I really love double action / single action designs. I like the option of a short and light trigger for accurate and rapid fire, at the same time a long deliberate trigger pull for safety reasons. Because of this, I own more hammer fired guns than anything. However, there are a few striker fired designs that utilize the DA/SA design. The granddaddy of them all being the Walther P99. The design is quite robust and has been reproduced with Walther’s permission and frames by Magnum Research. This has resulted in the MR9 Eagle.
There are two MR9 eagles, one with a 4.5-inch barrel and one with a 4-inch barrel. The 4.5-inch barrel features a unique design that has Desert Eagle styling at the front of the weapon. When Magnum Research offered to send an MR9 Eagle I was torn between which model I wanted. The 4.5 inch model was pretty darn nice, but I figured the 4-inch model be easier to conceal and went that route.
The MR9 Eagle – Out of the Box
The box the MR9 Eagle comes in is massive. I’m pretty sure this is the same box used for Magnum Research’s Desert Eagle. In this big box was the svelte MR9 Eagle. The frame is made by Walther, and is similar to the P99, but still a bit different. The grip texture is much different and the grip is adorned with the Magnum Research Eagle on both sides. The MR9 Eagle comes with a total of three backstraps. The large grip panel is by far my favorite and fits by big hands really well.
You also get two 15 round magazines, and standard P99 magazines are interchangeable. You also get a total of 6 front sights that are different heights and the rear sights are also adjustable. The set comes with a small allen wrench to adjust the sights. Of course, you get a manual and a lock as well.
Out of the Box and in the Hand
I’m guessing those engineers at Walther actually understand how a hand and wrist works. They sure as hell build reliable and comfortable and frames and grips. Way better than those Austrians that’s for sure. The gun is surprisingly light Of course you get a standard picatinny rail for accessories. A deal breaker for some will be the paddle magazine release located on the trigger guard. This paddle release is ambidextrous and completely functional in my opinion. This is my fourth or fifth gun with this style release, and my EDC has this same style.
This paddle release is ambidextrous and completely functional in my opinion. This is my fourth or fifth gun with this style release, and my EDC has this same style. A little black button adorns the stainless steel slide, and this is your decocker. A simple press decocks the gun into double action. Outside of the mag release, nothing is ambidextrous. The sights are three dot as well.
The Trigger
The trigger system is predictably similar to the Walther P99’s trigger. This means a long double action pull that gets heavier as you pull it til it breaks. The double action isn’t bad, but it’s not great. The single action is where its act. A very light pull that’s consistent until it reaches the wall. At the wall, you have to make that deliberate decision to shoot. The trigger reset is brilliant and feels right around and eighth of an inch.
The gun definitely has that new trigger feel to it. I haven’t put a single round through it and only pulled the trigger a couple dozen of times when dry firing. I’m curious to see if it will smooth out like my SW99C did over a few hundred rounds.
I’ll have a full review coming soon, as well as a comparison to another Walther P99 clone, the SW99C. So stay tuned for more on the MR9 Eagle.
