Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Specialty Guns
    • Custom Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
      • Night Vision
      • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
  • Gear
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Knives
    • Apparel
    • Tactical-Gear
    • Storage
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
    • Less Lethal
  • Lifestyle
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range
    • Training
    • First Aid
    • Pop Culture
    • History
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Specialty Guns
    • Custom Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
      • Night Vision
      • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
  • Gear
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Knives
    • Apparel
    • Tactical-Gear
    • Storage
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
    • Less Lethal
  • Lifestyle
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
    • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range
    • Training
    • First Aid
    • Pop Culture
    • History
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
ENTER TO WIN > Free Gun Friday for your chance to WIN the SIG Sauer P320 AXG Legion and Black Hills HoneyBadger Ammo

A Shining SAR: Shooting the SAR K12 Sport Competition Pistol

Andy Grossman by Andy Grossman
March 16, 2023
in Competition Shooting, Guns, Handguns, Lifestyle, Semi-Automatic Handguns, USPSA
0
Shooting the SAR K12 Sport proved its worth as a competition pistol.
2
SHARES
1.8k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

I am a sucker for budget-friendly workhorse firearms. The ones you would expect to run no matter what you throw at it, how dirty it gets, or how inexpensive it is. The underdogs if you will. When I first discovered SAR USA, I was immediately intrigued by there full line of pretty attractive looking pistols, something a bit different. Then I saw the pricing and my jaw about hit the floor at SHOT Show a few years ago. Sarsilmaz is a company that is based in Turkey but is quickly making a big name for themselves in the U.S. under the name of SAR USA.

SAR K12 Sport

Sarsilmaz is not just some new gun manufacturer. They have been in the gun manufacturing business since 1880 and are the supplier of the majority of arms for the Turkish Army. If you are unfamiliar with the Turkish Army, this claim to fame of supplying most of the army’s firearms may not be that impressive. However, the Turks are not some third-rate army running around with old hand-me-down firearms and outdated training tactics. The Turks are hardened, badass, well-trained allies of the U.S. known for their not-messing-around attitude. Never afraid to mix it up. They have acted as a wall between Europe and the Middle East and have had no shortage of practice getting into conflicts and shooting their way out. So as a nation, they don’t really screw around with weaponry.

Battle-Grade Racer

SAR USA makes guns like lives depend on it because they do. The SAR K12 Sport shows this manufacturing mentality perfectly. A purpose-built race gun for the absolute mindboggling MSRP of $842. That is a price low enough to be laughable when it comes to competition-ready guns. A price so low that most would immediately scoff at it in a gun case and move on to something more expensive. No way can an $800 gun run with the more than double-priced, competition-ready race guns on the market. Well, prepare to have your mind blown. The SAR USA K12 Sport is incredible.

The SAR K12 Sport is hearty and accurate.
(Photo by Andy Grossman)

The K12 is essentially a CZ-75, configured for single action only. SAR’s take on it was why have a DA/SA trigger when the sole purpose of this gun is to shoot steel quickly, accurately and in the most efficient way possible. The single-action trigger is smooth and consistent. It does have a bit longer reset and a bit of more creep than what I would like to see but it is very consistent and easy to learn. On the plus side, the trigger is adjustable and boasts a little heavier pull for a competition gun at around 4 pounds. This is more than likely because of the fact it is not a custom gun, rather a production gun.

Competition-Driven Components

All the controls on the K12 Sport are extended for ease of use in a competition setting. Furthermore, the controls are all reversable, so the south paws have the same advantage as us righties. The gun also has a removable, flared mag well for quick reloads, plus it adds a very nice shelf for the dominate hand’s pinky to rest on. This really tops off the amazingly ergonomic stainless-steel frame and removable aluminum grip panels. The grips are well thought out and extremely attractively done in a dark grey up against the polished stainless frame. Front and backstrap checkering keeps your hands planted on the grip no matter what the conditions may be. The frame also has an enlarged beaver tail, similar to a 1911 that cradles the hand very well and aids the shooter in staying on target for quicker follow-up shots.

SAR utilized the same rail inside frame design similar to some CZ models. The design has been known for producing incredible accuracy. Trust me, this offering from SAR USA proves this. These rails are polished and fit perfectly to the slide. Just simply racking the slide feels like a warm knife cutting through butter. Super smooth and effortless. The frame and slide are both stainless, which gives the gun it’s 46.9-ounce weight that handles any recoil with ease.

