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Drew Warden

AR Review: Franklin Armory’s F17-L Breaks Boundaries

Franklin Armory’s F17-L is a rimfire AR that offers performance above its weight class.

How this hot little number sizes up:

  • Released in 2014, the F17-L followed on Winchester's introduction of the .17 WSM.
  • For a time, the F17-L was the only gas-operated semi-automatic .17 WSM in an AR-type platform.
  • It utilizes a custom-designed bolt-carrier group, and adapted buffer and proprietary magazine.
  • It is gas-piston operated, since a simple blowback system isn’t equipped to handle the .17 WSM’s pressure.
  • In testing at 100 yards, the best groups (1.65″ average) came with 20-grain Hornady V-Max.
  • The MSRP of the F17-L is $1,999.

For some time now, Franklin Armory has been producing quality AR-style rifles, SBRs, pistols and parts, with a special emphasis on crafting legal firearms for citizens of states with restrictive gun laws. These laws, enacted under the guise of improving safety, essentially strip away many of the modern sporting rifle’s most appealing features. While some debate whether gun makers should even build firearms to fit these laws, the California-based Franklin Armory has resolved to make lemonade with lemons.

F17-L-Fourth

Over the years, the company has become quite adept at working within the confines of restrictive laws while also skirting the edges on its designs. Although it also manufactures full feature firearms for free states, some of its most intriguing products are those that seek to liberate shooters stuck behind enemy lines. One of these is the F17-L rifle.

Bridging the Gap

First introduced at the 2014 SHOT Show, the F17-L followed on the heels of Winchester’s introduction the previous year of the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM). Winchester developed this unique cartridge by taking what was then a .27-caliber nail gun blank and necking it down to accept a .17-caliber projectile. The results were impressive, with the .17 WSM spitting a 20-grain bullet at velocities around 3,000 feet per second (fps), roughly 625 fps faster than the popular .17 HMR and very near those of centerfire .223/5.56 NATO loads pushing a 62-grain projectile.

This innovative new design closed the distance between rimfire and centerfire cartridges—at least in terms of velocity inside 200 yards (the lighter bullets shed velocity quicker). And at the time, the F17-L was the first and only semi-auto chambered in .17 WSM. Volquartsen developed one, but the F17-L remained the only gas-operated semi-automatic .17 WSM in an AR-type platform.

What this meant was that shooters in non-free states could now buy a street legal rimfire AR with a lot more punch than those chambered in .22 LR. Because there were fewer restrictions on rimfire rifles, the F17-L escaped regulations like the much-maligned “Bullet Button,” a device that requires a tool in order to swap out an otherwise easily detachable magazine.

For these reasons, the F17-L remains an excellent option for those who can’t own a standard AR. However, it’s also a great gun for those in free states as well.

F17-L-Third

Making It Work

To accommodate the .17 WSM chambering, Franklin Armory had to make several changes from standard AR designs. For starters, the rifle utilizes a custom-designed .17 WSM bolt carrier group, a .17 WSM barrel, an adapted buffer and a proprietary magazine. Obviously, without these necessary alterations, the concept would be dead in the water.

However, another important design choice by Franklin Armory is its use of a gas-piston operating system. A simple blowback system isn’t equipped to handle the pressures of the .17 WSM (33,000 PSI) and, as most shooters are aware, rimfire ammo often runs incredibly dirty through a firearm, to the point of causing functional issues if the gun is not maintained regularly. With the cleaner gas-piston system, Franklin Armory is able to handle the higher pressures and keep the F17-L running smoother, longer.

The gas system found in the gun is of the pistol-length variety, which Franklin Armory determined works best with the .17 WSM. The system itself is the result of a partnership between Franklin Armory and Osprey Defense, which specializes in drop-in gas-piston conversion kits for ARs.

The aforementioned proprietary magazine, which features an aluminum design, holds 10 rounds and has a curved shape for compatibility with the rimmed .17 WSM. This curve, while not too dramatic, does slightly affect loading. The magazine’s interchange with the magwell isn’t butter-smooth, but neither does it require significant effort to slide it into place. The magazine is also somewhat difficult to load, especially after about the sixth round, but there’s a circular slot in the follower where you can use a cleaning rod, screwdriver or some other tool to compress the spring for easier loading.

