The OZ9 has the upper hand over the Glock. ZEV Technologies made the OZ9 with a modular design that allows a shooter more options in grip size. In this ZEV OZ9 review, you'll see that they used an ideal grip angle that doesn't force the shooter to camp their wrists while shooting.
The manufacturers increased the gun's weight by half-pound, which helped mitigate recoil. They also went in with a lighter trigger assembly pull but not as light as a competition gun (which goes off when you breathe on it).
Let's take a closer look at the ZEV OZ9.
ZEV OZ9 Review: Product Description with Features
Weighing our OZ9 test gun against the Glock 34, the OZ9 was 8 ounces heavier under the same configurations. The gun remained straight when shooting, which helped manage recoil.
The light trigger bar took sports shooting to another level. I could clock 0.171 seconds, shooting nine rounds. When pressing the trigger, there's a hard wall; you can feel tension build-up. But it keeps rolling through when it breaks, which differs from the break you feel in Glocks.
The OZ9 has a patent pending steel chassis receiver, the actual serialized portion of the gun. The frame of the OZ9 is one continuous length to the rear rail section, making it different from the Modular SIG P320 lineup.
The module and rail section are one, making the rail section polymer.
The extended beavertail rail provided a double surface area while contacting the slide.
That means the increased contact reduces vibrations, which reduces recoil.
I could remove and configure the SIL receiver into something else.
Only remove the single takedown pin in front of the trigger guard.
The gun comes with standard and short grips, each with a semi-aggressive stapling. It provided a better grip that's not too aggressive.
The gun comes with a match-grade barrel, a pro-flat-faced trigger, a pro-flat-faced mag, an exclusive OZ9 signature slide featuring front and rear serrations, window cuts, and a deep optic cut for the Trijicon RMR or SRO. ZEV Technologies did a great job with the optic cuts. I could get a lower 1/3 or a lower 1/5.
The gun will come to you in a red SKB case with laser-cut foam, two Glock Magpul magazines, and a mug-pulled doc pouch to hold the included documentation.
Here are its pros and cons.
OZ9 Pros
Cons
OZ9 Pistol Review: Unique Specs
Finish | Grey PVD |
Action | Semi-auto Pistol |
Barrel Length | 4.5 inches |
Hand | Ambidextrous |
capacity | 15+1 |
Weight | 26.25 oz |
Gun Range and Shooting Experience Review
After 800 rounds of firing, the shooting experience felt nice. The gun performed well, and we had no hiccups along the way. The first rounds felt zero recoils, and the gun had a flat shooting experience.
Any shooter who shoots the ZEV OZ9 will notice how minimal the recoil is and how flat the gun stays. That was what ZEV Technologies had in mind when they made it with a still receiver and more ergonomic grips like the R1 1911. It made me have exceptional build drill speed.
Because of its modularity, you could switch the grip and grip angle to the shorter one. While shooting after the exchange, it gave the gun a Glock 19's grip frame size and a Glock 17's slide length.
The gun performs exceptionally well with either the OWV secondary holster or the wingman 2.0 holsters, which can be secured using a duty-style belt or a standard-size belt for plain-clothes concealment.
Although slightly heavier than a Glock, it remains an ideal choice for concealed carry. Reloading becomes a seamless process with the Pro mag, while the gun's large field of view and well-designed sights make shooting while moving easy, and effortless.
Its rapid-fire capability is impressive, allowing for continuous shooting of 15 rounds at distances ranging from 10 to 15 yards. The OZ9 grip is a standout feature, boasting flawless factory stippling and remarkable speed.
With options to switch between a 19 slide and a 34 slide, coupled with different grip sizes, the OZ9 offers a wide range of configurations that are truly impressive.
Additionally, the gun produces satisfying sounds when fired, likely owing to its 4+ inch barrel length. Overall, it's a highly capable pistol that delivers excellent performance, especially considering its reasonable price.
The Problems I Experienced With OZ9
While using Glock's Magpul mags at the shooting range, I encountered several issues, primarily related to failure to feed. It became evident that the magazines were the root cause of the feeding problems, as the malfunctions only occurred while using the Magpul magazine.
However, the problems ceased once I switched to the factory Glock magazines. The ZEV OZ9, a high-end striker-fired handgun, would have been even more impressive if it had been accompanied by different magazines.
Personally, I'm fond of the gun itself, but I do find the trigger to be a disappointment considering its price. It feels heavy, exhibits noticeable creep before the wall, offers a satisfying break, and then has a lengthy reset.
How Good Are ZEV OZ9?
Everything, from handling, shooting, maintenance, and specs, is the same and even better than Glock's. It has an extremely short take-up with an odd creep rather than a crispy break. It also offers an exceptionally positive reset.
The gun has a fantastic trigger, ranking among the top of the most outstanding striker-fired triggers I've handled. What sets it apart is its unique trigger steel housing mechanism in the receiver, unlike the typical Glock frame.
As an OZ9c fan, I am very happy with its adjustability. I carry it in a 19x style format and can switch to any other format for matches. Although I'm not a polymer guy, I appreciate the attention to detail in the design, from the frame to the grip. The steel sight adds to its quality.
While this firearm is relatively heavy due to its polymer grip, the trigger remains surprisingly light, feeling as smooth as a feather even during continuous pulls.
The detailed style grip, depending on the backstrap used, along with the excellent optic cut and use of a lighter 17 slide, makes it a compelling choice. It weighs less than a Glock and even less than its competitors.
Is the OZ9 a Glock?
The OZ9 is not a Glock. It's a 9mm pistol with various segments used in-house. Therefore, it doesn't simply show a revamped Glock. Instead, ZEV Technologies preferred a totally different product.
ZEV started as an aftermarket company for Glock parts. The company gained popularity as an uppermost-tier manufacturer and stepped up in its gun game by producing the OZ9. The gun is more impressive than the Glock.
What Gen is ZEV OZ9?
ZEV OZ9 is not in any generation. It would partly fit Gen 3 because it used Glock generation 3 magazines. Its features are like Gen 3 Glock design products. Also, It has a full-size OZ9 chassis, which accepts ZEV Z34 and Z17 barrels and slide machining. However, it doesn't fit the OZ9 grip frames.
Are ZEV AR15s Good?
Yes, ZEV AR15s are an upgrade. For one, it's well-built with an attractive outlook that's not overdone.
The gun has a constant maximum accuracy with its mid-length system and 1:7 twist rate. These are a continuation of ZEV Technologies' accuracy and speed shooting theme. The muzzle-flash cut and recoil management are top-notch. The gun is perfect for shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ZEV Pistols Worth the Money?
Having shot the OZ9 and several ZEV pistols, the guns are worth the money. They didn't copy Glock's design but preferred to develop a new product entirely. The gun features innovative features that make it better to use.
Where Is ZEV OZ9 Made?
ZEV Technologies designs and manufactures OZ9 pistols, among other rifle accessories. Their facilities are in Oxnard, Centralia, California, and Washington. They made the OZ9 reset the performance bar.
Is ZEV a Good Brand?
ZEV is a good brand because it listens to the customers. They gave their customers what they asked for: a gun with high function, ease of handling, and a reliable handgun. But they make most of their guns with the order, so they are rare in the handgun market.