Shadow Systems MR920 Review - It's like a Glock 19, but 1911ier

Following the trend of Glockish guns, I really didn't have high expectations for the Shadow Systems MR920 when I got it in hand. But after a little time on the range, my mind was changed and this is (in my opinion) THE Polymer gun to get (the elite version). So... yeah.... go get one.

[@1911syndicate]

I heard “shadow systems” was your nickname in high school

[@defconcreative]

Ha... woulda been way cooler than my real Nickname...

[@karkess313]

I have the 920 Elite "Warpoet", it is absolutely the best gun I have ever owned and their customer service is second to none!!

[@Jasondranoff]

Agreed!

[@zackfrank1903]

Just ordered the war poet. Hope to see it before June!!

[@karkess313]

@Jesse Robinson So the problem wasn't with the gun but with the Holosun optic. It had a defect and I had to send it to Holosun for warranty. I reached out to Shadow Systems and they sent me the plate that cover the optics mounting holes free of charge, next day air! Even though they didn't have to. I absolutely love this gun and will carry nothing else!!

[@karkess313]

@@zackfrank1903 You will love it!!

[@creaturecore13]

@@karkess313 I dont like glocks, but have been considering this. TY for the customer service information.

[@manuelgarcia8301]

good to see you back...i enjoy the vids. keep them coming.

[@defconcreative]

Thank you... on a good schedule now... will see a consistent stream of videos now

[@RolandDeschain198]

I just picked up an MR920 Combat. They have combat versions that include the threaded barrel & optics cut (the only difference between it and the elite is no windows on the slide), which is what I got. I absolutely love it. It's my favorite striker-fired gun ever!

[@defconcreative]

It is very good

[@cactuslifeaz]

I rotate a 920 Elite and a G19 MOS for my EDC. They're both good and reliable. I like the MR920 a little better because of the optic cut (optic sits lower on the slide), the grip angle, and it's lighter which makes it more comfortable in an appendix holster. They shoot exactly the same.

[@leeroyjenkins1127]

dont forget how low the optic cuts are on these guns. Shadow moved some internals (Because THEY are innovative) so it doesn't use a plate system, it uses spacers so ALL optics co-wittness

[@OEFveteran2010]

I have the mr920 combat with optic cut from factory but no slide cut no threaded barrel. I run the holosun green dot love it works amazing

[@michaeljames2250]

I got the elite a couple of months ago with an optic. Love it! I’m coming from a glock 19 gen 4. This is what I carry now.

[@defconcreative]

It really is a great gun!

[@mikeh7203]

Have the MR920 L has the Glock 17 size slide on the Glock 19 size grip. Best of both worlds. Supper smooth shooter very accurate and has the optic cut if desired.

[@kennyvalentine7644]

Thanks for the solid and honest video. I’ve been looking for anyone that has anything bad to say about this pistol. Haven’t yet. Other than trigger preferences...which is normal. Just ordered a War Poet 920 with Holosun 507. In stock now for $1,176

[@defconcreative]

I really have nothing bad to say about this gun.... I tried but I think it checks all of my boxes...

[@rt1326]

Found a new MR920 Combat with an optic cut for $799 at my local shop. I agree on not paying that price for non optic, but it is out there for the combat version. solid review.

[@defconcreative]

Good buy!

[@rorinthelarpdad120]

I have the mr920 combat and I won't lie, as a 1911 lover as well it's amazing. It has everything I want

[@defconcreative]

You sir are a scholar and a gentleman

[@markallen4001]

The combat and the foundation versions can also be had with the optic cut.

[@clutchclipperjk5169]

I have the MR920 Elite in FDE. Got it for $1017 out the door! I run a HS507c-x2. This gun is very nice IMHO. I use the L backstrap, it changes the grip angle to make it similar to a 1911 A frame. Love this gun. Gre at video!

[@defconcreative]

Thanks for watching and great setup!

[@michaela6147]

It's neither a Glock or 911. Great gun all to itself. .

