TR Holsters IWB, OWB, and RTI Review

TR Holsters OWB and "L" Double Mag Carrier in Kryptek Raid

I have a veritable "shoebox full of holsters" from various companies that I have acquired over the years.  After much trial and error, I've narrowed down my go-to list of holster makers to include G-Code, Armordillo Concealment, CJP Custom Kydex, and Guncraft.  They all make great products, and the latest addition to that list is TR Holsters.

G-Code, Priority 1, Guncraft, Comp-Tac, Raven Concealment, JM Custom,
CJP Custom, Armordillo Concealment, & TR Holsters.

A few months ago I was looking for an RTI compatible, light bearing holster with level II retention for my RMR'd Glock 19 w/ X300U.  This would be used in carbine classes or 2-gun.  While the short answer is Safariland, I couldn't find one in stock so I tried searching on Ebay.  That's where I found TR Holsters.  Normally I would have dismissed them as just another Kydex bender, but I noticed a few features that caught my eye.  The blocking was well defined and I saw nice touches like eyelets for the belt clip mounting screw holes.  Their light bearing IWB did not have rivets or a retention screw going under the light or trigger guard.  It was placed in the front, between the muzzle and light bezel.  This meant it was about 1/2" narrower than the more common style.  They also used stronger metal overhooks instead of injection molded, and had holsters for a large variety of gun/light combos including the Roland Special.  I went to their website and placed an order for a Glock 17/x300U-A, RTI holster with a Blade Tech WRS level 2 retention system in medium grey.  Two weeks later I got a call from Janna at TR Holsters.  Before shipping out my order, she wanted to know if I just wanted to pick it up since they were in Rockwell, NC, about 45 minutes from my home.  Even better, they were 10 minutes from work.  I told her I'd be in pick it up the next day around lunch time.

TR Holsters is owned by Tony Moffre, his wife Janna, and their door greeting dogs, Sam and Otis.  Their operation is run out of a steel warehouse, with a small retail store in front.  Along with their kydex goods, they also stock products from Agency Arms, Streamlight, Surefire, BCM, BRCC, Aimpoint, Trijicon, HSGI, and Magpul.  When I remarked on this, Janna replied with, "We don't sell crap."  When the talk turned to holsters, Tony invited me to the back of the shop where he showed me an impressive array of molds, tooling, and his personal firearms.  He let me handle his Roland Special, as well as his MP5 and a few other NFA goodies.  It's very apparent that Tony is passionate about his business, and the fact that he was willing to let a stranger off the street see his operation demonstrates a high level of confidence and pride in his work.  I went home with my new holster and a few boxes of Black Rifle Coffee.

TR Holsters Workshop

No crap here.

Lots of kydex in stock.

After a few minutes fine tuning the retention screws, my Glock snapped perfectly into the holster.  This holster currently lives on my G-Code Operator Belt along with their excellent Softshell Scorpion mag carriers.  This is my preferred setup for carbine classes.  The RTI mounts are high enough that I don't need a drop hanger to clear my plate carrier, and the level 2 retention gives me the piece of mind to stay focused on running my rifle.

When I needed a Glock/x300U IWB holster, I paid TR another visit.  I purchased an in-stock IWB holster for a Glock 17/TLR, a TLR-1HL, Agency trigger, and a few more boxes of Black Rifle coffee.  The only modification I made was to add a strip of self-adhesive suede to the body side of the holster, and cut off the sweat guard.  I do this with all my IWB holsters for comfort and heat protection.  The following weekend, I used them at Sage Dynamic's 2-day Vehicle Defense class, including the 5-hour drive to Georgia.  Despite drawing from odd positions inside and around vehicles, crawling through doors and under bumpers, sliding in the mud, and getting drenched in the rain, the holster help up perfectly.  Not once did my gun come loose or shift out of position on my belt.  A full AAR of the class here.

The screws aren't rusty, that's just Georgia clay.

When I got my new CZ P-10C, I was disappointed that it doesn't fit the majority of my Glock holsters.  In some, it technically goes all the way in, but never "clicks", it just sort of wedges itself, relying on friction for retention.  The exception was with my light bearing holster.  Since it uses the light for retention, the P-10C fits pretty well in my TR Glock 17/TLR IWB holster.  Though it's doesn't fit perfectly, it's secure enough that I've been using this holster exclusively with my P-10C for the last 1,000 rounds, including a 350 round pistol class.  Again, the holster has been excellent.

