The rise to preeminence of striker-fired polymer handguns began in 1982, when an Austrian manufacturer introduced its version, changing the market forever. You have probably heard of the GLOCK G17 if you are reading this. Other manufacturers have been contributing their wares and versions ever since. Not to be outdone, is SAR USA with its SAR9 SOCOM Compact—duty-ready and concealed carry-friendly.
Striker-fired polymer frame handguns have become the benchmark for personal defense, law enforcement, and military handguns. The adoption of striker-fired weapons for LE, civilian personal defense, and military use worldwide bears out this truth.
These handguns are generally reliable, tough, and simple to operate. Striker-fired polymer handguns are inherently lighter, thinner, and less complex. This reduces the chance of something breaking/failing, as well as reducing costs associated with manufacturing.
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SAR USA is the exclusive U.S. importer of firearms produced by Sarsilmaz Silah Sanayi (SAR) of Turkey. Sarsilmaz is one of the world’s largest firearms manufacturers, with over 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art production facilities. SAR was founded in 1880.
Sarsilmaz produces numerous types of firearms and supplies many NATO countries with military armaments. The SAR9 is their polymer striker-fired offering, leading the way for SAR USA’s product catalog with several models offered.
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The SAR9’s frame is made of high-strength, impact-resistant fiberglass-reinforced polymers. SAR has conducted extensive testing to make sure the SAR9 can function and endure in any environment. The Turkish military adopted a SAR9 after a 90,000-round comparison test against guns from manufacturers such as GLOCK, SIG SAUER, FN, Walther, and Smith & Wesson.
Right Place, Right Time
The Athlon Rendezvous is an event that gathers dozens of different manufacturers over multiple days. It allows for candid give-and-take sessions in an active range setting. At the most recent Athlon Rendezvous event, I took note that SAR USA was attending.
I had been hearing good things about their SAR9 striker-fired pistol and was eager to get more acquainted with it. Sure, there are existing polymer striker-fired pistols on the market. However, that does not stop other companies from introducing their take on the topic.
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All of this leads to productive competition, benefiting the consumer. Choice is what makes the free market economy so tantalizing.
Discussion with SAR USA’s CEO, Tony Pignato, was quick to establish that the SAR9 is no “knockoff” clone. While we sampled multiple models, he was quick to point out the SAR9 SOCOM Compact as one that typified what SAR USA offers to consumers.
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Well-thought-out ergonomics provide for natural and instinctive aiming. Three interchangeable grip panels allow end users to find what fits them best. A superior flat-faced aluminum trigger that feels like an aftermarket upgrade compared to most other striker-fired handguns. Meprolight tritium night sights and a 1/2×28 threaded barrel mated to a distinctive-looking slide that comes ready to mount red dot sights with an RMSc optic cut.
I took advantage of the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous to send a couple of hundred rounds of someone else’s 9MM down range with the SAR9 SOCOM Compact. SAR’s Kristin Marlow just kept handing me magazines. It would have been rude to refuse.
I was impressed enough to request a SAR9 SOCOM Compact for more extensive evaluation upon returning from the event.
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SAR9 SOCOM COMPACT
The SOCOM Compact arrives with a 15 and 21-round metal magazine. Well done, front and rear lightening cut serrations ensure solid purchase when manipulating the slide. The SOCOM Compact’s polymer frame has a MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail for lights/lasers. When in battery, the 4.7-inch barrel/slide locks up tight.
The SOCOM Compact operates via a modified Browning’s locked breech short-recoil method with a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber. The slide’s mass/shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. A low bore axis relative to the shooter’s hand allows for a very stable sight picture, no matter how many or how rapidly rounds are fired.
The magwell and “swole” grip contour lock the hand in place on the lightly textured grip frame. “Memory” pad stippling provides a seamless reminder of where the off-hand thumb should land on the frame.
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The SOCOM Compact in Hand
Let’s speak a little Austrian to describe the SOCOM Compact in a language most will be familiar with. The SOCOM Compact can be compared to a G17 in terms of size. No surprise, as this profile is recognized as most adaptable for concealed carry and duty roles. Not too big, not too small…just right.
Form follows function. The SAR SOCOM Compact has a significant design emphasis on ergonomics and durability. Stippling and raised grooves adorn both the front strap and the forward face of the squared-off trigger guard.
An undercut trigger guard has material relieved where the trigger guard connects to the grip. This allows for your primary hand to get a higher grip on the pistol. As a result, your grip is more comfortable and the SOCOM Compact sits lower in your hand. This assists in limiting muzzle flip during recoil due to the low bore axis.
An extended beavertail supports this to help prevent slide bite as well as further manage recoil, especially during rapid strings of fire.
The SAR9 SOCOM Compact’s trigger releases at a 5-pound pull weight. Trigger snobs will wrinkle their noses at this. The SOCOM Compact is a personal defense/service weapon, not a competition piece.
