pistol review

Last year, I reviewed the new STR-9, a 9MM semi-automatic pistol from Stoeger Industries of Istanbul, Turkey, for this very digital platform. Best known for its workhorse shotguns, Stoeger launched itself into self-defense handguns with the STR-9—and it did a workman-like job.

Throwback to early 2020, and FN released their smallest handgun in decades: the FN 503. Geared towards conceal-ability, FN states that “compromises in shootability, accuracy, and reliability with slim CCW handguns are solved.” This pistol utilizes single stack magazines to give it a total width of 1.1 inches. The slim design makes concealed carrying easier and more comfortable than other large options. 

The great thing about modern production pistols is the ability to plug and play or mix and match. Taurus recently announced the newest G3 pistol at the 2022 SHOT Show. The G3x combines the full-size frame of the G3 with the short slide of the G3c. I received one of the new models a week before its announcement at SHOT Show.

The Morph Switch is a whole lot of gun and innovation in a small package designed for concealed carry. Phoenix Trinity (PT) is primarily known for its high-quality practical pistol competition guns and accessories. So, the Morph is a step outside of PT’s normal product offering but brings with it many of the characteristics of the guns used by top competitors.

I have several Rock Island Armory 1911’s. I have always liked them and found that they had a lot of custom features and good accuracy at a reasonable price. When I got the chance to shoot their new striker fired gun, the STK100, I jumped at it. I found it innovative and fun to shoot and I think you might like it too.

The new Spectre series from SIG, in a nutshell, is the proven P320 platform and the P365XL sent to the SIG Custom Shop for some ZEVish style custom work.

About a decade ago, give or take, the baseline for what made a great polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun was changed overnight when Walther introduced us to the PPQ. Its ergonomics were all the rage, as was its performance and accuracy – but it was that trigger that knocked the industry on its butt. The light, crisp trigger of the PPQ with its very short and tactile reset had every IDPA shooter in the country taking those make-up shots without adding time to their scores. It is hard to overstate the revolution that was started by that pistol.

I recently evaluated the Ruger LCR in .38 Special. As a follow-up, I wanted to evaluate the LCR in .22 LR. eing a fan of the Smith & Wesson J-frame, I am fortunate to own a Model 43C which is also chambered in .22 LR. This review also gave me an opportunity to compare the LCR with the Smith.

Looking for a small, ultra-concealable pistol for self and home defense? Taurus USA may have just what you need with the newly introduced GX4 micro-compact.