Micros have flooded the market in recent years, due in part to the fact that all 50 states now issue concealed carry permits in some form.
Yet the Boberg XR9 is no ordinary pistol. Its design incorporates an unusual loading and feeding system that can only be described as revolutionary.
The XR9 has a rear-feeding mechanism where the round is pulled straight forward into the chamber instead of through a feed ramp.
This is not just design hype. The scientific reasoning behind the radical design change is that by eliminating the feed ramp, the pistol can extend the barrel nearly an inch while maintaining the same overall appearance of comparable micros.
The extra length allows the XR9 an extra 100fps advantage over its competition since velocity translates into power, especially in close quarters. Author Scott W. Wagner explains how the XR9 coverts velocity into power in his article “Changing Things Up: Boberg XR9” at USConcealedCarry.com:
“A boost of 100fps for a 9mm pistol designed for close range defense is no small thing. In a life-and-death struggle, you need to deliver all the power to the target that you possibly can to end the fight as quickly as possible.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
Boberg has also incorporated a locked breech system with rotating barrel. This design increases the overall accuracy of the shooter by reducing recoil and muzzle flip. In addition, the gunsmiths at Boberg have enhanced the trigger operation of their pistols by using a six pound long pull with automatic reset. The smoothness of the pull and patience required of the shooter combine to increase accuracy.
The other specs on the Boberg XR9 are fairly standard for a micro 9mm. The length is 5.1 inches, height 4.2 inches, and width is 0.96 inches. The XR9 tips the scales at 17.5 ounces unloaded. Sights are fixed with a traditional white three-dot pattern. Two magazines are supplied with the gun with a capacity of 7+1 rounds each. The frame is aircraft grade aluminum with a stainless steel slide, with color and finish variations available for both.
During range testing, the XR9 performed admirably with tight groupings out to 50 feet. Standing unsupported at 100 yards was still accurate for a micro with three hits on target. For a gun designed for close-quarters self-defense, it was an impressive display.
The Boberg XR9 is a finely-tuned precision firearm, which means it doesn't come cheap. The onyx-plated models list for about $1350, but if you're looking for one all-purpose conceal carry piece, the XR9 may be the gun for you.