[@sheltermemercury]

I bought an MR920 Combat a few months ago. It had a threaded barrel and optic cut. I think I paid $900 for it. Absolutely wonderful handling pistol.

[@defconcreative]

I can’t say enough good things about this gun... I am a big fan

[@paunchouspilot6757]

6.02.21 ordered the 920 combat Optics ready SS-1006 for 799 from Elk County ammo and Arms.

[@alursino3213]

Got the mr920 with the hs507c installed for $1149 @Sportsman’s guide. That’s a great value IMO. It’s got Warrior Poet on the barrel unfortunately but can switch out the barrel if that bothers you. Good video.

[@defconcreative]

It really is a great gun!

[@dougbursey9021]

I have the DR920 elite with a Holosun and a timney alpha 3lb trigger. It handles great. It will be getting rotation at IPSC with my shadow 1 and 2.

[@crocholiday]

I have a MR918 Combat and love it. So when I stumbled into a MR920 Elite at my local shop as it was being taken out of the shipping box I picked it up on the spot. Got mine for $975 and felt like I won something lol. Not sure I agree with it being same shooting as a Glock. Shot mine side by side with my sons G19 and whatever voodoo they've done, it's definitely noticeable. Much flatter shooting than the Glock. Maybe it's a combo of lighter slide, steel guide rod and better spring? Whatever it is, it works great and you can't beat it for the price.

[@defconcreative]

I agree, this is the only Glock 19 style gun I would buy… And that includes an actual Glock 19

[@bloodycrepe]

Compare them with mantis x otherwise I call placebo effect

[@2amichaelj]

@@bloodycrepe the tolerances are supposedly tighter on SS, also requiring a break in period as opposed to Glocks. Tighter tolerances in the plane of physics should make the pistol more accurate. The grip angle is more typical on a SS with other pistols on the market too. Not saying any of this are reasons why the original commenter shoots the SS better than Glocks but it could be.

[@Jasondranoff]

I just got the mr920 elite a few weeks ago absolutely love it I disagree with you in the fact that it shoots just like a Glock. I think it shoots way better than my 19 Gen 5 but that's just personal preference and opinion. I thought you covered the pistol extremely well and I agree with you it seems very silly that for a $200 difference you wouldn't just get the optic cut one even if you don't want to mount an optic you still have the option. and they're mounting system is patented in that the optics sit directly with no plates extremely low where you can one third co-witness with the sites that come on it.. love the pistol my favorite in my current rotation. I got my mr920 elite on GunBroker for like 965 really good deal and free shipping!

[@defconcreative]

I def dig this gun... and the elite is the only way to go. Sounds like you got a smoking deal

[@michaelmckinney5954]

Will pick up my MR920 Elite directly from Shadow Systems HQ in a few weeks. Just ordered a Black Arch holster and an RM06 for it. Can’t wait!

[@Jasondranoff]

@@michaelmckinney5954 your going to absolutely love it man!!! It shoots great. I put a Holosun 507c on it. Don't shame me but I like it better than the RMR lol!!! To me the RMR has less of a sight picture and I like the difference rerticals the Holosun offers. I know I know I'm nuts.

[@michaelmckinney5954]

@@Jasondranoff Thanks, Jason! Been back and forth between Holosun and Trijicon. Haven’t picked up the RMR yet. Maybe I’ll switch to the 507 and try that. This will be my first red dot. I’ve always shot with irons. Eyes are getting old now. 😜

[@Jasondranoff]

@@michaelmckinney5954I'm literally in the same exact position as you I only just got my first Optic. I went with the Holosun for price at first than I picked up an RMR because what everyone says about it and wanted to try it but to be honest I like the Holosun better and returned the RMR. for me I like the sight picture it's bigger due to the shape and I don't need a battle proof optic as I'm not on the job so the Holosun fits the bill for me. If you get it from a good dealer you can return it. I would recommend giving it a try and you'll save 200 bucks good for what a box of ammo lol!!

