Finding a good deal on a handgun always feels like winning a small lottery. That is exactly what happened when I spotted a SAR9 Gen1 Full Size on clearance at Palmetto State Armory. Yes, I know, I am an FFL and still bought a gun from another dealer. Sometimes a deal is just too good to pass up, and PSA occasionally delivers those moments.

I had already shot the SAR9 SOCOM, so I had a strong feeling the Gen1 would perform well. After a range session, I can confidently say this pistol continues to be one of the most underrated full size striker fired handguns on the market.

Background: Where the SAR9 Comes From

The SAR9 is a Turkish made, polymer framed 9mm pistol produced by Sarsilmaz, one of Turkey’s largest and oldest firearms manufacturers.

The pistol was developed in response to a 2013 Turkish military requirement to create a domestically produced service pistol. The goal was to replace existing sidearms with something modern, durable, and competitive with established duty pistols from major global manufacturers.

During development, the SAR9 went through extensive testing, including a five year NATO trial. That testing reportedly involved approximately 90,000 rounds per pistol and exposure to extreme conditions such as cold, heat, salt, fouling, and drop testing. The design was ultimately selected over several international competitors.

First Impressions of the SAR9 Gen1 Full Size

The first thing you notice when picking up the SAR9 Gen1 is the grip. The ergonomics are very HK inspired. The grip angle, contouring, and texture make the pistol extremely comfortable in the hand. It feels natural and secure without being overly aggressive.

The slide operation and overall layout feel familiar. There are Glock like elements in the slide design and internal striker fired operation, which makes the gun intuitive for anyone with time behind modern duty pistols.

One thing worth calling out is the thumb safety.

I am not a fan. It feels more like a requirement driven addition than an ergonomic one. Some shooters may appreciate it, but personally I would have preferred the pistol without it. It is not a deal breaker, but it is something to be aware of. There is a safety delete kit for the SAR9 at Galloway Precision. I will be ordering this.

Range Performance and Shooting Impressions

Once I got the SAR9 Gen1 Full Size on the range, it immediately felt comfortable and easy to shoot. The grip really does most of the work for you. It points naturally, and the gun stays flat enough that you are not fighting it between shots.

Recoil was very manageable for a full size 9mm. Nothing snappy or surprising. The gun tracks well, and getting back on target felt effortless. It is the kind of pistol that lets you focus on shooting instead of thinking about the gun.

The trigger is better than you might expect if you are judging it purely by price. There is a clear wall, a clean break, and a reset that is easy to feel. It is not a match trigger, but it is consistent and predictable, which matters more for a duty style pistol.

Accuracy was exactly what I hoped for. If I did my part, the SAR9 did its part. It shot to point of aim and stayed consistent throughout the session.

As far as reliability goes, the pistol ran without any drama. No malfunctions, no weird behavior, and nothing that made me stop and question it.

Build Quality and Design

Although SAR Arms is often considered a budget brand, the build quality of the SAR9 Gen1 says otherwise. The slide machining is clean, the frame feels solid, and nothing feels loose or cheap.

This is not a flashy handgun. There is no optics cut, no aggressive slide milling, and no marketing hype. What you get instead is a straightforward, dependable pistol built to do its job.

Think of it as the practical choice. Not trendy, but reliable and effective.

Final Thoughts on the SAR9 Gen1 Full Size

The SAR9 Gen1 Full Size is an underrated striker fired 9mm pistol with legitimate service pistol roots. Its development for military use, success in NATO testing, and solid real world performance make it a strong option for shooters looking for a reliable, full size handgun at a fair price.

I am still not a fan of the thumb safety, but that does not take away from how well the pistol shoots or how comfortable it is in the hand.

If you are shopping around, clearance deals do pop up. And if you prefer to purchase directly through an FFL, SAR Arms handguns are also available through Blackbox Ballistics.

Buy SAR Firearms at Blackbox Ballistics

If you want a duty sized 9mm pistol with proven design intent, solid ergonomics, and strong value, the SAR9 Gen1 deserves a serious look.

Stay safe and shoot straight,

Dominic and Dian – Blackbox Ballistics