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Caracal Enhanced F: Detailed Review
Price Range:
$453 - $773
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Caracal International |
| Country of Origin | United Arab Emirates |
| First Build Date | 2007 |
| Action Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm Parabellum |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 rounds |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4.09 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 26.46 oz |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Trigger Type | Striker-fired |
| Sights | Fixed 3-dot, with optional night sights |
| Optics Ready | No |
Overview
The Caracal Enhanced F is a modern 9mm semi-automatic pistol engineered for a variety of uses, including self-defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting. Manufactured by Caracal International in the UAE, the Enhanced F is the full-size variant in the Caracal lineup, known for its high capacity (18 rounds) and durable polymer frame. It’s built for comfort and ease of use, featuring an ergonomic design and a lightweight construction that enhances its handling.
Caracal designed the Enhanced F to meet the demands of users who need a balance between performance, reliability, and ease of operation. Its striker-fired trigger mechanism offers a smooth and consistent pull, while the fixed sights provide straightforward target acquisition. Though it lacks an optics-ready configuration, it compensates with a robust and durable frame, making it a viable option for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Strength and Quality
The build quality of the Caracal Enhanced F is impressive, especially considering its lightweight polymer frame. The materials used in the construction are durable, ensuring longevity without the added bulk of full-metal frames. The striker-fired trigger system performs reliably, with a crisp break and minimal reset. This allows for rapid follow-up shots without compromising accuracy.
Despite its positive attributes, the Enhanced F does lack certain modern features, such as optics-ready mounts, which have become increasingly popular among tactical and competition shooters. However, for users who prefer simplicity and traditional iron sights, this might not be a drawback.
Safety Features
Caracal has equipped the Enhanced F with several safety features to ensure user confidence and security:
- Trigger Safety: A safety mechanism built into the trigger to prevent accidental discharges unless the trigger is deliberately engaged.
- Drop Safety: Designed to prevent accidental discharges if the pistol is dropped.
- Loaded Chamber Indicator: A visual indicator that shows whether a round is chambered.
Test Results
Range Performance: In various tests, the Caracal Enhanced F performed consistently across multiple distances:
- 7 yards: The Enhanced F delivered tight groupings within 1 inch, showcasing excellent close-range accuracy.
- 15 yards: At mid-range, the pistol maintained impressive accuracy with groupings around 1.5 inches, making it effective for tactical or self-defense situations.
- 25 yards: Even at longer distances, the Enhanced F proved reliable, with groupings between 2-2.5 inches, maintaining its precision over a broad range of distances.
- Also Read: CZ 97 BD
Merits
- Large magazine capacity (18 rounds) for extended shooting sessions.
- Ergonomic polymer frame enhances comfort and handling.
- Striker-fired mechanism offers a smooth and consistent trigger pull.
- Lightweight design improves portability and ease of use.
Demerits
- Lacks optics-ready capability, limiting customization options.
- Fixed sights might not appeal to all shooters, especially those looking for adjustable or upgraded options.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Caracal Enhanced F is relatively straightforward. Routine cleaning of the barrel, slide, and trigger assembly after each use will help maintain optimal performance. Disassembling the pistol is simple and intuitive, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular lubrication of the slide and other moving parts is recommended to ensure smooth operation.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Model | Magazine Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight (Unloaded) | Trigger Type | Optics Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caracal Enhanced F | 18 rounds | 4.09 inches | 26.46 oz | Striker-fired | No |
| Glock 17 Gen 5 | 17+1 | 4.49 inches | 25.06 oz | Striker-fired | Yes (Glock MOS) |
| SIG Sauer P320 Full Size | 17+1 | 4.7 inches | 29.4 oz | Striker-fired | Yes |
| Walther PDP Full Size | 18+1 | 4.5 inches | 25.4 oz | Striker-fired | Yes |
| Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Full Size | 17+1 | 4.25 inches | 26.3 oz | Striker-fired | Yes |
| Beretta APX A1 Full Size | 17+1 | 4.25 inches | 33.3 oz | Striker-fired | Yes |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Enhanced F is a full-sized version, offering a larger magazine capacity (18 rounds) and slightly longer barrel (4.09 inches), whereas the Enhanced C is a compact model with a 15-round magazine and 4.1-inch barrel.
Yes, the Enhanced F’s large magazine capacity and full-sized frame make it an excellent option for home defense, providing accuracy and reliability in a high-stress situation.
It offers a higher magazine capacity compared to some models like the Glock 17, but lacks the optics-ready feature that has become standard in many modern handguns.
The Enhanced F is chambered for 9mm Parabellum ammunition. It performs reliably with most standard 9mm loads, including FMJ and hollow points for self-defense.
Caracal International offers a limited warranty on their firearms, covering manufacturing defects. Be sure to check with your dealer for specific warranty details.
