One of my buddies loaned his Ruger LCR to a co-worker for off-duty carry. The co-worker is a newer cop and she was short on funds after having a baby. It got me thinking that not everyone in the squad room can afford an expensive back-up piece. Introducing: SCCY Industries.
SCCY Industries, LLC (pronounced “Sky”) makes handguns in Daytona Beach, Florida. After handling their Generation 2 CPX-1 and CPX-2’s at SHOT Show, I was impressed with the design and quality control of their 9mm polymer pistols. Fit and finish was above average, especially if you factored in the MSRP: $319.00 for the CPX-1 and $299.00 for the CPX-2! It elicited a “Wow!” and a “Hmmmm…” at the same time.
Since SCCY did not have a range booth at Media Day, I would have to find another way to road test one of their pistols. After a few phone calls, I got one shipped to my local gun store. When I opened the SCCY box, I was shocked. Not only was the little 9mm pistol nestled in there, the CPX-2 came with two magazines, two finger extension mag bases, and two flat mag bases. There was also a very nice spring loaded trigger lock and keys.
A little company history here—SCCY was started by Joe Roebuck, a 35-year tool and die maker and mechanical design engineer. In 2003, Roebuck founded Skyy Industries, LLC, under which he developed the CPX 9mm pistol in South Daytona Beach. In February 2010, SCCY moved into a new 21,000 sq. ft. office and manufacturing plant in Daytona Beach. The Gen 2 CPX’s debuted in 2011.
Mr. Roebuck had been following firearms marketing trends and legislation since 1998. He felt he could produce a high quality firearm that was manufactured in a cost effective manner, resulting in a precision-made pistol sold at a low price point to the consumer. In addition, SCCY pistols carry a lifetime warranty that stays with the gun, not the owner.
The CPX format is a hammer-fired, aluminum receiver/polymer-framed double stack 9mm pistol. The CPX-1 has an ambidextrous manual safety, whereas the CPX-2 does not. Their Generation 2 handguns, current production, are improved versions. Below are some specs from SCCY:
Generation 2 CPX Features:
• Barrel: machined from bar stock with 7 lands and grooves having a 16‐1 right hand twist.
• Receiver: 7075‐T6 aircraft grade heat treated aluminum alloy, machined from bar stock.
• Grip/Frame: Made from Zytel polymer, with ergonomic finger grooves and an integral “RE-COIL CUSHION” on the back‐strap.
• Recoil Spring System: all steel, fully encapsulated for ease of disassembly and reassembly.
• Slide Lock/Release: steel with a Zytel over molded polymer extension for ease of operation.
• 3 dot sight system: steel rear sight, adjustable for windage only with locking screw.
• Hammer firing system: double action only, internal hammer with inertial firing pin to prevent accidental discharge if dropped.
• Manual Guarded Safety: CPX‐1 only. Newly designed with a guard molded into the frame. CPX-2 has NO manual safety.
• Double action trigger: specifically designed for shooter comfort and accuracy by designing the system to have a smooth effortless, consistent 9 pound trigger pull.
• Magazine: included with (2) double stack, 10 round capacity magazines with finger extension base installed and 2 flat magazine bases included.
• Trigger Guard Lock: custom designed to properly fit and be child resistant. Includes 2 keys.
After taking delivery of the CPX, I made it to the range several weeks later. (Hey, I get busy, too.) I had brought along the bag of what I like to call “shitty 9mm ammo.” I don’t even know what some of it was. There was a mixture of hollowpoints, hardball, and frangible bullets from various manufacturers. I know some of it was at least 10-15 years old. I seem to add to the bag every so often after range trips or when given castoff junk ammo.
Dry-firing downrange, I rolled the serrated trigger back several times. SCCY says the trigger is set for about 9 lbs. of pull. Seemed so. It had a longish trigger pull that was pretty consistent in feel until the sear released the hammer. Hammer—can you say second strike capability?
I fitted one of the two stamped steel SCCY magazines with the flat floor plate and left the finger-extended base plate on the second. I loaded both 10 round magazines with hardball for the first string. Twenty pops later, no failures whatsoever. I shot some more of the hardball that I had to fish out of the bag. Still no problems, all bangs.
