Arizona – -(Ammoland.com)- The Smith & Wesson revolver shown above was paid for by U.S. taxpayers. It was a finely crafted piece of machinery that served its country of origin well. It is legal to own in all 50 states, by nearly all citizens. But the Clinton administration chose to pay additional tax dollars to reduce it to this sad pile of scrap. The destruction likely occurred at Anniston Army Depot.
The General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a solicitation from the FBI for a unrestricted number of 9mm pistols worth up to 85 million dollars. From GSA:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing an unrestricted solicitation for various 9mm luger pistols and all associated replacement parts with the intent of making single award of a fixed price indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. In accordance with FAR 2.101, Multi-Agency Contracts, this solicitation includes a provision authorizing other law enforcement agencies to utilize the contract on a case-by-case basis with prior approval. The anticipated period of performance consists of one (1) base year and nine (9) possible additional one-year options.
It is worth noting that the offers are to be received in late January of 2016, so that receipt of the pistols will be either after, or at the very tail end of the Obama administration.
The question is: What will the FBI and other federal agencies do with their extra .40 caliber pistols? Most police agencies trade in their surplus pistols or sell them to dealers. They enter the usual channels of commerce and are sold just like new pistols, except they are known as law enforcement trade ins. Some police departments have insisted on destroying these valuable assets as a political statement. Eleven states have passed legislation to stop this wasteful practice.
In the past, most government small arms were sold to the public. Millions of small arms were sold surplus as newer arms were adopted. With the attack on the Second Amendment ramping up in the mid 1960’s, many federal agencies stopped selling surplus firearms. It never completely stopped, but the Clinton administration was famous for destroying a hundred million or more dollars worth of surplus carbines, revolvers, target pistols, 1911A1 .45s, Garands, and even .22 trainer rifles and pistols. From ar15.com:
In August 1993, a powerful machine nicknamed “Captain Crunch” was put into operation to grind up these hundreds of thousands of small arms. Defense Logistics Agency spokesman Larry Wilson said that the weapons are put on a conveyor belt that goes up perhaps 15 feet then the weapons drop into the metal canister. The metal canister (“Captain Crunch”) has some “serious” teeth in it, and the “gun barrel goes in, and little pieces of metal come out,” said Wilson. Simple, but effective, and no re-welds!
The demil process kicked into high gear after the August 1993 start-up. In a March 1994 interview, spokesman Larry Wilson said that “Captain Crunch” had ground up 307,000 firearms at a cost of a little more than $1,000,000.
Wilson gave a break-down of the guns destroyed as of March 1994 as follows: .45 caliber automatic pistols (110,000), M-14 rifles (50,000), M1 carbines (45,000), M1903A3 drill rifles (40,000), M1 Garands (30,000), M3 .45 “grease guns” (20,000), M1903 Springfields (6,000), and M12 .22 caliber target rifles (6,000). Wilson calculated it had cost $3.52 to destroy each weapon and the Material Command was destroying 3,000 guns per day.
What will happen to the surplus .40 caliber pistols of the FBI and other federal agencies? Some may be offered to police departments as surplus. The tendency of elite administrations since 1970 has been to wastefully destroy these assets. Why should any administration worry about wasting a hundred million dollars when they gleefully go hundreds of billions into debt each year?
A responsible administration would see the folly of destroying these assets and would sell them as surplus, to add money to the public coffers and add smiles and value to millions of citizens. It is the policy that served the country well from the 1800s through the 1960s. American citizens might even regain a measure of faith in their government.
c2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch
About Dean Weingarten;
Dean Weingarten has been a peace officer, a military officer, was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four years, and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1973. He taught the Arizona concealed carry course for fifteen years until the goal of constitutional carry was attained. He has degrees in meteorology and mining engineering, and recently retired from the Department of Defense after a 30 year career in Army Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.
GLOCK 19 Gen4 PistolDefense Training International, Inc
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- FBI’s New Pistol:
Friends within The Bureau tell me:
The Bureau’s new issue-pistol will be in 9mm. Right now, that’s all that is definite! Brand of ammunition, bullet weight, etc are all unsettled.
New pistol will be striker-fired, feature variable grip geometry, polymer frame, double-column magazine.
Glock 19 (Gen4), SIG P320, H&K VP9, Walther PPQ, S&W M&P, SA/XD/M, and a few others all being considered.
Insiders tell me there is much objection to Glock’s “finger grooves” on the front of the grip. Also, scant enthusiasm for H&K’s magazine-release “ lever.” Most prefer a conventional “button.”
Selling guns to the FBI carries with it much prestige, so most manufacturers are trying pretty hard to get this business, maybe even hard enough to modify their pistols to match FBI’s preferences!
Conversely, there is far less enthusiasm about selling pistols to the Army. The Army’s proclivity for micro-management makes the bidding process nearly impossible. And, while getting the military contract carries some prestige, it nearly ruined Beretta, putting them hopelessly behind the pistol evolution curve!
“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left behind by those who hustle.” ~ Misattributed to Lincoln
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor as well as published author, John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent and unlawful lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance, if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
These modern derringers are made by Bond Arms with the best in modern materials and manufacturing methods in Granbury, Texas.
However they still evoke that “Old West” look and for some that fact alone makes them more of a “Sunday-go-to-meeting” carry piece or one that only goes from the safe to the range and back.
What if there was a more utilitarian design that didn’t pack the horsepower of the 45 Colt/410 round and relied on a more commonly carried and affordable brand of ammunition?
The Bond Arms Backup has a three-inch barrel, a bead blasted stainless barrel and a black textured subdued frame with soft rubber grips. All the same modern materials and custom craftsmanship can now be had in a more modern looking or dare we say “tactical” package.
The Bond Arms Backup in 9mm – open
This particular model was chambered in 9mm and we could not wait to get it out to the range to put it through its paces.
Bond Arms Backup – The Good
Recoil was surprisingly non-existent. This is due to the lower recoil impulse of the 9mm round coupled with an 18 ounce weight and the rubber grips act as shock absorbers. The derringer sits very low in the hand with the second barrel emanating from the shooter’s palm. We found this to aid in the accuracy department.
Bond Arms Backup – The Bad
It is still a derringer with only two shots. This should by no means be a primary carry gun, but would serve the shooter well as a backup or hideout piece. Sure, you can probably tote a pocket 380, 5-shot revolver or single stack 9mm in the same weight class with more rounds, but the derringer has a very flat profile from side to side.
There are no extractors for the rimless cartridges, either. Hopefully you will not need a tactical reload and run into a stuck or bulged case with the Bond Arms Backup. Again we caution the use of this piece as more of a “last ditch” firearm or one that is used to put down a wounded animal on the side of the road as opposed to whipping out a “truck gun”.
Bond Arms Backup
Bond Arms Backup – The Reality
If the old time styling of the over/under derringer fascinate you, yet you do not want to carry around a piece that looks like it belongs in a museum this may be up your alley.
Bond Arms builds an incredibly safe pistol with a cross bolt safety and it fires in single action mode, meaning that you have to cock the hammer manually every time you want to fire. Although we always recommend the use of a holster, this could safely be carried in an outer jacket pocket or even dropped into a bath robe pocket when there is an unexpected sound in the middle of the night and you do not have the time to roll out in full kit with an AR and a full sized handgun.
The fact that it is available in a more commonly found pistol round should appeal to those of us who choose to restrict themselves to a limited number of calibers.
Mike Searson’s career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. He has worked in the firearms industry his entire adult life as a Gunsmith, Ballistician, Consultant, Salesman, Author and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1989.
Mike has written over 2000 articles for a number of magazines, websites and newsletters including Blade, RECOIL, OFF-GRID, Tactical Officer, SWAT, Tactical World, Gun Digest, Examiner.com and the US Concealed Carry Association as well as AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
Honor Defense Begins Shipping Its New All-American-Made PistolsHonor Defense LLC
Atlanta, GA -(AmmoLand.com)- Honor Defense has begun shipping their line of All-American 9mm pistols.
Honor Defense firearms represent the next generation of modular handguns, and are built with more features and higher quality standards, than other pistols in their size range. A panel of military and self-defense professionals helped fine tune the design to produce the Honor Defense pistols.
“Consumer and dealer response has been strong, we are gearing up to service demand,” said Gary Ramey, President of Honor Defense. “We have the best distributors lined up and look forward to working with them. In addition to having more features than other sub-compact pistols, we’ve received very positive feedback that we don’t outsource our parts to other countries. All of our parts are made in America. With a modular design and more features than other firearms in the singe-stack 9mm category, we look forward to a strong 2016.”
The first pistols shipped are the Sub Compact (HG9SC) and FIST (HG9SCF). Additional Honor Defense models are set to ship in Q1 2016.
All Honor Defense pistols are built with high quality standards and feature the following:
Modular design with stainless steel chassis
Ambidextrous slide catch and magazine catch
Striker-fired design that can handle +P loads
Custom texture grip and serrations that provide better grip in all situations
Replaceable back straps to allow custom fit
Trigger has a wide face with a crisp 7lb pull
Short reset for quicker second shot and better control
Two magazines with every pistol
For more information, visit their Facebook page or website at www.honordefense.com.
About Honor Defense:
Honor Defense offers the finest American made pistols using only American partners and materials. Honor Defense pistols are built with more features and higher quality standards than other pistols in their size range. To create its pistols, Honor Defense secured input from a panel of professionals that have defended our nation or have extensive credentials in self defense training.
American Tactical Introduces the MilSport 9mm Carbine & PistolAmerican Tactical Imports
Summerville, SC -(AmmoLand.com)- American Tactical, pioneers of the Omni Hybrid Maxx series of products, is pleased to announce the addition of the MilSport 9mm Pistol and Carbine.
The MilSport 9mm comes standard with a billet lower receiver made from 7075-T6 aluminum and a forged 7075-T6 upper. The pistol version has a 5.5″ 4150 QPQ Nitride-treated barrel with flash can and a 7″ keymod freefloat rail, while the carbine version has a 16″ 4150 QPQ Nitride treated barrel and comes with an A2 flash hider and a 10″ keymod freefloat rail. Both models accept standard Glock 9mm double stack magazines and they both come with one 31 round ETS magazine.
