The CDS9 (OR)(RL) (TFS) from Rare Breed Triggers represents a specific configuration of their 9mm pistol platform, designed for shooters who prioritize a responsive trigger system and modularity. For Tennessee residents, this model offers a practical option for range training, home defense preparation, and competitive shooting at local clubs like the Nashville Gun Club or the Oak Ridge Sportsmen’s Association. Its optic-ready slide and threaded barrel make it adaptable for various shooting scenarios, from steel plate matches to defensive drills.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The CDS9 (OR)(RL) (TFS) is a semi-automatic 9mm pistol that incorporates Rare Breed Triggers’ FRT-15 fire control system. This is a complete firearm, not a parts kit, intended for shooters who want a factory-built platform with a non-standard trigger mechanism. It is suited for target shooters who spend time at indoor or outdoor ranges, homeowners seeking a reliable defensive sidearm, and competitors in USPSA or IDPA divisions that allow aftermarket triggers. Collectors interested in Rare Breed’s engineering will also find this model noteworthy, as it represents a production version of their FRT technology. It is not marketed as a concealed carry piece due to its full-size frame, but it can serve in that role with proper holster selection.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm)
- Capacity: 17+1 rounds (comes with one 17-round magazine)
- Barrel Length: 4.5 inches, threaded (1/2×28 thread pitch)
- Overall Length: 7.8 inches
- Height: 5.5 inches with standard magazine
- Width: 1.3 inches at the slide
- Weight: 24.5 ounces (unloaded)
- Finish: Flat Dark Earth (TFS) over aluminum slide and polymer frame
- Sights: Suppressor-height steel sights, white dot front, serrated rear
- Optic Cut: RMR pattern (optic not included)
- Frame: Polymer with integral picatinny rail (4-slot)
- Trigger: FRT-15 fire control system (reset-based, non-select fire)
Feature Deep-Dive
The FRT-15 fire control is the defining element of the CDS9. Unlike a standard trigger, the FRT-15 uses a mechanical reset that allows the shooter to fire rounds in rapid succession by maintaining forward pressure on the trigger while allowing it to reset under spring tension. This is not a binary trigger or a full-auto conversion; it relies on the shooter’s technique to achieve a higher rate of fire. The system is housed in a reinforced trigger pack that drops into the polymer frame, and it is designed to function with standard 9mm ammunition without requiring specialized tuning. For shooters who train on reset-based drills, this trigger reduces the travel between shots, which can improve follow-up accuracy under controlled conditions.
The slide is machined from 416 stainless steel and coated in a flat dark earth Cerakote finish. The optic cut is milled to the RMR footprint, which is compatible with most popular micro red dots from Trijicon, Holosun, and Vortex. The cut is deep enough to allow a lower co-witness with the included suppressor-height sights. The front sight is a bright white dot, and the rear sight is serrated to reduce glare. Both are steel and dovetail-mounted, so they can be drifted for windage adjustment. The ejection port is flared slightly for reliable extraction, and the extractor is a spring-loaded external type.
The barrel is 4.5 inches long, threaded with a standard 1/2×28 pattern, and made from 416 stainless steel. The threads are capped with a thread protector from the factory. This allows the attachment of compensators, muzzle brakes, or suppressors, provided the user complies with state and federal regulations. The barrel is button-rifled with a 1:10 twist rate, which stabilizes most 115-grain to 147-grain projectiles. The crown is recessed to protect the rifling from damage during holster use or cleaning.
The frame is a black polymer unit with a flat dark earth texture on the grip panels. The grip angle is 18 degrees, similar to a 1911, and the texture is a medium-rough stippling that provides traction without abrading skin. The trigger guard is undercut to allow a higher grip, and the front strap has a slight beavertail extension. The magazine release is ambidextrous and reversible, and the slide stop is extended on both sides. The takedown lever is a standard two-pin design, and the frame uses a captured recoil spring assembly.
The magazine is a steel-bodied 17-round unit with a polymer basepad. The magazine well is flared to aid in reloads, and the magazine catch engages a standard notch. The magazine release is button-style and can be swapped for left-handed use. The feed ramp is polished for reliable feeding with hollow-point ammunition, including common defensive loads like Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot. The overall fit between the slide and frame is tight, with minimal play, which contributes to consistent accuracy.
Ideal Use Cases
This pistol is best suited for range use and home defense. The FRT-15 trigger requires practice to master, making it a good training tool for shooters who want to improve their trigger control and reset management. At the range, it allows for rapid fire drills without modifying the firearm’s internal parts. For home defense, the 17+1 capacity and threaded barrel for a suppressor (with proper paperwork) provide practical options. It is also viable for competition in divisions that allow aftermarket triggers, such as USPSA Limited or Carry Optics, though shooters should verify division rules. It is not recommended for concealed carry due to its size, but it can be used for open carry in Tennessee if desired. Hunting with a handgun for small game or varmints is possible, but the 9mm caliber is not legal for deer in Tennessee.
Compatibility Notes
The CDS9 is designed to use standard 9mm ammunition, including 115-grain, 124-grain, and 147-grain loads. It functions with both full-metal-jacket and hollow-point rounds. The threaded barrel accepts any 1/2×28 muzzle device. Holsters must accommodate a full-size, optic-ready pistol with a threaded barrel; many universal or Glock 17-compatible holsters will fit with minor adjustments, but a custom-molded holster is recommended for secure retention. Magazines are proprietary to the CDS9 platform, but they share a similar form factor to some Glock-pattern magazines; however, cross-compatibility is not guaranteed. Aftermarket sights must be suppressor-height to co-witness with the optic cut. The optic cut accepts Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C/508T, and Vortex Viper/Venom footprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this ship directly to my home in Tennessee? No. Per federal law, this firearm must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder in Tennessee. We will ship it to the FFL you provide during checkout. You will then complete a background check at that dealer before taking possession.
- How does the FFL transfer process work? After you place an order, we will contact your chosen FFL to confirm they will accept the transfer. Once confirmed, we ship the pistol to them. You will need to present a valid Tennessee ID and pass a NICS background check at the dealer. Transfer fees are set by the receiving FFL and are not included in our price.
- Is this pistol compatible with +P or +P+ ammunition? Rare Breed Triggers rates the CDS9 for standard-pressure 9mm ammunition only. +P loads may increase wear on the slide and barrel over time, and +P+ ammunition is not recommended. For defensive use, standard-pressure hollow points are preferred for reliability.
- What warranty covers this product? Rare Breed Triggers provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. This covers the frame, slide, barrel, and fire control components. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, aftermarket modifications, or use of reloaded ammunition. We do not offer additional store warranties.
- What is your return policy for firearms? All firearm sales are final. If the pistol arrives damaged or does not function as intended, we will work with Rare Breed Triggers to process a warranty claim or replacement. You must inspect the firearm at your FFL before accepting the transfer; any issues should be reported to us within 48 hours of transfer.
Tennessee Shipping and Ordering Information
We ship this product to any licensed FFL in Tennessee, including those in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and all rural counties. You must provide a valid FFL address during checkout. We do not ship to P.O. boxes. Standard shipping is via UPS Ground with adult signature required. If you have questions about selecting an FFL or need assistance finding a dealer near you, contact our customer service team. We maintain a list of Tennessee FFLs that accept transfers and can provide recommendations upon request.





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