Chances are if you’re new to guns — particularly handguns — a budget 9mm seems like a good place to start. And this SCCY 9MM is just that.
A budget handgun, that is. Budget in every way.
Is the SCCY a good place to start? Find out below whether the SCCY CPX is a good representative of what a 9MM pistol should be.
Let’s look into a full review to see whether the SCCY meets my seal of approval.
SCCY CPX-2 9MM: A PISTOL UNDER FIRE
At first glance, the SCCY CPX-2 handgun looks like it could be a strong candidate for those looking for a cheaper option when it comes to handguns.
It’s a sleek-looking pistol which seems to have improved from the major design complaint (the manual safety) of its predecessor–the SCCY CPX-1. The SCCY weighs in at right around 15 oz. and measures out to just above 5″ making it relatively comfortable as a carry gun.
SCCY CPX SPECS
Firing Mechanism
Double Action Only
Caliber
9mm
Weight
15 oz
Barrel Length
3.1″
Sights
3 Dot Sights
But… that doesn’t necessarily mean that SCCY CPX pistols hit the bullseye as you’ll see later on.
A horrible trigger and serious reliability issues make this gun less than optimal. At any price point, a gun should not sacrifice its basic purpose: to provide the shooter with a safe and and reliable way to fire a gun.
SCCY CPX-2 KEY FEATURES AND CHANGES
1 Double Action Trigger
The trigger pull of the SCCY CPX is around 9lb and although long and heavy, it is relatively smooth.
3 Internal Hammer Firing System
The SCCY CPX is equipped with a double action firing system. The hammer is a semi-internal component coupled with an inertial firing pin to prevent accidental discharge in the event of dropping.
2 Removal of Manual Safety
The Manual Safety was removed from CPX-2 after complaints against the previous model’s safety placement.
SCCY CPX 9MM PISTOL – OUR TAKE
Here’s a quick summary: Based on our testing, we do NOT recommend the SCCY CPX 9mm pistol. If you’d like to see a review of a budget pistol that we liked, check out our Canik TP9SF Review.
What we liked about it: We loved the idea of a budget handgun. Despite what you might see/read online, not everyone needs the best handgun for ccw, home defense, or range use. Sure, a nicer handgun is better (to a point) but not everyone can afford $500’ish and up for a handgun.
So, we purchased and tested a SCCY CPX in 9mm hoping that it would be a great budget option. More on this below.
We also liked the color options – we purchased a bright orange frame with a stainless steel slide because we thought that the CPX, as a budget gun, might be a great gun to pack away in an emergency kit and the high visibility and corrosion resistance might come in handy.
Believe it or not, the gun was decently accurate.
What we didn’t like: This is the worst trigger we’ve shot on a handgun – especially one that is supposed to be for ccw/defensive shooting. Sure, a long and heavy double action trigger isn’t normally desirable but we were willing to overlook these qualities because there are other good pistols with these features and because of the price point of the gun. Also, the SCCY seems to be for new shooters so the heavy trigger might (repeat, might) be a little safer for those that haven’t had proper training.
Our big problem with the SCCY 9mm trigger was the reset. It is super easy to “short stroke” this trigger by not allowing it to return all the way forward. This is because it has to go so far to reset, because there is NO audible nor tactile reset indication, and because the return spring is so weak that the trigger doesn’t easily jump back to its reset position – more than once we had merely contact pressure on the trigger and that was enough to keep it from resetting. The only way we could get the trigger to reset was to completely remove our finger from the trigger after every shot. And, because it is so weak, we could easily see a bit fo dirt/grime giving enough resistance to prevent the weak trigger return spring from doing its job.
Despite the bad trigger, there is another major problem with the SCCY pistol we tested: it wouldn’t function for more than a couple rounds in a row! That’s right, we had more than one malfunction for every magazine we fired using factory 9mm Magtech ammunition that we use in every other gun we test without a problem.
Ergonomics – the gun looks ergonomic but it was uncomfortable to shoot.