On the extremely low-profile slide you will find a set of pretty basic cocking serrations on the front and back. Not fancy, but functional. The top of the slide has some nice beveled edges as well. The K12 also comes with a set of extremely nice sights. The rear sight is adjustable. In fact, the rear sight has more adjustment than I have ever seen on a set of sights. Really making this system adjustable to each shooters specific needs and shooting style. Inside the slide you will find a high polished stainless, one-piece heavy guide rod and 4.7-inch barrel. The gun ships with two 17-round magazines with simple but attractive metal base plates that match the finish on the grip panels as well.

The metal gripframe and flared magwell deliver desired features in a sport pistol.
(Photo by Andy Grossman)

Performance Driven

I first got my hands on this 9mm pistol at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous media event where I put 100 rounds downrange after probably 3,000 rounds had gone through the gun that day. We were shooting in some of the craziest wind and dust I have ever been out in. With all that dust and debris flying around the K12 did end up getting a little gummed up like any handgun would. The simple breakdown of the gun made for a quick cleaning and reassembly and back to shooting. I was hitting steel out at distances upwards of 50 yards in that wind with ease. This short time at the range was enough for me to fall head over heels for this budget-friendly beast. Once I got one to my house, I took the gun out of the box, fondled it a bit and then headed to the range.

I was shooting Black Hills 124-grain JHPs, which shot well. I put 350 rounds down range in my first range session with no issues at all. It did take a little time to get used to the sights, and the rear sight did need quite a bit of adjustment right out of the box. But, once it was dialed in, it was dialed in! I was able to consistently get sub 1-inch groupings at 10 yards in an indoor range when really trying to achieve great groups. I did a few speed drills, which is really where this pistol shines. It just shoots so flat with very little recoil, giving incredibly quick follow-up shots. I am not a competitive shooter, but the SAR K12 Sport made me immediately feel like I should try my hand at competition.

More Rounds Downrange

The next few range sessions I was running a variety of ammunition through the K12 Sport, including 115-grain HSM Hornady XTP, 124-grain HSM JHP, 115-grain Pinnacle TAC-XP, 125-grain Hornady Steel Match, 115-grain Aguila +P and 147-grain Federal Premium HST Tactical. Everything I fed the SAR was chewed up and spit out with zero malfunctions during approximately 600 rounds of live fire. These next 300 rounds were shot outside at my friend’s range. Outdoors, I was not really worried about groupings and I more wanted to ring steel as fast as I possibly could.

Adjustable sights and an ambi-safety upgrade the platform.

I started off shooting at 15 yards and ended up out around 100 yards just for the hell of it. Even at 100 yards, I was able to ring steel around 50 percent of the time shooting at a 15-inch plate. I bet the gun would hit it every time, but I was having a hard time with the sight system at that longer distance. The gun is definitely better than I am.

Although the trigger had a bit longer reset than what I like, it didn’t stop me from falling in love with it. This thing was just so fun to shoot I just wanted to keep shooting. Although I didn’t do a whole lot of real accuracy tests but rather focused on speed, I did see my best groups with 115-grain Pinnacle TAC-XP rounds. They seemed to be a bit tighter, but everything shot so well and stayed so accurate it really was tough to tell the difference.

I was able to achieve extremely tight five-shot groups at 10 yards with all kinds of ammunition during testing. Out at longer distances, those groups really didn’t get that crazy. Even out at 50 yards, I was able to achieve good groups with ease. Those groups were not shooting a round a minute or from support. Those groups were achieved standing, unsupported, with a minimal pause between shots.

The SAR K12 Sport delivers an affordable, out-of-the-box ready pistol for competition.
(Photo by Andy Grossman)

Ready For Running?

SAR USA knocked it out of the park with the K12 Sport. It’s a budget-friendly performance monster that eats anything you feed it in pretty much any environment. Whether it be for shooting competitions, getting into competitive shooting, or if you just want to show off at the range and have some fun, the K12 Sport is definitely worth looking into. And you can’t beat the price! For more information, visit sarusa.com.

SAR USA K12 Sport Features & Specs

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Barrel length: 4.7 inches
  • Overall length: 8.5 inches
  • Weight: 46.9 ounces
  • Grip: Aluminum panels
  • Sights: Adjustable rear, target front
  • Action: Hammer-fired SA semi-auto
  • Finish: Polished stainless steel
  • Capacity: 17+1
  • MSRP: $842

PERFORMANCE: SAR USA K12 Sport

LoadVelocityAccuracy
Aguila +P 115 1,2501.00
Black Hills JHP 1241,1500.85
Federal Premium HST Tactical 1471,0000.80
Hornady Critical Duty FlexLock 135 1,0100.90
Hornady Steel Match 125 1,170.95
HSM Hornady XTP 1151,400.75
HSM JHP 124   1,0000.90
Pinnacle TAC-XP 115 1,2500.65
Sig Sauer V-Crown JHP 124 1,1650.95
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (MFG specs) and accuracy in inches for best five-shot group at 10 yards.

