The IWI Jericho 941 pistol has a long history of reliable operation and durability. Based on the CZ-75, the Jericho 941, in many ways, upgrades that legendary Czech handgun, while creating its own legacy of quality. Israel Military Industries (IMI) introduced the pistol to the United States in 1990.
Magnum Research initially handled the gun’s marketing and billed it as the “Baby Eagle” because of its resemblance to the famous Desert Eagle. But the guns operate very differently and are not related.
Mossberg sold a few Jerichos under the name “UZI Eagle” because of the Israeli connection and the gun’s aesthetics. Again, the Jericho’s operation is not related to either gun. IMI was privatized in 2005, with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) established as the company’s small arms division. IWI has manufactured and marketed the Jericho 941 since 2005.
The “941” designation refers to the gun’s original chamberings in 9mm Parabellum and .41 Action Express. .41 AE never took off, and later models also offered .40 Smith & Wesson, with a few .45 ACPs thrown in as well. But most Jerichos, including current production models, are chambered in 9mm.
IWI recently sent me their new Jericho 941 F ORP (Full-size Optic Ready Pistol) for testing and evaluation. The gun comes in several configurations, but this review will focus on that particular model. Full disclosure: I do get to keep this gun. That fact has no bearing on my review.
IWI Jericho 941 F ORP Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
- Capacity: 17+1 (10-round magazines available)
- Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
- Overall Length: 8.2 inches
- Steel Frame
- Weight: 38.6 ounces (Without Magazine)
- Double/Single Action
- Optic Ready (RMR and DPP Plates)
IWI Jericho 941 F ORP Features
Let’s be honest, the steel frame makes the Jericho 941 a heavy pistol. I include the “941” here because IWI’s recent Jericho “Enhanced” line has a polymer frame. Just understand that there is a difference. Anyway, the 941’s 38.6 ounces are all there. But that can be good, which I’ll discuss later.
The frame has a beveled front to ease holstering, and the large beavertail protects against hammer bite. The slight palm swell and 360-degree stippling feel good in the hand. The stippling is positive without being sandpapery. I like that.
The tapered, low-profile slide is a clear CZ-75 influence, along with the interior slide rails. Those features combine to provide a lower bore axis than comparable large handguns like the Beretta 92 and Colt 1911.
The Jericho’s disassembly also mirrors the CZ-75, which uses the slide release as a takedown pin. It’s simple but you’ll need something to tap the pin out so you can grasp it. A magazine base works fine. Speaking of magazines, the gun ships with two 17-round Mec-Gar mags which are interchangeable with the Jericho Enhanced. I like that since I own one of each.
The Double/Single Action trigger is pretty good, though the full DA function is long and heavy without any real break. I estimate the pull at around 12 lbs., but it was too heavy for my trigger gauge to measure. You just have to pull all the way through, and I don’t recommend carrying the Jericho in DA mode.
The half cock pull steadily measured 7 lbs. with a fairly long but consistent break. The single action break averaged a crisp 2.25 lbs. The thumb safety allows “Condition 1” or “cocked and locked” carry if you like that and have the requisite training.
New Features
The new F ORP model has several new features, bringing the Jericho 941 platform into line with modern handguns.
As the name suggests, the optic-ready slide is the biggest change. The gun ships with steel mounting plates for RMR and DeltaPoint Pro footprints. Each plate includes a tall rear notch for easy co-witnessing with the equally tall front sight blade. IWI includes Allen wrenches and screws for mounting. The cover plate’s rear sight is tall, and adjustable for windage. The plate rear notches are not adjustable.
The slide itself features deep front slide serrations that are absent on older models. They ease the challenges of manipulating the low-profile slide. You’ll need to practice that. A more robust captured guide rod improves on the old design.
The grip texturing is also improved, as is the frame-mounted thumb safety, which is now ambidextrous with an enlarged left-side lever. The 1913 Picatinny rail section is larger for more capacity and accessibility.
