Handguns

Clay discusses reasons for malfunctions in his pistol build.

Smith & Wesson’s K-frame series is, without question, the most prolific series of revolvers ever produced. If my count is correct, Smith offers, at least 14 models based on the K-frame. Calibers includes .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum. However, the Queen of the K-frames is, and will always be the Model 19 Combat Magnum.

The XDE from Langdon Tactical Technologies is a heck of a shooter. Springfield Armory built a terrific little hammer-fired gun, and Ernest Langdon perfected it.

In my opinion, the K6 series of revolvers are some of the best personal defense revolvers on the market. In a world of polymer wonder nines, I appreciate that Kimber has dedicated significant resources to designing and manufacturing a solid wheelgun.

Aftermarket specialist Apex Tactical Specialties has a real treat coming up for FN 509 owners, a tricked-out 5-inch longslide assembly.

Ruger has long been a leader in handguns, at least in terms of numbers. But while they have been the King of Rimfire, and arguably single-action revolvers, in my opinion, their polymer guns left something to be desired. That really started changing about 4 years ago, with the advent of the

I consistently say that I try to judge a gun by how well I can shoot it, not by specs and rested accuracy results. On that scale, it has excelled. And that, my friends, is what we want from a top-shelf 1911 handgun – and it’s what Dan Wesson delivers with the TCP.

I have shot a lot of 10mm guns in my life, so I say this with some weight behind it. The Mk10 is the best 10mm on the market, hands down. At any price. And I can offer no higher praise than that.

This week, I finally got my hands on a long-overdue sample from the all new XDM Elite line up of guns. The Elite series is pretty much everything you would add from the aftermarket to an XDM, configured at the factory, and with a price that won’t break the bank.