Novritsch SSP18 Review: A Select Fire Pistol That Arrives Ready to Run

Introduction

The Novritsch SSP18 is the latest sidearm in the Novritsch lineup, and it fills a gap that fans have been waiting for: a select fire pistol. This is a full auto capable sidearm that is roughly based on the G series platform, but with a number of design changes that set it apart. The most surprising part might be the price. At launch, the SSP18 is selling for 145 euros, which converts to roughly 170 US dollars. For a pistol that comes with upgraded internals and a case, that is a competitive price point.

Who This Pistol Is For

The SSP18 is aimed at players who want a sidearm that can do more than just fire single shots. The select fire switch lets you move between semi auto and full auto, which makes it useful for close quarters situations where you need to lay down a lot of fire quickly. It is also a strong option for sniper players who want a sidearm that can handle longer shots when transitioning from their primary rifle.

The pistol is designed to work with heavyweight bbs. The included Maple Leaf bucking can even over hop 0.32 gram bbs, which is useful if you want to carry energy through brush or reach out to longer distances. If you already run heavy bbs in your rifle, you can share the same ammunition between platforms.

Design and Build Quality

The SSP18 has a metal slide up top and a polymer lower frame. The slide features aggressive serrations along the sides, which give you a solid grip when charging the pistol. There are also cutouts near the front of the slide that add styling and help reduce weight for better cycling.

The front sight is a true fiber optic unit with a green dot that gathers light and makes it easy to acquire your sight picture. The rear sight is fixed and simple. The barrel is marked FXB and features a fluted design that has become a signature across the Novritsch product line.

One of the more interesting design choices is the fixed barrel. Unlike many pistols on the G platform, the barrel does not tilt or float when the slide cycles. This is a deliberate design decision that locks the barrel and the hop-up chamber in a fixed position. That makes the pistol more accurate and also makes it a better host for a suppressor. The threaded barrel uses 14 millimeter counter clockwise threads, and a thread adapter cover is included.

Controls and Ergonomics

The fire selector is located on the rear of the slide, with markings that show semi auto and full auto positions. The only safety on the pistol is the built-in trigger safety, which requires you to press the center of the trigger before it will fire.

The magazine release is oversized and easy to reach, though it is not ambidextrous. The pistol is designed for right handed players only. The slide release is longer than standard and extends back toward the thumb, which makes it easier to engage, especially for players with smaller hands.

The lower frame includes an extended beavertail that hangs past the back of the slide, giving you a higher grip and preventing slide bite. The grip texture is a molded pattern that provides a positive hold, and the trigger guard has pre-cut grooves that let you grip higher on the frame. This is molded in as part of the design, not a hand modification.

Performance and Internals

The trigger has a short take up and a crisp break, with a short reset that makes follow up shots quick. The trigger itself is flat, which is a nice aesthetic touch.

Inside the pistol, you get a Maple Leaf bucking, which is one of the better options on the market. It can handle heavyweight bbs, including 0.32 gram rounds, and can even over hop them. The inner barrel is a 601 type bore that is already installed, giving you an accuracy boost without needing to buy upgrades.

The whole concept behind the SSP18 is that you do not have to upgrade it. You pay a little more upfront, but the parts that matter are already taken care of. The pistol comes with a CO2 magazine, and you have the option to choose a green gas magazine instead when purchasing.

Chronograph Results

The pistol was chronographed using the included CO2 magazine. The exact velocity numbers were not detailed, but the pistol performed well enough to be considered a solid option for field play. If you are interested in green gas performance, you may want to look for additional testing, as only the CO2 magazine was available for this evaluation.

Buying Advice

The SSP18 is priced at 145 euros, which is roughly 170 US dollars depending on the exchange rate. That puts it in line with other premium pistols on the market, and it is actually a better value than the platform it is based on. The base guns from the manufacturer that makes this pistol are selling for more than 170 dollars, and they do not come with the upgraded bucking, the 601 inner barrel, the case, or the other design features.

The pistol also fits into Glock 17 holsters, so if you already own a Glock 17 holster, you can use it with the SSP18 without buying new gear.

Conclusion

The Novritsch SSP18 is a well thought out select fire pistol that arrives ready to run. The fixed barrel design, upgraded internals, and competitive pricing make it a strong option for players who want a sidearm that can handle both close quarters and longer shots. If you have been waiting for a full auto pistol from Novritsch, this one was worth the wait.