The benefits of the AR-style firearm are well recognized. The benefits of a short barrel are also obvious to anyone who has had to wield a gun in a tight area, or pack it in a backpack, or deploy it from a vehicle. Finally, the .308 cartridge has approximately double the foot pounds of energy over the 5.56 in comparable shortened barrels. So Springfield Armory decided to throw something into the SAINT line of ARs that is a little unusual: a short-barreled, SAINT Victor pistol in .308.
Springfield Armory SAINT Victor Pistol 308 DETAILS
The SAINT Victor Pistol has a 10.3-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel and measures 28.25 inches overall with the arm brace fully collapsed, and 30.5 inches fully extended. It has a Bravo Company Gunfighter Mod 3 pistol grip and an SB Tactical SBA3, five-position arm brace that fits on a mil-spec buffer tube. The stock has a Quick Detach socket that is accessible from both sides. Plus there is a second QD socket at the rear of the lower receiver, built into the end plate, sitting below the castle nut. The fore-end is an eight-sided, 10.5-inch free-float, M-LOK-compatible handguard with two notches of Picatinny at both ends, on top of the handguard. It comes with a small forward hand stop attached to the bottom of the handguard.
The forged aluminum lower receiver utilizes a standard DPMS/KA-style with a built-in, oversized trigger guard. The Springfield logo adorns the left side with “Springfield Armory Saint” on the right. Springfield etched both into the aluminum, not just laser engraved, and they look sharp. The Accu-Tite Tension system comes built into the lower. This utilizes a polymer-tipped screw, accessed under the pistol grip. It adjusts until there is the perfect amount of pressure between the upper and lower receiver to get rid of the notorious AR “rattle.”
Springfield lists the trigger as a ho-hum mil spec trigger, but it is quite a bit more. First, it uses a straight, flat-face trigger that I love. Second, the trigger parts feature Nickel Boron coating. This has to be the best mil-spec trigger I have ever used. There is only a slight bit of creep and no grit. The reset is normal, but can be easily felt and heard. Normally I tell people to toss out their mil-spec trigger and upgrade to something better. Not in this case. This is a 10-inch workhorse, not a precision, target rifle. You will not notice any loss of accuracy due to the trigger.
Beefy Bolt & More
The bolt carrier group is beefy because it is a .308. Springfield makes its bolt from 9310 steel. Carpenter 158 is the mil-spec steel used for standard AR bolts, but 9310 is better. It is a little stronger, and these are magnetic particle inspected to make sure the steel is consistent. They are also high-pressure tested, and the bolt carrier group is Melonite coated for built-in lubricity. Melonite is harder and more corrosion resistant than chrome. Springfield also uses the Eugene Stoner-style of firing pin retaining pin instead of the usual cotter pin style. I don’t know if the Stoner-style pin is stronger, but it looks like it.
Hands down, my favorite feature of the SAINT Victor .308 pistol is the Springfield Armory, two-piece blast diverter. When I picked up the gun at my FFL, the owner asked me, “How badly do you think it will kick?” AR-10s typically have a lot more recoil than AR-15s. AR-15s have smaller receivers and are used for smaller calibers than AR-10s. Plus, short barrels make the blast and unpleasantness that much worse. Finally, in my opinion, arm braces are not as comfortable to shoot as normal stocks. I was expecting the worst, but found myself very surprised.
Muzzle blast wasn’t noticeable and recoil was only slightly more than a .223. The reason? It has to be the two-piece blast diverter. The internal part of the blast diverter does not look like a muzzle brake. It has a round build with a bunch of cross drilled holes. Nothing angled to send the blast back and reduce the recoil. It looks pretty benign. Then there is a fluted cylinder that screws on around that. Clearly it pushes all of the blast out the front, but you would think that would increase the recoil. Color me impressed.
Final Thoughts on the SAINT Victor Pistol in .308
There are two versions of the SAINT Victor Pistol in .308: The standard model comes with a 20-Round Magpul PMAG Gen M3, while the “low-capacity” variants comes with one 10-Round Magpul PMAG Gen M3. MSRP on both versions is $1,363. The pistol also comes with a clearly “made to fit” zippered bag. The bag features two Velcro straps to hold the gun in place and, lo and behold, still fits fine even with a red dot or scope attached.
Initially I thought I would only try this gun out with a red dot sight. After all, it is a pistol. But the added range of having it in .308 made me second guess that choice. I mentioned it to Shawn Skipper at Leupold and he agreed. He loaned me their Mark 8 CQBSS 1.1-8×24 tactical scope with illuminated Mil-Dot reticle and the Mark 6 34mm Integral Mount Scope made for AR-style firearms. Set the scope on 1.1 and it functions like a red dot. Turn it up to 8X if you want to reach out and touch someone. It truly was the perfect pair for the SAINT Victor pistol. I particularly liked how I could grab the knurled 3.5-inch rear with my whole hand and easily twist to change the magnification without fumbling.
The advantages of a short-barreled AR become readily apparent to anyone who picks one up. The advantages of the more powerful .308 over 5.56mm are also obvious. Putting the two together make for a fantastic gun for your truck, ATV or home. The advantage of it coming with everything you need except the optic, with top of the line parts, and Springfield reliability make this an obvious choice for a lot of reasons. For more information go to springfield-armory.com.
The enhanced 1911A1 comes laser etched on the right side of the slide with the president’s new motto, “Keep America Great.” His signature adorns both slide and frame. An advancing American flag is etched on the dust cover on both sides. The left side slide and frame feature an image of the White House, with the phrase “Promises Made, Promises Kept.”
The left grips have the presidential seal and Trump 2020 campaign poster. The right grips showcase the poster, along with an image of President Trump. Each Promises Kept 1911 comes coated with titanium and black distressed Cerakote. Finally, the pistol features high-quality wood grips from Hogue.
The Promises Kept 1911 starts as an Auto-Ordnance GI series pistol, made entirely in the U.S. Each pistol features a 5-inch barrel chambered in .45 ACP. It comes with one seven-round magazine.
The Promises Kept 1911 comes from a collaboration between Kahr Firearms Group and Outlaw Ordnance. Based in West Monroe, Louisiana, Outlaw Ordnance continues to redefine custom design and innovation. The Promises Kept 1911 retails for $1,215. For more information, visit auto-ordnance.com.
Every issue of Combat Handguns, we try to offer up the best guns and gear in our “Fully Loaded” giveaways. While past iterations have showcased some of the bigger names in the firearms industry, we’d like to remind you of a historic company that needs a bit more recognition on this side of the Atlantic and its SAR K12 Sport.
Founded in 1840, Sarsilmaz is a Turkish company that is now considered one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world. But until recently, its high-quality weapons were only available here through third-party importers. Now, SAR USA is working closely with Sarsilmaz to develop and import products specifically for the American market. Which brings us to the sweet gun up for grabs.
1. SAR USA K-12 Sport
The “crown jewel” of the SAR USA lineup is the K-12 Sport. Built for speed and accuracy, Sarsilmaz makes this single-action 9mm from forged steel and aluminum for a combined weight of 46.9 ounces unloaded. That weight helps absorb recoil, and the gun also has a crowned, match-grade, 4.7-inch barrel; a crisp trigger with an overtravel adjustment; and a full-length dust cover.
More features include an ambi thumb safety, matte aluminum grip panels, a flared magazine well, an oversized magazine release and an adjustable rear sight. To top it all off, the K-12 Sport looks awesome thanks to its chrome finish as well as its wide front and rear slide serrations. Needless to say, this pistol is a race gun built for extreme handling and speed. (sarusa.com)
2. Safariland Model 577 GLS
This retention holster from Safariland features the company’s Grip Lock System (GLS), which securely locks the pistol in place automatically as soon as it is holstered, but it’s easily disengaged by the shooter’s middle finger when gripping the pistol for the draw. Safariland also crafted the holster crafted from SafariSeven; it’s a proprietary nylon blend that can handle extreme temperatures and won’t damage your firearm’s finish. The injection-molded belt loops fit both 1.5- and 1.75-inch-wide belts. (safariland.com)
3. Elite Survival Systems Range Bag
Tough, well-built range bags are important for keeping all of your guns and accessories organized and safe. The Elite Range Bag from Elite Survival Systems is just that. Made from 1,000-denier nylon with YKK #10 zippers, wraparound carry handles and a padded shoulder strap, this range bag is super durable. It also comes with a fortified inner tote featuring padded compartments that lifts out for quick access to your gear. The front pocket has a modular Velcro pouch for six magazines, and the external MOLLE webbing allows for more customization. (elitesurvival.com)
4. SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown JHPs
Of course we had to throw in some ammo to feed the K-12 Sport! For this giveaway, we’re including SIG Sauer’s 124-grain V-Crown JHPs. SIG designed them for consistent, controlled expansion in a self-defense situation. SIG also uses low-flash propellants and a cannelured shank, resulting in maximum weight retention without destroying your night vision. These rounds are rated for 1,165 fps at the muzzle. (sigsauer.com)
Enter here if you are having trouble entering the sweepstakes on this page.
This article is from the July/August 2020 issue of Combat Handguns Magazine. Grab your copy or subscribe at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
Since the advent of the pistol brace especially, AR-style pistols have boomed in popularity. And Rock River really jumped onboard of late. After releasing the BT9 AR Pistol a few days ago, the company just dropped the RRAGE Pistol.
