SCCY CPX-1 CPX-2
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Do you want an affordable but still high-quality concealable pistol? If so, then SCCY’s CPX-1 or CPX_2 deserve your attention. These pistols are ultimately affordable, with an MSRP of around $290, and so a street value of around $200. That may immediately make cynical gun buyers wary of a “Saturday Night Special” situation. But, as mentioned in our larger article about the company, SCCY has taken pains to create a reliable and first-class pistol. The CPX-1 and CPX-2 are worth more than the money you will spend on them.
SCCY’s CPX-1 and CPX-2 second generation Both the CPX-1 and CPX-2 are small, semi-automatic pistols. They have been called compacts or semi-compacts depending on the reviewer. Since size designations in pistols are not standardized—and SCCY does not label these pistols—their place on the compact/sub-compact scale is up for debate. However, SCCY, and its founder Joe Roebuck has specifically engineered these pistols to be used as conceal carry weapons (CCW).
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CPX-1-CPX-2 Review
The first generation of both the CPX-1 and CPX-2 were released right after SCCY began business in 2003. SCCY then released the second generation of the CPX-1 and CPX-2 in 2011. The only difference between the two generations is the grip. The first generation uses a serrated grip, while the second generation employs a textured grip that has slots at the back that supposedly minimize felt recoil.[1] Other than the change in grip, the pistol remains the same. For the rest of the review we will be concentrating our discussion to the generation 2 CPX-1 and CPX-2. However, our thoughts—except for those on the grip—apply to the earlier generation 1 pistols as well.
Differences
The only differences between SCCY’s CPX-1 and CPX-2 is the addition of the ambidextrous manual thumb safety on the CPX-1.
Most people in the firearm world despised SCCY’s thumb safety. Some reviewers have claimed that the thumb safety is too large, and therefore easy to disengage. To solve this problem, SCCY added wings to that blocked the safety, but these wings significantly impacted the shooter’s grip by digging into the strong hand.[2] In order to solve the problem the shooter had to have an extremely low grip, which further impacted accuracy.
In order to appease their annoyed customers, SCCY released the same gun but without the manual safety. They called this release the CPX-2. The lack of differences in design mean that we can discuss both pistols simultaneously in this review.
Specifications
If you are like us, then you want to know the most you can about any pistol you buy. Read on to find the specs that remain the same for both CPX-1 and CPX-2 models.
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3.1 in.
Height: 4.2 in.
Length: 6.0 in.
Width: 1.1 in.
Weight (unloaded): 15 oz.
Barrel: Stainless steel in different finishes
Grip/Frame: Zytel polymer in a variety of colors
Both CPX-1 and CPX-2 include a number of color options. For the slide you can choose Black Nitride or Natural Stainless-steel. Black, crimson, FDE, Orange, Pink, Purple, SCCY Blue, Sniper Grey, and white are all available as colors for the polymer grip. Got a CPX3? 9 Best OWB Holster CPX-3
Features
There are many features of SCCY pistols that set them apart from the competition. We’ve listed just a few of the highlights here.
Grip
As mentioned above, the grip sets the first generation and second generation CPX-1 and CPX-2 apart. Here we will discuss in detail the second-generation grip.
In CPX-1 and CPX-2 SCCY includes what they call the “Re-coil Cushion.” The Recoil Cushion includes long cuts into the back of the grip which hypothetically let the grip absorb the force of the recoil. Most reviewers do not see that this as helping much—other than possibly improving the “look” of the pistol.
Overall, the grip does not include an extremely intense texture. The finger grooves and taller frame help make this pistol easy to grip correctly. If you have a slightly larger hand, then the extended baseplates with finger grooves will help the gun fit your hand better by providing room for your pinky.
You might categorize both the CPX-1 and CPX-2 as falling between a sub-compact and compact pistol in size. So, as in most parts of consumerism, your own personal preferences will determine how you take to the grip. We always recommend trying a pistol before you buy.
Frame
SCCY makes the frame out of an aluminum receiver and polymer grip. Our longer article about SCCY mentioned that this manufacturing process helps to cut the cost of their pistols down significantly. However, using a two-part frame does increase the likelihood of sharp edges, which has been mentioned as a problem with both the CPX-1 and CPX-2.[3] You can always take a Dremel to the edges, which will get rid of the possibility that the gun will catch on clothing or the holster when you draw it.[4]
Trigger
Both the CPX-1 and CPXX-2 use a hammer-fired DAO (or double action only) trigger. As may not be surprising, SCCY’s trigger has caused a lot of controversy. Many shooters actively dislike DAO. If you are one of these people, you will not like SCCY’s trigger.
Because of the DAO, the heavy trigger pull takes around 9lbs. of force to break. Most reviewers note that this is a very smooth trigger. Plus, the DAO mechanism protects against accidental discharge, which is a positive when drawing the CPX-1 or CPX-2 from a holster.
