Semi-Autos

Caracal is back, and they are better than ever. After a very limited release and subsequent full recall a few years ago, new Enhanced F pistols are finally available again.

“If only SIG Sauer would offer the P226 in more configurations,” said no one. Ever. Okay, I couldn’t help opening with a bit of snark, but if you pay attention to the firearms market you know that there are about as many SKUs for the P226 as there have been for G.I. Joe. Enter the P226 ASE. And it’s a beauty.

I have been writing for over 35 years and until this project I’ve never owned or shot an Ed Brown 1911. When I contacted Ed Brown Products, I requested the Ed Brown Special Forces model, which has been the anchor of their pistols lineup for many years. If their base duty/personal-defense handgun was up to par, the other models would be also. I was not disappointed.

Ruger is launching a cool new SR1911 chambered for 10mm Auto. The company is also issuing a recall on select Mark IV rimfire pistols.

The name Multi-Sight, as it suggests, means that these pistols are ready to accept a variety of different types of sights with very little effort. The top rear of the slide has been milled out to accept a number of available drop-in tops.

The Heckler & Kock SP5K 9mm is a rock-solid, proven design that all others must aspire to emulate. This gun is still a bargain compared to an original SP89, and I think is a better option based on how it comes equipped. If you want the real thing, it is definitely for you.

Kimber turned its sights on the .380 concept with the Micro CDP and an entire Micro .380 line. Looking like a highly refined Colt Mustang (exactly what it is, just like the Sig Sauer P238 Series) with a standard capacity of 6 +1 the .380 ACP Micro series left Kimber with one remaining challenge and in 2016 Kimber took the next logical step by introducing a slightly larger Micro variation chambered in 9mm.

My first thought when reading the breaking news of the new X-Five line was that SIG was making some neat looking cosmetic changes to the pistol and maybe a bell here or a whistle there. It wasn’t until I received the test sample of the P320 X-Five and immediately tore it apart before I realized that the mad scientists at SIG had done much more than that! It is a P320, and shares the same internal serialized chassis (or fire control group) as the rest of the series. But in just about every other way it is a completely new and different gun.

Love it or hate it, the 10mm round deserves respect. Both the chambering and the 6.3-inch barrel that Dan Wesson equips the Bruin with make it a great choice for hunting—especially with 10mm cartridges loaded to their full potential. Pigs, deer, and bear within close range will fall prey to the Bruin.