The carbine version ha a 6 position Rogers Superstoc and both versions come standard with an ambidextrous sling plate.
“The MilSport 9mm proves that American Tactical is leading the way in the black rifle market innovation category,” says Tony Dichario, President of American Tactical. “If you are looking for a fun edition to your Glock, and a practical edition for home protection, the MilSport 9mm fits both categories.”
The MilSport 9mm Pistol and Carbine versions are ready for dealer and distributor shipping. With an MSRP of only $899.95 for the carbine and $869.95 for the pistol, the MilSport 9mm will quickly become an industry favorite.
by Don McDougall FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm Pistol review.
FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm Pistol in Crimson RedDon McDougall
Fairfax, VA -(AmmoLand.com)- As an NRA instructor I get to shoot a LOT of different guns. With a local price tag of UNDER $400.00 my first thought was the FMK pistol was too cheap to be worth shooting.
Now, it is the gun I keep next to my bed and the one my sister-in-law (A first time gun owner) has for her protection.
You’ll see this gun described as a “budget Glock”, and there is already half a dozen honest reviews of this gun. There is one or two trashing the gun, and an obviously made up review by a Glock Fanboy.
The gun is an American made Glock and available in two versions.
There is a DAO version available for sale in CA and MA, and a “fast trigger” that is available in the rest of the country.
FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm Pistol
Guns are built for a purpose. The gun you choose for home defense is not the gun you elect to use in competition. The FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm Pistol in DAO is uncompromisingly built for personal protection. It’s the size of a larger .380 but shoots a 9mm. The grips are a bit slimmer in design than the boxy grips of comparable Glocks. The angle and feel of the FMK is like that of a 1911.
The FMK 9C1 G2 fits most people’s hands easily. The gun is accurate (Under 2 inches at 10 meters). For the DAO (Double Action Only) the trigger pull is long and a little heavy, say about 7lbs. (The “fast trigger” in about 5 lbs.) Nothing that keeps you from getting the best out of the gun, but it’s as different from a Glock as a Glock is from a 1911. (Please note I love my 1911s and my Glocks, the FMK-DAO trigger is different, not better or worse.) The SA single action trigger is an improved version, similar to the one you’ll find in a Glock Gen3.
The DAO action means that except for the magazine spring, NOTHING in the gun is under tension when the gun is living loaded and secure next to your bed. There is a real advantage to this in safety and reliability. I always have a twinge of concern for reliability when a gun sits unused for a long period of time, but not so with the FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm in DAO.
The gun does not have the “factory only” ammunition restriction seen on many of the plastic guns, making the gun a LOT more economical to shoot. Since it is a home defense gun it gets shot regularly for practice.
FMK Made in California
The gun is made in California, and meets ALL the current CA safety requirements. The patriotic owners of FMK have engraved the gun with the 2nd Amendment and a thank you to the troops. A nice touch. Yes, they come in colors, and my Sister-in-Law has one that is pink.
FMK 9C1 G2 Compact 9mm Pistol Color Selection
There is a trigger replacement available that drops the poundage, and shifts the gun to a … well… a Glock style trigger. When Glock’s patents for their triggers sunset, there were bound to be people who would adapt the trigger to a better, less boxy frame. The backstrap is rubber and helps absorb the recoil, and the gun has a lower axis than most plastic guns. This means less felt recoil.
Since the FMK can shoot reloads, the cost savings over the Glock is frightening when you add it all up. Assuming you practice every two weeks the saving after 26 trips to the range plus the difference of the FMK’s purchase price (Under $400) means after a year the FMK is HALF the cost of the Glock. So you can buy another FMK from the savings from shooting a FMK, or wait a year and use the savings to buy a Glock. Oh and if you’re in CA or MA, and want to change over the trigger the FMK trigger is only $61.95, where as the Glock replacement triggers average at a cost of 3X that. Add that to the savings as well and the FMK is by far the better deal.
I know you’re supposed to list the Pros and Cons of each gun. The only problems with the FMK is that the low price means some people don’t take it seriously when looking for a firearm, and that people assume it is a Glock and shoot it like one. The unique techniques that make a Glock successful may not be the ones you need for an FMK. Younger shooters who grew up only on plastic autos just don’t understand that not all guns are Glocks.
Summary: If you’re looking for one gun for your home or personal protection this is it. The gun is reliable, accurate, and ergonomically comfortable. You can change out the trigger (if you want) and unless you’re in CA, the gun comes with two 14 round magazines. This is an excellent gun for a 1st time gun owner, or a dedicated defense gun.
Don McDougall is an NRA instructor and member of the Los Padres “Friends of the NRA” committee. If he’s not at the range you will find him setting the record straight with on gun issues and gun safety on AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
Honor Guard Sub-Compact semi-automatic handgun chambered in 9MMHonor Defense LLC
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- Honor Defense is supporting the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund though the donation of a new, All-American Made, Honor Guard Sub-Compact semi-automatic handgun chambered in 9MM. The Honor Guard Sub-Compact will be auctioned online through GunBroker.com, with all proceeds going to the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund.
“The families of DEA Agents across the world appreciate the generosity of Honor Defense. The fund would not exist without donors and partners like Honor Defense. Currently, the Benefit Fund pays line of duty death and continuing education benefits to the families of DEA Agents and Task Force Officers killed in the line of duty,” stated Chairman Richard Crock.
“Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration are on the front lines of our war against illegal drugs and the violent criminals who make and sell them,” said Gary Ramey, president of Honor Defense. “The Survivors Benefit Fund has contributed more than $6 million in line of duty death and educational benefits to the families of DEA agents slain in the line of duty. We are honored and humbled to do our part to help this very important charity.”
A non-profit charitable organization, the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund was founded in 1997. Within 24 hours of each line of duty death, a check for $20,000, plus an additional $10,000 for each dependent under 21, is delivered to the DEA agent’s family to help them with funeral and family transportation expenses, housing accommodations, and the dozens of other expenses that occur with such a tragedy.
The Honor Guard Sub-Compact will be auctioned online through GunBroker.com, with all proceeds going to the DEA Survivors Benefit Fund.
For more information on this important charity, please go to – www.survivorsbenefitfund.org/.
“While Honor Defense is a relatively new handgun manufacturer, this is just the start of our support of law enforcement agencies across the nation,” Ramey added. “We are proud to help those who sacrifice so much, for so many.”
To learn more about Honor Defense, please visit www.honordefense.com.
Full-Sized Firepower in A Small Package: Diamondback Firearm’s DB9 Micro-Compact 9MMDiamondback Firearms
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- Want 9MM firepower in a small pistol? Look no further than Diamondback Firearm’s DB9, a micro-compact 9mm made entirely in the USA.
An extremely safe platform, the DB9 features a striker firing system with a mechanical firing pin block. It also has a steel magazine catch to secure a steel magazine and real windage-adjustable sights–all these features in a 9MM pistol that weighs in at just 11 ounces (unloaded)!
It is the smallest and the lightest, making it the best combination of weight and size on the market.
Other features include:
A smooth double-action trigger with dual connecting bars.
Very easy field stripping–no pins used to hold together the pistol and no tools required for disassembly
Slide, barrel, and internal parts coated to resist corrosion, making this pistol a lifetime investment.
There are seven DB9 models to choose from, with different frames and grip color options including flat dark earth, black, and, for the ladies, pink.
DB9 Specs:
Caliber: 9x19MM
Length: 5.60″
Height: 4.00″
Width: 0.80″
Barrel Length: 3.00″
Distance Between Sights: 4.25″
Weight (unloaded): 11 ounces
Trigger Pull: ≈5.5 pounds
Magazine Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
To learn more, please visit www.diamondbackfirearms.com.
About Diamondback Firearms LLC
Diamondback Firearms LLC is an American made firearms manufacturer based in Cocoa, Florida employing American Craftsmen to engineer and produce the highest quality firearms for responsible gun owners.
Newest Compact Addition to the Ruger American Pistol Line up is the Ruger American Pistol Compact Model.
Ruger American Pistol Compact Model 8635Ruger Firearms
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to announce the addition of the Ruger American Pistol Compact Pistol model.
This new model is chambered in 9mm Luger and is available in both Manual Safety and Pro model configurations.
Originally introduced in December 2015, the feature-rich Ruger American Pistol was designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind and was tested in the harshest environments to ensure the rugged reliability consumers have come to expect from Ruger.
Ruger polled law enforcement and military trainers throughout the country to select the form, function and features of the Ruger American Pistol.
Ruger American Pistol Compact Model
Ruger American Pistol Compact Model 8639Ruger American Pistol Compact Model 8635
The resultant pistol combines a recoil-reducing barrel cam (which better spreads recoil over time) with a low-mass slide, low center of gravity and a low-bore axis to provide better balance, less felt recoil and less muzzle flip than comparable pistols. The Ruger American Pistol also features a pre-tensioned striker system, which allows for a short takeup trigger with positive reset, and a modular wrap-around grip system that adjusts palm swell and trigger reach to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
Ruger American Pistol Compact Model 8639 Right Side
With a 3.55″ barrel, overall dimensions of 6.65″ long, 4.48″ high and a weight of 28.75 ounces with an empty magazine, the Ruger American Pistol Compact model shares all of the features and rugged reliability of the duty-size gun in a smaller, lighter, more concealable package. It ships in a hard case with small, medium and large replaceable grip modules and two nickel-Teflon® plated steel magazines (one 17-round extended magazine and one 12-round compact magazine).
The American-made Ruger American Pistol is built on a rigid, one-piece, precision-machined, black nitrided, stainless steel chassis with integral frame rails and fire control housing. Additional features include genuine Novak® LoMount Carry three-dot sights, a stainless steel slide with non-reflective, black nitride finish, a one-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame and a mil-standard 1913 accessory rail.
For more information on the Ruger American Pistol Compact model, or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit www.Ruger.com or www.Facebook.com/Ruger. A full line of duty and concealment holsters, replacement sights and rail-mount accessories for the Ruger American Pistol are available through ShopRuger.com or your local independent retailer of Ruger firearms.
By Col Ben Findley It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 compact 9mm carry guns to six of the best compact concealed carry pistols.