The RRAGE pistol features a 10.5-inch barrel. Built on the company’s RRAGE upper and lower receiver and handguard assemblies, the pistol delivers a sleek profile. it chambers 5.56 NATO, while the 10.5-inch chrome moly barrel incorporates a 1:9 twist and a low-profile gas block. An SB Tactical SBA3 brace provides shooting stability.
The pistol also sports an aluminum, free-floated handguard with M-LOK attachment points. Meanwhile, a full-length top rail provides plenty of spots for an array of optic or sight choices.
Measuring just over 28 inches overall, the RRAGE pistol should prove handy for closeup work. Therefore, it fits the bill for both home defense work or as a truck gun or bug out survival option.
Rock River has been on a tear of late in the world of pistols. The longtime AR manufacturer recently released the LEF-T Pistol, RRAGE Pistol and BT9 Pistol. Now the company is at it again with the announcement of the new RUK-9BT.
The Rock River RUK-9BT comes built for home and mobile defense. It features a 4.5-inch chrome-lined barrel chambered in 9×19. It utilizes a 4.25-inch RRA lightweight free-float handguard and an SB Tactical SBA3 adjustable stabilizing arm brace. As such, it comes compact, light and highly portable.
Based on the company’s BT-9 billet lower receiver, the pistol incorporates a flared magwell that accepts Glock magazines. So users can achieve magazine commonality with their defensive Glock pistols.
Additionally, the RUK-9BT includes an RRA two-stage trigger, an integrated winter trigger guard and an Smith & Wesson flash suppressor. A Low-Pro hand stop, Hogue rubber grip and RRA flip-up front and rear sights round out the package.
When it comes to everyday carry, we often have to balance a few different aspects of our pistols: size, capacity, convenience and concealability. The parameters for this complicated ballet of decision making are often defined by location, environment, attire and the carrier’s level of commitment. Generally speaking, the smaller and more concealable a pistol is, the fewer number of rounds it can hold.
Fortunately for us, recent introductions to the market have set new benchmarks in the capacity-versus-size game. “Micro-compact” pistols like the Sig Sauer P365 SAS and Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP are setting the stage for a new era in concealed-carry handguns.
The SAS Route
Sig Sauer shocked the market when it introduced the diminutive P365 and its physics-defying 10-round magazine. With a footprint smaller than the six-round Glock 43 but giving nothing up in features, the P365 quickly became the hottest show in town.
On the heels of
that success, Sig has introduced two more variants, including the new P365 SAS
that I received for this review. Essentially identical in dimensions and
function to the original, the latest variant features the company’s Sig
Anti-Snag (SAS) treatment, which includes removing anything from the gun that
might catch on clothing and hamper your draw.
Sig Sauer has offered SAS treatments on countless pistols in its catalog, but none so radical as the P365 SAS. There are some slight differences in the slide’s beveling, and both the magazine release and slide catch have been utterly minimized so as not to protrude and catch on the draw—though I’m not sure this was ever really an issue. The most drastic step, however, was the removal of the standard sights.
P365 SAS Features
Instead of the usual front post and rear sight arrangement, the company milled out the slide and mounted a flush-fitting FT Bullseye fiber-tritium sight. This apparatus features a green circle centered within a green ring to line up the shot. Rather than focus on the front sight, the shooter focuses on the rear of the slide where the high-visibility green circle and dot can be seen. It’s quite unusual and takes a little getting used to, but more on that later.
The P365 SAS also
has a ported barrel and slide to assist with recoil management, as Sig Sauer
reports up to a 30-percent reduction in muzzle flip. Aside from those changes,
everything else remains the same, including the Nitron-finished stainless steel
slide, polymer frame, front and rear slide serrations, reversible mag release and
striker-fired operating system.
The P365 SAS
ships with one flush-fitting, 10-round magazine and another with an extended
finger ledge. The gun will also accept the company’s 12- and 15-round magazines.
These are especially handy since mags are fairly easy to conceal on their own,
and you can always use the larger mags for home defense.
Even More Ammo
Not to be outdone, the
folks at Springfield Armory recently threw their hat into the high-capacity, micro-compact
ring with the new 9mm Hellcat. Taking the leader position in the capacity
fight, the Hellcat comes with an 11-round magazine with an extended baseplate,
providing just a bit more real estate for your pinky finger, and a 13-round
magazine with a longer, squared-off baseplate. That baseplate is a tad more
difficult to conceal and doesn’t offer any additional room for the pinky, but
it opens up enough area for two more rounds to be loaded in the magazine.
Very similar in
size to the P365 SAS, the striker-fired Hellcat is just a hair longer at 6
inches versus 5.8 inches, and it has an identical weight of 17.8 ounces with
the standard magazine. But in contrast to the P365, the Hellcat features a low-profile,
reversible magazine release and a more familiar sight arrangement. The tritium
front sight is paired with a U-notch rear sight for an outstanding sight
picture.
I tested the OSP variant of the Hellcat, which has a slide milled to accept a miniature reflex sight like the Shield RMSc. Sig offers an optics-ready package with its P365 XL, but the user loses the rear sight when the optic is installed. The Hellcat keeps the rear sight in place for co-witnessing through the optic.
Hellcat Appointments
Overall, the Hellcat is a well-appointed pistol with front and rear cocking serrations, an accessory rail and a flat-faced trigger, which is all the rage these days. The grip frame incorporates what Springfield has dubbed its Adaptive Grip Texturing, which is fairly subtle but effective. While it feels similar to the P365’s texturing, the Hellcat also includes the same texturing on the thumb shelves and index pads forward of the triggerguard for a positive purchase on the pistol.
Other
appointments include a loaded-chamber indicator and a hammer-forged, 3-inch
barrel with a Melonite finish, just like the slide. This provides for excellent
wear and corrosion resistance. The Hellcat ships with its own zip-up case and
an extra flush-fitting baseplate for the magazines.
Range Duel
Because of their similar
size and weight, both pistols feel fairly similar in hand. It’s just the smallest
of details that differentiate one from the other. For instance, the Hellcat
seems to fill my hand just a bit more while the P365 SAS is a little narrower.
Though both have 1-inch-wide slides, using a micrometer, I found the grip width
to be 0.9 inches for the Sig and 1.07 inches for the Springfield. That doesn’t
sound like much of a difference, but it’s noticeable in the hand.
Whether a thinner
or thicker grip is better depends on the user. For shooting, I preferred the slightly
thicker grip of the Hellcat. It offered a little more control. However, I have
owned a standard P365 since the model first hit the scene, and the thinner grip
lends itself to pocket carry. For that reason, I have not been without my P365
a single day. It rides easily in my pocket whether it’s my primary or backup.
The Hellcat also
has a slight edge in how the frame is molded, as it provides a much higher grip
than the P365 SAS, which translates to greater control. Even so, the porting on
the P365 SAS mitigates muzzle flip to a degree, and I wasn’t able to discern
any appreciable difference between the two pistols while shooting.
Where the user experience starts to diverge between the pistols is with the obvious SAS “features” on the P365. The lack of a usable slide release requires the user to manually cycle or “slingshot” the slide after a magazine change. This might require some retraining for those users who normally engage the slide release after inserting a fresh magazine.
Irons or Optics
The sights offer
the starkest contrast between the two pistols. The P365 SAS is all about being
low profile with the flush-mount FT Bullseye sight, while the Hellcat OSP
sacrifices a bit of concealment ease with dual sighting options—the iron sights
and miniature reflex sight. Of course, the standard Hellcat is available for
$30 less.
I took the
pistols to the range with two friends. Without question, all three of us
preferred the Hellcat OSP as it pertained to accurate and consistent shot
placement. Of course, the Shield RMSc provided a huge advantage, but all three
of us also preferred the high-visibility iron sights on the Hellcat over the FT
Bullseye on the P365 SAS.
To be honest, for
close-quarters encounters and with a little training, shooters can get by with
fast point shooting. But for quick sight alignment, it was difficult to get
used to focusing on the rear of the P365’s slide to center the green dot in the
ring instead of just quickly lining up iron sights. Even with slower aimed
fire, my groups with the P365 at 7 and 10 yards were nowhere near as tight as
with the Hellcat.
The Verdict
Mechanically speaking,
both pistols were dead-nuts reliable at the range with standard range
ammunition and various brands of hollow points. That’s to be expected from
pistols of this quality. The P365 SAS’ trigger had a slightly shorter reset
than the Hellcat’s, though both were very good in this regard. The Sig also had
a lighter trigger pull at around 3.75 pounds versus 4.25 pounds on the Hellcat.
Both had a smooth and slight take-up before the “wall,” though I believe the
Hellcat’s break felt crisper and had a little more oomph behind it.
While it might
seem like I’ve beat up on the Sig a bit, that’s only with this SAS variant. I’m
still a huge fan of my standard P365, and when I compare the original P365
against the Hellcat, the feature and performance gap narrows drastically. Someone
else might value the anti-snag qualities of the P365 SAS much more than I do.
The fact remains
that the Hellcat, with its 11-round magazine, is now the king of capacity when
it comes to micro-compacts, and a strong argument can be made for the extra
texturing and more pronounced relief cuts on its grip frame. But the P365 SAS
has the advantage of a slimmer grip and a slightly smaller footprint for deep concealment.
It’s up to you to decide which qualities you prioritize over others. Both the Hellcat and the P365 SAS are among the very best high-capacity micro-compacts the market has to offer. As long you know what’s best for your carry routine and choose accordingly, you’ll have a superb fighting pistol either way.
