Anderson Kiger 9C: A Complete Guide

Compact, reliable, and made in the USA — the Anderson Kiger 9C takes the proven Glock Gen 3 formula and gives it a rugged, affordable twist.

Design & Build Quality

Frame and Materials:

Anderson builds the Kiger 9C around a high-strength polymer frame reinforced with over-molded steel slide rails — a choice that boosts rigidity and slide-to-frame consistency. The slide and barrel are machined from 416R stainless steel and coated with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish for corrosion resistance and smoother cycling.

Ergonomics:

The frame’s aggressive stippling and undercut trigger guard improve weapon control under recoil. However, some shooters find the squared-off grip slightly “boxy,” especially compared to the Glock 19’s more rounded profile. That said, the angle, beavertail, and texture make for a confident, high grip and consistent point of aim.

Controls:

All controls — mag release, slide stop, and takedown levers — are Glock-standard in position and function. The Kiger 9C uses a trigger safety with internal striker and drop safeties, offering the same passive safety profile as most striker-fired pistols. There’s no manual thumb safety, keeping the operation simple and familiar for Glock shooters.

Accessories & Compatibility:

Anderson wisely retained full compatibility with Glock Gen 3 magazines, slides, triggers, and most internal parts. That means holsters, sights, and upgrades are easy to find. A forward Picatinny rail allows mounting of lights or lasers, while suppressor-height sights clear co-witness lines for the optic-ready Kiger 9C Pro model.

Build Impressions:

Overall machining is clean, though some users note slightly sharp slide edges. The DLC finish holds up well — multiple reviewers reported no visible wear after hundreds of rounds. For a sub-$500 American-made pistol, fit and finish are impressively consistent.

Variants & Model Differences

Anderson currently offers two main variants of the Kiger pistol line:

Kiger 9C (Standard Model)

• Compact frame
• DLC-coated stainless slide
• 3.91” barrel
• Suppressor-height sights
• Not optic-ready

Kiger 9C Pro

• RMR optic cut
• Lightened slide cuts for faster cycling
• Enhanced grip texture for improved control
• Same Glock Gen 3 compatibility

The Kiger 9C Pro is designed for shooters who plan to run a red dot or who want a slightly more refined slide. The standard Kiger 9C remains the better value play for traditional sight users and first-time concealed carriers.

What Are the Direct Competitors of the Anderson Kiger 9C?

The Anderson Kiger 9C directly competes with compact, striker-fired 9mm pistols such as the Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Compact, Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact, and Canik TP9 Elite SC. These handguns share nearly identical use cases: compact dimensions, polymer frames, striker-fired actions, and magazine capacities suitable for concealed carry, home defense, and range use. The Kiger 9C in particular targets shooters who want a Glock-style footprint with a more affordable price and familiar ergonomics.

Gun owners should care because this category is often decided on value versus ecosystem.

Pistols like the Glock 19 and M&P Compact offer deep aftermarket support, proven duty history, and resale strength, while the Kiger 9C and PSA Dagger appeal to cost-conscious buyers who still want reliability and parts compatibility.

Understanding these competitors helps enthusiasts choose between long-term accessory flexibility, price efficiency, trigger feel, and overall fit without guessing or overspending.

Performance

Accuracy

At 15–25 yards, the Kiger 9C matches Glock 19 and PSA Dagger performance, producing 2–3 inch groups with quality ammunition. Its 3.91-inch barrel and tight lockup contribute to consistent shot placement.

Recoil & Control

The pistol’s compact size and balanced weight make recoil very manageable. Reviewers describe the Kiger’s recoil impulse as “soft and flat,” allowing rapid follow-up shots. The undercut trigger guard and high beavertail let shooters get a solid purchase for better muzzle control.

Reliability

One of the Kiger 9C’s strongest suits. Testers from GunMag Warehouse and AR15.com reported zero malfunctions after several hundred rounds of mixed ammunition — FMJ, JHP, and +P loads all cycled flawlessly.

The pistol ran equally well with Glock OEM and Magpul magazines, with only isolated reports of feeding issues using extended 27-round mags.

Trigger Feel

The trigger is serviceable but not exceptional. Most users measure around 5.5–6 pounds, with a hint of creep before a clean break and a short, audible reset. Some describe it as slightly gritty out of the box but note improvement after 200–300 rounds.

Durability

The DLC-coated 416R slide and barrel show excellent wear resistance. Field stripping after extended testing revealed no abnormal peening or finish loss — a good sign for long-term reliability.

Ammunition Compatibility

Ideal Loads:

The Kiger 9C performs best with standard 115gr to 124gr FMJ and defensive JHP rounds. Most reviewers ran a mix of Federal, Winchester, Blazer Brass, and Speer Gold Dot with no failures to feed or eject.

+P Ammunition:

+P loads cycle reliably, though shooters should inspect recoil springs periodically, just as with any compact striker-fired 9mm.

Feeding/Extraction:

Thanks to Glock-pattern internals and chamber geometry, the Kiger 9C handles brass and nickel-cased ammo effortlessly. Only one reviewer noted minor feeding hesitation with extra-long extended magazines — not standard mags.

Use Case Suitability

Concealed Carry

The Kiger 9C was built with concealed carry in mind. At just over 1.25 pounds unloaded and with a compact footprint, it conceals comfortably under light clothing. The squared grip and aggressive texturing help maintain control during rapid fire, though they can print slightly under thin shirts.

Home Defense

The inclusion of a Picatinny rail makes the Kiger ideal for home-defense setups. Pair it with a weapon light and defensive 124gr hollow points, and you have a capable, modern bedside pistol.

Competition Use

While not purpose-built for USPSA or IDPA, the Kiger 9C Pro’s optic cut and slide ports make it viable for entry-level competition. The reliable trigger and consistent lockup keep it accurate in fast-paced stages.

Training and Range Use

This is where the Kiger shines. Its Glock-like manual of arms, low recoil, and affordable price make it an outstanding training or backup gun.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros

• Excellent reliability with diverse ammunition
• Full Glock Gen 3 parts and magazine compatibility
• Durable DLC-coated slide and barrel
• Undercut trigger guard and strong grip texture
• Affordable MSRP (~$429)
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Trigger feel slightly gritty or heavy for some users
• Grip frame feels boxy to smaller hands
• Base model lacks optics cut (Pro model resolves this)
• Sharp slide edges on a few production units
• Limited track record compared to Glock or PSA Dagger

Final Verdict

The Anderson Kiger 9C is one of the most impressive budget compact 9mm pistols to emerge from the U.S. in recent years. It combines Glock-like reliability with American build quality and a wallet-friendly price — all while maintaining full compatibility with the vast Glock ecosystem.

For shooters who want a dependable EDC or range pistol without breaking $500, the Kiger 9C is an outstanding choice. The Kiger 9C Pro, with its RMR cut and lightened slide, extends that appeal into the optics-ready market segment.

Who it’s best for:

• Concealed carriers wanting Glock 19 performance at lower cost
• Shooters who prefer American-made components
• Training and range users seeking reliability and familiarity
• Budget-conscious owners who want aftermarket flexibility

Who might look elsewhere:

• Shooters seeking factory optics cuts (unless choosing the Pro)
• Those who prefer premium triggers out of the box
• Users with smaller hands who may dislike the squared grip frame

In the crowded Glock-style compact market, the Anderson Kiger 9C stands out for doing the basics exceptionally well — reliable, accurate, and built tough in the U.S.