CZ’s P-10 C arrived in 2017 to much fanfare. Released prior to and more enthusiastically than the full-size variant, the smaller pistol (“C” is for compact) was aimed at the Glock G19, the compact that dominated personal-protection pistol sales at the time. After winning rave reviews, the P-10 C seemed to settle into place as “just” another polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol. Despite numerous virtues and few having anything bad to say about it, the market seemed to respond with a distinct “meh.” The already reasonable retail price dropped, and you just didn’t hear much about the gun for a while.
The concealed-carry trend was going great guns (so to speak) and it may just have gotten lost in the crowd. Moreover, many of Glock’s patents had expired, and an abundance of G19 clones was hitting the market. As if that weren’t enough, there was the sudden—yet enduring—infatuation with mini-red-dot sights (MRDS), a trend which resulted in handgun manufacturers scrambling for the best ways to affix the sights to their products. Finally, the target itself shifted. Though still enormously popular, the G19 may have surrendered its lead position to the pack of small, capacious, micro-9 mm double-stack carry guns typified by the SIG Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat and Glock’s own G43X and G48.
The P-10 C we’re looking at here is the relatively new P-10 C OR SR. To break the code, it’s a P-10 compact that is both optic-ready and suppressor-ready. The slide is pre-cut for an MRDS (a cover plate comes installed), the iron sights are suppressor height and the barrel is threaded and comes with a thread protector. Aside from those enhancements, it’s a P-10 C—and that’s a good thing.
The initial impression of the gun is that it seems huge. The micro-9s have really altered perspective on what constitutes a compact carry gun. The threaded barrel and super-thick magazine base pad only enhance the already considerable dimensions of the gun. I had to remove the magazine and thread protector to get it into the Vaultek portable pistol vault I use when checking handguns when flying. Moreover, the threaded barrel demands an open-muzzle holster, which was happily provided by ANR Design.
The grip frame is deeply contoured at the top of the backstrap. You almost reach into it, as with a set of anatomical target grips. The web of your hand fits deeply and snugly beneath the rear of the slide. It is covered with relatively far-spaced small squares that provide surprising purchase. Because they are not close together, the skin of your palm reaches the grip surface while the checks engage your skin at each point. It works to keep your hand in position, but it’s something less than fun during an extended range session. That said, it is excellent for the rapid defensive engagements for which the pistol was designed.
The magazine release is reversible for left-hand use, while there are dual slide-lock releases, one on each side of the pistol. The slide has front- and rear-cocking serrations. I’m not a fan of front-cocking serrations, but others are and, front or rear, these work quite well. Disassembly is identical to the process required by that Austrian pistol. Internals of the P-10 C are notably robust.
The trigger is more than decent by striker-fired standards. You compress the safety blade, then engage the trigger itself. There is about three-eighths of an inch of movement, followed by a sudden low wall and then the break, which occurred at a measured 5 pounds and 10 ounces. It was a predictable break; not great in an NRA Precision pistol, but good in a personal-protection gun.
As is the case with most of the better product lines from major manufacturers, the P-10 C comes with different size backstrap inserts to fit a range of hands. It arrived with the smallest one installed but, after trying all three, I found that the large fit me best. I also found that the manual recommends using a new roll pin when changing backstraps, but also that one is not included. I stuck with the original and had no issues.
Perhaps the most troublesome aspect of the P-10 C OR SR is that CZ has fallen behind the curve when it comes to mounting the MRDS, as other companies have already found ways to directly mount multiple brands of red-dot sights. CZ requires that you order a brand-specific plate produced by a third party. I somehow doubt consumers respond enthusi-astically to the extra step.
That’s a shame, though, as the P-10 C OR SR is quite a good gun, one that otherwise comes well-outfitted for immediate customization. It offers the versatility to perform well for duty, concealed carry, home defense, etc., while carrying CZ’s reputation for sound engineering and rock-solid reliability. Best of all, you get all of this at a bargain price for one of the better all-around defensive pistols.