Fit my CZ P-10C too.

I'd been wanting to shoot an IDPA match with my P-10C, but the rules require a 3 o'clock holster. and mag carriers on the opposite side.  Once again, TR got the call.  Since this holster won't be used for concealed carry, I wanted something with a little more visual interest than plain black, so Tony brought out his assortment of Kydex Colors.  I placed an order for an OWB holster and "L" double mag pouch, and signed the release letting them borrow my gun to mold them.  They went over every detail with me, from what color kydex I wanted, eyelet colors, sweat shield height, belt loop size, etc.  He also couldn't wait to show me his new Sig P320 X-Five and the holster he made for it.  I also picked up some more Black Rifle Coffee K-Cups.  Tony asked if he could shoot a magazine through my P-10C and use it for photos while he had it.  Considering his preference for performance firearms, I told him to shoot as many rounds as he wanted so he could give me a good comparison to some of his high end guns.  That weekend, I ordered two more IWB "L" mag carriers from their website.  A week later, I got a Facebook message that my holster and carriers were done.

The Kryptek Raid is striking.  The grey, a few shades darker than in the photo, subdues it enough to not be obnoxious.  I left the back sides black since they're hidden against the body anyways.  The holster was little tight at first, but after a few dozen practice draws it smoothed out, about equal to my RCS Phantom.  The holster is cut very low, giving me ample space to get a master grip on the gun, but the main body extends up to completely enclose the trigger guard.  Only a small portion of the mag release is covered, and the kydex there is flared, so there's zero danger of it dropping a mag when bumped.  (I tested it by laying down on my side on top of it.)  After a few turns on the retention screw, my magazines draw smoothly from the OWB mag carrier.  The 1.5" belt loops have enough width to fit even the thickest of belts, and can be moved up or down the eyelets to adjust ride height and cant if wanted.  I can't wait to try show them off at the next IDPA match.

With a +2 extension for 17 total rounds, the IWB carriers position the mags at the same height as my Guncraft Rapid with extended Glock 19 mags and the same 17 round capacity.  While the TR carrier is a little deeper and wider, it's not deep enough to notice when I bend over and the width isn't an issue since I separate them with a belt loop.  They are molded to take advantage of the mag release notch, so even if I loosen the retention screw, there is still a slight "bump" when they click into place.  I do run them a little tighter than the OWB "L" carrier.  The metal belt clip is about 1/3 as thick as the injection molded one and twice as strong.  While I'm not worried about breaking the plastic one or having them pull free from my belt, I do like how the thinner metal clips print slightly less, even if the difference is negligible.  The hole spacing on the clip is also industry standard, making replacement easier, though I doubt I'll ever need to worry about that.

TR Holsters "K" on left, my well used Guncraft Rapid on right.

I can't say enough about how impressed I am with TR Holsters craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer service.  If you are looking for a well made, kydex holster, with a reasonable turn-around, you cannot go wrong with TR Holsters.

Armordillo Concealment Lux V.2 Holster Review

I have a confession.  Though I've been aware of Armordillo Conealment for a while now,  I've been saying Armadillo not "Armor"dillo for the longest time.  I also never tried the original Lux.  It was only available in black, and black won't get you as many Instagram views as Kryptek.  In all seriousness, I always wanted to try a Lux.  I liked the idea of a semi-universal holster, but I already had a light-bearing IWB holster for my Glock 19.  I also didn't wait to wait four weeks for a holster that didn't seem to do anything better than what I had.  But when I bought my CZ P-10C, I finally had an excuse to purchase a Lux.  I ordered the Lux on the same day I loaned my P-10C to my local holster maker to bend me a "Gucci" IDPA rig.  I figured I'd have my P-10C back well before the Lux was ready.  To my surprise, the Lux shipped in less than a week, so I didn't have my CZ to try it with.  So I bought a second one.

