+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Handgun Buyer's Guide - Holiday 2015

Handgun Buyer's Guide - Holiday 2015

Date post: 08-Oct-2015
Category:
Upload: nanjappa4
View: 127 times
Download: 3 times
Share this document with a friend
Description:
Hand Gun

of 132

Transcript
  • 78

    07165803105

    0

    FROM

    THE

    EDI

    TORS

    OF

    GUN

    WOR

    LD20

    15 G

    UN B

    UYER

    S GU

    IDE

    HOLI

    DAY

    $8.9

    9 U.

    S.

    DISP

    LAY

    UNTI

    L: 1

    2/30

    /14

    FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN W

    ORLD 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE

    Engaged M

    edia

    By B

    eckett

    GWBG_Cover 10/14/14 7:09 AM Page US_C1

  • Ridiculously Comfortable

    Micro Subcompact Compact Full Size

    MADE IN USA

    LearnMoreAboutNewHolster

    Learn more at:AlienGearHolsters.comFind us:

    Weve Got The Famous Iron-Clad Triple Guarantee!30 Day Test Drive Free Shell Trades For Life Forever Warranty

    $ 35.88Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster

    Neoprene Padded HolsterEnhanced Comfort More Flexible Improved Stability Lighter Weight

    GWBG_2014_C2 10/9/14 12:21 AM Page C2

  • GWBG_2014_3 10/8/14 11:42 PM Page 3

  • 4 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    8 THE BARGAIN ALL-STAR Duty guns are all the rage but its hard todecide on a specific model. Here are ninegreat reasons to choose the CZ P-09 pistol.

    BY BRAD FITZPATRICK

    20 ONE-TWO PUNCHThe Savage Arms Axis II XP rifle/scopecombo combines outstanding accuracy witha solid scope into one affordable package.

    BY TOM TABOR

    FEATURES

    EXTRAS6 Letter from the Editor130 Closing

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    88

    123

    6655

    SAVAGE

    ARMS

    BO

    ND

    AR

    MS

    DE

    SA

    NTI

    S H

    OLS

    TER

    S

    BROWNING

    GWBG2015-004-005-TOC-CX 10/13/14 3:43 AM Page 4

  • 14 Service Issue Handguns28 Hunting Handguns31 1911 Pattern Handguns55 Tiny Handguns66 Concealed Carry Handguns88 Holsters92 Revolvers

    104 Special Purpose Handguns108 Hot .22 Handguns112 Accessories118 Ammunition123 Rifles

    BUYERS GUIDES

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 5

    Cover Images by: Gun cover imagescourtesy of theirmanufacturer

    Cover Design by:Eric Knagg

    31

    118

    HORNADY MFG

    CO

    LT M

    FG

    GWBG2015-004-005-TOC-CX 10/13/14 3:43 AM Page 5

  • I grew up in the car culture ofSouthern California in the1960s, attended many dragraces and custom car shows, anddeveloped a love and appreciationfor classic muscle cars of that era.

    I first became involved in practical

    shooting as a member of the original Southwest Pistol League in Los Angeles

    in the mid-1970s and was introduced to one of the all-time-classic firearms,

    the Colt 1911A1. That attachment to handguns and classic firearms has

    continued to this day.

    Ive owned examples of the classic 1911A1 pistol, in one form or another,

    for most of my adult life. I think one of the reasons I tend to choose handguns

    over anything else is because of the challenge they provide. To be sure,

    hitting the 10-ring of a high-power rifle target while trying to dope the wind

    and mirage at 600 yards is extremely difficult, and being able to smoke

    a clay pigeon using a finely fitted shotgun has its challenges as well.

    But for me, because of the various types of competitions available for

    a handgun from long-range

    silhouette, to Olympic pistols, to

    the various action events, to just

    every day tin can plinking the

    handgun is the most-challenging

    and rewarding of all of the

    firearms to master.

    Each category of firearms

    has its classic from back in the

    day: think back to the 1903

    Springfield rifle, the P08 Luger and the aforementioned 1911A1 at the turn

    of the century, through the Thompson submachine gun of the 1920s, the M1

    Garand and then M14/M1A of WWII, through the pre-1964 Winchester Model

    70 bolt-actioned rifle, and continuing on through the other classic Winchester

    of that era, the Model 12-pump shotgun.

    Current classic firearms would arguably include the Remington M700 rifle,

    the Glock pistol, the S&W Model 10 revolver and the Remington 870 shotgun.

    I think thats what I enjoy the most about firearms, other than shooting them,

    is the rich history and appreciation of the finely engineered classic guns from

    then to now.

    We have assembled a unique buyers guide of handguns and rifles for you

    with the hope that you will find something between these pages that you

    can turn into a classic of your own.

    Regards!

    Steve Sieberts, editor

    EDITORIAL Executive Editor: Doug JeffreyEditor: Steve SiebertsManaging Editor: Devlin SmithSenior Creative Director: Eric KnaggArt Director: John Bernikow and Claire Morales

    CONTRIBUTORS Tom Tabor and Brad Fitzpatrick

    ADVERTISINGAd Sales Director: Gabe Frimmel (714) [email protected] Account Executive: Casey Clifford (714) 312-6275Senior Account Executive: Mark Pack (714) 200-1939Ad Traffic Coordinator: Gennifer Merriday

    DIRECT MARKETING GROUPJohn Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746Paul Caca (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756

    OPERATIONSGus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales ManagerCelia Merriday: Newsstand AnalystMohit Patel: Newsstand & Production AnalystJohn Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

    EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200Yorba Linda, CA 92887(714) 939-9991Fax: (800) 249-7761www.gunworld.comwww.facebook.com/gunworldmagazinewww.facebook.com/eembybeckett

    Handgun Buyers Guide 2014 by Engaged Media By Beckett. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

    CUSTOMER SERVICEENGAGED MEDIA BY BECKETT4635 Mc Ewen Road. Dallas, TX 75244

    SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGES, RENEWALS, MISSING OR DAMAGED COPIES(800) 764-6278(239) 653-0225 Foreign [email protected]@beckett.com

    BACK ISSUES www.engagedmediamags.com

    BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS(239) 280-2380

    DEALER SALES(239) 280-2380

    NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR [email protected]

    ENGAGED MEDIA BY BECKETTNick Singh: Executive DirectorVikas Malhotra: Vice PresidentErin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director

    This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understandingthat information presented is from various sources from whichthere can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media ByBeckett as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    6 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    TimelessClassics

    the handgun is the

    most challenging and

    rewarding of all of the

    firearms to master.

    PH

    OTO

    BY

    KY

    LE S

    IEB

    ER

    TS

    GWBG2015-006-Edit-CX2 10/10/14 4:51 AM Page 6

  • GWBG_2014_7 10/8/14 11:50 PM Page 7

  • 8 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 8

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 9

    Nine Solid Reasons to Carry the CZ P-09

    By Brad Fitzpatrick

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 9

  • 10 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    The P09 makes for an affordable,accurate and reliable defensivehandgun that is chambered formost popular calibers.

    [it is] a thoroughly modern combat handgun with the goods to compete

    in this crowded field.

    safety, and the gun can be converted back

    and forth relatively easily. The large

    accessory rail offers plenty of space for

    mounting lights or lasers, and the oversized

    trigger guard makes it easy to shoot the gun

    even while wearing tactical gloves.

    The P-09 comes with three inter-

    changeable back straps (sized as small,

    medium and large) so its easy to customize

    the grip with components provided with the

    initial purchase of the firearm. Theres also a

    version with a threaded barrel for suppressors.

    DEPENDABILITYCombat pistols are thoroughly

    tested and that testing requires

    heavy abuse to ensure that the gun will

    perform under any and all conditions. The

    CZ is a quality-built gun all you need to

    do is pick one up and cycle the action a few

    times to feel how smooth and well-made

    this pistol is.

    The large extractor offers peace of mind

    and the gun that I tested went through

    several hundred rounds of ammunition, both

    rapid and slow fire, without a single

    malfunction. I did my best to give the CZ

    every opportunity to fail, firing rapid shots

    with a limp-wristed grip, shooting full

    magazines in rapid succession, shooting low-

    power loads and cheap, dirty ammo. It is a

    hammer-fired gun, which offers some peace

    of mind over a striker-fired pistol because the

    slide doesnt have to be pulled back to fire

    the gun in the event of primer failure.

    ACCURACYWith Federals HST ammunition,

    the P-09 managed sub-2-inch

    2

    3

    There are few niches in the firearmmarket that are more competitivethan the full-size tactical pistolsegment.

    Perhaps more than any other type of

    firearm, these guns serve as life insurance

    for thousands of uniformed military and

    police officers on a daily basis, and gun

    companies invest millions in the design,

    production and manufacture of these guns

    in an effort to offer a competitive option.

