The PX9 G2 from SDS Import has many outstanding features.

The PX9 Gen2 from SDS Import is packed with features.

Forgive me for sounding like “the old guy”, however, I must state that the American gun buyers in the 21st Century are spoiled to the point of becoming jaded. Take the PX9 G2 or Generation 2 pistol from Zigana, sold by SDS Imports of Knoxville, Tennessee. The PX9 Gen2 has an MSRP of well below $400, but it has the features of a much more expensive gun.

Folks, I have been buying handguns for 30 plus years now and I can tell you that, considering what you get in the PX9 Gen2, if it was manufactured in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Connecticut, the same gun would be priced in the $500 to $600 range.

My First Gun.

The last couple of years has seen a record number of first time gun buyers walking into gun stores across the United States. Most of these first time buyers are looking for a self-defense handgun. It is also safe to say that these folks are not “brand loyal” but are using price as one of the factors in their decision making process.

Most every American with steady employment should be able to swing a 9mm handgun with a price tag of $379 or so. I have shopped around and found the PX9 Gen2 pistol average around $350, sometimes less depending on where you purchase the gun.

When we are considering first time gun buyers, most of them are gravitating toward a 9x19mm handgun. While concealed carry can be a factor, a large percentage are buying guns for “home defense”. Another selling point is a manual safety switch. Calm down GLOCK people, etc. We are talking about new gun owners. Whether you agree with it or not, new gun buyers generally view a manual safety as a positive thing.

Modularity is another selling point. The Gen 2 PX-9 handgun not only has interchangeable backstraps in Small, Medium and Large, it also has interchangeable grip panels on the left and right that are also; S,M,L. This allows the handgun grip to be fitted for small to medium hands to even extra large paws. Again, a selling point for a new shooter.

The backstrap and grip panels are interchangeable. (In black for contrast.)

PX-9 Gen 2 Features

Alright, for those of you who are seasoned shooters and pistoleros, you want to get down to the nitty-gritty, you want specs. Well, here you go:

Zigana PX9 Gen2 Semi Automatic Pistol, 9x19mm.

• Hammer Forged Frame & Slide.
• Polymer Frame w/ Integrated M1913 Rail.
• Customizable Grip w/ Interchangeable Side Panels & Backstrap, Offering 27 Grip Configurations.
• 18rd. Standard Capacity Magazines, 2: Included w/ Loader. (226 Pattern)
• Adjustable Rear Sight. (S&W® Dovetail Cut)
• Removable Magazine Well.
• Paddle/Belt Holster Included.

Yes, you read that right, the PX9 Gen2 uses SIG P226 pattern magazines. The sights can be replaced with any that will fit the S&W M&P 2.0 slide cut. As far as holsters are concerned, the PX-9 will fit securely in any holster that is made for a Springfield XD(M) 4 inch barreled gun. The holster that comes with the PX-9 is functional, but not very well suited for concealed carry.

This is not a cheap, knock-off gun. The pistol has a forged barrel and slide. As for controls, the trigger is a striker-fired configuration with a red cocked striker indicator at the rear of the slide. There is a dual-sided manual safety lever in the usual position; up for safe / down to fire.

Naturally, there is an M1913 accessory rail on the dust-cover portion of the frame. Also, if you desire, you can add a mag funnel to the magazine well. The magazine release button is accessible, but does not stick out too far so as to be accidentally bumped. I personally detest “oversized” magazine buttons. The pistol comes with two magazines with 18-round capacities. There are also 15-round versions. If you are a tax-slave and are forbidden by your masters to own such things; move or buy a different gun.

The author ran the One Box Workout to get a good feature for the PX-9 Gen 2.

One Box Workout(™) Range Testing.

Given the current ammunition situation, you will not be seeing any 1,000 round new gun torture tests from me. That is, unless you want to ship me a case of ammunition. Many years ago, we at Student of the Gun came up with the One Box Workout(™) as a way to get the most of your time and money with a limited ammunition budget.

For the out-of-the box testing for the PX9 Gen2, I decided to set up a steel silhouette and run through the One Box Workout(™) twice. For those unfamiliar, the OWB includes drills where the pistol is fired from a 2 hand hold, single hand right, single hand left, from the holster and more.

My experience has been that, regardless of the handgun in question, running the OWB is a great way to get a true feel for the handling characteristics and functionality of the piece. For ammunition I used a variety from Black Hills, Barnaul, Federal, and CCI. Before I went to the range, I disassembled the pistol and put some EDC CLP on the rails and moving parts.

Final Rounds on Target with the PX9 Gen2.

I am pleased to report that the PX9 Gen2 functioned with monotonous reliability. By the time there were 100 pieces of one-fired brass laying on the ground, not a single stoppage or malfunction was encountered. Of course, this is not exactly shocking, but needed to be stated nonetheless. The sights were right on from the factory and rounds impacted steel at 5, 7, 10 and even 25 yards with no problem. The trigger was a pleasure to operate and rapid engagement was no problem.

This brings us right back to the beginning. American gun buyers today have more quality, affordable choices in handguns than at any time in the past. For an investment of less than $400, you can walk out of a gun store with a rock solid self-defense handgun loaded with features. Whether this is your first time gun purchase or your 100th, the previous fact is something to appreciate.

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Professor Paul Markel

Founder & CEO at Student of the Gun

Paul G. Markel has worn many hats during his lifetime. He has been a U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Professional Bodyguard, and Small Arms and Tactics Instructor. Mr. Markel has been writing professionally for law enforcement and firearms periodicals for nearly twenty years with hundreds and hundreds of articles in print. Paul is a regular guest on nationally syndicated radio talk shows and subject matter expert in firearms training and use of force. Mr. Markel has been teaching safe and effective firearms handling to students young and old for decades and has worked actively with the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Paul holds numerous instructor certifications in multiple disciplines and a Bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution; nonetheless, he is and will remain a dedicated Student of the Gun.

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