CAA just announced new models for its unique Micro Conversion Kit (MCK). To meet demand, the company also ramped up production and added shifts to churn out kits to accommodate several pistol platforms. New models fit various pistols from Glock, Springfield Armory and more.
“Listening to our loyal following is paramount to our success. We have been constantly bombarded with requests for new models to our ever-expanding family of GLOCKs, Polymer80, SIG Sauer, and Smith & Wesson, so we are proud to add some new, very popular handgun models to our product line in the next few months,” said LTC. (Ret.) Mikey Hartman, CEO of CAA USA. “Our upcoming new releases include a GLOCK 26/27, Springfield XD, XDM, XD MOD2, and XDM ELITE in 9mm/.40 S&W and .45 ACP/10mm, as well as the GLOCK 43, 43X and 48, and a Gen 2 MCK for the Glock 20/21. These new models will be a huge addition to the MCK family. And we are not done there! We are also adding a new unique color, across the board to all of our models, a CLEAR COLOR. We know this will be a huge hit as well.”
Every CAA MCK utilizes a unique design. The MCK Glock 26/27 works without a rail under the pistol barrel. So it uses the front of the trigger guard with the locking system. The Glock 43/43X/48 utilizes new technology to accommodate a single-stack platform.
New Models Added
The Springfield 9 and 45 models feature different barrel lengths, dimensions and magazines. This kit accommodates four different barrel lengths.
The new MCK 21 Gen2 comes suppressor friendly and utilizes an upgraded stabilizing arm brace, Picatinny top rail and magazine button catch/release. It works with suppressors up to 1.38-inch in diameter.
“We are very proud that we have become the trendsetters in the handgun conversion world and that every major distributor in America carries our ‘100 percent made-in-the-USA’ MCKs,” Hartman said. “We also want to thank our partner, SB Tactical, who owns the patent for the Arm Brace. CAA USA and the MCK are the only handgun conversion kits licensed exclusively to use the SB Tactical brace in America. This partnership, with another successful American company, is incredibly important to both of us.”
The MCK Glock 26/27, Gen2 20/21 and Clear Color models begin shipping in August. The MCK Springfield models ship later this fall. CAA did not release prices at this time. For more information, visit caagearup.com.
Back in the day, the Officer’s Model, in its various configurations, was the premier target revolver offered by Colt. That all changed in 1955 with the introduction of the Colt Python. This Rolls-Royce of Colt revolvers had as its most distinguishing feature a heavy vent-rib barrel and a full-length ejector rod shroud. A tapering ramp led up to a Baughman-style front sight, and the rear sight was fully adjustable for windage and elevation.
It was built on basically the same E-Frame as the Officer’s Model, but due to its floating, frame-mounted firing pin, the platform was designated the “I-Frame.” Much attention was lavished on the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism, giving it excellent trigger pulls.
It also had a six-shot cylinder chambered for .357 Magnum cartridges and standard barrel lengths of 2.5, 4 and 6 inches. Blued, nickel and, later, stainless steel versions were available. Checkered walnut target stocks came on the 4- and 6-inch-barreled models, while service stocks came on the 2.5-inch-barreled model. There were a number of variations over the years, but the final Python rolled out of the Colt Custom Shop in 2003.
Thankfully, Colt got back into the revolver business in 2017 with the Cobra, which was an immediate success. Now the company has revived a few more models, and 2020 marked the reintroduction of the Python in .357 Magnum.
A Stronger Snake?
Naturally, aficionados are going to immediately compare the new Python to the original model. In my case, the Python nestled in my gun safe is 45 years old. A quick glance at the two wheelguns side by side reveals that they’re pretty close in appearance. But further inspection points out a number of differences. The biggest is the action, which is much simpler on the new gun. There are less moving parts inside the gun now for greater reliability and less required maintenance. Colt tested this with more than 40,000 trigger pulls on a single Python, which were lighter and more consistent due to less internal friction.
Externally, the hammer spur is a bit shorter than the original’s, and it has serrations instead of checkering. The trigger has also been redesigned, but the face still has three deep serrations. On the new Python I tested, the SA pull was crisp and weighed 5.75 pounds while the DA pull was 11.38 pounds without any stacking. In contrast, my old Python had 4.93- and 8.63-pound pulls in SA and DA modes, respectively.
The new frame is nearly identical to the original’s in size and shape, but due to the changes in the trigger mechanism, some of the screws and pins have been repositioned. The gun still has a square-butt grip frame as well, but the backstrap is smooth instead of serrated. On the left side of the frame, the new model has no apparent cylinder stop like the original because the internal redesigns don’t require it. The cylinder release is similar to the original design, and you’ll find the “Rampant Colt” just below it.
Viper Tale of the Tape
Photo by Jordan Bell
My middle-aged Python has an Elliason-style adjustable rear sight, while the new version has the same rear sight used on the new King Cobra Target revolver. Its shape reportedly allows a 30-percent increase in the cross-sectional area of the topstrap, making for a stronger frame. The stainless steel alloy used to build the new Python is also reportedly stronger.
Both Pythons have barrels similar in appearance. The new model has a 4.25-inch barrel to allow importation into Canada. Both have a “step down” at the muzzle—the new model has a recessed crown, while the older model’s is much less pronounced. The front sight on the 2020 Python is held in place with a setscrew, making it interchangeable. The factory-supplied blade is black with a red insert. My old “snake” features a red ramp front sight pinned in place.
The barrel stampings are very close in appearance between the guns, but “Colt” is a bit more stylized on the new model. The front edges of the cylinder are also beveled just like the original’s, but the new model has slightly larger bolt cut leads. Here, the most obvious difference is the shape of the ejector star ratchets, due mainly to the differences in the action.
The two-piece grips on the new Python are made from walnut with very precise checkering on the side panels and silver Colt medallions. As for the shape, the curvature of the frontstrap isn’t as pronounced on the new gun, and the rear of the grip panels are flattened, especially near the butt. The old Python has more traditional walnut grips with checkering that actually protrudes and gold-colored Colt medallions.
Range Battle
Before I hit the range, I scrounged up a few different .357 Magnum loads from CorBon, DoubleTap (including Colt Defense JHPs), HSM and Remington. I also obtained a Galco DAO Strongside/Crossdraw Belt Holster. It looks a lot like the holsters I wore as a law enforcement officer in the 1970s and 1980s. Made from premium steerhide, it rides high on the belt. It also offers adjustable retention, a safety strap and 1.75-inch belt slots. I paired this holster with a Galco 2x2x2 Ammo Carrier to hold six extra cartridges.
Colt also mentioned that the new Python accepts old Python grips, so I obtained some exact replicas from Deer Hollow Enterprises. I tested a third-generation set that match the grips on my 1975-era Python. They look and feel great, with the same type of checkering and gold Colt medallions, and fit the 2020 Python like a glove.
Finally, I hit the range on a sunny, fairly warm day in March. I started by getting some velocity figures using an Oehler Model 35P chronograph, and then it was time to compare the old and new Python side by side. This involved shooting six 5-shot groups at 25 yards in SA mode with each Python using Black Hills’ 148-grain .38 Special hollow-base wadcutters (HBWCs). I placed each gun in a Hyskore rest to take out some of the human factor, and the velocities came in at 724 and 793 fps for the old and new guns, respectively. The average group size for the 1975 Python was 2.52 inches, while the 2020 Python’s was 2.17 inches. The smallest group was 1.95 inches.
Dialing In
Photo by Jordan Bell
Next, I shot three 5-shot groups from the new Python—in SA mode and using a sandbag rest for support—with each of my .357 Magnum test loads at 25 yards. Surprisingly, the best group of the day came with the hardest-hitting load in the bunch: DoubleTap’s 200-grain Hard-Cast solids. The cluster measured 1.98 inches, and the load left the muzzle with 769 foot-pounds of energy (fpe). I had a fantastic four-shot group that measured 0.82 inches with the CorBon JHPs. However, a flyer opened it up to 2.87 inches. Only one group measured over 3 inches wide, with good results.
Shooting for groups isn’t my forté anymore, so I decided to run the new and old Pythons through a 30-round combat qualification course using my Galco leather gear and a mix of ammo. I set up some PJL-USA “bad guy” targets and began each stage with the gun loaded and holstered. I also kept sex extra rounds in the 2x2x2 pouch.