F17-L-Fifth

The F17-L features 7075-T6 billet aluminum upper and lower receivers, which are also a proprietary design. They receive a stylish and durable hard coat anodized Olive Drab Green finish, instantly distinguishing this gun in the sea of black rifles. The upper receiver has a forward assist; however, its use with the rimfire chambering is problematic and the F17-L’s user manual details these risks in full. The lower is equipped with useful features such as a flared magwell for easy loading and an enlarged trigger guard for gloved shooting, something dedicated varmint hunters are sure to appreciate.

While the upper and lower of the rifle incorporate many of the controls and features AR users are accustomed to (charging handle, magazine release, safety selector, forward assist, bolt release), not all of these function the same way. The forward assist has been mentioned, but there are other changes, too.

For example, the carrier does not lock back on an empty magazine, nor is there a way to keep the bolt held open, which is slightly baffling when you first pick up the rifle and try to hold the action open in the usual fashion. This is partly because of the altered buffer mentioned earlier, which is about 1 inch longer than a standard buffer, and this is due to the decreased distance the bolt carrier has to travel for the shorter rimfire cartridge.

The rifle utilizes a 1:9 twist, 20-inch bull barrel that receives a salt bath nitride treatment and comes with a target crown. The barrel is set inside a free-floating aluminum handguard that is fluted and vented and offers M-Lok compatible slots as well as an integral bipod/tripod adaptor.

F17-L-Feat

The F17-L stock is a Magpul MOE Rifle Stock, which is smooth to shoulder and sling mountable. Meanwhile, the grip is a comfortable and sturdy Ergo Ambi Sure Grip that, when paired with Franklin Armory’s Factory Custom Tuned Trigger, makes for an excellent package.

Range Performance

The F17-L is built to be a varmint slayer, and for testing, I equipped the rifle with a Nikon Prostaff Rimfire II 3-9×40 BDC 150 scope, which features Nikon’s BDC 150 reticle. While the reticle is set up for high-velocity .22 LR loads, using Nikon’s Spot On website and ballistics program, you can plug in the caliber and load you prefer, and it will tell you what each of the drop markers represent in terms of trajectory for a given zero.

I used four loads during testing: Winchester’s 25-grain Varmint HE and 20-grain Varmint HV, Hornady’s 20-grain V-MAX and American Eagle 20-grain tipped varmint loads. Velocities were measured through a ProChrono Chronograph from Brownells about 10 feet from the muzzle. Accuracy data for each load was acquired from three, five-shot groups taken at 100 yards using a Caldwell Matrix rest, also from Brownells.

During much of my time with it, the rifle ran without fault, but I did run into a few issues as testing progressed. I encountered some light primer strikes. Also notable, in several instances the rifle failed to extract spent cases; occasionally, cases would become stuck within the barrel, which would then naturally lead to misfeeds as the gun attempted to chamber another round.

F17-L-1

Aside from these issues, however, I was very impressed with the F17-L. Groups were decent, despite the stout wind during testing. The 20-grain Hornady V-MAX posted the best group overall at a respectable 1.19 inches, while the Winchester 20-grain Varmint HV load rated the best average at 1.65 inches. The other loads had best groups hovering between 1.2 and 1.6 inches or so.

Parting Shots

F17-L-Second
Built partially to meet the needs of shooters in restrictive states, the F17-L excels in that capacity. It’s a unique design that remains a first for the firearms industry, taking the blistering little .17 WSM and working it into the semi-auto AR platform. Because of the looser restrictions on rimfires, residents of states like California can get an AR-type rifle with all the AR’s great features and with more bite than the .22 LR. Meanwhile, hunters in free states are also sure to love a semi-auto .17 WSM that can pot varmints at greater distances and with more authority than other rimfire calibers. All in all, the F17-L is an innovative design that stretches the boundaries of what is possible with rimfire ammunition and with the AR platform.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the July 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Concealed Carry: Immersive Defensive Firearms Training

Defensive firearms training should go well past range time to realistic situations that prepare you for actual lethal force encounters.

How immersive training sharpens you for the real thing:

  • Until you train to respond to a deadly force encounter you won’t truly know how to respond.
  • While range work is important, scenarios training injects realism and the adrenaline factor.
  • Mistakes will be made in this sort of training, but in an environment where they can be corrected.
  • This sort of training is wise, ensuring you are fully prepared and confident with your self-defense skills.

In an article on active shooter response training that ran in Gun Digest the Magazine some time back, author Bob Whaley, a Gunsite-certified instructor and law enforcement veteran of more than 28 years, wrote with regard to training: “You don’t know what you don’t know until someone points it out.”

training-first

I remember at the time thinking that it was an elegantly simple way of pointing out something that, in truth, was quite profound. Until you have trained in how to respond to a deadly force encounter, you truly will not know how to respond.

