When the XD-S hit the scene, Springfield Armory knew they had a winner. The thin .45 ACP redefined how many thought of concealed carry. Then they built one in 9mm. And now they’ve rounded out the collection with the .40 S&W, which we’ve taken for a test-drive.
Gun Reviews
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We Shoot the New .40 S&W XD-S from Springfield Armory
Published: January 8, 2016 Updated: January 8, 20166 New Year’s Resolutions for a Fitter Colt in 2016
Published: January 7, 2016 Updated: January 7, 2016If Colt was a person, that person stopped going to the gym a long time ago. It’s time for Colt to make some New Year’s resolutions and get back in shape.
We Shoot the New Walther PPS M2–New Gun Review
Published: January 3, 2016 Updated: January 3, 2016Just in time for SHOT Show 2016, Walther is releasing the PPS M2. This is a total overhaul of the original PPS. So what’s new about the M2 version? A lot. Check out our review…
We Shoot the Ruger American Pistol–Review
Published: December 29, 2015 Updated: December 29, 2015Brand new from Ruger–a new polymer framed pistol. The Ruger American Pistol is going to shake things up. So how does the new gun stack up? We’ve got one in for review.
The Henry Original–New Old Gun Review
Published: December 24, 2015 Updated: December 24, 2015The original Henry may well be lost to history, but you can still shoot a Henry Original. And this monster lever-action is an experience. This historic firearm was once a monumental leap forward in firearms technology. How does it stack up today?
Aero Precision and SilencerCo team up for this suppressed .308 upper
Published: December 22, 2015 Updated: December 22, 2015Aero, Ballistic Advantage and SilencerCo teamed up to build this suppressed .308 Winchester carbine upper designed to run full-time with an Omega can.
SIG SAUER’S Classic P225 Re-Born
Published: December 16, 2015 Updated: December 16, 2015Looking for a compact single-stack that runs like a much bigger gun? Check out the SIG P225-A1. In a year full of compact 9mms, this one offers something different.
Shooting History: The Colt Woodsman
Published: December 10, 2015 Updated: December 10, 2015Like most Colt Automatic Pistols, John Browning had a hand in the design of the Woodsman. I say he had a hand in it because this one was not designed by him alone. Still, nothing runs like an old Colt.
Perfect Christmas? Umarex Steel Force
Published: November 25, 2015 Updated: November 25, 2015Have a kid in your life that is ready to talk about real guns? I’m talking about AR-15s and AK-47s. Check out the Umarex Steel Force line. This is one of those rare gems that is fun and educational–though I will say that the fun part wins out when you switch it into six shot burst mode.
Gallery Gun Fun Henry’s Pump 22
Published: November 18, 2015 Updated: November 18, 2015“Hey folks! Step right on up and see if you are up to the challenge. Hit the targets and win a prize! Everyone is a winner except the losers!” I wish there were still real shooting galleries at state fairs and carnivals. With a little work and this Henry Pump Action .22, you can make your own shooting gallery and let the fun begin.
The Galil Ace–7.62 x 39 Perfected
Published: November 16, 2015 Updated: November 16, 2015There’s nothing wrong with a good AK-47. But rifle design has continued to evolve. So what would a truly modern AK look like? I’m not talking about an AK with some plastic quad rails–I’m talking about the Galil Ace. Well, the wait is over. They’re finally state-side. And they kick ass.
FN SCAR 17: The Quest for the Perfect Semi-Auto Battle Rifle
Published: November 15, 2015 Updated: November 15, 2015I’m on the hunt for a hard-hitting rifle capable of delivering excellent terminal ballistics at extended range. But it also has to be fast and versatile for close quarters work. Is there a gun out there that can do both? We’ve put the FN SCAR 17 to the test and are here with the results.
Taurus Raging Bull .44 Mag Revolver – Return of the Classic Model 444
Published: November 10, 2015 Updated: November 10, 2015I have always been a fan of the .44 Magnum, not because it is the biggest boy on the block (it’s not), but because you can always get ammo for it, and it’s easy and cheap to reload. But probably the biggest strength of the .44 Mag is that you can get ammo at most any gun shop, and even at Walmarts that still carry ammo. To me that outweighs the little bit of extra power you can get with guns that are more powerful, and that have much more expensive and rare ammo. I think every gun accumulation should have a .44 Mag in it. And if you can afford one of the top name (and price) brands, you should consider them. But if you’re on a budget, I have found that this new generation of Taurus products are extremely high quality. The Model 444 Raging Bull 44 Mag .has been around for a generation at this point, and at a street price of under $700, I thought it was worth a new look and a range test. After a couple hundred rounds downrange, the gun did not disappoint. The Raging Bull is a handful, to hold and to shoot, but if you are in the market for a .44 Mag, I think you’d be surprised by this big Taurus stainless steel revolver.
IWI’s Pistol, the Jericho 941–9mm Overkill
Published: November 8, 2015 Updated: November 8, 2015Tired of anorexic plastic pistols? IWI (who makes the Tavor) is making a serious 9mm. This robust double-stack is built like a 1950s super model. How does the substantial 9mm perform on the range and what’s the appeal of an overbuilt pistol? Read our review.