Then I started by firing 12 rounds at 3 yards using a one-handed, point-shoulder stance, six rounds with just my right hand, then six with just my left hand. After reloading, I fired a double-tap and body-armor drill at 7 yards with a two-handed grip. Then, reloading again, I moved back to 15 yards to fire six shots behind a barricade. Both guns performed well, and all of my shots went where I wanted them to go, fully disabling the “bad guys.” Neither one would’ve been able to walk away.
A Classic Reborn
There were no malfunctions, either. I have heard some criticism about the length of the Python’s ejector rod. However, I learned how to positively eject brass from revolvers at the Border Patrol Academy in 1982; using this technique, I didn’t have any problems.
The red ramp front sight on the 2020 Python slopes less than the original’s. I found it easier to see and faster, too. The new grips did just fine, but my hand really liked the Deer Hollow Enterprises reproductions better; they’ll no doubt end up on this sixgun. But in the end, if you can find one of these new Pythons near the MSRP, scoop it up. They’ll definitely sell out quickly. And thank you, Colt, for bringing back this classic wheelgun! For more information, visit colt.com.
Colt Python 357 Specs
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 9.75 inches
Overall Weight: 42 ounces (empty)
Grips: Walnut
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA revolver
Finish: Stainless steel
Capacity: 6
MSRP: $1,499
Colt Python 357 Performance
Load: Velocity, Accuracy
Colt Defense 158 JHP: 1,393, 2.38
CorBon 110 JHP: 1,367, 2.67
DoubleTap 200 Hard-Cast: 1,316, 1.98
HSM 158 LSWC: 1,179, 2.78
Remington 125 HTP: 1,570, 2.08
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 25 yards.
This article is from the September/October 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
If you scan magazines and the Internet about the 10mm Auto cartridge and its place in firearms history, you’ll inevitably see references to Jeff Cooper’s role in developing the round as well as the iconic Bren Ten, which was featured in “Miami Vice.” You’ll also see copious mentions of the 1986 FBI shootout in Miami and how that led to the bureau briefly adopting the cartridge for its service pistol. But a less common thread that’s been gaining a little bit of traction lately is using the 10mm in revolvers.
10mm Revolver Showdown: Smith & Wesson Versus Ruger
There’s a dedicated and vocal group of shooters running loose in the wild that enjoy rocking the powerful semi-auto cartridge through old-school six-shooters. Hey, who am I to judge? In response to those fanatics—er, um, I mean fans—Smith & Wesson and Ruger recently introduced wheelguns that should satisfy even the most hardcore of aficionados.
The 610 Returns
To the delight of many, Smith & Wesson reintroduced the venerable Model 610 in 2019 at the behest of consumers. The company’s most recent offerings include variants with 4- and 6.5-inch barrels, and to somewhat compare apples to apples, I selected the 4-inch model for this review.
The 610 utilizes S&W’s large, beefy N-frame, most notable for hosting larger cartridges like the .44 Magnum and .45 Colt. Mostly composed of stainless steel, the 4-inch-barreled 610, with its full underlug and round-butt profile, tipped the scales at a hefty 42.6 ounces unloaded, while the 6.5-inch-barreled version weighs in at a hair over 50 ounces.
Based on its overall build and appearance, the 610 excels as an outdoorsman’s gun. The hand-filling rubber grip is extremely comfortable, though it adds some bulk, and it will hold up to the elements and cold weather quite nicely. Additionally, the checkered hammer spur and smooth trigger shoe are a bit more utilitarian in that they are both wider than those found on the test Ruger. However, that’s not a negative because I really liked the ease of access and operation that came with the wider hammer spur.
A Smooth Smith
The 610 still includes the standard frame-lock safety. It’s located just behind the cylinder release, and two matching keys are included. The revolver also incorporates a white-outlined rear sight that is adjustable for elevation and windage. The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade that is pinned in place, so it’s interchangeable.
The S&W 610 offered a very smooth but heavy trigger pull. The double-action (DA) pull weighed 11.38 pounds on average, while the single-action (SA) pull came in at 4.5 pounds. Overall, the chunky revolver exhibited all of the customary quality I’ve come to expect from Smith & Wesson’s products.
Match Champion
Despite the 10mm’s reputation for power, the Ruger GP100 Match Champion is all about speed. Originally built for the .357 Magnum, the GP100 incorporates a medium-sized stainless steel frame and barrel that are relatively light, with the entire gun coming in at 37 ounces. It’s also fairly easy to carry and conceal while still boasting a hell-for-stout build quality. This is due to the revolver’s triple-locking system, where the cylinder is locked at the front, rear and bottom. The thick, monolithic frame precludes the need for a sideplate, and the gun is highly regarded for its strength.
The Match Champion comes with a 4.2-inch barrel, and upgrades for this specific model include an 11-degree target crown for accuracy, a fiber-optic front sight and a weight-saving half-underlug. Other refinements include a match-tuned and polished action with a centering boss on the trigger and hammer shims. All of this results in an exceptionally smooth trigger pull. According to my digital gauge, the SA pull on my test gun was extra-crisp with a hair of pre-travel, a 3.75-pound break and no overtravel. The buttery DA pull averaged 9.75 pounds with no hint of stacking.
Because of the medium frame size, I was a little surprised when I saw the six chambers in the cylinder. When I first learned of the 10mm GP100 Match Champion, I incorrectly assumed it would only carry five rounds, so that was a nice bonus. If you look closely, you’ll also find that Ruger has lightly chamfered the cylinder holes for reloading ease.
Other appointments included a serrations on the hammer spur and topstrap as well as a fully adjustable rear sight with a white outline. Finishing off the package is a slim, contoured Hogue hardwood grip that is very comfortable and ideal for concealed carry. It sports stippling to ensure a reliable grip, but unlike rubber grips, it won’t catch or hang on clothing during the draw.
Range Duel
I’ll be honest and say that I was a little in the weeds when it came to understanding the need for a 10mm revolver, especially when more powerful options are available for the platform. But that’s the beautiful thing about guns and shooting: You don’t have to need something to want it. One look at my collection will tell you that.
That said, I did enjoy shooting both guns once I got to the range. Each revolver ships with three moon clips for easier loading and unloading (and you’ll really need to use them for .40 S&W rounds). I used some excellent 10mm ammunition for my testing, with loads from Buffalo Bore, Federal, Sig Sauer and Speer. For the get-to-know-you phase, I mainly shot Sig’s 180-grain FMJs, which worked perfectly in both guns and was quite accurate as well.
With the 10mm’s uptick in popularity, both Federal and Speer have recently introduced premium 200-grain defensive loads. The new 200-grain HST load was designed for optimum penetration and expansion without plugging up while passing through intermediate barriers. This translates to nearly 100-percent weight retention for optimal performance. The Speer Gold Dot boasts the company’s Uni-Cor bonding process, which prevents jacket-core separation. According to Speer, the process applies it one molecule at a time. I’m not sure how that works, but that guy must be getting a lot of overtime!
The HST load averaged 1,119 fps from the two revolvers, giving it a slight edge in velocity and energy over the Gold Dot’s 1,038-fps average. Of these two loads, the Ruger shot the best single group of 1.5 inches at 25 yards with the Gold Dots, though that was a bit of a fluke on my part. The Ruger’s average group with the Speer load was about 2.45 inches. Whether it was me or the ammunition, the S&W seemed to prefer the HST offering with an average of 2.85 inches, although another shooter could deliver different results.
Handling the 10mm
There was a significant difference between the two revolvers in terms of handling and felt recoil. As you would expect, the larger mass of the S&W definitely tamed the recoil much better than the Ruger. In the S&W, Sig’s 180-grain FMJs felt like +P .38 Specials fired from a Model 686. The N-Frame even absorbed the recoil from the stiffer defensive loads.
That’s not to say that shooting most of the 10mm rounds from the Ruger was unpleasant, but the recoil was sharper, and I could feel it more at the top of the backstrap. However, the lighter Ruger was nimbler and easier to get on target than the bulkier S&W. And because of its smaller grip circumference, I was able to wrap my hand around it more completely for better control. The GP100’s bright fiber-optic front sight also helped with fast, accurate shots. The black blade on the 610 proved more difficult to pick up and sometimes disappeared on the target.