    There are some very good guns that dont

    get the recognition they deserve in this

    arena. Case in point, CZs high-capacity P-

    09 semiautomatic, the latest offering from a

    company that produced one of Europes

    favorite service guns, the CZ-75.

    The P-09 may trace its heritage back to

    the 75, but it is its own gun, a thoroughly

    modern combat handgun with the goods to

    compete in this crowded field. There are a

    lot of reasons to love the CZ and here are

    nine of them.

    VERSATILITYThe P-09 was designed to

    accommodate a variety of

    different tastes.

    For starters, it features an ambidextrous

    design, so left- or right-handed shooters

    can operate the controls on this pistol

    equally well.

    In addition, the P-09 offers the shooter

    the choice between a decocker or a manual

    1

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 10

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 11

    groups at 25 yards off a fixed bench, which

    is excellent for a production pistol. But

    bench-rest accuracy and real-world tactical

    accuracy are two different things, and thats

    an important distinction to make. Mounting

    a handgun into a machine rest will tell you

    how well the chamber is cut, how uniform

    the rifling is and what the pistols inherent

    accuracy is.

    Field accuracy is harder to quantify and it

    is affected by grip shape, balance, the

    quality of the trigger pull, the shooters

    influence on the handgun when delivering

    the shot and so forth. The P-09 is accurate

    from the bench, and its ergonomics and

    design make it an easy gun to shoot well in

    the field, too.

    CAPACITYIf youre relying on a gun to see

    you through a real crisis, its good

    to know that it holds 20 rounds of 9mm

    ammunition (19+1, 15+1 in .40 S&W).

    Thats a lot of shooting, and if you carry a

    loaded 9mm pistol with a spare magazine,

    youd have more than three dozen rounds

    ready for action.

    For concealed carry or home defense

    guns, thats overkill, but duty guns are a

    different story altogether. That prodigious

    capacity doesnt cause the grip to expand to

    the size of a liter soda bottle either; the grip

    The Crimson Trace Rail Master makes an excellent addition when mounted on the P-09.

    The P-09 comes ready for duty but if you want to makeadditions, here are some ideas:

    I. CUSTOM SIGHTSCZ Custom offers a wide selection of iron sights for the P-09,

    including ber optic, duty and tactical rear sights, and ber opticfront sights. Finding a set of iron sights that allow you to shoot overa suppressor can be tough but CZ also offers a set of higher sightsdesigned for use with pistols that are outtted with suppressors.CZ Custom iron sights retail for between $8085.WEB: CZCustom.com

    II. LASER AND LIGHT OPTIONSCrimson Trace offers a wide selection of different laser and light

    options, including the new Rail Master Pro that features both alaser (red or green) and a high-intensity LED light. This unit iscompact yet it serves as both a laser and a light, maximizing thespace available on the accessory rail. The Rail Master Pro has anMSRP of $279 with a red laser and $379 with a green laser. WEB: CrimsonTrace.com

    III. LASER DOTS LaserLytes new Center Mass laser offers a ring of eight laser dots

    that surround a central aiming point, providing for rapid targetacquisition even in low light. The unit is very light and extremelydurable. The cost is $164.95.WEB: LaserLyte.com

    OUTFITTING YOUR P-09

    4

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 11

  • 12 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    remains relatively thin, given the magazine

    capacity, and is comfortable for shooters

    with a wide range of hand sizes.

    BALANCEBecause it holds 20 rounds, the

    P-09 needs to be appropriately

    balanced, it is just that, and with a full

    magazine it points naturally. Even when the

    magazine is loaded to half-capacity, the gun

    is still well-balanced. The grip helps things;

    it has an appropriate angle and is wide

    enough to absorb recoil and narrow enough

    to be comfortable. The low slide and

    excellent sights make target acquisition

    easy, and accurate double-taps can be

    delivered very quickly.

    TRIGGERThe P-09 utilizes the Omega

    DA/SA Trigger System. In double-

    action mode, the pull is a relatively heavy

    10 pounds; in SA mode, it breaks at slightly

    less than 4 pounds. Its a clean, smooth

    trigger and one of the best Ive found on

    any standard production gun, especially

    given the price point. The trigger contour is

    also well thought-out; it features a straight

    center section with a steep angle on the

    bottom.

    SLEEK PROFILEThe low bore axis means that

    there isnt a lot of gun above the

    CZ P-09s polymer frame. That helps make

    the gun easier to shoot quickly by

    transferring the recoil up the shooters arm

    rather than around the axis of the wrist, but

    it also has an additional benefit of reducing

    its overall height. This helps with recovery

    during recoil and aids in delivering faster

    follow-up shots.

    The front edges of the slide have been

    angled, and the slide stop, decocker (or, if

    you prefer, the manual safety) and the

    magazine release button are all low-profile

    and wont snag.

    The sights also have a smooth, low-

    profile design. This is obviously a gun that

    was engineered with special attention to

    creating a sleek, smooth, easy-to-draw

    profile.

    SIZEIn a world in which gun

    companies are producing

    semiautomatic handguns that ride the fence

    between full-size duty guns and more-

    The CZs fire controls were set close to the frame, making for a slim profile, yet wereeasy to manipulate.

    The smooth trigger and generous area around the trigger on the P09 make for effective shooting with gloves on.

    The P-09 uses the tried and true three-dot sight system, which is fast and effective.

    6

    7

    8

    5

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 12

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 13

    compact carry guns, the P-09 is a bona fide

    combat pistol. Thats not to say its heavy (it

    weighs just under 30 ounces unloaded) or

    that it is oversized and unwieldy. That

    simply means its a full-frame, high-

    capacity, manageable pistol with a

    relatively long barrel and plenty of gripping

    surface, a purpose-built gun that was

    designed with tactical applications in mind.

    PRICEThe CZ P-09 is priced between

    $530596, making it

    unequivocally one of the best bargains in

    the world of tactical pistols.

    I shot several hundred rounds at the

    range before I checked the specifications

    from CZ and was surprised that the gun

    retailed for under $600. I would have

    guessed it at a $700 or even $800, and the

    CZ P-09 has the look and feel of any gun in

    that range. Actual price in stores may vary,

    so you might find one under $500. If you do,

    buy it. You wont be sorry.

    About the author: Brad Fitzpatrick is a

    regular contributor to Engaged Media. His

    work also appears in World of Firearms.

    For the tests performed here, I used Federal Premium

    HST ammo, which is available in 9mm Luger, .40 Smith &

    Wesson and .45 ACP.

    Because of its defensive and tactical applications, HST

    ammunition undergoes a battery of tests and it has

    proven to be effective as a defensive bullet. All HST

    ammunition is loaded with Federal Premium nickel-

    plated brass cases and has waterproong on the case

    neck and around the primer for reliable function in the

    worst conditions. The tapered hollow point bullet has a

    tapered jacket prole that aids in consistent feeding.

    Co-aligned internal and external skiving on the bullet

    allow for rapid expansion and massive shock transfer

    while maintaining a solid structure that penetrates deep.

    The HST ammunition used in this test proved to be very

    reliable and accurate, and groups were consistent. There

    was no excess fouling with these loads, nor were there

    any failures to feed, chamber, extract or eject the

    ammunition or spent cartridge cases.

    For more information, visit FederalPremium.com.

    FEDERALS HST AMMUNITION

    RIGHT TOP: The accessory railunderneath the dust coverenables for mounting any of themost-popular lights and lasers.

    RIGHT BOTTOM:The CZ isavailable with interchangeablebackstraps in order to customizethe grip for individual shootershands.

    9

    GW

    GWBG2015-CZ-8-13-CX 10/13/14 3:48 AM Page 13

  • 14 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2014 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    Handguns are the primary defensive arms ofpolice, special investigators and manymilitary officers. While these professionalshope they never need their firearm, they must beabsolutely certain of their guns reliability andfirepower in the few moments once or twice a lifetimethey might.

    To that end, the market offers high-end andproduction models in a staggering array ofconfigurations and popular defensive calibers. At a

    minimum, they are ruggedly built and designed towithstand thousands of rounds without gun-relatedmalfunctions. Some are rated for use in marineenvironments. Most have accessory rails to receivetactical lights, lasers and other mission-essentialgear, and a lot of them have night sights of some sort.

    This selection of duty-ready sidearms representstop manufacturers and some of the most excitingmodels they offer. We hope you can find your nextduty-ready handgun in these pages.

