German Sport Guns GSG-9: A detailed comparison of the Sport and Rifle 9mm pistol caliber carbines

With the GSG-9 Pistol, Rifle, Carbine and Sport model types there is currently a quartet available on the international market chambered in the affordable 9mm caliber, which can be used on many shooting ranges. The only difference between the 2.5 kg GSG 9 Pistol and Rifle variants with 7.5" (190.5 mm) barrel length is that the length-adjustable buttstock on the Rifle model is locked, allowing it to be adjusted to a minimum length of 61.3 cm. We had already discussed this GSG-9 rifle model some time ago when we compared PCCs and pistols with bump stocks. The difference between the Carbine and Sport model configurations with 16.6" (422 mm) barrel length is that the GSG-9 Carbine has an M-LOK handguard and the GSG-9 Sport has a closed handguard. This also results in different overall weights of 2,800 grams (Carbine) and 2,975 grams (Sport). The series is being continuously expanded; for example, German Sport Guns presented the GSG-9 Sport Compact model in a compact design with a closed handguard at the IWA 2025.

GSG-9: the pistol caliber carbines in detail

The young PCCs are based on a CNC-machined light alloy receiver, in which a cleanly machined, solid bolt bolt is mounted on guide rails, as well as the ha cold-hammer forged barrel. The design is completed by a light alloy handguard with a two-part polymer optic mounting rail on the top of the receiver and handguard, as well as a charging handle factory mounted on the left-hand side, which does not move when firing. In the sports version, a length-adjustable Mil-Spec buttstock with five fixed positions is mounted on an AR buffer tube. The manual safety on the G3-style grip frame is available on both sides. In the Sport version, the two-stage trigger unit released after overcoming a trigger pull weight of 2,130 grams. It does not have dreamlike match characteristics, but the trigger weight is distributed very evenly and is also quite consistent, so that the trigger can definitely be used in practice.

Magazine Converter System (MCS) from German Sport Guns

The magazine well adapter is interchangeable, which makes it possible to use modified Glock G17 or SIG Sauer P320 magazines with a capacity of ten cartridges that are also equipped with an adapter. German Sport Guns has christened this patented design the "Magazine Converter System" (MCS). Our test gun came with long, single-stack G17 "California" magazines, which are easier to handle than the short, double-stack 10-round G26 magazines due to their size. In the GSG 9 accessories catalog, you will discover the three-piece sets of magazine adapters, which are available over the counter for nine euros.

Speaking of accessories: the barrel of the sports version is fitted with an M13x1 muzzle thread and GSG offers 1/2"x28 UNEF thread adapters, so that you have a wide choice of muzzle attachments available on the tuning market. The carbine comes with folding polymer emergency sights, which are perfectly usable. However, in most cases users will probably mount an optic and here too German Sport Guns can offer a comprehensive portfolio, such as a well-fitting SIG Sauer Electro Optics Tango MSR 1-6x24 riflescope. For our tests, we used a SIG Sauer Romeo MSR Gen2 red dot sight with a fine 2-MOA dot that covers little of the target area in combination with a Juliet3 magnifier with triple magnification, which is offered as a complete set for an affordable €549. Both optics offer high performance with extremely compact dimensions and take up hardly any space on the optics mounting rail.

German Sport Guns GSG-9: screwdriving expertise

The common denominator of many of the GSG guns we have examined in the past is the many screw connections found in the designs. The GSG-9s are no exception and you need tools if you want to carry out disassembly or conversion work. For example, the charging handle can be moved from one side of the gun to the other. However, a Torx key is required for this side change and the polymer Picatinny rail must also be unscrewed in order to access the screw for the charging handle. Complete disassembly is therefore time-consuming and complicated, but is not normally necessary.

On the firing range: GSG-9 pistol caliber carbine

We tested the Sport version on the 50-m indoor range with the aforementioned SIG Sauer optics combo and a UTG bipod. The two M-LOK interfaces in the front area of the handguard underside are ideal for mounting a bipod. Due to the blowback system in combination with the rather thin 16.6-inch barrel, we did not expect the 9mm carbine to prove to be a precision miracle. If you are able to hold the "ten" on an ISSF target, then that's fine. With three of the seven ammunition loads we used, we were able to reliably hold the "ten". We achieved the best 52-mm group with the inexpensive Sellier & Bellot 124-grain full metal jacket load.

German Sport Guns GSG-9 Rifle and GSG-9 Sport technical specifications and prices

Conclusion: what the GSG 9 pistol carbines can offer

The reliably functioning GSG-9 pistol caliber carbines are a joy to use on the shooting range and their overall design is primarily suitable for dynamic 25/50-m sport shooting disciplines. In view of the workmanship, versatility and performance, the price of 999 euros for the GSG-9 Sport from German Sport Guns is perfectly acceptable.