On the other hand, when I stepped up to the 220-grain hard-cast rounds from Buffalo Bore, I definitely appreciated the 610’s extra-comfy synthetic grip. With the Ruger’s smaller frame, those rounds felt pretty dang stout! As always, the Buffalo Bore rounds were extremely consistent and accurate, allowing me to shoot a 2.25-inch five-shot group off-hand at 20 yards.
The Verdict
While the Smith & Wesson Model 610 and Ruger GP100 Match Champion are similar, they’re quite different 10mm revolvers. The S&W is larger and heavier, making it more suitable for outdoor carry and a better choice for higher-pressure loads. Conversely, the Ruger is sleek and responsive with its tuned action, high-visibility sights and smaller profile, so it’s ideal for match use and even concealed carry.
After spending time with both, I’m starting to understand the allure to a degree. With moon clips, they’re faster to load than a standard revolver, and both deliver a powerful payload suitable for a variety of predators from city to field. Each delivers impressive accuracy and superb reliability while offering best-in-class quality. The decision is fairly simple. As long as you pick the right tool for the job, you won’t go wrong with either one.
Smith & Wesson Model 610 Specs
Caliber: 10mm
Barrel: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9.5 inches
Overall Weight: 42.6 ounces (empty)
Grip: Synthetic
Sights: Front blade, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Stainless
Overall Capacity: 6
MSRP: $987
Ruger GP100 Match Champion Specs
Caliber: 10mm
Barrel: 4.2 inches
Overall Length: 9.5 inches
Overall Weight: 37 ounces (empty)
Grips: Hogue hardwood
Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Satin stainless
Overall Capacity: 6
MSRP: $969
This article is from the September-October 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
The ICA (Industry Choice Awards) recently named the Canik TP9 Elite SC as its Concealed Carry Pistol of the Year. The award recognizes the development of the company’s 9mm subcompact for carry and defense.
TP9 Elite SC ICA Concealed Carry Pistol of the Year
The Canik TP9 Elite SC features features a double-stacked, 12-round or 15-round magazine. The slide measures 1.45 inches wide overall, while the pistol comes in at 6.7 inches long. Striker-fired and highly concealable, the TP9 Elite SC utilizes a 3.60-inch barrel.
“The demand for a reliable, double stacked, concealable handgun, at a price point the blue collar American could afford without sacrificing quality or comfort was a challenge the Canik team accepted head on. We are proud to say that the TP9 Elite SC is exactly that, a superior handgun,” Canik USA National Director of Marketing Adam Ruonala said.
The entire package weighs just 24.78 ounces, which makes it a big player in a competitive concealed carry market. Meanwhile, nickel-coated internals improve functionality. Canik also offers the TP9 Elite SC in numerous finishes and an optics-ready slide mount that co-witnesses with irons. It includes a loaded chamber indicator and ambidextrous slide release. A reversible magazine release and white dot front sight and blacked out rear sight highlight the gun’s features.
“This firearm was designed with the sole intent of being an everyday carry for everyone who wants the peace of mind in knowing the capacity and functionality of the pistol is top of the line,” Ruonala said. “The fact that it was selected over other industry heavyweights as the best of the field in such an innovative year for concealed carry is truly an honor we don’t take lightly!”
But impressively, the package delivers even more. It also comes standard with a holster that mounts either inside or outside the waistband. A new 15-round magazine features a grip extension module. Lastly is MSRP, which comes with the good kind of sticker shock. The buyer gets it all for just $429.
Atop the Podium
The award marks just the latest for a company that continues to earn high praise for pistols in recent years. In 2018, Ballistic Magazine gave its “Ballistic’s Best Editor’s Choice for Versatile/Value Pistol” to the TP9SFL. It appears Canik is far from done. And at the affordable prices the pistols command, that’s good new for all gun owners. For more info, please visit canikusa.com.
One of the hotter trends in the firearm industry remains carry optics. More carriers continue to turn to optics on their pistols, with new optic platforms smaller and more reliable than ever before. To capitalize on this trend, Glock announced the Slimline optics-ready G43X and G48 pistols now offer the Modular Optic System (MOS) configuration.
Both chambered in 9mm, the MOS pistols feature a micro-optic-ready, factory-milled slide and a slim rail. First released in July 2019, the Glock 43X and Glock 48 utilize the company’s Slimline frame. They also feature a 10-round magazine capacity. The MOS feature requires a specific, micro-reflex optic, like the Shield RMSc.
Both pistols features a super slim build. How slim? Well, 1.10 inches into total width and a slide width of just 0.87 inches. So, yeah, it’s pretty small. And from our tests, we can confirm they’re solid shooting guns.
The slim design allows the optical sight mounted closer to the shooter’s line of sight. It also eliminates the need for high, back-up sights, according to Glock. Shooters can see their standard sights through the optic. A non-standard accessory rail allows for light attachment. The system enables shooters to maintain a two-handed grip.
“Engineered with the GLOCK perfection promise, the two new models are the first Slimline pistols to offer an MOS option and are ideal for shooters everywhere,” said Shelby Lasater, GLOCK, Inc. Director of Marketing. “The versatility of the Slimline MOS models give them the adaptability and ease of use for concealed carry, target shooting, law enforcement, and competition which make them a new favorite.”
Lastly, both new models incorporate Gen5 technologies, which includes a nDLC finish for durability. A reversible magazine catch and match-grade Glock Marksman Barrel round out the features. As for MSRP, we don’t have that info yet, but expect it soon. For more information, please visit glock.us.
Thanks to being an adolescent in the 1980s, I have been exposed to a fury of compact fully automatic weapons through awesome action movies that depicted such guns as the Uzi, Compact Uzi, MP5, MP5K , M-11 and Mac 10 and others being used to thwart the antics of criminals the world over. I’ve seen 9mm subguns make impossible shots from well beyond 200 yards to land squarely in the tire of a bad guy’s getaway vehicle. Oh, and the shot was fired from the hip. Yes, the mighty 9mm subgun made quite an impression on me. Now the B&T MP9-N adds to that legacy.
While there will always be debate on terminal performance, 9mm subgun/SBRs are loved by many, and that is not likely to change. In this form with an adequate extended stock (or brace), the 9mm becomes comically accurate as the muzzle rise that is induced by a regular pistol is all but eliminated. Say what you want, but it’s there, although manageable. With this hindrance all but eliminated, a fairly good shooter can pump 9mm rounds into a tight grouping at reasonable self-defense distances. While this is fun and quite an accomplishment, the 9mm might be best utilized in full-auto trim. It seems to transform at 900 rpm and up. It’s manageable, effective and downright awesome.
In 2004, a company then-named Brügger & Thomet of Switzerland released their MP9-N (Maschinenpistole 9mm)—a tiny, easily concealable machine pistol with an incredible 1,100 rpm rate of fire. I remember this gun before that, probably when it was the Steyr TMP back in the 90s. Brügger & Thomet, now simply known as B&T, bought the design from Steyr in 2001.
My first experience with the MP9-N was in 2014. Then on a visit at the B&T plant, I had the opportunity to shoot the machine pistol at its underground range. I distinctly remember the insane rate of fire and trying to capture it in photos. The 30-round mags literally emptied before the first empty casing hit the floor. Little did I know then that I’d be reunited with the gun for some quality time on my home turf.
Watch the video above to learn more. Want to read my entire article on the B&T MP9-N? Pick up the November/December 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
The story of P80 or Pistole 80 started in the not-to-distant past, around 1980. The Austrian Armed Forces was in dire need of a new sidearm. They were still using the Walther P-38, a pistol design that dated back to World War II. By 1982, some obscure plastic manufacturer in Austria was awarded a contract for 25,000 Glock 17 Gen 1 pistols, which the Austrian military dubbed the Pistole 80 or better known as the Glock P80.
All the storied European firearms manufacturers like H&K, FN, SIG and others were left collectively scratching their heads and asking themselves: What just happened? The Glock 17 Gen 1 is what just happened, and it totally rewrote the play book on handgun design and manufacturing. It also made military forces, law enforcement agencies, and conceal carry users around the world rethink sidearms. Norway adopted the G17 in 1985 and Sweden in 1988. By the early 1990s, more than 45 countries lined up to buy Glocks (the U.S. included).
