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With more than 70 videos about Grand Power, and after running multiple models through various training events including Front Sight and Thunder Ranch (that experience story is HERE), as well as having carried different models daily for several years I suppose it's about time to create a guide to Grand Power pistols. We don't have every model imported to the US, but we've got enough of them (14 models) to start this guide.
I'm sure some of you have had experiences with Grand Power pistols, if so please tell us about it in the comment section including holsters you may have found to work.
What's So Special About Grand Power? Is a question many have asked. Those who know the guns may feel inclined to retort, "What's not special?". To simplify the answer here are some bulleted points.
All Grand Power pistols use a billet-steel chassis inside the grip. This solid frame ensures consistent trigger pull shot after shot as there is no flex between the pins holding things together and the polymer grip. The chassis will also outlast conventional pistol construction as the steel pins wear the steel chassis considerably less than they do polymer on other guns. This partially explains how Grand Power has a rental gun at a Slovakian range with over 120,000 rounds through it without any major component replacements.
The steel chassis is stamped with the initials of the smith who assembled the gun. This is the ultimate accountability in the event of a warranty claim. Other makers like Night Hawk Custom take great pride in having the same feature.
Grand Power pistols of 9mm caliber and larger use a unique rotating barrel action. This action eliminates the need for a tilting barrel, reduces felt recoil, and requires a lower bore axis. Yes there are other pistols that have rotating barrels, but not quite like a Grand Power.
All 19 of the Grand Power models we've reviewed over the years have been truly ambidextrous. This is advantageous not just for lefties, but also for those who take their training seriously enough to work with their other hand.
Triggers that rival the best. Smooth double-action, crisp and short single action, and even the striker-fired models are enough to make Canik and Walther fans pause for reflection.
Four 3-sided Backstraps come with the standard-sized guns. These backstraps change not just the way the gun fits the palm, but also the sides of the grip. The largest of them also increases the reach to the trigger for those looking for perfect trigger-finger placement.
The Guide
Grand Power pistols cover a wide range of potential application. There are more models and options than what we have listed here (and even more that aren't currently imported to the US), but this should get you headed in the right direction. To simplify we'll break the models down by size family, the exception being the rimfire offerings.
All specs are converted from metric and rounded to the next hundredth of an inch. Pricing as of 25AUG22, click links for current price.
Rimfire
K22S: Like most .22lr pistols this gun operates by direct blowback, what sets it apart is that below the slide everything is identical to a K100 or other regularly-sized Grand Power. This includes the billet-steel internal chassis along with grip size, controls, trigger, everything feels like a full-sized gun. The open-top slide looks a bit like a Beretta 92 but really functions to make the K22 the most reliable rimfire pistol I've ever fired. Unless the extractor fails it's virtually impossible to have the most common failure of a rimfire; failure to eject. If you own a suppressor you'll be happy to know this fixed-barrel is also threaded. Older Tabletop Video / Older Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: .22lr
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 8.33"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 5"
Weight w/o magazine: 23.63oz.
Capacity: 10+1
Pricing:
K22 X-Trim: We recently posted our full review of this pistol HERE. Bringing the K22S into the X-Trim line means a more competition-oriented pistol. Enlarged controls, fiber-optic front and adjustable rear sight, and of course a wickedly skeletonized slide. That slide, however, weighs more than the conventional K22's and as a result the K22 X-Trim prefers higher-energy ammunition. This model is no longer listed on Grand Power's site, but is available in the US. The only difference in specifications is a slight increase in slide weight. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Pricing:
Subcompact
P11: This is one I carried for a while before moving to the larger K100. SA/DA (see below about decockers) the small size and rounded edges make it easy to conceal while the pinky rest on the magazines give you something to hold on to while shooting. If you end up without a decocker model, you still have a second-strike chance to get a stubborn primer to fire. Older Tabletop Video / Older Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.05"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 4.65"
Barrel Length: 3.35"
Weight w/o magazine: 22.58oz
Capacity: 12+1
Pricing:
Q1S: A striker-fired version of the P11 means you don't get the second-strike, but you do get a longer sight radius as the rear sight has been moved further back. Compare the trigger and recoil against any other subcompact and I bet you'll be impressed. Our review on the Depot can be found HERE. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9mm
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: Striker-fired 3.6lbs
Overall Length: 7.2"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 4.69"
Barrel Length: 3.66"
Weight w/o magazine: 22.93oz
Capacity: 12+1
Pricing:
CP380: A near clone of the P11 aside from the caliber. These pistols are direct blowback, but with the slide's energy largely being absorbed by arming the hammer, they shoot rather nicely. There aren't many .380ACP pistols of this size on the market and that's a shame as they sure are a lot more pleasant to shoot than those tiny pocket guns. Older Tabletop Video / Older Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 380ACP
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.05"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 4.65"
Barrel Length: 3.35"
Weight w/o magazine: 22.58oz
Capacity: 12+1
Pricing:
Compact-ish
P1: The P1 has a barrel length akin to the P11 but has the same 15-rd grip frame of the larger K100. This shorter-barrel, but larger capacity is popular among appendix carriers. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.38"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 3.66"
Weight w/o magazine: 24.34oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
P1 Ultra: Essentially a P1 with some lightening cuts in the slide (though not the the extent of a X-Trim hence the different naming convention), fiber-optic front sight and blacked-out rear sight, and an enlarged left-side magazine release. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.38"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 3.66"
Weight w/o magazine: 22.93"
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
Compact to Full
This is a full category as it should be for a company making pistols aimed mostly at duty use. For the most part these all use the same frame.
