Cyanide971
New member
To preface this, I must admit that in my 24 years dealing with pistols I prefer a hammer-fired pistol and that will be that. Moving forward now.
My first venture into the realm of striker fire pistols was like a lot of other people: Glock. I started with a Gen 3 19 and shot it well enough, then bought a Gen 4 26. Like many others, I had my gripes and knew that Glock was in no way, shape, or form the be all, end all. And though I do like them, would have absolutely no issue carrying one, and admire them for their success (regardless of how they achieved it), I no longer own any and don't see having one again anytime soon, if ever.
Along the way I've added Walthers, Ruger, Taurus (all sold/selling), and have repeatedly shot multiple M&P's and XD's. I've handled the new Sig P320 and HK VP-9 every chance I get. I know that handling and dry firing a pistol can only tell you so much, but it tells me enough, and I don't see anything on those two that jumps out at me screaming, "I'm better! Buy me!" They just don't do it for me for one reason or another. Enough said.
Now onto my story...
A good friend owns a Steyr and suggested I check them out. Easier said than done since they aren't well-stocked at most places but, I did as much digging around the web gathering info between reviews and actual talk throughout the various forums. Found it interesting reading in several places how Wilhelm Bubits had a hand in the original Glock design, then later on had a few design improvements that apparently Gaston did not like. So whatever happened, happened, Wilhelm's ideas ended up at Steyr, and the rest is history.
As luck would have it, I happened to find an original 1st generation M9 at a gun store along a route I was driving awhile back. I immediately put it side by side with a Glock 19 for comparison. Then came the moment of truth, and I was hooked....
Immediately I noticed a much better natural point-of-aim and balance in hand, no doubt due to the simplest of changes; a slightly less aggressive grip angle and a slimmer, narrower grip. Then there were the trapezoid sights, a lighter-feeling, smoother trigger with a much shorter travel, and an easier field-stripping technique.
So my search began for an improved newer generation model (the "-A1" designation) and within a week I had found a used C9-A1 at another gun store along my route. After messing with it beside another G19, it went on layaway and my 19 was easily sold off a few days later to fund the remaining balance. Oh, and buy lots of ammo.
Almost 2 years and over 2k rounds fired later, and it's still going strong. Aside from an initial issue I had with the original 15-rd mag springs being weak and not reliably locking the slide back following the last shot (17-rd mags perform flawlessly), I've had zero issues with it, or the compact S9-A1.
Why I prefer the Steyr over the competition:
Ergonomics
It may look funky to some, but it has a grip angle that reminds me of holding an old P-08 Luger. The controls are also easy for me to reach and operate. The pistol sits very deep in your hand, and the backstrap & beavertail area provide a lot of real estate to balance the pistol out and protect from any possible slide bite. *Glock is shown since it has the least amount of backstrap area of pistols I've owned, short of putting on the extended beavertail insert on the Gen 4.
Also, whereas other manufacturers' subcompact pistols have extremely short grips that only allow for two fingers with the pinky wrapped under the magazine barring an extension, the Steyr S-A1 has just enough real estate to get a full hand wrap (unless you have giant bear paws). Based on it's width I don't know if I'd ever call it a true subcompact, but it does work for me in a deep concealment role.
Trigger
Hands down, this is the best striker-fire trigger on the market to me. It has an extremely short travel of 4mm that is smooth and makes it's pull weight feel lighter than it is (mine both register around 5.2#).
I personally prefer the trigger safety design on the Steyr over the majority of it's peers. Whereas Glocks, PPQ's, XD's, SR's have a hinged, pivot safety lever, Steyr uses a plunger style safety. Think of it as a miniature 1911 trigger that pulls straight back to disengage.
Sights
Steel, and with a very unique, yet effective trapezoidal design which really draws your eyes to your target, especially up close at shorter ranges. There's also traditional 3-dot sights available (comes with a red front sight dot), and tritium 3-dots also.
Disassembly
Ensure the pistol is clear, dry fire to release the sear, then push in the internal lock button with your finger, then simultaneously rotate the takedown lever and you're done.
CC'ing
The Steyr grip angle lends itself well to concealment, especially the compact S/S-A1 models IWB. Me personally, I will take a slightly thicker slide yet a slimmer grip, and yes, the Steyr slide is beefy, as you can see from the pictures.
Have no fear however, there are several companies that make quality, Steyr-specific holsters for them.
Now, for things I think that Steyr could improve upon:
Trigger
Improve the reset. Those who want a very hard, positive reset will be disappointed, as it is very soft and faint.
Compact Magazine
Redesign it minus the huge plastic spacer on the bottom portion and squeeze in another couple of rounds.
Grip Texture
Roughen it up with some aggressive stippling from the factory. Think of it as the same feel on a Gen 3 Glock.
Front Slide Serrations
The new L-A1 has them, so it'd be nice to see them offered on at least the newer M-A1 and C-A1 models.
Caliber Availability
Make it in a .45 ACP variant for fans of that caliber.
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But on the whole you are right they are over priced on almost everything gun wise.