This article originally appeared in the March-April 2022 issue of Tactical Life. Get your copy today at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The March-April 2022 issue of Tactical Life magazine.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The new Extar EP45 AR-style pistol comes chambered in .45 ACP.

Extar EP45: AR-Style, Large-Format Pistol Chambered in 45 ACP!

The Colt Frontier Scout single action revolver.

Budget Plinking: The Colt Frontier Scout Single Action Revolver

The Taylor's & Company 1875 Outlaw now comes in 9mm.

New for 2023: Taylor’s & Co. 1875 Outlaw Single-Action in 9mm

The FN EMGS arms the next generation of Air Force rescue helicopters.

FN External Mount Gun System Arms Air Force HH-60W Next Gen Rescue Helo

Load More

WATCH NOW: TACTICAL-LIFE’s RELOADING ZONE

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The new Extar EP45 AR-style pistol comes chambered in .45 ACP.

Extar EP45: AR-Style, Large-Format Pistol Chambered in 45 ACP!

You would think, with all the targeting of large-format, AR-style pistols by the Biden-Harris administration via the ATF, that companies...

Read more

TRENDING

New Jersey LEOSA, federal law

Big Court Win for New Jersey LEOSA Permits

...

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

...

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: The Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

CMP surplus ammunition.

CMP Surplus Ammo Coming Soon in M2 Ball, .30 Carbine & More

Some big news for trigger pullers recently from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. A wide selection of CMP surplus ammo will...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

Active School Shooter Training: 14 Key Points to Consider

Active School Shooter Training: 14 Key Points to Consider

Tactical Reload Semi-Auto Pistol Step 8

5 Strategies For Effectively Completing a Tactical Reload

The Colt CBX Precision Rifle ushers in a new era in colt bolt-gun offerings.

FIRST LOOK: Colt CBX Precision Chassis Rifle Ready to Compete & Win

Fact vs. Fiction 5 Myths Gunfight Survival lead

5 Common Myths on How to Survive a Gunfight

Standing Your Ground Castle Doctrine lead

Understanding Stand Your Ground Laws and Castle Doctrine

long distance shooting tips

Long-Distance Shooting: 5 Must-Know Tips For Spotters & Shooters

IMPACT Experience Events.

IMPACT Experience Events Redefine Your Long-Range Shooting Limits

Enhance your shooting precision skills in a course with Modern Day Sniper.

Sniper Skills: Taking Your Shooting Precision to the Next Level

Once you find a carry gun that works for you, get another for a spare. These “hammerless” S&W J-frame lightweights are M340 M&P with Hogue Bantam grips, top, and a M442 Airweight with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, below.

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

AMMO SPOTLIGHT

The Rock River Arms RBG-1S.

Rocking Out: Going Long Range with the Rock River Arms RBG-1S

Spotter up. Steel silhouette at 1,075 yards. Half-value wind, hold right edge. Send it. The shooter presses the trigger, and...

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement

Tactical

  • tactical-life.com

Magazines

  • Tactical Life
  • The Complete Book of Reloading
  • Guns of the Old West

Facebook

  • Tactical-Life Facebook
  • Guns of the Old West Facebook

Twitter

  • Tactical-Life Twitter

Self Defense

  • PersonalDefenseWorld.com

Magazines

  • Personal Defense World
  • Combat Handguns

Facebook

  • Personal Defense World Facebook
  • Combat Handguns

Twitter

  • Personal Defense World Twitter

Shooting Lifestyle

  • BallisticMag.com

Magazines

  • BallisticMag.com

Facebook

  • Ballistic Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Ballistic Magazine Twitter

Alpha Lifestyle

  • SkillsetMag.com

Magazines

  • Skillset

Facebook

  • Skillset Magazine Facebook

Twitter

  • Skillset Magazine Twitter

Instagram

  • Skillset Magazine Instagram
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Specialty Guns
    • Custom Guns
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
    • Rifle Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
      • Night Vision
      • Thermal Vision
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Gear
    • Ears & Eyes
    • Knives
    • Apparel
    • Tactical-Gear
    • Knives
    • Storage
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
    • Less Lethal
  • Lifestyle
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
    • competition-shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range
    • Training
    • First Aid
    • Survival
    • Pop Culture
    • History
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • Videos
  • Contact Us

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.