The hosts introduce the topic of bore axis and why it matters on a pistol. Using a Shadow Systems DR920 as an example, they describe bore axis as the position of the barrel in relation to the shooter’s hand and grip. With a proper high grip and finger off the trigger, they point out how high the barrel sits above the hand. They note that the ideal bore placement would be lower in the frame, closer to the shooter’s hand, to reduce leverage that causes muzzle rise. The discussion emphasizes that bore axis is about geometry between the barrel, slide, and grip, not about accessing the bore, and sets up how this affects recoil and control.
The conversation shifts to what a low bore axis does for the shooter. They explain that when a round is fired, a small explosion drives the projectile forward while the slide reciprocates violently to the rear. The higher the bore sits above the hand, the more that reciprocating mass acts as a lever, increasing muzzle flip. A lower bore axis keeps more of that mass in line with the hand, reducing muzzle rise. They highlight the CZ Shadow as an example of a pistol with a low bore axis and a slim slide. Its heavy overall weight combined with a lighter, slimmer slide and low bore axis produces a very flat, smooth shooting experience, which is valued in competition use.
They contrast low bore axis designs with pistols known for higher bore lines. The Magnum Research Desert Eagle in .50 Action Express is shown as an extreme example, with the barrel sitting noticeably high above the hand and a large, heavy slide that makes the gun top-heavy. They reference Newton’s law, noting that when the projectile exits, the slide slams rearward and the high bore axis amplifies muzzle rise. Proper technique requires getting the hand as high as possible on the beavertail or tang to minimize effective bore height and improve recoil control. They also mention the HK USP 45, described as a renowned .45 ACP pistol with a relatively high bore axis but good shooting characteristics due to its internals and grip. The SIG P226 is cited as another tall, high-bore pistol that remains a proven, well-liked combat sidearm.
The hosts observe that many well-known combat pistols, including the FNX, tend to have higher bore axes, yet still shoot comfortably. They suggest that sight picture and naturally higher sights may play a role in why these designs are popular and easy to pick up visually. They contrast these with Glock pistols, Shadow Systems models, and other Glock-style designs that maintain a lower bore axis while remaining reliable and accurate for duty and carry. For competition, they point to CZ pistols like the Shadow and P-10 F, which combine low bore axis, brighter sights, and reduced reciprocating mass through slide cuts and serrations. They compare polymer-framed “plastic” guns, where a light frame and heavy metal slide can feel top-heavy and increase perceived recoil, to heavy all-metal guns like the CZ Shadow 2, where the mass of the frame and slimmer slide reduce felt recoil even if bore axis were higher.
On the range, they demonstrate bore axis effects using two .357 Magnum revolvers. Starting with a Colt Python, one-handed firing shows noticeable muzzle flash and traditional muzzle rise associated with a higher bore line above the hand. They then switch to a Chiappa Rhino, which places the barrel lower in the frame, closer to the shooter’s hand. The shooter notes that the blast is still significant, but the recoil impulse travels more straight back into the arm rather than flipping the muzzle upward. There is virtually no wrist-breaking motion, and the entire arm absorbs the recoil. The difference in muzzle rise between the high-bore Colt Python and the low-bore Rhino is described as obvious to the shooter, illustrating how bore axis changes the way .357 Magnum recoil is perceived and controlled.
Next, they compare a SIG P226 to a Glock-style Shadow Systems DR920. The SIG P226 is described as having a noticeably high bore axis and feeling somewhat top-heavy. Firing the P226 with a standard two-handed grip, the shooter reports that recoil is manageable but the muzzle tends to rise. They then fire the Shadow Systems DR920, which is mechanically similar to a Glock with a lower bore axis. With the same basic grip, the DR920 shows less muzzle rise and better recoil management. The shooter notes that the difference between the two is not extreme, but the Glock-style pistol clearly feels better in the hand under recoil and keeps the nose from climbing as much, reinforcing the earlier discussion about bore height and slide mass.
Finally, they compare the CZ Shadow 2 to the Arsenal Strike One. The CZ Shadow 2 is highlighted as a heavy, all-metal competition pistol with a very low bore axis and excellent shooting manners. Firing it, the shooter comments on how good and controllable it feels. They then move to the Arsenal Strike One, which also has a very low bore axis but is significantly lighter due to its construction. Despite the weight difference, the Strike One feels surprisingly similar to the Shadow 2 in terms of recoil and muzzle behavior. The shooter notes the Strike One’s flat-face trigger with very short take-up and reset, and points out its longer sight radius compared to the CZ when aligning the slides and sights. Both striker-fired and hammer-fired designs are praised for their triggers and low bore geometry, with the main distinction being overall weight and personal preference rather than a dramatic difference in recoil control.
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