Glock P80 (Glock 17 Gen 1) Returns
Lipseys partnered with Glock to recreate this iconic pistol. The new Glock P80 recreates the original military firearm down to the original “Tupperware” style storage box. It honors the occasion with a commemorative box and certificate.
It also features many First Generation design characteristics like a Gen 1 frame with a mild texture grip, sans accessory rail. I’ve always liked the look of the frame without the rail. The “Tupperware” box also gave me flashbacks to the 1980s. In my opinion, the P80 is Glock in its purest form.
Like many firearms manufacturers that reintroduce iconic firearms, there is some new engineering to the old design. To pull this off, Glock made a new mold that duplicates the original Gen 1 mold. The mold had been repurposed in the early 90s.
The new Glock P80 also has many improvements over the original P80 pistol; that’s a good thing because while the Glock 17 Gen 1 was a cutting edge design when it was introduced, the pistol has evolved through five generations of design changes and tweaks. It makes perfect sense to incorporate those changes into the re-introduced P80.
Watch the video above to learn a little more about the new pistol. Want to read my complete review? Then pick up the January/February 2021 issue of Combat Handguns magazine when it hits stands Oct. 27.For more information, please visit Lipseys.com.
Ed Brown just announced its latest commander-length 1911 built for the concealed carry market, the FX2. For carry optics enthusiasts, the FX2 comes topped with the new Trijicon RMRcc.
The latest in the FX Series, the FX2 shares several features with its predecessor, including FX slide cuts. It includes American flag serrations and a recessed slide stop with serrated pin, but in a Commander Bobtail configuration. Finally, the pistol features Ed Brown’s popular Snakeskin treatment.
Along with the Trijicon RMRcc, the pistol sports a co-witness rear sight. An Ameri-glo orange front sight completes the sight picture. The pistol features Industrial stainless with black accents on the trigger and barrel bushing. G10 grips tie together a unique package.
“We are proud to be teaming up with Trijicon with the launch of their new RMRcc and no better platform for it than the FX2,” said John May, Sales and Marketing Director, Ed Brown. “This pistol was built with our customer in mind, giving them the highest quality 1911 with the highest quality carry optic available. If you haven’t checked out Ed Brown in a while, it’s time to look again.”
Topped with the new smaller footprint RMRcc, the FX2 presents a unique package for carry optics fans. But make no mistake, this is a high-end gun, with prices over $4,200 to match. For more information, visit edbrown.com.
Ed Brown FX2 Specs
Caliber: 9mm, 45 ACP
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Weight: approximately 37 ounces with an unloaded magazine inserted
4.25-inch Commander slide, single stack Bobtail frame
Snakeskin on forestrap
American flag serrations on both sides of slide
Trijicon RMRcc sight 3.25 MOA with Ed Brown designed co-witness rear sight, and Ameri-glo orange front sight (Glock type)
Custom options included: FX1 slide cuts, recessed slide stop with serrated pin, flush barrel with recessed crown
The following article on the Taurus G3c is from the Oct/Nov 2020 issue of Personal Defense World’s “Concealed Carry Handguns” magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
About a year ago Taurus revamped the company with a move to Georgia and a few new products to add to its lineup. One of those products is a budget-friendly pistol that took the good from the G2 line; it also fixed the bad as well. The new pistol was named the G3. I think Taurus could have done a better job with the name, but I guess it does get the job done. The G3 was Taurus’s answer to the industry, featuring an enhanced grip design with a sandpaper-like stippling for comfort.
The G3 features a much better trigger and a safety that actually sits flush with the shoe, improved sights and good fit and finish—all for a very affordable price (MSRP comes in around $305.74). Taurus definitely aimed to please everyone with a much better-feeling and better-performing pistol than the old G2. The only issue I had with the G3 was it was a bit large for me to carry. Why do I want a budget pistol if I can’t use it for concealed carry? Well, Taurus again answered the call with the addition of the new G3c; it’s a compact, even more budget-friendly version of the G3.
Being a firearms instructor and avid concealed carrier, I am a big fan of any and all pistols designed with concealed carry in mind. The Taurus G3c’s frame is sleek, with very simple, sandpaper-like stippling. It also features thumb shelves and “gas pedals” on the frame. The thumb shelves help the shooter achieve a solid lock and faster grip. They also place the index finger in position for a straight pull on the trigger.
Integrated into the frame just above the triggerguard are what I call “gas pedals” but Taurus calls “memory pads.” These subtle recesses offer a safe place for your trigger finger when it’s not pulling the trigger, as well as a rest where your off-hand thumb can hang out. Taurus positioned the thumb shelves and the memory pads on both sides of the frame; that way both left- and right-handed shooters can enjoy them. The frame also includes an integrated Picatinny rail up front for your favorite lights and lasers.
Want to read the entire article on the Taurus G3c? Pick up the Oct/Nov 2020 issue of Personal Defense World’s “Concealed Carry Handguns” magazine. Print and digital subscriptions available at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
Springfield Armory first announced its XD-M Elite pistol line back January. The first entries in the handgun lineup had capacities of either 20+1 or 22+1. Yeah, pretty big. On Tuesday, Springfield decided to add another pistol to the lineup: the highly concealable Springfield XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact.
Each pistol in the XD-M Elite lineup features Springfield’s new Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META) system. It features a flat face an integral overtravel stop, delivering an improved pull.
The magazines also gain an upgrade. The 3.8″ Compact comes with a 14+1 capacity overall. Adding to the versatility, the magazine well removes, interchanging between extended and flared wells to help with faster reloads.
With five different models, ranging from the 3.8″ to the full-size Elite Precision, Springfield offers a new XD-M for nearly any pursuit. The 3.8″ Compact features a shortened frame for concealed carry. The 3.8″ Compact ships with two, 14-round magazines. Again, that 14+1 capacity is pretty sweet consider its overall length of just 6.93 inches.
The sighting system features a fiber-optic front sight. Meanwhile, a U-Dot rear sight completes the sight picture. An ambi slide stop and slide serration aid in manipulations. Lastly is MSRP, which comes in at $559. Overall, we’ve enjoyed the XD-M Elite series so far, and this entry looks like a good one. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
SIG Sauer just announced the release of an exclusive new carry gun, the P220 Legion Carry SAO. Only 500 P220 Legion Carry guns will be made, making this the most exclusive Legion yet.
“This is a limited run,” SIG’s Pistol Product Manager Phil Strader said. “We’re only making 500 of these. So this is your chance. If you miss it, it’s gone forever.”
The P220 receives a healthy upgrade in this single-action-only pistol. Designed for professional-type use and chambered in .45 Auto, the P200 Legion Carry SAO comes extremely well appointed for concealed carry. It features a short reset and a flat trigger. The pistol also has an ambi thumb safety on both sides. Looking at the safety, it’s large enough to where you won’t miss it, but it’s not so big it gets in your way.
“Of course its single-action-only, so you’ve got that great, clean trigger pull every single shot,” Strader said. “And of course it’s a Legion gun, so it’s gonna come with your X-RAY3 Day/Night sights. It’s gonna come with your three magazines. In this case it comes with eight-round, single-stack magazines for your .45. And you know, if you’re a .45 carrier, need I say more. It’s a .45.”
Ultimately, the new Carry SAO version of the P220 not only provides a great carry gun, but an opportunity to join the Legion. And an exclusive club deserves a very exclusive carry gun.
“You become part of a very exclusive club,” Strader said. “And more importantly, you’re going to own a very exclusive pistol. This is probably the shortest run of nay Legion gun we’ve ever done. And this is your chance to own one right here.”
Concealed carry, specifically carry optics, continues to grow among shooters. Smith & Wesson is the latest manufacturer to issue a new optics-ready platform with the launch of the M&P9 M2.0 Compact Pistol.
The expansion to the M&P9 M2.0 comes as no surprise. Like the other entries in the series, like the M&P M2.0 Subcompact, the new model looks like another winner. Chambered in 9mm, the Compact 4″ OR features a slide cut for optics, co-witness white-dot front and rear sights, and enlarged forward slide serrations.
“The use of optics has become increasingly popular as handgun owners look for ways to enhance their accuracy and shooting experience,” said Vince Perreault, Marketing Manager, Smith & Wesson. “To meet the demands of our consumers, the M&P9 M2.0 Compact is now able to accept many popular slide-mounted optics, straight from the factory.”
