The CZ P-10 C is a relatively recent entry in the polymer-frame, striker-fired handgun market from a major manufacturer. Introduced in 2017, the P-10 C for Compact was CZ’s first striker-fired 9mm. Since then, CZ has expanded the line to include smaller and longer-slide variants, including the single-stack P-10 M. The latest addition to my battery is the CZ P-10 C Ported.
At first glance, the ported version closely resembles the standard P-10 C, but there are meaningful differences. This is a modern handgun with thoughtful features, solid design, and the reliability CZ is known for. More importantly, it turned out to be an excellent shooter.
Design and Features
The slide features more sculpting and angles than the typical squared-off striker-fired pistol, giving it a cleaner, more refined appearance. Both forward and rear cocking serrations are present. The most obvious difference is the barrel port, cut through both the slide and barrel. The barrel itself is a heavier profile, adding weight and helping dampen recoil. The ported model weighs a couple of ounces more than the standard P-10 C.
The grip texture strikes a good balance between adhesion and comfort. The pistol ships with the small backstrap installed, with medium and large inserts included. The dust cover incorporates an accessory rail for mounting a weapon light.
The P-10 C uses steel 15-round magazines and a steel magazine release rather than polymer. The trigger incorporates a blade safety similar to other striker-fired designs. Functionally, the action is Glock-like. Racking the slide partially preps the striker, and pressing the trigger completes striker movement before it breaks against the sear. A firing pin block prevents discharge if the pistol is dropped.
Controls include ambidextrous slide stop levers and a reversible magazine release. An undercut beneath the trigger guard lowers the bore axis and improves grip.
The finish appears durable. I’ve seen multiple five- and six-year-old P-10s in classes, and they wear well. The sights are three-dot irons marketed as luminescent. In practice, they are visible under a flashlight but not self-luminous. The rear sight includes a pronounced shelf suitable for one-handed slide manipulation off a belt or boot heel.
The P-10 C Ported is optics ready, though mounting plates are not included. CZ-USA offers plates for around $50, while aftermarket options can run higher. It’s not the most flexible optics system, but the plates are well made and properly finished.
Trigger performance is solid. The break measured 5.0 pounds with minimal take-up, a slight trace of creep, and a short, positive reset at approximately 0.16 inch. The steel magazines load easily to full capacity. Two extended baseplates are included, bringing capacity to 17 rounds. I would carry the pistol with the flush-fit 15-round magazine and use a 17-round magazine as a spare.
The porting consists of a single open section through the slide and barrel. Combined with the heavier barrel profile, recoil control is improved. The barrel features a well-executed beveled crown.
Disassembly follows the familiar Glock-style procedure. After confirming the pistol is unloaded, pull down the takedown tabs and run the slide forward off the frame. In size, the P-10 C is comparable to a Glock 19, making it well-suited for concealed carry.
Technical Specifications – CZ P-10 C Ported
- Caliber: 9×19
- Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
- Weight (empty): 26.8 oz
- Overall Length: 7.3 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Height: 5.3 inches
- Barrel Length: 4 inches
- Barrel: Cold hammer forged
- Sights: Luminescent (limited practical effect)
- Trigger Pull: 5.0 lbs as tested
- Trigger Travel: 0.4 inches
- Reset Length: 0.16 inches
- Frame: Fiberglass-reinforced polymer
- Safeties: Trigger safety, trigger bar safety, firing pin block
Shots Fired
The pistol was lubricated along the bearing surfaces, barrel hood, and cocking block. Magazines were loaded carefully to ensure proper seating. Initial shooting consisted of rapid-fire drills at 5, 7, and 10 yards.
The P-10 C Ported proved controllable in rapid fire. Good sights and a clean striker trigger contributed to solid combat accuracy. The barrel port noticeably reduced muzzle flip, improving shot-to-shot consistency. There is increased flash and blast from the port, which is expected.
Most of the initial shooting used Black Hills Ammunition 115-grain FMJ. These loads are affordable, clean-burning, and consistent, making them suitable for both training and accuracy work. Performance was satisfactory.
Over the next several days, I tested multiple defensive hollow-point loads, all fired offhand at 15 yards. The pistol fed, chambered, fired, and ejected every load without issue. Combat accuracy remained strong.
Defensive loads tested included:
- Black Hills Ammunition 115-grain EXP
- Federal 147-grain HST
- Hornady 124-grain Critical Duty +P
- Speer 124-grain Gold Dot
- Winchester 147-grain Defense
Ten to fifteen rounds of each load were fired. The barrel port reduced the sharpness of +P recoil, and muzzle flip remained consistent across loads. While recoil impulse varied slightly, control remained excellent. The advantages over other striker-fired pistols are incremental, but they add up to a capable handgun offering good performance at a fair price.
Absolute Accuracy
Accuracy testing was conducted from a solid benchrest using a padded range bag. Five-shot groups were fired with ammunition known for accuracy potential.
25-yard accuracy results:
- Black Hills Ammunition 124-grain JHP: 2.0 inches
- Federal 124-grain HST: 2.25 inches
- Hornady 115-grain Critical Defense: 2.35 inches
- Remington 147-grain FMJ: 1.9 inches
The P-10 C Ported holds its own against other striker-fired 9mm pistols in terms of accuracy.
Carrying the CZ P-10 C Ported
I carried the pistol in a Falco optics-ready nylon airflow inside-the-waistband holster. The holster is sized to fit several striker-fired handguns and features a tall sweat guard to protect both the user and the pistol. A robust belt clip secures the holster firmly. Concealment was good under a light covering garment.
Final Thoughts
The CZ P-10 C Ported earns a solid recommendation. CZ’s reputation for reliability and performance continues with this well-executed handgun.
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