I carry AIWB, and with a TLR-1 HL added, it is uncomfortable to bend over or sit for extended periods of time, especially when driving.  One way the Lux alleviates this is by mounting the belt clip low on the holster body.  By positioning the gun higher on the belt, it doesn't impede my ability to bend at the waist as much.  While I always knew it was there, I was able to keep it holstered during a 6-hour drive.  While raising the gun up should increase printing, the holster has a few features to help mitigate that.  There is a protruding ledge below the trigger guard, which uses the belt to rotate the butt of the grip inward.  It functions like the RCS Claw, but with a narrower profile.  On the body side, there is a bulge near the muzzle, which levers the grip closer to your stomach.  It also provides some deadspace between the kydex and the slide, creating some very much welcomed heat protection after holstering a hot gun.  Re-holstering without looking is no problem due to the wide weapon light channel, though I usually take a quick peek since I'm generally not in a hurry to re-holster.

Minimalist profile

Integrated "Wedge"

Concealment "Wedge"

Tuckable clip mounting holes

Getting the gun out is just as easy.  It sits high enough on the belt to get a full firing grip, and the retention is excellent.  Indexing on the light, there is a positive "click".  How tight you wear your belt will vary the amount of friction on the draw, but the initial "snap" is unchanged.  This is because unlike most holsters, the Lux isn't folded over at the sight channel, but at the bottom.  It also eliminates the need to use rivets or retention screws under the light, allowing a narrower profile.  The sight channel is open, but deep enough to accommodate suppressor height sights, and there is more than enough clearance for a red dot optic.  The holster is open at the end, allowing coverage for barrels up to 4.5" long.  The thread protector on my Glock 19's Blacklist barrel protrudes about 1/4" inch, but it isn't exposed enough to burn me.

Open sight channel accommodates tall sights.

Plenty of clearance for an optic.

The old version had a 2nd mounting hole for the belt clip, allowing for a straight draw or 15 degree cant.  The V2 has four holes, allowing forward or rearward cant, as well as adjustment to straight draw ride height. They've also added a second mounting point for a tuckable clip if you need to roll deep.  I ordered mine with the industry standard 1.5" belt clip.  It holds securely on both my leather 1.5" Ted Blocker, and 1.5" Ares Gear Aegis.  There is no danger of the holster coming out on the draw, and it prevents the holster from rotating more than a few degrees off center.

Unobstructed grip path

Thread protector peeking out about 1/4".

Conventional light bearing IWB (left) vs Lux (right)

I really can't think of any negatives with this holster.  Of course not every gun/light combo will fit, and it won't always fit as perfectly as one dedicated to a single model of handgun.  But when you take into account its multi-gun nature, the Lux V.2 offers an unmatched blend of comfort, concealability, and versatility.

It's still only available in black though.  Kryptek Raid would look so much better on Instagram.😉

CZ P-10C - 950 Rounds & Modifications

Over the weekend I shot 350 rounds at a class taught by Chris Cerino.  This brings my total round count up to 950.  I had a few issues, both user induced.  Details in the video below.

A few people had additional questions regarding the magazine release.  I outlined those here.

Finally, I replaced the factory striker spring with a Wolff 5# Glock striker spring.  Trigger weight as it stands it 5lbs 3oz.  I don't want to go any lighter since the take-up to the wall is already right at 3 pounds.

I'm loaning my P-10C to TR Holsters.com this week to have a proper kydex holster made for it.  Once I get it back, I plan to give it a 360 degree carry stipple, slightly bob the heel of the backstrap, and add Agency Arms style thumb cuts.  I have a set of P-10C Talon Grips on order to use as templates to help me outline some of the curves.  I'm going to do the same texture I did on my Glocks.  Here's what I have planned.

Update:  I loaned my P-10C to my local holster maker TR Holsters to mold a custom OWB holster and mag pouched for IDPA.  I missed it so much, I bought a second one.  The black one will be for classes and IDPA, while the FDE one will be for CCW and range practice.

2nd P-10C in FDE

CZ P-10C - Trigger Smoothing Video

With detail stripping out of the way, I moved on to slicking up the P-10C's trigger.

CZ P-10C - Detail Strip Video

Complete disassembly and reassembly of my CZ P-10C.