The new Compact includes the M2.0 feature set. It comes with or without an ambidextrous manual thumb safety. The pistol comes standard with seven mounting plates designed to fit popular slide-mounted optics. It also includes two 15-round magazines and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. Meanwhile, MSRP comes in at $615. For more info, please visit smith-wesson.com.
Daniel Defense is one company that never disappoints when it comes to firearms. American owned and operated, Daniel Defense has gained a reputation for incredibly crafted higher-end rifles over the past few years, and the company’s recent foray into the AR pistol game continues that legacy. The new DDM4 PDW in 300 Blackout might very well be the best AR pistol on the market for home defense.
It’s small, lightweight, versatile and, thanks to some clever engineering, doesn’t require any NFA paperwork. It’s considered a large-format pistol—one that just screams “home-defense powerhouse,” so I put it to the test to see if it would hold up to that title.
HandsOn
I first got to shoot the new DDM4 PDW with a Daniel Defense Wave suppressor installed at the 2019 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Driggs, Idaho. And even with the Wave suppressor mounted on the cold-hammer-forged, 7-inch, Strength-to-Weight (S2W) barrel, the DDM4 PDW was still super compact. But for my testing back home, I was sent a standard model with a Linear compensator installed on the 5/8×24-tpi muzzle threading. Made from 17-4PH stainless steel with a salt-bath nitride finish, this highly effective device pushes the muzzle blast forward, away from the shooter. It’s a great addition if you aren’t going to run a suppressor.
Surrounding the barrel and pistol-length gas system is a 6-inch MFR XL handguard with a Picatinny rail on top and M-LOK accessory slots along the sides and bottom. The front of the handguard is also flat to help keep the gun compact, and Daniel Defense includes an SLR Rifleworks hand stop on the bottom to keep your support hand locked in a safe position. If you’re using the AR pistol for home defense, for example, the hand stop will prevent accidents in dark, stressful situations.
The upper and lower receivers are both crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum, and Daniel Defense includes an ambidextrous Grip-N-Rip charging handle as well as an ambidextrous safety selector. The pistol grip has Soft-Touch rubber overmolding for comfort and control, and you’ll find a Maxim Defense CQB arm brace at the rear. This sweet add-on looks great and helped the DDM4 PDW achieve an overall length of just 20.75 inches. It rides on two rails and can be locked into four different length-of-pull positions, including fully collapsed against the receivers. With the brace extended, the pistol is 24.75 inches long.
Rounds Downrange
The first time I pulled the DDM4 PDW’s trigger, it was love at first shot. The gun was also easy to control, which kind of surprised me considering its small form factor and larger 300 Blackout chambering. But it was quite easy to hit multiple steel plates set at various distances as quickly as I could.
The pistol grip is one of my favorite parts of the gun. It’s definitely a step above the stock A2-style grip included on most AR-platform weapons. With that nice rubberized feel to it and texturing almost like a vehicle tire, you can get a truly superior hold on this little blaster.
Shooting off-hand with no support, I was able to get some really tight groups at 20 yards before “walking” the DDM4 PDW out to 50 yards. My five-shot groups were typically less than an inch wide from 7 to 20 yards, and they opened up just a little at 50 yards. At that distance, 2-inch groups were with the norm with all of the test ammo, but again, I was shooting off-hand without any support. I don’t own a .30-caliber suppressor, so all of my testing was with the DDM4 PDW unsuppressed.
The pistol ate pretty much everything I fed it with the exception of two subsonic loads: Hornady’s 208-grain Black A-MAXs and HSM’s 220-grain SMKs. For some reason, those two rounds would not allow the gun to cycle properly. Every round would fire, but the bolt would not grab the next round. At first, I thought maybe the DDM4 PDW didn’t like subsonic ammo without a suppressor installed, but it ran just fine with Federal’s 220-grain American Eagle OTMs as well as a few other subsonic rounds. To make matters more confusing, the pistol ran HSM’s subsonic 208-grain A-MAXs just fine. So your guess is as good as mine on this.
“Frickin’ Awesome”
Other than those rounds, the gun ran flawlessly with everything else I fed it. I slapped my EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) on the DDM4 PDW and was produced sub-1-inch groups at 25 yards with numerous loads from Black Hills, Federal, HSM and Wilson Combat. I honestly couldn’t tell you which load I shot better because I was able to control them all very well. My favorite was probably Black Hills’ .300 Whisper 125-grain Tipped MatchKing (TMK) ammo, which offered very little recoil and consistently produced 0.5-inch groups at the very realistic home-defense distance of 7 yards. Yes, that’s pretty close, but I wanted to shoot very quickly at realistic distances.
At the range, some guys from a few lanes down came over to see what I was shooting to make so much noise. They described themselves as “very inexperienced with the AR platform” and had never shot anything so small. The instructor part of me came out, and I immediately started showing them how everything worked. Then I made their day when I handed them each a full 30-round magazine and told them to have fun. Their faces lit up as they dumped 30 rounds through an AR pistol for the first time.
One of the guys actually aimed and was able to shoot a 4-inch group at 7 yards. That’s not terrible for an AR virgin. The other guy just dumped the mag as quickly as he could pull the trigger. I can’t really blame him. After things calmed down a bit, I asked them what they thought. Their response describes the Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW perfectly: “That thing is frickin’ awesome!”
Worth The Price
There are a lot of reasons to own the DDM4 PDW. Most people are familiar with operating AR-15s. This gun is perfect for maneuvering in tight quarters, like inside a home or vehicle. It’s also user-friendly and light on recoil, no matter the setting. Sure, the pistol is a bit on the pricey side for this category. But, man is it fun to run! And it looks like a piece of art. It’s a head-turner on the range and will definitely do the job in making a bad guy realize he made a big mistake if he breaks into your home. For more information, visit danieldefense.com.
Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW Specs
Caliber: 300 Blackout
Barrel: 7 inches
OA Length: 20.75-24.75 inches
Weight: 5.7 pounds (empty)
Brace: Maxim Defense CQB
Sights: None
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $1,865
Performance: Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW
Load
Accuracy (inches)
Black Hills 125 TMK
0.50
Federal 150 American Eagle FMJ
0.65
Federal 220 American Eagle OTM
0.85
HSM 110 V-MAX
0.80
HSM 125 Pro-Hunter
0.75
HSM 208 A-MAX
0.90
Wilson Combat 110 TAC-TX
0.90
Bullet weight measured in grains and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 50 yards.
This article is from the September-October 2020 issue of Combat Handguns magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
Davidson’s just announced an exclusive partnership with Altamont Company, producing a finely engraved Glock 43 pistol. The pistol features detailed vine and scroll engraving on both sides of the slide.
Altamont began its metal engraving division in 2014. It focuses on deep relief engraving and embellishment. Its catalog boasts work typically absent from the gun industry, or only available from custom master engravers, according to Davidson’s. The company uses a modern approach, producing impressive special editions and stunning designs.
“Designing and producing Exclusive firearms is one of the hallmarks of Davidson’s”, said Kane Cannedy, VP of Purchasing for Davidson’s. “It also gives us the opportunity to partner with truly iconic names in the industry, such as Altamont. Their work is unparalleled and we are excited to continue this partnership going forward.”
The Glock 43, of course, owns a favorable position with concealed carry enthusiasts. The single-stack 9mm pistol proves highly concealable, accurate and dependable. It features a polymer frame with an aggressive grip surface.
Davidson’s Glock Master Dealers retain first choice on the exclusive Glock 43. Interested dealers should contact their Davidson’s account executive to learn more about these programs.
The engraved Glock 43 retails for $719.99. For more information, visit davidsonsinc.com.
Wasp stings suck! They hurt enough to distract you from just about anything and once you’ve been stung, you’ll do just about anything to keep from being stung again. I suppose that’s what inspired North American Arms to name one of their tiny .22WMR revolvers the NAA Wasp. It’s a tiny gun with a big sting!
The Wasp isn’t a new model. In fact, I had a chance to shoot it when it was a brand-new catalog item for NAA; that was probably 10 or so years ago. But sales of this popular little gun have kept it in the NAA lineup.