It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 compact 9mm carry guns, but I want to briefly give you my criteria, considerations, on six of the best compact concealed carry pistols to help you make your own choice.AmmoLand Gun News
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- There are many very good, top-rated 9mm compact pistols available now for concealed carry, so I want to help you narrow your decision by giving you just a few of my opinions here. Of course, picking the best compact concealed carry pistols is a very individual decision for you based on your personal preferences, criteria, and a lot of considerations.
It was very difficult for me to narrow down my original list of 21 9mm carry guns, but I want to briefly give you my criteria, considerations, on the final six best compact concealed carry pistols. I hope the ones here to help you make your own choice. (My previous article for this website and others gives my top 5 subcompact 9mm carry pistols.)
6 Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols in 9mm
Any one of these six compact guns I present here would make a fine choice for best compact concealed carry pistols. I analyze by categories, compare, and rank all of my top 21 concealed carry guns that I recommend in my book “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.” It was difficult to narrow the options down to 6 CCW compacts, so consider all the features, specs, and your personal preferences and criteria for the best selection for yourself.
Set your own requirements and make your own tradeoffs, since there is NOT a perfect compact gun for all folks. Then decide if you want a single action only, double action only, or a striker-fired gun or something else, a 5 or 7 pound press, an external manual safety or not, night sights, etc. These compact pistols range in capacity from 10 to 17 rounds, from a 3.50″ to a 4.01″ barrel length, with a trigger press of between 5.0 to 6.5 pounds roughly, and from 21 to 31 ounces unloaded weight, with suggested retail prices from about $569 to $1179.
Remember, you can shop around and often pay less than retail prices. Certainly, price alone is not a major criterion for those who recognize that this decision is about a life-or-death tool, but it is one factor.
Maybe the solution is to own all 6 of these fine guns. I do own all of them, but I get strong hints from someone in my house to limit the inventory. Here, I give you my top 10 criteria you may want to use to save you some time in your selection process. Also, I show below comparative specifications for just these 6 of the many compact carry pistol models on the market now. You may want to add or subtract from my criteria and modify them to include what’s important to you.
Above all, rent or borrow and try the gun before you buy it to save you from buyer regret and cognitive dissonance.
I used my criteria to analyze, compare factors, evaluate, and field-test shoot all of these guns. I review them individually and in depth in various gun review articles. In my book, I compare and evaluate various concealed carry guns and rank them in several categories, like rankings by weight loaded, standard capacity, width, trigger press, price, etc.
Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols : My Criteria
Here are just 10 of my criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion. I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. Remember to not focus on just ONE criterion (e.g. only price or only trigger press), since for overall effectiveness several, if not most or all, factors must be met. I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my 10 criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine. Here are mine:
Accuracy and Reliability- Performs well without recurring malfunctions and stoppages and results in consistent, accurate target hits with a 3″ inch hit group or so at 5-15 yards for concealed carry;
Trigger Press maximum of about 5.5-6.5 pounds – lessens force applied for less movement & better accuracy- and press that is crisp and identifiable (TRAIN to be Trigger Safe);
Trigger with short travel distance (a short travel distance increases the speed the trigger can be fired) and easily identifiable and short reset point; Trigger with a smooth consistent press for every shot (less need to transition between presses & make adjustments);
Barrel length of 3.0″-4.5″ (primarily for concealed carry); for compacts- length of 3.5″-4.1″ or so;
Sights that are basic & simple (easy to use & see–I like Fiber Optic fronts); fast target acquisition; for my purposes– adjustable for windage; Optional Night Sights for low-light situations;
Proper Gun Weight to minimize recoil (I prefer about 25 oz. or so for carry- but there are tradeoffs);
Caliber match to my needs, characteristics & abilities (consider medical & physical limitations); 9mm is my preference for carry;
Capacity -adequate for use & feature trade offs- usually prefer at least 10 rounds in a compact 9mm magazine for carry (but can carry a spare mag or 2 sometimes);
Ergonomics – Hand Comfort and Grip Fit, controls easy to work and easily accessible; rounded, low-profile;
Miscellaneous – Overall Finish, fit, & quality appearance & workmanship; mag release location; ambidextrous controls; accessory rail as required; grip angle; bore axis; competitive market price; excellent customer service with friendly & helpful representatives; ease of disassembly-assembly; Hard Case; Extras (third mag, holster, pouch, extended & flush mags); warranty length & extent; etc.
Below are my 6 top 9mm concealed carry 9mm COMPACT pistols, based on my criteria, my rankings, priorities, and preferences. Hope my opinions help you decide on your criteria and options, so you can personally select your best carry gun to meet your needs and preferences.
Final Six List of my Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols (with gun review links)
9mm COMPACTS: SW M&P 9C (top left); Springfield EMP4 (center); Sig 320C; FNS-9C (bottom left); Ruger SR9C; Glock 19
Compact Pistols For Concealed Carry Specifications:
Here are the specifications side by side for my choice of six best compact concealed carry pistols in 9mm, for your consideration. Again, remember, to also consider your personal preferences, features, priorities, etc. and to shoot your final guns before your selection.
Here are the specifications for 6 current CC compact 9mm handguns, for your consideration.
Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols Range Test
For previous testing and evaluation reviews of the guns individually, I have shot all of them (and frequently do now), shooting at least 500 rounds in each using the drills in my book and my protocols. I have found each of these 6 compact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences. I rotate among all six compact guns for my concealed carry everyday carry (EDC), as necessary. See my Reviews of all these guns separately on various websites and my rankings and factors in my book. So, safely shoot these guns for yourself to make your own decisions, before you buy.
I have found each of these 6 compact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences.
For this brief follow-up range test which supplements my previous range tests and drills, I fired a total of 180 rounds or so of quality Sig Sauer Elite Performance 9mm 115 grain FMJ and V-Crown 115 grain JHP ammo and just a few on hand of the Polycase Sport Utility Ammo 65 grain (1525 fps velocity) 9mm frangible, with no-lead polymer RNP projectile. For each of the 6 guns this time at the range to verify my previous tests, I shot two trials of 5-round groups for each handgun from a standing Modified Isosceles Position, with a two-handed grip, at 5, 10, and 15 yards on IDPA targets. Understand that this brief, supplemental test is just a partial indicator of accuracy and reliability of the guns and ammo, so do your own range test with more ammo and thorough drills for your guns.
For this old codger, the average group sizes for all distances using mostly the Sig Sauer ammo and just a few on hand of the Polycase ammo were:
115 grain JHP: 2.00″
115 grain FMJ: 2.60″
65 grain RNP: 2.80″
Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols Conclusions
All 6 of these guns meet and exceed MY criteria and are excellent options for compact 9mm CC pistols. For this article, I did not rank them nor did I rate each of the criteria factors individually for each gun, like in my other separate Reviews of the guns. They all are rated very high on each criterion. As you certainly know, there are several characteristics, pros and cons, factors, and criteria to include and consider.
My list of six here may help you narrow your list some. Remember, you must make your own tradeoffs, ratings, and rankings according to your own goal, desired features, preferences for certain factors, specs, etc. We all want all of our criteria to be met for our ONE perfect compact CC pistol, but realistically because of the variation in our personal preferences, maybe only 8 or 9 of our 10 criteria can be met by any one compact gun.
There is not a one perfect best compact concealed carry pistols for ALL of us. Do your own analysis and decide for yourself.
Blend your personal, subjective evaluations with the specifications evaluations. Do the pros outweigh the cons and are the large majority of your criteria met by any one gun? Keep in mind that you can have more than one CC compact gun if the house “rules” and budget permit. So, you can use one compact 9mm for competition shooting, a different one for concealed carry, another for home defense, one for casual recreational plinking and range fun, and maybe one for hunting, etc.
I hope this article has helped you gain some information you did not previously have about some possible CC compact 9mm handgun options for CC. Consider that this is just my point of view, my opinions, with my live-range fire and shooting the guns myself. Again, as always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you and that you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Then critically evaluate the gun YOURSELF per your criteria and purpose, with standard drills (several mentioned in my book), with various ammo types and brands, over an extended break-in period of about 500 rounds. Remember, Safety First Always.
Continued success and Be SAFE!
About Col Ben Findley
Col Benjamin Findley
“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms.
He is a Vietnam-era Veteran. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor.
Ben recently wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” (second printing 2016) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters.
His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com.
By Col Ben Findley Gun writer Ben Findley takes on the challenge of picking the five best subcompact concealed carry pistols, lets see if you agree or disagree?
The authors actual Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols used in this review. (Top left to right): Ruger LC9S; Sig 938; Springfield EMP (center); Taurus G2 (bottom left); SW Shield-PortedAmmoLand Gun News
U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Of the many current top-rated 9mm subcompacts on the market, I want to present five of them here to help you make your own choice.
You cannot really go wrong with any of these five or any of my top 21 concealed carry guns that I analyze and recommend in my book “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.”
It is difficult to narrow the pick of best subcompact concealed carry pistols down to 5, so consider all the features, specs, and your personal preferences and criteria for the best selection for yourself.
My List Of Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols Includes (with gun review links):
These guns range in suggested prices from about $300 to $1300, but while price alone is not a major factor for me, it is one factor. The guns represent striker-fired DAO subcompacts like the Ruger LC9S with its very light 5.2# press and narrow .90″ width and the ported single-stack Smith & Wesson Shield with its fiber optic front and rear sights, no mag disconnect, and very narrow width.
The striker-fired Taurus SA/DA G2 is also present with its capacity of 12 rounds, very low price, memory pad, and nice textured grips with rounded edges. Single action guns are also represented by the totally reliable Springfield 1911 EMP subcompact with its match-grade bull barrel and match-grade 5# or so trigger, its dual-spring full-length guide rod, and its 9 round capacity. The diminutive metal Sig Sauer 938 as a mini-1911 SAO with ambi safeties is on the list and has the shortest total length, lowest height, and weighs in at only 20 ounces with its 3″ barrel.
So, will it be a striker-fired, hammer-fired, double or single stack, single, double, or double-single action, with or without an external safety, fiber optic or night sights or both, magazine disconnect or not, 5 pound or seven pound press, long or short reset, polymer or steel frame, 7-round or 12-round capacity, 19 ounce or 27 ounce weight, etc…
Maybe the answer is to own all 5 of the Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols.