[@24sevvin]

Found a combat with the threaded barrel and optic cut for $880 at my LGS. Figured why not 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@defconcreative]

That’s a GREAT buy.... jealous

[@stephenbrody2717]

Was torn between the combat and the elite. Thanks for the differences. I have a 19 Gen 4 and I wondered if the beaver tail snd the slide would make it a softer shooter enabling target acquisition to be quicker than my 19 it doesn’t sound like it is. I’ll wait till I get a little more money and get the elite thanks for the great review.

[@defconcreative]

Apparently I had some info wrong and they make a combat with red dot cut... so you don’t have to go elite unless you want TiN threaded barrel

[@matt.mcquin]

Great review. Just won a GunBroker auction for a MR920 Elite, new in box, for $780. Feels like stealing considering the MSRP and what stock Glocks are selling for nowadays.

[@defconcreative]

That’s a win!!!!!

[@jamesdelong6401]

I know I'm looking forward to getting my MR920L. Few more weeks

[@jcfindley380]

A few things. 1. Good reviews from a typical user. It's great what some former Ranger and SWAR cop thinks and I appreciate them, but Joe Regular is more applicable to me. 2. With the only difference in the Elite and Combat versions being the frame cutouts, wouldn't the Elite be more prone to failure from debris getting inside the slide? 3. What range were you using? My outdoor Tac range is a HIKE from the Metroplex and would love to find one closer. Thanks for the review on this and the Zev. This seems better from all the stuff I have watched but your comparison was probably the best.

[@defconcreative]

I was at Quail Creek Range for this video! Good people north of Denton.

[@jcfindley380]

@@defconcreative thanks!

[@ChadHargis]

You can get the Combat with the optic cut. I have one on my hip as I type this. By the time you buy a Glock 19 MOS, upgrade to suppressor height sights to co-witness, smooth out the trigger, put on some Talon grip tape...you aren't much less than the Shadow Systems. I bought it because, out of the box, it's a better gun than a Glock 19 MOS. It's not a competition gun, it is a duty/carry gun, so the trigger is weighted appropriately. I'm spoiled by my 2lb 1911 trigger and my 3lb Beretta and CZ triggers I use in competition. The optic mount is fantastic and very innovative. It's too bad you didn't have one of those to review.

[@defconcreative]

That’s the one I would get...

[@danielramirez3966]

I opted in for a DR920, haven't been able to go to the range yet with it, but I hope it performs like It should

[@defconcreative]

Based on my experience it was great!

[@danielramirez3966]

@@defconcreative I'll be able to go to the range today! I sure hope so!

[@notabot855]

Love my "WarPoet" edition Elite 920! Came with holoson for 1200

[@defconcreative]

It’s a great gun for the money!

[@CA.0verview]

Epic episode ! Could you do a arc reactor slide video publication!

[@defconcreative]

Thank you! I'll have to find out what that is LOL

[@safehavendynamics1700]

I’m gonna have to get one of these now to give it a run...

[@defconcreative]

It’s worth it... if people really catch on it’ll obliterate the Gucci Glock market

[@shortkid8599]

Just bought an mr920 combat with the optics cut and non fluted barrel for $750 shipped.

[@normwilson117]

Did you like the trigger, beyond the curved shoe and short reset? I would have preferred a more well-defined wall..personal preference.

[@defconcreative]

I do! It’s slightly better than Gen 5 triggers which are pretty good these days...

[@randyreviewsit]

I thought all the shadow systems have the optic mount, as even their cheaper foundation series for around $500 has their universal optic cut? Alchemy guy myself, but yeah I bought the Dr920 Elite from shadow systems and after 2 range trips I have bought 3 more shadow systems in the last month. Definitely my favorite grip on glock platform(I also own a zev) they do a lot of other things right too. The way they moved the extractor setup to get deep mount screws, the magwell is subtle enough that it doesn't eat up grip real estate, and works with a pretty nice attachment system. The extended beavertail is a huge win for me too. I am looking at getting 2 more shadow systems to finish out my collection.

