Handguns

When the new XDM came up, I asked Springfield Armory if they were ready to dance. Not only did they say yes, but they knew a good ammo guy. My proposal was 10,000 rounds, every round shot on camera. That is a huge risk for a new gun, and I had no way of knowing if it would survive.

Heizer Defense, the creators of the Pocket Shotgun, Pocket AR, and Pocket AK single-shot pistols, recently added a 45 Auto semi-auto pistol to their product line. With some innovative engineering, and liberal use of the unexpected, the PKO-45 is an amazingly thin single-stack 45 semi-auto that may be the ideal IWB concealed carry pistol for those looking for large caliber in a slim package.

Earlier this year, Beretta announced additions to the APX family: The Centurion and the Compact. Both are built for the worst-case scenario.

Somehow, the folks at Smith’s Performance Center have made the 1911 mini-me in 9mm with all the bells and whistles that runs like a full-grown model.

For a complete tactical solution, the XD(M) has some shortcomings. Springfield Armory heard that concern and and did something: They fixed them.

Taurus USA has been manufacturing 1911’s since 2005, and this year they released two new models based on Colt’s legendary designs. The Officer and Commander are both chambered in 45ACP and offer consumers all the features of a modern 1911 without the modern price tag.

The 1911 pistol is as much a part of the fabric of America as is baseball, fast cars, and pretty girls. Literally, countless young men headed off into harm’s way with one of Mr. Browning’s hand cannons tucked into their belts.

Wilson recently expanded their Glock customizations. I happened to have a Glock 43 in the safe so I was all in. But I still couldn’t believe the final product.

The service handguns chosen by the Army have always become essential weapons; the Remington New Army, the Colt Single Action Army, Browning’s M-1911 and the M-9 Beretta are all classics. Now you can get the latest chapter in this historic line, the SIG M17.