By Dave Workman | Senior Editor
When it comes to handguns, Mossberg this year has gone right back to its roots, which makes sense since the legendary firearms company is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, and a big part of that is the introduction of the MC1sc pistol.
The basic Mossberg MC1sc 9mm pocket pistol shown with extended magazine. Serrations at the front and rear of the slide are clearly visible.
TGM had the opportunity to put this compact 9mm semi-auto through its paces at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show’s annual “Media Day at the Range.”
Here’s a striker-fired pistol that does something rather important. It strips down without the necessity of pressing the trigger, which is no small consideration. Other semi-auto designs require a squeeze on the trigger to complete the tear down, and that’s when something bad can happen if one isn’t careful about making sure the chamber is clear.
Takedown of the MC1sc pistol starts by depressing and pushing out the rear cover on the slide that retains the striker.
Mossberg calls this the Safe Takedown System, and that certainly defines what happens.
A press of the thumb at the rear of the slide pops off a small panel that allows the striker to be removed prior to moving the slide off the frame. No striker, no surprise “bang” and no need to touch the trigger.
We were impressed with the MC1sc pistol for several reasons. This subcompact hits the scale at only 22 ounces with a full magazine inserted, and that allows for discreet pocket or purse carry, or a comfortable stroll with the gun tucked in an ankle rig.
It’s got snag-free three-dot sights dovetailed front and rear, and multi-angle cocking serrations. The flat-face trigger features an integrated blade safety, and the pistol features a reversible magazine release. There is also an extended trigger guard to allow easy access, even with a gloved finger, and one version has a manual safety.
Pop out the striker and the slide comes off with a forward push.
There are five configurations of this pistol, beginning with the Standard model, the TruGlo Tritium Pro Night Sights version, the Cross Bolt safety model, a Veridian E-Series model with a red laser and the special Centennial limited edition, shown to us by Mossberg’s Linda Powell.
One feature that got our immediate attention is the magazine. It’s called the Clear-Count and is made from a see-through polymer so that a shooter can determine at a glance how many rounds remain in the magazine. The gun comes with two magazines, a 6-round flush fit and a 7-rounder with an extension that provides a bit of support for the pinky finger. By the time those rounds have been fired, you’ll have somebody’s undivided attention! Also, it’s possible to disassemble these magazines rather quickly so they can be cleaned of dust and grit that might hide in there if the magazines were either black polymer or metal.
Mossberg’s new MC1sc shown in the Veridian E-Series laser0 variation with a close-up of the textured grip surface.
We were firing FMJ ammunition at Media Day, and at typical self-defense range, we hit everything we shot at. It doesn’t get better than that!
The MC1sc has a polymer grip frame and there are palm swells on the grip surface to help fill the hand and spread the recoil, which we found to be entirely manageable.
At a time when there are more than 17.5 million citizens who are licensed to carry, according to some estimates, the arrival of this Mossberg model could not have been better timed. This slim profile pistol is perfect for concealed carry, and would make an equally good backup gun for law enforcement and armed private citizens.
The two Clear-Count magazines that come with the pistol are made from a see-through polymer so that a shooter can determine at a glance how many rounds remain in the magazine. The 6-rounder is flush fit and the other is a 7-rounder with an extension.
The 3.4-inch barrel features a Diamond-like Carbon coating, as does the slide. The sight radius is 5.4 inches, and the overall length is 6.25 inches. The pistol is 4.3 inches high and only a hair over 1 inch wide.
Best part of this package is the MSRP, at $425. That’s not just competitive, it might beat some of the competition.
