Indice dei contenuti per July/August 2020 in Combat Handguns

I’m writing this in the early stages of the COVID-19 virus panic. Schools are empty, theaters are shut down, many restaurants are closed, and whole areas are under “self-isolation” orders. In many jurisdictions, police are only responding to emergencies. Manpower among the emergency services is thin. Chatter on the internet indicates many people believe that in times of such disaster, laws are somehow suspended just because the cops can’t be there. Nothing is further from the truth. The rules governing justifiable deadly force are still the same. History shows that such situations in this country will inevitably run their course and society will rebuild. Police will inevitably investigate shootings that occurred during the disaster. To make matters worse, if a justified shooting has occurred during the disaster in a community…

Smith & Wesson introduced the subcompact M&P9 Shield in 2012, and the gun became an immediate success. While there are smaller and lighter 9mm pistols out there, the Shield hit the sweet spot between compactness and shoot-ability at a very affordable price. I bought one retail a few years ago, and since then, the other subcompacts I used to carry have gathered dust in my gun safe. The Shield carries well—it’s not overly big or heavy, and I can shoot it nearly as well as my full-sized M&P9. Carried in a Kydex appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holster, the 9mm Shield has been my constant companion for the last three years. Not resting on their laurels, the decision-makers at Smith & Wesson conducted extensive surveys to see how they could improve the…

Honestly, I blame Keanu Reeves. Without the John Wick movies, I don’t know if the firearms industry would be so obsessed with competition-centric guns that help everyone shoot faster and more accurately on the clock. Not that I’m complaining (and please don’t get the wrong idea, Mr. Wick). I personally love seeing any machine souped-up for speed, be it a car, power tool or handgun. What red-blooded American wants to settle for the standard model when an “Elite Turbo 3000” edition is available? This brings me to the P320. When Sig Sauer debuted its first striker-fired handgun in 2014, I was immediately intrigued, and I know a lot of other shooters who took notice. Here was a truly modular handgun where you could move one serialized fire control group between…

Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) is a well-known firearms manufacturer located in Boise, Idaho. The company entered the marketplace back in 2007 with its legendary long-stroke gas piston system for AR-platform rifles. Since then, PWS has evolved into a titan with fire-arms in chamberings like the .223 Wylde, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62mm NATO and even the 9mm. That last chambering is important because PWS recently unveiled a kickass pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) in both rifle and pistol variants. I got my hands on the latter for this review. UNDER THE HOOD According to PWS’ president, Dean Sylvester, the decision to stick with an AR-style design was easy. It keeps things simple instead of reinventing the wheel. However, while the controls and ergonomics might be the same, the PCC stands out in a few…

As this issue was heading to press, the world was in full global-pandemic mode. Gun sales were surging to all-time highs, and the latest toilet paper and ammo famines were kicking into overdrive. But those who already reload ammunition were unfazed, knowing full well that they weren’t going to run out of fodder for their firearms. No, COVID-19 didn’t spur us on to create the free “Reloading Zone” video series on tactical-life.com. We’ve been working on it for a while. In fact, it’s a spinoff of our annual Complete Book of Reloading print publication, which is currently available for purchase at outdoorgroupstore.com. And now you can watch season one of “Reloading Zone” online for even more content. Handloading is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that can help you save money…

It’s fair to say that 1911 aficionados have very particular tastes. We have our favorite brands and specific preferences when it comes to beavertails, sights, triggers and the like. Some like modern styles, but others stick to more traditional pistols. And while there are a number of companies that make outstanding guns, most of us will admit that, given the choice, we would prefer to see “Colt” and “Harford, Conn. U.S.A.” on the frame. A Colt is the only true direct descendent of John Moses Browning and his iconic pistol. Colt’s journey in past years has been one of trials, tribulations and some triumphs. Focusing on the positive, in 2017, Ken Hackathorn told me that current-production Colt 1911s are some of the best pistols the company has made in years.…

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 “Playhouse.” 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…

