If you’re on the lookout for a compact 9mm handgun, you’ve probably seen the Glock 19 at the top of nearly every list. But the CZ P10 C has become a serious contender—and in this review, we’ll look at how it stacks up, what it does differently, and how it shoots suppressed.
CZ P10 C vs Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a behemoth of a gun. It’s influenced most modern handguns due to its massive popularity. If you’re attempting to create a new handgun, the Glock 19 is the gun to beat.
When CZ released their first modern (but not first) polymer striker-fired handgun, they went after the big G19. CZ unveiled the P10 C a few years ago with a simple premise: outdo the Glock 19 while beating its price.
The Glock 19 is often lauded for its perfect size. It’s small enough to conceal with a fair bit of ease but still large enough to be easy to shoot. It works for home defense, concealed carry, duty use, and competition. The Glock 19 is just the perfect size for a 9mm handgun.
It popularized the compact handgun format and made it a versatile tool. When CZ introduced the P10 series, they started with the C model, which stands for Compact. The Compact mimics the Glock 19 and, in many ways, does what many shooters wish Glock would do with the 19.
CZ P10 C Features at a Glance
Specs (for quick reference):
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 15+1 (standard)
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches (standard), 4.61 inches (suppressor-ready)
- Overall Length: 7.3 inches
- Height: 5.2 inches
- Weight with empty magazine: 26.1 oz
- MSRP: Typically under $500
What The P10 C Does Different
The P10 C abandons one of my favorite CZ features, the inverted slide rails. Most CZs have slides that ride inside the frame rather than on top of it. This reduces slide height and weight, creating an extremely comfortable pistol.
CZ took a more traditional route with the P10 series, which opened it up to wider appeal. The P10 C’s slide allows for more traditional optics cuts, and the OR models are widely available for shooters who want to mount a red dot.
It also provides a true Picatinny rail at the front of the frame. Slide serrations adorn the front and rear of the slide. The grip texture is insanely aggressive—so much so that it’s a bit uncomfortable when carried close to the body. That said, good grip texture keeps the pistol locked into your hand and prevents it from shifting, especially with wet hands.
The O.G. P10s had an ambidextrous magazine release. Some folks found that too stiff, so more recent versions will have reversible options.
The P10 C also comes with a huge ambidextrous slide lock. It’s way bigger than the competition’s and much easier to reach and push down when you need to drop the slide.
At the rear of the grip, there’s a decent overhang. It’s not quite an extended beavertail, but it’s large enough to easily press your hand up and against. The trigger guard has a gentle curve, allowing for a high grip without the dreaded “Glock knuckle.”
The grip itself is a nice, svelte grip for a comfy hold that isn’t blocky or irritating for smaller hands. Finally, the flat-faced trigger doesn’t rub or grind against your finger pad, even during higher round counts.
Shooting the P10 C
Let’s move from features into real-world performance. Here’s how the P10 C handles at the range, both suppressed and unsuppressed.
Suppressor-Ready Experience
My P10 C is the suppressor-ready version, and it’s a ton of fun with a can attached. The SilencerCo Spectre 9 is a perfect companion—it keeps things quiet and light. The pistol also has suppressor-height sights, though these aren’t standard. Most P10 Cs feature a shorter 4.02-inch barrel with standard-height sights.
The standard sights are a three-dot variety made entirely of metal. They provide a decent sight picture and are fine—nothing fancy, but way better than plastic sights.
Accuracy and Range Performance
Triggers don’t matter to me, but a nice one is still a nice trigger. The P10 C trigger is refined—short, smooth, with a distinct wall and a quick reset. With iron sights, I’m confident taking shots out to 50 yards. If I take my time, I can go 10 for 10 on C Zone steel at that distance. Anything beyond 50 yards is tough due to the sight obstructing the target. Toss a red dot on, and you’ll increase your effective range.
At 25 yards, I can keep every round inside a B8 target. Not all land in the black, but that’s about as far as my iron sight skills will carry me. The P10 C is plenty accurate and puts the rounds right where you want them.
Recoil, Control, and Reliability
Accuracy is only half the equation. A carry or duty pistol also needs to balance recoil, handling, and dependability, and this is where the P10 shines.
Recoil & Control
Compact handguns are the right size for soft shooting, but can sit on the edge of snappiness. It’s a fine line to walk, and the CZ stays on the not-so-snappy side of things. It provides plenty of control, and I can dial through a long string of fire without losing control.
I can shoot a Bill Drill in about 2.3 seconds with a little warmup. My goal is to push under 2 seconds by the end of the year. The P10 C handles well and is on par with its closest competitors, while feeling more controllable than guns like the XD or even the Walther PDP series.
It hits the perfect compromise of size and control, making it ideal for both concealed carry and home defense. The controls, the magazine release and slide lock, are both easily accessible and fairly easy to use. The slide release is large but sits a bit too flat against the frame. It takes a good bit of force to drop the slide.
Reliability
I’ve owned the P10 C for years now and put a ton of ammo through it. I can’t remember a single time it failed outside of ammo that just failed to fire. It’s an extremely reliable gun that lives up to CZ’s reputation.
Price and Value
Beyond performance, price always plays a role in a handgun’s appeal.
Going Striker
CZ conquered the DA/SA hammer-fired market, so their entry into the striker-fired world was a bit of a surprise. It’s proven to be a smart move. After years of owning one, it’s clear why the P10 C has been successful. CZ managed to deliver a high-quality pistol at a very fair price—typically under $500.
It’s a bargain, and if you want something capable of challenging the Glock 19’s dominance, the CZ P10 C is the closest I’ve seen to doing so.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Glock 19 size with refinements
- Aggressive grip texture
- Flat trigger with short reset
- Suppressor-ready option available
- Fits Glock 19 holsters
- Affordable price (~$500 or less)
Cons:
- Grip texture can be too aggressive for carry
- Slide release sits flat, requires force
- Early mag release design was stiff
Final Thoughts
The CZ P10 C takes everything that makes the Glock 19 such a dominant handgun and adds CZ’s own spin—better ergonomics, excellent reliability, and an unbeatable price point.
Whether you’re looking for a home-defense pistol, a concealed carry gun, or a suppressor-ready platform, the P10 C makes a strong case as the Glock 19 alternative worth considering.