    PRIMARY DEFENSEReliable, High-End and Rugged Duty Sidearms

    PHOTO BY MARTIN TOPPER

    14 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:54 AM Page 14

  • BERETTAPX4 STORM FULL

    BERETTA90-TWO

    ARMALITEAR-24 TACTICAL CUSTOM

    WEBSITE: CenturyArms.bizMSRP: $440ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 18+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.25 inchesWEIGHT: 1.65 pounds

    FEATURES: Tritium nightsights, chrome-lined barrel,ambidextrous safety/decocker

    WEBSITE: ArmaLite.comMSRP: $631ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 13+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.9 inchesLENGTH: 7.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable sights,extensive grip checkering, hammer spur

    WEBSITE: Beretta90Two.comMSRP: $700ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .40 SWCAPACITY: 12+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.9 inchesHEIGHT: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 8.9 inchesWEIGHT: 2.03 pounds

    FEATURES: Updated 92FS,lighter weight, wraparoundmono-grip, accessory rail

    WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $575ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .40 SWCAPACITY: 14+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.75 pounds

    FEATURES: Rotating barrel, interchangeable backstraps, designed for defensive work

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 15

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    CANIKTP-9

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:55 AM Page 15

  • WEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $595ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 18+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.7 inchesLENGTH: 8.2 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.8 inchesWEIGHT: 1.81 pounds

    FEATURES: Polymer frame for light weight, accessory rail, inte-gral accessory rail

    WEBSITE: Caracal-USA.comMSRP: $400ACTION: STRCALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 18+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.1 inchesLENGTH: 7 inchesWIDTH: 1.1 inchesHEIGHT: 5.3 inchesWEIGHT: 1.63 pounds

    FEATURES: Pre-A1 militarystyling, very high capacity, novelQuick Sight system

    WEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $664ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 16+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.61 inchesLENGTH: 8.11 inchWEIGHT: 2.21 pounds

    FEATURES: Ambidextrous version ofCZ75, reversible magazine release,improved trigger pull

    WEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $510ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 15BARREL LENGTH: 3.8 inchesLENGTH: 7.2 inchesWIDTH: 1.46 inchesHEIGHT: 5.3 inchesWEIGHT: 1.7 pounds

    FEATURES: Safety/decocker interchangeablewith standard safety, high-capacity, designed tomeet police defensive requirements

    CZSP-01 PHANTOM

    CZP-07 DUTY

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    16 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    CZ.85 COMBAT

    (DISCONTINUED. DS)

    CARACALCARACAL F

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:55 AM Page 16

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 17

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    GLOCKG31WEBSITE: Glock.comMSRP: $649ACTION: STRCALIBER: .357 sigCAPACITY: 15+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.5 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.2 inchesHEIGHT: 5.4 inchesWEIGHT: 1.44 pounds

    FEATURES: White outline rear sight, polymer frame for lightweight, combat trigger guard, double-stack magazine

    WEBSITE: GrandPower.euMSRP: $665ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 15+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.97 inchesWEIGHT: 1.81 pounds

    FEATURES: Interchangeablebackstraps, ambidextrous controls, integral accessory rail

    WEBSITE: HK-USA.comMSRP: $1,049ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 10+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.26inchesLENGTH: 6.4 inches

    HEIGHT: 4.55 inchesWEIGHT: 1.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Three-dotsights, interchangeablebackstraps, integralaccessory rail, multipletrigger/control types

    HECKLER & KOCHP2000SK

    GRAND POWERK100 MK7

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:55 AM Page 17

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    18 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    SIG SAUERP210WEBSITE: Sig-Sauer.comMSRP: $2,199ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.7 inchesLENGTH: 8.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.6 inchesWEIGHT: 2.34 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable sights, wood grips,designed for extreme accuracy, plush comfort

    WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $1,696ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 15+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.8 inchesWIDTH: 1.6 inchesHEIGHT: 5.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.25 pounds

    FEATURES: Exciting tactical design, integral accessory rail,5-inch barrel, thumb safety rather than decocking lever

    WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $1,239ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 15+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.9 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesHEIGHT: 5.4 inchesWEIGHT: 2 pounds

    FEATURES: Siglite night sights, Hogue G-10grips, short-reset trigger, accessory rail

    SIG SAUERP229 EXTREMESIG SAUERP226 X-FIVE TACTICAL

    WEBSITE: MagnumResearch.comMSRP: $1,563ACTION: Semi-automatic, gas piston systemCALIBER: .44 MAGCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 6 or 10 inchesLENGTH: 10.75 inchesWEIGHT: 4.4 pounds

    FEATURES: Chambered for magnumrevolver cartridges, integral accessory rail,unique gas operation, decocking lever

    MAGNUMRESEARCHDESERT EAGLE

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:56 AM Page 18

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 19

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $779ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .40 SWCAPACITY: 15+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.63 inchesWEIGHT: 1.52 pounds

    FEATURES: VTac Warrior sights, ambidextrous controls,integral accessory rail, multiple color options

    SMITH & WESSONM&P40 VTAC

    SMITH & WESSONM&P45

    WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $599ACTION: STRCALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 10+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.73 pounds

    FEATURES: Interchangeable backstraps, white-dot low-profiletactical sights, designed for duty and defensive carry

    WEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $732ACTION: STRCALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.8 inchesLENGTH: 6.9 inchesHEIGHT: 4.55 inchesWEIGHT: 1.69 pounds

    FEATURES: Frame-mountedsafety, low-profile combat sights,high capacity for size

    SPRINGFIELDXD(M) 3.8 .45 ACP

    GW

    GWBG2015-SERVICE-14-19-CX-CX 10/13/14 3:56 AM Page 19

  • 20 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    Savage Arms New Axis II XP Is anAffordable Rifle & Scope Combo

    Story and Photos by Tom Tabor

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:17 AM Page 20

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 21

    The business of manufacturing of firearms isnt alwayssmooth and trouble-free. As such, in the 1960s andthroughout the 1980s, Savage Arms struggled against anonslaught of competition.

    During that era, ownership of the company changed frequentlybefore finally culminating in a bankruptcy filing in 1988. Manyfeared this would be the final blow to the Savage legacy, but wenow know that didnt happen. The credit for the companyssurvival goes to Ron Coburn. As president/CEO of Savage, heimmediately implemented a series of carefully laid strategies and

    production changes that brought the company back from the brink. A large part of the Coburn plan was to continue the companys

    efforts to construct affordable and high-quality rifles and to makesure they had a high degree of accuracy. The Axis series centerfirerifles are a perfect example of that, as I learned when I had thechance to review the Axis II XP.

    THE AXIS II XP PACKAGEWhen the Axis was first released a few years ago, it quickly

    became one of Savages most-popular hunting models. Being so

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:17 AM Page 21

  • 22 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    Its weather-resistant exterior is perfectly matched to the harsh conditions frequently encountered in many hunting environments.

    well received by the worlds shooters, thecompany recently decided to take the rifleto a new level by offering a slightlymodified version in a ready-to-shootpackage called the Axis II XP.

    This package included a Weaver Kaspa3-9x40mm scope, which comes from thefactory already mounted and boresighted,but the benefits dont stop there.

    Rather than possessing a traditional-styletrigger like the original Axis, the new Axis IIXP comes equipped with an AccuTrigger.The AccuTrigger is a great system thatallows the rifle to be adjusted to very lighttrigger pull weights and still be safe to usein the field for hunting.

    To adjust the trigger, the rifle stock must

    TOP: The Axis II XP rie packagecame with a Weaver Kaspa 3-9x40mm scope installed andboresighted at the factory.

    BOTTOM: The removable .223magazine held ve cartridges that arestacked in the magazine in the typicalZ formation.

    Continued on page 24

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:17 AM Page 22

  • www.lesbaer.com

    See our entire line ofhigh performance custom rifles and pistols at

    When we decided to build our own line ofAR rifles, we knew they couldn't be like everyoneelse's. So, from the beginning, our AR rifles havefeatured the very best parts available anywhere,many of them forged for toughness, then precisionmachined on our own CNC horizontal machiningcenters and broaching machines. They're all custombuilt with painstaking care and they perform like noother AR on the planet. More than 20 models areavailable with multiple caliber choices and high techmission-specific options for law enforcement/tacticalor sporting use, including:

    Les Baer Custom AR Super Varmint Model.223 cal/5.56 mm, .204 Ruger, .264 LBC-AR TM, 6 x 45

    Les Baer Custom .308 Cal/7.62mmNATO Sniper Rifle

    Les Baer Custom .308 Cal/7.62mmNATO MONOLITH SWAT ModelStd or Mid-Length Barrel

    Les Baer CustomMonolith.308 Semi-Auto SWAT

    Model

    Les BaerCustom .308NATO Sniper

    Rifle

    1911Les BaerCustomBoss .45

    Les BaerCustom

    Ultimate 1911Tactical Carry

    5" Pistol

    Les Baer Custom ARSuper Varmint Rifle

    www.lesbaer.com

    Also available: Les Baer Custom 1911 PistolsMore than thirty models of breathtakingly accuratecustom pistols including:

    Les Baer Custom 1911 Boss .45Les Baer Custom Ultimate 1911 Tactical Carry 5" Pistol

    Performance. Its Everything.