K100: The workhorse of the Grand Power line. 4.3" barrel makes for good energy, a longer sight radius, and balance that makes for an incredibly smooth shooting experience. This size class might be a bit large for appendix carry, but is great for strong-side or outside-the-waistband carry. I've favored this model for years as a gun that can serve as both a carry and training gun. That combination of course makes training much more effective. Old Tabletop Video / Old Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.97"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.25"
Barrel Length: 4.25"
Weight w/o magazine: 26.1oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
K100 X-Trim: All the great things from the K100, but with a lighter slide (less recoil, quicker cycling) and the X-Trim enhancements. I ran this model at Thunder Ranch and it almost felt like I was cheating. The smoothness of the K100 X-Trim is only rivaled by the Xcalibur. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.97"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.25"
Barrel Length: 4.25"
Weight w/o magazine: 23.99oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
P40 (10mm): The slide and grip are different on this model, but Grand Power's rotating barrel action works on the internet's favorite caliber (everyone screams for it yet so few seem to buy or shoot it). I generally say that the Grand Power action reduces felt recoil by about one caliber step. For 10mm it feels about like a .40 S&W. Old Tabletop Video / Old Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 10mm
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 8.13"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 4.25"
Weight w/o magazine: 27.16oz
Capacity: 14+1
Pricing:
LP380: Direct blowback as .380ACP doesn't generate enough energy to reliably cycle the regular Grand power action. This is one of the longest barrels I've ever seen for a .380ACP handgun, but with a full grip you also get extra capacity and a very soft-shooting experience despite direct-blowback operation.
Specs:
Caliber: 380ACP
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 7.97"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 4.66"
Weight w/o magazine: 26.1oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
Q100: A striker-fired equivalent of the K100. Just like with the Q1S you lose the ability to second-strike a stubborn primer, but gain a longer sight radius. Grand Power's striker-fired triggers are incredible, almost unbelievable. If you're a trigger snob and enjoy Canik or Walther you NEED to try a Grand Power. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: Striker, 3.6lbs
Overall Length: 7.95"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.24"
Barrel Length: 3.78"
Weight w/o magazine: 26.81oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
The Big Boys
Xcalibur: The flagship competition model for Grand Power. A heavy, tapered bull-barrel that is fluted to reduce weight and skeletonized slide with just about any unnecessary metal removed (even on the under side). The enlarged safeties can be used as a thumb rest or replaced with the included standard safeties. Old Complete Review (REALLY old). NEW 2022 Tabletop Review, Shooting Impressions
Specs:
Caliber: 9x19
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 3.37-4.05lbs, DA 6.74-7.87lbs
Overall Length: 8.66"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.26"
Barrel Length: 4.99"
Weight w/o magazine: 28.11oz
Capacity: 15+1
Pricing:
P40L (10mm): 10mm fans want more, so why not also have more velocity and energy? This is a beast of a hand cannon, just be cautious when using full-house loads (rare these days) as without a firm enough grip the gun can bump-fire in your hand. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Caliber: 10mm
Trigger Mechanism and Weight: SA 4.5-5.6lbs, DA 7.87-8.99lbs
Overall Length: 8.98"
Width: 1.42"
Height without magazine: 5.35"
Barrel Length: 5"
Weight w/o magazine: 34.21oz
Capacity: 14+1
Pricing:
Unavailable in the US at time of writing.