I received a great reminder of this when Walther invited a group of us writers and editors out to Utah to debut its new PPQ SC and send us through a training course the staff at Deliberate Dynamics had prepared. Among the two most striking exercises trainers had us do were a live-fire house clearing scenario and a night shoot in which we used flashlights in our support hand paired with a handgun in our dominant hand.

The live-fire house-clearing scenario was designed to mimic what an armed citizen might face in a potential home defense event. Even in a controlled environment, which the shoot house was, the stress of decision-making in a dynamic setting, as opposed to training on paper or steel at a range, amped up the adrenaline factor. And even when trying to keep in mind the training you’d just received, mistakes were almost always inevitable. At the end of the scenario, one of the instructors would point out simple mistakes — not covering this corner or that or lingering within a field of fire too long — but mistakes that in a real event could prove deadly.

Similarly, the nighttime shoot proved to me that if you’ve never trained in low- or no-light shooting with a flashlight, you’re almost certainly not going to be ready if you’re forced to do it in the real world — especially during a high-stress event such as a defensive shooting.

The short version of this is that anyone who intends to carry concealed or defend their home with a firearm really, really should invest in the training to help them properly do so. The simple truth is that if you don’t have the knowledge and skills, as well as the mindset, to best defend yourself, it’s likely you won’t be fully prepared if and when that moment arrives.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

KRISS USA Launches Edelweiss Arms Branch For Antique And C&R Guns

KRISS USA has launched a new division — Edelweiss Arms — focused on importing and selling C&R and antique firearms from Switzerland.

What to know about Edelweiss Arms:

  • Launched by KRISS USA on March 1
  • Specializes in the import and sale of Swiss C&R and antique firearms
  • Offers a host of Swiss surplus military rifles (K11, K31 and Schmidt-Rubin)
  • Has a number of Swiss pistols and revolvers (Sig P210, P49 military pistols and Lugers)
  • Sources only high grade and historically significant collector firearms
edelweiss arms rifles
Photo: Edelweiss Arms

Fans of classic military firearms are always on the hunt for new sources of collectible rifles, handguns and shotguns. The amount of “new” old guns coming into the U.S. isn't what it once was, and the prices for some firearms on the surplus market sometimes reflect this. Luckily, these classic firearms fans will now have a new source for curio and relic (C&R) and antique firearms: Edelweiss Arms.

On March 1, KRISS USA, which manufactures the innovative KRISS Vector family of firearms, launched Edelweiss Arms, a new division focusing on the import and sale of C&R and antique firearms — with a special emphasis on Swiss firearms — to collectors in the U.S. According to a release, the direct-to-consumer e-commerce company has a number of strategic partnerships in Switzerland, and throughout Europe, that allows it to source only the highest grade and most historically significant firearms to collectors.

edelweiss arms -03
Photo: Edelweiss Arms

“This is an exciting new venture for our business, and we’re looking forward to providing some value to the collector’s market in the United States,” said KRISS USA Marketing Manager Tim Seargeant. “Edelweiss Arms is positioned to provide the discerning collector in the United States unprecedented access to some of the most pristine condition antique and C&R firearms from Europe. Additionally, our Edelweiss Arms website is designed to streamline the decision making and ordering process to reduce the guess work that is traditionally associated with shopping for collector’s pieces.”

edelweiss arms -01
Photo: Edelweiss Arms

The new Edelweiss Arms website currently lists a host of collectible Swiss firearms. There are a wide variety of K11, K31 and Schmidt-Rubin rifles, as well as collectible Swiss pistols (Luger models, Sig P210s and others). A few revolver models are also listed, as is an impressive Vetterli 1878 .41mm carbine.

For more information, and prices on some of these firearms, check out the Edelweiss Arms website.

Gun Review: Walther’s Scaled Down PPQ SC Still Packs A Punch

To the delight of Walther fans, the manufacturer has brought out a subcompact version of its classic pistol for 2018 — the PPQ SC.

The big story on the subcompact PPQ SC:

  • The PPQ SC is a scaled-down version of Walther’s popular full-sized PPQ.
  • It has a 3.5-inch 1:10 twist barrel; it's a full 3 ounces lighter than the PPQ at 21 ounces.
  • It’s overall length is 6.6 inches, height 4.4 inches and width 1.3 inches.
  • It is outfitted with Walther’s exceptional Quick Defense Trigger.
  • The PPQ SC’s MSRP is $649.