Sig Sauer P938 Subcompact Pistol made my list of best subcompact concealed carry pistols. Model Sig Sauer P938 Scorpion Subcompact Pistol shown above.
In my case I do own all 5 of these subcompacts on this list and, honestly, they are all very quality built, accurate, and reliable guns for ME for my uses. So it boils down to personal preference and your specific criteria and desires for selecting YOUR gun. What is the best gun for me or someone else may not be the best gun for you or another. So, you develop your own system and criteria based on what’s important to you.
Here, I give you my top 10 criteria you may want to use when selecting the best subcompact concealed carry pistols to save you some time. Also, I present comparative specifications for just 5 of the many subcompact models on the market now. You may want to add or subtract from my criteria and modify them to include what’s important to you. Above all, rent or borrow and try the gun before you buy it to save you from buyer regret and cognitive dissonance. I used my criteria to analyze, compare factors, evaluate, and field-test shoot all of these guns. I review them in depth in my book and on various websites. In my book, I compare and evaluate my top 21 concealed carry guns and rank them in several categories, like weight loaded, standard capacity, width, trigger press, and price.
For me, accuracy, reliability, trigger press and reset, width, and weight are important first considerations, among other things.
How accurate is it out of the box, without any modifications (and costs) like trigger job, different sights, grips, springs, etc.?
Is it reliable (defined by me as consistency of good hits over repeated trials)? Durability is another factor. What is the force necessary for the trigger press? There is a big difference between a 5.2 and 7.3 pound trigger press for result.
Is the trigger smooth and crisp?
What about the reset distance for follow-up shots?
Does it have a long or short travel and is the reset point readily identifiable?
How do the guns compare?
The width of the gun and its grips are more important to me than the barrel length for concealed carry purposes. While both are important, I do not want the wider gun to bulge at my hip line when I carry, like most revolvers do for me. Of course, there is a difference between a 3-inch barrel and a 5-inch barrel when carrying and method of carry affects this. To consider a carry gun, I have to know the specifications and features of each gun, then actually shoot them for my personal decision. It does not really matter what your friends, family members, or I believe, since you have to know for yourself what works with your idiosyncrasies, preferences and shooting abilities, and concerns.
So accept the responsibility and investigate, research, and shoot the guns on YOUR list for comparison to your criteria and desires. Below are my criteria for my CC handguns.
Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols My Criteria
Springfield Armory EMP Pistol, BI-TONE option shown.
Here are just 10 of my Criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion.
I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. Remember to not focus on just ONE criterion (e.g. only price or only trigger press), since for overall effectiveness several, if not most or all, factors must be met.
I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my 10 criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine. Here are mine:
Accuracy and Reliability- Performs well without reoccurring malfunctions and stoppages and results in consistent, accurate target hits with a 3″ inch hit group or so at 5-15 yards for concealed carry;
Trigger Press maxiumum of about 5.5-6.5 pounds – lessens force applied for less movement & better accuracy- and press that is crisp and identifiable (TRAIN to be Trigger Safe);
Trigger with short travel distance (a short travel distance increases the speed the trigger can be fired) and easily identifiable and short reset point; Trigger with a smooth consistent press for every shot (less need to transition between presses & make adjustments);
Barrel length of 3.0″-4.5″ (primarily for concealed carry); for subcompacts- length of 3.0″-3.2″ or so;
Sights that are basic & simple (easy to use & see–I like Fiber Optic fronts); fast target acquisition; for my purposes– adjustable for windage; Night Sights for low-light situations;
Proper Gun Weight to minimize recoil (I prefer about 25 oz. or less for carry- but there are tradeoffs);
Caliber match to my needs, characteristics & abilities (consider medical & physical limitations); 9mm is my preference for carry;
Capacity -adequate for use & feature tradeoffs- usually prefer at least 8-10 in a 9mm magazine for carry (but can carry a spare mag or 2 sometimes);
Ergonomics – Hand Comfort and Grip Fit, controls easy to work and easily accessible; rounded, low-profile;
Miscellaneous – Overall Finish, fit, & quality appearance & workmanship; mag release location; ambidextrous controls; accessory rail as required; grip angle; bore axis; competitive market price; excellent customer service with friendly & helpful representatives; ease of disassembly-assembly; Hard Case; Extras (third mag, holster, pouch, extended & flush mags); warranty length & extent; etc.
Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols Specifications
Here are the specifications for 5 my best subcompact concealed carry pistols in 9mm, for your consideration. Remember, to also consider your personal preferences, features, etc. and to shoot your final guns before your selection.
Here are the specifications for my 5 best subcompact concealed carry pistols, for your consideration.
Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols Range Test
For testing and evaluation, I have shot all of these guns previously and frequently, shooting at least 500 rounds in each using the drills in my book and my protocols. I have found each of these 5 subcompact handguns to be accurate and reliable for my use, skills, criteria, and preferences. I rotate among all five subcompact guns for my concealed carry everyday carry (EDC), as necessary. See my Reviews of all these guns separately on various websites and my rankings and factors in my book. So, safely shoot these guns for yourself to make your own decisions, before you buy.
Performance Center By Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD Ported Model Now Available With Tritium Night Sights
For this brief follow-up range test which supplements my previous range tests and drills, I fired a total of 150 rounds of quality Sig Sauer Elite Performance V-Crown 9mm FMJ and JHP ammo in various 115, 124, and 147 grains. For each of the 5 guns, I shot two trials of 5-round groups for each handgun from a standing Modified Isosceles Position, with a two-handed grip, at 5 and 10 yards, and a one 5-shot group from benchrest at 20 yards on IDPA targets.
Understand that this brief, supplemental test is just a partial indicator of accuracy and reliability of the guns and ammo, so do your own range test with more ammo and thorough drills.
For this old codger, the average group sizes for all distances using the various Sig Sauer V-Crown ammo were:
115 grain JHP: 2.75″
124 grain JHP: 2.50″
147 grain JHP: 2.90″
115 grain FMJ: 2.80″
Note that the point of impact for each bullet weight was very consistent between the 124 and 115 grain JHP V-Crown rounds. My best rapid-fire individual groups were 1.9″ from the 124 grain JHP and 2.2″ from the 115 grain JHP. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Best Subcompact Concealed Carry Pistols Conclusions
All 5 of these guns are excellent options for subcompact 9mm concealed carry and they all meet MY criteria with very high evaluations.
For this article, I did not rank them nor did I rate each of criteria factors individually for each gun, like in my other gun review articles.
They all are rated very high on each criterion. It would be very difficult for me to decide without any hesitation on my number 1 subcompact CC gun, since these five are all so very acceptable.
Ruger LC9S with Crimson XChange Technology Pro Laser or Light Options
As you certainly know, there are several characteristics, pros and cons, factors, and criteria to include and consider. My list of five best subcompact concealed carry pistols here may help you narrow your list some. You must make your own tradeoffs, ratings, and rankings according to your goal, desired features, preferences for certain factors, specs, etc. We all want all of our criteria to be met for our ONE perfect subcompact CC pistol, but realistically because of the variation in our personal preferences, maybe only 8 or 9 of our 10 criteria can be met by any one subcompact gun. There is not a one perfect subcompact gun for ALL of us. Maybe we’ll get lucky and we can meet all of our criteria with that “perfect” CC subcompact gun, like from among these five choices. Do your own analysis and decide for yourself. Do the pros outweigh the cons and are the large majority of your criteria met by any one gun? Keep in mind that you can have more than one CC subcompact gun, so get ready to fork over the bucks. I hope this article has helped you gain some information you did not previously have about some possible CC subcompact 9mm handgun options for CC.
Next, I want to reduce my many COMPACT CC 9mm pistols down to six options. Stay tuned for my 6 Best Compact Concealed Carry Pistols in 9mm article soon. Consider that this is just my point of view, my opinions, with my live-range fire and shooting the guns myself. Again, as always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you and that you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Remember, Safety First Always.
Continued success!
About Col Ben Findley
Col Benjamin Findley
“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms. He is a Vietnam-era Veteran. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor.
Ben recently wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” (second printing 2016) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters. His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at ColBFF@gmail.com.
by Col (Dr) Ben Findley* Col Findley reviews the modality and shooting performance of the SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol .
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol in 9mmAmmoLand Gun News
USA -(AmmoLand.com)- The Sig P320 series of pistols are very adaptable and overall known as very good performing handguns.
There are 4 versions of the Sig Sauer striker-fired P320: the Full-Size, Carry, Compact, and SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol, all in 9mm Luger. I have shot and own all of them at my own expense. There are other calibers available in .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. I am impressed with the handgun’s adaptability, modularity, reliability, and quality.
The pistol’s modularity and flexibility features are especially worth attention. You should know that Sig Sauer is not paying me for my review or opinions here, nor reducing the gun price or providing it or the ammo, so I am not on their payroll and sincerely want to give my objective evaluation to help you.
SIG SAUER P320 Pistol : Adaptability, Flexibility, & Modularity
SIG SAUER P320 Handgun Modularity
With the P320, one single pistol can become a full-size, compact, or sub-compact handgun and each with 3 different grip sizes.
With all P320 models, shooters can swap out the pistol’s barrel, frame, trigger and slide assembly to customize the gun. Sig Sauer recognized the significance of a striker-fired pistol, introduced these hammer-less guns, and they are popular primarily because of the nature of the trigger operation and modularity features. The P320 can be changed into whatever frame size, barrel, and caliber the shooter wants. Among the components needed for the P320 to complete a caliber change is a cartridge-specific magazine and the conversion kit. The backstrap does not need to be changed, since the entire polymer grip module can be easily changed for a comfortable, customizable, and solid grip if desired. The stainless steel frame rests inside the grip module, which is serialized, and they use identical, serialized, modular fire-control (trigger) groups.
Other non-serialized P320 parts can be ordered and shipped direct to you without going through an FFL Dealer. With its modular grip frame and removable fire control assembly pioneered by SIG SAUER, the P320 is customizable to any hand size or duty requirement. The P320 can quickly be converted from a Full-size to a Carry pistol, etc. Slide and barrel conversions allow the P320 to change between calibers and barrel lengths as well. This unique modular design offers the shooter the ultimate in flexibility to change calibers, sizes, and fit. Small, medium, and large polymer grip modules ensure comfortable and optimal fit for the widest range of hand sizes.