    1804 Iowa Drive LeClaire, Iowa 52753Ph: 563-289-2126 Fx: 563-289-2132

    Email: [email protected] Hours: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Central Time

    GWBG_2014_23 10/8/14 11:52 PM Page 23

  • 24 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    first be removed. Following that, a smalladjustment tool, which comes with eachrifle, is inserted into a hole located near therear of the trigger assembly. A turn in onedirection will increase the weight of thepull; when turned in the opposite direction,it lessens it. The test rifle came from thefactory with the trigger already adjusted to2.68 pounds (five-pull average), and theconsistency between those five pulls wasextremely good, varying by a mere 3.2ounces.

    The action design on the Axis II XP is acommon one used on many Savage riflesand was developed in an effort to limit the

    TOP: Removing the bolt of the Axis IIis a multi-handed proposition. Afterensuring the rie is unloaded with nocartridges in the either the chamberor the magazine, you must take thesafety off, raise the bolt handle andpress forward on the bolt releasesimultaneously while squeezing thetrigger.

    MIDDLE: The Axis II XP trigger guardis made of the same or similarmaterial as the synthetic stock andmatches the exterior of the rieperfectly.

    BOTTOM: The author found theshape of the ventilated recoil pad onthe Axis II XP to be unique in shapebut it t nicely in the pocket of theshoulder.

    Continued from page 22

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:17 AM Page 24

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 25

    amount of machining needed to produce it.Less factory machining equates into lessproduction cost and those savings arepassed on to the customer in the form oflower rifle prices.

    This design results in the rear portion ofthe bolt being a bit larger in diameter thanmost other actions. While not necessarilyunattractive in appearance, it does makeSavage centerfire rifles easy to recognize. Inrecent years I have shot many Savage riflesthat possessed this action and have alwaysfound them to function very well and theaccuracy to be very good.

    It is a push-feed design with plunger-type ejectors located within the recessedface of the bolt. Twin locking lugs arepresent, which have been positioned upfront. The cast metal bolt handle comesnon-checkered with the knob beinguniquely oval-shaped. I particularly likedthe fact that the Axis II action was designedso that bolt could be opened withoutneeding to take the safety off. This is agreat safety feature.

    Removing the Axis II bolt from thereceiver was a little tricky and to do soessentially became a multi-hands operation.After making certain the rifle is completelyunloaded (chamber and magazine), theprocedure detailed here must be followed.Place the safety in the off position andraise the bolt handle. The bolt release(located along the right side of the receiver)should now be pushed forward whilesimultaneously pulling the trigger anddrawing the bolt rearward. This releases the

    BEHIND THE NAME

    The Savage story is aninteresting one. The companysroots date back over 120 years agowhen a Jamaican by the name ofArthur William Savage came toAmerica and established his

    namesake company. Preceding the founding of

    Savage Arms, Savage led anadventurous and exciting life. Afterbeing schooled in the UnitedStates and England, he decided to

    explore Australia. There he becamethe owner of the countrys largestcattle ranches before moving toNew York and establishing hisfuture legacy as the founder ofSavage Arms.

    TOP: A machined slot has been cut inthe bottom of the Axis II receiver thatmatches a metal lug within the stock.

    BOTTOM: Unlike the earlier Axisries, the Axis II XP comes equippedwith an AccuTrigger. This is a greatfeature that allows the trigger to beadjusted to very light pull weights andstill maintain a degree of safety foreld use.

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:17 AM Page 25

  • RATE OF TWIST: 1 in 12 inches

    WEIGHT: 6.5 pounds

    OVERALL LENGTH: 3.66 feet

    BARREL LENGTH: 1.83 feet

    AMMO CAPACITY: 4 rounds

    SPECS

    MSRP: $489

    sling swivel studs and a ventilated recoilpad. I chose the .223 for testing, which, inmy view, would make a perfect choice forthe hunting of a wide range of small- tomedium-sized game and predators. I likethe hunting versatility that comes with thisparticular cartridge and believe it would bea near-perfect choice for anything fromprairie dogs, ground squirrels, foxes, coyotesand marmots, all the way up to the hunting

    of feral hogs, with the rightammunition.

    The magazine capacitywas listed at four rounds bythe factory, but I found Icould easily squeeze in a fifth

    26 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    Any rifle that can consistently group as well asthis one did right out of the box while shootingfactory-loaded ammunition is a great value.

    bolt catch mechanism, allowing the bolt tobe extracted to the rear.

    The Axis II XP is available in a widerange of popular hunting calibers, including.223, .22-250, .243, .25-06, .270, .30-06,.308 and 7mm-08. Each rifle comes all-inclusive with an AccuTrigger, a syntheticstock, a detachable box-type magazine,

    round. Quite likely this increase in magazinecapacity over that purported by the factoryis due to the smaller overall physical size ofthe .223 cartridges versus the otheravailable caliber choices. Be aware thattrying to squeeze in extra ammunitionbeyond what is listed from the factory cansometimes induce malfunctions.

    The removable magazine is secured intoplace by way of an integral plastic latchsystem that consists of the same moldedplastic material as the magazine floor plate.

    The synthetic stock is matte black, whichperfectly matches the finish of the 22-inchcarbon steel 1:9 twist rate barrel. Thisbarrel is rifled with a 1:9 twist rate, whichis perfectly suited for the wide range ofbullet weights this rifle is intended to use.The 1:9 twist rate will stabilize the heavier.224 caliber bullets (up to the 6970 grain)that handloaders like to use in order to get alittle extra range out the .223 caliber, andwill also handle the more-standard 52-55-grain bullet weights that are more-commonto this caliber. The heavier bullets willretain their velocity at longer ranges.

    BURNING RANGE POWDERAfter running a few solvent-soaked

    patches down the bore to clean out anyleft-behind debris from the manufacturingprocesses, I headed out to my private rangefor a powder-burning episode.

    The boresighting had already beencompleted at the factory so my first zeroingrounds were already on paper. From there itwas an easy operation to fine-tune thescope so my bullets were impactingprecisely where I wanted them.

    For my testing, I chose to shoot factory-loaded Federal Premium ammunition, whichhad been loaded with the excellent 43-grain Speer TNT Green bullets. Id used thissame ammunition previously on a prairie

    ACCUTRIGGER: Yes

    ACCUSTOCK: No

    MAGAZINE: Detachable box

    STOCK MATERIAL: Synthetic

    BARREL MATERIAL: Carbon steel

    STOCK FINISH: Matte

    BARREL FINISH: Matte

    STOCK COLOR: Black

    BARREL COLOR: Black

    SIGHTS: Weaver Kaspa 3-9x40 scope,

    mounted and bore-sighted

    FEATURES: Adjustable AccuTrigger

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:18 AM Page 26

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 27

    dog shooting-palooza a short time back andfound it to be very consistent and accurate.With this ammo sighted in to hit point ofaim point of impact at 100 yards, the bulletswould drop -2.7 inches at 200 yards anddrop -11.9 inches as they reached the 300-yard mark.

    It didnt take long before I becameimpressed by the accuracy of both theSavage Axis II XP rifle and my Federalammo. Averaging all of the three-shotgroups produced a mean size of 1.45 incheswith the smallest group measuring a mere0.69 inches and the largest coming in at1.875 inches. I felt these results were quitegood, but Im sure after the rifle has beenfully broken in, and when shootinghandloads that have been specificallytailored to the rifle, those group sizes couldeasily be squeezed down even smaller.

    BARGAIN, QUALITYThe Savage Axis II XP is a great bargain

    for the money. While it might not be quiteas pretty as some other rifles that havebeen adorned with a fancy walnut stock,high-gloss bluing and a slightly moreelegant features, I really liked the simplicityand ruggedness of this particular rifle.

    Its weather-resistant exterior is perfectly

    matched to the harsh conditions frequentlyencountered in many hunting environments.Even though the Kaspa riflescope suppliedwith this rifle essentially resides at thebottom of the Weaver hierarchy of products,I found the view it offered to beexceptionally clear and, overall, the scopefunctioned perfectly throughout my testing.

    Obviously, the Axis II XP rifle/scopecombo package was never intended tocompete as a high-end collectable firearm.However, with an MSRP of only $489 forthe entire rifle/scope package and the highdegree of accuracy and performance that Iexperienced with it, I would be surprised if

    anyone could find anything to object about.Any rifle that can consistently group as wellas this one did right out of the box whileshooting factory-loaded ammunition is agreat value.

    For those shooters who dont want totake the time to find an appropriate scopebase to fit the rifle, locate the proper height,size and color of rings, bore sight the rifleand even select and mount a scope, I wouldthink the Axis II XP would be the perfectmatch for that individual.

    About the author: Tom Tabor is a regularcontributor to Engaged Media.

