Shadow Systems Foundation Series DR920 Full size (MSRP: $679)
Shadow Systems offers its Foundation Series of pistols as a no-frills version of the standard line. Normally, that might make you think it’s entry-level, but that’s not the case here. Rather than skimp on the good stuff like the excellent trigger, near-perfect grip texture or sculpted cocking serrations, what’s omitted in the Foundation Series are the custom touches like upgraded barrels, lightening cuts and finish options. There are a few other differences, like the polymer trigger in the Foundation series versus the aluminum version in the standard, or the night sights versus the standard dot, but overall, the Foundation series comes well appointed.
The DR920 in today’s kit is the full-size variant in Shadow Systems’ line, with two other versions available in the Foundation series: There’s the MR920, which is a mid-size model, and the XR920, which is a crossover with a full-size grip and compact slide and barrel. The subcompact model is not available in the Foundation series at present time. Specs on the DR920 are pretty familiar: 7¾ inches long, 5¼ inches high and weighing 23 ounces unloaded—it’s quite close to the Glock G17 in size. It’s not the easiest to conceal, but it’s going to be the most pleasant to shoot out of the various size options.
One area where Shadow Systems really has put a ton of engineering is in the optics cut. Rather than use a generic mount and a series of plates, like most manufacturers, Shadow Systems has twin screw holes matching the vast majority of optics and then three spacers that wedge the optic against the rear or front of the cut, or in some cases, both. There’s ample documentation on which wedge goes where for each optic footprint, and what’s great about this system is two-fold: first, the optic sits low on the slide, and will most likely co-witness with standard-height sights. Second, the optic is mounted directly to the pistol’s slide. This eliminates the need for extra screws (optic to plate, plate to slide), but also reduces the complexity overall. That’s a good thing.
I’ve tested the MR920 for our magazine and featured it and the subcompact CR920 in previous episodes of “I Carry.” Every chance I’ve had to put rounds through a Shadow Systems firearm, the pistol has just plain worked. I’m a big fan of the grip texture, especially how it encompasses the entire grip. It anchors the pistol firmly without being too aggressive and makes even the smallest model easier to control. I’m also a huge fan of the optics-mounting system, finding it to be one of the most intuitive and simplest methods out there for multiple-optic use.
Holster: KSG Armory Lexington (MSRP: $80, plus extras)
To carry the full-size Shadow Systems DR920, we’ve opted for the excellent Lexington holster from KSG Armory. We’ve featured this holster previously on “I Carry” with the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal pistol, which is sized similarly to the DR920 and slightly heavier, so the Lexington was a natural choice. It’s optics-ready, which makes it an excellent match for the DR920, as well as fully ambidextrous, so both righties and lefties can use it.
Taco-style construction from a single sheet of kydex, the Lexington is both sturdy and configurable. Want it to be tuckable? There’s a set of screwholes set up for soft-loop or DCC clips. Want a wing- or claw-attachment to better tuck the rig into the body? It comes with a Modwing, and Dark Star Gear’s Dark Wing and RCS’s VG Claw are compatible. There’s a foam wedge for both comfort and to keep the muzzle angled away from the body. KSG even includes some threadlocker so you can tighten everything down once you have it just to your liking. There’s a lot of utility in the Lexington.
Accessory: PowerTac Tradesman M6 (MSRP: $69.95)
Rounding out today’s kit is the Tradesman M6 flashlight from PowerTac. Featuring a blistering 2,030 lumens on turbo mode and offering five modes total, the Tradesman is a simple-to-use handheld light perfect for everyday use. Everything about the Tradesman is intuitive: There’s a single button that turns the light on and off, toggles through the settings and activates the strobe if needed.
The Tradesman also has PowerTac’s excellent magnetic power cord, making it super easy to recharge your flashlight. While recharging, a light surrounding the power button turns red while charging and blue when finished. There’s no tailcap switch for a reason: the end is magnetic so the Tradesman can be placed on any metal surface for hands-free operation. Rounding out the accessories are a handy pocket clip, a lanyard and spare “O” rings.
