Firearm: Shadow Systems Foundation Series MR920 (MSRP: $679)
Shadow Systems offers a familiar-looking, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol compatible with many popular aftermarket accessories. Its Foundation Series represents an excellent starting point for a concealed-carry package in the MR920, which offers a 4-inch barrel, 7.13-inch overall length, 4.75-inch height and 22.4-ounce weight. Shadow Systems has designed the MR920 to accept aftermarket magazines for the Glock G19, and ships each MR920 with two Magpul PMag15 magazines.
But, general shape and feel are about the only similarities between the MR920 and its Austrian counterpart. The MR920 has a more sculpted feel, with unique cocking serrations both fore and aft of the slide. The grip is evenly textured for greater purchase without being overly aggressive, meaning that even after lengthy range sessions your hands shouldn’t be too roughed up. An extended beavertail permits a high grip on the pistol while guarding against contact with the slide, while the generously undercut trigger guard helps keep unnecessary abrasion of the strong-hand middle finger at bay.
It’s the optics cut that is especially of interest, though. Rather than use a series of plates to ensure proper optic fit, the MR920 uses inserts that butt up against the slide cut. Two sets of screw holes work to fit most optics on the market, while the inserts snug the unit tight and straight. It’s a unique system that take a little getting used to, as you’ll need to make sure the optic is square on the slide. Don’t worry – if it’s not, you won’t be able to secure it. Once it’s in place, though, the optic sits as low as possible, since no plate is needed. This means standard height sights will work as a bottom-third co-witness.
Basically, with the Foundation Series MR920 you’re getting a G19-size pistol with excellent grip texture, a smart multi-optics mounting system and compatibility with the massive aftermarket built to support the Austrian handgun market. Add in three backstrap inserts to best fit the MR920 to the shooter’s hand, two magazines and the ability to mount optics, all at an MSRP slightly below that of its closest rival? The Shadow Systems Foundation series MR920 has much to offer at a budget-friendly price indeed.
Holster: Mission First Tactical Ambidextrous Appendix IWB/OWB (MSRP: $49.99)
Shadow Systems claims its pistols are compatible with holsters made for the Glock G19, so we’ve selected the Mission First Tactical Ambidextrous Appendix IWB/OWB. With the ability to be carried in a variety of positions and by right- or left-handed shooters, there’s a lot of utility in this simple, single-sheet Boltaron holster. It’s a study in simplicity, with matching attachment points on both sides of the holster that allow the user to select how and where it is worn.
In addition to changing the position, cant can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees depending on where the holster is to be worn. Retention is achieved by both form fitting and a single screw adjustment for loosening or tightening the retention as desired. A tall sight channel allows for suppressor-height sights, while the open muzzle allows for compensators and threaded barrels. The Ambidextrous Appendix IWB/OWB holster is also cut to allow a mounted optic.
Optic: EOTech EFLX red dot (MSRP: $389)
Given the unique optics-mounting system on the Shadow Systems Foundation Series MR920, we’ve opted for EOTech’s excellent EFLX red-dot sight. Released at SHOT Show 2022, the EFLX represented EOTech’s first reflex-style sight, a departure from the company’s traditional holographic sights for which it has been known. This is a testament to the ubiquity and popularity of pistol-slide-mounted red-dot sights in current production.
The EFLX is available with either a 3- or 6-MOA dot, uses the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint and the common CR2032 battery. Seven daytime settings, an “ultrabright” setting and one night-vision-compatible setting are available for brightness, and battery life is a claimed 20,000 hours for the 6-MOA dot and 25,000 hours for the 3-MOA dot on setting 5. The EFLX is impact- and water-resistant, weighs 1.4 ounces and comes with a sight-adjustment tool and a Torx wrench for mounting.
