This is a review of the Mossberg MC2C but to start I want to take you back a couple of years and talk about cars…In the 1970’s you could still buy a car that didn’t have power steering or power brakes. In fact, for many models, those were available options – with an extra charge. Some models simply did not offer power-assisted features at all. That concept might seem funny to us now, but that is how most of the technology that we take for granted is introduced. First, it is available at a premium – likely on only the higher-end products, then gradually becomes an option for those who wish to pay a bit more. Finally, the technology becomes commonplace enough or is considered important enough to be made available as a standard feature. Such, I believe is the case with optics-ready handguns.

Once only seen on expensive, tricked-out race guns – the ability to mount an electronic sight to the handgun has become much more commonplace. It is not yet a fully adopted feature, but it’s getting there. The capability of mounting a red-dot optic on the Mossberg MC2C pistol is just one of the compelling reasons to look at it. There are more.

MC2C SPECS and FEATURES

The MC2C is a slightly larger handgun than the original MC1 SE that I have in my personal collection. With a longer grip that holds more capacity and a longer barrel and slide – it is more apt for small-duty use while still being quite concealable.

• Caliber: 9mm Luger.
• Operation: Short Recoil.
• Capacity: 14+1 round (16+1 w/extended mag)
• Barrel: 3.9 inches.
• Length: 7.1 inches.
• Height: 4.9 inches (flush mag), 5.5 inches (extended mag)
• Width: 1.1 inches.
• Weight: 21 ounces.
• Sights: White 3 dot
• Flat Trigger ~ 5.5 lbs

With the longer barrel comes slightly more velocity, though that is mostly proved on a calculator and not so much in the field. Similarly, the longer barrel leads to better accuracy – these small differences make it a reality for mathematicians, more than shooters. But that longer barrel is inside a longer slide, and the extended sight radius (6.4” as published) does translate to better accuracy.

To guide you toward that accuracy, Mossberg has equipped the MC2C with a set of 3-dot white sights. There is not much to say about the sights, aside from them being functional. Upgrades to night sights are also available. However, where Mossberg did its homework here was to cut the optic mount so low that most compatible optics will easily co-witness with the stock sights. For a carry or duty pistol, this is an important point. I mounted the Holosun HS507K micro red-dot optic on the pistol and was extremely pleased to see that both the projected reticle and white dots are visible through its small window. This is made especially impressive considering how low and snag-free the sights are.

The MC2C ships with one 14 round and one 16 round magazine, where that is not infringing on local laws. Otherwise, 10-round mags are the standard fare. Industry practice for this size gun would typically suggest 15 and 17 round mags respectively, but it seems that Mossberg felt that keeping the height down was more important, and I can’t find fault with that. If you carry on or around your 4 o’clock position you know that dimension is critical when it comes to avoiding printing.

The trigger of the MC2C is as good as or better than the one on the previous generation pistol. It is a flat-faced trigger that is equipped with a trigger safety that might be the most imperceivable safety blade I’ve felt. A version of the pistol with a cross-bolt style manual safety is also available, but that option was not on this test gun. Like its predecessor, the MC2C is finished in flat black with light low-key markings. The barrel is stainless steel finished in a black DLC, as is the carbon steel slide.

One of the unique features of the Mossberg pistols is the takedown method. To remove the slide assembly from the frame for field strip, the entire striker assembly is removed. This goes far beyond the requirement to pull the trigger or otherwise disengage the striker spring! It seems at first to be a chore, but after doing it just a couple of times it feels like a natural process – and you get to ensure a clean striker and striker channel each and every time.

To disassemble the pistol for cleaning, lock the slide back and remove the magazine. Ensure a safe condition and keep the slide locked back. Locate the button on the rear slide cover and push it firmly in and hold it there. With the button in, push or pull the plate downward. There is a small amount of spring tension on the striker assembly, but not much. All the same – good idea to not point it at your eyeballs. When the cover is removed you pull out the striker assembly and then remove the slide as you would any semi-auto pistol. Re-assembly is a reversal of the process. In addition to the obvious safety advantages, the nice thing about this takedown method is that you get a chance to inspect and clean the striker assembly and channel with every field strip. Let’s be honest – how often do we normally do that?

SHOOTING THE MC2C

The trigger is rated at approximately 5 ½ pounds pull, and it is a very crisp break. There is about ¼-inch of take-up prior to that break and no noticeable overtravel. The reset is very good – powered forward by the return spring, and it provides excellent tactile feedback.

The MC2C feels great in the hand – at least in my hand. I have medium-sized hands and the fit is very comfortable and familiar. In a standard grip, my right thumb overlaps my middle finger almost to the first knuckle. The thinness of the frame combined with the grip angle and aggressive distance between the web of the hand and trigger makes it easy to reach and manage all the controls without modifying one’s grip.

Recoil management is excellent with this small handgun. Between the ergonomics that help drive the wrist forward, the nicely textured grip to prevent slipping, and the low bore axis – the recoil spring has plenty of help. The sights might be no-frills, but they get the job done nicely. Even though the MC2C is optic-ready, I chose to do my range work without installing an optic on it. This is my usual practice, as I feel that once I put an optic on the gun, the shooting experience becomes too much about the optic. With the stock sights, I was able to get the job done when banging away at steel targets ranging from 15-20 yards away.

To get a better feel of the accuracy I could produce with the Mossberg, I chose two garden variety 9mm loads to shoot from a rest at 20 yards – again, using the open sights. The results were pleasing for both groups, but one group was much better than the other – to which I will credit the Herter’s ammunition.

The gun ran great and was a general pleasure to shoot. Ergonomics and trigger feel were the two qualities that stood out the most.

JUST MY OPINION

The Mossberg MC2C Optic-Ready handgun makes its mark in several ways in this very overcrowded market for thin 4” 9mm handguns. For starters, the name Mossberg – while for is most indicative of sporting shotguns – is a long-established brand that stands for quality. Putting that name on the slide means something. It means quality in the workmanship and materials. It means innovation and high standards. Holding the MC2C, and especially shooting it – you become aware of these qualities. Making an optic-ready pistol is certainly no longer an innovation, but ensuring that it co-witnesses with low-mount sights is worthy of extra credit. The trigger is better than average by several orders of magnitude.

Sized a bit larger to make it a potential duty pistol, the MC2C is still very much within the realm of everyday concealed carry. If you’re interested in a red-dot sight on your carry gun then the MC2C belongs near the top of your list. The low-mount optic will be easier to conceal and carry, and the ability to co-witness with the stock sights is – for me – essential. Priced at a suggested $556.00, Mossberg is bringing serious value into this class of handgun and the buyer would be wise to give it a serious look.

For more information, visit: Mossberg MC2C