Table of contents for May - June 2023 in Combat Handguns

With its several variants on the market, Sig Sauer’s P365 series is one of the most popular firearms for self-defense and concealed carry. Part of the P365’s success is its modular trigger chassis (Fire Control Unit) that can be swapped from frame to frame, making it one of the most customizable striker-fired pistols on the market. To appeal to a mass audience of potential buyers, attention has to be paid to the price point of the P365 series, necessitating certain features or extras to not be included to keep it economically accessible. This has opened the door for third-party companies to step in and offer more boutique options, including upgraded materials and features, performance enhancements, and a bit of personalization or an improved visual aesthetic. These are the areas where…

The sport of USPSA is one of the best ways to test your shooting skills and run your equipment the way it’s meant to be. Handguns are defensive tools made for short-range shooting when time is of the essence. If you are standing in place trying to cut one-hole groups at a static range, I hate to say it, but you’re doing it wrong. For all intents and purposes, most full-sized pistols share a near-identical level of accuracy. While I’m sure that statement is going to draw fire, think about it. How many guns can’t land a headshot on a silhouette target at 25 yards, granted it is filled with quality ammo and the shooter does his part, right? So, be that as it may, competition equipment classes are carved…

Now in my 44th year as an expert witness for the courts in cases involving weapons and use of force, I continue to be appalled at the number of myths about armed self-defense that I run across on the internet and elsewhere. Let’s look at just a couple, in hopes of clearing matters up. THE GRAND JURY Some believe it’s unfair to put a self-defense shooting in front of a grand jury, which is solely the prosecution’s province. A grand jury is a group of citizens who will hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and witnesses called by the prosecutor and determine whether or not a crime has been committed based on that input. If the answer is yes, the result is called a “true bill,” and the defendant is…

SilencerCo is one of the most respected and well-known names in the suppressor business. They are also a great story of drive and success. From humble beginnings making cans in a garage, they have grown to become one of the largest suppressor manufacturers in the world. Their lineup is extensive, and they have a great reputation for performance. They have also positioned themselves well in a time when suppressor use is on the rise. People are realizing that there are a million reasons to suppress your guns. In my opinion, one of the most profound reasons is hearing protection. Another equally important reason is that it makes the entire shooting experience more enjoyable. This is important for new shooters when running handguns. I was fortunate to visit with SilencerCo at…

Have you ever worked a gun’s action and thought, “Ohhh, that’s butter.” No? Well, if you ever pick up anything made by Wilson Combat, I can guarantee you’ll catch yourself saying that more than once. The AR9-X from Wilson Combat was no different than I expected. Its smooth action and high-quality build met my expectations. Since 1977, Wilson Combat has been building custom 1911 handguns, tactical long guns and accessories. The company services The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, HQ SOCOM, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Diplomatic Security Service, Texas Rangers, and other law enforcement and military units worldwide. That is a testament in and of itself. WC AR9-X CARBINE Many firearm manufacturers have released their own version of a pistol-caliber carbine…

CALIBER 9mm BARREL 4.7 inches OA LENGTH 8.2 inches WEIGHT 35.4 ounces (empty) (empty) GRIP Hogue G10 SIGHTS X-RAY3 Day/Night ACTION Striker-fired FINISH Nitron CAPACITY 17+1 MSRP: $1,199 For the last four decades and since Glock introduced the G17, the hallmark of a striker-fired pistol was the ubiquitous polymer frame. While offering some weight savings and cost reduction, I’ve long felt that polymer-framed pistols lack any real visual appeal. Only recently have manufacturers—usually third-party vendors—begun to think outside the box with new styling or enhancements to add a dash of aesthetics to the mix where polymer frames are concerned. Even so, there’s still something a little more organic and appealing about a pistol with a metal frame. Both Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer have heard the laments of old-school…

5.11 Tactical Gear and Apparel Keeping your feet dry and comfy makes for one happy shooter. The 5.11 A/T Mid Waterproof Boots is an extension of the widely popular A/T series with the addition of waterproof protection that combines with the A.T.L.A.S. technology for proper weight distribution, improved stability and return energy for all-day comfort. What operator would be complete without a Maverick Battle Belt to mount a holster and accessories? The proven and proprietary TAC-LAM high-strength laminate on the outer belt in an ergonomic shape combines with an inner hook-and-loop webbing for a proper fit. Laser-cut MOLLE slots along the belt allow for mounting plenty of duty gear. The COBRA buckle assures a secure fit while the included D-ring gives added versatility. Keep your plates secure and gear close at…

Reece exited his Land Cruiser and called to the driver of the Charger, “Hey buddy, are you okay? I didn’t see you there!” The driver of the Charger opened fire, blowing out the window next to Reece’s head. Drawing his Taran Tactical Glock 19, Reece immediately starts delivering accurate shots through the windshield, while moving on the threat. In less than five seconds, Reece delivers 13 rounds—the last two burst through the driver’s window, ensuring the driver, Gordo, won’t be following him anytime soon! In 2018, Jack Carr burst onto the scene with his first novel, The Terminal List. Carr, a retired SEAL, had a passion for adventure novels and had grown up reading Tom Clancy, J. C. Pollock and David Morrell, just to mention a few. Carr’s protagonist, James…

The SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade) Show is our annual industry convention that allows firearms industry professionals to see what’s new from their favorite manufacturers. Held the third week of January in Las Vegas, this year’s meeting had more than 52,000 attendees and more than 2,500 exhibitors that covered many miles of floor space. This was the second year that exhibitors expanded over to the Caesars Forum after all of the space at the Venetian Expo had been allocated. Without further ado, here are some of the holster highlights we uncovered. ALIEN GEAR A division of Tedder Industries, Alien Gear is really coming on strong of late. This year they introduced their new Roswell line of Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) and Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters. Made from…

It’s hard for me to pin down exactly how and when my fascination with derringers began. I vaguely remember various Western TV shows and movies where derringers were employed on occasion. But what cinched it for me was when Charles Bronson used one in a movie in the late ’80s. It was his 1987 movie, Assassination, and as a kid in my teens, I figured that if Charles Bronson used one, then it must be the cat’s pajamas. Over the ensuing decades, I’ve had the chance to play with quite a few derringers from different makers in a variety of calibers. The one manufacturer that I kept going back to was Bond Arms. Aside from some of their unique caliber offerings, the derringers of Bond Arms were beyond reproach when…