Gun aren’t gender or age specific. Some people claim that certain firearms considered “easier” or “smaller” are better suited for women or young adults. But that’s not even close to reality. The truth is, guns are specific to each individual. One’s speed, accuracy and abilities with a firearm are totally dependent upon the individual and his or her training. It certainly comes easier for some people. Others have to work harder to master their firearms. But Cheyenne Dalton is a beautiful example of natural talent coupled with great accomplishments at a young age. Dalton is a junior shooter who competes in Rimfire Challenge, 3-Gun and USPSA matches. Her accomplishments include two Rimfire World Championships in the “Limited Lady” category (2014, 2016) along with countless state titles. While proud of each…

RACE-READY 9MM SHOOTOUT CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE VS. BERETTA 92X PERFORMANCE CZ SHADOW 2 ORANGE CALIBER 9mm BARREL 4.89 inches OA LENGTH 8.53 inches WEIGHT 46.5 ounces (empty) GRIPS Aluminum SIGHTS Fiber-optic front, adjustable rear ACTION DA/SA FINISH Nitride CAPACITY 17+1 MSRP $1,999 If one were to make a list of the most recognizable and iconic pistols of the past 50 years, the CZ 75 and Beretta 92 would probably make the top 10. Both pistols were products of the “Wondernine” era and saw extensive use in militaries around the globe. While both models were high-capacity specimens that used double-action/single-action (DA/SA) operating systems, they had their own unique features and flair that made them the epochal platforms that we know and respect today. Multiple variants, clones and custom iterations of the CZ 75 and…

Let’s face it: Taurus hasn’t had the greatest track record when it comes to semi-auto handguns. I’ve owned a few Taurus revolvers over the years with no complaints. But when it came to semi-auto handguns, I always strayed away from the company’s products. That is until now. The Taurus TX22 is one badass little plinker. It’ll be the one gun you play with all day, use to teach people how to shoot a handgun and show off to your friends at the range. In fact, the TX22 may very well be the best handgun Taurus has ever produced. Chambered in .22 LR and weighing in at only 17.3 ounces unloaded, it ships with a pair of 16-round magazines as well as a threaded barrel adapter and retails for only $349.…

While it’s true that SCCY offers pistols in practically any color you could want, the company has a lot more to offer now. This includes its first striker-fired model, the DVG-1, optics-ready variants for its full lineup, and the CPX-4. The CPX-4 is essentially a line extension of the CPX-3 in .380 ACP with an ambidextrous thumb safety, but there’s a lot more in store. I was quite intrigued when the opportunity arrived for me to cover this new gun. I’ve had a few chances to run SCCY firearms, but nothing that allowed for any extensive testing and evaluation. Thankfully, I got a head start on my assignment when I came across the CPX-4 at the 2019 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Driggs, Idaho, and several aspects of the gun really…

In a market flooded with small, compact, easily concealable pistols, sometimes people forget about the full-sized market. I happen to love full-sized handguns. My all-time favorite pistol is a 1911. So, this year at SHOT Show, I was very interested to see what manufacturers had to offer in this somewhat forgotten handgun category. Here are the highlights. BERETTA 92X PERFORMANCE This new competition pistol was created for speed and accuracy, combining one of the most reliable locking systems with a steel Vertec frame, a heavier Brigadier slide and more. This heavyweight tack driver also weighs in at 47.61 ounces unloaded to help reduce recoil and muzzle rise. The skeletonized hammer is paired with a match-grade hammer spring, and the new Extreme-S trigger mechanism ensures the pistol is completely drop safe…

When I started working for Lone Wolf Distributors back in 2010, it wasn’t that common to see reflex or red-dot sights installed on pistols. They interested me, but not enough for me to experiment with them. That changed in 2014 with the introduction of Smith & Wesson’s new M&P CORE pistol. It was one of the first to come from the factory with plates to mount a variety of red dots. My interest was piqued—so much so that I wrote an article discussing my testing with red dots versus iron sights. I evaluated a handful of optics against the standard iron sights and found that I was still faster with the latter. However, I wasn’t properly trained to master a red dot at the time, so my interest quickly fizzled…