I had the chance to reacquaint myself with the Wasp during our Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Driggs, Idaho recently. The event brings in more than 30 manufacturers and a select few contributors to spend some un-rushed time and shoot and talk about what’s new. Over the course of three days I got to see a lot of old industry friends and make new ones. Jessica Jarvis is a new friend and also happens to be NAA’s sales manager. She took a couple minutes to refresh my memory of the NAA Wasp.
“We use 17-4 pH stainless steel for the major components,” Jarvis said. “In fact, just about all of our products use this type of stainless steel. We use it for its strength and corrosion resistance and that’s what makes our revolvers perfect for deep concealment.”
When I asked who buys the Wasp, Jarvis’ reply was, “Just about anyone who needs to secret a small gun. A lot of law enforcement like to have back-ups to their back-up gun and ours are so small that they are completely unexpected–no one is going to know they have it.”
The Back-Up’s Back-Up
Jarvis’ point hit home with me. Years ago, I worked with a government agency that put me in contact with cartel henchmen and known sicarios on a daily basis. Of course, I was always armed. Usually with two semi-auto compact pistols, but I always had an NAA mini-revolver hanging around my neck in a Kydex sheath. But it was a gun of last resort and things would had to have gone seriously wrong for that gun to find its way into my hand.
NAA offers the Wasp with 1 1/8- and 1 5/8-inch barrels. Both lengths use a stylish vent rib and bead front sight. There are black flutes on the cylinder that match the ones on the cylinder base pin, and the hammer is skeletonized. Black, pebble textured rubber grips complete the Wasp aesthetics. It’s a handsome little gun!
The Wasp is chambered for .22 WMR, or .22 magnum as most people commonly call it. You can buy the Wasp with a second cylinder chambered for .22 LR for an additional $35. This is the way to go, and it won’t take too long to pay for that additional cylinder if you use .22LR ammo to practice with. NOTE: Never fire .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber; it results in split casings and can tie up a revolver making it nearly impossible to for the cylinder to advance.
Packing a Mighty Sting
I had a chance to shoot several cylinders of ammo through the Wasp. Its bead front sight intrigued me. It’s great for shooting shot cartridges at things like rattlesnakes. My sister uses hers frequently in her stables. Bales of hay attract pack rats and, of course, that attracts the rattlers. But I was concerned the bead front sight might not provide the accuracy I needed for more distant targets.
With the Wasp loaded with CCI Maxi Mag loads I fired shot after shot at an 8-inch diameter steel target set out at 15 yards without a miss. The Wasp I fired had a trigger pull of about 6 pounds; it’s heavy enough that you’ll not likely fire it by accident. When the gun fires, its muzzle goes up about 45 degrees. It’s also easy for the support hand thumb to reach over and cock the hammer while getting the gun back on target.
In case you’re wondering, CCI’s 30-grain Maxi-Mag rounds leave the Wasp’s barrel around 1,090 feet per second and generate only about 78 foot-pounds of energy. For comparison’s sake, a Winchester 9mm 147-grain Silvertip leaves a 4-inch barrel at 890 feet per second and generates 258 foot-pounds of energy. So, you’re looking at about a third of the energy.
Another thing to consider for defense use is the Wasp is a single-action revolver and must be cocked for each shot. The speed of follow up shots is dependent on the user’s ability and skill. Nothing comes for free and life is all about compromises. In the case of the North American Arms Wasp we sacrifice power for size and concealability. But I wouldn’t want to get shot with one. Would you? For more information, please visit northamericanarms.com.
In March, Springfield Armory introduced the Ronin Operator, a handsome two-tone 1911 built with a forged slide and frame and a hammer-forged barrel. The gun features robust fixed sights, an extended strong-side-only safety and a high sweep beavertail. My test sample was extremely accurate, and the gun had every feature a 1911 purist would ask for and nothing they wouldn’t.
Perhaps the Ronin’s best feature was its price–just $849, and that would place real world street pricing right around $800. It was hard for me to send that test gun back and I’ve regretted it ever since. I asked my media contact at Springfield Armory if they’d ever consider building a Commander-length gun on a lightweight frame.
A few weeks later, much to my delight, I received the press release for the new Springfield Armory Ronin 4.25–a gun that shares many of the original Ronin’s attributes but with a 4.25-inch barrel and slide. Meanwhile, the frame is machined from a forging of alloy. Also priced at $849, the Ronin 4.25 was designed for guys like me, who understand and practice with the 1911 system but want to carry a lightweight gun.
The Scoop on the Springfield Armory Ronin 1911
At the 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, I had a chance to speak with Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing. Standing in a harvested wheat field in Driggs, Idaho, yelling above the 30 mph winds, Kramer explained, “The idea behind that gun was to come out with a really classic, vintage style, two-tone gun, but at an extremely affordable price point. We’re talking about an MSRP of $849, so it’s street price will probably be right around $800. You’re getting a forged frame and slide and a classic Springfield Armory gun for an incredible price.”
Photo by Alex Landeen
Kramer continued, “It’s a fully forged gun and we won’t ever do anything besides forged at Springfield Armory. We don’t cut corners like some other manufacturers and we don’t use inferior cast parts, so you can get a lifetime of service out of the gun. And it is an heirloom quality gun that can be passed down through generations.”
Springfield Armory machines the Ronin 4.25’s frame from a lightweight alloy forging and then Cerakotes it a for a smooth satin finish. The slide is also machined from a forging, and Springfield gives it a hot salt blue to create a traditional and distinctive finish. The two-tone finish gives the gun a classy, retro look.
Built to Carry
Designed for carry, the gun features an extended, strong-side-only safety, as well as a high-sweep beavertail. The Ronin 4.25 uses thin-profile wood grips that are laser checkered and also has a Springfield Armory logo. Trigger pull is right around 4 pounds, which is just about perfect for a carry 1911.
The Ronin uses a stainless steel, match quality barrel with a supported chamber (in 9mm–the .45 Ronin 4.25 uses an unsupported barrel). A traditional bushing is also used and thankfully, the Ronin does not use a full-length recoil spring guide rod. That part, in my estimation, is totally without merit. I, for one, am happy to see Springfield Armory not incorporate it into its Ronin design. Maybe that’s great marketing on Springfield’s part? The Ronin series of guns are built for guys that know their 1911s.
Test Rounds Downrange
After the Rendezvous I received a Ronin 4.25 chambered in 9mm. Thankfully the winds in southern Arizona were slightly less than those I experienced in Idaho, and I had the chance to shoot the gun for groups. Using a DOA Tactical portable shooting bench, I fired all groups from a seated rest with my targets at 25 yards.
Photo by Alex Landeen
The crisp trigger pull and excellent sights combined to help realize the Ronin 4.25’s accuracy potential. My aggregate group size is just a hair over one and a quarter inches at 25-yards! I have custom built match-grade 1911s that cost me thousands of dollars that don’t shoot that well.
Folks that know me generally describe me as a slow learner. But I learned my lesson when I returned the first Ronin test gun. When you find a gun that you feel was designed to fit your specific carry needs, is completely reliable and tremendously accurate, you don’t send that gun back—you send them a check! Springfield Armory’s new Ronin Operator 4.25 will remain a permanent part of my collection. For more information, please visit springfield-armory.com.
Accuracy Results
Ammo
Velocity
Energy
Group
Aguila 147-grain FMJ FP
919
275
1.19″
Blackhills 115-grain JHP
1,218
378
1.40″
DoubleTap 77-grain SCHP
1,477
373
1.12″
Federal Syntech 150-grain TSJ
872
253
1.43″
Hornady American Gunner 124-grain XTP +P
1,138
356
1.48″
Norma 108-grain Monolithic Hollow Point
1,062
270
.91″
Average
1.26″
Springfield Armory Ronin Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1
Overall Length: 7.9 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Overall Weight: 31 ounces (unloaded)
Barrel: 4.25 inches
Slide: Machined forging
Frame: Forged aluminum alloy
Sights: Fiber optic front, tactical rack white dot rear
SIG Sauer just announced the all-new P320 AXG Scorpion, which builds on the ever-popular P320 platform. The new pistol brings a heightened level of performance to the P320 pistols via features that will be considered enhancements.
The SIG Sauer P320 polymer frame striker-fired handguns have quickly evolved into an industry leader for duty and personal defense handguns after arriving on the scene in 2014. Its selection as the U.S. Army’s new sidearm via the MHS (Modular Handgun System) Program trials made headlines and ruffled competitor’s feathers for sure.