Now, I blindly loaded mixed mags of bullets. Every time I pulled the trigger, the gun fired, a casing was thrown from the gun, and a new round was chambered. Several hundred rounds later, the CPX-2 was still batting a thousand. I was back to “Wow!” and had left “Hmmm…” by the wayside. This gun impressed me. And kudos to the shitty ammo.
In the video at the top of the article, you see me shooting a full magazine of Speer GDHP’s at 7 yards into my custom ThinBlueFlorida target, available at any office supply store. The attached photo of the target is of the actual hits from that string. Since the steel rear sight of the CPX-2 is windage adjustable with an allen head locking screw, I am able to make that small correction without an issue. The polymer front sight is pinned.
In my first range outing, I launched about 200 bullets from the SCCY pistol. Accuracy at 7 yards remained about 2 ½ to 4 inches, shooting offhand. Some other testers have received 1 ½ to 2 inch groups with a Gen 2 CPX from the bench. Since the intended purpose for this gun is not to defend yourself from the seated/sandbag position, I am just as happy with how the CPX-2 and I send projectiles abroad.
The backstrap of the pistol has what SCCY calls a Re-Coil Cushion. It consists of five oblong holes on each side of the backstrap. Make no mistake, the Zytel handle of the gun is rigid. A push on the area around the holes shows the polymer material yields very, very slightly because of its thinning. It may lead to some lessening of the perceived snap in the hand.
Under fire, I found the shape of the grip and integral finger grooves comfortable in the hand. The slide release is easy to find with the thumb, but hard to activate accidentally. My CPX-2 model does not have the manual safety selector, nor did I want it to have one. “Well, this is my safety, sir.” Hoot, Blackhawk Down…
A couple of the standard features that SCCY likes to tout about their CPX series is the use of 416 stainless steel in the slides, 416r stainless in the barrels, captured steel guide rods, and black Nitride coatings on the subdued slides. My gun has all these features for less than $300.00.
Jason, the Armorer/Service Manager at SCCY, said that the Generation 2 CPX’s are cleared for a limited use of +P rated 9mm ammunition. However, the caveat is that their use will accelerate the wear and tear on the gun. Personally, I am fine with the lethality of standard pressure 9mm with a good bullet.
For concealed carry, the 15 oz. unloaded weight and melted characteristics of the exterior package make it ideal. And you get 11 rounds of 9mm, where some similar guns give you 7 shots for the same basic weight and size.
I will admit to some trepidation over firing a brand new pistol that costs so little. After 450 rounds down range with not a single failure to fire, extract, or feed, I am Sold American! I can easily recommend the SCCY CPX-2 Gen 2 as a viable option for budget-constrained officers or concealed carriers.
Randall
LOOKS LIKE A NICE GUN THAT CAN SHOOT AND NOT BREAK AND ITS MADE IN THE STATES. WONDERFULL! MAYBE I BETTER TAKE A LOOK SEE. GOOD ARTICLE.
Thanks OLDFASTGUY. Love the name!
Randall
It is a nice gun. My problem is that I have a concealed holster picked out and SCCY isn’t listed. I was wondering if there was another gun similar so I can order my holster…..
Kel Tec P11
Good review. Thanks. I bought two days ago SCCY CPX-2. Good price. When I tried to load the mags I had difficult time. Very hard to load, and with 10 in the mag, finally, difficult to insert properly without a hefty hit using the heel of my hand. Any counsel specifically on mag loading would be appreciated. I have Beretta Storm which came with mag load helper for that gun, and I used this, nut it is not the best.
jac, I have found that magazine springs seem to loosen up with time and use. I have some very tight Sig mags that became more friendly to load after leaving them fully topped off and taking them to the range as much as possible. My SCCY mags reacted well to this regimen.
Randall
Sorry for the typo in my earlier post. Last sentence should read: “but it is NOT the best.”
Thanks again, Randall. I spoke with the factory tech rep and he wanted to send me a part to try to resolve that way. I told him I would rather send back the gun for complete inspection and have factory make necessary replacement and adjustment. Then I will have confidence in the product when I need it most. After all, it is a new gun. Thanks your help, mate.
jac
Hi Randall: Since my last posting I have had another issue with my new CPX-2. A friend of mine who lives nearby has had the same issue with his new CPX-2. We went to the range the other day and the triggers on both guns would not reset correctly every time we fired. It became bothersome and we finally quit. It was also the first time my friend had fired his. I contacted SCCY and they asked us to send back the guns, which we have done. Their customer service people are so responsive it is difficult to be disturbed having to send back my gun already twice now since I got it just recently. I wondered if you came across the same trigger problem or know of others who have. Thanks.
jac, I haven’t heard of the reset problem, nor does my gun exhibit this. I’m sure SCCY will make it right. They are very, very customer service oriented.