Concealed carry has been, and remains, an incredibly hot topic and a very popular segment of the larger overall firearms market. The number of those who carry concealed has continued to grow in recent years, and with the passing of a national concealed carry reciprocity measure in the U.S. House of Representatives in December of last year, the country has perhaps never been closer to seeing such legislation become law.

PPQ-SC-Sixth

This year’s new gun introductions from manufacturers strongly reflect this continued emphasis on the concealed carry market. And Walther Arms is no exception.

At the 2018 SHOT Show, the largest annual trade show for the firearm industry, Walther debuted its brand new PPQ SC (Sub-Compact). As the name suggests, this is a subcompact variant of the manufacturer’s popular striker-fired PPQ pistol. A subcompact PPQ is something fans of the Walther brand and fans of the PPQ have been excitedly anticipating for some time, and it’s sure to carve out a space within an already crowded concealed carry handgun market.

Although its official launch was ahead of the SHOT Show, Walther also held a private media event in Utah back in October of 2017, during which it introduced the PPQ SC to a small group of industry writers and editors. I was fortunate enough to be among those invited to get a firsthand look at the new gun and to participate in a training course put on by Deliberate Dynamics, a veteran-owned tactical gear and equipment company based out of South Salt Lake, Utah, that also offers a host of training programs ranging from basic pistol courses to extreme long-range shooting.

Over the course of 2 days in an old abandoned mining town, which Deliberate Dynamics has repurposed into a full-fledged training ground suitable for a number of disciplines, trainers had us doing everything from basic shooting drills on a static range to live-fire CQB house clearing drills and shooting around cars. But more on that later. For now, a closer look at Walther’s new PPQ SC.

Trimming The Fat

Of course, the major observable change with this pistol — and the one that will be most obvious to shooters — is that it takes the full-size PPQ down to a subcompact level. This is to the benefit of those who carry or those simply looking for a more compact PPQ.

Walther’s new PPQ has the dimensions and the performance capabilities to make it an excellent carry piece. Shown here with Inceptor Ammunition ARX ammo and a Clinger Holsters concealment holster.
Walther’s new PPQ has the dimensions and the performance capabilities to make it an excellent carry piece. Shown here with Inceptor Ammunition ARX ammo and a Clinger Holsters concealment holster.

The new PPQ SC has a 3.5-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate. It has an overall length of 6.6 inches, a height of 4.4 inches and a width of 1.3 inches.

This shaves off roughly a half-inch in length and about an inch in height from the 9mm PPQ M2 with a 4-inch barrel. The width remains the same across both models. That might not sound like a lot of difference, but any little bit helps when it comes to concealed carry, and the reduction in height is perhaps the most important to prevent printing and keep the gun’s appearance concealed. Obviously, if you compare these figures to the longer 5-inch PPQ M2, they look even more impressive.

In terms of weight, the SC is also cut down here as well. The PPQ SC offers a weight reduction of a little more than 3 ounces, taking the 4-inch PPQ M2 from 24.5 ounces down to 21.2 ounces. Again, it’s not a huge margin, but any weight taken off is good for those carrying a gun all day, every day.

For the sake of comparison, let’s briefly look at some other common subcompacts. The Glock 26 Gen4 is 6.41 inches in overall length, 4.17 inches in height, 1.18 inches in width and weighs 21.71 ounces. The Springfield XD Mod.2 3-inch subcompact is 6.25 inches in length, 4.75 inches in height, 1.19 inches in width and weighs 26 ounces. The Sig P320 subcompact is 6.7 inches long, 4.7 inches in height, 1.3 inches in width and weighs 24.9 ounces.

The PPQ SC falls right in with these figures. It’s the lightest among those listed, and it’s shortest in height with the exception of the G26. The SC is longer than two of those examples, but then again length isn’t always a bad thing, as it also corresponds to a longer sight radius. The PPQ SC’s is 5.6 inches, which is pretty good for a gun designed for carry. I appreciated this during the training event in Utah and in my own independent testing, and I firmly believe it helped me shoot the gun more accurately than I have some other carry guns.

The PPQ SC features Walther’s signature non-slip cross-directional surface texturing on the grip.
The PPQ SC features Walther’s signature non-slip cross-directional surface texturing on the grip.

