Mossberg MC2c: Mossberg Goes Compact With Its Second 9mm Pistol

Last year Mossberg made the firearms world do a double take with the release of its first handgun in 100 years: The Mossberg MC1sc. It was an immediate hit and has continued to perform well across the spectrum. I was fortunate to be part of a group of folks that got an early look at the MC1 during an event at Gunsite Academy in Arizona. So it was that memory that came to mind when I received another invitation to attend a private event with Mossberg at Gunsite late in 2019. As always, they were very quiet about what we would be seeing, and we would not have details until we arrived. Would they be launching yet another handgun? The answer came quickly once we arrived and it was a hearty YES! Mossberg has added to the successful MC line with the new MC2c compact pistol.

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Mossberg MC2c Details

The new MC2c is the new big brother to the MC1sc. It has the same DNA but in a larger format design. The gun is a feature rich compact shooter that gives us a double-stack magazine and a host of ergonomic and performance features. The new model follows the MC1sc and is chambered in 9mm. Overall capacity has been increased however and can be as high as 15+1 with the extended magazine option. Standard capacity is 13+1, which makes it a serious player in the concealed carry market.

The gun is once again the product of a very serious and thoughtful engineering team. In fact, they were present during our test sessions and were happy to answer questions. They also actively sought input on what could be done to make the gun better, which is a rarity in the industry. First up, the slides are stainless steel, with black DLC or matte stainless finish depending on the version you choose. It also features angled serrations for positive slide manipulation. This is more than just some cuts on the slide and actually have an additional cut going back at the opposite angle to improve purchase on the slide. It is ingenious and works very well.

Proven Features

Like the MC1sc, the gun has the Mossberg STS Safe Takedown System. This system has the user unload the firearm, remove the magazine, then clear and lock the action open. Next, remove the striker back plate and then remove the striker assembly. Unlike competitive products, an MC2c user is not required to pull the trigger in order to disassemble the handgun for routine cleaning and maintenance. This is a very nice safety feature.

The sights are dovetail mounted, and come standard in a low-profile, snag-free white 3-Dot configuration. TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night Sights are available as a factory option. They are also compatible with Sig #8 sights should the user decide they want something different on their gun. The frame is made of glass-reinforced polymer and has Mossberg’s signature aggressive texturing. It provides us with a very solid grip surface without destroying our hands. This is especially noticeable on the front and back straps.

It has a very comfortable palm swell as well as an oversized trigger guard to support shooting with gloves on. Most notable is the fact that Mossberg chose to go with a grip angle closer to a 1911. This provides great ergonomics as well as improved pointability. The MC2c grip was designed to be incredibly narrow for its capacity and is the result of using slim-profile double-stack steel magazines.

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Built to Perform

The trigger on the gun is a flat-profile design that has an integrated blade safety, a short, tactile reset and reduced overtravel. It features a crisp, clean break and smooth take-up. The gun I ran had a pull in the five-pound range, making it comparable with the competition. All models have a reversible magazine release behind the trigger guard and a front rail to mount a light or laser.

All those features put together gives the gun a solid base to perform from and perform it did. While I genuinely like the MC1sc, the MC2c is a tack driver for me. The additional sight radius and extra real estate on the gun made it a natural shooter for me. In the two full days we ran the guns I did not experience any issues at all other than simply having to adjust the sights slightly. It was comfortable to carry and ran the 9mm round well. Even as a compact gun the recoil and muzzle flip were minimal. We ran the gun through a modified Gunsight class, and it shined at every turn.

From close contact drills, to hitting steel at 50 yards, the gun performed well. Right now, Mossberg offers the new MC2c in four versions; a standard model with 3-dot sights, a standard model with a cross-bolt safety, a model with TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night Sights, and a two-tone model with cross-bolt safety and 3-dot sights. In short, there is a lot to choose from. Mossberg entered the firearms industry with a pistol, and I think it is only fitting that it continues that legacy. The MC2c is a great option for anyone looking for a performance-based defensive pistol.

For more information, visit mossberg.com.