The broad, flat face of the trigger allows a uniquely self-correcting, straight rearward press. Pre-travel has been reduced without compromising safety, resulting in a clean, crisp break and reduced over-travel. The trigger pull is clean with no crunching or grinding. In addition, the reset length is minimal with a positive tactile feel. This translates into a handgun that can send rounds downrange rapidly and accurately.
Enhancing the SOCOM
After returning from initial exposure with the SAR9 SOCOM Compact at the Athlon Rendezvous, I conducted a more in-depth evaluation at my home range, Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC).
Adding a red dot sight to your AK or M4 generally improves your shooting skills in terms of accuracy, speed, and proficiency in engaging moving targets. The same is true with a red dot on a handgun.
The SAR SOCOM Compact’s threaded barrel cries out for either a suppressor or compensator. I couldn’t resist and went with a suppressor. The recently introduced BANISH 9K at only 2.7 ounces added negligible weight while effectively mitigating noise and blast.
The 3D-printed titanium 9K is 4.1 inches long and has a diameter of just 1.3 inches, making it one of the most compact 9mm suppressors available. Don’t let the compact size alarm you; sound reduction levels with the BANISH 9K are at 132 decibels.
The BANISH 9K is so light that it does not need a Nielsen device or booster assembly for your pistol to function properly. Just thread it onto the barrel.
Shooting the SAR9 SOCOM Compact
Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated to the SOCOM Compact’s trigger, sights, and overall feel. A variety of bullet profiles and weights were included in the mix to ensure nothing adversely interacted with the SAR handgun. Finicky is not an endearing trait for a personal defense handgun.
A .50 cal can filled with an assortment of FMJ and JHP loose ammunition, ranging from steel to aluminum to brass, was used while evaluating the SOCOM Compact. Magazines were loaded with these random loads for much of the range time experience.
One-handed firing, including the use of the non-dominant hand, was conducted to verify that the SOCOM Compact was not sensitive to grip regarding reliability. The SAR9 SOCOM Compact demonstrated it could digest anything fed to it. Premium self-defense 9MM loads, including 115, 124, and 147-grain JHP from Black Hills, Federal, Hornady, and Winchester, were also tested.
The SAR9 SOCOM Compact with Cyelee CATG Pro green dot sight engaged targets at close distances, with the green dot easy to pick up rapidly. The Cyelee dot offered the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence with faster transition between targets compared to open sights. At the same time, it provided superior accuracy at ranges beyond normal iron sight engagement distances.
This is achieved due to the Cyelee CATG being able to superimpose an aiming point on the target without obscuring it, thanks to the dot’s small size.
As many shooters can attest, the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The pistol’s mounting bracket method and Cyelee sight withstood the recoil and heat generated by repeated long strings of fire.
Simplicity of Operation
Years of training with various entities provide a background of what is expected from a defensive handgun. Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and other targets. The BANISH 9K was intermixed into the range time.
Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver to more dynamic scenarios involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The SOCOM Compact’s simplicity of operation and consistent trigger pull allowed for rapid engagement of targets.
This is further accentuated with well-laid-out ergonomics ensuring that the hand is in a near-optimum grip position as soon as the SOCOM Compact clears the holster.
SAR9 SOCOM Compact: A Refined Striker-Fire
Many may ask what the SAR9 SOCOM Compact offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. The answer lies more with refining the striker-fired concept that started almost 45 years ago than with anything revolutionary.
The SAR9 SOCOM Compact benefits from lessons learned, combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production. It will be recognized as an amalgamation of features found on striker-fired predecessors.
The key point with the SAR9 SOCOM Compact is that it is eminently adaptable, regardless of mission or budgetary constraints. Everything from the everyday carry, vehicle-based, or homeowner nightstand with a light/laser will find the SAR9 worthy of consideration. The buyer is gaining a lot of value for the listed MSRP of $529.
SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact Specs
| Caliber | 9MM |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 and 21-round magazines arrive with SOCOM Compact |
| Barrel Length | 4.7 inches threaded |
| Overall Length | 8 inches |
| Height | 5.2 inches |
| Width | 1.4 inches |
| Weight Empty | 29 ounces |
| MSRP | $529 |
Performance
| Federal 135gr Hydra Shok Deep | |
| Velocity Avg. | 1130fps |
| Accuracy @25yds | 3.25 inches |
| Black Hills 115gr JHP | |
| Velocity Avg. | 1205fps |
| Accuracy @25yds | 3 inches |
| Hornady 147gr XTP | |
| Velocity Avg. | 901fps |
| Accuracy @25yds | 3.33 inches |
The accuracy test protocol consisted of three five-shot groups with each ammunition type; Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures obtained by averaging five rounds fired over a Garmin chronograph.