Finally, the enhanced magazine release button is much better than its predecessor. It’s also better then the button on the Jericho Enhanced. The button is larger, textured, and more prominent, without being uncomfortable. It’s also very responsive and reliable. I love this feature. The button is reversible but requires a competent gunsmith or armorer to do it properly.
The IWI Jericho 941 F ORP On the Range
I mentioned the Jericho 941’s weight. It’s heavy, but that translates to light recoil and superior stability. The gun is a real pleasure to shoot, and is very easy to control, assuming you can run the DA/SA trigger. That’s a good skill to have if you’ve never done it. I liken it to being able to drive a car with a manual transmission. It’s more complicated, but you’ll always be glad you can do it.
The gun’s stability and light recoil contribute to accuracy, which the Jericho has in abundance. I wish the front sight had some kind of dot, but it’s fully blacked out. I’ll remedy that with a drop of luminescent paint, but the Jericho is very easy to hold on target.
Being able to add an optic is really a game-changer for this gun, and I went with a closed-emitter Meprolight MPO Pro-F red dot. A robust pistol needs a robust optic, after all. The dot was easy to co-witness, and my co-tester and I rang steel almost effortlessly. The Jericho was a beast on the dueling tree, allowing for quick follow-ups thanks to its innate stability.
The big frame fits well in my hands and the controls are right where I want them. Smaller guns sometimes require me to alter my grip a bit to hit the mag release, but not this one. We both love the enhanced mag release button.
I don’t like Condition 1 carry, but the half-cock function works very well for me. The trigger isn’t too heavy and has a predictable, if somewhat long, break. The light SA trigger contributed to the fast follow-up shots.
We shot 450 rounds of 115-grain Federal Americn Eagle FMJ and 115-grain Blazer Brass FMJ provided by Ammo-to-Go. The gun was 100 percent reliable.
Carrying the Jericho 941
The Jericho’s size and weight demand a quality holster. You won’t get by with a cheap, one-size-fits-all holster with this gun. I found that holster in the Bianchi Model 126 GLS Assent OWB. I suppose you could carry the Jericho 941 inside the waistband if you really wanted, but I don’t think I would. OWB carry is good with a jacket or coat that hangs down a bit.
The gun is big enough that I found it necessary to move it to the 3 o’clock position instead of my customary 4 o’clock. The holster’s middle finger-operated retention lever was a bit awkward otherwise. The holster works fine, but the gun is so big that I had to reach around it. It carried comfortably, but you know it’s there.
I should also note that my Jericho Enhanced did not fit into the 126 GLS Assent holster. After close examination, the two pistols have some subtle dimensional differences that precluded holster compatibility. Keep that in mind when holster shopping for either gun.
The Jericho 941 is not the ideal concealed carry gun. Then again, maybe you want to carry an artillery piece on your hip. Drive on. I think this gun would excel on a battle belt. I intend to find out.
Final Thoughts
I like this gun. It’s tough, reliable, and a lot of fun to shoot. Yes, it’s heavy and bulky. IWI claims that the Jericho 941 is “built like a tank.” I agree and think that’s a great description. It feels like a gun that will run forever, as long as I clean it once in a while. I’m not the only one who feels that way.
The Jericho 941 still serves as a standard-issue sidearm for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which values the gun’s performance and reliability in harsh combat environments. If anyone should know, the IDF should. Their special ops units use smaller, lighter sidearms like Glocks, but many regular units use the Jericho 941 because it works. That’s a solid endorsement in my mind.
As I said previously, I won’t carry the Jericho very often. But it’s a fine gun for vehicle carry or home defense. And I intend to try it on a battle belt. Its rugged reliability demands a place in my system, especially since I can mount an optic. That’s become a big deal for me as I get older and my eyes get worse.
I like small, slim pistols as much as anyone. But sometimes I want something big and heavy. And steel. Love my polymer-framed guns, but steel is good. It’s somehow more satisfying. The Jericho 941 F ORP fits that description, with the added bonus of modern features. It’s also surprisingly affordable, as IWI pistols tend to be. Few companies can match IWI’s bang for the buck.
So, do yourself a favor and check out the new Jericho. I bet you won’t be sorry.