SIG Sauer P365 SAS Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 5.8 inches
Weight: 17.8 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: FT Bullseye
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $685
Springfield Armory HELLCAT OSP Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6 inches
Weight: 17.9 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Tritium front, U-notch rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 11+1, 13+1
MSRP: $599
This article is from the May/June 2020 issue of Combat Handguns. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
Have you ever met anyone who didn’t like Italian food? I bet
the answer’s no. What about fast cars? Would you pass up the chance to drive a
Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati? And don’t even get me started on Italian
women. Sophia Loren is still turning heads in her mid-80s.
This brings us to guns. Italy is the home to several famous firearms manufacturers, including Beretta, Chiappa, Uberti, Pedersoli and Ceasar Guerini, to name just a few. One such company that has made a name for itself in the competition circuit is Fratelli Tanfoglio, an Italian firm that has been making high-quality pistols since 1969.
Tanfoglio’s CZ-75-inspired pistols
have been available stateside for some time, but now they’re coming into the
country through the Italian Firearms Group (IFG), a partnership that helps guns
from Pedersoli, Sabatti, Fabbrica Armi Isidoro Rizzini (FAIR) and Tanfoglio get
into the hands of more American shooters. We are a nitpicky bunch, but that’s
really just a way of saying we appreciate quality and craftsmanship. Which
brings us to the subject of this review—the 9mm Defiant Stock I.
Fully Stocked
In a sea of polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, it’s nice to get ahold of a full-sized, all-steel, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) handgun like the Defiant Stock I. And full-sized is quite an appropriate description. With its 4.5-inch barrel and steel slide and frame, the gun weighs more than 2.5 pounds before you add ammo. This isn’t exactly a gun you’ll tuck into an appendix holster. (Please don’t.)
But the weight is important. While
hunters, professionals and couch commandos are always looking for lighter,
sleeker designs—“Low pro, man!”—competitors typically want guns with a little
extra heft. Because more weight means less muzzle rise and felt recoil, which
translates to faster follow-up shots. And the Defiant Stock I was specifically
designed to help shooters get into the competitive world. It’s legal for IPSC
Production class as well as IDPA Stock Service Pistol (SSP) and Enhanced
Service Pistol (ESP) divisions.
Part of the Defiant Stock I’s weight comes from its full-length dust cover, which sports a long Picatinny rail for lights and lasers. Again, weight up front helps reduce muzzle rise.
CZ 75 Influence
Like the CZ 75, the slide rides on
rails within the frame for a slight boost in the accuracy department. You’ll
also notice eight dished-out serrations/lightening cuts up front—four on each
side of the slide—as well as fixed, all-black sights that are easy to line up.
Instead of typical rear slide serrations, the Defiant Stock I features four
serrated bumps that grow in size as you get to the back of the gun. With these
bumps, I found that it was easier to slingshot the slide with my thumb and
forefinger rather than use my usual overhanded method. The slide release is
also sturdy enough for sending the slide forward. This isn’t the tiny slide
stop you’ll find on a Glock or Sig. Finally, the stainless steel barrel
contrasts beautifully with the matte black slide and frame.
The frame is very ergonomic. While the grip might be a bit too girthy for those with smaller hands, it fit my medium-sized mitts quite well. The undercut triggerguard and high-swept backstrap help promote a high hold on the gun, and the wooden grip panels are textured beautifully for a solid hold. The frontstrap has subtle finger grooves that didn’t get in the way, and the backstrap has some slight indentations that prevent the grip from sliding in your palm. Also, regarding that undercut triggerguard: This thing is roomy enough for gloved used and then some. I’m pretty sure a gorilla could pull this trigger.
Fire Control
Now for the DA/SA fire control
group. I hear a lot of shooters whine about older guns with these firing
mechanisms, usually in regards to the transition from the DA first shot to
subsequent SA shots. Here’s the thing: I like options. First off, the Defiant Stock
I essentially defaults to SA mode. Chambering a round cocks the hammer, and the
left-side thumb safety is just that—it’s not a decocker. So, with the
skeletonized hammer fully cocked, you can activate the safety for “cocked and
locked” carry just like a 1911. For DA mode, you’ll need to slowly, carefully
lower the hammer on a live round—something you should practice with dummy
rounds, and as always, the gun should be pointed in a safe direction. (Also,
it’s worth mentioning that with the hammer cocked and the safety on, you can
still retract the slide to see if a round is chambered.)
The trigger itself is heavy but
predictable in DA mode. I got used to it pretty quickly. With the hammer cocked
for SA shooting, the deeply curved trigger is light and crisp with a short
reset—exactly what a competitor would want.
Finally, IFG ships the Defiant Stock
I in a foam-lined hard case with a handy cleaning tool and two 17-round
magazines that easily slide into the pistol’s beveled magazine well. Just add
ammo.
Range Time
I tested the Defiant Stock I at my usual QuickShot range
here in Atlanta alongside a few other pistols, including a polymer-framed
subcompact, and boy, let me tell you, the difference was night and day. While I
won’t discount the subcompact’s fighting capabilities in the slightest, if I’m
forced to shoot 300 rounds through either gun, I’ll choose the full-sized,
all-steel pistol every time. The Defiant Stock I was just plain comfortable in
my hands, the trigger was crisp in SA mode, and the recoil was negligible.
Seriously. Every time I pulled the trigger, the gun barely moved. It felt like I was firing a .22 LR pistol. All of the Defiant Stock I’s weight really added up in the best way possible, and it immediately became obvious that this gun was born to compete.
Multiple Loads Tested
I tested the Defiant Stock I’s
accuracy with four different loads from Federal Premium and Sig Sauer. The gun
seemed to prefer loads lighter than 147 grains, producing the tightest
five-shot cluster of the day—just 1.5 inches wide before I ruined everything
with a flyer—at 20 yards with Federal’s 135-grain Hydra-Shok Deep JHPs, which
also fed reliably despite their deeply scalloped profiles. These rounds are
designed to provide a 70-percent improvement in penetration over previous
Hydra-Shoks, and this is probably what I’d keep in the gun for home defense.
The second-best group came from Federal’s 124-grain Syntech FMJs at just 2
inches, and this is off-hand, mind you. I wanted to run the gun like a
competitor. Because the gun didn’t buck or roar, it was easy to just keep
firing.
And that’s exactly what I did until
somewhere near the 300 mark. At that point, of the six different loads I ran
through the pistol to measure its reliability, two Federal FMJ casings failed
to eject over two different magazines. I can only assume the gun was getting a
bit dirty due to approaching this round count in such a short amount of time,
and I ran the gun straight out of the box—no added lube or anything. Again, I
wanted to see what the gun could do, and I’m quite happy with the results. I
also enjoyed the all-black sights, and found the front sight was easy to focus
on without obscuring the target like some of today’s glow-anywhere offerings.
Italian Stallion
You can get the Defiant Stock I from IFG in .40 S&W, .38
Super, .45 ACP and even 10mm Auto, but for my money, I’d stick with the 9mm.
It’s handsome, ergonomic, accurate and holds 17+1 rounds—triple what
gunslingers used to put up with.
In the end, the Defiant Stock I
isn’t actually that different from an Italian sports car. Think about it. When
you sit down in a Lamborghini, your first thought—after your brain calms
down—is probably, “Man, I want to race in this bad boy.” Your more honest
second thought will probably be, “Man, I wish I had the skills to race in this
bad boy.” In similar fashion, whether you’re a currently a competitor or not,
the Defiant Stock I will make you want to race. Why not give it a try? For more
information, visit italianfirearmsgroup.com.
IFG DEFIANT STOCK I Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5 inches
Overall Length: 8.43 inches
Weight: 42 ounces (empty)
Grips: Wood
Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 17+1
MSRP: N/A
Performance: IFG DEFIANT
STOCK I
Load: Accuracy
Federal 124 Syntech FMJ: 2.00
Federal 135 Hydra-Shok Deep: 1.50
Sig Sauer 147 FMJ: 3.25
Federal 150 HST: 2.50
Bullet weight measured in grains and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 20 yards.
This article is from the May-June 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
Last year, Springfield Armory launched the Hellcat pistol to tremendous success. Delivering 13+1 9mm firepower in the smallest of platforms, the Hellcat became an instant choice for concealed carry. Now Springfield follows up on that success with an update to the line, the Hellcat in FDE.
The new Flat Dark Earth variant comes in both the standard and OSP Hellcat. The OSP version gives the option of carrying with an optic, even on such a compact platform.
“Every detail of the Hellcat has been shaped by a singular mission — to deliver the definitive concealed carry handgun,” said Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese.
In the following year, the Hellcat earned high praise and awards throughout the industry. The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) even gave it a “gold” ranking, its highest honor.
Now consumers have an FDE finish to choose from. It comes as a rugged Cerakote coating, providing corrosion resistance. The FDE contrasts with the black Melonite finish on the hammer-forged barrel. Additionally, the trigger, magazine release, cover plate on the OSP, and sights contrast with black as well.
The +P rated pistol features a 3-inch barrel. The micro compact pistols delivers 11+1 capacity with a flush fit magazine. Meanwhile, the extended magazine pushes overall capacity to 13+1.
The Hellcat OSP utilizes a seamless cover plate that removes to allow direct mounting of a micro red dot to the slide. Meanwhile, the U-Dot sight system co-witnesses with an optic. It features a high visibility tritium and luminescent front sight paired with a tactical rack U-notch rear.