My 320 full-size and compact mags work in my 320 sub-compact.
Sig Sauer P320 Sub-Compact 9mm Specifications*:
Action: Double Action Striker-Fired Semi-Auto
Caliber: 9x19mm (Also available .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .45 ACP)
Capacity: 12+1 rds (Also available 10 rds, 10 rds, 6 rds); Magazine Catch repositions to either side
Grip Width: 1.06” (3 Glass-Reinforced Grip Modules in small, medium & large sizes))
Weight: 24.9 oz. with Empty Mag
Length: 6.67”
Height: 4.67”
Barrel: 3.55”
Slide: Nitron High-Strength Stainless Steel; Front & Rear Cocking Serrations; Slide-Catch Lever functions from both sides
Frame: One-Piece Stainless Steel Frame; Black Polymer Grip Module- Available in various sizes (Also available Flat Dark Earth & Two-Tone Flat Dark Earth Colors)
Sights: High Contrast or SIGLITE Night Sights in Different Heights
Other: 2 Trigger Lengths- Standard & Short; Removable & Interchangeable Fire Control & Grip Modules; No tools or trigger manipulation required for Take-Down; Uses Compact 15 & Full-Size 17 mags
MSRP: $628 (Black-Standard)
* Per Sig Sauer, weights and dimensions are approximate. Specifications subject to change without notice. Prices vary by dealer & options.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Selected Features:
The P320 Sub-Compact is built with a stainless steel frame and slide and is covered in a Nitron finish for rust resistance.
One interesting feature is that the trigger options include a smooth-faced or a tabbed-trigger safety, with the latter similar to Glock pistols. I prefer the smooth trigger face which for me is more comfortable to shoot, especially in an extended range session. The tabbed-trigger safety is simply an add-on feature for shooters who prefer to have a positive, tactile feel of the trigger prior to the trigger beginning engagement.
The trigger tab safety does not replace or alter the striker safety’s function or design, as it is only an add-on option for the trigger.
I like the P320 grip angle and comfort which give me more control, more so than with my Glocks. Also, the all-metal rails of the P320 in a solid stainless-steel frame give me greater stability and I like its metal trigger over the polymer.
For all P320s pistols, I like that the mags and holsters are interchangeable (some with the X grip adapter) and with Sig P250 models. The X grip adapter allows you to use the compact mags for 15 capacity or the 17 capacity ones. The X grip adapter is a little piece of rubber that fills the gap when you’re using larger-capacity mags. With the SIG SAUER internal safety system, the P320 has no external safety or decocking lever to snag or hang up on the draw and I like that. The SIGLITE night sights are very nice and the reversible magazine release makes the P320 completely ambidextrous.
It also has an ambidextrous slide release. There are also nice front and rear cocking serrations.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Trigger and Reset:
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol
Trigger press on all P320 pistols in the line are generally weighted at 5.5 to 6.5 pounds, giving shooters a consistent trigger press. For me, the sub-compact trigger is very smooth, short, and soft, is not a long press, is consistent, needs no improvement out of the box, and I can easily press it. Although I measured the sub-compact trigger press with my Lyman Trigger Gauge to be between 6.0 and 6.5 pounds before I shot it, I understand that it is not necessarily the trigger weight, but the smoothness of the whole action of the trigger assembly that makes the difference. With more firings, it will soften. Overall, the stock trigger is very good and I believe that it is as good as the $150. kits some have put in Glocks and M&P’s, including myself. I could handle the recoil easily and it was mild for such a small concealed carry gun.
With a partially pre-tensioned striker, I found the P320 to have a short, crisp trigger press with a quick, pronounced reset right out-of-the-box. I really like the reset and could clearly feel and hear it.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Internal Safety System:
The P320 sub compact features a unique internal safety system, standard on all SIG P320 models with these features:
Striker Safety- Prevents the striker from releasing until the trigger is pressed
Disconnect Safety- Prevents the gun from firing when out of battery
3-point Take-Down Disassembly Safety System- Only allows disassembly if slide is locked back, mag removed, and take-down lever is simply rotated, without pressing the trigger or using tools
Takedown is prohibited without removal of magazine
Takedown is prohibited without slide locked to the rear
Rotation of takedown lever allows disassembly without tools and without pressing the trigger.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Some Advantages:
Grip Modules (in 3 sizes)
Fire Control (trigger) Modules- Interchangeable
Night Sights; Standard Steel Sights
Rounded, No-Snag Trigger Guard & Edges- for concealability & comfort
Very Thin Width and Contoured Frame
Easy and Quick Disassembly
Nice Capacity of 12 +1 for 9mm
Front & Rear Slide Serrations- for easier Slide Racking
All Steel Guide Rod, Magazines, & Slide Rails
Sig Sauer P320 Sub-Compact 9mm Grip Module – Medium SizeSig Sauer P320 Sub-Compact 9mm Fire Control ModuleHere is a side-by- side comparison of the SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol (on left) and the Full Size 320 handgun.Here is a size comparison of the Sig 320 Sub-Compact (top left) to the Smith-Wesson M&P 9C; the Ruger Sr9C, and the M&P Shield.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Range Performance:
The small-size grip frame for the sub-compact fit my medium-sized hand nicely, with my pinkie finger just partially dangling. However, I was able to maintain a good solid grip without adjusting my grip. I was very surprised for such a small and lightweight gun the recoil was light and easily managed. I sincerely enjoyed shooting the gun. While I only had about 100 rounds of Federal American Eagle 115 grain FMJ ammo to test it at the range, the P320 sub-compact performed flawlessly and I have no doubt it will handle any modern JHP ammo just as well. It is so smooth to operate, and I really like the trigger and definitive reset point. To me, it is very comparable to my Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Compact, especially regarding the 12 capacity and similar barrel length, although lighter in weight and shorter in total length.
Most shooters recognize that ANY gun should be “broken-in” with about 400-500 rounds or so fired for a better evaluation of its performance and reliability. So remember that I did not shoot that many rounds. The gold standard is for you to actually shoot and handle the gun and learn your accuracy with it and things about it, like I did. For me, ACCURACY and RELIABILITY are the most important factors. Closely related to that is the handgun’s trigger, so I focused on these features.
The SIG 320 Sub-Compact 9mm shot extremely well and I was accurate with it in rapid fire; e.g. see below my first magazine of 12 rounds that I fired at 7 yards.
Sig P320 Sub-Compact 9mm – Range Test
Performance & Handling Summary for SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol in 9mm:
(1) At close distances of 5, 7, and 10 yards, I found that the accuracy and reliability were very good for the 320 sub-compact. My groups were all 4.0 inches or less for the first time I ever fired the gun “out of the box” drawing from the holster it came with in the hard case. I used a Modified-Isosceles Standing Stance, a two-handed grip, and shot 115 grain FMJ. I had no malfunctions nor stoppages and could handle the recoil easily.
Sig P320 Sub-Compact 9mm in Hardcase with 2 Mags, Holster, Lock & Manual
(2) The trigger press out of the box averaged 6.2 pounds without modification with my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge. For comparison out-of-the-box, my Sig 938 has a 7.1 pound press; the Springfield XDs has a 7.2; my Ruger SR9C, Glock 19, M&P Shield, M&P 9C, and Taurus G2 all have about a 6.0 press; my Springfield EMP a 5.8 press; my Springfield XD9 Mod.2 a 6.5; my Ruger LC9s has a 5.2 press; and my Colt XSE Commander (.45), Kimber (.45), Sig (.45), S&W Pro 1911 (9mm) and Taurus (9mm) 1911s have about a 4- 4.5 pound press each. I know my brain is my best safety, but I do not want a too light trigger for concealed carry, nor do I want a heavier one either. All of these are close to my desired range.
(3) The trigger was smooth, crisp and very good. It had a short travel distance and short, identifiable reset, so I could get off quick follow-up shots easily and keep on target easier. The reset was very identifiable.
(4) The striker-fired trigger made for consistent and reliable shooting with pretty much the same press each time. It was just a slightly harder press that I am accustomed to, since I mostly shoot 1911s and single actions.
(5) The Siglite night sights were easily identifiable and I like them.
(6) The weight of the gun was about 26 ounces with a loaded magazine in place and this is manageable for concealed carry. I like a slightly heavier gun for better recoil control, comfort, and accuracy.
(7) The 9mm was just the right caliber for me for carry and I strongly prefer it, as you probably know from the reasons in my other articles. So the P320 Sub-Compact met this requirement.
(8) The width of the 320 SC measured 1.06 inches and this was slim and very nice for me. The grip angle was fine and it felt very comfortable in my hand, especially when shooting. To me, width is a key CC factor and this width was perfect.
(9) The capacity of the 320 SC is 12+1 and this gives me mental comfort, especially when dealing with multiple bad guys and when compared to some of my other CC guns with less capacity. The mag release can be repositioned to either side for an ambidextrous advantage.
(10) The height of the 320 SC was 4.67″, compared to my XD-9 SC-Mod 2 at 4.75″, my M&P-9C at 4.3 inches, my SR9C at 4.6 inches, my EMP at 4.8 inches, my Glock 19 at 5.0, my HK P30 at 5.4, and the M&P Shield at 4.6 inches. These are all acceptable to me for concealed carry, with the smaller numbers being more advantageous.
SIG SAUER P320 SubCompact Pistol Bottom Line:
I definitely RECOMMEND this Sig Sauer P320 Sub-Compact 9mm pistol for concealed carry, based on the above criteria and information. This gun will be in my concealed carry rotation among my 6 Concealed Carry guns.
Incidentally, my wife liked the comfort and accuracy of the 320 sub-compact. She said it was fun to shoot this gun and we both want to shoot it more.
This snag-free, thin, sub-compact can be used in IDPA in the Backup (BUG) Division, since it meets the requirements with less than a 3.6″ barrel and unloaded gun weight with mag of less than 29 ounces. I hope this review has helped you. In my opinion, it is an excellent striker-fired pistol for concealed carry with its great capacity of 12 rounds, minimal recoil, acccuracy, and excellent trigger, but decide for yourself based on your desired features, your tradeoffs, and your use and needs. TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY, like any possible handgun purchase.
