Steyr C9-A1

Steyr Mannlicher · Pistol · In Production · 2011

Also known as: Steyr C-A1, Steyr C9-A1 Compact

Overview

The Steyr C9-A1 is a compact, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced by Steyr Mannlicher in 2011. Part of the A1 pistol line, it pairs a full-size polymer frame and 15-round magazine with a shortened 3.6-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel to bridge the gap between the full-size M-A1 and the sub-compact S-A1. It is noted for its exceptionally low bore axis, which reduces muzzle flip, along with Steyr's signature trapezoidal three-dot sights and Reset Action System trigger.

Specifications

Weight (empty)723 g (25.5 oz)
Weight (loaded)905 g (31.9 oz)
Overall Length170 mm (6.69")
Barrel Length91 mm (3.58")
Height130 mm (5.12")
Width30 mm (1.18")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Trigger Pull22 N (4.9 lbf)
Magazine Capacity15 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity345 m/s (1132 fps)
Muzzle Energy443 J (327 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Maximum Range1800 m (1968 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist249 mm (9.80")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishMannox

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 2011-present

Civilian concealed-carry market pistol; the C-A1 line was later updated to the A2 MF (Modular Frame) generation.

Origin

Country of origin: Austria

Designer: Steyr Mannlicher

Notes

Marketed by Steyr as a double-action-only feel via its Reset Action System, though the mechanism is a striker-fired design. Standard 15-round magazines ship with the pistol; 17-round magazines from the full-size M-A1 are interchangeable.

Background

Steyr's A1 pistols trace their design lineage to the radical Steyr GB and the 1999 Steyr M, whose ergonomic low-slung grip and low bore axis were engineered by Austrian designer Friedrich Aigner to keep the barrel as close to the shooter's hand as possible.