Width is also at the higher end of these example guns. Again, this isn’t inherently a bad thing. Guns that are too thin or too small can have a tendency to wiggle about a bit for me. I don’t have ridiculously large hands, but I’ve generally found that I tend to shoot better with guns that more fully fill out the palm of my hand. And I found this to be true with the PPQ SC.

In terms of capacity, Walther’s PPQ SC is also competitive with other double-stack subcompacts. It offers a standard 10-round capacity with a flush-fitting magazine. Walther also provides a 15-round magazine with an extension sleeve. Of course, with that option, you do sacrifice some of the gun’s concealability.

A Strong Family Resemblance

The dimensional changes listed above are great, but it’s also important that they don’t come at the cost of quality or features. From what I can tell having put many hundreds of rounds through the PPQ SC, they have not.

A lot of the things that shooters have come to love about the PPQ are also present in the SC. Probably at the top of most people’s list is the trigger.

Walther’s classic PPQ is renowned for its exceptional trigger in a striker-fired pistol. That same great Quick Defense Trigger is on full display in this new subcompact version.

Like the original PPQ, the Quick Defense Trigger on the new PPQ SC is fantastic.
Like the original PPQ, the Quick Defense Trigger on the new PPQ SC is fantastic.

The PPQ SC’s trigger pull is listed at 5.6 pounds, and the trigger’s travel and reset are stated as 0.4 inch and 0.1 inch, respectively. During testing, this seemed to be more or less confirmed. The trigger pull was smooth, with predictably little travel, and the reset was quick and audible following a shot. As performance figures illustrate, the trigger certainly didn’t seem to hurt my accuracy, and it felt very similar, if not identical, to my experiences shooting a full-size PPQ.

Another one of my favorite things about the PPQ — and something other Walther fans appreciate — is the signature Walther grip ergonomics. This, too, is foremost with the new SC version.

As with the standard PPQ, the subcompact’s grip features a comfortable shape and the signature non-slip cross-directional surface texturing. The texturing makes the gun easy to hold securely, and it avoids moving from “grippy” territory into “abrasive” during those long days at the range. This might just be me, but the PPQ — and the new PPQ SC — also seems to fill my hand perfectly. The finger grooves line up in just the right spot and the texturing feels heavy where it’s needed.

I recognize this may not be the case for everyone, but it’s still something that should be felt for one’s self. And, it’s worth noting that, like the PPQ, the SC’s backstrap is also interchangeable should you find the one from the factory doesn’t fit right.

Other shared features found on the PPQ SC include a reversible, ambidextrous, thumb-activated magazine release button; an ambidextrous slide stop; front and rear cocking serrations on the slide, a Tenifer coated slide, barrel and internal action parts; and a forward accessory rail for mounting attachments. Like the standard PPQ, this new gun too wears a matte black finish. And sights are low-profile three-dot polymer combat sights, which are plenty effective for carry and less apt to snag on the draw.

The PPQ SC utilizes low-profile three-dot polymer combat sights. These are somewhat minimalist but plenty effective.
The PPQ SC utilizes low-profile three-dot polymer combat sights. These are somewhat minimalist but plenty effective.

The basic disassembly process is also virtually identical, and just as quick. As with a lot of striker-fired designs, this pistol requires the user to pull the trigger during takedown.

After ensuring the gun is unloaded — both visually and physically — pull back the slide. Then, pointing the muzzle in a safe direction (the gun is still unloaded), depress the trigger. While keeping the trigger depressed, pull down on both the takedown levers on each side of the frame, releasing the trigger after they are pulled down. The slide should then slide freely off the frame, and then the recoil spring and then the barrel can be removed for cleaning. Assembly is simply the reverse. Both processes take mere seconds.

There are some differences between the internals of the standard PPQ and the PPQ SC, but these don’t seem to affect reliability or performance in any way. The PPQ SC uses an internal extractor instead of the PPQ’s external extractor, and there are a couple changes in the trigger bar and the slide’s internals. But over the course of testing, I came across no functional issues.

Range Time

Walther-performanceAlthough I got plenty of range time with the new PPQ SC at the training event in Utah running through drills and casually shooting at steel using Inceptor Ammunition ARX and RNP loads, I also wanted to conduct some accuracy testing in my independent review. I set up with four different loads to use in testing: the Inceptor Ammunition 65-grain ARX 9mm Luger +P, Federal Premium 124-grain Hydra-Shok JHP 9mm Luger, Blazer Brass 124-grain FMJ 9mm Luger and Winchester 115-grain FMJ 9mm Luger.

