While it’s certainly fun to build custom pistols, the new Bear Creek Arsenal Genes1s II gives you a pretty big head start. These are feature-packed, metal-framed 9mm pistols. They offer several different models, with the barrels being the major difference among them. Those barrels range from blacked-out to blingy copper and gold titanium nitride finishes.
Bear Creek Arsenal Genes1s II features and specs
As delivered, these pistols check a lot of boxes. Metal frame? Yup. Threaded barrel options? Definitely. Optics ready? Of course, with an RMR cut on the slide. Each of these striker-fired 9mm handguns is built on an aluminum frame with a steel black nitride slide. Slides all have front and rear serrations, along with window cuts. They’re topped with metal sights utilizing photoluminescent aiming dots for low-light shooting.
Barrels are 5″ in length, 4150 Chrome Moly, and have a 1:16 twist rate. The threaded barrels have a ½ x 28 thread pitch and include a thread protector. They’ll support suppressors or compensators. An ambidextrous magazine release is included, and each pistol sports an under-barrel Picatinny rail as well. They’re shipped with a pair of 17-round magazines.
The evolution of the original Genes1s
Bear Creek Arsenal listened to customer feedback about their original Genes1sm and upgraded it to the Genes1s II. This new version weighs 28 ounces unloaded, with the durability of high-quality 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. That’s an impressive weight for a duty-sized, metal-framed pistol. It’s been redesigned for better ergonomic comfort by rounding the edges and creating a more comfortable grip for the shooter. On the frame, stippling allows for an assertive grip without being overly abrasive. Its magazine well is flared for smoother, snag-free reloads. The new variations are a gold TiN threaded, copper TiN threaded, Bear Claw fluted, or spiral fluted barrel in your Genes1s II.
Aftermarket support
With a shape patterned after the most popular polymer pistol in existence, the Genes1s II is compatible with plenty of aftermarket parts, accessories, and holsters. Straight from Bear Creek Arsenal, they look to be solid performers. But if you’re not the type to leave your pistol stock, that huge range of aftermarket support should allow you to make it truly “yours”.
Who is the Genes1s II for?
Bear Creek Arsenal mentions that the Genes1s II can be used as a defensive handgun or range pistol. That makes sense since it’s based on a proven design that is both accurate and reliable. As mentioned, it’s also one of the most popular pistol platforms for customizing. While I have not gotten my hands on one yet, I can see the potential. If you’re looking for a new 9mm handgun, check them out at bearcreekarsenal.com.