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Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly Review: A Unique and Affordable 9mm
In this economy, it’s rare to find a handgun with an MSRP under $300, or really any gun for that matter. But Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) is not new to the budget-friendly firearm space, and the newest addition to its lineup delivers just that.
The BCA Grizzly is a full-size polymer pistol chambered in 9mm that accepts GLOCK mags and surprisingly has many features you’d expect from a much more expensive pistol.
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Glock 17, 19, 26 9mm 33 Round Gen 5 Extended Magazine
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Original price was: $48.00.$39.99Current price is: $39.99.
With the price being so low and each model within the Grizzly lineup having several upgraded features, what’s the catch? Well, today, that’s what we’re here to find out.
There’s a grizzly in the tree! I couldn’t help myself.
Features & Specs
You’ve probably already spotted a couple of the standout features of the Grizzly, but let’s take a closer look.
BCA paid great attention to the slide, giving it all the bells and whistles that many shooters enjoy. An RMR optic cut, windows, front and rear slide serrations, and photoluminescent night sights complete the impressive slide. The window cuts, especially, are still not standard on many factory pistols.
You don’t usually find slides like this on budget pistols.
Under the slide is a 416 stainless steel non-threaded barrel, but BCA does offer several other variants to fit your preferences. For the same price, you could even choose a fluted and threaded barrel.
You’ll also find a full-size accessory rail that can host your favorite lights, which is very important if you ever plan to use this pistol in a defensive role.
Even extra-large hands have no issue obtaining a full grip on the gun.
The rest of the frame is pretty unique, with bear fur stippling and an ergonomic 20-degree grip angle. While the grip angle and size are great for up to extra-large hands, the stippling is a little less aggressive than I would typically prefer. That’s an easy fix if you share the same preference, as there are plenty of grip tape options out there.
Lastly, similar to other full-size 9mms we have come to love, the Grizzly offers a standard 17+1 capacity. Two KCI mags are included, but it, of course, takes a plethora of other GLOCK-compatible magazines.
I ran some OEM GLOCK mags and AMEND2 mags through the Grizzly with no issues.
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 17+1 |
| Barrel Length | 5 Inches |
| Twist | 1:16 |
| Barrel Material | 416R Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 1.43 Pounds |
Range Report
With most budget guns, you’ll quickly tell if they are a diamond in the rough or a glorified paperweight by the end of the first range trip. I’m happy to report that so far, the Grizzly is definitely not the latter.
On a very positive note, the Grizzly has lived up to its name and ate everything that was put in its path. From cheap 115-grain range ammo to 124-grain defense rounds, it never skipped a beat. Through just over 200 rounds so far, I’ve had zero malfunctions.
However, from an accuracy perspective, it was off to a bit of a rocky start. My first several rounds were almost off the target. Now, I’m no competition shooter, but where those shots were landing made me feel like it was my first time shooting.
My first grouping through the Grizzly is on the left, while the second grouping, after realizing the sights were off-center, is on the right.
After thinking, “It’s got to be the sights,” and looking at the gun dumbfoundedly, I was shocked to see it was the gun’s fault! The rear sights were not centered. Once I adjusted my aim, it was smooth sailing.
Exhibit A proves I’m not THAT bad of a shot as that grouping in the lower left of the picture above would indicate.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Not picky with ammo
- Optics-ready slide with windows
- Well-balanced with minimal recoil
- GLOCK mag compatible
- Night sights
Cons:
- The rear sights were not centered
- Bear fur stippling is a bit too smooth (personal preference)
Parting Shots
Considering what’s included in the price and the Grizzly’s performance so far, I’m honestly shocked that BCA can offer these for so low.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s not going to replace my GLOCK 19 or 17, but for someone on a tight budget or who wants an additional handgun to train with at the range, this Grizzly may just be the right one.
One last look at the Grizzly before we part ways.
Before you decide to purchase any gun, I always suggest you test it for yourself. Don’t take any single review as the be-all and end-all.
For sub-$300, though, it’s hard to complain about anything.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