P45L: With a 5" barrel you're assured to get the intended velocity of a 45acp projectile. This pistol uses the same large-frame grip as the P40L and so there are no interchangeable backstraps. In fact the slide is also the similar to the P40L. We have a dedicated review on the P45L here. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Magazine release, slide lock/release, and safety truly ambidextrous
Weight w/o magazine: 33.3oz
Width through controls: 1.4"
Height w/o magazine: 5.4"
Overall Length: 9"
Barrel length: 5"
Capacity: 10+1
Slide Surface Treatment: Tenifer QPQ
LP9M: A modern Makarov? The longest slide and highest-capacity 9mm Makarov pistol I've encountered on the US market is also the most pleasant to shoot and most accurate of the chambering. Militaries and law enforcement using the caliber around the world must be rejoicing at the existance of the LP9M. Dedicated article here. Tabletop Video / Range Video
Specs:
Weight without magazine: 27.87oz
Width through controls: 1.42"
Height without Magazine: 5.26"
Overall Length: 8.66"
Barrel Length: 5.18"
Price direct from importer Global Ordnance: $599.99
On the X
X-Trim models (K22 X-Trim, K100 X-Trim, and XCalibur) immediately stound out on the range and even against their base models with dramatic slide skeletonization. Those cuts do more than just aesthetics, they (aside from the K22 X-Trim) reduce reciprocating mass which reduces recoil and accelerates the speed of the action. Sights are swapped for a fine fiber-optic front sight and adjustable target rear sight. The magazine release for right-handers is enlarged and lengthened and larger safety paddles included to serve as thumb rests for high-speed shooting.
The Little Differences
Over the years and through different models we've noticed slight variations from gun to gun. Some of them were rolling changes in production while others appear to be model specific. If you're wondering what you're looking at or if you're looking for something specific these finer details may help. As a reminder these are observations, we are not employed by Grand Power nor do we represent them in any capacity.
Safeties: There appear to be three different variations of safeties. The large "thumb rest" style comes with the X-Trim models. Among duty/carry models there is a version with a small indicator nub and one that is grated. The grated version seems to indicate a decocker model while the nub version is safety only.
Slide Stop: Sometime around 2019 or 2020 (?) some parts were changed from stampings to metal injection moldings including the slide stop. Before you get too worked up over MIM parts remember that it's not 1980 anymore and MIM has advanced a lot and is used for a lot more applications than you may realize.
Sights: 3-dot sights are standard, while X-Trim models include a very fine red fiber-optic front sight and adjustable, blacked-out rear sight. Front sights can be changed for those following the CZ-75 pattern but may require modification for the retaining cross pin used by Grand Power. If you know of other sights please comment below. As far as I know the rear sight cut is proprietary. Dawson Precision used to offer night sights, but doesn't seem to anymore. Other options have to ship from Europe.
Barrel Finish: In 2019 Grand Power switched from the raw stainless finish to a Tenifer coating. This enhances corrosion resistance (my old stainless Xcalibur unfortunately shows some rust after abuse) but does seem to rub off in a few places on the barrel.
A Note about the Decocker models: They haven't been imported for some time, but should you get your hands one one the decocker lever does not spring back to neutral after decocking. As a result you can train the double-action pull shot after shot, or leave it on double-action only if you like. Lever down = double-action, lever neutral = single-action, lever up = safety. Very versatile.
Cleaning and Maintaining a Grand Power isn't much different than any other pistol. Simply remove carbon and filth, lubricate any friction points or parts that move. For a video of Grand Power maintenance see below.
Grand Power Pistols have been imported to the US in one form or another for at least a decade so despite some folks just discovering them I'm sure there are plenty of experiences out there. If you've been lucky enough to own or shoot a Grand Power please share your experience with us in the comment section.
My first GP pistol (P1 Mk12) and I have to say that so far I'm more than pleased. Probably the softest shooting pistol (I had to take a second after a shot or two ) that I personally have shot and this trait adds to the weapon's accuracy. It's obvious that the people @ Grand Power care about their product (s). Next up a big brother in X trim?.....
Been able to compete with a Roxor ( the equivalent to xcalibur but 380 caliber) an a LP380, by far best gun ever tried.
Hmmm.da/sa is what I'm after but hmmm.like to see you or anyone at a range with a g or 3.
K100 it'll be. You said that's the way to go a long time ago.Holsters ,I 'll be on the look out..
The videos for the P40 don't reflect the most recent changes made for the model from global ordnance. The decocker is now absent from the model, and the safety has the same one as the P40L. It's really only a DA now for 2nd strike capability. This should be considered a condition 1 cocked and locked model now.