CZ P-10

Lore & Background

The CZ P-10 C was introduced in 2017 as the first partially precocked, striker-fired pistol from CZ, following development that began in 2014. The 'C' in the name stands for compact, and the weapon is intended for self-defense and military use. The pistol is a direct competitor to the Glock 19, with very similar characteristics, though the Glock is about 68 g lighter, 2.5 mm shorter, and has a different grip angle.

The P-10 C features a mechanically and thermally stable polymer frame reinforced with glass fiber, three interchangeable backstraps, and a steel slide. The trigger system prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully depressed, and includes a firing pin block. The pistol does not have a magazine disconnect. The barrel is cold hammer-forged steel with a black nitride finish. Sights are iron with a three-dot system that become night sights after exposure to light. The trigger guard is large and undercut for ergonomic fit. The factory trigger has a short, tactile and audible reset.

Variants include the full-sized P-10 F (4.5 in barrel, 19+1 capacity), subcompact P-10 S (3.5 in barrel, 12+1), semi-compact P-10 SC (4.5 in barrel with compact frame, 15+1), micro compact P-10 M (3.19 in barrel, single-stack 7+1), and the P-10 C Ported (introduced July 2025, with single port compensator and heavier barrel). The STP9A is a licensed variant by SNT Motiv for South Korean military and police. The P13, announced in December 2025, is based on the P-10 C Optics Ready with a Flat Dark Earth finish, selected to replace the P8A1 as the standard sidearm for the Bundeswehr.

Reader's Guide

The CZ P-10 series represents CZ's entry into the striker-fired pistol market, directly competing with the Glock 19. Its design emphasizes ergonomics, with a fiber-reinforced polymer frame, three backstrap sizes, and stippling on all four sides of the grip. The trigger system incorporates a trigger safety and firing pin block, but no magazine disconnect. The pistol's significance is underscored by its adoption by multiple military and law enforcement agencies, including the Czech Army, German Bundeswehr (as the P13), Royal Malaysia Police, and Romanian Land Forces. The P-10 C won Pistol of the Year 2017 from Guns & Ammo magazine. Variants cover full-size, compact, subcompact, and micro compact configurations, with Optics Ready models available for most. The P-10 M is the only variant not offered in Optics Ready. The pistol's legacy includes a failed bid for the French Armed Forces in 2020, where the 5th-generation Glock 17 was preferred over the CZ P-10 and HS2000. The P13's selection by the Bundeswehr in December 2025 marks a major milestone, replacing the Heckler & Koch USP (P8A1).

Did You Know?

• The P-10 C is a direct competitor to the Glock 19, but the Glock is about 68 g lighter and 2.5 mm shorter.
• The P-10 M, introduced in March 2020, is the only variant not available in Optics Ready configuration.
• The P13, based on the CZ P-10 C OR, was selected in December 2025 to replace the P8A1 as the standard sidearm of the German Bundeswehr.