    FOR THE YOUTHIn addition to the adult versionof the Axis II XP, there are sub-models designed specically foryounger shooters. Within thatyouth series there is a shortened

    black stock version as well asone that the company refers toas its Muddy Girl that comes ina very attractive pink camopattern. If my arms werent so

    long, I might have beenpersuaded to call a Muddy Girlmy own but, alas, I decided tostay with the black version thatwould t me better.

    OPPOSITE: The Axis II XP magazineis held in place by way of an integralplastic latch system that consists ofthe same molded plastic material asthe oor plate.

    RIGHT: The synthetic trigger guard ofthe Axis II XP allows it to blend inperfectly with the color and texture ofthe rie stock.

    Savage Arms youth version Muddy Girl Axis II XP would makean excellent choice for the younger shooter.

    GW

    GWBG2015-SAVAGE-20-27-CX-CX 10/10/14 4:18 AM Page 27

  • 28 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2014 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    Y ears ago, if a hunter wanted to use a hand-gun to pursue his sport, he was limited tothe 22LR for small game and the .41 or .44Magnum for larger game.

    Today, there is a wide variety of guns and cham-berings that can take down any animal that walksthe Earth. Additionally, the engineering that goesinto these modern hand cannons is leaps andbounds over what was available even 10 years ago.

    Add to this the advances in ammunition and acces-sories, and the modern handgun hunter is betterequipped than ever before.

    The small game arena has not been left out,either. More models, variations and advances in thetypes and features of modern optics available makeshooting them more fun and rewarding than ever.

    We are sure that you will find something thatmakes the sport even more exciting in this guide.

    Hand CannonsFirearms for Big & Small Game

    28 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    PHOTO BY THI NKSTOCK

    GWBG2015-028-030-Hunting-CX3 10/9/14 1:36 AM Page 28

  • EAAWITNESS HUNTER TANFOGLIO

    CHIAPPARHINO 60DS

    BROWNINGBUCK MARK HUNTER

    ROSSIMATCHED PAIR PISTOLWEBSITE: RossiUSA.comMSRP: $382.58ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 ShotshellCAPACITY: 1BARREL LENGTH: 0.92 feet

    FEATURES: Two pistols in onesystem, removable choke tube,adjustable rear sight

    WEBSITE: Browning.comMSRP: $499.99CALIBER: .22 LRBARREL LENGTH: .6 feetACTION: SACAPACITY: 10+1LENGTH: .94 feetWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES:Heavy tapered bull barrel,adjustable rear sight, integral scope base

    WEBSITE:ChiappaFirearms.comMSRP: $1,099ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .357 MAGCAPACITY: 6BARREL LENGTH: 0.5 feetLENGTH: .88 feetWEIGHT: 2.06 pounds

    WEBSITE: EAACorp.comMSRP: $1,293ACTION: SACALIBER: 10mmCAPACITY: 14+1BARREL LENGTH: 0.5feetLENGTH: .83 feetWEIGHT: 2.88 pounds

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 29

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    FEATURES: Also available in .40 SW and 9mm,wooden grips, fires from bottom cylinder for low-bore axis

    FEATURES: Extremely longbarrel, powerful specializedcartridge, comfortable Witnessergonomics

    GWBG2015-028-030-Hunting-CX3 10/9/14 1:37 AM Page 29

  • WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $555ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .22 MAGCAPACITY: 9BARREL LENGTH: .54 feetLENGTH: 0.9 feetWEIGHT: 2.75 pounds

    FEATURES: Includes .22 LRcylinder, custom ribber grip,low-profile adjustable sights

    WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $859ACTION: SACALIBER: .44 MAGCAPACITY: 6BARREL LENGTH: 0.63feetLENGTH: 1.11 feetWEIGHT: 3.25 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustablerear sight, integral opticsmount, transfer bar for safety

    WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $1,559ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .460 SW MagnumCAPACITY: 5BARREL LENGTH: 1.17 feetLENGTH: 1.79 feetWEIGHT: 5.5 pounds

    WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $1,419ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .17 HMRCAPACITY: 6BARREL LENGTH: 1 footLENGTH: 1.41 feetWEIGHT: 3.38 pounds

    TAURUSTRACKER .22 MAGNUM

    SMITH & WESSON647 .17 HMR VARMINTER

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    30 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    GW

    SMITH & WESSON460XVR

    RUGERSUPER BLACKHAWK-HUNTER

    FEATURES: S&W Performance Center tunedaction, folding adjustablebipod, fluted barrel with brake

    FEATURES: Fluted barrel,red and green dot opticalsight, includes bipod

    GWBG2015-028-030-Hunting-CX3 10/9/14 1:37 AM Page 30

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2014 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 3131 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2014 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    John Brownings eternal design will arguably stand asone of the finest handguns ever produced. Being used in multiple forms around the world forplinking, competition, hunting and defense, the pistol is also one of the most modified guns in existence becauseof that great design.

    Looking at any magazine stand, online forum, or

    any formal or informal shooting match will attest to the

    popularity of the design, and the trend does not seem

    to be slowing down.

    If Browning were alive today, he would be aston-

    ished at and very proud of what his timeless design

    has become. There is a reason that governments,

    militaries and shooters around the world have returned

    to the 1911 platform for over a hundred years when

    searching for a rugged and reliable handgun.

    Look around at our catalog; all of these manufactur-

    ers have gone to great lengths to do justice to carry on

    the tradition of Browning and his 1911A1.

    Timeless DesignThe 1911: The Preeminent Single-Action Semiautomatic

    PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 31

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:22 AM Page 31

  • STINITRO 10WEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $1,514ACTION: SACALIBER: 10MMCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.77 inchesWEIGHT: 2.49 pounds

    FEATURES: One of the few 10mm handguns in1911 format available, accurate, powerful, ships withsingle side safeties, beavertail grip safety, blued mattefinish

    KIMBERMASTER CARRY SERIESWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: VARIES BASED ON MODELACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.56 pounds

    FEATURES: Crimson trace grips, match-grade barrel, super-accurate, easy to carry,low-profile fixed sights

    SIG SAUER1911 Tactical OperationsWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $1,213ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.6 pounds

    FEATURES: Checkered front strap,ambidextrous thumb safety, integralaccessory rail, low-profile night sights

    CITADELM-1911 COMPACTWEBSITE: LegacySports.comMSRP: $639ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 7.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.13 pounds

    FEATURES: Hogue grips,skeletonized trigger and hammer,ambidextrous safety

    32 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    [SUBCOMPACT]

    STIMARAUDERWEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $2,621ACTION: SACALIBER: 9x19 onlyCAPACITY: 17+1/19+1

    BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.77 inchesWEIGHT: 2.26 pounds

    FEATURES: Fiber Optic front sight, polymer frame with car-bon steel slide, approval is pending

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:22 AM Page 32

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 33

    COLTDEFENDERWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $885ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.75 inchesWEIGHT: 1.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Wraparound rubber grips,competition-style sights, just tall enoughfor full-finger grip for some hands

    WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,015ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.75 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesWEIGHT: 1.56 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak low-mount carrysights, large capacity for size, 9mm cal-iber in a 1911-type frame

    COLT380 MUSTANG POCKETLITEWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $599ACTION: SACALIBER: .380 ACPCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.75 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: .78 pounds

    FEATURES: High-profile sights foraccuracy, checkered composite grips,aluminum alloy frame, stainless steelbarrel and slide

    COLTNEW AGENTWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $885ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.75 inchesWEIGHT: 1.41 pounds

    FEATURES: Slim-fit double diamondgrips, trench-style no-snag sight milledinto frame, extremely streamlined design

    KIMBERSAPPHIRE ULTRA IIWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,612ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.8 inchesWEIGHT: 1.56 pounds

    FEATURES: G-10 thin grips, satinsilver frame, tritium tactical wedge-style dot sights

    COLTDEFENDER 7002D

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:23 AM Page 33

  • KIMBERULTRA CRIMSON CARRY II

    KIMBERSOLO CARRYWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $747ACTION: STRCALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.7 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWIDTH: 1 inchWEIGHT: 1.06 pounds

    FEATURES: Low-profile white-dotsights, three-dot combat sights, aluminumgrip frame, 9mm in a 1911-inspired design

    KIMBERCUSTOM CDP IIWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,331ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWEIGHT: 1.95 pounds

    FEATURES: Aluminum framed pistoldesigned for carrying for long periods,Rosewood stocks, meprolight three-dotnight sights, ambidextrous safety withmatch-grade barrel

    KIMBERSOLO CDPWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,223ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.7 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.06 pounds

    FEATURES: Rosewood Crimson Trace LaserGrips, KimPro II frame, ambidextrous thumbsafety and mag release, satinstainless slide

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    34 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,206ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.8 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 4.75 inches

