Handguns

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield X is not just a stretched Shield with a fresh label slapped on the box. It shoots flatter, carries easier than a thicker compact, and makes a very strong case for being the smarter slimline 9mm for everyday carry.

The HK VP9CC brings the VP9 bloodline into a true micro-compact 9mm carry pistol, complete with German engineering, an ultra-low optic cut, and the kind of price tag that makes expectations very serious. After 800 trouble-free rounds, this little HK has plenty to brag about, even if a few sharp edges bite back.

The Rock Island Armory GI Standard 1911 looks like a no-frills throwback, but this budget .45 turned out to be far more shootable and drama-free than its price tag suggests. After 300 rounds and zero malfunctions, the question is not whether it is cheap. It is whether this plain GI-style pistol might be the smartest low-dollar entry into the 1911 platform.

Ten handgun hunters, black bears inside 25 to 50 yards, fading light, and a week full of lessons. This Maine black bear handgun hunt delivered close calls, hard-earned misses, standout revolver performance, and enough honest takeaways to make us want another crack at it.

If you’re looking for a different thrill this fall, take a handgun hunting.

The Unit 9 Compact is not some toy pretending to be a training pistol. It is a Glock 19-style, CO2-powered, non-lethal training system built for real reps, real feedback, and real force-on-force work without the range drama.

Glock may still be the 800-pound polymer gorilla, but bans, lawsuits, and years of slow evolution have shooters looking hard at what else is out there. From Canik to Walther, these striker fired Glock alternatives are not just second choices, they are serious contenders.

The EAA Witness2311 CMXX comes out swinging with flat-shooting manners, a built-in comp, and a price that makes the 2011 crowd a lot less intimidating. It is not perfect, and the trigger started out rougher than advertised, but this compact double-stack definitely has enough going for it to make budget-minded shooters pay attention.

Springfield’s 4-inch SA-35 keeps the soul of the Hi Power alive while making it faster, handier, and easier to carry. If you already like the full-size gun, this trimmed-down steel 9mm may be the one that really gets under your skin.