It’s well known that SIG never rests on its laurels. Always pushing the envelope, SIG introduces new variants of already successful weapons in the quest to scratch everyone’s “itch.” This is done by combining various features within a product line from input coming from competition, tactical, LE and concealed carry circles.
The heart of all SIG P320s is the fire control mechanism or “chassis.” Considered the pistol, the chassis bears the required serial number marking. The fire control chassis fits into a grip module. The chassis allows for the SIG P320’s modularity between different models, slides and frames. The key to the SIG P320’s success is its minimal operating controls, high cartridge capacity to size ratio, and also relentless reliability.
SIG P320 AXG Scorpion Details
This all brings us to the new SIG P320 AXG Scorpion. The new pistol stands out among its P320 brethren. It falls into the SIG X-Series of P320s. The pistol features a distinctive aluminum grip module with custom Hogue G10 Piranha grip panels and rear insert, FDE Cerakote finish, X-Series flat skeleton trigger, and XRay3 Day/Night sights with U-notch rear. It also features an X-Series Optic ready slide, which is compatible with SIG Romeo 1PRO, Leupold Delta Point Pro, or Trijicon RMR red dots. Lastly, the P320 AXG Scorpion arrives with three, 17-round magazines placed inside Custom Works Case featuring a Challenge Coin and Certificate of Authenticity.
The SIG P320 AXG Scorpion was one of the big reveals at the recent 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous. While the AXG Scorpion’s aluminum grip module follows a similar profile to the standard P320 polymer frame, the metal lower offers a distinctive ergonomic feel that will appeal to many. What could be better than a proven striker-fired handgun exuding the classic feeling of metal in your palm? Not much. The AXG Scorpion’s generous undercut and extended beavertail immediately sent positive signals to the right side of my brain.
Photo by Alex Landeen
The P320 has always attracted admirers thanks to its ergonomics. For example, its grip angle found favor with many who argue it offers better natural point of aim than competitors. Thankfully, SIG maintained the grip angle with the P320 AXG Scorpion. Instead, SIG focused on other aspects such as the X-Series straight trigger, beveled four-sided internal magazine well, undercut trigger guard, extended beavertail and sights.
SIG’s X-Series Trigger
The SIG P320 AXG Scorpion features a trigger pull measuring about 6 pounds; it’s the same as the other P320s. However, the SIG X-Series straight trigger offers a 90-degree break for better geometry. The design is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. The key with the P320 is it’s the same trigger pull every time.
Overall, the SIG P320’s trigger is an asset with its consistency. The trigger simply fails to disappoint after familiarizing yourself with it. Fortunately, SIG manufacturers its own ammo. We used an ample supply of 9mm at Athlon’s event. It ran perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Lastly is MSRP, which comes in at $1,129.99. It’s fair considering the new pistol is if not the best, then one of the best P320 you’ll find. Also, you’ll likely find the price closer to $999.99 at dealers. Having shot it quite a bit, that price is just as accurate as the gun itself.
The SIG modifications with the P320 AXG Scorpion center on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user, especially in terms of placing multiple rounds on target accurately/efficiently/reliably. This offers a tactical advantage.
With the P320 AXG Scorpion, the SIG Sauer’s attention to detail is instantly sensed. Crucial items such grip texture, trigger, and maximizing getting the shooter’s hand as near the bore axis as possible are seamlessly interfaced between handgun/shooter. Years of experience allow for SIG Sauer engineers to take the nebulous concept of “feel” and translate it to being one of best shooting pistols on the market right out of the box. For more information, please visit SIGSauer.com.
Beretta is the oldest continuous firearms fabricator in the world. Through the centuries the company has manufactured all types of firearms, but it wasn’t until 1920 that they started to produce small pocket pistols. The first was the Model 1920 in .25 ACP, which was a blowback self-loader with a concealed hammer and exposed barrel. An improved variation called the Model 418 was the choice of British Agent 007, James Bond, in the early Ian Fleming novels.
The little Beretta .25 semi-autos were popular in America, but the Gun Control Act of 1968 put the skids to their importation. Beretta USA came into being in 1980 and shortly thereafter the Model 950B in .25 ACP was in production domestically. It evolved into the Model 21A in 1988, and in 1994 it became available with an aluminum frame and was called the Bobcat. The newest rendition is the Model 21A Bobcat Covert in .22 LR.
The Beretta Bobcat Reborn
The Model 21A Bobcat Covert can trace its lineage back to the Beretta Model 20 that was introduced in 1968. Prior to this, the small Beretta .22 and .25 pistols had a single-action (SA) mechanism. However, the Model 20 was produced in double action (DA), offering more safety and security when a round was carried in the chamber. The Bobcat Covert continues along this line. It can be fired by a pull on the long, stiff DA trigger or the exposed hammer can be cocked and the pistol fired SA. In this mode, the trigger has a bit of take-up before breaking at 5.8 pounds. There’s a frame-mounted thumb safety, which can be pushed up into the “safe” position to allow the gun to be carried in Condition One.
Like all the small Beretta pistols, the front half of the slide doesn’t cover over the barrel. The gun’s 2.9-inch barrel has a downward extension up by the muzzle that is pinned into the frame, producing a hinge. On the frame, just behind the trigger is a small latch. Pushing this latch forward unlocks the barrel, which can move upward on the hinge, exposing the chamber.
Threaded for Suppressor Use
Additionally, the muzzle of the new Covert has standard 0.5×28 threads to allow the use of a suppressor, and a knurled thread cap protects the muzzle when a suppressor isn’t in use. A “half-moon” front sight is integral to the barrel. The steel slide is serrated at the rear to aid in slide retraction, and there is no extractor as the blowback action serves to toss the empty case out of the chamber.
The aluminum-alloy frame only has the two previously mentioned controls. There is no slide stop, so the slide doesn’t lock back on an empty chamber. The exposed hammer spur is rounded, pierced and has tiny serrations. Both the backstrap and frontstrap of the grip frame are serrated; the upper-rear portion of the backstrap has a beavertail projection. The attractive two-piece walnut grip panels are checkered with a laser-cut Beretta logo. On the left panel, just above the butt, is a dished-out area that surrounds the push-button magazine release. The single-column magazine holds seven .22 LR cartridges. A Bruniton finish protects the slide and barrel, while the frame finish is a matching matte black. There’s also a Model 21A FDE version with a flat dark earth Cerakote finish.
A Seasoned Citizen’s Take
Several of the Covert Bobcats features can, in my opinion, serve to make this little pistol viable for those whose age and/or infirmities make operating a handgun difficult. Ergonomically, it fits my medium-sized hand like a glove, plus it is lightweight and compact. Since the Covert is blowback operated, the recoil spring must be fairly heavy in order to keep the slide in battery when the cartridge is fired and chamber pressures are the highest. This means that the slide is somewhat difficult to retract for loading. No worries though, the loaded magazine can be inserted into the magazine well and then the barrel latch can be pushed so the barrel pops open on its hinge. A round can be loaded in the chamber or kept in readiness for loading when needed.
I’ve mentioned the stiff DA trigger pull. This can be negated by manually cocking the hammer and then pushing the safety up into the “safe” position. To fire the Covert, all that needs to be done is place a cartridge in the chamber, press the barrel down and then press the thumb safety lever down into “fire” position, which exposes a red half-circle on the slide. Now, take up the slack and finish the SA pull on the trigger.
Packs Discreetly
To pack around the Bobcat Covert, I elected to use the new Fastrax Pac Waistpack from Galco…the “fanny pack” is back. I was sent a model that will fit many small auto-loaders and revolvers. The body of the pouch is made of ballistic nylon and has zipper closures on top and in the front. There are two zipper pulls on the upper zipper so the pouch can be opened on the right or left side. Inside the main pouch is a holster made of a synthetic, leather-like material. It is connected to the pouch and hinged, so that a pull-cord extending outside the pouch on the side can be pulled, which raises the holster to a vertical position, allowing the gun to be drawn. The Fastrax Pac comes in a black/gray color in nylon and a black leather version has just recently been added.
To see how the Bobcat Covert would handle with the added length of a suppressor, I ordered an inert model from Gemtech. The GM-22 has the look, feel and weight of the real thing, it just doesn’t suppress sound.