MSRP on the standard model comes in at $610, while the OSP model retails for $643. For more information, please visit springfield-armory.com.
Monday marks the introduction of the Taurus G3c compact 9mm pistol. Its base platform is the Taurus G3, which debuted in late 2019 and is a mid-sized 9mm made in nine different versions.
Taurus crammed the new G3c with the same features as its older, bigger sibling, but a 3.2-inch stainless steel barrel reduces the overall length to 6.3 inches, with a height of 5.1 inches and a width of 1.2 inches. The big surprise is that you get a 22-ounce pistol with a 12+1 capacity.
Like an old exclamation I once heard, “What America needs is a good 5¢ cigar!”; Taurus has provided what America needs in a small 9mm with an unbelievable price point. To cut to the quick, the G3c MSRP is just $305.74. Yes, that’s a good price point and there are a few pistols out there that hover around that figure, but for a little over three c-notes, here’s what you get.
I actually called Taurus to verify this. You get not one or two magazines, but three of the all-steel 12-round (or 10-round) magazines, that have a finger rest and polished blue finish! Starting at the top of the pistol, the alloy steel slide is Tenifer-finished matte black for corrosion resistance. Serrations on the front and back of the slide allow for easier manipulation and press checks. There’s also a port in the barrel breech that acts as a visual loaded chamber indicator. All operational controls have a Teflon coating which resists corrosion and reduces friction. The sights are all steel, no plastic! This allows them to withstand the rigors of hard use. The rear sight is mounted in a dovetail and can be drifted laterally for windage adjustment; it’s serrated on the rear surface to prevent glare. The front sight has a white dot.
G3c Ergonomics
Photo by Jordan Bell
My medium-sized hand appreciated the ergonomics of the G3c matte black polymer frame. The grip-frame profile has a contoured palm swell that is enhanced by aggressively textured panels on the front, back and sides. Add in the finger shelf on the magazine base and you have a gun that’s comfortable and controllable to shoot, plus offers repeatable hand placement and aids in retention.
Now add in the new trigger system first offered on the G3. Whereas most striker-fired pistols have to be manually cycled if there’s a dud round in the chamber, the G3c offers “second-strike” capability; just pull the trigger again and hopefully that hard primer will be set off. This trigger is also exceptionally crisp, with a light pull to tighten shot groups. Taurus redesigned it with a flat face and short reset, for fast and accurate follow-up shots. There’s also a trigger safety and a striker block safety.
Intuitive Design
Additionally, the Taurus G3c has a low-profile manual safety lever on the left side of the frame, just behind the slide stop catch. The frame has a small accessory rail integral with the dust cover. Dished-out “finger-tip pads” are located on the frame, just above the flat-fronted trigger guard. There are also dished-out “thumb shelves” on the grip frame and on the bottom, at the sides of the magazine well, are small scallops where the magazine and frame meet. They’re advantageous if you have to forcibly pull out a magazine.
Takedown is easy, just be sure you check visually and tactically that the gun is unloaded and the magazine removed before you pull the trigger to start the disassembly process. Once this is done, the slide can be retracted about 0.50-inch. From there, the takedown latches on each side of the frame pull down and the slide moves forward off the rails. Remove the captured recoil spring, then the barrel. Everything goes back in/on in reverse order.
Shooting Impressions
Photo by Jordan Bell
I’ll be doing a full-length article on the Taurus G3c, but I couldn’t wait to put some rounds downrange ahead of time. For this “mini-test” I used one brand of cartridges. I had a couple of large-size (400 round), bulk-pack boxes of 9mm loads from Wilson Combat that are popular with IDPA and competition shooters. This is a remanufactured round that has a 135-grain FMJ bullet with a flat nose and hollow base. Factory specs show a velocity of 950 FPS from a 5-inch barrel; the velocity out of the 3.2-inch barrel of the G3c was 937 FPS per my Oehler Model 35P chronograph. I loaded up my three Taurus magazines and was ready to rock and roll.
I used a huge, oval-shaped B-27 center-style target from HD targets and placed it down-range at 15 yards. The first magazine that I fired was just to see where the point of aim/point of impact was going to be. I shot from the bench, using a sandbag rest, carefully triggering off each shot. The sights were pretty much on the money as yellow haloed bullet holes appeared in the target 10-ring. After establishing POA/POI, I stood up from my stool behind the bench and fired aimed shots from a standing isosceles stance. A few shots strayed out into the 9-ring. I then walked up to about 3 yards and did some strong-hand only shooting, sans sights, from a point-shoulder stance. Then I moved back to 7 yards and did some two-handing shooting, with the sights, rapid fire.
Final Thoughts
I ended up chewing a big “rat hole” out of the center of the target. I had a couple of strays in the 8-ring, but out of 5-6 magazines, that’s not too bad for me. Overall, the Taurus G3c felt good in my hand. I could easily control recoil and muzzle flip. Empty magazines dropped out when I pressed the release and this little pistol just had darn-good “pointability”. During the bench shooting, I did note that the pistol failed to go fully into battery twice and in a couple of instances, loaded rounds stuck in the chamber and were hard to extract. But that’s it. For $300, you get one hell of a package. For more information, visit taurususa.com.
Smith & Wesson just made a new addition to its popular line of Shield EZs. Produced by the Performance Center, the new PC M&P9 Shield EZ features a flat faced trigger, ported barrel, tuned action and the innovative EZ to rack slide of the M&P Shield EZ pistols.
The new pistol is available with gold, black and silver accents, with or without a manual thumb safety. Our test sample did not include this feature. Boasting all of the features that made the EZ line so popular, plus the Performance Center’s refinements, the new pistol is destined to become a favorite with concealed carriers.
With a large segment of our population moving into their golden years, Smith & Wesson recognized the need for a semi-auto handgun whose slide could be easily racked. In 2018 it released the M&P .380 Shield EZ, a pistol designed to solve that very issue. The gun proved to be immediately popular and a 9mm version followed in 2019. Now, in mid-summer 2020 we have the new Performance Center enhanced gun. But before we get started with the new pistol, let’s take a look at how the EZ Shield differs from the original striker-fired Shield.
I’ve used a first-generation S&W Shield for my EDC for about the last three years now and have been very happy with its accuracy and reliability. But the new EZ Shields are very different guns from the striker-fired Shields, though externally they share some degree of similarity.
Photo by Alex Landeen
Internal Hammer Design
Probably the biggest difference between the striker-fired Shield and the EZ Shield is that the EZ gun uses an internal hammer. Smith & Wesson’s engineers locate the hammer low in the frame where the reciprocating slide can easily cock it without too much resistance, which could negatively impact the slide’s velocity. This makes the EZ Shield a single-action semi-auto. You’re probably wondering about the safety of carrying a single action pistol cocked but unlocked, and this is where the S&W engineers made the decision to add a grip safety.
The function of the grip safety is to prevent the gun from firing unless the shooter is holding the gun. Once depressed, the grip safety pushes the trigger bar into engagement with the sear. To prevent inertia type discharges, the EZ has a mechanical firing pin block that is pushed out of engagement when the grip safety is depressed. It doesn’t take any effort at all to depress the grip safety and you’ll never notice it when shooting. The EZ Shields also share the original Shield’s comfortable 18-degree grip angle.
You’ll notice from the pictures that the EZ Shield’s slide and barrel are slightly longer. S&W engineers realized that if they worked within the same footprint of the original striker Shield, they wouldn’t have enough spring mass for the gun to cycle correctly. This is why the original gun uses a dual recoil spring system. By lengthening the area under the barrel, Smith & Wesson is able to use a single, flat wire, recoil spring captured on a recoil spring guide. This is how the engineers were able to create a gun which requires about one half of the force needed to rack the slide.
Running the Slide
Smith & Wesson machines the EZ slide from stainless steel and uses its proprietary Armornite finish to blacken it. There are stylish fish scale-type cocking serrations at the rear of the slide. At the rear of the serrations the slide widens so that users can get a really good purchase on the slide if they use the slingshot method to charge the chamber. The breech block is pinned into the slide and there is a loaded chamber indicator at the top of the slide. Users can easily feel in the dark if the chamber is loaded. There’s also a small port that will allow sharper-eyed individuals to see a bit of the brass case if loaded. The EZ’s slide weighs about 10 percent more than a striker-fired Shield slide and this, presumably, is to help slow the slide’s velocity so a lighter recoil spring can be used.
What sets the Performance Center Shield EZ apart from standard production models is the time lavished on the gun by Smith & Wesson’s skilled craftsmen. Production gun triggers run about 5.5 pounds whereas Performance Center sample broke with at a very crisp 4.5 pounds and without much overtravel. It also possesses a very firm reset with a tactile and audible click. A crisp trigger and firm reset are instrumental in firing any semi-auto quickly and effectively. Our test sample had a silver anodized, flat-faced, aluminum trigger. The grip safety is also silver, and our barrel is polished bright. These parts provide a pleasing contrast to the black Armornite finish on the slide and the black polymer frame.
Built to Shoot
Photo by Alex Landeen
Eyesight also wanes with time, and it just makes sense for the gun to have a nice set of sights that are easy to see in nearly every light condition. Smith & Wesson uses Hi-Viz LITEWAVE H³ sights on the PC Shield EZ. These sights feature green fiber optic rods that burn brilliantly in daylight. Hi-Viz places Tritium in front of the fiber optic rods so they also glow brightly at night. Litewave H³ technology is an innovative solution that allows the aging concealed carrier to pick up their sights more easily.