Continued success!
Further information: http://www.sigsauer.com or call 866-345-6744.
Photos by Author and Sig Sauer.
* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.
“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor.
Ben recently wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters.
His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at ColBFF@gmail.com.
By Col Ben Findley Col Findley reviews the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC a new 9mm for concealed carry use.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC in 9mmAmmoLand Gun News
U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- The full-size Ruger American Pistol (RAP) was introduced in late 2015 and now the new RAP in Compact size (RAPC) has been released, with most of the same features and quality, but for concealed carry (CC.) The grip frame and barrel are shorter on the RAPC.
The new RAPC is available with or without a manual safety. The Pro Model #8635 is the one without a manual safety and I chose it to review.
Ruger wants to build on the success of the RAP with the compact, so I want to test and evaluate it for myself and you.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC in 9mm
I have reviewed several compacts in depth in the past few months, including some on this website. I evaluate the Ruger SR9C compact 9mm with its 3.5 ” barrel, 17 capacity, 23.4 oz weight, and nice 5.5-pound press in my Top 21 CC guns in the 2016 second printing of my book “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.”
Now with the recent introduction of the new RAPC, I want to analyze, compare, and rank it among my top compacts for a recommendation or not in this article.
Ruger American Pistol RAPC Trigger features a positve reset
Several readers and students have asked what criteria I use to analyze my recommended handguns, so I want to give my criteria and range test results for the RAPC to help you analyze your handguns and make the best selection for yourself. You can add or subtract from my criteria to meet your needs and preferences. I was very anxious to shoot the RAPC and to compare it factor by factor to my other quality compact 9mms to see if it truly ranked in my top compact CC pistols. Ruger was nice enough to loan me one for testing and evaluation purposes.
Know that I am not on their payroll, have not been paid by them for this article nor influenced to say certain things about the gun. I want to be honest and straight-forward with my opinions and ideas the way I see the pistol to sincerely help folks.
Specifically, I wanted to know how accurate the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC is out of the box, without modifications. How was its trigger press? Is the trigger smooth and crisp? What about the reset distance for follow-up shots? Is it reliable? What about the gun’s weight? Is it too heavy for CC? What are its pros and cons? Are there any issues or concerns that would prevent me from carrying this gun? Is this a gun I would recommend for CC?
Ruger American Pistol RAPC MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail
First, I want to present two charts that list the Specifications and some Features for the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC 9mm pistol. Then I give you my 10 criteria that I use to evaluate all guns. Finally, I present my analysis and how I specifically evaluated the gun against each of my criteria to recommend or not recommend it. As always, set your own criteria and priorities, do your own research and check my data, information, etc. with yours, for your very personal selection process.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC Specifications : First, I want to present two charts that list the Specifications and some Features for the RAPC 9mm pistol.
Criteria and Considerations
Here are just 10 of my Criteria and factors I use for evaluating any handgun, so I will use them for the RAPC. In addition to my criteria, there are other subjective features that may be appealing for some, like smooth rounded corners, a certain style, mag release location, action, caliber, appearance, number of mags included, type of sights/modifications, bore axis, rail, grip angle, non-porting or porting, included extras like a holster and pouch, customer service, etc. So, I combined these into my last Miscellaneous criterion. I must admit that ALL gun-choice decisions involve tradeoffs, but I really want ALL of my criteria to be met. I assigned a total possible point score of 10 points for each of my 10 criteria for a total possible score of 100 points. You can certainly add your own additional criteria and preferences or subtract any of mine. Here are mine:
Accuracy and Reliability– Performs well without reoccurring malfunctions and stoppages and results in consistent, accurate target hits with a 3″ inch hit group maximum or less at 5-15 yards for concealed carry;
Trigger Press maximum of about 5.5-6.5 pounds – lessens force applied for less movement & better accuracy- and press that is crisp and identifiable (TRAIN to be Trigger Safe);
Trigger with short travel distance (a short travel distance increases the speed the trigger can be fired) and easily identifiable and short reset point; Trigger with a smooth consistent press for every shot (less need to transition between presses & make adjustments);
Barrel length of 3.0″-4.5″ (primarily for concealed carry); for compact pistol ideally prefer 3.5″-4.0″.)
Sights that are basic & simple (easy to use & see–I like Fiber Optic fronts); fast target acquisition; for my purposes– adjustable for windage; Night Sights for low-light situations;
Proper Gun Weight to minimize recoil (I prefer about 25 oz. or less for carry- but there are tradeoffs;)
Caliber match to my needs, characteristics & abilities (consider medical & physical limitations); 9mm is my preference for carry;
Capacity -adequate for use & feature tradeoffs- usually prefer at least 10 rounds or so (for compact) in a 9mm magazine for carry (but can carry a spare mag or 2 sometimes);
Ergonomics – Hand Comfort and Grip Fit, controls easy to work and easily accessible; rounded, low-profile;
Miscellaneous – Overall Finish, fit, & quality appearance & workmanship; mag release location & function to drop mags freely; ambidextrous controls; accessory rail as required; grip angle; bore axis; competitive market price; excellent customer service with friendly & helpful representatives; ease of disassembly-assembly; Hard Case; Extras (like a third mag, holster, pouch, extended & flush mags); warranty length & extent; safety factors, etc.
Recognize that there are several features, characteristics, pros and cons, and personal criteria to include and consider and you make your own tradeoffs according to your priorities, preferences, defined needs, and use.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC 9mm Range Test
To determine how well the gun cycled and handled different loads, I used high-quality Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown JHP ammo in 115, 124, and 147-grain weights and some in 115-grain FMJ. Also, I fired Polycase’s ARX Inceptor rounds which are high velocity, lower recoil, non-expanding with polymer tips, and perform like HPs. I only fired about 200 rounds total to evaluate this gun (usually I shoot 500 rounds over a couple of days) to decide if I want to carry the gun or not. I had the information I needed after shooting it. Below are my evaluations for each of my 10 criteria for my concealed carry purpose. I wanted to put the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC through its paces and check it thoroughly for malfunctions, stoppages, and performance with quality JHP ammo and FMJ rounds.
I want to thank Sig Sauer for providing various Elite Performance ammo and Polycase for ARX Inceptor ammo to test and evaluate the RAPC.
The RAPC in 9mm has nice ergonomics. It felt good in my hands and was comfortable. It did seem a little front heavy, but the grip felt so nice I was able to handle it. My pinky finger did not hang below the 12-round magazine when I gripped it. No finger dangle. And the included 17 round magazine extender gave me extra rounds and included a sleeve adapter, so it looked good in the magwell. I like the extra rounds just in case. The grip stippling on the front and back and the rounded corners were perfect for me and very nice. I could easily reach all the controls. It has an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. The slide was very easy for me to rack and the felt recoil and muzzle rise were very manageable due to the extra heaviness of this compact.
There are pros and cons to its weight for CC. Below I will get into these factors and my ideas for each of my criteria after my range testing.
Ruger American Pistol Compact Model 8639 Right SideRuger American Pistol Compact Model 8635
Shooting the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC
I had no malfunctions or stoppages at all with the various Sig Sauer and Polycase types and weights of ammo fired. After my range live fire, the RAPC compact gun impressed me as an accurate and reliable (with limited rounds fired by me) carry gun. After initially cleaning the gun and then shooting it at the range for the first time, my first 12 rounds fired rapid fire with the Sig V-Crown 124 grain JHP at 5 yards all hit in a nice 2.5″ group, considering this old codger’s declining eyesight. I had the same results with the Polycase 9mm 65 grain, 1540 fps, 342 ft lbs ARX Inceptor. Both very good self-defense rounds, but I want to shoot more of them. The about 29 ounces weight of the gun + ammo weight helped. My next 12 rounds fired at 7 yards also made a 2.5″ group, as did my next 12 at 10 yards.
But, sadly for me, the 15-yard group fired rapid fire extended to about a 3.0″ group, with one strangler. I recognize that I must practice more, even when writing articles and reviews and regularly teaching classes. From a big picture perspective for me, these hits were acceptable for closeup self-defense encounters.
BUT, shoot it for yourself to make your own decisions, based on your abilities, goals, and proficiency. Below are my hits for my first 12 rounds at 5 yards fired rapid fire with the RAPC.
Ruger American Compact Pistol- First 12 Hits Rapid Fire at 5 Yards
Range Test Results for Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC for each of my 10 Criteria:
The Accuracy of the RAPC compact was very acceptable for me at distances of 3, 5, 7, and 10 yards, with my aging eyesight. My groups at each of the up-close encounter distances were about 2.0-2.5 inches for the first time I ever fired the gun, after first cleaning it. Groups were not as good for me at 15 yards, probably due to my below average long-distance vision. I know excuses, excuses. Practice is the answer. I fired about 200 rounds. The 5.9-6.0# trigger press I experienced was crisp, soft and acceptable, being inside my personal preference press range and criterion. The heavier weight of the gun and nice grip surface certainly helped, along with the captive dual recoil spring and steel guide rod. I used my Modified-Isosceles Stance, a two-handed grip, & shot high-performance Sig Sauer V-Crown 115, 124, and 147-grain JHPs and FMJs & the Polycase ARX… 10.
The Trigger Press averaged about 5.9 pounds with 10 readings from my Lyman Electronic Trigger Pull Gauge. This was right within my limits for my press range for my carry guns. It will probably improve after break-in and shooting it more. I prefer that my carry guns have a max. of 6.5 pounds press or much less, so this is there. This is personal preference and a training and gun familiarity issue, but I know some of my recommended and actual 9mm compact CC guns have lighter presses. I analyze and compare 21 of my top 21 CC guns in my recent book. I liked that the trigger press was crisp and certainly acceptable to me… 9.
The striker-fired steel Trigger had a very identifiable click and reset point. I liked the short takeup and positive reset crisp trigger. My shots were consistent each time and I could easily recognize the reset point. The pre-tensioned striker helped give a short takeup with reset… 10.
The 3.55-inch Barrel helped control muzzle flip and recoil, along with the recoil-reducing barrel cam and low bore axis. It fit well within my parameters. The steel barrel was of high quality and the barrel length was certainly very concealable… 10.