Randall
Randall: Sent the CPX-2 back to SCCY and they “filed” something, according to Chief Armorer, took 15 secs., returned it to me. Dry fires are great with normal trigger resent, so everything looks good. Thanks for all your help, Randall.
jac mills
No problem, jac! Hope you enjoy it.
Randall
Have put several hundred rounds through cpx 2 without a single failure to feed, fire or eject. Several areas could use slight improvement, but overall a good gun; would recommend.
Trigger pull is long and trigger must be COMPLETELY returned or will not reset. Shape of plastic trigger makes it a bit uncomfortable on my finger. Mag release button is a prominent and can cause inadvertent release while carrying in pocket or IWB. Supplied flat magazine base plates were defective (would not allow mag to lock into grip), but were promptly replaced by company; new ones work well.
Currently gun is going back for trigger upgrade and work on magazine release. Will let you know how that goes…
Would be very interested to hear what you feel about the work on the trigger, Rob. And thanks for your comment. I am picking mine up on Monday (June 3) and will see how it is, although I won’t know until I fire it again. I have sent my gun back to SCCY twice already. I am interested in how they respond to my request for info on what the trigger problem was and what has been done to resolve it. I’ll let you know if you wish.
First gun purchaser looking at cpx2 as option. Wondering if the trigger going back to position to reset is normal or was that a defect? Is this a good first gun especially for conceal carry? Thanks.
Long trigger reset is not a defect, just something to be aware of. I sent my gun back to see if they could modify the mag release button, make it a little less prominent. It hasn’t inadvertently released while shooting, but has while in my pocket (although I was working in the yard and doing a lot of bending and squatting). Anyway, I was told there was a free trigger upgrade, to decrease the possibility of light strikes; I thought I’d take advantage of the free upgrade, even though this has not happened with my gun. I don’t know if the trigger upgrade will effect the trigger reset.
TO ALL AT SCCY GREETINGS I WANT TO START OUT BY SAYING THAT A REAL NICE PISTOL THE CPX-2 THE PISTOL IS A GOOD LOOKA AND A GOOD SHOOTER FOR THE MONEY STEP UP THE QUALITY ON YOUR MAGAZINES AND YOU WONT HAVE TO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT YOUR PISTOL.
THANK YOU
DOMINICK FASANO
I purchased the CPX-2 at a gun show. I have shot through 2 boxes (100) and have had no problems. Filling the Magazines has been a challange so I have a cheap push down loading aid. Now it is a snap. No more raw fingers. I encouraged my friend to purchase. Now we have 2 very reliable selfdefence weapons that can be pocket carried.
how would you compare the sccy to berreta pico/nano?
Unfortunately, bigmiracle, I have only handled a Nano at SHOT Show. I thought it felt top heavy as far as balance, but since I’ve never shot one, I don’t think I am qualified to compare them…
Randall
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Bought a used CPX-2 @ Gander Mountain for $255.00 and could not be happier. We live on 40 acres in the middle of the woods, at the end of a dirt/gravel road. My wife is alone a lot and I wanted something as a ” In case something happens deterrent.” Have run about 30 rounds through it and it worked like a charm.
Nice to hear, Mr. Nelson. I took my SCCY out to the range a month ago and ran another fifty trouble-free rounds through it. A writer from GunsHolstersandGear.com shot it and was so impressed he did an article on his site.
Randall
ive had my cpx2 for a couple months now I also ran into the trigger reset issue upon further inspection it was apparent the frame pins had wiggled out a bit got out a punch and pushed em back in a bit seemed to take care of the issue despite several people telling me it shouldn’t have however ive only put maybe 50 rounds thru it since but I have not had it happen time will tell I suppose
Hi!… everybody I have a sccy cpx-2 model..(no shot yet); I found that loading the magazine is really a hard job,,there is no way I can insert more than five rounds pushing in..sweating big time..I’ts look a nice compact pistol but reloading magazines is a piece of work.