I measured muzzle velocities with a ProChrono Chronograph from Brownells placed roughly 5 feet from the muzzle. Accuracy data for each load was the result of three, five-shot groups fired at a distance of 15 yards from a Caldwell Matrix rest, also from Brownells. The Matrix rest is nice in that, in addition to being a rifle rest, it’s also configurable for use as a pistol rest as well.

Some might state that pistols are supposed to be tested at 25 yards, but I know of many who test concealed carry handguns at 15, or even 7 yards, as those are more in line with the distances at which they’ll be employed. In fact, in his book, Straight Talk on Armed Defense, concealed carry expert Massad Ayoob provides statistics that suggest the vast majority of shootings — for both law enforcement officers and responsible armed citizens — occur within 21 feet.

In any case, I was able to achieve decent enough groups with the PPQ SC, and I don’t confess to being any sort of great marksman. My best five-shot grouping came with Federal’s 124-grain Hydra-Shok JHP and measured 1.65 inches. And it accounted for the best average group at 2.14 inches. Incidentally, and perhaps not coincidentally, it also had the lowest standard deviation in terms of velocity among all loads tested.

I also had a few four-shot groups that — minus a single flier — would’ve been quite good. A four-shot group with Winchester’s white box FMJ load measured right around a half inch, while two of the four-shot Blazer Brass groups measured 0.77 inch and 1.17 inch, respectively, without the fliers. So, the gun is certainly capable of excellent accuracy if the shooter does his or her part.

In terms of reliability, I had virtually no issues with the PPQ SC, both in training in Utah and in my own testing. There was a tendency for the slide to not lock back on empty sometimes, but I quickly discovered this was due to my thumb placement interfering with the slide stop. There were no failures to feed, extract or eject.

Parting Shots

PPQ-SC-SpecsIn a market that’s hot and trending hotter all the time, I think Walther’s new PPQ SC certainly has a place. It has the dimensions to be a great — and comfortable — carry gun. And it’s got all the great features from Walther’s full-size PPQ that shooters have come to expect.

It has been made quite concealable without becoming difficult to shoot in the process. The gun’s length keeps it shootable with a relatively long sight radius for a carry gun, and the low-profile three-dot sights are unobtrusive yet perfectly functional. Add to that the excellent ergonomics that Walther is known for, and the German manufacturer might have a true winner on its hands in the concealed carry market.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

First Look: Colt Night Cobra Revolver

Colt is continuing its expansion into revolvers, bringing out the upgraded Night Cobra for 2018.

What you should know about the new Colt Night Cobra revolver:

  • It is an upgraded version of last year's Cobra tailored for concealed carry.
  • The Night Cobra has a bobbed double-action-only (DAO) hammer.
  • The revolver features a matte black DLC coating for corrosion resistance and durability.
  • It features a Tritium front night sight for shooting in low light and new VZ G10 grips.
  • Its MSRP is stated as $899, $200 more than the standard Cobra.

Last year Colt revived its double-action revolver line with the introduction of its Cobra, a six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special. At this year's SHOT Show, Colt has given revolver fans even more reason to be happy by debuting the Night Cobra, which features a few upgrades designed to make the revolver even more suited for concealed carry.

Bone Up On Legendary Colt Firearms

Namely, the new Night Cobra has a stainless steel construction with a matte black DLC coating, a new set of VZ G10 grips, a front night sight and a bobbed double-action-only (DAO) hammer. And the Night Cobra is built to handle the hotter +P defensive loads that some prefer for protection.

Colt Night Cobra -1I had a chance to shoot the new Colt Night Cobra at the 2018 Industry Day at the Range a day before SHOT Show, and I came away mostly impressed, which makes sense seeing as I found the standard Cobra pleasant to shoot last year before it was released. Obviously, the Night Cobra is a DAO affair given the lack of hammer spur, so I was limited to the double-action pull, which, with regard to concealed carry, is not necessarily a bad thing. Double-action revolvers are among the safest firearms to carry, and because the Night Cobra has the bobbed hammer, it is pretty unlikely to snag on clothing on the draw.

I also found the Tritium front night sight to be quite serviceable. Of course, a night sight on a gun designed for carry, and which may be employed in low light, is always an appreciated feature. For those who prefer a different sight, however, it looks like the front sight is also interchangeable and can be swapped out for other options.

