If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly concealed carry pistol, the CZ P-10 S makes a strong case for itself, kind of like that one friend who always volunteers to drive but has a car that smells like last week’s Indian food. At an MSRP of just $399, you’re getting a subcompact 9mm with solid capacity, a polymer frame, and a striker-fired system, all in a well-thought-out package that won’t break the bank. It’s not perfect, though, and for me and my oddly shaped hands, the way it grips is about as comfortable as a water cooler conversation with someone who only talks about their multiple pet ferrets; a few minutes is fine, more than 10 and I’m starting to question everything.
Specs at a Glance
- Chambered: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 12+1 (stock, but I upgraded—more on that below)
- Frame: Fiber-reinforced polymer
- Trigger Mechanism: Striker-fired
- Sights: Fixed
- Barrel Length: 3.5”
- Width: 1.26”
- Weight: 24.4 oz
- Overall Length: 6.6”
Size & Concealability: A+
One thing CZ absolutely nailed is the size. With an overall length of 6.6 inches and a width of just 1.26 inches, this gun tucks away neater than me standing in front of the CO after a long weekend. The polymer frame keeps weight manageable at 24.4 ounces, making it an easy all-day carry option. If you want a pistol that balances firepower with true concealability, the P-10 S really does deliver.
Upgrades: Squeezing Out Extra Performance
The stock P-10 S is decent, but like cheap whiskey, it benefits from a little refinement. Here’s what I personally added to class it up:
- Hyve Technologies +3 Magazine Extension – Stock 12+1 capacity is fine, but adding the Hyve +3 extension bumps it to 15+1. That’s compact-firearm capacity inching into full-size territory, all without compromising too much on concealability. More bullets, fewer problems.
- Hyve Technologies Monarch Trigger System – The stock trigger is, well… there. I swapped in Hyve’s Monarch Trigger System, which gives a cleaner break and a smoother pull. Definitely an upgrade, but it doesn’t magically transform the gun into something that feels luxurious, it just makes it less of a chore to shoot.
Shooting Experience: It Definitely Shoots Bullets
Alright, so let’s talk about how this thing actually shoots. The trigger, even upgraded, still doesn’t feel like something to write home about. It’s got a bit of mush to it, like catching your socked foot in a few drops of water after the shower. Recoil is manageable, and for the weight, that’s awesome. However, the grip personally, is really like shaking hands with a mannequin, awkward, slightly unnatural, and not something I want to do all day. That being said, I did have multiple buddies shoot it, and out of the three of them, only one had the same problem. If you have smaller hands, you might love it. For me, it’s tolerable but not ideal.
Final Verdict: A Wallet-Friendly, Carry Option
At the end of the day, it’s tough to argue with what CZ is offering here, and in fact, what they’re offering is incredible for the price. A well-concealed 9mm EDC to the tune of $400? That’s hard to beat, and for me, it works excellently as my backup. The P-10 S isn’t perfect, it lacks some refinement in the shooting experience, and the grip feels…somewhat off, but for its price point, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking for an affordable, effective carry option. If you’re on a budget and need something that disappears under a T-shirt while still packing a decent punch, the P-10 S gets the job done. Just be ready to work around its quirks, kind of like that old truck that leaks a little oil but still starts every morning, gets you to work on time, and won’t ever break your heart.
