Review of Shadow System XR920 and MR920L

The author takes a close look at Shadow Systems’ two crossover-sized 9mm pistols, the XR920 and MR902L.

As mentioned in other Shadow Systems reviews, ““Plastic Fantastics” are now everywhere. It’s been about 40 years since this “trend” started, and if it’s lasted this long, I don’t think it’s just a fad at this point. It’s a theme, a motif, a movement. Lately, we’ve seen some “crossover” in this area. That is, a pistol with a compact slide and full-size frame, like the Glock 19X or Glock 45. But the opposite is rarely seen.

This article provides an overview of two different crossover pistols from Shadow Systems: the XR920 and the MR920L.

Grip frame and ergonomics

These two pistols have distinctly different grip frames and ergs. The XR920 has his DR920/Glock 17 sized grip frame, but in my humble opinion it has a much better erg than the Glock 17. Check out my full DR920 review for more of my thoughts on this frame.

Both the XR920 and MR920L feature the same Shadow System features and accessories included in the company’s standard full-size and compact pistol lines. That said, these guns have medium speckles all over the grip, a thumb protrusion above the trigger guard that allows them to stay on target even when gassed, and OEM magwells are in the Goldilocks zone ( (not too big, not too small), no fingers. The grip is grooved (Glock Gen 4 haters rejoice!). Both also come with interchangeable NPOA (Natural Point of Aim) backstraps.

Both pistols held up well in my hand, but my personal geometry makes me prefer similar compact frame guns like the MR920L or Glock 19.

slides

The XR920 and MR920L slides have more serrations than a bread knife, and both feature front and rear cocking serrations. These are useful whether you’re using optics or not, and even if you’re typically using optics to chamber the ammunition, you’ll find that they use the forward serrations for press checks. I did.

The slide machining is elegant and aggressive with the same attention to detail you’ve come to expect from Shadow Systems. The top of the slide also features serrations in addition to a lightning bolt cut to reduce weight.

Additionally, the XR920 and MR920L both feature Shadow Systems’ patented optical system, allowing users to attach virtually any optical component. directly Go to slide. There are no plates or weak points. I dropped the pistol from tables and other hard surfaces into racks using the included optic, and it stayed zeroed every time.

barrel

Both barrels are match grade, but I chose a slightly different configuration. The XR920 features a 4-inch spiral fluted black nitride barrel with a traditional rifling.

The MR920L instead has Shadow Systems’ spiral fluted 5-inch bronze TiNi threaded (1/2×28) barrel, giving the package a little more visual flair. The longer barrel resulted in an average velocity of 33 fps with the same ammunition (average 890 fps with the MR920L’s factory 147 grain load vs. 857 fps for the XR920). With the 115-grain reload, we averaged 53 fps on the long slide (1,093 fps on the MR920L and 1,040 fps on the XR920).

When it comes to my personal Shadow Systems guns, such as the MR920 with RMR that I often carry, I tend to prefer unthreaded barrels. Sure, I have a spare Shadow System barrel with thread rolling around in case I want to twist the Whisper Pickle, but I don’t need it on a daily basis. The pistol remains reasonably accurate in either configuration.

shooting ability

Boringly predictable. That’s certainly not to say it’s not fun to shoot, but it performed as expected as someone with long trigger times compared to Shadow Systems pistols.

As you might expect, the XR920 has a Glock 19-length top and approximately 4-inch barrel, making it very similar in sight and handling to the MR920. The slide length allows for quick removal from the holster while maintaining a full-size frame and capacity. This is what Shadow Systems advertises on his website. For some reason, I feel like short slide guns shoot slightly faster than long slides. Additionally, if you have meaty mitts, a larger grip will give you more space (which I don’t, I have medium hands).

In contrast, the MR920L has a slightly smaller grip, longer sides, and an extended aiming radius. I prefer this grip size because, unlike the larger XR, the magwell acts as a convenient little finger bulge on the MR. I was able to very accurately lower the split to the lowest possible values ​​for a Glock-style handgun (around 0.17 seconds), especially when using the medium backstrap.