The VZ G10 grips were comfortable and offered plenty of support and purchase. They felt a bit larger than the original grips on the standard Cobra, which actually seemed to help in terms of fit and feel. I didn't think anything was necessarily wrong with the earlier grips, but I did feel like I was shooting better with the new VZ G10 grips. 

It looks like shooters will of course have to pay a bit more for these upgrade features. The stated MSRP seems to be $899, which is $200 more than the standard Cobra. But for those searching for a good double-action revolver for carry, the new Night Cobra might be just the ticket.


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First Look: New Walther PPQ SC (Sub-Compact)

Walther has expanded its handgun lineup with its new PPQ SC, a subcompact version of its popular PPQ.

What to know about Walther's new PPQ SC:

  • The PPQ SC scales down the popular PPQ for a more comfortable carry option.
  • It's 6.6 inches in overall length, 4.4 inches in height and 1.3 inches in width.
  • Controls (slide stop and magazine release) are ambidextrous.
  • It uses Walther's Quick Defense Trigger, a 5.6-pound trigger with a quick reset.
  • It's available with a variety of magazine options and has an MSRP of $649.

Today Walther has announced its newest addition to its handgun lineup, and it's something fans of the brand have been wanting for some time — a sub-compact option in the PPQ line. The new Walther PPQ SC (for Sub-Compact) takes the popular PPQ down to a more manageable size for comfortable carry, while keeping all of the great standard PPQ features shooters love.

The new PPQ SC shaves off almost an inch in length from the PPQ M2 and roughly three ounces in weight. In terms of height, the PPQ SC knocks off about another inch, taking it from 5.3 inches to 4.4 inches. Those figures might not sound like a lot, but as most who carry know, an inch or two and a few ounces here and there can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and concealment.

Walther PPQ SC -subcompact -5Like the earlier PPQ models, the new PPQ SC features an excellent trigger (Walther refers to it as a Quick Defense Trigger) that breaks cleanly at 5.6 pounds and a short 0.4-inch travel and quick 0.1-inch reset. The trigger guard is also serrated.

As with all of Walther's handguns, there is still an emphasis on ergonomics with the PPQ SC. This starts with the grip, which features a non-slip, cross-directional surface for improved control, even under quick and repetitive recoil. It continues with the gun's interchangeable backstraps designed to fit a variety of hands.

Walther- PPQ SC - subcompact-7If that weren't enough, Walther's PPQ SC also features ambidextrous controls. The slide stop and thumb-activated magazine release are both left- and right-hand friendly. And the slide stop is extended for easy activation, even with gloves. The PPQ SC's Tenifer-coated slide also wears front and rear serrations for more efficient manipulation.

Sights are simple but effective low-profile three-dot polymer combat sights. The sights facilitate quick aiming, yet remain unobtrusive to prevent snagging on the draw. The rear is also adjustable for windage.

Walther PPQ SC -11Other noteworthy features include a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny forward rail for accessories such as a laser or light and a Tenifer-coated barrel and inside action parts. In addition, the PPQ SC will be available with a few different magazine choices, including flush fit, finger extender and extended sleeve options.

I had the opportunity to test the new PPQ SC several months back at a Walther media event, and though I can't provide a full review here, I can say that it performed very well. The event was a training program at a Deliberate Dynamics facility outside of Price, Utah, and Inceptor Ammunition provided a ton of its ARX defensive and RNP training loads for our use. And Clinger Holsters offered holsters for the event. Our group of writers and industry professionals put a ton of rounds through the guns and they all proved quite reliable.

Walther PPQ SC -IMG_1047-2
The new Walther PPQ SC has the dimensions and performance capabilities to make it an excellent concealed carry piece. Shown here with Inceptor Ammunition ARX ammo and a Clinger Holsters concealment holster.

The Quick Defense Trigger was pleasant, and the gun handled well, even with the flush-fit magazines, though I did tend to shoot better with the finger extension magazines. The sights were fairly easy to acquire and put on target — perfectly suitable for an everyday carry piece. Operating the gun was also simple, with the mag release activating seamlessly and dropping magazines freely.

I did have a little trouble with the slide not locking back on an empty magazine, not because there was anything wrong with the gun, but simply because of the placement of my thumbs on the slide. Once I made an adjustment, it locked back each and every time.

Walther PPQ SC -3Overall, I came away very impressed with the gun in my time with it. It's everything you might need in a daily carry gun — highly concealable, comfortable in the hand and plenty shootable at appropriate distances.

