IWI Masada 9mm
Model: M9ORP17
IWI Masada 9mm
Model: M9ORP17
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Masada weighs 22.4 oz. That makes it lighter than most compact 9mms while holding 17 rounds in a full-size frame. IWI achieved this through a thinner steel slide and aggressively contoured polymer frame, designed for the Israeli military's need for a sidearm that disappears during all-day carry. The optic-ready slide uses direct-mount plates that seat a red dot lower than the adapter systems on the Glock G17 MOS or HK VP9, giving a tighter co-witness with the iron sights.
Less mass means more felt recoil per shot. Reviewers consistently note that the Masada is snappier during rapid fire than the FN 509 at 26.9 oz or the Beretta APX A1 at 26.9 oz. Getting back on target takes more conscious effort. The 6 lb trigger has a long take-up before a workable break, but it lacks the crispness of the S&W M&P 2.0's trigger. What the Masada does better than anything else in the full-size 9mm class is carry light while still holding 17 rounds with an optic-ready slide. That single advantage, felt over hours in a holster, is the reason to buy it.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- At 22.4 oz, it is one of the lightest full-size 9mms available while holding a full 17 rounds. The weight difference compared to a 27-29 oz gun is immediately noticeable and compounds over hours in a holster.
- Direct optic mounting plates seat the red dot lower on the slide than the adapter systems used by the Glock MOS and HK VP9. The lower mount provides a tighter co-witness and better balance with an optic installed.
- The 6 lb trigger has a long take-up before a workable but uninspiring break. Side by side with a S&W M&P 2.0, the difference in trigger refinement is hard to miss.
- The light weight that makes the Masada comfortable to carry also means more felt recoil per shot. Reviewers note that getting back on target takes more conscious effort compared to the FN 509 at 26.9 oz.
Category Rankings
How the IWI Masada 9mm ranks among full-size 9mm Luger handguns.
Compatible Ammunition
Find the best prices on compatible 9mm Luger ammunition.
Shop 9mm Luger Ammo →Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 9mm Luger ammunition.
9mm Luger Ballistics →Where to Buy
No prices available at this time.
Alternatives to Consider
Similar full-size 9mm Luger handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Walther PDP Full Size 9mm
Walther
|
— |
|
Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 9mm
Smith & Wesson
|
— |
|
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Full Size OR 9mm
Smith & Wesson
|
— |
|
Taurus G3 9mm
Taurus
|
— |
|
Glock G17 Gen5 MOS 9mm
Glock
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Masada so much lighter than other full-size 9mm pistols?
IWI used a thinner steel slide and an aggressively contoured polymer frame to hit 22.4 oz. The trade-off is more felt recoil per shot because there is less mass to absorb the 9mm impulse. The recoil spring is tuned for the lighter slide, so reliability is not affected. It is a deliberate design choice for military and duty use where all-day carry weight matters more than competition-level recoil control.
What optic footprint does the Masada use?
The Masada uses direct-mount plates rather than a universal adapter system. Plates are included for common footprints: the Shield RMSc pattern (Holosun 407K/507K) and the RMR pattern (Trijicon RMR, Holosun 507C/508T). The direct-mount design seats the optic lower on the slide than adapter-based systems, which is one of the Masada's genuine advantages over competitors that use raised plates.
How does the Masada compare to the Masada Slim?
The full-size Masada has a 4.1" barrel, holds 17 rounds, weighs 22.4 oz, and includes a Picatinny rail. The Masada Slim has a 3.4" barrel, holds 13 rounds, weighs 20.32 oz, and has no accessory rail. Both share the same 6 lb trigger and optic-ready slide. The full-size is better for home defense and duty use. The Slim is better for concealed carry. If you do not need to conceal the gun, the full-size gives you 4 more rounds and a longer barrel.