Shadow Systems CR920 vs Glock 43 & 26

Overview of CR920 and Glock 43/26 Comparison

The video opens with a look at several compact and subcompact 9mm pistols intended for concealed carry. The hosts introduce the Shadow Systems CR920 series alongside two Glock models, the Glock 26 and Glock 43. The CR920s shown include a Combat model and an Elite model, which adds slide cuts, top serrations, and an optics cut. The goal is to compare the CR920 double-stack subcompacts to popular Glock carry guns that occupy a similar role. The presenters note that the CR920s had been seen previously in prototype form at trade shows, but the pistols on the table are production guns now available. The comparison will focus on size, capacity, ergonomics, and how each pistol performs on the range in a defensive carry context.

Glock 43 and Glock 26 Features and Capacity

Attention turns first to the Glock 43. It is a thin, single-stack 9x19mm pistol with two 6-round magazines. One magazine has a baseplate that extends the grip for comfort but does not add capacity, allowing the shooter’s pinky to rest on the grip instead of hanging below it. These particular Glock 43 pistols are factory rebuilt guns offered through the Classic Firearms website. The Glock 26 is then discussed as a thicker, double-stack subcompact that ships with three 10-round magazines. The host notes that a full grip is still not possible, with the pinky hanging off the bottom of the frame. The Glock 26 trigger is described as typical Glock: not exceptional but serviceable. Both Glocks are framed as defensive concealed carry pistols rather than range-focused guns.

Shadow Systems CR920 Design and Magazines

The discussion shifts to Shadow Systems and how the company builds pistols inspired by Glock designs such as the Glock 17 and Glock 19, but with many custom-style features from the factory. These include fluted barrels, threaded barrel options, optics cuts, aggressive slide serrations, frame undercuts, enhanced grip texture, and improved triggers. The CR920 applies this approach to a compact, concealed-carry-focused platform similar in role to the Glock 26 and Glock 43. The CR920 uses a double-stack magazine while maintaining a slim profile. One included magazine holds 10 rounds and still leaves the shooter’s pinky slightly under the grip, while the extended 13-round magazine provides a full firing grip. The hosts compare the CR920’s overall width and grip size to the Glock 26 and note that it appears as slim as, or slimmer than, the Glock 43 despite offering higher capacity.

Trigger Feel: CR920 vs Glock 26

The host evaluates the CR920 trigger and compares it to the Glock 26 trigger. The CR920 trigger shoe is described as a hybrid between a curved and flat-face design, with an integrated trigger safety. There is a short amount of take-up before a defined wall, followed by a break estimated around 4.5 to 5.5 pounds. The reset is slightly longer than ideal but not considered problematic. When the Glock 26 trigger is revisited, it is characterized as smoother than earlier, grittier Glock triggers, though still very much in line with the standard Glock feel. The segment emphasizes that Shadow Systems aims to deliver a more refined trigger experience out of the box, while Glock maintains its familiar, utilitarian trigger characteristics that many shooters already know.

Range Impressions with Glock 43 and Glock 26

On the range, the hosts begin shooting with the Glock 43. One shooter uses the magazine with the pinky extension to achieve a more secure grip. After firing several rounds, the Glock 43’s trigger is described as uncomfortable, with the sensation characterized as pokey rather than outright painful. It is not considered a pistol for extended range sessions but is acknowledged as a defensive concealed carry tool with limited capacity at 6+1 rounds. The Glock 26 is then fired, equipped with AmeriGlo-style sights featuring a bright orange front and luminous rear dots that are easier to pick up than standard Glock polymer sights. Recoil and grip feel are judged to be better than the Glock 43, but the ergonomics still do not fully satisfy the shooter. Both Glocks are framed as compact, purpose-built self-defense pistols rather than comfortable, high-volume range guns.

Shooting the CR920 Combat and Elite

The Shadow Systems CR920 Combat and Elite models are then tested on the range. The Combat model lacks an optics cut and windowed slide, making it the simpler configuration, but it still includes forward slide serrations, a fluted barrel, and the company’s distinctive frame design. The Elite model adds top slide serrations, window cuts, and an optics cut for mounting red dot sights. When fired, the CR920 is immediately preferred over the Glock pistols, with comments highlighting improved feel, better slide serrations, and the advantage of higher capacity in a similarly compact package. The shooters note that, despite these positives, the CR920 remains a subcompact handgun and therefore exhibits more recoil than larger pistols. Within the concealed carry role, however, the CR920’s shooting characteristics and features are viewed favorably.

Final Thoughts on Capacity, Sights, and Carry Role

In closing, the hosts recap capacity and configuration differences. Each CR920 comes with one 10-round magazine and one 13-round extended magazine, which not only increases capacity but also allows a full firing grip. The Glock 43 includes two 6-round magazines, one with a comfort extension that does not add rounds, while the Glock 26 ships with three 10-round magazines. The CR920 Elite’s optics cut and slide windows are contrasted with the more basic Combat model, and both CR920 variants feature a large, glowing front sight paired with a standard rear sight, suitable for low-light use and easily replaced via the dovetail if desired. All three platforms are recognized as viable concealed carry options, with the Shadow Systems pistols offering more factory-integrated features and capacity in a compact footprint, and the Glocks benefiting from broad aftermarket support and established defensive roles.