Steyr L9A1, Thoughts?

[Stojanovich]

I'm thinking about finally adding a striker-fired pistol to the collection.  I've tried a few already: P-07 and P-09, Glock 19 and 23 but am seriously considering one of the Steyr's after getting to fondle both the L9A1 and C9A1 at my local CZ dealer.  They fit my hand perfectly.  I've been a lifelong admirer of Steyr-Mannlicher rifles.  Pistols, though?  Not so much.  It seems like the Austrian manufacturers are always in a contest to see who can produce the ugliest gun.

But after being allowed to cycle the triggers with snapcaps loaded, I can honestly say the L9A1 and C9A1 took me by surprise - about a 5, maybe 5 1/2 lbs. pull by my guesstimation.  The triangular sights would probably take some getting used-to?

Just wanted to see if anyone else owned one or had any previous experience?  Thanks!

[Rhino]

Never held one but looks like you can get a really high grip. They are fugly but still better looking than a Glock. 😄

[Cyanide]

Had a C9-A1 and S9-A1, and though I no longer have them, Steyr's are still one of my favorite striker-fire pistols. The trap sights make target acquisition extremely quick and the extended beavertail really let you choke up on the grip.

Funny thing is, the Steyr has virtually the same grip angle as Glock, but is much more natural feeling and comfortable in the hand for those of us who find Glock grips blocky and/or have small hands (the original design was meant as an improved ergonomic design for Glock - another story altogether).

[jwc007]

I currently own and occasionally carry a Steyr L9A1.  It's been a good handgun, so far. Has fed and fired everything I've put into it's Magazine.  I've not had any issue with the sights, so far, but they do take a bit of getting used to.  You can read my review of it here: http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=72674.msg515077#msg515077


Steyr L9A1 9mm Pistol with Hogue Handall Grip trimmed to fit

[Stojanovich]

It's probably going to be one of my next purchases based on your feedback and the YouTube videos I've been watching.  Looks solid and shoots extremely well.  Yes, the grip, to me, is more comfortable than a Glock's. 

[Cyanide]

Somewhere floating around the web I did a huge write up about why I love the Steyr so much haha.

My old Gen 3 Glock 19 and Steyr C9-A1:



Then the S9-A1 with some other smaller peers:







I must admit however, I still enjoy the way that the first generation Steyr M9 looks!

[TScottW99]

I really like the feel of them but I've yet to shoot one.

[RenegadeDave]

I shot a magazine at a match, took two shots before I went like 8 for 8 on steel at various distances.  If you compete you might mention it to them and they will hook you up with a reduced price coupon to run them in competition.  At least the guy at the booth assured me I could, but I was already looking dapper in my buddy's ammo company jersey.  He sounded serious though, I think they are hurting for exposure. They are better than most striker guns I have handled, if Dawson makes sights you'd be off to the races


Sent from an iDevice.  Please forgive any grammatical or spelling errors.  If the post doesn't make sense or is not amusing then it is technology's fault and most certainly not operator error.

[Stojanovich]

Finally got around to reading jwc007's detailed report on his L9A1 today.  Well done, sir!  That was as good as any review I've read anywhere.  Really validates my decision to go with a Steyr.  Thanks to all for the input!

[jwc007]

Finally got around to reading jwc007's detailed report on his L9A1 today.  Well done, sir!  That was as good as any review I've read anywhere.  Really validates my decision to go with a Steyr.  Thanks to all for the input!

Thankyou and You are most Welcome!    I may be carrying my L9A1, this Winter.

[Cyanide]

Sorry, late to the party as always!

http://www.czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=67492.0;nowap

[Stojanovich]

I thought I'd be lucky to find anyone on this forum who owned a Steyr!  Wow!  Excellent write-ups, guys!  I really appreciate the time and effort it took to create those.  I have a CZ 2075 Rami in layaway until September 23rd.  Once I pick it up, I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and then get my LGS to order an L9A1 for me.  If they can't, I'll try to find one on GB?  I logged-on GB last night and see that they now sell a version of it with a threaded barrel.  I may have to seriously consider getting a can if I get one of those!  Thanks again!

Stoj

[JaPes]

I own the M9A1.  The Styer is unique in it's exterior design.  The grip angle, the trigger reach, the low riding slide, the trapezoidal OEM sights make it different.  The trigger shoe has a wide face with a shallow curve.  The trigger is much better than an OEM Glock or XD.  The trigger break and reset come close to, but not quite as nice as the PPQ or VP9.  The slide is wider and more squat than other 9mm pistols.  The slide is wider than a Glock 19's slide, and is more comparable in width to a large frame Glock's slide (20/21).  Just looking at the grip from all sides, it doesn't look comfortable.  Once in the hand, it feels right.

Lack of aftermarket support is the major challenge in owning a Styer M9A1.  Want to change the sights?  I think only Trijicon makes 3 dot night sights for it.  There aren't as many choices of holsters.  If I ever decided to put it in the carry rotation, I'd have to get a kydex holster made locally or try to make it myself.  The next challenge is the trapezoidal sights.  At first they're a bit frustrating, but it gets easier with more trigger time. 
 
I've been through all the usual polymer framed striker fired handguns: Glock, XD, Sig 320, Walther PPQ, H&K VP9.  After a while, they all start to feel like the same old thing warmed over with a new slide cut, modular grip, or the latest end-all-be-all trigger.    My current polymer framed lineup includes three Glocks and the Styer.  The Styer M9A1 is probably the last polymer framed striker fired pistol I'll purchase.

[Redcat94]

I bought an M9-A1 several years ago. I really like it although I prefer the Walther PPQ. Its got a comfortable grip and a pretty good trigger. The trapezoidal sights are easy to get used to. Mine came in white but Brownells have a red front/yellow rear if you want a little contrast. The slide is a little small, similar to a CZ75B. Mine came with two seventeen round magazines but fifteen round are also available if you want something a little more compact.

One thing I'd like to point out is that the picture in the OP's first post has a safety forward and below the disassembly lever. Mine doesn't have this and I don't believe they are available any more. Another feature deleted on newer models is a Springfield XD type loaded chamber indicator on the back of the slide.

[Stojanovich]

Thanks again for all the responses.  I'll definitely be picking one up in the near future if it's still available.