Sarsilmaz SAR9: Another excellent budget 9mm

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Snowdog

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I have a thing for inexpensive-yet-quality pistols, especially in 9mm. I've purchased a few in the past that I find exhibite excellent value such as various Caniks, the Ruger 9E and the like

A recent addition to my budget 9mm collection is another pistol from Turkey, the Sarsilmaz SAR9. Sarsilmaz has already imported several models into the US and the SAR9 appears to be the latest.

At first look, it really does appear to be a modified G17 slide perched on a HK VP9 lower.
I went ahead and purchased one from Bud for under $300 after some online research. After sending some rounds down range, I was so impressed that I purchased a 2nd (the second is without manual safety) from Guns Midwest for $263. https://www.gunsmidwest.com/sar-sar9-9mm-4-4-17rd-blk.html

This thing sits in my hand as if made for my hand. The only bobble seems to be the magazines. They are marked with witness holes for 15 rounds, yet they hold 17 and are advertised to hold 17 (both that came with my 1st SAR9 hold 17 rounds).

At the range, there were no malfunction using 120gr TC handloads, S&B 124gr FMJ and Federal HST +ps. I've only put approximately 270 rounds through this pistol, but it's been 100% reliable, as accurate as any other 9mm I own (including my winter carry M&P9 2.0 compact) and it's not all that hard on the eyes.

When I receive my 2nd SAR9, I'll do a quick range review on both. The safety works fine on my current SAR9, but I would rather not have a safety on a striker-fire pistol. Just a personal preference.

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The SAR9 compares favorably to its Turkish cousin, the TP9 (V2 in the image below). The TP9 is an 18+1 whereas the SAR9 is a 17+1, but the ergonomics makes a world of difference.

The SAR9 does come with 3 sets of side grip panels and 3 back straps, small medium and large.
A combination with the side panel and backstrap allows one to customize the grip to fit one's hands. It appears that they did... borrow... this idea from HK, but it's a great idea non-the-less.

Comparing the TP9V2 to the SAR9, I have to say I like the SAR9 more. Time will tell if that holds true. However, being this pistol is said to have gone through a 90,000 round test (along with other pistols) for the Turkish military contract, I'd say it should hold up.

Just a head's up for those in the market for such a pistol. $263 for seemingly quality pistol, brand new, is certainly not a bad deal.

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A while back I picked up a SAR B6P for cheap. Shot a bit low, but once I got the front sight filed down a bit I really love it.
 
Well, my 2nd SAR9 came in. It is just as lovely as the first. Unfortunately, it has a manual safety. I was told they all do, as this is a requirement for importation. It's a well thought out design that seems to have been implemented from the ground up with the pistol, though it wasn't.

I'll just ignore the safety and plan never to use it. It isn't something that will engaged by itself and it's unobtrusive. Being this gem cost me well under $300, I'm happy.
 
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