The MR920L seems to absorb a little more recoil than the XR, probably due to its slightly higher mass and about an extra inch of slide. It is also front-heavy for this reason, making it a little easier to track the sight under recoil. The MR920L feels a little more elegant, easier to drive on target, and more balanced overall, but this is all subjective.

Both guns run fast and perform very well right out of the box, and it didn’t take long to get used to the feel. It feels somehow familiar and oddly welcome, like running into an ex-girlfriend when you’re both single.

As for trigger pull, the XR920 averaged 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and the MR920L averaged 3 pounds, 11 ounces, each measured over 10 trigger presses on my Wheeler digital gauge. Both numbers are well below the advertised weight of 4.5 to 5 pounds.

As you can see, the targets in the photo above are mostly in the A zone with Charlie hitting them here and there. These are all his 2 and his 3 taps from the holster to his 30 yards. The gun is accurate enough.

Accuracy

Like most pistols, both the XR920 and MR920L are far more mechanically accurate than I could imagine. I’ve been trying to go “back to basics” in competition lately by reacquainting myself with iron sights, so I’ve chosen not to equip either with optics this time. In any case, the tritium front sight and blacked-out rear sight on these guns proved more than adequate.

As you might expect, both match-grade barrels perform well enough with practical accuracy that you can hit good shots out to 35 yards with predictable results. And as you might expect, the MR920L’s long sight radius and 5-inch barrel make long-range shots look easier and more accurate.

criticism

What’s a review without criticism? As usual, I tend to criticize Shadow Systems for being a bit “over-spec’d”, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s ready to use right out of the box, so it can be hard to find something you’d like to upgrade to. The gun comes with a Shadow Systems direct-to-slide optical mounting system, magwell, three interchangeable backstraps, night sights, stainless steel guide rod, and pre-spotted grips.

However, aftermarket triggers can be hit or miss, and I’ve heard that Shadow Systems itself doesn’t recommend using aftermarket Glock triggers. Because, at first glance, these pistols are not Glocks. The company offers a very interesting “Technical Tuesday” series. YouTube channel CEO Trevor Law explains this in detail on a variety of topics.

However, both of these models fit open-end Glock holsters, the XR920 is cross-compatible with most Glock 19 holsters, and the MR920L fits most Glock 17 and 34 length holsters (open-end holster may be required). end holster, I usually run these guns with T-Rex Arms Ragnarok).

Also, unlike other Shadow Systems pistols that required a break-in period (which the manufacturer still recommends), these both ran smoothly right out of the box with no FTE or failures of any kind. did.

parting shot

Although the Shadow Systems XR920 and MR920L are technically “crossover” pistols, each is viable for the discerning shooter looking for a “little extra” in the form of a larger grip or longer barrel and sights. Optional. I like to carry something a little more compact, and the XR920 can certainly fill that role. Also, when it comes to competition, I usually shoot Shadow His System guns with carry optics, but on days when I want to try an old school style in the production/SSP department, the MR920L might come into play.

If you want one pistol to check multiple boxes, check out the XR920 or MR920L.

specification:

Shadow Systems XR920

• Caliber: 9×19
• Action: Striker Fire
• Weight: 23 oz (combat). 22.4oz (Elite)
• Frame: Textured polymer
• Length: 7.25 inches (without screws)
• Height: 5.25 inches
• Slide material: 17-4 stainless steel
• Trigger pull: 4.5-5.0 lbs
• Capacity: 17+1
• Front sight: green outline, tritium dot
• Rear sight: black serrated
• MSRP: $1,046 (Combat); $1,164 (Elite)

Shadow Systems MR920L

• Caliber: 9×19
• Action: Striker Fire
• Weight: 22 oz
• Frame: Textured polymer
• Length: 7.56 inches (without screws)
• Height: 4.75 inches
• Slide material: 17-4 stainless steel
• Trigger pull: 4.5-5.0 lbs
• Capacity: 15+1
• Front sight: green outline, tritium dot
• Rear sight: black serrated
• Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $1,175

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