SCCY CPX 2: Why the Sub-$300 Pistol Continues to Be So Popular

Trends come and go in the firearms industry. Yet, SCCY and the CPX 2 have enjoyed popularity for more than a decade. This phenomenon is no accident, rather the result of SCCY’s formula to produce a firearm that meets the needs of millions every year. Simple, reliable, affordable, and functional are all basic needs of anyone looking for a defensive tool or just to get into shooting. SCCY includes all of that with the American-made CPX-2 for an MSRP of less than $300.

Total Control With the SCCY CPX 2

SCCY’s formula involves total control, both at the factory and in the shooter’s hand. Aside from springs, SCCY makes every part of its pistols in house; this includes parts typically outsourced, such as the polymer frame and magazines. As a manufacturer, this helps control costs and lead times.

For shooters it translates to more predictable pricing and a warranty department that, if needed, is quick to respond. By keeping total control over manufacturing, SCCY offers an unbeatable warranty for the lifetime of the pistol—regardless of if you are the first owner or fourth.

Total control also translates as an enjoyable concept for CPX-2 shooters. Smaller guns are of course easier to conceal, but not always easy to shoot or handle. The CPX family of handguns, which includes .380 ACP and 9x19mm chamberings, all follow the same basic dimensions of roughly 6 inches long by 5 inches tall by 1.26 inches wide.

For many, this is is the goldilocks of sizes. They’re smaller than most, but with enough real estate that most hands can comfortably hold and manipulate the firearm. The width is a big help in not only encouraging good grip, but also in recoil distribution. It makes the CPX-2 more comfortable to shoot than most other short-barreled pistols. All SCCY pistols are also available with or without an external safety.

Triggered Smartly

With a competitive price, all-American production, and a size comfortable for both range and carry, it’s easy to understand why more than half-a-million SCCY pistols have been sold—many to new shooters. With such a market, it’s logical that SCCY sticks to a double-action only (DAO) hammer-fired system. Range junkies practicing under ideal conditions may feel a DAO trigger has no purpose. However, that’s a fallacy. Under duress DAO triggers add an element of safety in more ways than one.

SCCY CPX-2 pistol review, right — (Photo by Alex Landeen)

The longer and heavier pull boosts safety by reducing the chances of a negligent or unintentional discharge. Take it from a combat vet, you won’t notice the pull weight should the gun be needed for defense. But those analyzing the fight will notice every shot fired.

The second way a DAO trigger serves the owner well is in reliability. Fresh, modern ammo loaded into the magazine only moments before firing at the range almost always goes bang on demand. But let’s be real—those aren’t the conditions your carry ammo lives in. That goes double for an affordable pistol like the SCCY, which may face extra abuse. The heat and moisture cycles some defensive guns go through during daily carry or long-term storage can be tough on ammo. Should that ammo be needed suddenly in a defensive situation, you may find it a bit groggy with the first pull of the trigger. Thanks to a DAO trigger, a quick second pull of the trigger is more often than not all that’s needed to fire. This saves time and possibly a life-saving round over the remedial action of racking out an unfired round.

Total Package

SCCY welcomes new owners with an extra magazine and the option of either flush or pinky-rest baseplates. Another nice upgrade from the norm is a trigger guard lock. Yes, we all know that locks are a required inclusion in the sale of a pistol, but SCCY’s choice of a trigger guard lock is a step above the basic cable lock most companies throw in, regardless of their utility. It’s also another gesture of SCCY’s care for its customers.

To sum it all up, the SCCY CPX 2 offers an easy to use and reliable pistol sized for comfortable carry or range use at an affordable price. I tested it thoroughly at the 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous and the CPX-2 never disappointed. For more information, please visit SCCY.com.