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If you have always liked the feel of a 1911 but wanted something small enough to disappear under a t-shirt, the TriStar Protege X Sub-Compact is worth a serious look. Made by Kral Arms in Turkey and imported by TriStar Arms, this single-action, hammer-fired 9mm takes clear design cues from the Kimber Micro 9 platform, which means you get that classic thumb safety, crisp single-action trigger, and slim single-stack profile in a package that tips the scales at under 17 ounces. The OD Green Cerakote aluminum frame paired with the blacked-out serrated steel slide gives it a sharp two-tone look that stands out from the sea of all-black carry guns.
At 6.15 inches long and just 0.85 inches wide at the slide, this thing disappears on the hip or in a waistband holster without a lot of drama. The grip safety found on traditional 1911 platforms has been intentionally left off, which simplifies the draw and keeps the manual of arms straightforward. The ambidextrous thumb safety handles the safety duties on both sides of the frame, and the snag-free profile means nothing is going to grab on clothing or a holster on the way out. The single-action trigger measured in at a clean, short break with roughly 4 pounds of pull in independent testing by the American Rifleman, with minimal take-up and a quick reset. For a carry pistol at this size and price point, that is a genuinely nice trigger.
The sighting setup on the Protege X is a dovetail-mounted 3-dot system with a red fiber optic front blade and a white dot rear notch, giving you a bright, easy-to-pick-up sight picture in a variety of lighting. Both front and rear sights sit in dovetails, so swapping them out down the road is an option if you want to go a different direction. The Cerakote finish on both the frame and slide provides solid corrosion resistance. The rifling runs at a 1:10 right-hand twist with 6 grooves, which is well-suited for the full range of standard 9mm loads. The magazines ship in a Kimber Micro 9 pattern, so one flush-fit mag handles maximum concealment while the second, with its finger-rest base plate, gives you a more secure shooting grip at the range or when things get serious.
The Protege X takes its design and feature set directly from the Kimber Micro 9, which itself is a miniaturized take on the M1911 platform. It is manufactured by Kral Arms in Turkey and imported by TriStar Arms. The overall layout, controls, and single-action hammer-fired operation will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has spent time with a 1911-style pistol.
No, and that is by design. TriStar intentionally omitted the traditional grip safety to simplify the manual of arms and make the draw faster and more consistent. Safety is handled by the ambidextrous thumb safety on both sides of the frame. This is the same approach Kimber took with the Micro 9, and it makes sense for a dedicated carry gun.
The Protege X ships with two magazines described as Kimber Micro 9 pattern magazines, which confirms the design intent for compatibility. However, because this is a newer import and magazine fitment can vary between manufacturers, it is best to test any aftermarket magazines for reliable function before depending on them for carry. TriStar is the most reliable source for confirmed-fit spare magazines at this time.
It is a genuine single-action trigger, which means you are getting a short, crisp break with minimal pre-travel and a quick reset. Independent range testing has put the pull weight at roughly 4 pounds with little to no creep. For a carry pistol in this size and price range, the trigger is one of its stronger selling points.
Because the Protege X closely mirrors the dimensions and profile of the Kimber Micro 9, holsters made for the Micro 9 are the best starting point. The slide width is 0.85 inches and overall length is 6.15 inches, so any holster designed around those Micro 9 specs should be a solid candidate. Always verify fit before carrying, as small dimensional differences between brands can affect retention.
Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic coating that is well regarded for its hardness, corrosion resistance, and ability to handle everyday wear. The OD Green Cerakote on the aluminum frame and the black Cerakote on the steel slide are both factory-applied finishes that hold up well to normal holster carry and range use. It is significantly more durable than most standard blued or phosphate finishes you find on carry guns.
| UPC | 713780857145 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 85714 |
| Action | |
| ATF Type | Pistol |
| Barrel Length | 5" |
| Caliber/Gauge | 9mm |
| Capacity | 7 + 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Length | 10.7000 |
| Number of Magazines | 2 7 rd. |
| Package Height | 3.25 |
| Package Width | 8.25 |
| Product Type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Thumb |
| Shipping Weight | 2.6 |
| Sights | Fixed |
| Sights Type | Fixed Sights |
| Slide Description | Serrated |
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