CZ P-10C - First Shots and Holsters

I just put 200 rounds through my newly acquired CZ P-10C.  I shot 50 rounds of American Eagle 115gr FMJ,  30 rounds of Winchester Ranger Bonded 147 JHP, 20 rounds of Winchster Ranger RA9B 147 JHP, and 100 rounds of Speer Lawman 147gr TMJ, my preferred practice ammo.  I like Speer 147 because it's inexpensive, reliable, subsonic for when I use my suppressors, and shoots similarly to my defensive loads.

I didn't clean or lube the pistol prior to shooting.  I only swapped the small backstrap for the medium sized one.  The backstrap roll pin is pretty long, longer than the shank on my Starrett 1/16" punch.   Also, the diameter is 2mm (5/64"), in between 1/16 and 3/32".  I had to be careful not to pound the 1/16" punch into the center of the pin.  I ended up using a broken 5/64 drill bit (the flat side) and a ball peen hammer to tap it the rest of the way out.

First I tested each magazine with a single round to ensure it would lock back on empty.  Then I tried to induce a limp-wristing failure with the 115gr.  I figured a one-finger grip, relaxed wrist, and light practice load would give me the best chance at a failure.  I shot each magazine loaded with five rounds in this way.  I had zero failures.

Reloads are relatively easy.  The top of the magazine is narrow with a long taper, and there's no over-insertion shelf like on the Glock to get hung up.  The backstrap acts like a Glock grip plug, a ramp that guides the rear of the magazine into the well.  The mags eject very positively, springing from the gun even when held horizontal at slide lock.  The gun will "auto-forward" the slide if you slam the mag in hard enough at the right angle, but I couldn't do it consistently.  I prefer the Opposing Forces Reload method anyway.  It's not as easy as it could be sue to the stiffness of the slide release though.  The mag release is also still pretty stiff, but the location under thumb makes it easy to get a solid press.  The mag popped free every time I went for the button.  I did have a few failures to lock back on empty during the accuracy tests when my thumb would touch the slide release.  I think it's because I using a weaker grip to minimize sight movement, because outside of shooting groups, I didn't have any issues.

Next I moved the target back to 25, 50, and 75 feet and shot 5-shot groups unsupported with all four ammo types.  Shooting for maximum accuracy, and squeezing the trigger as slowly as I could, the trigger felt heavier than during dryfire.  I'm sure someone will make a heavier set of trigger springs to lighten the break weight a la Glock.  Point of aim for the 25 and 50 foot groups was the bulls eye.  I was having trouble seeing the red dot at 75', so I used a 6 o'clock hold.  Here they are below.

25' Groups

50' Groups

75' Groups

Finally, I burned my remaining ammo shooting 3-5 shot strings at 25 feet, and strong/weak hand only at 15 on a BC-27 target.  The guns shoots soft and very flat.  I can't really compare the recoil scientifically, but I'd say the gun recoils like a Glock 17 with a heavy guide rod.  The trigger is bugging me a bit though.  The trigger safety blade is flat, and doesn't recess flush with the rest of the trigger face.  If you've ever shot a stock G19 or G26 trigger for a while, you've probably experienced the raw spot that forms on your trigger finger pad.  The trigger safety has a date with some sand paper as do the grips.  The aggressive texture is unforgiving of a weak grip.  Every try to twist off a beer bottle cap that isn't a twist off?  That's how my hands felt after the limp-wrist test.  I definitely see stippling in the guns future.

25' Rapid

15' One-Handed

Speaking of changes, there's not much else I can think to change.  I plan to do a full detail strip and cleaning.  While I'm at it, I'm going to see if I can smooth out the trigger interface surfaces a bit as well as the mag and slide releases.  I also want to see if there's enough frame material to do "Agency" cuts in the frame.  Having access to a vertical mill is awesome.

While it's too soon to make any conclusion about reliability and durability, I'm pretty confident that CZ has made a winner.  While I won't be selling my Glocks and Glock paraphernalia, I doubt I'll be buying any more.

CZ made it a point that the P-10C was compatible with holsters for "popular" handguns, namely the Glock 19.  I've amassed quite a few Glock holsters and unfortunately, only a few would adequately secure the P-10C.

