With the P-10 M (Micro) the successful Czech gun manufacturer completes its P-10 series, which until now consisted of the full-grown P-10 F (Full Size) service pistol and the smaller P-10 C (Compact). In contrast to the usual procedure, the CZ P-10 C saw the light of day first. Now CZ is launching the P-10 M, the smallest version of the polymer-framed pistol in 9mm Luger with a firepower of 7+1 cartridges.
With an empty weight of 20.1 oz/572 g and its small dimensions, it clearly belongs in the category of sub-compact pistols. There are plenty of competitors in this category: for example the Beretta BU9 Nano, GLOCK G43, Ruger LC9, Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield, or the Walther PPS. In comparison to the double-stack P-10 C from the same company, which holds 12 cartridges with almost the same barrel length, the single-stack Micro has to make sacrifices in terms of magazine capacity due to the approximately 0.23”/6 mm narrower grip. The counter finally stops at 7 cartridges. Whether one prefers a higher firepower or a narrower and therefore better concealed gun, is ultimately a matter of individual choice.
Smooth and small – The CZ P-10 M is reduced to the essentials
A design feature of the tiny Czech lady that's striking at first glance is the smooth, no-frills appearance – you won't notice a manually-operated external slide stop or take-down lever on either the left or right side. Nevertheless, after firing the last cartridge, the slide is caught by an internal mechanism. After changing the magazine, slide is released by pulling it back.
For disassembly, a pin must be pushed out of the grip. Since this task is not done every day, you can live with it.
Due to the eel-smooth surface, the P-10 M can't get caught anywhere when drawing, for example with the popular "Appendix Inside the Waistband" carrying method under the shirt. If you look at the magazine, the design will remind you at least somewhat of the HK P7 M13 magazinesn.
In the upper part, the magazine is designed as a single stack, further down the cartridges are stacked in 1½ rows, or better said in a flat angle of about 30° on top of each other. This gives the P-10 M one more cartridge than, for example, the GLOCK 43 or Walther PPS, while maintaining the same height. Therefore the grip can only measure about 0.86”/22 mm in the upper area where thumb and index finger are in contact. The grip texture is quite grippy on the sides, and nicely aggressive on the front and back. The manufacturer designed the frame surfaces, which can mainly come into contact with clothing, in a more fabric-friendly way.
Trigger and striker firing system of the CZ P-10 Micro
The trigger is similar to a double-stage trigger in its characteristics, but only breaks at a relatively high value of 7.9 lb/3600 g. The trigger assembly called SFDA (Striker Fire Double Action) by CZ is a partially pre-tensioned system, as we know from GLOCK pistols. Here, part of the force is stored into the striker spring by the forward slide movement. The remainder is then transferred via the trigger finger over the trigger bar to the striker. The partial pre-tensioning is considered so safe by CZ that a firing pin safety is not needed at all.
The "Double Action" designation in the P-10 M adds to the confusion, because it is not possible to operate the trigger as often as you like, for example in case of an ignition failure. In the USA, the primary market for such a sub-compact pistol for everyday concealed carry, guns with a pre-tensioned trigger system are however classified as double-action firearms by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). Therefore the system designation by the manufacturer makes sense.
CZ P-10 Micro in 9mm – Specs and price
| Model: | CZ P-10 M |
| Caliber: | 9 mm Luger |
| Magazine Capacity: | 7 rounds |
| Frame: | Polymer |
| Slide: | Steel, 9.59 oz/272 g (12.2 oz/348 g with barrel) |
| Barrel Length: | 3.4”/87 mm |
| Groove-Land Diameter / Twist Length: | 8.83 -9.05 mm / 1-250 mm |
| Rear Sight: | 0.159”/4.05 mm, laterally driftable with two white, photoluminescent dots |
| Front Sight: | 0.147”/3.75 mm with white, non-luminous dot |
| Sight Radius: | 5.9”/150 mm |
| Safety: | Trigger
safety |
| Trigger Pull Weight: | SA: 7.88- 8.15 lb/3577-3700 g, average value 8 lb/3630 g |
| Total Weight (including magazine): | 20.1 oz/572 g |
| Dimensions (LxWxH): | 6.14x1.06x0.47 in (156x26x12 mm) |
| Extras: | Hard shell case, reserve magazine |
| Price: | 539 euro (price may vary in your country) |
With the CZ P-10 Micro in 9mm on the shooting range
We test fired the sub-compact concealed carry pistol with 5 types of factory ammunition featuring projectile weights ranging from 107 to 147 grains, three of which were purebred defense ammunition. One of them is the rather young GECO 107-grain Action Extreme with lead-free hollow-point bullet, a very interesting load.
Even if the ranking according to achieved groupings is certainly not the most important criterion here, we would like to start with that. The best result on the 15 m range was with the Speer Gold 147 grains at 2.12”/54 mm from two averaged 5-shot groups. This was followed by the S&B 124 grains FMJ from the 250 bulk pack, with 2.48”/63 mm. The GECO cartridge with 124-grains fully copper-plated lead bullet achieved 2.48”/63 mm. The average of all loads was 2.59”/66 mm.
Very interesting was the high performance of the 124-grain Speer Gold Dot. The bullet produced an impressive 362 m/s from the 87 mm barrel, which is 526 joules. Speer's technicians did a great job in this short barrel load thanks to the well thought-out choice of propellant. However, it is precisely with this kind of loads that the P-10 M is a good choice. It thus meets the fate of many sub-compact pistols with short, narrow grip. The recoil is absorbed by a smaller surface in the hand and is therefore felt to be more unpleasant. Since one should also train regularly with sub-compact guns in order to master the gun in a somnambulistic way and to be able to make clean hits even under stress, it is best to take a few test shots before buying. If the recoil is too harsh or the grip is too small, it's better to go for the next larger version, even if the appeal of these extremely handy pistols is certainly omnipresent.
The new micro compact P-10 from Ceská Zbrojovka – Our conclusion
With the P-10 Micro, the Czech manufacturer Ceská Zbrojovka (CZ) is meaningfully expanding this series of polymer-framed striker-fired pistols, now consisting of three models. Like the CZ P-10 F and C, as well as many other pistols from this brand, the new micro-pistol can impress with its good price/performance ratio. The P-10 M with its interesting design features need not fear comparison with competitors. It costs 576 euro – only slightly cheaper than a GLOCK G43, but the price difference to the Walther PPS, on the other hand – at around 200 euros – is already clearer, just to stick to two examples. That and the performance offered make the CZ gun a good buy.