    FEATURES: Match-grade barrel,snag-free sights, Crimson TraceLaserGrips standard

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:23 AM Page 34

  • PARA USASTEALTHWEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,339ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesWEIGHT: 1.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Combat-stylesights, beavertail grip safety,unique-to-style DAO trigger

    WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $999ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 10+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 4.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Fiber optic front sight,extended beavertail grip safety, 10-roundmagazine capable, flush-fitting lower-round-count mags for discrete carry

    SPRINGFIELDEMPWEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $1,345ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 4.8 inchesWEIGHT: 1.75 pounds

    FEATURES: Diamond-patterncocobolo grips, large capacity fortype, tritium night sights

    SPRINGFIELDMICRO COMPACTWEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $1,247ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 6.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.63 pounds

    FEATURES: High-hand beavertail grip safety, subcompactdesign, steel frame

    STIOFF DUTYWEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $1,243ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.24 inchesLENGTH: 7 inchesWEIGHT: 1.9 pounds

    FEATURES: Three-dot adjustablecombat sights, checkered cocobolo grippanels, ramped bull barrel

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 35

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    PARA USAWARTHOG

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:23 AM Page 35

  • AMERICANCLASSICCLASSIC COMMANDERWEBSITE: AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $600ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.25 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Extended beavertail grip safety, skele-tonized trigger and hammer, custom features standard

    STITOTAL ECLIPSEWEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $1,843ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.24 inchesLENGTH: 7 inchesWEIGHT: 1.4 pounds

    FEATURES: Fixed and recessedtritium night sights, ramped andfully supported barrel, Recoilmasterguide rod

    WILSON COMBATULTRALIGHT CARRY COMPACTWEBSITE: WilsonCombat.comMSRP: $3,650ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 4.9 inchesWEIGHT: 1.66 pounds

    FEATURES: Combat-style sights, fiberoptic front sight insert, Armor Tuff finish

    AMERICAN CLASSICAMIGOWEBSITE: AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $684ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 7.25 inchesWIDTH: 1.25 inchesHEIGHT: 5 inchesWEIGHT: 2 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak-style combatsights, easily concealable length,straightforward 1911 design

    AMERICAN CLASSICOFFICERS MODELWEBSITE: AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $684ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 7.25 inchesWEIGHT: 2.03 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak-style rear combatsight, super-compact officer-size design,lowered and flared ejection port

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    36 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    [COMMANDER]

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:24 AM Page 36

  • COLT1991 SERIES COMMANDERWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,008ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.06 pounds

    FEATURES: Lowered ejection port, white dot sights,updated Commander-pattern ergonomics

    WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $944ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.13 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable trigger,extended and ambidextrous frame-mounted safety, extended beavertailsafety with palm swell

    DAN WESSONECOWEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $1,662ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 7.25 inchesWEIGHT: 1.56 pounds

    FEATURES: G10 grips, nightsights, impressively light weight,rounded butt for concealment

    DAN WESSONGUARDIANWEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $1,619ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.3 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.81 pounds

    FEATURES: Bobtail design for con-cealment, 9mm in a 1911 frame, alloyframe to save weight

    DAN WESSONV-BOBWEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $2,077ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.45 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.2 pounds

    FEATURES: Ceramic-base finish,no-snag combat-style sights, designedfor concealability

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 37

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    COLTXSE SERIESMODEL O

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:24 AM Page 37

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    38 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    LES BAERCONCEPT VIIWEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,920ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inches

    FEATURES: Combat-style tritium-illuminated night sights, LBC speedtrigger, throated barrel, guaranteed toshoot 3-inch groups at 50 yards

    ED BROWNKOBRA CARRY LIGHTWEIGHTWEBSITE: EdBrown.comMSRP: $2,920ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.69 pounds

    FEATURES: Front night sight,cocobolo grips, light weight

    GUNCRAFTER50GI M3

    WEBSITE: GunCrafterIndustries.comMSRP: $3,185ACTION: SACALIBER: .50 GICAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Heine Slant Pro tritium night sights, super custom textured grips, round-buttforged frame

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:24 AM Page 38

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 39

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,990ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inches

    FEATURES: Four-poundskeletonized speed trigger, lowered and flared ejection port, rounded edges for snag-freeconcealed carry

    LES BAER1911 .38 Super COMMANCHEWEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $2,495ACTION: SACALIBER: .38 SuperCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inches

    FEATURES: Tritium combat-style nightsights, ambidextrous controls, roundedcorners for snag-free concealed carry

    NIGHTHAWKT3 STAINLESSWEBSITE: NightHawkCustom.comMSRP: $3,400ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Also available in 9mm and .40 SW, HeinieStraight-Eight pro night sights, G-10 grips, extended mag well

    LES BAERSTINGER SS

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:24 AM Page 39

  • WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,225ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mm & 45 ACPCAPACITY: 18+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.88 pounds

    FEATURES: Stainless steel frameand slide, full-length guide rod,Crimson Trace laser grips

    OLYMPIC ARMSCOHORTWEBSITE: OlyArms.netMSRP: $973ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.25 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable rear sight, satinbead blasted finish, beavertail grip safety

    OLYMPIC ARMSCONSTABLEWEBSITE: OlyArms.netMSRP: $1,163ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable sights,attractive color case hardened finish,ivory-colored grips, parts numberedto frame before case-hardening

    PARA-USABLACK-OPS ReconWEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,299ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 18+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Stainless steel frameand slide, integral accessory rail,three-dot tritium Trijicon night sight,front strap checkered, ambidextrousthumb safety

    WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $949ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inches

    FEATURES: Integral accessory rail,two-dot rear, fiber optic front sight,front strap checkered, ambidextrousthumb safety

    PARA-USALDA Officer Crimson Trace

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    40 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    PARA-USAELITE

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:25 AM Page 40

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 41

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    PARA1911 LTCWEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $899ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Ionbond treat-ment for longevity, checkered flatmainspring housing, beavertailgrip safety, extended mag release

    PARAHAWG 7WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $899ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 7.1 inchesWEIGHT: 2 pounds

    FEATURES: Match-grade barrel,fiber optic front sight, Ionbond finishfor longevity

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:25 AM Page 41

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    42 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    SIG SAUER1911 CARRY SCORPIONWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $1,213ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.2 inchesLENGTH: 7.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Low-profile night sights, Hogue grips, Hogue G-10 grips,ambidextrous safety, accessory rail

    REGENTR350CRWEBSITE: RegentArms.comMSRP: $549ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.625 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: Lowered and flaredejection port, skeletonized trigger,stainless hammer-forged barrel

    SHOOTERS ARMSCOMMODOREWEBSITE: CenturyArms.comMSRP: $531ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 7.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.4 pounds

    FEATURES: Combat-style rear sight,low-glare matte finish, extended controls

    SIG SAUER1911 COMPACT NICKELWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $999ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.2 inchesLENGTH: 7.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.43 pounds

    FEATURES: Low-mount sight,checkered front strap

    SMITH & WESSONSW1911 BOBTAIL CARRYWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $1,539ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.88 pounds

    FEATURES: Relieved slide,fish scale serrations, bobbed tailfor increased concealability

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:25 AM Page 42

  • SMITH & WESSONSW1911 SC E-SERIESWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $1,369ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.88 pounds

    FEATURES: Scandium alloy frame, round butt, S&WCustom Shop fit and finish

    WEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $949ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesWEIGHT: 1.94 pounds

    FEATURES: Commander-length barrel,full-size magazine, fully supported rampedbull barrel, integral accessory rail, beavertailsafety, Novak Lo-Mount three-dot tritiumsights

    STIGUARDIANWEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $1,135ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesWEIGHT: 2 pounds

    FEATURES: High rise beavertailsafety, Novak-style combat sights,also available in .40 SW and 9mm

    STITACTICAL 4.0WEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $2,018ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 17+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.26 inchesLENGTH: 7.65 inchesWEIGHT: 2.12 pounds

    FEATURES: Polymer grips on modularsteel frame, integral tactical rail, fullysupported and ramped bull barrel

    WILSON COMBATCQB LIGHTRAIL LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACTWEBSITE: WilsonCombat.comMSRP: $3,280ACTION: SACALIBER: .38 SuperCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesWEIGHT: 1.71 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable rear combat-style sight, fiber optic front sight, 3.75-pound trigger pull, match-grade stain-less barrel

    SPRINGFIELDARMORYCHAMPION OPERATOR LIGHTWEIGHT 45 ACP

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 43

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:25 AM Page 43

  • AMERICAN CLASSICTROPHYWEBSITE: AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $796ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.4 inchesWIDTH: 1.25 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.31 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable combat-style sights,match-grade barrel, designed for supremeaccuracy in competitive and defensive use

    WILSON COMBATX-TAC COMPACTWEBSITE: WilsonCombat.comMSRP: $2,785ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4 inchesLENGTH: 7.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.1 inchesWEIGHT: 2.65 pounds