The steel Novak LoMount Carry 3-dot sights were distinguishable and certainly acceptable. But for my impaired vision and color-blind eyes, I prefer the bright green fiber optic front sight for a better lock on to the front sight and wanted larger sight dots. It does come with Trijicon Night Sights, but as an option… 8.
The 28.7 ounce unloaded weight of the RAPC was very solid, especially the front end, for a polymer striker-fired CC gun, but it was very heavy. The added weight does help accuracy, but for me is was just a little too heavy for CC, given my love of my Ruger SR9C and its less width, weight, and trigger press, etc. Of course, there are pros and cons for gun weight for various uses. A very personal decision. While an acceptable weight, I prefer a lighter gun for carry, even in a compact… 8.
Shooting the RAPC was comfortable in my hand and the 9mm Caliber was nice to shoot. The 3 interchangeable backstraps with included wrench help customize the grip. I prefer the 9mm caliber for my main CC gun. The felt recoil was easily manageable, somewhat due to the recoil-reducing barrel cam and low bore axis. It digested the various weights of 9mm ammo easily without a single malfunction or stoppage… 10.
There were two mags included, a 12-rounder and a 17-rounder. They were nickel-Teflon coated and made of steel. I prefer at least 2 mags to be included and one as an extended mag with added round(s). …. 9.
The Ergonomics of the RAPC were very nice. The wrap-around grips were great. You could tell this compact was a spinoff of the heavy-duty RAP made for law enforcement & the military standards. The grip’s body was ample to allow me to acquire a firm and comfortable grip. I liked the low bore axis. I was able to easily reach all the controls without changing my grip or with only a minor rotation. The steel slide, barrel, sights, trigger, and mags were nice, helped accuracy and handling, but did add weight for CC. The mags dropped freely… 9.
Miscellaneous. I disassembled, lubed and cleaned, and re-assembled the RAPC before I shot it, as always with any gun. I did NOT have to press the trigger to disassemble it and it was very easy and quick to takedown with no tools. The ambi slide stop and mag release were nice, as were the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail, internal sear block, and integrated trigger safety. The RAPC does not include accessories like some other compacts, e.g. a holster, mag pouch, or third mag, but it does have other extras, e.g. backstraps. There are several nice features for this gun. It does shoot +P ammo, per the manual.There is a one-year warranty for the original purchaser, rather than a lifetime warranty for all… 9.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC 9mm with Hard Case, Lock, Manual, 2 Magazines, Backstraps & Wrench
Total Points = 92 out of 100 Possible.
I certainly RECOMMEND the Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC handgun for consideration as your concealed carry compact striker-fired gun.
I especially like its accuracy, manageable recoil, short takeup, steel construction, and customizeable grips, but did not like particularly the heavy weight, in addition to the extra width, and paying extra for night sights. Its felt recoil was very manageable for a compact 9mm and its smooth, rounded lines prevented snags. I wish it came standard with night sights, but several do not. But its many other features makeup for most of my personal preferences.
I want to shoot it more to see its long-term reliability before I decide to put it in my CC rotation. I was very impressed with its accuracy out of the box, its low muzzle flip and very controllable recoil for a compact 9mm, and that I had no malfunctions or stoppages whatsoever with the 200 rounds I fired. These are just my opinions and ideas, so handle and shoot it for yourself. I hope this review of the RAPC 9mm has helped you gain some information you did not previously have. Consider that these are just my opinions with limited live-range fire and shooting myself only about 200 rounds of ammo.
Ruger American Pistol RAPC has a safe easy take down with no tools or trigger pull required
Like always, I recommend that you shoot any handgun yourself before you purchase it. Decide on your criteria, how you will primarily use the gun, and what features are important to you and you are willing to pay for ahead of your range time. Then critically evaluate the gun YOURSELF per your criteria and purpose, with standard drills (several mentioned in my book), with various ammo types and brands, over an extended break-in period of about 500 rounds. Remember, Safety First Always.
Continued success!
CONTACTS:
Ruger at: www.Ruger.com; 1-603-865-2442; 1-888-220-1173; OnlineStore@Ruger.com; Prescott, AZ 86301
Sig Sauer for Elite V-Crown 9mm JHP-FMJ ammo at: www.SigAmmo.com; 1-603-610-3000; Newington, NH 03801.
Polycase for ARX Inceptor 9mm Copper-Polymer High-Velocity Projectiles at: www.Polycaseammo.com; 912-988-3019; Savannah, GA 31408.
Ruger American Compact Pistol RAPC Photos by Author.
* This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense and concealed carry. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever.
“Col Ben” is retired with 30 years service in the U.S. Air Force, with joint services Special Ops duty and training, and is Air Force qualified as “Expert” in small arms. He is a Vietnam-era Veteran. Ben is an experienced NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and FL Concealed Carry License Instructor.
Ben recently wrote the book “Concealed Carry and Handgun Essentials for Personal Protection” (second printing 2016) with 57 comprehensive Chapters about concealed carry and handgun principles, techniques, and tips for both experienced and new shooters. His reference book is endorsed by several organizations and is available on his website at www.FloridaHandgunsTraining.com. Contact him at ColBFF@gmail.com.
BOISE, Idaho-(Ammoland.com)- Caracal introduces the striker-fired Enhanced F 9mm pistol for sportsmen, competitive shooting, concealed-carry, law enforcement and military users.
Industry Day at the Range attendees will have an opportunity to shoot the firearm at Caracal Shooting Bay #SR-52.
This new handgun, designed for smooth-handling, intuitive shooting, lower felt-recoil and excellent reliability, will also be available at their SHOT Show Booth #2829.
The Enhanced F is a polymer-framed pistol with an integral rail for mounted accessories including lights and lasers for customization and a low slide profile for versatility to meet specific customer needs.
The Enhanced F is proudly manufactured in the United States, in partnership with Wilcox Industries. Projected commercial availability is targeted for the third quarter of 2017.
“Listening to our customers and incorporating their feedback, we’ve completely redefined the Caracal F pistol. The Enhanced F is designed to perform and it’s evolution brings with it many of the important features and upgrades that today’s shooters have come to expect from a world-class product,” said Caracal Director of Marketing Jae Gillentine. “The enhanced F is unique because of its low-profile, reduced mass slide, intuitive grip and proprietary trigger system. These features and other elements combine to provide a reliable handgun that gets shooters on target and will hold up to the rigors of tough environments.”
The Enhanced F pistol has a redundant safety system that includes an integrated trigger safety, a firing pin safety and drop safety.
The trigger shoe, trigger safety and trigger bar all combine into a one-piece multi-function unit (MFU) design for an extremely intuitive pistol for shooters of all skill levels.
The one-piece MFU design incorporates a full-length steel slide guide to increase rigidity and durability, while diminishing torsion and flex during recoil. The sub assembly of this design also includes all internals and provides ease of manufacturing, assembly/disassembly and armorer-level service.
The Enhanced F provides a fully supported chamber in a (4.1 in) cold hammer forged barrel with a right-hand twist. These barrels are SAAMI proof tested for +P ammunition.
The metal parts receive QPQ nitriding with an enclosed post-oxidizing surface treatment for a protective coating This treatment is very durable and protects well against rust and other forms of wear.
Sight configurations on the Enhanced F consist of a standard three-dot steel full-length (6.5 in) sight system. Both front and rear sights are now dovetail mounted and the slides will be compatible with after-market sights.
The Enhanced F also marks the return of the Quick Sight system, which has the rear sight machined into the slide and located just in front of the ejection port. This system places both the front and rear sights on a single focal plane allowing the shooter to present a clear sight picture on target extremely fast.
The pistol comes standard with two 18 or 10-round magazines (customer preference/regulatory compliance), a cleaning kit, cable lock and a user manual packed in a plastic carry case.
MSRP for the Enhanced F is $599.00 and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty which covers the pistol from all material and workmanship defects for the life of the pistol under the ownership of the original end user.
For more information on the Enhanced F, and the entire Caracal line, visit their website.
About CARACAL USA:
Caracal USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caracal International and the exclusive importer and manufacturer of Caracal products in the United States.
SIG SAUER Professional Shooter Max Michel Sets New Guinness World RecordSIG SAUER
NEWINGTON, N.H.-(Ammoland.com)- SIG SAUER, Inc. announces that professional shooter and Team SIG Captain, Max Michel, has written himself into the history books by establishing a new Guinness World Record for action-pistol shooting.
Deemed the ultimate authority in record-breaking achievements, Guinness World Records recognizes Michel with the fastest speed for hitting six target plates with a 9mm handgun, which he did in 2.05 seconds.
“Since he began shooting at 5 years old, Max has won numerous world, national and regional titles in a variety of shooting sports disciplines,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “While Max’s skill and proficiency with a pistol is well known in the shooting sports world, his latest performance transcends the competitive arena and places it squarely in the public domain. There are many great shooters out there, but a Guinness World Record title adds documented validity and notoriety, elevating Max’s credentials to an even higher level of distinction.”
To establish the new Guinness World Record, Michel used his personal full-size SIG SAUER P320 in 9mm topped with a ROMEO3 mini reflex sight and fueled by SIG SAUER Elite Performance Ammunition.
In a feat never before accomplished, Michel successfully engaged an official Action Target plate rack consisting of six adjacent shooting plates measuring eight inches in diameter at a distance of seven meters.
Under the guidelines of Guinness World Records, Michel was given three attempts in which to set the world record. Witnessed by an approved Guinness World Records judge and verified by two experienced timekeepers, Michel’s attempt was also photographed and recorded on video.
Michel completed the course of fire while shooting at the state-of-the-art SIG SAUER AcademySM in Epping, New Hampshire.
“Growing up, I remember seeing the Guinness Book of World Records and wanting to be a part of it,” said Michel. “To receive its stamp of approval and to be recognized by your peers is one of the biggest honors I could imagine. Now, after finally having the chance to achieve a world record, I consider it to be one of the major highlights in my 25 years of competitive shooting.”
Michel continued, “Perhaps one of the biggest joys I’ve experienced since setting the Guinness World Record has been the feedback I’ve received from my kids. For years I’ve been telling them about certain matches, how I performed and what it meant to me, but to see their reaction when I showed them the certificate from Guinness was truly unbelievable. I’m extremely blessed to have this opportunity and I look forward to seeing how my fellow competitors and recreational shooters respond to this new challenge. I hope it encourages them to set their own records as I will certainly be ready to match their performance whenever the time comes.”
