Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
  • News
  • Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Shotguns
    • Class III & More
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • Latest Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
    • SCCY Brand Videos
    • Video Series
      • Everyday Carry
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Personal Defense World
No Result
View All Result
 
FREE GUN FRIDAY > Enter to WIN the Ruger PC Charger & PC Carbine, Ammo from Black Hills and the Caldwell Portable Range Kit!

Gun Review: Shooting the SCCY CPX-3 .380 Pistol

Yamil Sued by Yamil Sued
November 29, 2017
in Guns, Handguns
0
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL

"I really enjoyed testing the CPX-3. For such a small, affordably priced handgun, it performed amazingly well."

0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL
“I really enjoyed testing the CPX-3. For such a small, affordably priced handgun, it performed amazingly well.”
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL front sight
The CPX-3’s slide comes with three-dot sights, and its top side is serrated to reduce glare.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL rear sight
The CPX-3’s slide comes with three-dot sights, and its top side is serrated to reduce glare.

SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL magazine
Each pistol comes with two 10-round magazines with flat and extended baseplates.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL ejection port
The CPX-3 uses an external extractor and a wide ejection port for enhanced reliability.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL grip
The polymer frame features subtle texturing on the sides and finger grooves along the frontstrap for control.

SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL slide
The sculpted slide shows that the CPX-3 uses the patent-pending Roebuck Quad-Lock system for better shot-to-shot consistency.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL test
To test its capabilities, the author ran four different loads through the CPX-3 off-hand, and the average group size was only 2.44 inches at 5 yards.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL firing
“I loaded a couple of magazines with Federal American Eagle 95-grain FMJs and just pressed the trigger as fast as I could. It fired, ejected and extracted perfectly.”

While the CPX-3 is currently only available in all black or black/stainless, the 9mm CPX-1 (shown) and CPX-2 are available in a variety of different colors.
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL target
SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL engraving

SCCY CPX-3 PISTOL muzzle

With so many states passing concealed-carry laws, the market for lightweight and easily hidden handguns has grown exponentially. This has brought gun enthusiasts a vast selection of smaller and lighter handguns in all colors, materials and calibers. Enter SCCY Firearms (pronounced “sky”).

Back in 1998, Joe Roebuck recognized the demand for a safe, affordable and simple-to-use handgun. Roebuck had over three decades of experience in manufacturing, and he applied his vast experience as a mechanical engineer and tool and die maker to design the CPX line of handguns. Roebuck started Skyy Industries in 2003, which later became SCCY Firearms.

All In The Family

I tested my first SCCY pistol—a first-generation CPX-2—back in 2013. The CPX-1 and CPX-2 are compact 9mm models made here in the U.S. with stainless steel slides and barrels machined from bar stock with state-of-the-art CNC machinery. Their 3.1-inch barrels have 1-in-16-inch right-hand twist rates with seven lands and grooves for enhanced accuracy. The receivers are machined from 7075-T6 heat-treated aluminum alloy, also cut from bar stock, while the grip frames are made of Zytel polymer with ergonomic finger grooves and textured sides. The pistols also feature all-steel, fully encapsulated recoil systems designed for easy disassembly and reassembly. The slide locks are steel with Zytel overmolded extensions for ease of operation. As for differences, the CPX-1 has an ambidextrous thumb safety while the CPX-2 does not. That’s it.

These guns use a double-action-only (DAO) firing system consisting of an internal hammer with an inertial firing pin to prevent accidental discharges if dropped. The trigger is designed for shooter comfort and accuracy, with a smooth, consistent 9-pound pull. Along with a custom triggerguard lock and two keys to prevent children from accessing the handgun while stored, two double-stack, 10-round magazines are included with each variant. The magazines come from the SCCY factory with finger extensions installed, but two flat baseplates are also provided.

  • RELATED STORY: The SCCY’s the Limit with the Compact CPX-2 9mm

The pistols have three-dot sights, including a steel rear unit that is adjustable for windage with a locking screw that prevents your adjustments from shifting. Finally, all CPX series pistols are guaranteed for life, with a transferable “no questions asked” warranty.

From day one, I was impressed with the clean lines and finish on the CPX-2’s slide, the tolerances between the slide and receiver, and the way the grip frame fits my hand comfortably. Even though the magazines come from the factory with an extended finger rest, I actually preferred the included flat baseplate; it felt more comfortable while I carried the gun. I tested several holsters from different manufacturers—inside- and outside-the-waistband rigs and even pocket holsters. I settled with a simple Galco inside-the-waistband clip-on holster.

The New Breed

SCCY Firearms released the CPX-3 in 2017, which I can only describe as a more compact version of CPX-2. The newest member of the CPX family is chambered in .380 ACP, unlike its 9mm siblings. The CPX-3 has the same overall profile of the CPX-1 and CPX-2 and the same white-dot front sight, drift-adjustable white-dot rear sight and trigger configuration. Because of the lighter recoil of the .380 ACP ammo, Roebuck left the recoil-absorbing cushion slots of the 9mm models off of the grip, just ahead of the backstrap.

But the most important difference is the addition of the Roebuck Quad-Lock system. Traditional handguns seat the front of the barrel in the slide with a round surface resting in a round surface, but the patent-pending Roebuck Quad-Lock system employs an additional point of contact at the front of the barrel, where it rests in the slide. The Quad-Lock utilizes two flat surfaces in a 90-degree V-shape for the round barrel to rest in, which forces the barrel into the exact same position every single time the gun is fired. So, in short, while the traditional method of seating permits variation in where the end of the barrel seats, the Roebuck Quad-Lock eliminates this and allows for more consistent operation shot to shot.

