Mossberg is well known for its array of durable, affordable shotguns and an impressive lineup of similarly functional and affordable rifles. The Patriot Revere rifle is one of the nicest looking guns you'll ever find for the cost. But now, for the first time in 100 years, Mossberg is back in the handgun business, debuting the MC1sc Subcompact 9mm Pistol. Mossberg's first firearm was a diminutive .22 handgun designed for trappers.

We checked out the new pistol at the 2019 SHOT Show's Range Day in Boulder City, Nevada. This new pistol carries a base MSRP of $425, but is already listed on some outdoors retail sites in the $369 range. With an overall length of 6.25 inches, it's well-sized for concealed carry; in fact, it was designed mainly for this burgeoning segment of the shooting market. Although the gun is svelte, it has enough substance with the grip palm swell and textured panels that it still affords a quality grasp in either a man's or woman's hands. The slide was smooth and easy to operate, the 5-pound trigger relatively crisp and it barely weighs one pound unloaded. The frame is a polymer with matte black finish. The 416 Stainless Steel slide and 3.4-inch barrel are also finished in matte black.

Particularly impressive was the ease of take down for cleaning. Mossberg has designed the gun so that the handler doesn't need to pull the trigger while disassembling. The gun comes apart in a matter of seconds and reassembles just as easily. Beyond the standard model, optional versions include a cross-bolt safety version, models with either TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night Sights or Viridian E-Series red laser and a Centennial Limited Edition model with 24k gold accents, Titanium Nitride-finished barrel and special serial number. Price points steadily increase to about $625 for the Limited Edition.

I asked Mossberg Media Relations Director Linda Powell if this was the first in a new array of handguns in various sizes and calibers. Without committing, she explained that initial reception of the new pistol has been good and that sales success might drive new products down the road, which would be enticing to handgunners and personal protection fans looking for calibers with more oomph. I predict this gun, if it holds up as predicted, could mark an interesting foray into the realm of longstanding handgun brands such as Glock, Kahr, Sig and others. See more at Mossberg's web site.

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