Mossberg Pistol Review – Mc1sc [+ Video]

Mossberg makes handguns? Yes indeed. And we’re going to break it down in a Gun University Mc1sc review.

Oh, but to me more accurate – Mossberg is making handguns again (more on that below).

The MC1sc is a semi-automatic polymer striker-fired pistol. Mossberg seems to have released the MC1sc correctly…it was quickly available in 5 different models, and it a number of accessories were quickly ready.

We had a great time shooting this gun. It would’ve been easy for us to scoff at it, but this was the biggest surprise we saw back at SHOT Show 2019. Now a few years later, this little gun continues to punch way above its class.

Mossberg Pistol Background

Until this new MC1SC pistol from Mossberg, their latest pistol offering was in 1932! This prior handgun, a pepperbox derringer-style handgun with 4 barrels and chambered in 22 lr, was called the Mossberg Brownie.

The $100 year old Mossberg Brownie goes for about 5 times more than the new MC1sc – we found an auction listing for this nickel-plated Brownie valued at around $2,000.

The old pepperbox isn’t really practical today. This newest Mossberg handgun, the MC1sc, almost a hundred years after the last, is a much more practical handgun and it is an exciting (and completely unexpected) move in our industry.

Israeli Weapons Industries released the Tavor X95 as a newer bullpup rifle to rival their older SAR design in the same range. As you’d expect from an IWI bullpup, it is reliable and accurate, but we do suggest you make some upgrades.

So what did we love about the X95? Perhaps the standout positive feature is its reliability. When you consider its background as an Israeli weapon, this is no surprise. The X95 was designed to perform in the harshest climate and the toughest on the ground conditions.

Although a polymer striker fired handgun isn’t exactly novel, it’s pretty cool that Mossberg went after it. Let’s see if their shift from long guns to a hand gun goes better than Remington’s attempt (hint: it was about as good as Taco Bell coming out with Hamburgers).

Mossberg MC1SC Features

1 Flat Trigger w/ Blade Safety

The MC1sc has an aggressive trigger design – we didn’t expect this from Mossberg. It is debatable whether a flat or curved trigger shoe is “better.” Honestly, it is a personal preference. However such a “cool” trigger design is usually available only as an aftermarket upgrade part.

2 “Safe Takedown System”

Mossberg is very proud of the MC1sc’s “safe” method of takedown. They explain that, although it has a similar striker design to a Glock, unlike a Glock, the trigger doesn’t need to be pulled prior to disassembly.

3 Unique Magazine Design

Mossberg thought outside the box with their magazine (good on them!). First, they made a clear magazine so that it is easy to see the magazine’s capacity/condition. Second, they made the magazine compatible with Glock 43 magazines! More manufacturers should consider these things.

Mossberg MC1SC Review – Our Take

A. Safe Takedown System ensures no trigger pull required during disassembly.

B. Mossberg signature multi-angle slide serrations for positive slide manipulation.

C. Standard snag-free dovetail white three-dot sights for easier target acquisition, windage adjustment, and after-market customization.

D. Stainless steel slide with upgraded Diamond-Like Carbon Coating.

E. 3.4″ barrel with upgraded Diamond-Like Carbon Coating.

F. Extended trigger guard for easy access.

G. Mossberg flat-profile trigger with integrated blade safety.

H. Reversible magazine release.

I. Aggressive signature Mossberg grip texturing.

J. Palm swell and grip angle provide superior ergonomics.

K. Glass-reinforced polymer frame for enhanced durability.

L. Mossberg Clear-Count™ polymer 6-round flush-fit and 7-round extended magazines offer low friction and high wear-resistance.

We’ll say this again…this little gun really surprised us!Here are some of our first thoughts…

First, Mossberg is late to the game in the polymer, striker fired, compact/concealed carry pistol market.

There are well-established brands the dominate this space: Glock, Smith and Wesson, Springfield, FN, Beretta, H&K, Ruger, SCCY, Kahr, etc. This means a couple things:

The market is FLOODED with product and marketing, and
These other established companies have a lot more experience with these products.

Of course, this isn’t to say that Mossberg can’t be successful here. In fact we hope they do. However, if Glock came out with a pump-action shotgun, they’d have an uphill battle to compete with Mossberg regardless of how well Glock can make pistols.

Second, the design doesn’t appear to be revolutionary nor innovative. However, that’s not exactly fair. Let me explain.

The MC1sc from Mossberg doesn’t offer anything fundamentally different from other similar handguns and, in fact, is a bit behind on size for capacity (see Sig’s P365).

This MC1sc is on par with and good competition as an alternative to the Glock 43. However, with Glock’s newest G43x and Sig’s P365 from last year, this configuration (size and weight for 6 rounds) leaves something to be desired.

Here’s what’s great about the Mossberg MC1sc: Mossberg takes its reputation for quality and reliable, although budget and sometimes “no-frills,” firearms and applies it to this pistol.

In our book, Mossberg firearms have never been the nicest available nor the prettiest, however they usually represent a good value and they have their eye on quality control (which is very rare these days).

The magazines are really pretty neat! We’re really proud of Mossberg here. So many companies have a proprietary size to their parts simple because they want to be different. Mossberg designed the MC1sc to accept Glock 43 magazines! (a clear nod to this pistol’s intended competition).