Yes:
TR Holsters IWB G17 w/ TLR
TR Holsters RTI w/ Lvl II Retention for G17 w/ RMR and X300U-A/B

Yes with issues:
Raven Concealment Eidolon G19- Friction fit only, doesn't "click" into place
JM Custom IWB G19 - Tight, had to back off the retention screw

No:
Priority-1 IWB G19
Raven Concealment Vanguard II Glock
Comp-Tac Flatline G19
Guncraft Cloak G19
Guncraft Cloak Mod2 G19
G-Code OSL for G17 w/ X300U-B

CZ P-10C - Initial Observations

TL:DR - I like it.

My P-10C Coming Home

The first gun I ever bought was a Gen3 Glock 17 the day I turned 21, though I've never bought into "Glock Perfection".  But despite their 2x4 egronomics, grip angle (yes I know you can train around it), and sloppy trigger, they are still my go to handgun for serious purposes.  I won't fault them for lack of ambi controls since they can still be activated with the left hand with practice, and many other guns don't execute their southpaw controls very well, especially slide stops.  Typically, the left side lever engages a notch on the left side of the slide.  The right side is connected via a pin and there is often some flex.  On my M&P and P320 it was mushy and never felt positive.  On my VP9 and PPQ, they were better, but the VP9 lever was too long and my thumb would prevent slide lock on the last round.  True ambi mag releases haven't been much better.  On my XD and XDS, The right side would protrude out enough to get partially blocked by my middle finger.  Also, the button rotates about 15 degrees as you press it, making it feel awkward.  Also, with the XDs and the PPQ, the thumb abductor muscle of my support hand would often depress the mag release when I got a strong two-hand grip.  Nothing is quite as embarrassing as having to call in the range master to retrieve your mag that bounced past the firing line.  Then there's the size.  My G19 is the perfect size for pretty much any situation I'm likely to carry it.  The barrel length is just long enough to run a high lumen weapon light but I can conceal the grip under a t-shirt.  Both the VP9 and PPQ are longer in the grip with chunkier slides, while the P320 has a sky-high bore axis and comparably massive slide.  I seriously wonder why the P320 isn't offered in .460 Roland.  The M&P isn't available in a size between the 12 round compact and 17 round full-size and both of mine required $120 in Apex parts to make the trigger acceptable.  Speaking of triggers, pretty much every striker fired trigger was better than the Glock out of the box with the exception of the M&Ps.  My favorite was the PPQ, yet every striker fired gun that I've owned was sold for then next one that was suppose to deliver on the promise of improving on Glocks "perfection".

So when CZ-USA announced the P-10C last year I wasn't particularly enthralled.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of CZ.  I have an SBR'd Scorpion Evo that I love as a range toy, but I've never considered their slide-in-frame design a positive feature and I'm not a fan of DA/SA handguns.  Like every other new striker-fired polymer handgun, the "Glock Killer" hype from CZ fanboys was incessant.  Still, upon further research it looked good on paper.  A Glock 19 with a CZ grip and PPQ-like trigger sounds pretty close perfection to me. In the days following SHOT and NRAAM, I found myself checking CZ's Instagram and Facebook pages for updates on the P-10Cs release.  I re-watched Youtube reviews and started calling gun stores in my area.  A friend of mine informed me that 2-3 had arrived.  I gave them my credit card number over the phone and secured it for $550 after tax and transfer fee.  I picked it up this morning along with a third magazine and have been fondling it ever since.  While I don't have any live rounds through it, I'm very impressed.  Here are my observations compared to my Gen 4 Glock 19 so far.

The pistol arrives in a black CZ marked box with gold colored plastic latches.  Nothing to write home about.  It works.  Inside are the usual safety pamphlets, manual, test target, two magazines, two backstraps, cleaning rod and brush, and the ubiquitous cable lock.

P-10C Case

Nothing Fancy

For hand size reference, I wear size L Mechanix and PIG gloves.

First the negatives.  It's 2 ounces heavier than the Glock.  The bottom of the backstrap is flush with the magazine, so there is a technically a little more grip material to print.  It's slightly larger in every dimension except the grip circumference, and the bore axis is slightly higher.  The mag and slide releases are a little stiff.  The extractor uses a traditional roll pin through the top of the slide, unlike Glock's easy to remove plunger system.

As far as the similarities, they both have the exact same take-down procedure and hold 15 rounds of 9mm.

