CA LEGAL Glock 45 AT HOME - XR920

Published on May 31, 2025
Duration: 15:58

This review of the Shadow Systems XR920, a California-legal alternative to the Glock 45, highlights its unique features like a Glock 17 grip and Glock 19 slide, interchangeable backstraps, and a versatile optic mount. However, the reviewer expresses significant dissatisfaction with the trigger quality and recoil impulse, deeming them unpleasant and a major detractor from the shooting experience. Despite its numerous desirable features and reliable performance over 2,000 rounds, the reviewer concludes that the high price point and the aforementioned drawbacks make it a personal non-purchase, while acknowledging its appeal to those seeking a Glock 45 alternative in California.

Quick Summary

The Shadow Systems XR920, a California-legal alternative to the Glock 45, offers a Glock 17 grip with a Glock 19 slide and an advanced optic mount. However, the reviewer found its factory trigger to be exceptionally poor and the recoil impulse unpleasant, significantly detracting from the shooting experience despite its overall reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Glock 45 Comparison
  2. 00:09Shadow Systems XR920 Overview
  3. 00:14California Handgun Roster Status
  4. 00:16Magazine Compatibility
  5. 00:18Grip and Slide Dimensions
  6. 00:27Reviewer's Opinions & Concerns
  7. 00:35Round Count for Review
  8. 00:39Unique Features of Shadow Systems
  9. 00:50Sponsor Shoutout: Route 66 Shooting Sports Park
  10. 01:15Sponsor Shoutout: Hunter Constantine Belts
  11. 02:42What is the XR920?
  12. 02:55Features vs. Gen 3 Glocks
  13. 02:59Frame Ergonomics & Magazine Well
  14. 03:06Interchangeable Backstrap System
  15. 03:14Grip Texture
  16. 03:31Magazine Release
  17. 03:44Double Undercut & Gas Pedal
  18. 04:04Trigger Discussion
  19. 04:11Magazine Disconnect (California)
  20. 04:24Slide Cuts & Serrations
  21. 04:53Optic Mount System
  22. 05:12Optic Mount Screw Design
  23. 05:20Extractor Mechanism
  24. 05:32Optic Platform Height & Sturdiness
  25. 06:03Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI)
  26. 06:15LCI Removal with Optics
  27. 06:36Summary of Features & Price
  28. 06:46Reason for Disliking the Gun: The Trigger
  29. 06:54Worst Factory Glock Triggers
  30. 07:14Trigger Feel & Slide Wiggle
  31. 07:28Grit in Trigger Takeup
  32. 07:36Trigger Brake Tuning
  33. 07:43Initial Trigger Condition
  34. 07:55Trigger Work Performed
  35. 08:14Comparison to Other Shadow Systems Pistols
  36. 08:32Shooting Impressions: Glock 45/19X Style
  37. 08:43Recoil Impulse Dislike
  38. 09:00Recoil Pulse Sharpness
  39. 09:12Preferred Firearms for Recoil
  40. 09:23Shooting Accuracy vs. Enjoyment
  41. 09:35Impact of Trigger on Shooting Experience
  42. 09:49Grip and Handling Feel
  43. 10:02Maneuverability
  44. 10:06Overall Shooting Experience
  45. 10:11Trigger as a Huge Factor
  46. 10:17Would I Buy This?
  47. 10:20Reliability Assessment
  48. 10:25Online Concerns About Shadow Systems
  49. 10:30Reviewer's Research Process
  50. 10:48Prevalence of Problems Online
  51. 11:04Specific Reported Issues
  52. 11:12Magazine Release Wear Concerns
  53. 11:34Common Online Recommendations
  54. 12:08Reason for Using PMAGs
  55. 12:15Freedom Week Magazine Protection
  56. 12:26Overall Issue Frequency
  57. 12:31Vocal Minority of Negative Experiences
  58. 12:40Reviewer's Mediocre Experience
  59. 12:43Difficulty Enjoying the Gun
  60. 12:47Recoil Impulse Dislike
  61. 12:51No Break-in Period Issues
  62. 12:54Ammunition Used for Break-in
  63. 13:13Feeding Issue Example
  64. 13:26Reliability Summary
  65. 14:01Overall Value Assessment
  66. 14:19Appeal to Glock 45 Seekers in CA
  67. 14:27Trigger Swap Consideration
  68. 14:34Price Point Discussion
  69. 14:42Viewer Feedback Request
  70. 14:47Cost Breakdown: Glock vs. XR920
  71. 14:55Shadow Systems Warranty
  72. 15:04Made in America
  73. 15:12Personal Interest Level
  74. 15:18Personal Purchase Decision
  75. 15:23Value of the Experience
  76. 15:28Summary of Features vs. Shooting
  77. 15:45Shooting Experience: 'Just Fine'
  78. 15:49Expectation for $1,000 Price
  79. 15:54Call to Action & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Shadow Systems XR920 and a Glock 45?

The Shadow Systems XR920 features a Glock 17 length grip and a Glock 19 length slide, offering different ergonomics. It also includes enhanced features like an improved magazine well, interchangeable backstraps, a more aggressive grip texture, and a highly versatile optic mounting system not found on standard Glocks.

How is the trigger quality on the Shadow Systems XR920?

The reviewer found the factory trigger on their XR920 to be exceptionally poor, describing it as gritty and unpleasant. While some work was done to improve it, they consider it a significant drawback compared to factory Glock triggers.

Is the Shadow Systems XR920 reliable?

The reviewer reported over 2,000 rounds through the XR920 with only one minor feeding issue. Despite this, they note widespread online concerns about Shadow Systems' reliability and potential wear issues with magazine releases and magazines.

What are the main reasons the reviewer dislikes the Shadow Systems XR920?

The primary reasons for the reviewer's dissatisfaction are the poor trigger quality and an unpleasant recoil impulse. They find the shooting experience unenjoyable due to these factors, despite acknowledging the gun's other positive features and reliability.

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