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 that 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
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
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
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 you’re aiming at 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 to 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:
12 Comments
Rob Martin
First bad review of Sccy I’ve seen.
Ryan Cleckner
Although it sucks to give a gun a bad review, this is exactly why we started Gun University. It is WAY too common to read reviews that say every product is amazing. We wanted to make a place to get the straight truth about firearms. Unfortunately, that means that some guns don’t make the grade.
Nate Tenney
Not my experience with SCCY CPX2. My gun runs without a glitch. I have not used Magtech ammo.
fred w
It appears that sccy is a fairly new company trying to give the consumers what they want. People complained about the external safety, sccy took it off. People complained about the double action trigger, sccy is coming out with a striker fired model. The current complaint now is the most important – unreliable. I hope we give sccy a chance to correct this most important problem. I have heard that the problem may be in some of the magazines. Also, the feed ramp is not exactly smooth and has a sharp angle that could be part of the problem. it would be a shame if this company that listens to its consumers would fail because of a rocky start. Please do another review when the striker fired model becomes available.
Ryan Cleckner
I have confidence that they’ll make things better. I know the owner and it was really disappointing to see the performance of the pistol we got. I had hoped it would be good (it was a private purchase I made).The company is new compared to some other but it is still 17 years old.
K. Stevens
I have a SCCY CPX2 which I bought it in 2016. I have run more than 4,000+ rounds thru it without a problem. Now, I’ve had more expensive semi-autos that have given me problems. Semi-autos in the $700-$900 range. I will say that it does kick a bit due to its light weight.
Reliability. My experience has been that it is very reliable.
Roger Brown
It appears you have been very harsh on the SCCY pistol. The capacity of 10+1 is good, and has not been mentioned. The double strike capability is a good feature as well. It is compact and easily concealable. The grip may feel a bit fat, but it also gives a secure purchase on the pistol. The trigger may feel heavy at first, being a DAO type, but it really is not unmanageable. The SCCY pistols are made in the U.S.of A. and have an excellent warranty and a no questions asked service policy. SCCY is coming out with a striker-fired version, and has pistols that come with red dot sights and are not expensive to own. The CPX-2 is not something that deserves a low grade that you have given it and it should not be disregarded by anyone. It’s a great value in a hand gun.
Ryan Cleckner
Did you miss the part in the video where the gun fundamentally didn’t work?
Ross
Not my SCCY
Ryan Cleckner
Correct, we didn’t review your SCCY. We reviewed and shared our experience with the one we bought.
Ross
I own 2 CPX2’s and both work flawlessly. Never any problems. Very reliable little firearms.
Ryan Cleckner
We’re glad to hear that