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Quick Look

Calico firearms were founded in 1982, known for their unique rotary magazine design. They emphasize high-capacity and compactness in their pistols. The Calico 9mm maintains a niche following for users valuing capacity and distinctive styling.

Why It's a Top Choice

High-capacity rotary magazine reduces reload frequency
Lightweight polymer frame for ease of carry
Compact size fits concealed carry needs
Reliable feeding with 9mm NATO rounds
Unique design stands out among semi-autos

Key Variants

Calico M940

Originally designed for law enforcement with a 50-round magazine for extended firepower.

Calico M960

A more compact variant suitable for civilian concealed carry enthusiasts.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Calico 9mm	Glock 19	Smith & Wesson M&P 9
MSRP	$750 - $850	$600 - $650	$550 - $600
Capacity/Size	50-round rotary magazine	15-round box magazine	17-round box magazine
Weight	Lightweight polymer, ~2.3 lbs loaded	~1.5 lbs loaded	~1.6 lbs loaded
Optics-ready	No	Yes	Yes
Trigger Type	Double-action only	Safe-action striker	Striker-fired
Notable Pro	High capacity for sustained fire	Widely trusted duty handgun	Ergonomic grip and reliability
Notable Con	Unique design limits aftermarket parts	Lower capacity than Calico	Slightly heavier than Glock

Best Use Cases

Concealed carry for high-capacity needs
Home defense requiring quick reloads
Range practice with unique magazine system
Collectors interested in rare pistol designs

FAQs

Can I use standard 9mm magazines with the Calico 9mm?

No, Calico uses a proprietary 50-round rotary magazine unique to its design and incompatible with standard magazines.

What is the effective range of the Calico 9mm?

Effective range is approximately 50 yards, typical for semi-automatic pistols chambered in 9mm.

How does the Calico 9mm rotary magazine work?

The rotary magazine holds rounds in a circular pattern, feeding reliably to allow higher capacity in a compact space.

CALICO 9MM for Sale