To watch Michel’s world record performance, visit RecoilTV.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is The Complete Systems Provider™, leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. SIG SAUER® brings a dedication to superior quality, ultimate reliability, and unmatched performance that has made it the brand of choice among responsible citizens, and many of the world’s most elite military, government, and law enforcement units. SIG SAUER offers a full array of products and services to meet any mission parameter, including handguns, rifles, ammunition, optics, suppressors, ASP (Advanced Sport Pellet) airguns and training. The largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland, SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with more than 1,400 employees.
For more information on SIG SAUER, any of its products, or the SIG SAUER AcademySM log on to their website.
USA-(Ammoland.com)- Last year, Honor Defense introduced firearms that were quickly recognized as the most innovative and high quality single stack 9mm in the firearm industry.
Honor Defense will be showcasing the Honor Guard 9mm handguns for Media, Law Enforcement, and Retailers to try at the 2017 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range.
The Honor Guard 9mm line of pistols have more features than any other single stack 9mm pistol.
They have been called the best single stack 9mm available and are hand-assembled by veterans in Gainesville, GA.
Some of the key features include:
Ambidextrous manual thumb safety
Ambidextrous Magazine release
Progressive texture and grip shape for maximum comfort
Two back straps for custom fit
Stainless steel chassis for durability
No Trigger pull for disassembly
41o Stainless steel barrel with 1:10 twist for accuracy
The Honor Guard is available in both Sub Compact and Compact sizes with barrel lengths of 3.2″ and 3.8′ respectively.
Utilizing only American suppliers and domestic materials, Honor Defense pistols represent the best single stack 9mm weapons in the industry.
Honor Defense invites all USA Media, Law Enforcement and Retailers to stop by their lane to test-fire the Honor Defense pistols.
Las Vegas, Nevada –-(Ammoland.com)- The Caracal Enhanced F 9mm pistol was one of many firearms at Industry Day at the range that stuck in my mind as a gun that I really enjoyed shooting and has the potential to change the way pistols are typically made.
The Caracal 9mm pistol is not a new product, in fact, it has been presented a few times at SHOT Show. This year, Caracal brought out the Enhanced F and equipped the gun with their Quick Sight system. The Quick Sight system removes the traditional rear sights from the end of the slide and instead places the rear sights after the ejection port. The purpose is simple, to make sight acquisition much faster than the traditional rear sight system allows for. By closing the distance between rear and front sight posts, Caracal has succeeded in making a quick sight system.
The Quick Sight system works well, finding your sight picture as never been so fast and simple.
Quick Sights on Caracal’s Enhanced F Pistol
I will not say that I was smacking steel with each shot, in fact, I noticed that I was repeatedly sending shots a little high. So, using the Quick Sights will require some training, but that is something no gun owner should complain about. The sights work well for what they are designed for, and in that Caracal has succeeded with this innovative pistol sighting system.
In my opinion, the Quick Sight system is something I would like to see more on other pistols. For the purpose of concealed carry, drawing a gun from a holster and finding the sights is paramount in your ability to effectively defend yourself. The Quick Sight system allows for this in a smoother way than traditional sights ever have before.
Caracal’s Enhanced F w/ Quick Sights at Industry Day at the Range
The combination of the low bore axis as well as a low profile slide, help to reduce recoil and make shooting the pistol more instinctual in maintaining the pistol on target. Combine the impressive trigger and the Quick Sight system on the Caracal Enhanced F, and the pistol is easily one of my favorite polymer-frame pistols to shoot.
Ergonomics on this pistol fit my hand very well, and the stippling on the grip was comfortable. The overall weight, even when loaded, was light and in the same realm as the GLOCK 17.
Caracal’s pistol does not just have a great sight option, but it also has some other great features. The back plate of the slide, that has been altered from previous editions, now has an extended lip to catch on a belt should the user be unable to rack the slide with their other hand.
For example, if I was shot in my left arm and could not use it to pull the slide back, I could still load using only my right hand. Using the lip of the pistol to catch on a hard surface I could pull back the slide and be ready to fire.
The Enhanced F 9mm also features ambidextrous magazine releases as well as a trigger that was very impressive in both trigger pull and distance to reset. The magazine holds 18+1 rounds and the firearm is chambered in 9 x 19mm NATO.
Overall, I enjoyed shooting this pistol, and in terms of its applications of use, the list is a long one. One thing that can easily be said of Caracal is that they are developing quality firearms and are not shying away from trying a new thing. The Quick Sight system gives the shooter confidence each time they aim because of how simple it is to acquire the sight picture. Even older shooters with poor eyesight, told me that they found the Quick Sight system to be useful and effective.
The MSRP on this pistol is $599.99 and will be commercially available at during the late summer and early fall of 2017.
About Brian D. Johnson:
Brian Duncan Johnson is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. His focus of studies were on History and Government. Duncan is a regular contributor to AmmoLand and assists in the everyday gun-news publishing as an assistant editor.
USA-(Ammoland.com)- Nine years of dreaming. Ten thousand hours of trial and error.
Numerous failures that served as valuable learning experiences. One holster-able, integrally suppressed 9mm pistol that is hearing safe with all types of ammunition: the Maxim 9.
The time has come, the kinks are worked out, the details are dialed, and now the world will experience true innovation.
In honor of the official production launch of the Maxim 9, take a look behind the curtain for a glimpse into the journey to create the most disruptive product to hit the firearms industry in decades.
Maxim 9s will begin showing up at SilencerCo distributors around the country as early as April 2017. Standby – revolution is on the way.
SilencerCo Maxim 9 pistol
For more information on the product, visit their website.
About SilencerCo:
Born and bred in the land of the free, SilencerCo started life when two men in a garage machined, welded, and shaped their dreams into reality. They had one core belief: Guns don’t have to be loud. Now in our eighth year of existence, SilencerCo makes more silencers than anyone else in the market. We set the bar high for quality and innovation because in the end, that’s all that matters.
Fresno –-(Ammoland.com)- Honor Defense is pleased to announce that Honor Guard 9mm pistols have been tested and approved by the Fresno Police Department.
Fresno Police Officers are now able to select the Honor Guard 9mm pistol as their back up or off-duty gun of choice.
“We are honored and privileged that Fresno Police Department approved Honor Defense firearms. The approved weapons are the same models available to consumers as well. As a single-stack 9mm pistol with superior ergonomic features, the Honor Guard provides Officers with maximum performance. Worth noting that Honor Defense is the only American company making a single stack 9mm with a modular stainless steel chassis. Grips are available in 3 different sizes and barrels are available in two different lengths” quoted Gary Ramey – President of Honor Defense.
Ramey added “We are particularly pleased as the Fresno Police Department personnel and Regional Training Center are among the finest in the nation. I was fortunate to attend the Fresno Regional Training Center grand opening years ago, their personnel and facilities are world class.”
Chief Jerry Dyer quoted, “The Fresno Police Department is dedicated to reaching the highest standards of professionalism through policies, procedures, training and technology. The Fresno Police Department is also proud to provide the California public safety community with a state-of-the-art training center like no other. The RTC covers almost 80 acres and features “smart” classrooms, seven firearms ranges (including a 200-yard rifle range), a 3-story tactical training house, sniper tower, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, mat room, driving and force options simulators. In addition, they have a comprehensive instruction schedule at their facility as well. We offer specialized courses in driving, firearms, arrest & control/defensive tactics, force options & driving simulators, and more. We are pleased to have tested and added Honor Defense for use.”
More information on Fresno Regional Training Center can be found at www.fresnopolice.net, or by contacting the facility at 559-621-2157.
For more information, visit their website at www.honordefense.com, or contact Honor Defense at 678-943-8035.
About Honor Defense:
Honor Defense firearms represent the next generation of modular handguns. Honor Defense firearms have more features than any other sub-compact pistol. Every part is manufactured in the U.S.A. to our highest standards. You can’t buy a better pistol right out of the box. To create their pistols, Honor Defense secured input from a panel of professionals that have defended our nation or have extensive credentials in self-defense training.
For more information, please visit HONORDEFENSE.COM
USA-(Ammoland.com)- Honor Defense is pleased to announce that Honor Guard 9mm pistols have been tested and approved by the Fresno Police Department.
Fresno Police Officers are now able to select the Honor Guard 9mm pistol as their back up or off-duty gun of choice.
“We are honored and privileged that Fresno Police Department approved Honor Defense firearms. The approved weapons are the same models available to consumers as well. As a single-stack 9mm pistol with superior ergonomic features, the Honor Guard provides Officers with maximum performance. Worth noting that Honor Defense is the only American company making a single stack 9mm with a modular stainless steel chassis. Grips are available in 3 different sizes and barrels are available in two different lengths” said Gary Ramey, president of Honor Defense.
“We are particularly pleased as the Fresno Police Department personnel and Regional Training Center are among the finest in the nation. I was fortunate to attend the Fresno Regional Training Center grand opening years ago, their personnel and facilities are world class.” Ramey added.
“The Fresno Police Department is dedicated to reaching the highest standards of professionalism through policies, procedures, training and technology. The Fresno Police Department is also proud to provide the California public safety community with a state-of-the-art training center like no other. The RTC covers almost 80 acres and features “smart” classrooms, seven firearms ranges (including a 200-yard rifle range), a 3-story tactical training house, sniper tower, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, mat room, driving and force options simulators. In addition, they have a comprehensive instruction schedule at their facility as well. We offer specialized courses in driving, firearms, arrest & control/defensive tactics, force options & driving simulators, and more. We are pleased to have tested and added Honor Defense for use.” Chief Jerry Dyer said.
More information on Fresno Regional Training Center can be found on their website, or by contacting the facility at 559-621-2157.
For more information, visit their website or contact Honor Defense at 678-943-8035.
About Honor Defense:
Honor Defense offers the finest American-made pistols-using only American partners and materials. Honor Defense pistols are built with more features and higher quality standards than other pistols in their size range. To create its pistols, Honor Defense secured input from a panel of professionals that have defended our nation or have extensive credentials in self-defense training.
