Command Arms Accessories (CAA) micro conversion kits (MCKs) are basically a chassis into which you insert a compatible handgun, which converts it into something more like a carbine than a handgun.
CAA MCKs are available in models compatible with a wide range of popular handguns from Glock, Taurus, Canik, Smith & Wesson, CZ, Sig Sauer, and others, and are easy to set up and configure.
These pistol conversion kits can also considerably improve your shooting experience. Here are some of the best ways they do that, broken down.
Recoil Control
This is probably the biggest selling point of handgun conversion kits like CAA MCK platforms, and even if there were no other benefits, it is the case that micro conversion kits reduce recoil to such a degree that they’d still be worth the upgrade.
A CAA MCK doesn’t just add weight to the platform (which on its own reduces recoil) as well as greater surface area contact between the platform and the operator; these pistol conversion kits sport stocked designs that enable shooters to redirect the force of felt recoil back into the shoulder.
In this manner, an MCK handles more like a carbine or even a rifle than a handgun, which significantly counteracts the effects of felt recoil. Depending on the gun and chambering, in some cases an MCK might be able to effectively eliminate felt recoil entirely.
This has serious impacts on accuracy, and many operators find that they can shoot their MCKs accurately at ranges around 100 yards if not farther. Some claim accuracy at ranges out to 200 yards.
In addition to the significant impacts the recoil reduction capabilities of an MCK can have on accuracy, they also can reduce recoil-associated fatigue, making them better for lighter and smaller-framed shooters.
Muzzle Flip Mitigation
Closely related to the fact that a pistol conversion kit can reduce the force of felt recoil is that an MCK can also help control muzzle flip.
Handguns are notorious for the muzzle flip they produce, also called muzzle rise and muzzle jump, which refers to the phenomenon of a muzzle “jumping” bringing the sights of the target when the trigger breaks and the gun fires.
Even while larger, stronger shooters can shoulder the force of recoil, muzzle flip is a separate issue because strength alone cannot counteract it, and the more the muzzle jumps, the harder it is to make faster follow up shots.
Muzzle flip necessarily brings the sights off target and interrupts the sight picture. The less muzzle flip there is, the more quickly a shooter will be able to get the sights back on target to execute an accurate follow up.
Because they can reduce felt recoil and add mass, handgun conversion kits like CAA MCKs can significantly limit, almost entirely eliminating muzzle flip, enabling faster, more accurate, more confident follow up shots across the board.
Better Ergonomics and Handling
The reduction in recoil and muzzle flip being what it is, the fact of the matter is also that micro conversion kits significantly improve the ergonomics and handling of the handgun.
Handguns are uncomfortable to shoot and hard to shoot accurately. That’s just how they’re designed. We trade that off for a smaller, more compact footprint that handles better in close quarters.
But the footprint of an MCK, which functions more like a carbine, is more ergonomic, much more comfortable, and much easier to control than a naked handgun.
Therefore, MCKs vastly improve the handling of handguns with which they’re compatible, enabling greater confidence in tight quarters, in close spaces, and at greater ranges.
Superior Expandability
Most handguns are relatively bare when it comes to offering the shooter options for expandability. Some are cut for slide mounted optics and sometimes they have a bit of a rail on the frame under the slide so you can mount a light or a laser.
Beyond there, not only is the issue one of mounting points, but of real estate. Handguns are small and just don’t have the space.
When you upgrade with an MCK, you do lose some of the advantage of the ultra-compact profile of a handgun, but one of the significant advantages you reap is that of a vastly improved set of mounting points.
MCKs are equipped with numerous mounting points, can be configured with rail adapters, and are compatible with a wide range of purpose-made MCK accessories that will enable you to personalize the platform and custom-tailor performance.
No Modifications Needed
Lastly, and perhaps to some, most importantly, you will not need to make any modifications, not even temporary ones, to your handgun to render it compatible with an MCK, assuming it is a compatible model in the first place.
You can configure your handgun with an MCK without the use of tools and you’re ready to hit the range. The one caveat is that zero can shift when you remove the handgun, so you may need to re-zero if you constantly add and remove your handgun from the platform.
Explore Micro Conversion Kit Options Here
Ready to upgrade your favorite handgun with a CAA MCK? Check out our full collection of MCK platforms and micro conversion kit accessories here and get in touch with us if you have any questions.