In nearly every other metric I like the CZ more.  While the magazine button requires a little more effort, it doesn't have a "sweet spot" you have to hit like the factory gen4 Glock.  My first draw of the day with my G19 tends to point slightly high, while the P320 pointed low.  While I can adjust for that, no such adjustment is needed on the P-10.  The front and back straps are aggressive on the P-10C, almost as cheese grater-like as my FNX-45, and no finger grooves.  Finger grooves actually don't bother me on the Glock, but for some it's a hot button.  The grip shape feels like an M&P with narrower palm swells.  My hands prefer the medium backstrap.  Like my Glocks, I plan to sand off the factory grip texture and apply a carry friendly stipple, but I'll wait until I have a few hundred rounds down the pipe first.  The grip tang is wide and flatter than the Glock, but still narrow enough that I don't feel the corner dig into my thumb knuckle.

P-10C - Frontstrap

P-10C - Backstrap

P-10C - Aggressive Texture

As far as holster compatibility, there really isn't.  Sure it'll fit the same leather or universal molded models as the Glock, but it won't "click" into place on my kydex G-Code or Guncraft holsters.  With a light however, it will work with my TLR-1 HL and X300U Glock holsters since they use the light for retention.

The CZ does take a few departures from the Glock.  The barrel lockup areas are huge and features traditional land and groove rifling.  I don't consider it better or worse than polygonal rifling.  What I do like is the striker safety system which is integral to the striker assembly.  Instead of pressing a plunger up into the slide, the trigger bar moves it to the side.  Unlike the plunger system, the spring can't get kinked and debris is less likely to jam up the plunger.  There is a weep hole in the slide to allow water to drain from the striker channel.  Also, it's much easier to make a rotating part smoother than a sliding part.  This is evident in the take-up of the trigger.  It's smooth up until the last millimeter of grit before the wall.

P-10C - Barrel

P-10C - Striker Safety

P-10C - Striker & Safety Assembly

Let's talk about the trigger.  My Glock has seen a ton of triggers.  Apex, Agency, Overwatch Tac, Skimmer, and nearly every connector made by Ghost.  The best combo of parts I've found for a 4# trigger with minimal take-up, over-travel, and maintaining all safeties is an Agency trigger shoe on a Haley Skimmer trigger bar, with a Ghost Evo Elite 3.5 connector fitted for over-travel, and Apex Ultimate Striker Block and spring.  The P-10C absolutely kills it.  I measured the take-up to around 2lbs, 11oz.  The break is crisp averaging 5lbs, 1oz. On the whole, it's like a PPQ.  The break is slightly cleaner than my VP9.  There is some creep but I really have to concentrate on a slow pull to make it hitch once before the break.  I've dryfired it about 500 times and it's smoothed out a little bit.  It may not impress a dyed in the wool trigger snob, but for a striker-fired handgun it's tops.  The reset is as short as my Agency triggered G19.  Unlike the M&P, it gives your finger more of a shove forward like on the Glock.  You don't have to put any effort into resetting the trigger.  Just relax your booger hook and the trigger pops forward to the reset point.  Over-travel is minimal, similar to a budget 1911.  The shape is different than in the photos I've seen before.  It's less flat and has serrations like the G19/26, probably there to satisfy some dumb import law, where serrated triggers are considered features of  target guns which make them legal for sale in the US.  The trigger face comes to a point at the trigger safety "dingus", making the trigger feel heavier than it is.  I hope Apex, CZ Custom, or Cajun Gun Works can come out with a flat replacement.  As it is, the trigger has just enough curve to get consistent finger placement and the reach is perfect for my hands.  I don't feel my trigger finger drag the bottom of the trigger guard.  The break point is also a little further forward in the trigger guard which is amply sized so the tip of my trigger finger doesn't catch the front of the trigger guard like on my Glock.  As far as trigger weight, up to the wall it feels like 3 pounds, jumping to 6 pounds for the break.  I will measure it properly with my digital scale soon.  Unlike other striker-fired guns, the P-10C mimics the Glock safe "double" action.  The striker is only pre-cocked about halfway before the trigger is pulled.  On the VP9, PPQ, M&P, XD, and P320, the striker is fully cocked, held in place by the sear and ready to fly like a mousetrap.  On the P-10, you can watch the trigger bar move straight back about 3/16" before it starts to drop down into the frame, exactly like on the Glock.  I'm glad I got mine now because I wouldn't be surprised if CZ finds a lawsuit on their hands.  Remember in the 90's when Glock sued S&W for the abominable Sigma?