Troy Takes on the AK-47
Published: November 7, 2015 Updated: November 7, 2015What happens when an innovative AR maker takes on the task of modernizing the AK-47? The results, at least in Troy’s case, are almost perfect. Their new furniture gives you the option to add lights, lasers, grips, and optics as easily as you would on most other black rifles.
PTR 32P – The H&K Style AK Alternative
Published: November 1, 2015 Updated: November 1, 2015Looking for AK reliability and performance in something that isn’t an AK? Check out the PTR 32P, an H&K clone with serious potential. This over-sized pistol comes to life with the addition of an arm brace. The PTR 32P would make an ideal truck gun.
Silencer Review: Gemtech G5-T 5.56mm Suppressor and Suppressed Bolt Carrier
Published: October 30, 2015 Updated: October 30, 2015Want to round out that perfect AR-15? Check out Gemtech’s 5.56 suppressor and the bolt carrier they’ve built to go with it. Serious sound suppression from a can that’s easy to use.
Dan Wesson ECO–The Perfect EDC 1911?
Published: October 15, 2015 Updated: October 15, 2015Some pistols seem to simply exist. They’re fun on the range, but they lack defining purpose. And then there’s the Dan Wesson ECO. This is a compact single action that has every feature you could want on a single action meant for concealed carry. Check out our review.
Molot Vepr 12 – Saiga 12 alternative or upgrade?
Published: October 14, 2015 Updated: October 14, 2015When the import bans made the Saiga shotguns much more precious, many of us went looking for an alternative. Today, we’re kicking the tires on a Vepr 12–and we like what we see. Could this Russian import be even better than the Saigas? It is much easier to find, and priced right. But how does it handle the abuse?
Walther’s American Pistols
Published: October 10, 2015 Updated: October 10, 2015Walther is best known for a gun they designed in the middle of the last century. But the new polymer pistols are geared for the American market. Walther’s making guns for daily carry, for competition, and concealed carry. We had the rare opportunity to shoot all of them recently and are here with a retrospective.
The Century PAP M92 – Krink on a Budget
Published: October 9, 2015 Updated: October 9, 2015The Century PAP M92 might be the most AK you can buy for the money. The over-sized pistol is formidable right out of the box. But with a few modifications, this gun becomes a serious tool for close quarters work. Check out what we’ve done to the M92.
Brand New from Sig–Legion 9mm Pistol–Hands On Review
Published: October 6, 2015 Updated: October 6, 2015Sig Sauer is launching a new line of guns and gear that they call “Legion.” The Sig team describes the Legion series as gear that a Navy SEAL might carry when off duty. The best way to think of the Sig P229 Legion is to envision what a serious shooter might have a custom gunsmith do to their new P229 to make it the ideal carry gun.
Benelli 828U–The Future of the Over-Under Shotgun
Published: October 2, 2015 Updated: August 3, 2024Over and under shotguns have been around for quite some time and have changed relatively little over the decades. Cosmetically, the Benelli 828U looks like a slightly more space age take on the classic double, but the under the hood features are what stand out as the unique elements of this shotgun.
Henry Frontier Carbine Evil Roy Edition
Published: October 2, 2015 Updated: October 2, 2015When I pulled this gun out of its unassuming box, I was predisposed to like it. Lever action rifles are fun–even more so when they’re chambered in .22 LR. But then I shot the gun. I don’t know what kind of magic Henry is using to produce these guns, but I like it! This may be the best range experience I’ve had this year.
The NAA Mini Revolver: Defensive Gun or Novelty?
Published: September 19, 2015 Updated: September 19, 2015The NAA Mini Revolver may look like a novelty to some. These things are tiny. But they shoot .22 magnums. So are they a useful tool for self defense?
The New Ruger Precision Rifle–Everything Done Right?
Published: September 18, 2015 Updated: September 18, 2015The Ruger Precision Rifle may be the single biggest story of the summer for those who like rifles with long range capabilities. Ruger’s unique design is accurate, affordable, and capable of connecting at some impressive distances. And for those of you who like the flexibility and modularity of the AR platform, the RPR has even more to offer.
Kimber’s Summer Guns–Form and Function
Published: September 14, 2015 Updated: September 14, 2015This Kimber Stainless II Classic Engraved 1911 may be the perfect mix of form and function. If you like a bit of decoration on you single actions, but don’t want to give up any of the functional aspects needed for carry, check out Kimber’s engraved pistols.
The Benelli M4–the Definition of Tactical
Published: September 11, 2015 Updated: September 11, 2015Everyone I know who owns a shotgun started out with a pump. Where do you go when you want something just a bit faster, or more responsive? Automatics have a reputation for being finicky–at best. But not the Benelli M4. This may be the most complete tactical shotgun in production today.
Carrying the Taurus Curve
Published: September 3, 2015 Updated: September 3, 2015We got a sneak peak of the Taurus Curve last year, but didn’t get to give it the full attention it deserves. This isn’t a gun that shines on the range. It has to be carried in order to be appreciated. We’ve had The Curve in rotation some this summer, and are here with a follow-up on our initial review.
Zenith Z-5P – The MP5K Done Right
Published: September 2, 2015 Updated: September 2, 2015We here at GunsAmerica have a deep respect for the MP5. Today we’re test driving an MP5K from Zenith Firearms. Before you make assumptions about the quality of the imported H&K clones, you should check out this review. Zenith’s Z-5P is a contender.