My favorite shooting spot was shut down due to wildfires in the area and this forced me to shoot at an indoor range in the city. This facility did not have the ability for me to shoot from a bench rest, so I fired all groups offhand with the target set out at 10-yards. I fired several groups with each ammunition and the accuracy chart reflects the best of these groups.
Accuracy Results
AMMO
VELOCITY
GROUP
BLACKHILLS 115-GRAIN JHP
1228
2.36”
COLT NATIONAL MATCH 124-GRAIN FMJ
1070
2.22”
FEDERAL SYNTECH 150-GRAIN TOTAL SYNTHETIC JACKET
887
2.51”
Colt’s National Match 124-grain FMJ ammunition produced the best group, but the other two loads weren’t far behind. The S&W PC M&P9 EZ is far more accurate than I was able to shoot it offhand, but my groups were better than I anticipated. Three of the Performance Center features accounted for this. First, the Hi-Viz sights were easy to see even in the dim indoor range. Secondly, the trigger broke very crisply at 4.5 pounds. It’s a great trigger, predictable and consistent with a firm reset. Finally, the PC M&P9 EZ has a ported barrel that proved effective in dampening muzzle rise.
S&W retails the standard production M&P9 EZ for $479, while the suggested retail for the Performance Center gun is just over $100 more. In my book, that extra Benjamin for the upgraded sights, tuned trigger and ported barrel is money well spent! For more information, visit smith-wesson.com/pc.
Performance Center M&P9 Shield EZ Specs
MANUFACTURER
SMITH & WESSON
MODEL
PC M&P9 SHIELD EZ
CALIBER & CAPACITY
9MM, 8 +1, 2 MAGAZINES
ACTION
SEMI-AUTO, LOCKED BREECH, HAMMER FIRED
BARREL
3.83”, STAINLESS AND PORTED, 6-GROOVE, 1:10” RH TWIST
The Colt 1911 remains a seminal firearm in American culture. Designed by John Moses Browning, and carried by U.S. troops in virtually every conflict since the Great War, few arms can match the pedigree. Maybe no other gun can. As such, Davidson’s offers a pair of Colt 1911 pistols as rare as the form is revered.
Davidson’s just announced a new partnership with Colt’s Manufacturing and Baron Engraving. The result brings to market a pair of Colt 1911 “Heritage” 5-inch Government Models.
Each pistol comes chambered in .38 Super. Additionally, Baron Engraving worked over each gun with custom scroll engraving. The exclusive offerings feature gold-plating on the hammer, grip screws, mag release and slide.
The Colt 1911s come in two different finishes, either blued or stainless steel. Each features fixed G.I.-style sights, double diamond wood grip panels and one, seven-round magazine.
The blued version retails for $1,799.99. Meanwhile, the stainless steel variant retails at $1,999.99. Davidson’s says the Colt Exclusives will remain long-term offerings, increasing availability to Colt collectors.
With exquisite engraving, and chambered in the classic .38 Super, the Davidson’s Heritage collection offers a rare opportunity to get a unique Colt 1911. For more information, visit davidsonsinc.com.
Wilson Combat and SIG Sauer recently announced the two powerhouses teamed up once again. The resulting WCP320 Carry pistol fills a unique niche for conceal carry enthusiasts.
Now the collaboration is back again, with the WCP320 Carry. Wilson Combat reworked the SIG P320 chassis, along with an unfinished SIG compact slide. The finished product gets a “Professional” size full-size grip, rail and full-capacity 9mm frame.
The Wilson Combat SIG P32 Carry grip module then mates with a re-machined slide. Wilson Combat performance battle sights get the shooter on target.
The compact slide features Wilson Combat X-TAC pattern machining. The front and rear cocking serrations, along with the top of the slide, wear the signature Wilson pattern.
A stainless steel slide and chromoly barrel feature DLC finish. It utilizes chromium and tungsten underlayers for long-lasting corrosion and abrasion resistance, according to Wilson Combat.
A SIG Sauer flat-faced XFULL trigger comes standard on the WCP320. It delivers a lower finger position on the trigger, increasing leverage for a lighter, smoother pull. For more information, visit wilsoncombat.com.
SIG/Wilson Combat WCP320 Carry Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Overall Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Sight Radius: 5.75 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Overall Weight: (empty) 26.8 ounces
MSRP: $1,195 – $1,350
Features
Wilson Combat P320 Carry II Module
Wilson Combat X-TAC P320 Carry Slide with Machine Bevels
Black DLC Finish on slide and barrel
X-TAC pattern front and rear cocking serrations
X-TAC pattern on slide top
Carry Cut
Wilson Combat Logo on slide
Wilson Combat Battlesight with Red Fiber Optic Front Sight
The Devil’s Cross, as it has sometimes been called by the enemies of the United States, is not a pretty aircraft. Some might call it ungainly or even fat. But to U.S. soldiers pinned down, few things can be as beautiful as an A-10 Warthog on a strafing run. The “BRRRRT” of seemingly endless rounds ripping out of its main gun is a source of comfort for our troops and a harbinger of death for our enemies. How does the Rock Island BBR 3.10 play into that?
Well, when I first picked up the new Rock Island Armory BBR 3.10, I thought it might be analogous to the A-10 Warthog. Even though it’s a 1911-style pistol, it’s short and squat. While both the barrel and grip length have been chopped, the frame is plump. Nevertheless, I like this gun a lot. And “a lot” is also what this gun carries—11 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. That’s a whole lot of firepower from such a compact package.
First Impressions
Rock Island Armory (RIA) builds a range of
good-quality 1911 pistols at very reasonable prices. I’ve had a chance to shoot
many of them, from the GI Series .45s to the amazing .22 TCM pistols. Each was
a reliable pistol with excellent accuracy and a respectable feature set.
Compared to some of the very expensive 1911 pistols I’ve reviewed, the RIA guns
offer a much better value for anyone wanting an affordable defensive pistol.
Some people argue that RIA pistols are the best 1911s for the money, and it’d
be hard to argue against them.
The BBR pistols are billed as
compact, “no-nonsense” 1911s. Visually, these guns certainly look all business.
In addition to the gun in this review, I previously reviewed the other BBR gun—the
Baby Rock .380. It was an outstanding compact pistol with excellent accuracy
and complete reliability. I remain impressed by that gun, so I was genuinely
happy to receive this gun for review.
As I suggested at the start of this article, the BBR 3.10 is a short, stout handgun. Its overall length is shortened from that of a Government Model 1911, and the barrel is only 3.1 inches long. The grip is also shorter than a standard 1911’s. While I can just barely get my pinky—or at least some of it—on the front of the frame, someone with large hands might have to curl their pinky under the magazine baseplate.
Wide Body
Unlike the other dimensions,
the gun’s girth has obviously grown. Pick it up and you will feel the unusual
width immediately. While this might be off-putting to some 1911 aficionados, it
allows the gun to use short, 10-round MEC-GAR magazines. With a total of 11
rounds of the formidable .45 ACP on tap, this diminutive 1911 should be very
appealing to many people. For citizens of states where their Second Amendment
right has been abridged, a 10-round magazine of .45 ACP might give you the most
potent combination of self-defense ammunition and capacity possible.
However, the gun is more than
just its capacity. To help you hold onto the meaty pistol, RIA uses a set of
aggressively textured grip panels made from G10. This is a fiberglass laminate
that is very durable in this application. Multiple layers of fiberglass are
stacked on top of each other while a strong resin binds them together. G10 has
proven to be so durable that it is now one of the preferred materials in both
gun grips and knife handles. G10 can be also machined like other materials,
allowing RIA to use a texture that will help you hold the gun even when your
hands are slick with perspiration.
Sights are another important feature of a defensive firearm. RIA outfits this weapon with a bright red fiber-optic front sight as well as a fully adjustable two-dot rear sight. In a stressful situation, your eye is more likely to see the bright red dot created by the front sight. This will help you get accurate shots on target quickly. Additional features of this gun include a Parkerized finish, a beavertail-style grip safety and a skeletonized combat hammer.
Balance, Finish
Unloaded, the gun is well balanced. When fully loaded with ammunition, the gun’s balance shifts toward its butt. While shooting, this didn’t cause any issues. However, it is something to be aware of when choosing a holster. A flimsy rig might not be up to the task since much of the weight is up high when the gun is carried. Make sure you get a quality rig with a dedicated gun belt for the best security with this gun.
Finally, my test gun had a
very clean appearance. I saw no obvious machine marks or flaws in the finish.
The slide moved smoothly on the frame rails, and the thumb safety clicked on
and off without issue. Overall, the gun had a solid look and feel. I was eager
to get it to the range.
On The Range
With good ammunition, I know the .45 ACP will do the job if I ever need it. The question always in my mind is, “Will the delivery platform be as reliable as the cartridge?” In the case of the BBR 3.10, that answer is yes.
My review gun handled and
shot beautifully. For such a small gun, the accuracy was very good. In truth,
most guns are more accurate than the shooter. That includes me and the majority
of readers. However, the ergonomics, trigger and sights are just a few of the
things that can increase my practical accuracy. To me, that’s far more
important than the theoretical accuracy achievable only by strapping the gun
into a mechanical device. After all, should I ever need to use the gun to
protect myself, I won’t have one of those heavy tools available.
