The ZEV Technologies OZ9 was an overnight success when it hit the market. Based on over a decade and half of custom gun work with volumes of end user information to utilize it’s no exaggeration to say ZEV took their time with great attention to detail. Add to that ZEV’s sexy design features, and the OZ9 became a highly sought-after gun. ZEV forged ahead and had already began to work on competition versions as well as separate grip units that give shooters the option to change size and color. Realizing consumers wanted more, ZEV delivered with the newest member of the family, the ZEV OZ9 Compact.
The ZEV OZ9 is comparable to a Glock 17 as the new compact model would be a more advanced Glock 19. Similarities end there as these are not simply “enhanced Glocks”. The OZ9 Compact has the same bones as the OZ9. Most specifically it has a unique steel receiver. This solid steel frame runs the length of the entire pistol allowing the locking block to be fully integrated. The extended rails in the steel receiver help provide more than double the surface area of contact to the slide. Additional benefits include channels that clear out debris while also acting as lubricating reservoirs for high friction areas. Having a singular component for the slide to travel along minimizes vibration and recoil energy by dispersing it along the receiver through the custom grip. A single take-down pin conveniently located at the front of the trigger guard locks the removable grip to the steel receiver. The trigger on the gun is ZEV’s own flat face design that has a clean break and short reset.
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The OZ9 grip has material relieved in areas where our hand and fingers nest on the gun. They are general enough in size to fit any hand, resulting in improved grip ability. The grip also has a nice high beaver tail to avoid slide bite. ZEV has had the foresight to undercut the trigger guard slightly which in conjunction with the high beaver tail, allows us to move measurably closer to actual bore axis. This was one of the features on the ZEV OZ9 that made it such a fast shooter with minimal muzzle rise. Dave Roberts, the VP of Marketing and Business Development said the key goal was obtaining the “perfect balance.” On that task they hit a home run. When you pick the gun up it is instantly balanced in your hand. It is neither front nor rear heavy and sits as if it is ready to go to work. In short, this is all about performance. Balance is the cornerstone to what every shooter is looking for; a more controllable pistol with less felt recoil, less muzzle flip and faster, more accurate follow-up shots. This is what makes this gun perfect for training, especially with newer shooters.
I decided to utilize the ZEV OZ9 for my student Grace who is a 19-year-old college student planning to conceal carry as soon as she hits 21. This pistol is a perfect choice to train with, not only in live fire but with dry fire and draw technique as well. Of course, the OZ9 shot beautifully which only contributed to shooter confidence. Moving into concealed carry training was a breeze as this gun was designed with concealment in mind. Grace chose to utilize the CanCan Hip Hugger holster with the OZ9 in an appendix carry position. This was very simple for her given that the OZ9 was built with concealment in mind. For anyone curious, Grace is an excellent shooter and her range session was above par. By the time Grace turns 21, she’ll have zero issues stepping into the world of concealed carry, For all the people falling into the misconception that a gun this size is difficult to conceal, Grace is just under five feet two inches and tiny. If she can do it, so can you.
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ZEV never ceases to amaze their consumers with highly sought-after, well designed guns that absolutely run as amazing as they look. The OZ9 is an absolute must to try when looking for the optimal EDC gun.
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm
Trigger Pull: 4.5 lbs.
Width with MagWell: 1.624″
Width without MagWell: 1.26″
Height: 5.022″
Length (overall): 7.3″
Weight: 26.25 oz.
Karen Hunter, GetZone.com Contributor
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