[@defconcreative]

They may have changed their lineup in the last couple years… but I still stand by my belief that I would buy a shadow over any Glock now a days

[@randyreviewsit]

@@defconcreative oh yeah shadow systems got a lot right, best frame setup so far, waiting on the Icarus precision module for oz9c. Their optic mount is amazing and lots of good price points they come in at now.

[@Culperrr]

2 years later and the Elite version (SS-1011) is just $300 more than a Glock 19 gen 5 MOS. Let that sink in.

[@jimstaszko1675]

Got the 920 War Poet version. Love it!

[@defconcreative]

It’s a very very good gun

[@asalicrisp3677]

Love my Shadow System Combat

[@islandboy7432]

Very nice gun ...I held the stock gen 3 Glock 19 and this Mr 930 today at a local gun shop

[@defconcreative]

Did you do the right thing and get the shadow?

[@islandboy7432]

@@defconcreative not yet ! But it's my top choice between the 2 ! I'm going down to the range tomorrow to shoot a Glock 19 and a SIG ....if I like the Glock I'll buy the shadow systems Mr 920

[@defconcreative]

The shadow is wayyy better than the sig 320 imo….

[@islandboy7432]

@@defconcreative I just bought the shadow DR 920 and the Springfield XD 9

[@defconcreative]

Yay on the shadow….

[@rodneyparker3720]

Vice video and what's the name of the instrumental for the intro

[@timyang4710]

so if i was to get a holster for this thing, can I just get one that is molded and fitted for a G19 and still work with it?

[@defconcreative]

Yup... they are identical

[@DersABigBuck]

tight sight right ight sight tight ight tight sight man

[@22BStan]

Please review the fix from your back wall

[@defconcreative]

It’s on the list to film!

[@medicchester]

Yes, elite 100%, well worth the cash.

[@mghegotagun]

So it's a glock internally, yeah? Made of the same small parts they have on sale on their website? I hear alot of good about these guns, and I was looking for parts manufacturers I can trust in an 80 build for when I can't find OEM.

[@defconcreative]

Yup... honestly this is the only Glock 19 style gun I would get... and that includes an actual Glock 19

[@fullfire0]

The gun is built from the ground up in house meaning it's not a modified glock, it's a gun on it's own based on the glock system. I don't think they use OEM glock parts BUT it is compatible with gen 3/4 parts. They redesigned some of the internals because of their optic mounting system (which is phenomenal, best in the market!) so I'm not 100% if it's fully compatible with all gen 3/4 parts. I do know they retain all the internal safeties of a glock but again, I don't think they use glock OEM parts

[@tfkhc37]

This must be an old version of the MR920. Mine came with a flat face trigger. I also get 4.0lbs on my Lyman trigger gauge, every single trigger pull. I’ve had mine since late 2019. Did you buy yours used or something? Things aren’t adding up.

[@defconcreative]

Well in the video I explain it was sent to me to test and review by a customer so I have no idea how old it is

[@tfkhc37]

@@defconcreative Honestly I was being sarcastic haha, they all have the same trigger… That trigger you refer to as a “curved” shoe is actually a flat face trigger as stated on Shadow Systems website. You can see when pulled to the wall and safety depressed... take look at it, (even in the video). I’m also curious to what trigger gauge you used and where you pulled from because it says 4.0-4.5 from the factory as well as many other reviews including HumbleMarksman’s. Not trying to chop on you. You seem like a good guy, just wish you’d do some research on what you’re reviewing. I found you through 1911Syndicate, I like where you’re going but more correct facts for the review would help. Maybe mix in you using the trigger pull gauge a few times on cam too. Best of luck to you and your channel.