    FEATURES: Combat-style sights, fiberoptic front sight, unique milling, grip-enhancing grip panels

    [FULL SIZE]ADEQVIGILUM TACTICALWEBSITE: ADEQFirearms.comMSRP: $1,850ACTION: SACALIBER: .40 SWCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.6 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak-style low-profile combat sights, G-10 grips, match-grade trigger, sear and hammer AMERICAN

    CLASSICCLASSIC IIWEBSITE:AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $586ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.4 inchesWIDTH: 1.25 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.31 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak-style rear combat sight, classic style andergonomics, full-length barrel forhighest velocities

    WEBSITE: ArmscorUSA.comMSRP: $460ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.56 inchesWEIGHT: 2.87 pounds

    FEATURES: Three-dot low-profilenight sights, integral accessory rail,ambidextrous safety

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    44 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    ARMSCORM1911A1 TACTICAL

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:26 AM Page 44

  • AUTO ORDNANCE1911A1WEBSITE: Auto-Ordnance.comMSRP: $627ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Parkerized finish, drift-adjustablerear sight, classic parkerized finish with brownplastic checkered all-weather grips

    WEBSITE: CabotGun.comMSRP: $4,950ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.4 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Hand-polishedand blued, flared ejection port,semi-polished and bright bluing,Chip McCormick Power Mag mag-azine

    CENTURY ARMSMILITARYWEBSITE: CenturyArms.comMSRP: $400+ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.63 pounds

    FEATURES: Pre-A1 militarystyling, classic look and feel, handlesjust like the century-old original

    COLT01991LWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $786ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.19 pounds

    FEATURES: GI-specification design,modern metallurgy and productiontechniques, serial numbers startingwhere Colts government-contract1911 numbers left off

    COLT38 SUPER AUTOWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $837ACTION: SACALIBER: .38 SuperCAPACITY: 9+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable target sights,classic styling, .38 Super caliber forcompetition and use in countries thatban military calibers for civilian use

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 45

    CABOTCGI CLASSIC

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:26 AM Page 45

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    46 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    COLTRAIL GUN XSEWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,087ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.28 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak three-dot combat sights, accessoryrail, forged steel frame, National Match barrel

    WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $919ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.31 pounds

    FEATURES: Series 70 firingmechanism, improved safety withhammer down on live round

    COLTCOMBAT ELITE 1911WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,032ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.25 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak low-mount carrysights, upswept beavertail grip safety,fine ergonomics

    COLTGOVERNMENT DOUBLE ACTIONWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,017ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 1.69 pounds

    FEATURES: Aluminum frame,steel slide, lowered/flared ejectionport, unique (to 1911s) DAO action

    DAN WESSONSPECIALISTWEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $1,870ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.06 pounds

    FEATURES: Tritium night sights,accessory rail, designed with lawenforcement input for duty use

    COLT70

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:26 AM Page 46

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 47

    DAN WESSONVALORWEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $2,012ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.8 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Heinie straight-eightadjustable night sights, match-grade barrel,undercut trigger guard for comfort

    ED BROWNKOBRAWEBSITE: EdBrown.comMSRP: $2,195ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Novak-style combat sights,custom snakeskin serration pattern,extended frame safety

    GUNCRAFTER50GI M2WEBSITE:GunCrafterIndustries.comMSRP: $3,185ACTION: SACALIBER: .50 GICAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.66 pounds

    FEATURES: Heine Slat Pro tritiumnight sights, checkered aluminumgrips, accessory rail

    GUNCRAFTERAMERICANWEBSITE: GunCrafterIndustries.comMSRP: $2,895ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Heine Slant Pro tritium nightsights, accessory rail, match-grade stainlesssteel barrel

    GUNCRAFTERMODEL: CCOWEBSITE: GunCrafterIndustries.comMSRP: $2,795ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 4.75 inchesLENGTH: 8 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.06 pounds

    FEATURES: Tritium snag-free nightsights, enlarged beavertail grip safety,custom fit and finish

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:27 AM Page 47

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    48 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,289ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.25 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Meprolight adjustablenight sights, front serrations, richcheckered wood grips

    GUNCRAFTERPISTOL WITH NO NAMEWEBSITE: GunCrafterIndustries.comMSRP: $2,695ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8 inchesBARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Heine Slant Pro tritium nightsights, match-grade stainless barrel, heavy-duty bushing for accuracy

    KIMBERCUSTOM IIWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $871ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.25 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable rear sight,ergonomic controls

    KIMBERDESERT WARRIORWEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,476ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Tactical Wedgetritium night sights, custom deserttan finish, civilian version ofUSMC sidearm

    WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,658ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Kimpro II custom finish, aluminum match grade trig-ger, stainless steel slide and frame

    KIMBERECLIPSE CUSTOM

    KIMBERSUPER CARRY CUSTOM HD

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:27 AM Page 48

  • WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 49

    LES BAERBOSS 1911WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $2,109ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Chrome frame, high-endcombat sights, exquisite fit and finish

    WEBSITE:KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,476ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Custom Kimpro II finish, extendedbeavertail safety, ambidextrousthumb safety

    WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,490ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Ambidextrousframe-mounted safety, deluxesights, accessory rail

    KIMBERTACTICAL ENTRY II

    KIMBERWARRIOR

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:27 AM Page 49

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    50 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $2,590ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Similar to FBIcontract model, match-gradecomponents, ergonomic controls

    LES BAERCQC-45 COMBAT PISTOLWEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $3,123ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.31 pounds

    FEATURES: Stainless match bushing,extended beavertail safety, custom Baercheckering

    LES BAERPREMIER IIWEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,790ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable target-stylesights, extended ambidextrous safety, frontand rear slide serrations

    WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $2,280ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: DuPont customfinish, adjustable night sights,ergonomic controls

    WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,980ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inches

    FEATURES: Three-dot tritiumnight sights, lowered and flaredejection port, match-grade trigger

    LES BAERPREMIER II SUPER TAC

    LES BAERSRP

    LES BAER1911 THUNDER RANCH SPECIAL

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:27 AM Page 50

  • WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,930ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.31 pounds

    FEATURES: Combat-stylerear sight, tritium front sight,match-grade trigger

    NIGHTHAWKGLOBAL RESPONSE PISTOLWEBSITE: NightHawkCustom.comMSRP: $2,895ACTION: SACALIBER: Caliber: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Ambidextrous thumb safetyavailable, Perma Kote custom finish, HeinieSlant Pro tritium night sights

    OLYMPIC ARMSBIG DEUCEWEBSITE: OlyArms.netMSRP: $1,033ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 6 inchesLENGTH: 9.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.75 pounds

    FEATURES: Adjustable sights,custom beavertail grip safety,extremely long barrel and slide

    OLYMPIC ARMSWESTERNERWEBSITE: OlyArms.comMSRP: $1,033.50ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.75 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Faux-ivory laser-etched grips,custom western-influence finish, classic style

    WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,299ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 14+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 5.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Custom nightsights, extremely high capacity,black Ionbond finish

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 51

    LES BAERULTIMATE TACTICALCARRY 5-INCH

    PARABLACK OPS

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:28 AM Page 51

  • WEBSITE: RockRiverArms.comMSRP: $799ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.04 pounds

    FEATURES: Custom Rock Riverover-molded grips, aluminum speedtrigger, polymer frame

    PARA USAUSA PXT 1911WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,149ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 14+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.6 inchesHEIGHT: 5.75 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Extended mag well,Novak Extreme Duty adjustable sights,extremely high capacity

    REGENTR100WEBSITE: RegentArms.comMSRP: $499ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.4 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Hammer-forged stainlessbarrel, Hogue rubber grips, standard features for low price

    REGENTR200WEBSITE: RegentArms.comMSRP: $599ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.6 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.4 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Hammer-forgedstainless barrel, Hogue rubbergrips, brushed-stainless finish

    WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $829ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.45 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Skeletonizedhammer and trigger, oversizedbeavertail grip safety, Novakcombat sights

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    52 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    ROCK RIVER ARMS INC.1911 POLY

    RUGERSR1911

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:28 AM Page 52

  • SIG SAUER1911 TRADITIONAL RTSSWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $949ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.63 pounds

    FEATURES: Trijicon adjustable night sights, extendedergonomic controls, attractive style

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 53

    WEBSITE:Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $667ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Classic militarystyling, stamped U.S., identicalto WWII-issue

    $8480(plus shipping)

    Shown here with optional stand, LCD monitor, machine arms, and accessories.

    Every PCNC 1100 features:

    Product information and online ordering at

    www.tormach.com

    Enable Your Ideas with a PCNC Mill2011 Pistolsmith of

    the Year - SDM Fabricating Inc. uses his PCNC to customize a 357 Magnum.

    Discerning gunsmiths and manufacturers know theres only one choice in CNC for affordable precision: The Tormach PCNC 1100.

