GunsAmerica Product Reviews – Pistols

After more than 250 rounds, the optics-ready Walther WMP proved accurate, comfortable, and ridiculously fun. Its 15+1 capacity, .40-inch best group, and surprising .22 WMR energy make this full-sized rimfire far more than a casual plinker.

The CANiK PRIME RADIAN packs Radian’s RAMJET and AFTERBURNER recoil-control package into a 17+1 micro-compact 9mm that shoots flatter than its size suggests. It is not cheap, and the trigger on this sample did not quite hit classic CANiK greatness, but the range performance makes a strong case for this carry-ready package.

Striker-fired pistols dominate today’s handgun market, but that does not automatically make them the best choice for every shooter. We put revolvers, single action, DA/SA, DAO, and striker-fired handgun actions under the microscope and on the range to see where each one shines.

KelTec completely reworked its original P50 concept with a drop-free 50-round magazine, machined receiver and smarter controls. We ran the KP50 hard, suppressed and unsuppressed, to see whether this 5.7x28mm oddball is genius or gimmick.

The Chiappa Rhino 60 DS 10mm looks like a sci-fi prop, fires from the bottom chamber, and somehow makes full-power 10mm Auto feel far more civilized than it should. I ran it with defensive, hunting, and range ammo to see if the weird design is real engineering or just revolver theater.

The Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm brings serious thumper energy without feeling cartoonishly huge. With optics-ready capability, stout woods-load performance, and M&P ergonomics, this 10mm makes a strong case as a backcountry pistol that still behaves like a modern fighting gun.

The plain SIG P365 still earns its place as a daily carry pistol because it balances concealability, capacity, shootability, and trust better than almost anything in the micro-compact 9mm world.

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.