[@defconcreative]

Yeah I hear ya… but if you like Jake’s channel you obviously don’t care about research 😂🤣

[@defconcreative]

But like I said, I would buy this over a Glock 100% and I’ve actually recommended it to a lot of first time Gun buyers (but with the red dot cut)… it is a very good gun

[@BigJohnsonGG]

🤘🏼 Carry On

[@defconcreative]

Hell yeah Tex!!!!!

[@glenpromise6753]

Do yourself a favor and get the MR920 War Poet, best handgun ever made. Stay Safe !

[@thegolflife7565]

Who makes the best 1911 and 2011 these days besides excluding Cabot or Alchemy?

[@defconcreative]

Depends... the best is really subjective and there are a lot of really good guns out there. If you like 1911/2011 style guns now is really the best time to be alive with so much to choose from.

[@oliverallen5324]

Chambers Custom, hands down.

[@duaneelsbree3460]

If you, like me, have a leupold delta point pro, it fits nice, but WILL NOT COWITNESS. Way at the end of mounting instructions is a note saying such.

[@bryansutton9942]

Review starts at 2:17

[@b4goutdoors861]

The elite model can be had for WELL under 1100 bucks BTW...I got mine got just over 900 after taxes.

[@b4goutdoors861]

Got it from PSA... My LGS also has them for way less than 11 bills

[@defconcreative]

Even at 1100 it’s a smoking deal so anything less is just gravy to me

[@b4goutdoors861]

Agreed... For what you get with the elite model you'd spend way more on a custom job or the zev for that matter... So it's worth 1100... I'm just saying, search around a little and you get a much better deal

[@alexandercarnathan7235]

May I was gonna get this gun I work at a high quality gun retail store in Memphis spb and I was gonna get the shadow systems dr 920 but it ended up getting edged out by an fnx 45 tactical instead gonna be getting the dr920 after that then I’m pretty much done with handguns until I have the rifles I’m after the Odin u no it of u no it an ar that shoots 338 lapua and a 556 or 308 rifle

[@jcfindley380]

Oh how many times I have said this.

[@darylragland1502]

These are legit and made in USA. I LOVE MINE. BOTH OF THEM

[@defconcreative]

Agree

[@PWRMAN06]

I hate to bust your bubble, but $1100 for that gun is not a great deal. And you don’t need the Elite model to get the RDS cut in the slide. I just bought a XR920 Combat(desert brown) w/RDS cut in the slide for $859 (was originally $899 but I got a 5% discount from my dealer).

[@kalanipitmon7817]

Anybody else feel it in their primary hand middle finger after gripping this? The non stippled edge of the grip really hurts my finger after shooting a few boxes out of this Still love my sjadow systems tho

[@koby6734]

Why is the light so big compared to the gun?

[@defconcreative]

Because objects in mirror are closer than they appear

[@koby6734]

@@defconcreative lol no really it doesn’t bother you that it sticks past the barrel so much?

[@BennyTriad]

Better than Zev 100% and 500-600 less and option for optics , got ‘em all and worth it

[@defconcreative]

AGREE 100%

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

It's a nice gun, but I think the Arex Delta M Gen 2 series is going to give it a run for its money, and it's NOT a Glock clone....It's better.

[@JTTTTT850]

How is it like a 1911? “Oh cuz it has the same grip angle as 90% of other pistols on the planet”

[@defconcreative]

I mean… the whole tilt barrel system Browning pioneered is very similar but I’d say adding a 1911 grip angle makes any gun better. Prior to the 1911, pistol grips were damn near 90 degrees

[@m3m3lina47]

*UGH* review starts at 2:17

[@defconcreative]

That’s not bad... a lot of videos have 3-4mins of stuff before the actual review. Thanks for taking the time to watch and timecode!

[@boomee78]

Your info is wrong u can get a combat with or without red dot it dosent have to be a elite version. One of the reasons they upgraded to the 920 is they wanted optic ready available across the board There previous version the mr918 is the one u couldn't do that on.

[@defconcreative]

Yeah I found that out after filming... I couldn't find MSRP info on their site anywhere....but I'd still get the combat elite... its a screaming good deal for what you are getting!

