Vortex Nation fans voted, they tested, and we watched two grown men put their self-esteem on the line for science. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn ran five optics-ready pistols through a real-world course: plate rack, moving targets, and honest shooting impressions.
Glock 45 Handgun — The No-Nonsense Workhorse
The Glock 45 MOS is the textbook optics-ready platform: simple controls, rock-solid reliability, and huge aftermarket support. It ships with MOS-compatible plates and backstrap modules, so you can fit a red dot and tune the grip without hunting parts. If you want something that every holster maker, gunsmith, and trigger company already supports, this is it — and it’s the one Boardman called his go-to. Perfect for duty, carry, or the range.
- Why buy: ubiquity + parts/ease.
- Who it fits: anyone who wants a tried-and-true platform.
CZ P-09 (P9) Handgun — Shooter-Friendly, DA/SA Heritage
The CZ polymer P9 brings that classic CZ feel to a modern, optics-ready frame. It’s smooth and accurate with an ergonomic hand fit that some shooters love more than a Glock. It’s not as saturated with accessories yet, but the ones available are usually high quality and purpose-built. If you like a slightly different grip angle and a gun that rewards good fundamentals, this one’s worth checking.
- Why buy: shootability + CZ accuracy heritage.
- Who it fits: shooters who prefer a CZ feel and don’t need every aftermarket option day one.
Canik TP9 SFX Handgun — Value Stacked to the Roof
Canik shows how much pistol you can get for your dollar. The Canik TP9 SFX Handgun often comes loaded from the factory with extra mags, grip modules, optics plates, and more — real value right out of the box. It shoots great, has a solid trigger, and the aftermarket scene is growing fast. If you want a complete package at a competitive price, Canik is a strong contender.
- Why buy: best value + lots of factory extras.
- Who it fits: budget-minded shooters who still want top performance.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Pistol — Modern Ergonomics, Strong Ecosystem
The S&W M&P 2.0 family brings intuitive ergonomics and a modern trigger to the optics-ready fight. It comes optics-cut out of the box with multiple plates, backstraps, and solid holster compatibility. Mark favored this one for how it felt and shot; Ryan agreed it’s a standout. If you want a Glock-style experience but with different grip geometry and a great factory trigger option, the M&P 2.0 deserves a look.
- Why buy: modern fit + wide accessories.
- Who it fits: shooters who want a comfortable, modern striker platform.
Springfield Echelon Handgun — Fresh Design with Clever Mounting
Springfield’s Echelon Handgun is the new kid with some smart ideas. The optics mounting system is novel and straightforward — no fiddly subplates — and the gun accepts a wide variety of footprints with simple orientation pins. It’s comfortable, value-priced, and looks like Springfield put real thought into factory optics integration. Aftermarket support will grow, but if you want a modern, well-thought-out pilot platform for a red dot, the Echelon is a smart pick.
- Why buy: clever factory mounting + solid ergonomics.
- Who it fits: early adopters who want a modern factory solution.
Bottom Line
There’s no universal “best.” Boardman’s heart was with the Glock; Ryan leaned M&P. Both liked the Echelon; Canik was the best value; the CZ is for people who want that CZ feel. Pick the one that fits your hand and your holster plan. If you want my two-sentence rule: find the gun that feels instant-right in your grip, and make sure it has the optic footprint you plan to run (or a plate available).