The gun does feel a bit fat in the hand. It doesn’t feel bad—just very full. With a solid two-handed grip, the gun was easy to control. Both the frontstrap and mainspring housing have aggressive texturing machined into the frame. That, combined with the grip panels, gave my hand a very secure hold on the pistol. The recoil was modest but not snappy like you’re firing higher-pressure rounds. While a novice shooter might not enjoy the pistol, an experienced 1911 shooter should have no problems with the recoil impulse or muzzle rise.
Fast to Target
The fiber-optic front sight
was very bright in a variety of lighting conditions. This made it easy to get
on target at both indoor and outdoor ranges. While I prefer a fixed rear sight
for a defensive firearm, the one used by RIA never shifted or required
adjustment. I shot it as it came, and the sight never moved.
The triggers on 1911s are
generally considered good to great depending on the manufacturer. The trigger
on this gun tended toward the good end of the spectrum. It has a fair amount of
take-up with a clean break and no perceptible overtravel. I measured the pull
weight at 6.43 pounds. That’s in the manufacturer’s specifications, but it’s
still a bit heavier than I like in a 1911. I prefer something closer to 5
pounds. However, the slightly heavy trigger pull didn’t hinder my enjoyment with
this gun.
I ran a number of different
loads through this pistol, and all of the ammunition performed flawlessly. My
groups were good, and the velocities were in the range I would expect from a
3.1-inch barrel. Some 1911s have problems with wide-mouth hollow-point bullets,
but that wasn’t the case with the BBR 3.1. I recommend that everyone thoroughly
test a pistol—from any manufacturer—prior to putting it to work as a
self-defense gun. Testing should include an ample number of shots with your
preferred personal-protection ammunition. However, I expect that you won’t have
any problems with whatever ammo you choose for the BBR 3.1.
Ready To Fight
Rock Island Armory built the BBR 3.10 for a purpose: The serious business of personal protection. While I might not be enamored with the design aesthetics, I am impressed that this little pistol puts 11 rounds of .45 ACP into your hand without a magazine change. And if, God forbid, I was to find myself under attack, this little A-10 of handguns would probably be an absolute beauty. For more information, visit armscor.com.
Rock Island Armory BBR 3.10 Specs
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 6.85 inches
Overall Weight: 32 ounces (empty)
Grips: G10
Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear
Action: SA
Finish: Parkerized
Overall Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $699
This article is from the May-June 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
SIG Sauer needs no introduction at this point. The manufacturer is a powerhouse, producing an endless array of firearms, accessories, optics, and ammo for civilian, military, and law enforcement alike. Meanwhile, ZEV Technologies originally made waves with its Glock mods. Then, in 2019, ZEV released its first complete pistol: The OZ9. ZEV followed that up with the OZ9 Compact. Shooting a ZEV handgun is truly a different experience. So when SIG and ZEV partner for a pistol, it should have everyone excited; and that’s what we have with the all-new ZEV Z320 pistol.
The SIG P320 is one of the most popular handguns on the planet, so it comes as no surprise that this is where ZEV did its work. For starters, ZEV took on the P320 XCompact and P320 XCarry. You can now call them the Z320 XCompact and the Z320 XCarry. ZEV sent our contributor Sean Utley Z320 XCarry for the first evaluation. Watch the entire review in the video above.
“This is what happens when you have two great gun manufacturers get together and they say, ‘Let’s create something badass,’ And they do it,” Utley said. “They leave their egos out of it and they just make something sick for the end user. … I didn’t know a 320 could look this good.”
ZEV Z320 Octane Pistol Details
So what does a ZEV-upgraded P320 look like? Firstly, both models feature a new Z320 Octane slide in Titanium Gray. The slide features an RMR optic cut. In the video above, Utley tests the Z320 XCarry model with a Trijicon RMR attached. There’s also a ZEV RMR Cover Plate.
Next for both models is a Z320 PRO Barrel in Black DLC. It makes a noticeable difference. Other features include a ZEV Fiber Optic Combat Sight Set, a SIG P320 Grip with ZEV Diamond Pattern Laser Stipple, and a SIG P320 X Series Flat Face Trigger. The Z320 XCarry comes with two 17-round SIG P320 mags, while the Z320 XCompact comes with two 15-round SIG P320 mags
As far as size goes, the pistols are pretty much identical to the originals SIGs. Overall length is 7.4 inches on the XCarry and 7.0 inches on the XCompact. The only difference on both is weight. The SIG P320 XCarry weighs 26.5 ounces, but the new ZEV Z320 XCarry shaves a few ounces, coming in at 22.3 ounces. Meanwhile, the Z320 XCompact brings the overall original weight of 25.3 ounces down to 21 ounces. That’s pretty nice.
Lastly is the question on everyone’s mind: What’s the price? Well, both the ZEV Z320 XCompact and Z320 XCompact have an MSRP of $1,299. This is a top-notch partnership with an incredible final product. On top of that, shooters can also upgrade their P320s on their own, as ZEV is releasing the PRO Barrel ($199), Combat Sights ($99), and the optics-ready Octane slide ($420) as standalone products. For more information, please visit ZEVTechnologies.com.
The popularity of carry optics continues to rise throughout the industry. Right on time, Continuous Precision just launched its newest pistol modification, the Big Dot Package. The CP Big Dot Package puts standard red dots on Glock 43, 43X and 48 pistols.
The package consists of a special slide cut, one that doesn’t interfere with any of the internal components on the existing slide, according to Continuous Precision. The mounting plate fits specific to the red dot customers wish to run.
Next, the iron sight gets moved forward of the red dot for smaller slides. The package also includes slide refinishing. Meanwhile, CP anodizes the plate as well.
The Enhanced Big Dot Package adds the bonus of enhancing the front and rear factory serrations on the Glock 43X and 48 pistols. Deepening the serrations, taking them over the edges, provides enhanced grip, according to Continuous Precision. The treatment helps aid presschecks and other manual of arms operations.
The Big Dot Package retails for $215, while the Enhanced Big Dot Package runs $315. Customers can also add CP RDS lower 1/3 back-up sights for $25.
While recent trends have produced smaller and smaller optics, the ability to effectively use standard red dots on small pistol slides is welcomed. For anyone looking to expand into carry optics, the CP package deserves a look.
In today’s shooting world, revolvers are somewhat passé. In fact, many newer handgun enthusiasts have never fired one. That said, I wasn’t too surprised when I recently showed up at Gunsite Academy for the 250 Revolver class and noted that all of the participants were somewhat “long in the tooth,” and several, like myself, were retired law enforcement officers.
Gunsite’s 250 class is a week-long training course that builds on the introductory 150 class but has more than twice the shooting and adds simulators like “The Donga” and “Funhouse.”
This particular 250 class is built around revolvers, using many of the same principles as the regular 250 for semi-automatic pistols and Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Cooper’s “Modern Technique.” The revolver class is only offered once a year, and I wanted to update my decades-old revolver training. I also wanted to put a recently acquired revolver through this “acid test” to see if it would hold up. Consequently, I made arrangements to attend the course.
Gun & Gear
Back in June of 2019, I tested the Taurus Model 692. This medium-frame wheelgun comes with easily interchangeable, seven-shot .357 Magnum/.38 Special and 9mm cylinders. A few different variants are available, but I tested a matte black model with a ported, 3-inch barrel; a red ramp front sight; a fully adjustable rear sight; a wide, smooth-faced trigger; a target-style hammer; a rubber grip; and Stellar clips for loading 9mm cartridges.
When I originally tested the revolver, I used four different .357 Magnum loads and three 9mm loads. Between measuring the revolver’s accuracy and running a couple combat/qualification courses, I put about 200 rounds through the Taurus. The tightest five-shot group from 15 yards, using a sandbag rest, measured 1.68 inches with the .357 Magnum cylinder. Using all .357 Magnum ammo, I also scored 337 out of 350 points on the combat course. The best part: There were no malfunctions, and I couldn’t find much to criticize about the revolver. I was so impressed that I kept the revolver. The only thing I changed was adding a Hogue Monogrip.
In too many circles, Taurus handguns aren’t held in high esteem. I believe that’s a mistake, especially with the company’s revolvers. I’ve tested and used Taurus revolvers for decades, and their quality and accuracy have been right on par with the “big boys.” I decided that my new Model 692 was going with me to Gunsite with the .357 Magnum cylinder in place—let the chips fall where they may!
1,000 Rounds Downrange
This course called for 1,000 rounds of ammo, plus 50 frangible rounds. But my right hand is developing arthritis, so shooting 1,000 rounds of full-bore .357 Magnum cartridges didn’t seem appealing. So, I contacted Black Hills to obtain some .357 Magnum Cowboy Action Shooting rounds that use 158-grain, flat-nose bullets. I checked this load’s accuracy before the trip, and my best five-shot group at 15 yards was 1.48 inches a. The frangible ammo is for use in the shoothouse simulators, so I found out that some 77-grain Inceptor ARX cartridges I had in .38 Special would fit the bill.
I also used some tried-and-true leather gear. I chose VersaCarry’s Underground Premium double-ply belt and a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake holster. The latter is a hand-fitted, open-top rig that rides high on the waist with three belt slots. I also added an old Brauer Brothers cartridge slide to the belt so I could top of a partially empty cylinder when necessary. It came in handy during the course.
Gunsite also stipulates six speedloaders for the class. As I’m most familiar with HKS products, I decided to use the HKS Model 587-A, which holds seven .357 Magnum or .38 Special cartridges. A knob at the top of the loader is turned to lock the cartridges in or to release them into the charging holes of the cylinder. To hold the speedloader, I modified a black plastic HKS carrier to fit, since the 587-A is just a hair larger in diameter than the standard six-round speedloader.
