PSA X9 Returns: Customer Feedback Brings Back Delayed Blowback Pistol
Customer demand has spoken: Palmetto State Armory confirms the X9 delayed-blowback handgun platform is coming back into development. The TP9-style pistol announced last year will return with design modifications following operating system changes that affected the original prototype.
Key Takeaways
- →X9 Is Back: PSA confirms the X9 delayed-blowback pistol platform is returning to development after customer feedback
- →Design Changes: Operating system modifications after SHOT Show 2025 forced a receiver redesign—the new X9 will look different from last year's prototype
- →Core Features Preserved: Magazine-in-grip design and delayed blowback system remain central to the platform
- →Timeline: PSA aims to show an updated X9 within the next few months
What Happened to the Original X9
When PSA returned from SHOT Show 2025, the engineering team discovered they needed to modify the X9's operating system. This change increased the receiver's width, making it "extra thick and chunky in all the wrong places," according to PSA.
The modifications were significant enough that PSA initially shelved the project rather than release a product that didn't meet their standards. The thicker receiver compromised the ergonomics that made the original concept compelling.
Customer Feedback Forces Reconsideration
PSA's direct quote: "You guys have officially bullied us in bringing this back to the market, so I hope you're happy."
The demand for a TP9-style delayed blowback platform from a U.S. manufacturer clearly resonated with the community. While options like the Stribog and B&T platforms exist, they come at significantly higher price points. PSA's ability to deliver quality firearms at aggressive price points made the X9 particularly appealing.
What's Changing in the New X9
PSA has confirmed the new X9 "will not look the same as it did last year" due to the operating system change. However, the core concept remains intact:
Confirmed X9 Features
- Magazine LocationIn-Grip
- Operating SystemDelayed Blowback
- Visual DesignUpdated from 2025 Prototype
- Update TimelineNext Few Months
The engineering challenge is balancing the operating system requirements with acceptable receiver dimensions. Expect significant exterior changes while the delayed blowback mechanism and magazine compatibility remain priorities.
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The X9 in Context: PSA's Pistol Ecosystem
The X9 announcement comes alongside PSA's broader AXR Series ecosystem unveiled at SHOT Show 2026. The AXR PDW represents one evolution of the X9 concept—a quick-deploy 9mm platform using the Modular Fire Control system.
However, the X9 serves a different market segment. Where the AXR PDW integrates into PSA's modular ecosystem with interchangeable fire controls, the X9 appears positioned as a dedicated delayed-blowback handgun platform—more direct competition to imports like the TP9 and Stribog SP9 series.
What to Expect
PSA has committed to showing an updated X9 "over the next few months." Given their track record with the Dagger series and recent AXR announcements, they're likely to deliver on that timeline.
The key question: can PSA solve the receiver dimension problem while maintaining the ergonomics that made the original X9 concept appealing? The answer will determine whether the X9 becomes another PSA success story or requires further engineering iteration.
Follow PSA's social media for updates as the project progresses.
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