Angel,
I have not had any magazine problems. I can’t believe the spring tension on a ten round mag can be that tight. I’d make sure your followers are installed properly and check with SCCY. Does this happen with both mags?
Randall
Check out Uplula. I got one off of Amazon and I can load my mags without any problems…..Excellent purchase
I agree that the tension on the magazine springs is tight. I have several UpLula pistol mag loader-unloaders. Assorted calibers and they truly work well,(very well).
store your mags for about two weeks preloaded. This will help with the spring tension.
As for the SCCY SX-2 I took the liberty of polishing the feed ramp on the barrel and removing any burrs located on the slide rails with a 3 point triangular file.
OBTW this gun worked just fine without a single hiccup!
Since this Pistol was for my wife, I wanted to make sure that
(A) That it functioned flawlessly.
(B) She felt comfortable with it in her hands.
(C) That she could shoot it with either hand.
(D) That the gun was accurate.
(E) My wife is no stranger to handguns and I am happy to admit that she was very happy with the SCCY.& IT shot vey well for her without any windage adjustments at all.
Glad it works for you and the missus, PJT!
Both myself and my wife have a CPX-2. We have had no problems with either one. Were at the range today and put a couple hundred rounds through each. I highly recommend the guns, the company, and the pesonnel. They are a great crew and have no problem with customer contact.
Thanks for commenting, James. Much of the feedback is very positive for SCCY’s pistols.
Randall
I am a first time hand gun owner, I got one about 2 months ago I too had problems loading the magazine I just sat there and loaded them and let them sit over night then unloaded them did that a few nights and not problems since. I over all love this gun just taking me a little bit getting use to aiming it but I know that will come around. thanks for a great priced well made gun
Glad you are pleased, Martin. I think the SCCY is a lot of gun for the money.
Randall
I now have my second CPX-2. I’m just not sure you can beat it for the price and it’s made in the USA. I too had some mag loading issues but, left them loaded for a few days and they have been much easier to load and they feed rounds flawlessly. Mine shoot literally about anything I run through them. Perfect firearm? Probably no such thing but, close! I have more expensive Pistols but, my two Pistols that work pretty flawlessly? My SCCY and my Hi-Point C-9. Did I just say Hi-Point? Both made in the USA and both with unbeatable warranties. Guess they can make some good products here.
dependable, good balance, magazine loading is a bitch but would rather have very strong magazine spring than one that is too weak. Only suggestion would be to include a loader with the pistol and magazines.
I have a CPX-2 that I love. It compares to my Glock 27 in size but it is lighter . I have had no problems with it at all. The strong spring in the mag assures good positive feeding. It shoots good tight groups the same as the Glock. I like the Sccy and I will continue to carry it until it lets me down. It’s not my colt 1911 or S&W mod 386 but I bet my life on it right now. Good job Sccy
Charles, the CPX-2 is definitely smaller and lighter than a G27. And SCCY is American-owned and operated. Can’t wait to see their new .380!
Randall
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Thanks for the fair review.
My Sccy CPX2 has performed flawlessly for over 6 months and close to 1000 rounds down range. I also have a Glock 26 and for concealed carry I prefer the cpx.
I’ve not had any issues similar to those posted. For the money I don’t think you will find a better firearm. BTW a glock 26 or 19 holster works well with these.
Sincerely
Skipholiday
Wife and I just ran 30 rounds through new Sccy CPX2. Both of us were surprised with the accuracy. No failure to feeds or to eject, even though my wife has weak hands. Our Glock 19, on the other hand, occasionally ejects toward face. Sccy was less than half the Glocks price. Accuracy is good. Our groupings are good. Heavy and long trigger pull, but it’s really like a safety. You have to really decide you’re going to fire it. If you’re indecisive it’s not going off until a complete pull. Better ejection than my Glock. I decided to send Glock back to fix occasional ejection weirdness. Sccy ran just fine on first outing. Gunshot price, out the door with tax and background check was $315.00. What can I say? I’m happy we bought American.
Nice, John! I’m glad you guys are happy. Thanks for the comments.
Randall
I have a load helper from my glock 23. It works like a charm. Saves the fingers. I installed a laser from tr10 and it is the way to go. Can aim from the hip and the perp can’t reach it. Love it.