Mossberg MC2sc Optics-Ready Micro-Compact

When it comes to EDC guns, capacity is the name of the game. While there are a number of single-stack options available, all the hot new guns, the ones dominating sales across the country, are double-stack micro/subcompact models with a seemingly ever expanding round capacity.

The latest addition to the list is Mossberg’s new MC2sc, an optics-ready 9mm micro-compact with its 11+1 flush fit mag and a generous 14+1 extended mag, giving you plenty of capacity in your everyday carry.

It goes head-to-head with the likes of the Sig P365 (10+1/12+1), Springfield Hellcat (11+1/13+1), Ruger Max-9 (10+1/12+1), Smith & Wesson Shield Plus (10+1/13+1), Taurus GX4 (11+1) and Kimber R7 Mako (11+1/13+11).

A solid gun, with good ergonomics, the MC2sc holds its own in this group.

A couple months ago I was fortunate enough to get an invite to Gunsite Academy for Mossberg’s media event. There Mossberg unveiled the new MC2sc, as well as a couple other new firearms the Connecticut-based shotgun juggernaut will be introducing to distributors this week at the NASGW Expo.

I am glad I got the chance to attend the media event because it was my first opportunity to visit the vaunted Gunsite Academy. Honestly, outside of Arizona’s oppressive June/July heat, it’s hard to fathom why a gun company wouldn’t hold their media get-togethers at Gunsite. The training staff was nothing short of great, especially considering the poor quality of student they had to deal with (namely, me).

But, I did manage to make it through the week without being asked to leave, or worse directed out to the back 40 to some nondescript shallow grave next to a bag of lye. Yay me!

On to the MC2sc….

After shooting the MC2sc through multiple drills, including from the holster, I have to admit I like this pistol. I shot it well, that is when I shot well. I had no problem hitting targets when I actually put the sights on the target. Funny how a good sight picture corresponds to good hits. Who knew?

I think one of the reasons I like the pistol is because of its ergonomics. Generally speaking, I do not prefer small, subcompacts of micro-compacts due to the size of my hands. Give me the larger compacts or full size models every time as these allow me a more comprehensive grip.

This is of course not a gun issue, but a shooter issue. I am a big believer in ergonomics, whether it’s a pistol, rifle or shotgun we’re talking about. If you’re comfortable handling the gun then you’re going to be comfortable shooting the gun. And thus more likely to shoot it effectively.

Obviously, going bigger reduces concealability. Therefore, the micro models are a necessity with the fast growing concealed carry consumer base.

Throughout my time on the range at Gunsite I shot the MC2sc with (and only with) the 14+1 extended magazine because it gave me a very solid grip on the gun. Running it in this configuration I had zero complaints about how it handled. I also found that the grip texture design was ideal for the 100+ degree Arizona afternoon sun.

In addition to the increased capacity of the double-stack design, the MC2sc differs from its single-stack predecessor, the MC1sc, in that, as previously mentioned, it is an optics-ready model.

To be clear, the MC2sc will not come from the factory outfitted with a red dot, even though the test pistols we shot were outfitted with one, specifically the CTS-1550 red dot from Crimson Trace.

Pistols with slides pre-cut from the factory for optics are becoming more and more the norm these days, thanks to the strong aftermarket where small machine shops have been customizing slides for a wide variety of makes and models to satisfy the customer’s insatiable desire to modify guns.

This growing cottage industry of custom slide work has helped full demand for red dots while proving out for the major manufacturers the viability of expanding product lines to include optics-ready guns.

If you’re used to shooting a red dot you’ll feel right at home carrying the new Mossberg, once you’ve mount your preferred mini red dot optic. For those of you wedded to iron sights, models will be offered with either low-profile white 3-dot sights or with TRUGLO Tritium Pro night sights.

The MC2sc slide is dovetailed so the sights are drift adjustable and, since the slide is compatible with SIG #8 sights, you have the option to install your favorite aftermarket sights.

At the media event we used a DeSantis Kydex IWB/OWB holster. Mossberg is working with a couple other major holster manufacturers, so several options should be available at or shortly after the time pistols hit retail gun cases.

Also available at launch, because I know you’ll be asking, Mossberg will have spare magazines available for sale, either on their own website or through the usual retailer channels. The pistol comes with two magazines, the 11+1 and the 14+1, so picking up a few extras makes a world of sense.

To wrap up, here’s my big take away….

How comfortable I was shooting the gun genuinely surprised me. Being a micro carry gun I was not optimistic it would be a good fit in my hands. I was wrong. And, more importantly, I found that I liked shooting the gun. Kind of a plus in a carry gun, wouldn’t you say?

If you are looking to pick up an everyday carry pistol, with capacity and the versatility of going to a red dot optic, you may want to ask your local firearms dealer if they have the new MC2sc.

— Paul Erhardt, Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network