Also, the magazines are clear. In this day and age, I don’t know why more manufacturers don’t do this. I’m very excited to try them out and see how they work and hold-up.

The magazines do, however, feel cheap. We’re not saying that they are, but there’s something a bit weird about the clear plastic magazines by any company. We’re looking forward to seeing how well they hold up – the magazines at SHOT Show were seeing a lot of rounds and the mags were holding up great.

The striker looks very Glock-like but it takes down (disassembles) without needing to pull the trigger. This is advertised as a safety feature, and I’m sure it is, but we’re not sure it’s necessary. If you’re going to be unsafe with a gun, then you’re going to be unsafe…regardless of how the pistol was designed.

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We have to applaud Mossberg on their ingenuity here – the back plate of the slide has a button that, once depressed, allows the plate to easily be removed followed by the striker. Then, the slide can be released and it comes straight off the frame – it is not held in place with a takedown lever/block. The slide is held on the frame by the rear plate.
The MC1sc doesn’t appear to have an external safety (other than the safety on the trigger). However, they have also released a model with a cross-bolt safety (something VERY unique for a handgun). This proved fairly practical because it was easy to ignore if not wanted. However, a grip or thumb safety is much easier and faster to disengage when needed.

Other advertised features include the textured grip and “snag-free” sights. Also, from their marketing photos, it appears that they’ll be offering a holster for the MC1sc very soon.

The Mossberg MC1sc exceeded expectations! Check out the 5 models below.

One thing we’d like to see changed…the texturing. It’s not “bad,” however, the good stippling is on the sides (where it’s not as useful) and the front and rear (which receive the most pressure when we shoot) has horizontal lines instead of the stippling/checkering on the sides.

Also, we’re guessing that the “sc” in the MC1sc pistol’s name stands for “sub-compact” – this may mean that we can expect larger versions of the MC1 pistol from Mossberg.

Overall, this gun is a GREAT value and you can’t go wrong with it for the price.

Mossberg MC1 Pros and Cons

If you own the Mossberg MC1 Pistol or are looking to get one, here would be some suggestions I recommend that you get with your gun. A lot of this you might already own, but if you don’t then you should possibly look at grabbing them.

• EXTRA MAG: MC1sc Clear Count Polymer Magazine, 7 RND
• AMMO
  • Self Defense- Barnes 9mm 115 GR Ammo
  • Range/Training- MagTech 9mm 115GR FMJ Ammo
• GUN CLEANING KIT: Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon
• GUN SAFE- Vaultek Biometric Gun Safe on Amazon

Also, I am giving you some possible options to upgrade your Mossberg MC1 SC. These suggestions are specific to the Hellcat:

Best Holsters for the Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol

At some point, you will need a holster if you’re getting a CCW or any type of handgun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a holster. The first is, keep it basic. You don’t need really anything fancy. Get something really comfortable so it won’t cause you issues when drawing your firearm. Lastly, be sure to get one that will fully conceal your firearm. There are too many holsters out there that look great, but fail on the practical side as a holster.

2A Holsters IWB Kydex Holster

Check Amazon Price

This is a great holster for your Mossberg MC1 SC! I like it for two reasons. One, it evenly distributes the weight of the gun using the belt and pants. Two, it is super easy to adjust and that is one of my biggest issues when it comes to holsters. I don’t want a holster that “almost” fits my firearm…I want it to just fit! CHECK AMAZON PRICE

The great thing about this leather holster for me, is fact that it is just that…its leather! I am a fan of leather and if you have a good leather holster, it will break in and begin to feel like a glove for your firearm. The Desantis Mini has an easy connection on the belt, and my Glock fits great.

Check Amazon Price

So, we have our Best Budget Award holster here for the Mossberg Pistol. This thing is nothing fancy by any means, but it gets the job done and that’s good enough for me.

 Check Amazon Price

Other CCW Handguns in its Class

We know that some of you are still needing more info and options, which we totally understand. The MC1 SC is a fantastic gun, but there are others in its class that are just as good a firearm, if not better. So we want to help eliminate any doubt for you and give you at least one more review to see what else might compare.

The Glock 43X is a combination of the Glock 48 and Glock 43. Glock was super smart by creating its own version of the P365. Can’t beat them, you join them right? We didn’t like the fact that it has a smaller capacity compared to the P365 but, we did love its accuracy! READ MORE

This is the King CCW in my book and is so capable and versatile! It is not a tiny version of the gun I’d rather have…. it IS the gun I’d rather have. See what I really think. READ MORE

How to Care for Your Mossberg MC1SC Pistol

The most important thing we can do for our firearm is to keep it clean and maintain it. The Mossberg MC1 SC is a stellar firearm, so it’s important to take care of it and keep it operational. Keeping up with the maintenance will make it last a lifetime! To help you do this, here is a video on field stripping and cleaning the Mossberg MC1 SC.

If you want to start cleaning your gun right away, here is the recommended cleaning kit for the Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol.

• Gloryfire Universal Cleaning Kit on Amazon

Important Links And Manuals For Your Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol

• Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol Website
• Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol Videos
• Mossberg MC1 SC Pistol Manual