READY TO WIN? Visit personaldefenseworld.com/win-sarusa for your chance to win this race gun, holster, ammo and range bag.* Every issue of Combat Handguns, we try to offer up the best guns and gear in our “Fully Loaded” giveaways. While past iterations have show-cased 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. 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…

You can judge a weapon’s popularity by its aftermarket support. Think of Glocks. But a number of companies are now offering kits and components for P320 series pistols, and now you can add Wilson Combat to that list with its new WC320 grip modules. These new polymer frames are currently available in black and tan for Full-Size and Carry variants with and without thumb safeties. I got my hands on a black Full-Size version for this article, and let me just say that I was impressed. The grip itself is narrower with thumb contours as well as Wilson’s highly effective Starburst texturing on the sides. The front- and backstraps have also been reshaped and textured for better ergonomics and traction. A Sig magazine release is included, and Wilson has rounded…

Lately, there seems to be a resurgence of interest in the 10mm Auto cartridge. Most of the major ammunition manufacturers are producing 10mm rounds in a variety of bullet weights and velocities. When it comes to handguns in this chambering, you’ll find semi-autos from Dan Wesson, Glock, Nighthawk, Sig Sauer and Wilson Combat. If you want to scratch the itch with a revolver, Ruger and Smith & Wesson offer the Super Redhawk and Model 610, respectively, which both use half-moon clips. The 10mm almost runs neck and neck with the .45 ACP, and it’s hard to notice any difference in recoil between the two when firing similar 1911s. With the .45 ACP and a 185-grain bullet, you’re looking at around 1,140 fps and 534 foot-pounds of energy (fpe). With the…

Most shooters started out with .22 LR fire-arms, and these days, a rimfire suppressor is also a logical first suppressor. We are in a golden age for rimfire suppressors, with many options depending on your needs. I recently tested six suppressors that paired well with my two host pistols—a custom-threaded Beretta 21A Bobcat and a new Taurus TX22. After loading up the “cans,” pistols and a large box of CCI ammunition, the showdown was on. SILENCERCO SWITCHBACK 22 If you’re only going to buy one suppressor, you probably want it to have the most positive qualities wrapped into one unit. If you agree, then you should look closely at the SilencerCo Switchback 22 for $499. It’s rated for .17 HMR, .17 WSM, .22 LR, .22 Hornet, .22 WMR and 5.7x28mm…

The .22 Long Rifle is without a doubt the most popular metallic cartridge in the world today. More .22 LR rounds are manufactured, sold and fired annually than all other non-military cartridges—rifle, handgun and shotgun combined. And the reasons for its popularity are easy to understand. First, .22 LR ammo is affordable. While its price has gone up, even the most prudent shooter can afford a couple of boxes without endangering the weekly budget. Also, .22s don’t make a lot of noise or recoil, making them a natural choice for teaching new shooters. As for hunting, the .22 LR is powerful enough for taking small game and larger vermin depending on the circumstances, and with good ammo, .22 LR firearms are capable of extraordinary accuracy. What’s not to like? Well,…

NEARLY 19 MILLION AMERICANS NOW HAVE CONCEALED-CARRY PERMITS, AND MILLIONS MORE KEEP HANDGUNS FOR HOME DEFENSE. Consequently, it’s easy to understand why companies both here and abroad frequently develop new and improved handgun ammunition. Many of these new loads also meet the needs of law enforcement officers, increasing the customer base even more. Like last year, the 2020 SHOT Show featured a number of new loads for personal protection and law enforcement. But defensive ammo isn’t the whole story. This year brought additional new handgun ammo for hunters and competition shooters as well. Let’s take a look. BARNAUL FMJs MKS Supply of Dayton, Ohio, is now importing Russian Barnaul ammunition for semi-auto pistols. All of the loads use full-metal-jacket (FMJ) bullets, polymer-coated steel cases and non-corrosive primers. The ammunition includes…