SHADOW SYSTEMS MR920 ELITE
Posted May 19, 2023
When looking to purchase a firearm, many factors can come into play. Whether you are looking for something for concealed carry, competition, home defense, or something else entirely, there is a endless array of options out there. One such option is the Shadow Systems MR920 Elite, and for many shooters, it could be the perfect firearm.
The MR920 Elite is a relatively new pistol, designed and manufactured by Shadow Systems, a company out of Plano, Texas. They have taken several design elements from some of the best pistols in the world, and combined them to form what they feel is one of the best polymer frame striker-fired pistols on the market. The MR920 Elite is a full-size, 9mm pistol, with an overall length of 7.78-inches, and a weight unloaded of 28 ounces. In many ways, it could be seen as a combination between the Glock 19 and the M&P Shield, both of which are popular pistols in their respective categories.
The first thing you notice when handling the MR920 Elite is its fit and finish. The frame and slide are made from a high-quality, 4140 CPM steel, coated with a black nitride finish for the ultimate in corrosion resistance. The grip frame is polymer, with a textured surface for increased grip, and the slide has a set of aggressive Serrations for easy manipulation. Additionally, the front and rear of the slide have a set of ridges, allowing the shooter to gain a positive grip when manipulating the slide.
The MR920 Elite also comes equipped with several features that set it apart from the competition. First, it has a full-length, stainless steel Picatinny rail, allowing the shooter to mount accessories like lights and lasers, if desired. It also has a heavy-duty locking mechanism, designed to help ensure positive lockup when firing. The trigger is light and crisp, with a short reset, and the gun comes with tritium night sights, for easy low light sighting.
Another impressive feature of the MR920 Elite is its customability. The pistol comes with several interchangeable backstraps, allowing the user to customize the grip size to their preference. There is also a set of optional Vickers mag release and slide stop levers, which elevate the ergonomics of the gun, as well as provide a more positive feel when manipulating the controls. Additionally, the pistol accepts a variety of aftermarket sights and triggers, making it a true blank slate for customizing to ones individual preferences.
On the range, the MR920 Elite is nothing short of impressive. My test gun featured the aforementioned tritium night sights, and with them installed, I was able to quickly and accurately put rounds on target. The trigger was light and crisp, with a short, positive reset. The recoil was smooth and manageable, with very little muzzle flip. The gun also ran reliably with a variety of ammunition, with no issues.
All in all, the Shadow Systems MR920 Elite is an excellent pistol for anyone looking for a great all-around firearm. Whether you are looking for something for concealed carry, competition shooting, or home defense, the MR920 Elite will get the job done. The combination of excellent fit, finish, features, and customability, make it an excellent choice for any shooter looking for a quality weapon that is capable of performing in any situation. Highly recommended.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Outstanding build quality - The MR920 Elite is made with a full-length stainless steel, black nitride slide for extra long lasting durability. The barrel and guide rod are both crafted with 17-4 stainless steel – the same grade of steel used to make aircraft frames.
• Great trigger – The trigger on the MR920 Elite is one of the best in the class thanks to the CMC Flat Trigger, which facilitates quicker and more accurate shots.
• Accessory rail – The Elite model has a Picatinny rail for easy attachment of accessories, such as lasers and flashlights.
• Adjustable sights – The sights built into the MR920 Elite are adjustable for windage and elevation, offering greater precision and aiming options.
Cons:
• High price – The MR920 Elite is one of the most expensive pistols in the SHADOW SYSTEMS lineup. This may make it out of reach for those on a budget.
• Short barrel – The Elite model has a 3.6-inch barrel. While this makes it very maneuverable, it also reduces the range and potential accuracy compared to longer barreled pistols.
• Limited customizability – Not all aftermarket parts are compatible with the MR920 Elite, which limits what kind of customizations you can make to the pistol.
Who Should Buy
The SHADOW SYSTEMS MR920 ELITE is a great choice for anyone who is looking for an affordable, reliable, and feature-rich handgun. It is well-suited for new shooters and proficient shooters alike. People who are looking for a more inexpensive and basic handgun for plinking or target shooting should consider other options. People with limited funds or who are looking for a compact package should look elsewhere as the MR920 Elite is large and heavier than some other models.
Comparisons
| Product Name | Caliber | Size | Weight | Mag Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Systems MR920 Elite | 9mm | 7.7 in | 25.8 oz | 17+1 Rounds |
| FNS 9 Compact | 9mm | 6.7 in | 23.4 oz | 12+1 Rounds |
| Walther PPQ M2 4" | 9mm | 6 in | 24 oz | 15+1 Rounds |
| Sig Sauer P320 X-Compact | 9mm | 7 in | 25.8 oz | 15+1 Rounds |
| Heckler & Koch VP9 | 9mm | 7.3 in | 25.6 oz | 15+1 Rounds |
Features / Specs
• 9mm striker-fired pistol
• 5” match-grade, cut (11° target) crowned 416R stainless steel barrel
• 17-4 stainless steel slide
• Black Nitride Barrel and slide
• Glass reinforced Polymer Frame
• Stainless steel components
• Optic ready slide
• Dovetail rear sight
• Dawson Precision Fiber Optic Front Sight
• 25 lines per inch checkering on the front and rear of the frame
• Magazine Capacity: 15+1 Rounds
• Percussion-activated Striker Safety
• Enhanced U-notch rear sight
• Textured index points
• Generous undercut behind the trigger guard
• Grip serration
• Accessory rail
• Aggressive slide serrations
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Aggressive texture on the grip frame
• Trigger Guard Undercut
• DLC Coatings
• Textured to ensure a secure grip
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for the SHADOW SYSTEMS MR920 ELITE include magazine extensions, gun sights, grip modules, trigger kits, compensators, and threaded barrels. Other accessories commonly purchased for the MR920 Elite include holsters, magazines, recoil springs, buffers, and muzzle brakes.
Accuracy
The Shadow Systems MR920 Elite is considered to be one of the most accurate pistols in production. Its 5 inch match-grade barrel, precision trigger, and performance frame provide an extremely comfortable shooting experience. This compact 9mm pistol features a dual recoil spring system, a Melonite-finished slide, and a stainless steel frame for long-term durability. The trigger offers you a smooth, crisp break with no felt recoil. With a 4.5 lb trigger pull weight, the MR920 Elite provides an amazingly accurate shot. Additionally, this pistol is exceptionally low in felt recoil and muzzle flip due to its low-profile grip, which will enhance your comfort and your accuracy. When it comes to accuracy, the Shadow Systems MR920 Elite is a solid choice for any shooter looking for ultimate precision.