Back To School
The first day of this five-day course began in Gunsite’s main classroom, where our instructors—Jerry McCown, Ed Head and Jay Tuttle—explained our objectives, Jeff Cooper’s “Modern Technique,” safety precautions and how we’d eventually gain the skills necessary to feel “peace of mind” in terms of using a revolver for defensive purposes. We also covered topics like practical marksmanship, the proper stance, grip and sighting in.Thrown in were some revolver dos and don’ts, along with a discussion of dry practice and speedloaders. Then we headed to the south range to burn some powder.
Most of our square-range shooting would be at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards. Our targets were Gunsite’s camouflage-pattern silhouettes. The instructors led us through some exercises to ascertain our basic marksmanship skills. They quickly concluded that with few exceptions, the student body was well above average. A big obstacle for me was the Gunsite method for drawing and getting on target. I had spent years doing it other ways and using a two-handed hold that wasn’t really recommended. But I was determined to learn some new tricks! The instructors could also turn the targets using an incredibly precise computerized system where we sometimes had only 1.5 seconds to shoot.
Picking Up the Pace
Tuesday morning found us on the range, where we started by practicing the “School Drill,” which we’d shoot for time and score later. On the principle of “speed is built with practice,” we began slowly and finally used the turning targets at more realistic intervals. That was an eye-opener. We also went over shooting around walls, “slicing the pie,” one-handed shooting and handgun retention. After lunch, we practiced loading and reloading with two rounds at a time and malfunction drills—something I’d never heard of before. Late afternoon saw us back in the classroom with a discussion on ballistics, stopping power and revolver maintenance.
Wednesday started on the range with more of the School Drill, then we moved on to firing from two kneeling positions and learning how to safely turn 360 degrees and shoot. Both of these skills are included on the graded skills test at the end of the week. We also received a demonstration on shooting from and an introduction to the simulators.
Cooper’s Color Code
That afternoon covered mental conditioning. Jeff Cooper’s well-known color code was discussed and reinforced by a vintage video of Cooper giving the lecture. Your “mindset” is considered one of the most important subjects when it comes to deciding if you can use deadly force. Critical principles like situational awareness, deliberate action, alertness, decisiveness and aggressiveness were covered, along with channeling anger to the threat, speed while keeping a cool head, and interrupting the “OODA loop” of an attacker.
On Thursday, we rotated through the simulators, with half the class shooting The Donga, an arroyo concealing various steel targets, and the other half clearing rooms in the Playhouse. Then we switched simulators before running more School Drills on the square range, shot some steel falling targets, practiced the graded “El Presidente” drill and were introduced to the two flashlight methods taught at Gunsite. We first practiced these techniques shooting in the daylight. That evening, we came back to south range for low-light and night shooting.
Friday was the test and graduation day. We again split the class and went through the simulators, then shot the School Drill, the El Presidenté and had a man-on-man shoot-off. Earlier in the week, I’d won a man-on-man event called the “Duck of Death,” which earned me a 2019 Gunsite challenge coin. But I didn’t perform as well during the last shoot-off. We then returned to the classroom and certificates were passed out. A real treat was a tour of Cooper’s home, the Sconce, located on the property.
Lessons Learned
First off, the Taurus Model 692 ran very well. There were no malfunctions, and the somewhat short ejector rod didn’t let me cause a “cartridge case under the star” malfunction. I did have to knock a case or two out manually, but that was mostly due to bad technique on my part.
With the mild loads I was using, I don’t think the barrel ports really helped. They blackened the red front sight, which I had to continually wipe off. I also made a good move in installing the Hogue rubber grip. The HKS speedloaders caused me some angst with the too-tight carrier; pulling them out sometimes caused me to twist the knob slightly and dump the rounds. I also concluded that a stiffener sewn into the top of my Simply Rugged holster would help keep it open for reholstering.
All of that aside, I leaned a hell of a lot at Gunsite, even for an “old dog,” and would highly recommend the 250 class to anyone who wants to gain the skills and confidence to defend themselves with a handgun. For more information, visit gunsite.com or taurususa.com.
Taurus Model 692 Specs
Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Special, 9mm
Barrel: 3 inches
Overall Length: 8.14 inches
Overall Weight: 35 ounces (empty)
Grip: Rubber
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 7
MSRP: $639
This article is from the July/August 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
SIG Sauer just announced its latest pistol: The SIG P938 SAS. The new pistol sees the addition of the SIG’s Anti-Snag technology. The treatment further improves the lightweight micro-compact for concealed carry.
SIG Sauer first announced its SAS tech in the P365 SAS back in October 2019. Like the P365 model, the new P938 SAS embeds the sights into the slide for a snag-free draw.
“When we introduced the SAS technology with the P365 it was immensely popular, and the demand for this new technology in the concealed carry market was immediate. The SIG P938 is a very popular micro-compact pistol, so the addition of the SAS technology was a natural fit for this platform,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Our proprietary SAS technology removes all the snag points from the pistol for a seamless draw. The integrated, flush-mounted FT Bullseye sight mounted directly into the slide is intuitive, and easy for the untrained eye to pick-up for fast target acquisition.”
The P938 SAS, chambered in 9mm, comes as a single action only (SAO), hammer-fired, alloy-frame pistol. It exhibits a Nitron finish. The pistol features the SAS technology slide treatment with a flush-mounted FT bullseye fiber-tritium night sight. It also includes an ambidextrous thumb safety and ships with one seven-round magazine. For more information, please visit sigsauer.com.
For some families, spending an extra $600 to $1,000 on a top-tier defensive pistol isn’t really a viable option. Not everyone’s lifestyle is defined by firearms. Whether it’s about keeping food on the table or prioritizing money for other activities, many folks can only spare so much cash for a quality defensive firearm. But pistols under $500 change the conversation.
That’s why we’re going to look at five “value-priced” 9mm pistols that still offer plenty of features and performance without busting a budget. I used a few criteria to create this list: The pistols had to have come out in the past year, their MSRPs are under $500, and their magazines hold at least 10 rounds.
Without question, polymer grip frames have drastically altered the landscape of what’s available to American consumers, resulting in firearms that are cheaper to produce and purchase. All five 9mm pistols in this review have polymer frames, and all but one are striker-fired. But each has its own strengths that makes it stand out from the rest.
Ruger Security-9 Compact
The Security-9 Compact is deceptive in its appearance, since it looks a lot like a striker-fired pistol, especially with its trigger safety. However, it uses Ruger’s hammer-fired “Secure Action.” Racking the slide partially cocks the hammer before the trigger pull finishes the cycle and fires a round.
This particular model (3829) packs 10+1 rounds inside a fairly compact package. It also comes with a Hogue grip sleeve that adds some girth but provides excellent control and helps insulate the user from felt recoil. The slide is made of through-hardened alloy steel and wears a blued finish. This is decent but not quite as corrosion resistant as other finishes, such as Melonite or Cerakote. The slide is also beveled all over for a snag-free draw and easy one-handed reholstering. The white-dot front sight is paired with a drift-adjustable, white-outlined rear sight.
Despite its budget price point, the Security-9 Compact features front and rear cocking serrations for easy slide manipulations, a Picatinny rail and a reversible magazine release. A few corners were trimmed with the controls, including the slide lock and magazine release. These were a bit undersized and tricky to manipulate at times, though with the two magazines, the Security-9 Compact is a fairly complete piece of kit for the price. (ruger.com)
Ruger Security-9 Compact Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.42 inches
Overall Length: 6.52 inches
Overall Weight: 21.9 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: White-dot front, white-outlined rear
Action: DAO
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $399
Taurus G3
Despite its “value” price point, the Taurus G3 offers a full complement of popular features, including front and rear cocking serrations, a beveled slide and a Picatinny rail for accessories. The G3 is dimensionally similar a Glock 19, though one variant ships with a 17-round magazine in addition to a 15-rounder.
The pistol is extremely comfortable to hold and shoot thanks to the skateboard-tape-style grip texturing. In addition to the texturing, the G3 also offers thumb shelves on both sides for increased control as well as memory pads on the frame, above the triggerguard, for the index finger.
Among striker-fired pistols, the G3 is unusual in its restrike capability. This means that if a round doesn’t fire when you pull the trigger, you can pull the trigger a second time to try again. The slide does not have to be cycled for another trigger pull. While we’re on that topic, the trigger pull itself feels a little like a double-action revolver’s, though it’s lighter and considerably better. In fact, the average pull weight on my test gun was only 5.3 pounds.
There’s nothing missing from the G3 that you would find on standard pistols selling for much more. There’s even a 1911-style thumb safety for those who want the extra level of security. And it offers a reversible magazine release as well. The G3 should be a definite consideration for those looking to get the most for their money. (taurususa.com)
Taurus G3 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.28 inches
Overall Weight: 24.83 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 10+1, 15+1, 17+1
MSRP: $345
Canik TP9 Elite SC
While the TP9 Elite SC is this second most expensive pistol in this review, it comes with two interchangeable backstraps, a kit for installing a miniature reflex sight, a holster, spare parts, a 12-round magazine and a 15-round magazine. Even better, the slide is milled in such a way that adding a reflex sight does not interfere with the rear iron sight.
