SAR9 SC Gen 3
- Graham Baates
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
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One of the Top Handguns of 2024 was the SAR 9C Gen 3 and in my SHOT 2024 coverage I showed a subcompact Gen 2 version. That model has frequently been requested by the voting members of the GBGuns Patreon who often get a voice in what content will be coming next, but never quite won the voting rounds. Now Gen 3 is here and we have one.
What Is It? The SAR9 SC Gen 3 is a subcompact model of the SAR 9 line. The SAR 9 models were originally designed for military use and endured 50,000 rounds of NATO pressure (same as US "+p") ammunition in testing. While the original models had a utilitarian build based on toughness, features and stylizations have been added for the US consumer market. The SAR9 SC goes beyond simply chopping slide and grip; the pistol is physically slimmer having ommited the interchangeable grip pannels. Construction is also different internally than the larger models, however since this is not a "micro" it retains the ability to use magazines from the main line.
Who's It For? Subcompacts used to be labeled as "backup" guns, but since the popularity of single-stack, and then micro-compact pistols the "subcompact" size group is somewhat replacing the "compact" of just ten years ago for carry. Contributing to the feasibility of this is the creation of 9mm ammunition like Liberty Ammunition which can still properly perform from sub-4" barrels. As a modern subcompact, the SAR 9 SC Gen 3 does not skimp on any of the features Americans have come to expect from larger handguns.
Take a Look at the SAR9 SC Gen 3 up close, along with what comes in the box in the tabletop video below. Rumble Link
Specifications:
Caliber: 9MM
Action: Striker
Safety: Trigger
Magazines:12 & 15 Round
Optic Ready: RMSc
Sights: Tritium Night Sights
Barrel Length: 3.3in
Weight: 21.7 oz
OAL: 6.4in
Width:1.1in
Total Height: 4.8in
MSRP: $499.99
Prices around the web as of 10OCT25
Click links for current pricing and availability
*NOTE Several retailers offer a very similar-looking "Gen 2". The Gen 2 does not have an accessory rail and has a different trigger guard shape. It appears many retailers are either using the wrong image or are confused about generations. Confirm with seller before purchasing.
Gen 2
Gen 3
Internal Construction of the SAR 9 SC Gen 3 differs a little from the SAR 9C Gen 3 reviewed previously in that it appears to be closer to Glock's simplicity. Another difference is the ommision of the interchengable side and back grip pannels. This allows the SAR 9 SC Gen 3 to be thinner and feel like a "micro compact" while still accepting the standard SAR 9 magazines. This adds great utility, but as with any pistol care is suggested not to over insert an over-length magazine that doesn't have some type of sleeve or stopper at the risk of damaging the magazine, pistol, or both.
In Hand the same "built like a tank" solid build quality is retained from the SAR 9C Gen 3, everything's just a bit smaller. The trigger feels heavier, either because the pistol is new (versus the hundreds of rounds on my 9C Gen 3), or through intentional design. Although it feels heavier, the quality and feel remains the same with a good wall and break. Since maturing as a handgunner I've come to learn that aside frome extremes, trigger weight is not as important as feel and predictability.
To get a better idea of the SAR 9 SC Gen 3 the GBGuns Range Protocol would of course be followed for the first time out including: (Shooting Impressions Rumble Link)
Cold Shots: Truly my first shots through the gun.
Full Magazine +1: Suprisingly some modern guns still struggle with this. It's a test of how much play is in the magazine as well as how the slide cycles with pressure. This is also when I do my best to learn the trigger. With aged magazines there is no promise.
What's For Dinnerâ„¢: A test to see what ammunition the gun will eat. Does the gun feed the round from slide lock, will it cycle and feed another round of the same type, does the slide lock to the rear on empty, and is there any notable point of impact change with different loads.
For this gun the following ammunition was used:
Priced and linked where found at the time this article was written
100gr Liberty Ammuniution Steel Plate and Range $33.59 / 50 at Palmetto State Armory
100gr Sellier & Bellot XRG $13.34 / 25 at Target Sports USAÂ (see review HERE)
100gr Blazer Reduced Recoil $17.89 / 50 at Palmetto State Armory
115gr Hornady American Gunner $21.41 / 25 at Global Ordnance
115gr Wincherster SilverTip $18.29 / 20 at GrabaGun
124gr Federal Premium HST $39.95 / 50 from Widener's
135gr Hornady Critical Duty $29.85 / 25 from Widener's
147gr Fiocchi Defense Dynamics JHP $21.89 / 50 at GrabaGun
147gr Winchester Defense JHP $25.85 / 50 at Widener's
165gr AMMO, Inc. /stelTH/ $21.25 / 50 at Target Sports
Standard range ammunition was Norma 124gr $12.82 / 50 at SportsmansGuide
Sights & Trigger Control: on a 6" spinner target at a distance of 12-ish yards. We got this from Titan Great Outdoors and use it to gauge how learnable the trigger is and usable the sights are for forced, timed, precise shots.
Practical Accuracy: Five shots from a distance of seven yards at a one inch target. This isn't so much about printing a tight group as it is a culmination of the shooting experience and time for to collect thoughts prior to making a conclusion.
After Shots: Final impressions and reflections from the range session.
Ammunition seen in Shooting Impressions video was made possible by our Patrons and supporters of our ammunition savings account through Ammo Squared.
I had a rough start on the range. Either the sights were slightly off or I was squeezing with my firing hand, but it was not as easy to get on target as usual for me. This was amplified by recent rains concealing my impact on the berm and sun highlighting the smoke; blinding me from seeing 20 yard impacts. This was somewhat squared away once we got on the paper, but during my initial shots I forgot I was shooting a subcompact. Yes, the muzzle does want to flip, but it snaps back down just as hard and quickly as it tries to rise.
Either the trigger quickly broke in or I quickly adjusted to it. It still feels heavier when dry firing, but is so clean that it doesn't matter as demonstrated in my Practical Accuracy segment. If anything this is a very appropriate trigger for concealed carry both to reduce accidental discharges under stress and to keep shooting speed aligned with accuracy.
I did feel a bit of a hot spot on my firing hand thumb knuckle, but this often happens to me when firing smaller pistols and does not mean it would happen to a hand of a different size.
I enjoyed the SAR 9 C Gen 3 and had hopes the SC model would be all of that, just a bit smaller and easier to carry. I believe SAR USA has accomplished that while also mitigating many of the usual consequences that come with smaller pistols.
Since filming the initial Shooting Impressions I've mounted an OSight SE and plan on returning to the range soon.
On my return trip with the OSight mounted I was able to shoot much better. It was a different day, but might also be that my eyes are growing tired of irons. Take a look for yourself below.