Mossberg MC2C

In November of 2008 I was invited to attend the rollout of the Mossberg MC1sc pistol at Gunsite Academy in Arizona. Spelled out, the model is the Mossberg Carry 1, sub-compact. This handgun has met with extraordinary success from both seasoned and novice pistoleros.

Now, a few months ago, in November 2019, I returned to Gunsite to attend the introduction of another new Mossberg pistol — the MC2c (compact).

Features

Five initial offerings include two frame variants (standard and cross-bolt safety); choice of slide finishes (black DLC-finished or bead-blasted stainless steel); and optional TRUGLO Tritium Pro Night sights. The pistol in this report is the base model with black DLC slide and standard safety.

The compact MC2c features a 3.9″ barrel and has an overall length of 7.1″. The frame is constructed of glass-reinforced polymer that provides high tensile strength, stiffness and high impact resistance. Texturing on both sides above the trigger guard give a perfect place for the trigger finger when the sights are not on target.

The grip has a slight palm swell and a grip angle mimicking the 1911, while featuring Mossberg’s signature texturing for a sure, positive grip. All MC2c pistols have a reversible magazine release, and the cross-bolt safety, if so equipped, is also reversible for right- or left-handed shooters.

Integrated into the slide is the Mossberg STS (Safe Takedown System), which unlike some handguns, does not require the user to pull the trigger to disassemble for routine cleaning or maintenance.

Magazines

The MC1sc comes with a single-column flush-fit six-round, and extended seven-round, magazine while the MC2c comes with a double-column flush-fit 13-round and extended 15-round mag. Despite holding more than twice the ammunition, Mossberg was able to keep the width of the MC2c only 0.07″ (1.10″ overall) more than its predecessor, which is amazingly narrow for its capacity.

Similarly, the new offering has an unloaded weight of only an additional 2 oz. unloaded over the MC1sc (21 oz. total).

Range Time

Like its subcompact little bother, I was impressed with the ergonomics of the new pistol. I have spent more time with the 1911 than any other handgun and since the grip angle mimics the 1911 it came on target naturally and quickly.

Mossberg provided both 9mm FMJ and hollowpoint ammunition for the event. The MC2c did not seem to have a preference for functioning or accuracy. I know the pistol I was using had zero malfunctions and I did not see or hear of anyone else having a problem.

Head shots were very doable for most of the class out to at least 10 yards, and capable of making consistent body shots at 50.

Felt recoil, while subjective, felt very light through the new Mossberg. I attribute this to the fact the frame is cut high with a slight beavertail placing the hand very close to the bore. In putting hundreds of rounds though the MC2c, I found the texturing to be very positive, but not so aggressive to cause a “hot spot” in the hand.

Concealed EDC

Gunsite Rangemaster Ed Head has a shooting exercise he calls “The Jack Wilson Drill,” named for the hero who stopped a would-be mass murderer earlier this year with a single head shot in a church in Texas. The drill should be shot without a warmup and consists of a single head shot to the target at 17 yards.

When I received my own MC2c two months after the roll-out, I took it to the range the same day and shot the Jack Wilson Drill. The round was low, striking around chin level. Considering I was still basically unfamiliar with the pistol and its short 6.4″ sight radius, I was not displeased with the results. I’m sure I’ll improve as I shoot the pistol more.

From the Gunsite/Mossberg event I was confident the MC2c would reliably function with hollowpoints and ball ammo, so I took 50 Super Vel solid copper hollowpoints and 50 Black Hills Ammunition copper HoneyBadger loads with me. While an admittedly small sample, both functioned without a hitch in the pistol.

Sheath It

Mossberg provided a DeSantis Mini Scabbard for the evaluation. I liked it so well I continue to use it with my own MC2c. The holster has a slight forward cant so printing is minimized when bending forward. I also wear a standard two-pocket double-column mag pouch with an extra magazine for the Mossberg up front while a SureFire Stiletto light rides in the rear pocket.

Will the coming November see the introduction of the MC3fs full size pistol? We’ll just have to wait and see. MSRP: $490

www.mossberg.com

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