Finish – Simply taking the gun out of the box on delivery to inspect it and then opening the box one week later on range day resulted in rust on the “stainless” slide. This is unacceptable for a pistol. We’re not sure if it is actually stainless steel or if it is just a color.
We really wanted to like this gun as a budget option for those that can’t afford something nicer. If we didn’t have any hope for it, we wouldn’t have purchased it.
However, after our testing of the SCCY CPX pistol, here’s our advice: stay away. We understand that you might be tempted by the price point but a gun that doesn’t work reliably is dangerous.
If you’re looking for a budget firearm, take a look at the Canik instead – it is the same/similar price and it is a great firearm.
SCCY CPX-2 PROS AND CONS
- Inexpensive
- Comes Available in Many Colors
- Trigger Reset
- Doesn’t work!
REPORT CARD
RELIABILITY
It can’t even make it through one magazine.
F
ACCURACY
Decently accurate for a pocket pistol
C
CUSTOMIZATION
Not much you can change.
C
ERGONOMICS
Horrible – it actually hurt to shoot.
F
VALUE
Horrible. It’s cheap, but it doesn’t work.
F
FINAL GRADE : F
BETTER CCW's in its Class to Check Out
As you know we were not fans of the SCCY CPX! We are not trying to be mean or vindictive, however when you are talking about a firearm (even a budget gun) that you want to carry and use for self defense…that firearm MUST be reliable in every sense of the word. The SCCY was not reliable, as you could tell from our review and videos. So below, we have some better options for you to review. The guns we have below have MUCH better grades and we feel much more confident in recommending.
The Glock 43X is way above the SCCY CPX in our opinion It is a mixture of the Glock 48 and Glock 43. We don’t like that it has a smaller capacity compared to the P365 but we did love it’s accuracy amongst other things You can see more by READING HERE.
Here’s what I can tell you, for sure… this handgun is the absolute best concealed carry option for me. But, you can read MORE HERE.
If you own the SCCY CPX or are looking to get one, here would be some minimum upgrade options that you could get with your gun. You most likely own some of these items already, but if not, it would be worth grabbing some of them for yourself.
- EXTRA MAG: SCCY CPX High Capacity 9mm 32 rd Magazine
- 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 SCCY CPX 9mm. These suggestions are specific to the SCCY:
Best Holster for the SCCY CPX
If your getting a CCW or any handgun, a holster is most likely needed. Keep in mind some tips when choosing a proper holster. First, you don’t need anything fancy, just practical. Get something you don’t mind wearing around and you can easily draw your firearm. Next, you need to be sure it will fully conceal your firearm. When it comes to my CCW, I think practical and ease of use first, before any other factors.
Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster
EDITORS CHOICE: I am a fan of Kydex made holsters because they are well made and are known to hold your firearm perfectly. This holster is perfect for the SCCY, you will get great use out it.
This holster is very adjustable and can fit many CCW models. It also allows for an attached lower laser light for your firearm, and is very comfortable and effective. Check Amazon Price
Best Gun Laser for the SCCY CPX
Ok, I am going to be honest…I am not a personal fan of lasers on my firearm. However, they do look cool and can give you a level of comfort to see what your aiming in the moment. Again, in a real life and death situation a laser is the last thing you will need. With that being said, if I was going to get a laser for a SCCY, the below would be my choice.
LASERLYTE Laser Sight for SCCY CPX
EDITORS CHOICE: You have multiple colors to choose from with this attachment. (Personal note: not a fan of the pink!) It easily attaches to your SCCY.
How To Care For Your SCCY CPX
The most important thing I can do for my firearm is keep it clean and maintain it. The SCCY CPX or any firearm, needs to be taken care of in order to keep it operational. By keeping up with the maintenance ,it helps extend the life of the firearm! To help you do this, here is a video on field stripping and cleaning the SCCY CPX.
To start cleaning your gun right away, here is the recommended cleaning kit for the SCCY CPX:
