The CZ Scorpion Gets a Makeover with the 9mm 3+ Micro Pistol

Let me start by saying I absolutely love Sub guns and have always been a fan of the CZ Scorpion. So much so that I own two of them. It has always been the gun that was so good that pretty much everyone could look past a few small known complaints most had about the platform. But CZ couldn’t overlook them and addressed them with the Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol, as seen at Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous 2022.

CZ Addresses Issues with the Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol

The grip itself and the safety selector were probably the two biggest issues that shooters had with the gun. These small complaints were easily fixed with a couple of very inexpensive aftermarket parts.

However, there was always a little part of me that had to ask myself, if the problems are well known, why CZ can’t just fix them from the factory?

This is exactly what happened with the new CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro. CZ listened to its fans and finally gave the Scorpion an overhaul that we were all hoping for.

Looking Under the Hood

The new Scorpion 3+ Micro is not a whole lot different from the original Micro. Even the MSRP of $1299 shows the similarity between the two guns. It comes in at just under 15 inches long, 8.9 inches overall height, and a touch under 2.5 inches wide. The 3+ Micro also only weighs 4.7-lb. CZ’s Scorpion 3+ Micro will fit perfectly into a number of defensive scenarios as well as most backpacks.

The magazines hold 20 rounds of 9mm, and in many states, you can even conceal it on your person. Just make sure it is legal to carry a concealed pistol in your state.

The 3+ Micro has a 4.2-inch hammer-forged barrel. It also comes standard with the classic CZ Flash Can threaded onto the standard 1/2×28 thread pitch. This makes it perfect for those that want to change that muzzle device or run the gun suppressed.

Ambidextrous Operation

The Scorpion 3+ Micro, like its older brother, is designed with many ambidextrous features built in. Included with those features is the safety selector, which has always been a problem up until now.

CZ actually redesigned the grip in order to bring your hand down a little bit. For most hands, this has eliminated the issue of the ambidextrous selector digging into your finger. This was a notorious issue on the older models. For me, this is a welcome change because the first two things I changed on my old micro were the grip and safety selector.

The author likes the improved grip design.

The safety could still use some work, but it is much better out of the box now. I couldn’t even shoot my old Scorpion without changing that safety selector out for an aftermarket option that didn’t destroy my finger.

CZ also changed the aluminum handguard of the old models with an M Lock polymer version. The newer handguard has a nice ergonomic feel while allowing for better heat dispersion when shooting.

Ambidextrous controls are the gold standard in modern firearm design. In addition to the ambi safety found on the EVO 3, the Scorpion 3+ includes an ambidextrous bolt catch allowing for the user to operate it left or right-handed. Furthermore, the new AR-style mag release is accessible on both sides. The operation of the 3+ is now super intuitive – essential in high-stress situations! In fact, you can check out the review of the Scorpion 3+ on Ballistic to see just how easy it is to shoot.

The new ergonomic grip design makes it a more comfortable shooting experience for the user. For example, the M-LOK® handguard is now upgraded from aluminum to polymer to reduce heat transfer.

The CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol replaces the aluminum handguard with a more ergonomic polymer version.

A Familiar Feel

The other major change is the addition of a new AR-style mag release. The release is now easier to access on both sides of the gun. However, I personally don’t like the fact that my old magazines will not work anymore. I thought one of the best parts of the original micro was the grip and pull design of their magazine release.

For anyone that is unfamiliar with the platform, the AR-style release will be very comfortable and feel very familiar if you shoot ARs.

An updated mag release provides a familiar AR feel.

CZ also cut a little bulk out of the upper receiver in order to accommodate more options for attaching stocks, braces, or slings that replace the end cap. The 3+ does not come with any type of brace from the factory. But there are plenty of aftermarket options already out on the market that work great.

The mag well has also been reworked, adding more grip area on the handguard for larger paws or gloved operations. They also added some texture to the magazines themselves to make them easier to hold onto and maybe easily decipher the new mags from the old ones.

CZ updated the magwell on the Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol.

CZ has confirmed that the magazines for the 3+ Scorpions will work in previous Scorpion models, but without modification, the old magazines will not function with Scorpion 3+ platforms.

So yeah, your $100 drum mags you already own won’t run without modification, unfortunately.

The updated magazine will fit in the previous model, but the previous magazine will not fit in the new pistol.

Ambidextrous Bolt Catch

The only other new addition to the Scorpion 3+ from the original is the ambidextrous bolt catch at the forward end of the trigger guard.

Scorpion fans will immediately think it is the magazine release but trust me, it isn’t anymore. The bolt catch to me seems like they just didn’t want to change that part of the lower that much. So, they just turned it into a bolt catch.

Some will probably love it. But I just don’t get the point, considering the oversize, reversible operating handle up top and the fact that the handle works so well.

The CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol placed the updated bolt catch in the same position as the previous mag release.

The CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol on The Range

This is where all Scorpions really shine. These guns just chew up and spit out anything you feed them, and they do so fast, flawlessly, and accurately.

Surprisingly, the included iron sights are pretty damn good. However, with the full-length Picatinny rail, you can mount a red dot or optic with ease.

The Micro Scorpions are kind of awkward to shoot without a brace but doable and still able to hold that accuracy CZ is known for. The trigger is a Scorpion trigger. It is gritty, long, and a little on the heavy side. Let’s just say it isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s functional. Also, there is huge aftermarket support to make it better.

The Scorpion 3+ Micro is one of my favorite guns to shoot—and just looks cool. I like it as an option for a truck gun or backpack on-the-go gun. The Scorpion will never replace a standard pistol in any self-defense role for me, though.

However, with a few modifications and the addition of a foldable brace, you would have a lightweight, compact, reliable self-defense gun. One that would offer some major tactical advantages over a handgun. Not to mention, a very fun, simple gun to shoot at the range daily.

For more information, please visit CZ-USA.com.

CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro Pistol Specs

Chambering: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
Magazine Type: Double stack polymer
Frame: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Sights: Adjustable, Aluminum
Grips: Polymer, adjustable for reach to trigger
Barrel: 4.2 in, threaded 1/2×28
Weight: 4.7 lbs
Overall Length: 14.63-inches
Height: 8.9-inches
Width: 2.4 in
Safety: Ambidextrous thumb safety
MSRP: $1299.00