[FIREARM REVIEW] Grand Power X­Calibur

Imagine going to the largest gun show in the world and handling, fondling and drooling over many of the most excellent guns in the world. You would leave that show thinking there were several guns that you just needed to check out at the range. That is how I felt with the Grand Power X­Calibur for the past two Shot Shows in Las Vegas.

Honestly, I knew very little about Grand Power handguns. They are made in Slovakia and imported by Eagle Imports but that was the extent of my knowledge. Once I handled and checked out the X­Calibur, I became an instant Grand Power fan. The X­Calibur intrigued me in a way that I just had to check it out in person and on my range. The rotating and fluted five inch stainless steel bull barrel, grip molding options, front slide cut outs and a three pound single action trigger was all I could handle. Ok, I admit, I was obsessed with the X­Calibur from Grand Power.

The cost of an X­Calibur ranges between $800 ­- $850 which is well below other competition handguns of this quality. Many guys balk at anything that costs more than a standard $550 Glock however when we look at the features and functions of this gun, we will easily understand the price point much better. I’ve also noticed the price drop a little in the past year making the X­Calibur a little more affordable for competition shooters or gun enthusiasts like myself.

Specifications:

Caliber: 9mm
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 5”
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Rear Sight: Micrometer Adjustable Steel
Finish: Black
Grips: Polymer
Construction: Steel Slide, Steel Frame, Polymer Grip
Safety: Frame ­Mounted Thumb Safety
Weight: 29.25 oz unloaded (on my scale)
Length: 8.7”
Height: 5.3”
Width: 1.4”

Lets begin with the trigger because this is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive triggers I have ever experienced. Prior to this review, I verified the trigger poundage with Colorado Gun Works who is the master gunsmith for all Grand Power firearms to ensure my content is accurate. The double action pull is between 8 ­ 9 lbs. That is much lighter than the standard 11 ­ 12 pound double action trigger pull of other models in the same class. The single action action pull ranges between 3 ­ 4 lbs. That is amazingly light and smooth. It reminds me of a quick single action trigger pull of a 1911. The single action reset is minimal for quick double taps and follow up shots.

The X­Calibur offers three different grip moldings to fit various hand sizes. The molding offered out of the box fit my average sized hand perfectly. The grips are lightly textured with minor stippling and very comfortable with a full three finger purchase. It actually feels rather thin considering it houses a 15 round double stack magazine. Grand Power offers two quality magazines that are all metal with a unique looking orange follower.

The controls on the X­Calibur are ambidextrous. The magazine release release is an oversized button on the left side which is positioned for quick and easy mag changes for right handed shooters. The right side magazine release button sits more flush to the frame. The serrated thumb safety is also oversized and ambidextrous. This allows the user to carry, “cocked and locked.” They also offer a thinner and more flush thumb safety lever for those who choose to use it for it’s intended thumb safety purpose. The serrated slide release lever is also ambi which fits flush with the frame.

The sights on the X­Calibur are very nice. The fixed front sight is a bright red fiber optic rod that stands out in low light conditions. The rear sight is “combat” type (no dots) that is fully adjustable. The cut out notch in the rear sight offers very little play when aligned with the fiber optic front sight. I find the seven inch sight radius to work well as the bright glow of the front sight illuminates for quick target acquisition.

The slide is one of the main components that stands out with the X­Calibur. It has a unique look to it and is fully functional. The scalloped rear serrations are cut very deep and the deep front serrations are cut out of the slide which exposes the stainless steel fluted bull barrel. The metal that is cut out of the front serrations offset the additional weight of the bull barrel which makes the X­Caliber very well balanced. Grand Power offers three different weighted guide rod springs to fit the shooter’s choice for recoil management. I imagine a competition shooter may vary their spring options but for me the guide rod spring offered from the factory works fine.

My shooting impressions of the X­Calibur were most impressive. I had a feeling, due to all of it’s features, the accuracy would be good however after shooting the X­Calibur at the range, I have to say the shooting accuracy was amazing. I truly enjoyed the light trigger, sight formation, five inch barrel and overall balance of the gun. The X­Calibur made an average shooter like myself feel like a professional. It was also very reliable as it fed, fired and ejected every round during my range time. For those looking for a quality competition pistol or just an outstanding multi­purpose handgun, the Grand Power X­Calibur would make an excellent choice.