Review: CZ-USA P-10 S Optics-Ready

CZ-USA came into the striker-fired polymer frame market later than some, but the P-10 handguns are excellent examples of the type. These handguns have proven reliable, accurate, and well-suited to personal defense.

The CZ P-10 is a compact pistol. The P-10 F, recently introduced, is a full-size, service-type handgun. The P-10 S covered in this report is a subcompact similar in size to the GLOCK 26.

The P-10 S is just bigger enough than the GLOCK 26 to make it a very good shooting pistol and one that is ideal for concealed carry. The pistol is also optics-ready, an important plus in the modern market.

The grip angle is distinctive and fits most hands well. There are also grip inserts that adapt the frame to the individual. The pistol feels different than most other striker-fired handguns, which I like.

Regardless of whether you feel the same, the fact remains we now have more choices when it comes to the P-10.

Look and Feel of the CZ P-10 S

The pistol features a high grip tang that makes recoil recovery easier. The is a soft shooter. Even for a 9mm, recoil is modest. The grip features excellent pebbling for a good grip. The grip is flared a bit, making speed loads remarkably sure and fast.

The pistol is the familiar double-action-only, striker-fired type. The pistol features a lever in the trigger that prevents lateral discharge. The lever is pressed into the trigger body as the trigger is pressed to fire the pistol.

The trigger breaks cleanly at under five pounds. Trigger reset is rapid. The sights are excellent. The front sight is a bright tritium insert. This night sight makes for 24-hour capability. The pistol is easy to field strip, much the same as the GLOCK pistol.

The pistol is also easily maintained. The pistol accepts the 15-round magazines designed for the P-10 C. The forward cocking serrations and ambidextrous slide lock are good features.

The forward-cocking serrations must be used for folks that mount a red dot sight.

Testing the CZ P-10 S

I used a Leupold Red Dot sight during the test. The Pro Point is a first-class optic that offers a good range of adjustment and real utility in personal defense. I have fired the pistol extensively.

As I near 600 rounds of ammunition, the pistol has never failed to feed, chamber, fire or eject. There is good-quality practice ammunition available for a modest price. I have used Armscor and PMC from Cheaper Than Dirt! with excellent results.

The sights are excellent choices for personal defense. When the red dot has mounted the pistol, it is fast, very fast and sure. When you have invested the time and effort into mastering a red dot sight, the result is a very fast combination.

For personal defense use, a modern expanding bullet design—such as the Hornady Critical Defense—should be chosen. I have fired the Hornady 115-grain Critical Defense with excellent results.

At a long 25 yards, it isn’t difficult to keep hits in the X-ring on demand. I have also test-fired the Hornady American Gunner 124 grain XTP. This is a powerful loading with a balance of expansion and penetration that favors penetration.

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Those facing felons heavily bundled during the winter months (or needing greater than average penetration) will find this load a wise choice.

CZ P-10 S: Conclusion

I find the CZ P-10 S a credible handgun. The combination of modern optics, good standard sights, an accessory rail and excellent reliability at a fair price are attractive.

What do you think of CZ-USA’s P-10 series? Will you be getting the S? Let us know in the comments below.