. They're striker fired and come in 9x19 Parabellum, as well as .40S&W (ignore the .40 please....).

This photo shown from left to right shows the field strip of a Glock 43, Glock 26, Glock 19 and finally the Steyr L9-A1. The breakdown on the Steyr is just as easy, if not easier than a Glock, and that's kinda hard to beat.

At 10yds, this was a group I was able to achieve with standard ball ammunition. Now, I'm not the best shot but this is the best I have ever shot. The high grip and deep purchase coupled with a low bore axis makes recoil management a breeze, seriously it's awesome. The trigger is by far the best I have ever felt from a factory striker fired handgun. Although the reset is a little weak and not very audible, once you get familiar with it you'll be shooting some great groups. Below is a comparison of my CZ P-01 Ω, and even though I love my CZ's, the hat tip goes to Steyr for me. It's worth mentioning that the steyr has around 3500 rounds on it, and still feels like it did from day one. Zero malfunctions apart from a dud round here and there.

If you've never shot a Steyr, hit up your local range and see if they have one you can rent. I really doubt you'll be disappointed, and who knows...you may just join the Black Sheep Club.