However, some reviewers have noted a problem with the reset of SCCY’s trigger.[5] Most importantly, the trigger’s reset seems to encourage “short stroking.”[6] Short stroking means that you attempt to fire the firearm before the entire mechanical cycle of the previous shot has completed. This is a problem because it will cause the pistol not to fire, which in a defensive situation can be a deadly mistake. With practice a shooter can adjust to the long reset of SCCY’s trigger, but it is not an easy to quickly fire pistol right out of the box.
Accuracy
As is standard on compact and sub-compact pistols, SCCY has included a three-dot sight system. Only the rear sights are moveable with a locking screw. The inclusion of metal, dovetailed rear sights are somewhat unusual for a gun of this size. Because SCCY uses a white dot system, the sights will not be well visible in low light. But, they can easily be upgraded with aftermarket sights.
Shooting a 9mm bullet through a small framed pistol is going to create some recoil. However, there is reportedly much less felt recoil than you might imagine on the CPX-1 and CPX-2. One reason for this is the Re-coil Cushion that SCCY adds to their second-generation pistols. The larger size of the grip absorbs a lot of the felt recoil as well.[7] For a small gun shooting a duty caliber, the ease of shooting and accuracy of the gun is really quite astounding.
Safety
As mentioned above, the one thing that differentiates the CPX-1 and CPX-2 is the manual safety included on the earlier model. Between a ubiquitous dislike of manual safeties in the self-defense pistol community, and supposed problems with SCCY’s safety guard, they have deemed it prudent to leave off the manual safeties from their two latest models, the CPX-2 and CPX-3.
This is not to say that SCCY’s pistols do not have any safety mechanisms. DAO triggers are themselves a safety, as their heavy trigger pull does not allow for accidental discharges. SCCY’s pistols also have a drop safety pin that keeps the pistol from discharging accidentally when dropped. If you feel most secure by having a manual safety, then we recommend the CPX-1. If you don’t mind relying on passive safeties, then the CPX-2 is for you.
Extras
Both the CPX-1 and CPX-2 ships with two 10 round magazines and finger extensions installed. SCCY also includes flush-fitting bases for both magazines that can be easily installed. SCCY will ship the pistol in a box, with a manual and gun lock.[8]
Why Buy?
For the price, you cannot beat SCCY’s CPX-1 or CPX-2. For a pistol with a MSRP of under $300, the quality, durability, and reliability surprise most new customers. You might expect cheap production methods or materials with a pistol of this price range. But, instead SCCY has used innovative manufacturing techniques to keep their prices low and their product of the highest quality.
For their first entrance into the conceal carry market, the CPX-1 and CPX-2 have an amazingly positive reputation. These pistols are accurate at defensive ranges—up to 15 ft.—and perform quite well with 25 ft. targets. For a defensive pistol, you really cannot ask much more. The CPX-1 and CPX-2 would perform wonderfully as an entry-level or back-up conceal carry pistol. We recommend checking one out at your local dealer today.
[1] Jake Smith, “SCCY Handguns Guide,” Alien Gear Holsters (March 27, 2017), http://aliengearholsters.com/blog/sccy-handguns-guide/ (accessed 3/7/18).
[2] Nathaniel F., “Sccy CPX-1 Review,” The Firearm Blog (November 3, 2014), http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/11/03/sccy-cpx-1-review/ (accessed 3/7/18).
[3] Mr. Ags, “SCCY Industries, A 9mm Worth More The Its Price Tag,” Joe for America (March 11, 2013), https://joeforamerica.com/2013/03/sccy-industries-a-9mm-worth-more-than-its-price-tag/ (accessed 3/7/18).
[4] Community Reviewer, “SCCY CPX-2 Handgun Review,” Firearms Insider Community (January 7, 2016), http://www.firearmsinsider.tv/gun-gear-reviews/2016/2/12/sccy-cpx-2-handgun-review (accessed 3/7/18).
[5] Nathaniel F., “Sccy CPX-1 Review,” The Firearm Blog (November 3, 2014), http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/11/03/sccy-cpx-1-review/ (accessed 3/7/18) AND
[6] Nathaniel F., “Sccy CPX-1 Review,” The Firearm Blog (November 3, 2014), http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/11/03/sccy-cpx-1-review/ (accessed 3/7/18)
[7] Patrick Sweeney, “Nice-Price Nine: SCCY CPX-2 Review,” Guns & Ammo (February 14, 2013), http://www.gunsandammo.com/reviews/nice-price-nine-sccy-cpx-2-review/ (accessed 3/7/18).
[8] Community Reviewer, “SCCY CPX-2 Handgun Review,” Firearms Insider Community (January 7, 2016), http://www.firearmsinsider.tv/gun-gear-reviews/2016/2/12/sccy-cpx-2-handgun-review (accessed 3/7/18).
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