    Take aim at your most demanding machining needs- engraving, milling, threading, reaming, and boring. Big or small, Tormach hits the bullseye to deliver for you.

    1100 lbs cast iron construction

    Ground P4 ballscrews and single shot lubrication

    Computer controlled spindle speed and direction

    PTFE bonded slideways (similar to Turcite)

    Precision R8 spindle - 100 to 5000 RPM with vector drive technology

    Easy to use in manual or automatic modes

    SPRINGFIELDARMORYMIL-SPEC 1911A1WEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $715ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.4 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.44 pounds

    FEATURES: Military-spec pistol,modern metallurgy for strength, classicstyle and grace

    SPRINGFIELDGI 45

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:28 AM Page 53

  • WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $870ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.1 pounds

    FEATURES: Heinie front sight,lightened hammer and trigger, finecustom checkering

    SPRINGFIELDARMORYRANGE OFFICERWEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $1,099ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.5 pounds

    FEATURES: Stainless steel matchgrade barrel, custom fit and finish,attractive design

    STILAWMAN 5.0WEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $1,433ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5.11 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.43 pounds

    FEATURES: Match grade barrel andbushing, custom beavertail grip safety,tactical adjustable sights

    STITACTICALWEBSITE: STIGuns.comMSRP: $2,045ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 11+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.5 inchesWIDTH: 1.5 inchesWEIGHT: 2.13 pounds

    FEATURES: Front and rear slideserrations, custom sights, doublestack mag for high capacity

    WEBSITE: WilsonCombat.comMSRP: $2,760ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 5 inchesLENGTH: 8.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.3 inchesHEIGHT: 5.6 inchesWEIGHT: 2.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Custom grips and finish,fiber optic front sight, distinctive millingand checkering

    TAURUSPT 1911 AR

    WILSON COMBATX-TAC

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    54 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    GW

    GWBG2015-031-054-1911-CX 10/13/14 4:28 AM Page 54

  • he smallest of the small, but still potent. The variety in the small handgun

    market is testament to the popularity of these diminutive defensive pistols. These areavailable in either the Seecamp semi-autos or inrevolvers such as the North American Arms. Thiscategory of handguns fit perfectly in an array of locations for personal defense.

    Calibers for this class of handguns range in .22

    short to the .45 long colt, and many calibers inbetween. Even the big boys like Beretta get into theact with its PICO .380 caliber semi-auto, provingthat these classes of guns are an important niche inthe realm of handguns for personal protection.

    Lightweight, concealable and delivering seriousdefensive stopping power, the tiny concealableclass of handguns is an important consideration foryour personal protection.

    Small But PotentLightweight Concealable Guns for Personal Protection

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 55

    T

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 4:58 AM Page 55

  • 56 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WEBSITE: AmDerringer.comMSRP: $690

    ACTION: DACALIBER: .38 SPLCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3.3 inchesLENGTH: 4.7 inchesWIDTH: 1.1 inches

    HEIGHT: 3.3 inchesWEIGHT: 14.5 ounces

    FEATURES: Rather unique double-action derringer, very concealable,fixed sights

    WEBSITE: AmDerringer.comMSRP: $705

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 4.8 inches

    WIDTH: 1.2 inchesHEIGHT: 3.35 inchesWEIGHT: 15 ounces

    FEATURES: Automatic barrelselection, hammer block safety,dual ammunition

    WEBSITE: AmDerringer.comMSRP: $775

    ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 4.8 inches

    WIDTH: 1.1 inchesHEIGHT: 3.3 inchesWEIGHT: 7.5 ounces

    FEATURES: Aluminumconstruction for light weight,automatic barrel selection

    WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $410

    ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .25 ACPCAPACITY: 8+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.4 inchesLENGTH: 4.9 inchesWIDTH: 1.1 inchesHEIGHT: 3.7 inchesWEIGHT: 11.5 ounces

    AMERICAN DERRINGERMODEL 1

    AMERICAN DERRINGERM7

    AMERICAN DERRINGERDA38

    BERETTA21A BOBCAT

    FEATURES: Tip-upbarrel, comfortablegrip, also available in.22 LR

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 6:34 AM Page 56

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 57

    BERETTATOMCAT & TOMCAT INOX

    WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $390

    ACTION: DA/SACALIBER: .32 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.4 inchesLENGTH: 4.9 inches

    WIDTH: 1.1 inchesHEIGHT: 3.7 inchesWEIGHT: 14.5 ounces

    FEATURES: Tip-up barrel, crisptrigger in single action, INOX modelmade of all-weather stainless steel

    WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $435

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 21 ounces

    BOND ARMSCOWBOY DEFENDER

    WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $415

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 5 inches

    HEIGHT: 3.75 inchesWEIGHT: 19 ounces

    FEATURES: Interchangeablebarrels, spring-loaded cammedlocking lever, extremely powerful

    WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $634

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 4.25 inchesLENGTH: 6.25 inchesWEIGHT: 23.5 ounces

    BOND ARMSCENTURY 2000

    BOND ARMSRANGER

    FEATURES:Interchangeable barrels,fixed sights, extremely sturdyconstruction

    FEATURES: Fixedsights, rosewood orlaminated black ashgrips, satin-finishedstainless steel

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 4:59 AM Page 57

  • 58 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $489

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inches

    LENGTH: 5.5 inchesHEIGHT: 4.3 inchesWEIGHT: 1.38 pounds

    FEATURES: Interchangeablebarrels, fixed sights, automaticextractor

    WEBSITE: Cimarron-Firearms.comMSRP: $220

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .22 MAGCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 2.4 inchesLENGTH: 4.4 inchesWEIGHT: 9.4 ounces

    CIMARRON FIREARMSTITANWEBSITE: Cimarron-Firearms.comMSRP: $427

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesHEIGHT: 3.7 inchesWEIGHT: 1 pound

    BOND ARMSSNAKE SLAYER

    CIMARRON FIREARMSDIABLO

    BOND ARMSBOND MINI 45

    WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $395

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .45 ColtCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 2.5 inchesLENGTH: 4.5 inchesHEIGHT: 3.75 inchesWEIGHT: 19 ounces

    FEATURES: Trigger guard,lightweight, powerful chambering

    FEATURES: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, .22 LR barrel setincluded

    FEATURES: Crossboltsafety, retracting firing pins,extremely powerful

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 4:59 AM Page 58

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 59

    COBRA FIREARMSC22WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $185

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .22 LRCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 2.4 inchesLENGTH: 4 inchesWEIGHT: 9.5 ounces

    WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $187

    ACTION: SACALIBER: 9mmCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 2.75 inches

    LENGTH: 4.7 inchesWEIGHT: 14 ounces

    FEATURES: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, available in anarray of colors

    COBRA FIREARMSCB38

    WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $187

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .38 SPLCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3.5 inchesLENGTH: 5.4 inchesWEIGHT: 1 pound

    FEATURES: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, available in many colors

    COBRA FIREARMSCB9

    FEATURES: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, available in manycolors

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 4:59 AM Page 59

  • 60 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 2015 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM

    HEIZER DEFENSEDOUBLE TAP

    WEBSITE: HeizerFirearms.comMSRP: $499

    ACTION: DACALIBER: .45 ACPCAPACITY: 2BARREL LENGTH: 3 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inches

    WIDTH: 0.7 inchesHEIGHT: 3.9 inchesWEIGHT: 12 ounces

    FEATURES: Unique double-actiondesign, carries two spare rounds onan included speed strip in the grippanel

    WEBSITE: KeltecWeapons.comMSRP: $318

    ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .32 ACPCAPACITY: 7+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.7 inchesLENGTH: 5.1 inches

    WIDTH: 0.75 inchesHEIGHT: 3.5 inchesWEIGHT: 6.6 ounces

    FEATURES: Locked breech,light trigger, light weight

    MASTERPIECE ARMSMPA380PWEBSITE: MasterPieceArms.comMSRP: $375.95

    ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .380 ACPCAPACITY: 5+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.25 inchesWEIGHT: 11.3 ounces

    KEL-TECP32

    COLT.380 MUSTANG POCKETLITE

    WEBSITE: ColtsMfg.comMSRP: $599

    ACTION: SACALIBER: .380 ACPCAPACITY: 6+1BARREL LENGTH: 2.75 inchesLENGTH: 5.5 inchesWEIGHT: 12.5 ounces

    FEATURES: Lowered ejection port,commander-style hammer, 1911 designin very tiny package

    FEATURES: Machinedaluminum grips, snag-freeno sights design, extremelylight weight

    l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    GWBG2015-TINY-55-63-CX-CX 10/13/14 4:59 AM Page 60

  • l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE l GUN WORLD l

    WWW.GUNWORLD.COM 2015 HANDGUN BUYERS GUIDE 61

    WEBSITE: NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $402

    ACTION: DAOCALIBER: .25 NAACAPACITY: 6+1BARR


Recommended