[@boomee78]

@@defconcreative I hear you a friend sent me the video since I bought one and was telling me tou couldn't get one. I'm enjoying mine so far I found eliete around Christmas for the price of a combat so... I jumped on it now I plan on getting the full size dr920 I believe it comes out this month

[@Tcolet1]

@@defconcreative Behold, msrp shadowsystemscorp.com/model-comparison/

[@crocholiday]

I did the same thing. Had the 918 and my only regret was not paying more and getting the optic cut version. I remedied that mistake when I stumbled onto a 920 at my local shop.

[@crocholiday]

@@boomee78 I'd love the DR but they said they're holding the first run for police / military. I'll likely nab one once they go out to the public. I had emailed them a while back asking if they were gonna do a G34 size for competitions. They're working on it they said. I'd love one of those too.

[@philliplatham4256]

My MR920 elite hates Glock 17 mags

[@philliplatham4256]

I have a Glock gen3 over the years of owning it I put about $600.00 in it and out of the box the MR920 is still twice the gun as the Glock

[@darylragland1502]

Mine LOVES them

[@jgreen3198]

Thanks for admitting that your not that great of a shooter (triangle back sight picking up front sight) and not just peacocking

[@defconcreative]

Ain’t gotta lie to kick it…

[@tfkhc37]

You statement “another Glock knock off” is funny. Glock wishes they put out a gun with the same quality as Shadow Systems. Lmao

[@defconcreative]

I agree this is a much better gun but it has 95% of parts in common with a Glock

[@keithkent8126]

You can buy the combat model with optic cut and threaded barrel for $889 instead the elite for $1100 come on man did your research 🧐 other than that great job . Fact check gain more creditability and subs .

[@defconcreative]

yeah... need to do a followup

[@brianmccullough8493]

Who uses rear slide serrations?? Lefties…

[@defconcreative]

Ahhhhhh those creatures

[@brianmccullough8493]

@@defconcreative I resent that… I am not saying that you’re wrong because you aren’t… I just resent it

[@defconcreative]

I am friends with some very nice lefties…. I just don’t go out in public with them…

[@brianrahuba6919]

Just get a Glock 45 mos . Holosun made a bolt on red dot without using a mounting plate . And you will easily save 300 to 400 dollars, and it's a Glock . The MR920 is the same pig just dressed up . There is nothing hugely wrong with the Gen 5 triggers. Peace ✌️

[@hartsickdisciple]

There are other things about Shadow Systems pistols that make them better than a stock Glock.

[@brianrahuba6919]

@hartsickdisciple Yeah like cracking polymer wells . Listen you like the Shadow System guns go have at it . I shot one of them and the trigger was very close in nature compared to my 45 Glock Gen 5 . Open slides not good for a duty gun . But this what makes the world go around . Enjoy you CR or DR . I'm just a Glock fan . 🤪

[@jasonbuske3093]

you lost me at "I'd just buy a G19"....

[@justinbryant6676]

Glock gen 2 grip size... yuck...

[@michaelwilliams2603]

Why would I care you were law enforcement or military? This is a review and those two are meaningless in a review.

[@gbullock2598]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 He dont know what he want in a gun

[@sweetcostarica]

Sorry, Glock clone.

[@hartsickdisciple]

You say that like it's a bad thing. It's a Glock clone that has all the common upgrades people want done to a Glock, but cheaper than what it would cost to modify a Glock. Shadow Systems pistols offer holster and magazine compatibility with Glock 19 and 17 too. It's a good deal if you had any plans to buy a Glock and upgrade it.

[@sweetcostarica]

@@hartsickdisciple Very sorry, it is a Glock close copy.

[@hartsickdisciple]

@@sweetcostarica Yes, except better.

[@sweetcostarica]

@@hartsickdisciple 🙂Good one. Nice try.

[@_ssarine]

I just bought my mr920 combat with optic cut and threaded barrel for $839.

[@defconcreative]

Winning