Who needs a silly old Glock anyway?
“The U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Secure Transportation are set to procure ZEV’s OZ-9 X Combat. A notice of intent to procure was posted on SAM.gov announcing that the Office of Secure Transportation are responsible for the safe and secure transportation of nuclear weapons and components and special nuclear materials.”
Did Zev finally get the OZ9 to work right?
Seems like it did OK during testing:
“The notice also noted that field testing of the ZEV pistol ran between January 25 and 27, 2022, with the ZEV 0Z-9 handgun not only scoring the highest overall technical score among six (6) 9mm gun manufacturers, but the ZEV 0Z-9 handgun received the highest individual testing criteria scores in regards to weight, damage resistance, low light operations, pointability, ergonomics, malfunctions, recoil management, and overall impression.”
We’ll, the more they spend this year, the more of a budget increase they’ll secure for next year.
What does this do better than a Glock 17/19 Grn 5 MOS or a HK VP9 PR or a S&W M&P9 OR?
It is essentially a customized Glock, nothing more. I know a guy that sold his Glocks after he got some time behind his OZ-9X.
Our tax dollars at work. Shadow Systems guns would have been less expensive
Superior grip/ergonomics but due to steel receiver its is heavier and has noticeably less muzzle rise/flip.
That frame doesn’t appear to be steel to me.
It’s steel, just the grip and trigger guard are polymer. They’re also replaceable with different size grips. The actual frame is all steel.
I fondled one the other day at the LGS, and I’m seriously contemplating picking one up.
I look these pistols up and the cheapest I see is over $1400? What the hell?
Not their money I guess.
It’s a super duper customized glock inspired clone. I’m sure the .gov contract cost per gun is nowhere near the advertised MSRP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTCtueJ-sZE
Skip to the 11 minute mark for the field stripping showing the metal modular fire control unit, in the flavor of the Sig 320.
So what does the modular fire control do for you other than allowing you to swap out the grip unit? I’ve seen no evidence that they make guns perform better. Seems like a solution in search of a problem to me. Not that there’s anything particularly bad about it, but I can’t see paying anything extra for a gun that has one.
I have a few OZ9s, Shadow Systems, and of course Glock guns.
the OZ9 is a really flat shooting gun (as all Glocks are). I’d say they shoot flatter than the Glock, they are heavier so a touch softer, and they had a 1911 flat backstrap grip angle if that’s a plus for you. Magwell is a win, and the trigger is nicer. Honestly the OZ9 feels absolutely great to me in my hand - they did some nice work on the grip module contouring. In fact I’d say the OZ9 is the flattest shooting non-comped non 2011 9mm gun I’ve ever shot.
Mine don’t run worth a darn with provided Pmags, but that’s not just a Zev problem. Mine have run fine so far with real Glock mags.
RDS setup is very nice on them. Dot sits nice and low directly mounted to slide.
OZ9 can be found 25% off pretty easily. Probably the govt version purchased has simpler slide cuts or hopefully no (crap catcher) holes machined in the slide. Bet Zev gave them a great deal just to get on the .mil/LE radar.
Shadow Systems run awfully close for less $ and have more flexibility to fit the user with interchangable backstraps. My shadow systems guns have not burped yet, regardless of magazine used.
The increased weight combined with grip make it a flatter shooting gun with less muzzle rise. While it’s not as flat as say an Atlas or all steel 1911, comparing it to gen5 G17 and SS DR920 , it’s a noticeable difference.
OZ9 Combat can be had for less then $1200. Factor in rmr cut, upgraded trigger, upgraded sights, and grip/texture compared to oem glock…it’s really not that much more then adding those on your own. But like I said, you also get the extra weight and steel receiver that slide reciprocates on. Honestly another benefit at least for me is the slide stop is recessed into/shielded by grip. So in my case I have a very high and aggressive grip that often times on oem Glocks interferes with last round lock back, but not with OZ9.
As the owner of a CZ 75B (and a CZ 97B), you definitely notice the weight of a steel frame.
Just stating facts. Doesn’t affect me at all. I don’t own a glock or any expensive derivative of one.
I think we’ve come full circle if people are willing to pay extra for the added weight of a steel frame. Whatever happened to ounces are pounds?
In this case we’re talking full size duty guns so the ounces = lbs thing isn’t as relevant as a consideration as if we were talking bug or ccw. Maybe it is for some, but it seems most care about reliability, performance, and cost in this category.
There’s this thing called the gym. If a few ounces extra on a duty sidearm is too much I suggest getting your butt into the gym.
Furthermore this is for Department of Energy, those guys don’t spend a lot of time humping their gear around on foot.