The Canik also offers tactical features such as front and rear serrations and a Picatinny rail. The slide also wears a tungsten Cerakote finish to resist corrosion and wear, and Canik pairs the white-dot front sight with a serrated, all-black rear sight. The gun also stands out from the pack with an oversized, ambidextrous slide release as well as a reversible magazine catch. The grip texturing is effective, though I found it a little too subtle. The rest of the ergonomics are excellent, with thumb shelves and relief cuts that promote a high grip.
But the TP9’s real claim to fame is the exquisite trigger, which had just a bit of stacking on the take-up and then a crisp break at around 3.5 pounds of pressure—the lightest pull in the test group. (centuryarms.com)
Canik TP9 Elite SC Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.6 inches
Overall Length: 6.7 inches
Overall Weight: 24.78 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: White-dot front, black rear
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Black, Tungsten Cerakote
Overall Capacity: 12+1, 15+1
MSRP: $430
Stoeger STR-9
Atop the price ladder for this review was the STR-9 package, but it also came with the most accessories. At $449, this particular variant (31722) ships with three 15-round magazines, tritium sights, three interchangeable backstraps and a magazine loader. However, for the price-conscious buyer, the base model (31720) can be had for $329 with just one magazine, one backstrap and standard three-dot sights.
The STR-9 straddles the line between a compact and full-sized pistol and is dressed to the nines with all the tactical features one could want. It has the most aggressive and visually appealing front and rear slide serrations of the group as well as a full-sized Picatinny rail and a reversible magazine release. It’s also a striker-fired pistol, but there’s no external safety other than the trigger’s blade safety. This shouldn’t be a problem, as the trigger was relatively stiff and had the heaviest pull weight of the group at 6.2 pounds on average.
The grip frame is extremely comfortable with custom-fit backstraps and grooves and curves similar to an HK VP9’s, though the texturing is a bit more aggressive. Generous relief cuts promote a high grip, placing the shooter’s hand closer to the bore axis for enhanced control, and the triggerguard is oversized. It’s apparent that the folks at Stoeger really paid attention to the details in crafting this pistol. (stoegerindustries.com)
Stoeger STR-9 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.17 inches
Overall Length: 7.44 inches
Overall Weight: 24 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Tritium
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Overall Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $449
Springfield XD 3” Sub-Compact
The Springfield XD 3” Sub-Compact is the most affordable option in this review while still being a solid defensive option. The slide isn’t as streamlined and only has rear serrations, but the tough Melonite finish provides exceptional wear and corrosion resistance.
Despite the relatively short grip, which leaves my pinky tucked under the magazine baseplate, the XD 3” Sub-Compact carries a staggering 13+1 rounds, though the pistol ships with only one magazine. Love it or hate it, the most unique feature is its grip safety, which adds an extra layer of security over the trigger safety. It’s a little controversial for some people, but I like it for the most part. It’s especially comforting to me considering the trigger has a relatively light break weight of around 3.75 pounds. The break is just a hair soft but still quite nice and light.
The frame offers good ergonomics and promotes a relatively high grip, but the texturing is almost non-existent on the sides, making it somewhat slick in the hand. The three-dot sights are serviceable, and the magazine release is ambidextrous. All in all, for the price, the XD 3” Sub-Compact is a good choice as a defensive pistol, especially with the years of tried-and-true reliability of the XD platform behind it. (springfield-armory.com)
Springfield XD 3″ Sub-Compact Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6.25 inches
Overall Weight: 26 ounces (empty)
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
Action: Striker-fired
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 13+1
MSRP: $339
Range Notes for the Pistols Under $500
I hit the range with two friends to test these pistols under $500 and compare their capabilities. Off-hand, both the Ruger and Canik consistently shot the most accurate groups for all three of us, even using an assortment of ammunition. With both pistols, I was able to repeatedly shoot 1-inch groups at 10 yards off-hand; that’s not bad considering their subcompact size. I definitely liked the Canik’s trigger the best. It had a clean and light pull that didn’t impact my ability to keep the sights on target. I also preferred the Canik’s ergonomics and handling. It pointed naturally for me and was incredibly easy to shoot well.
For me, this gave it the edge over the Ruger, which had a sharp trigger safety that poked into my trigger finger, especially during recoil. That became fairly annoying after a number of shots. Even so, the Ruger had the size advantage for concealment, with its slender profile and small footprint. This is especially true if the “girthy” Hogue grip sleeve is removed.
The Taurus and Springfield had very good trigger pulls, with the latter being the better of the two. However, the Springfield’s accuracy was the weakest of the bunch. Also, with its beefy slide, there was a fair amount of muzzle flip. Even so, that deficit was offset somewhat by its generous 13-round capacity.
More Range Time With the Pistols Under $500
On the other hand, the Taurus’ texturing provided excellent control during recoil. It also produced good groups off-hand at 10 and 15 yards, but the sights were quite small and difficult to pick up quickly. The thumb safety was positive but easy to manipulate and might work well for those familiar with 1911-style pistols, though using the safety isn’t required.
The Stoeger was very comfortable to shoot, though it seemed to have a bit more muzzle rise as well. The magazines also tended to hang up and not drop free on their own during reloads. While the Stoeger provided a good sight picture and was capable of good accuracy, the shooter had to work through the trigger to achieve that potential. For lack of a better word, the trigger pull was a little weird. It was stiff on the take-up and had a heavy but crisp break.
That said, all of these pistols under $500 were more than capable of competently addressing a threat at realistic distances, especially with some training. Even better, all of the sample pistols were 100-percent reliable during the test with both FMJ range ammunition and premium hollow-point offerings. We didn’t experience a single malfunction during the review.
With modern manufacturing, it’s an awesome time in the shooting industry for value-oriented consumers who don’t want to sacrifice performance or peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one kit, great ergonomics, high capacity or the ultimate hideout piece, one of these fine pistols will fit the bill—and your budget.
This article on new pistols under $500 is from Personal Defense World magazine. Digital and print subscriptions available at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
For those looking to work on their own pistols, Real Avid just announced the release of its newest gunsmithing tool, the Master Sight Pusher. The professional grade Sight Pusher enables gun owners to easily and safely remove and install press-fit pistol sights.
The Master Sight Pusher makes quick work of replacing or upgrading pistol sights. Its oversized Easy Torque Handle works with extra-fine-drive threads to provide maximum torque. Additionally, it enables minute adjustments for precise alignment.
The reversible universal press block features multiple contact surfaces. It accommodates most any size and style of press-fit, dovetail slots and sight profiles, according to Real Avid. A slide cradles adjusts and includes non-marring contact surfaces. It handles both 1911-style and flat-bottom slides. Spring-loaded vertical adjustment knobs and a safe lock anti-torsion frame round out the features.
“Upgrading pistol sights is one of the first things serious shooters will do to their handguns, and night sight upgrades are especially important to home and personal defense practitioners,” said Howard Tripp, Real Avid Chief Innovation Officer. “The problem many DIY enthusiasts face is conquering the interference-fit dovetail configuration found on most of the popular handguns. Lacking the proper removal and installation tools, the task is difficult, and that expensive gun or sight set can be easily damaged. Our new Master Sight Pusher eliminates this problem and is adaptable to work with most 1911 and striker-fired pistols on the market today.”
Provides Plenty of Torque
A bench face attachment ridge allows simple attachment to any work bench. An Easy Torque Handle provides sufficient leverage to work difficult sights. Meanwhile, a heavy-duty grip helps secure the tool while turning the handle.
“At Real Avid, our focus is to provide tooling and task solutions for the DIY gun enthusiast,” said Dave Steiner, Real Avid President. “Since pistol sights represent one of the most common and needful upgrades for shooters, and since most handgun enthusiasts own more than one make or style of pistol, it made sense for us to develop a universal-style sight pusher. The new Master Sight Pusher allows shooters to install their favorite sight without going to a gunsmith or purchasing a costly sight installer for each model handgun they use.”
Real Avid Master Sight Pusher Specs
Safe lock anti-torsion frame
Bench vise attachment ridge
Ergonomic control grip
Easy Torque Handle with 3/8” ratchet receiver
Magnum rush rod and universal press block
Four side clamp adjustment knobs
Two spring-loaded vertical adjustment knobs
Accommodates most makes and models of striker-fire and 1911 pistols
Magnum Research continues its legacy line of pistols with the recent announcement of the return of the Baby Eagle. Following the Desert Eagle and Jericho pistols, the Baby Eagle III includes both steel and polymer frame guns.
The double-stack Baby Eagle III comes in several versions. Steel-frame guns come chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP. Meanwhile, polymer-framed guns chamber 9mm and .40 S&W. Both versions include full and semi-compact variants.
The Baby Eagle “continues to be in high demand, and is very popular with fans,” said Joby Goerges, Director of Manufacturing and Engineering at Magnum Research. “It is well known from appearances in popular movies, television shows, and video games. This gives the Baby Eagle a huge fan base, and in particular feeds big demand amongst younger shooters.”
The Baby Eagle III features a full length dust cover. Meanwhile, the steel frame offers weight to help keep steady and mitigate felt recoil. MSRPs start at $646.
Marking the 30th year of the Baby Eagle, Magnum Research redesigned the popular platform. The new series proves sleeker, with modern styling. However, according to Magnum Research, it retains the reliability of previous models.
With steel- and polymer-frame variants, there’s a lot to like at first look at these new Baby Eagle pistols. Whether for range work or carry, there seems to be a variant to fit most any need. For more information, visit magnumresearch.com.