Range Day
Experienced shooters know that a .22 LR firearm can be picky as far as ammunition is concerned. As the Model 21A Bobcat Covert is not a target gun, I did not plan to use target-type .22-LR ammunition, opting for only high-velocity loads from CCI, Federal, Remington and Winchester.
With my Oehler Model 35P chronograph assembled, all six brands/types of test cartridges were shot through the sky screens to get a reading. Not unexpectedly, the Winchester Varmint HE, with its 37-grain bullet, was the only cartridge to average four figures. It also caused feeding and ejection problems beginning with the first five rounds.
For accuracy, shooting was done from the bench using a sandbag rest at 10 yards due to the sights and short sight radius. Shooting was done SA, and three five-shot groups were fired with each load. The tightest five-shot cluster was 1.46 inches with the Remington 40-grain solid “Golden” cartridges. The little Beretta tended to shoot low and slightly left. I was surprised that group averages were all under 2.5 inches. The Winchester Varmint HE loads grouped well, but with continuing malfunctions in the Covert, I eliminated it from further use.
Rounds Downrange
For a practical shooting exercise, I put up a large oval-shaped bullseye from HD Targets and added a smaller 8-inch bullseye target to act as the head, making a “sort-of-silhouette.” Beretta had sent me two extra magazines (the Covert comes with just one), so I loaded them up with the CCI and Federal .22 HP rounds. The third magazine I loaded with the Winchester M*22 cartridges.
I loaded the Beretta Bobcat and put on the Galco Fastrax Pac, placing the pistol inside the swivel holster and zipping it up. Then I presented the Covert from the fanny pack and fired three shots from 3 yards, two center mass and one to the head. Next, I moved back to 5 yards and repeated this process. Lastly, from 7 yards I fired the last two shots center-mass. I didn’t use anything other than a flash sight picture, but two-thirds of my hits were in center scoring areas.
Additional Exercises
Returning to my musings about a bedside table ready condition for the Bobcat Covert, I performed an experiment to see if this idea was indeed doable and real-world. I set the Beretta up with a loaded magazine, the barrel popped up, a round laying loose by the gun, and the hammer cocked and locked. I simulated a sleep position with my head near the bench and on signal, I looked behind me at another silhouette target I’d made, determining a threat. Almost simultaneously, I reached for the Beretta, inserted the round in the chamber, pushed the barrel closed, swung on the target, took the safety off and fired. The target was about 5 yards away like an across-the-bedroom shot. My best time was 3.92 seconds.
I next attached the inert Gemtech suppressor to the Beretta Bobcat Covert. With the suppressor in place, the miniscule sights cannot be used at all. Your best bet is to line the pistol up as straight with the intended target as possible and keep the shooting distances short. The fact that I was able to make good hits on the target at 5 yards is attributable to the fact that this little Beretta fits my hand so well and points so naturally.
Have Gun, Will Travel
Rule #1 in a gunfight is to have a gun. Rule #2 in my book is to have a reliable gun. With a small blowback pistol such as this, you must have a carry cartridge that’s going to work every time. If that round has a solid point bullet, so be it. Also, obtaining a smooth draw of the Beretta from the Galco Fastrax Pac will take practice, practice, practice.
If you’re a neophyte to the handgun world, the Beretta Model 21A Bobcat Covert might not be appropriate as a first choice for defense. I think it can do the job if the shooter is willing to put in the time and practice. Being a .22 rimfire, you can shoot tons of ammo without going broke. It is fun to shoot and could make a fantastic plinker.
Beretta Model 21 Bobcat Covert Specs
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 2.9 inches
Overall Length: 3.7 inches
Overall Weight: 11.8 ounces (empty)
Grips: Checkered walnut
Sights: Fixed notch rear, half-circle blade front
Action: Blowback semi-auto
Finish: Matte black Burniton
Overall Capacity: 7+1
MSRP: $529
Beretta Bobcat Performance
Load
Velocity
Accuracy
CCI MiniMag 40 Segmented HP
909
1.56
CCI Clean-22 40 Pink Poly-Coated Solid
895
2.15
Federal Premium Hunter/Match 40 HP
9028
1.85
Remington “Golden” 40 Solid
838
1.46
Winchester M*22 40 Black Copper Solid
869
1.59
Winchester Varmint HE 37 Segmented HP
1,005
1.69
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 30 feet.
SIG Sauer just launched an entire new series of guns from SIG Custom Works, and its sure to turn some heads. The SIG Custom Works Nightmare Series blacks out classic pistols P229, P220 and P226. The resulting look is pure badassery.
“You’re not going to be able to find a much prettier gun, and you’re probably not going to be able to find a much more limited run than you will with the Nightmare Series guns,” said Phil Strader, Pistol Product Manager, SIG Sauer.
The SIG Nigthmare treatment calls back from the old SIG P239. Along the way, SIG incorporated Nightmare treatments to other guns, such as the 1911. Now the Custom Works applies the Nightmare to SIG’s most classic lines.
The Nightmare Series features a blacked out Custom Works engraved slide and blacked out frame with nickel-plated contrasting controls. Each gun includes a Hogue Classic Contour SL G-10 Grip. The Series also comes packaged with a Custom Works Negrini pistol case. Inside, customers receive a challenge coin and a certified custom certificate.
“Now the great thing about this, it shows you how exclusive your build is,” referring to the certified certificate. “And these are also only going to be made in limited numbers.”
Choice is what makes the free market economy so tantalizing. What am I talking about? Sure, there are existing striker-fired polymer pistols already on the market, but that does not stop other companies from introducing their take on the topic. All of this leads to competition with the consumer benefiting, i.e. capitalism at work. At the 2020 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous gathering I took note that SAR USA was attending. I had been hearing good things about their SAR9 striker-fired pistol. I was eager to get more acquainted with it.
SAR USA is the exclusive U.S. importer for all firearms products produced by Sarsilmaz Silah Sanayi (SAR) of Istanbul, Turkey. Sarsilmaz is one of the largest firearms manufactures in the world. Founded in 1840, it produces numerous firearms and supplies many NATO countries.
Initial discussion with SAR USA’s Todd Pearson was quick to establish that the SAR9 is no “knock off” clone. The SAR9 features fully ambi controls. Meanwhile, well thought out ergonomics provide for natural and instinctive aiming. Three interchangeable grip panels allow for end user tweaking for what fits best for them. The SAR9 frame is made of high-strength, impact-resistant polymer. SAR conducted extensive testing to make sure the SAR9 can function and endure in any environment. The Turkish military even adopted the SAR9 after a 90,000-round comparison test against guns from manufacturers such as Glock, SIG Sauer, FN, Walther and Smith & Wesson.
I took advantage of the exclusive setting to send a couple-hundred rounds of 9mm down range from the SAR9. SAR USA COO Todd Pearson just kept handing me magazines. It would have been rude to refuse. The SAR9 trigger offers a 6-pound pull weight. Trigger snobs will wrinkle their nose at this. The SAR9 is a personal defense/service weapon, not a competition piece. The trigger pull is clean with no crunching or grinding. A graph of the trigger pull would be interesting as there was something about it in a positive way that resists words. Reset length is minimal with positive tactile feel. This translates into a handgun that can send rounds downrange rapidly and accurately.
Proven Components & Features
The SAR9 arrives with two 17-round metal mags. Well done front and rear slide serrations ensure solid purchase when manipulating the slide. An ambidextrous frame-mounted safety is present. You can actively use it or flick it down and leave it there serving as a rest point for your thumb, like a 1911. The safety is surely a result of military trials as well as import regulations.
The polymer frame features a MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail for lights/lasers. The barrel locks up tight when in battery. The SAR9 operates via a modified Browning locked breech short-recoil method with a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber. The SAR9’s slide mass and shape help deliver increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. A low bore axis relative to the shooter’s hand enables a very stable sight picture no matter the number or speed of rounds fired.
Polymer-framed striker-fired handguns are inherently lighter, thinner, and simpler due to the limited number of parts compared to steel-frame hammer-fired pistols. It needs less large steel parts; thus, there are fewer parts with a chance to fail. Generally, this makes the gun easier to maintain and more reliable. The relative quick adoption of striker fired weapons for LE and military use around the world bears out this truth. The SAR9 is portable, reliable controllable, and lethal. This is a perfect combo for a defense handgun. For more info, please visit sarusa.com.
