The CPX-2 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol made by SCCY Industries, chambered in 9x19mm, and primarily intended for concealed carrying and general self-defense.

Although the SCCY CPX-2 may not be as well-known as other compact pistols in the same category, it offers numerous advantageous features that help it stand out from the competition, all for a very affordable price. Find out more about the CPX-2 and why it may be an excellent choice for the budget-conscious shooter.

Overview of the SCCY CPX-2

The CPX-2 is SCCY Industries’ second-ever model in its ever-growing product catalog. First introduced in 2011, the CPX-2 belongs to the same product family as the earlier CPX-1, available since 2004. Following the moderate success of the first-generation CPX-1, SCCY developed a second-generation model in 2009 and a new version without a manual safety lever in 2011, which became the CPX-2.

The CPX-2 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm, primarily designed for the concealed carrying market. Although the CPX-2 isn’t the first SCCY 9mm pistol, it is the most popular variant and the most well-known SCCY product overall.

At the time of its release, it received praise and glowing reviews from organizations such as the NRA, the US Concealed Carrying Association, and popular firearm-centered YouTube channels such as Hickok45.

Even though American shooters have more suitable concealed carrying pistol alternatives today than when the CPX-2 first came out, it remains a product that stands out from the competition, even more than a decade after its original release. The two primary factors for the CPX-2’s success are its ultra-reliable action and its highly affordable price (the MSRP is just $309.99), making it an extremely cost-effective choice for self-defense.

Specifications (Standard CPX-2)

• Chambering: 9x19mm Parabellum

• Overall length: 6”

• Height: 5.26”

• Width: 1.1”

• Barrel length: 3.1”

• Weight: 15 oz. with an empty magazine

• Standard capacity: 10+1

SCCY CPX-2 Variants

Although the CPX-2 is a part of the wider CPX pistol family, SCCY Industries has created multiple variants of the CPX-2 pistol, resulting in a diverse catalog of options:

• Standard CPX-2 (second-generation CPX platform)

• CPX-2RD (Red-dot sight-ready version, compatible with micro RDS sights such as the Crimson Trace CTS-1500)

• CPX-2 Gen 3 (third-generation CPX platform, redesigned frame with Picatinny rail, deleted finger grooves, Roebuck Quad-Lock barrel locking mechanism, and compatibility with Glock 43 sights)

• CPX-2RDR Gen 3 (red-dot sight-ready version of the CPX-2 Gen 3)

SCCY CPX-2 Review

The original 2011 Gen 2 version of the CPX-2 is one of SCCY Industries’ most popular products, adopted by numerous concealed-carrying citizens nationwide. Besides its price, here are the features that brought shooters to this pistol 100% designed and made in Florida. 

• Grip and ergonomics

The CPX-2 features a lightweight polymer frame, a trigger guard undercut, finger grooves, thumb rests on both sides of the frame, and a large, grooved baseplate to allow for a more comfortable five-fingered grip.

Although finger grooves are no longer as popular as they once were (the Gen 3 version has deleted them), they may enhance your shooting comfort if they fit your hands comfortably. Conversely, if you have trouble with them, you may prefer the Gen 3 version of the CPX-2.

• Trigger

The CPX-2 employs a hammer-fired, double-action-only (DAO) trigger mechanism with an average trigger pull weight ranging between 8 to 9 lbs. Although smooth and consistent, it is relatively stiff and has a long reset, requiring diligent practice to shoot accurately with it.

Unlike many pistols in the same category, the CPX-2 does not feature a trigger-mounted safety or any manually-operated safety lever or button, relying entirely on the relatively heavy DAO trigger and an internal drop safety to protect shooters from accidental discharges. 

• Sights and accuracy

The original version of the SCCY CPX-2 comes with a set of fixed 3-dot combat iron sights, suitable for most applications. The high-contrast white dots remain visible even in low-light conditions. Although the sights aren’t intended to be adjusted, you can loosen and shift the rear sight left or right to adjust for windage if you need to do so.

The Gen 3 version of the CPX-2 is compatible with commonly-available Glock 43 sights, opening it to a large selection of aftermarket sighting systems. You can also opt for one of the RD models and forgo iron sights entirely in favor of a red dot sight.

Regardless of your preferred sighting system, the CPX-2 is a subcompact 9mm pistol with a 3.1” barrel, not intended to be used at extended distances or in target shooting scenarios beyond 20 yards. Although by no means inaccurate, the pistol performs best at typical self-defense distances (0-15 yards) and will print good groups as long as the shooter doesn’t try to use it past its capabilities. 

• Recoil and shooting comfort

At just 15 ounces empty, the CPX-2 is relatively lightweight, even for a pistol of its class. This low weight makes it convenient to carry around but may amplify the felt recoil when paired with self-defense ammunition. Despite that, the frame’s ergonomic design helps significantly, preventing the CPX-2 from being unpleasant to shoot for all but the most recoil-sensitive shooters.

• Reliability

One of the CPX-2 pistol’s best features is its reliability. Regardless of the type of ammunition you use (training FMJs, self-defense JHPs, etc.), as long as it is 9x19mm, it should fire without issues, even with dirty magazines or lack of cleaning. It has even survived an informal torture test set up by the USCCA, proving that it will fire even in extreme conditions.

The CPX-2 is certified safe to use with +P (high-pressure) ammunition. It will accept and reliably shoot most high-performance self-defense and training ammunition without harming its service life. 

• Capacity

The CPX-2 employs a proprietary 10-round double-stack magazine that will also fit the CPX-1 and the newer DVG-1 pistol. The CPX-2 ships with two standard extended-baseplate magazines (one in the gun, one spare). SCCY also offers flat-base, flush-fitting magazines, helping you reduce the pistol’s height and slightly improve its concealability.

SCCY does not offer official extended-capacity 9mm magazines. However, if you’re willing to shop for third-party magazines, manufacturers like ProMag offer extended-capacity models holding between 15 and 32 rounds. Such magazines will stick noticeably far past the bottom of the frame and are not recommended for concealed carrying.

Shop 100% Hand-Crafted SCCY Pistol Holsters at We The People Holsters

Whether you prefer to carry your SCCY pistol in an IWB or OWB holster, you should choose a high-quality model designed for everyday carry. At We The People Holsters, our mission is to ensure every law-abiding American citizen exercises their Second Amendment rights with the best gear available. 

We offer a selection of Kydex and leather holsters compatible with your SCCY CPX-2 and over 100 other handgun models.