P-10C - Trigger Face

P-10C - "Dingus"

P-10C - Trigger Bar Movement

The mag release can be activated from both sides.  Unlike the XD, it slides in and out with no rotation.  It acts on a lever that pulls the top of the release away from the magazine notch.  I can hit it without shifting my grip, but it's easier to press if I roll the gun slightly inboard.  It's the same technique I honed with my Glock 19, but the button has a more positive "pop".  This is probably due to the metal release disengaging a metal magazine.  It's just cleaner and less mushy than plastic on plastic.  To my relief, pressing in the mag release doesn't press the opposite side button against my middle finger.  On my G19 and G26, sometimes the meat of my palm will touch the magazine pad/extension.  This is often enough pressure to keep the mag from dropping free at slide lock.  I alleviated this on the G19 by adding an Agency magwell, but it makes stripping a mag harder during double feed drills.  The longer backstrap on the P-10C clears my palm and the mags fly from the magwell.  The lanyard hole gives me a spot to use my thumb to grab the back of the magazine.  The scallops in the grip do allow for a small amount of grip on the sides of the magazine, but I prefer the front to back method.

P-10C - Magwell

The slide release is stiff.  Instead of being u-shaped, it's a hoop circling the entire magwell.  The rear of the hoop catches the bottom of the slides breachface.  The upside is that there is no flex in the release from either side.  The only part that isn't mirrored is the tab that engages the follower.  The downside is that the catch point is behind the release lever instead of above or in front like most handguns.  With less leverage, it takes a deliberate push to drop the slide.  This may be an issue if you have smaller hands or a weak thumb.  Not an issue if you prefer to go over the top of the slide.

P-10C - Slide Release

P-10C - Slide Release

Segwaying into slide operation.  The top corners of the slide are chamfered, tapering deeper as they head toward the muzzle.  The front and rear serrations stop at the chamfer, so there's less traction as you move up the slide.  I'd like to see the serrations continue all the way up the chamfer to the top of the slide, but that would add cost, though I'd be willing to pay it.  The pistol arrived covered in oil and the slide slipped once on me while I was messing with it at the gun counter.  Racking effort is lighter than the VP9 or Glock 19.  One thing I like is how the serrations stop about 1/8" from the bottom of the slide.  Coupled with the wide tang, even if you have meaty hands, you shouldn't ever get bitten by the slide serrations.  Also of note, the guide rod is polymer.  While I'll never melt it by doing a 1,000 round torture test, I won't be surprised if a steel replacement pops up shortly in the aftermarket.  The extractor also serves as a loaded chamber indicator.

The metal luminescent (glow in the dark) 3-dot iron sights are acceptable but not optimal.  The rear faces aren't serrated, so I notice some glare off both the front and rear.  I prefer black rears and a fiber front.  I need to order a P-07 front from Dawson precision.  Until someone makes a P-10/Shadow duty style rear sight, I'll black out the dots with a Sharpie.  The rear sights are shaped with a ledge to hook on your belt/holster/shoe/etc, but they are still pretty small.  I wouldn't mind seeing these enlarged a tiny bit.  The front sight measures a standard.125" wide, while the rear notch is .115" wide.

A note on light compatibility.  My TLR-1 and TLR-1HL both fit just fine with either the Glock or 1913 Picatinny key.  With my X300U-B, it only fit with the Glock key.  My X300U-A would barely slide on the rail, the same problem I have with it on any other picatinny rail until I loosened the mounting screws.  The dustcover feels more substantial than the Glock, so I'm not concerned with over-tightening the TLRs or X300U-B.

X300U-B w/ Glock Key
TLR1-HL w/ Glock Key
TLR1 w/ 1913 Key

My future plans were to get the slide milled for an RMR but my recent Sage vehicle defense class has me re-thinking that.  I love red dots on handguns, but wiping mud off of the emitter and the fogged up glass as well as struggling to find the dot in unorthodox shooting positions made me appreciate just running irons.  I plan to bring the P-10 to a few IDPA matches, a pistol course this month with Chris Cerino, and the next Sage Dynamics handgun class I can.

More photos...

Disconnector

P-10C - Test Target