I recently got my hands on the CPX-3 and was able to test it on the range, and that range is one of the best—Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona. There, COO Ken Campbell kindly allowed me to play on Hanneken Range, which is named after Medal of Honor recipient Herman H. Hanneken. I started off by testing the new CPX-3 for reliability, making sure it did what it was supposed to do. I loaded a couple of magazines with Federal American Eagle 95-grain FMJs and just pressed the trigger as fast as I could. It fired, ejected and extracted perfectly.

  • RELATED STORY: Battle of the Nines – Kimber Micro 9 vs. SCCY CPX-2

After a minor range reset, I went on to test the CPX-3 for accuracy. I’m not a great shot, but I wanted to see how the DAO pistol performed at a realistic distance. Bear in mind that the CPX-3 is not a competition pistol; it is a concealed-carry defensive handgun. As I have learned from a couple of trainers, self-defense situations rarely happen at 25 to 50 yards. At that distance, you have time to run for help or get to cover. So, I set up USPSA targets with 10-inch TruGlo Tru-See Splatter targets at a distance of 5 yards—a realistic distance for a self-defense situation.

I decided to fire the pistol off-hand; I doubt anyone would have a sandbag or pistol rest in a defensive situation, either. For my test, I used Federal American Eagle 95-grain FMJs, Federal Premium 99-grain Micro HSTs and CorBon’s 80-grain DPXs and 70-grain Pow’RBall rounds. I wanted to see the difference between standard practice rounds and the high-end specialized defense ammunition.

And even though I don’t typically excel with a DAO trigger, I got fairly decent groups. I fired five rounds of each type of ammunition for an average group size of 2.44 inches. For an average shooter such as myself, that kind of accuracy isn’t bad. After the accuracy testing, I chronographed each load to see how the loads performed out of the CPX-3’s 2.96-inch barrel. To my surprise, the average muzzle velocities weren’t that far off from the advertised values of the ammunition tested.

Built To Perform

I really enjoyed testing the CPX-3. For such a small, affordably priced handgun, it performed amazingly well. It was both accurate and reliable. There was little or no felt recoil or noticeable muzzle flip, which is noteworthy for such a lightweight pistol. This compact offering would make a good backup pistol, and with the right ammunition, a great primary.

In short, the CPX-3 is a great self-defense choice for anyone searching for an easily concealed pistol for pocket, purse or belt carry.

SCCY CPX-3 Specs

Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.96 inches
OA Length: 5.7 inches
Weight: 15 ounces (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: DAO
Finish: Black, stainless
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $229

For more information, visit sccy.com.

This article was originally published in “Pocket Pistols” 2018. To order a copy, go to outdoorgroupstore.com.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

The Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary Special Edition CQB.

Wilson Combat Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary with a Special Edition CQB

Revolver vs Semi-Auto: Which is Best for the New Shooter?

Real Talk: Revolver vs Semi-Auto, which is Best for New Shooters?

The Exclusive Springfield Armory Two-Tone Stainless Hellcat.

Exclusive Springfield Armory Two-Tone Stainless Hellcat for Sports South

The Best Concealed Carry Pistols for 2022.

The 25 Best New EDC Self-Defense Pistols Released for 2022

Load More

PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD VIDEOS

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

What Are Red Flag Laws?

What Are Red Flag Laws and Are They Ripe For Abuse?

Recently, the Senate passed the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” which includes funding for red flag laws. Garnering the support of...

Read more

TRENDING

Radio Reporter Falls Victim To Home Invasion

Unlicensed Open Carry Bill in Tennessee

...

11 of the Best 1911 Pistols for 2022.

11 Best 1911 Pistols [2022]

...

The Savage Arms Stance, chambered in 9mm.

TESTED: Savage Stance Is a Solid Entry into the Concealed Carry Market

...

The Best Concealed Carry Pistols for 2022.

The 25 Best New EDC Self-Defense Pistols Released for 2022

...

PICK A CATEGORY

CONCEALED CARRY SPOTLIGHT

Summer Concealed Carry Options.

Carry Concealed Comfortably This Summer

Winter weather provides quite a few benefits to gun owners. Big, heavy coats and shirts more easily hide the bulges...

CONCEALED CARRY SHOWCASE

Escaping a Knife Attack, UF PRO

WATCH: How to Defend Yourself Against an Attack with a Knife

The Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary Special Edition CQB.

Wilson Combat Celebrates Its 45th Anniversary with a Special Edition CQB

Revolver vs Semi-Auto: Which is Best for the New Shooter?

Real Talk: Revolver vs Semi-Auto, which is Best for New Shooters?

2nd Amendment Sanctuary Movement Covers Over Half of United States.

2nd Amendment Sanctuary Movement Covers Over Half of United States

A Focus on Safety in Texas Schools.

Safety in Texas Schools: Taking Charge, Training, & Learning to do Better

The Recover Tactical P-IX IX Modular AR Platform converts your basic boring Glock into a slick and handy PCC or subgun style package.

TESTED: Recover Tactical P-IX Modular AR Platform for Glock Pistols

80-Year-Old Store Owner Shoots Robber with Shotgun.

80-Year-Old Store Owner Shoots Armed Robber with Shotgun

Democrats Dismiss Key Details During Show Gun Control Hearing.

Key Details Dismissed by Democrats at The Recent Gun Control Hearing

site logo
Gun News, Gun Reviews, and Self Defense Tips
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics/Lights
    • Safes
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • View All Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • First-Time Shooters
    • Home & Self-Defense
  • Videos
    • PDW Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.