MSRP on the new PPQ SC is currently listed at $649. For more on this new subcompact, keep an eye out for a full review in an upcoming issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Specifications:

Walther PPQ SC -FLUSH-MAG_LSWalther PPQ SC (Sub-Compact)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.5 in.
Barrel Twist: 1:10
Overall Length: 6.6 in.
Height: 4.4 in.
Width: 1.3 in.
Weight (empty mag): 21.2 oz.
Sight Radius: 5.6 in.
Trigger: 5.6-lb. Quick Defense Trigger
Finish: Matte Black
Sights: Low-profile, three-dot combat iron sights
Capacity: 10 rounds (standard)
MSRP: $649

Browning Firearms: The 9 Best Gun Designs Ever

John Browning was one of the most prolific firearms designers in history, producing a number of great guns in his career. Here are nine of his best.

What are the nine finest Browning firearm designs?

John Moses Browning is one of the most prominent names in firearms design. He holds a place of reverence among shooters and firearms historians, and deservedly so.

Over the course of his life, Browning devoted himself almost fully to advancing firearms design. He was granted over 100 patents and is credited with developing some of the most influential and enduring guns within the past 100 years or so.

Many, if not most, of these truly innovative firearms are still in use today, either among civilian shooters or among military and police forces in the U.S and around the world. It’s been a little more than 90 years now since Browning’s passing, but his firearms legacy is certainly alive and well, and his contributions are still relevant.

As far as which of John M. Browning’s firearm designs are “best,” that’s a matter of some debate. Listed below are nine of Browning’s most timeless designs. These influential guns clearly don’t represent all of Browning’s important developments in firearms design (being more of an arbitrary “best” list), but they are a good sampling of some of his greatest works and cover categories ranging from single-shot rifles to fully automatic heavy machine guns.

Winchester Model 1885 -2 - John Browning Firearms
Current production Winchester Model 1885 High Wall rifle. Photo courtesy Winchester Guns.

Winchester Model 1885

Marking something of the beginning of John Browning’s long and productive career in firearms design, the Model 1885 was one of his earliest creations. He developed what would eventually become the 1885 at the young age of 23, and originally built the rifles by hand along with his brother before being approached by Winchester some years later, and thus beginning his longtime collaboration with that manufacturer.

Winchester engineers made a few tweaks to the design and began offering the rifle in both a Low Wall and High Wall configuration — the Low Wall being designed with an exposed hammer and intended for less powerful cartridges and the High Wall a beefier version built for more powerful cartridges.

During its heyday, the Model 1885 was believed to have one of the strongest actions available. It was a significant challenger to other popular single-shot rifles of the era from companies like Sharps and Remington.

Production on the Winchester Model 1885 ended around 1920. However, in recent years, manufacturers have begun offering modern Model 1885s for single-shot rifle fans. Uberti USA, Cimarron Firearms and, of course, Winchester are among those gun makers currently offering the 1885.

Winchester Model 1894 -2 - John Browning Firearms
Current production Model 1894. Photo courtesy of Winchester Guns.

Winchester Model 1894

One of the most prolific and enduring lever-action rifles of all time, the Model 1894 first entered production the same year as its model designation, and a number of companies, including Winchester, still produce it today. Built originally to chamber and fire the metallic black powder .32-40 and .38-55 cartridges, the Model 1894 was later chambered in a number of smokeless cartridges. However, the most popular, and the one most closely associated with the rifle was the .30-30 Winchester, also known as the .30 WCF.

Over the years, the Model 1894 in .30-30 Winchester has taken countless whitetail deer. The gun is extremely lightweight, handles comfortably (especially in thicker brush) and packs adequate power for the hunter’s purposes, provided shots occur at reasonable distances.

This usefulness translated to a previously unheard of level of popularity. Well over 7 million Model 1894s have been produced since its release, and it’s still popular among Cowboy Action Shooters, as well as hunters who prefer the classic feel of a lever gun.

Browning Auto-5 - 1 - John Browning Firearms
A well worn Browning Auto-5 12-gauge shotgun.

Browning Auto-5

Widely acknowledged as the first successful, mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun, the Automatic-5 design also marked a turning point for Browning, in which he ended his collaboration with Winchester. As it goes, he offered the design to Winchester first, but tried to negotiate for a royalty fee on unit sales instead of a one-time, up-front payment, as had been standard, which Winchester refused to do. He then tried to pitch the shotgun to Remington, but the manufacturer’s president died from a heart attack before he was able to do so. Eventually, Browning’s design wound up with FN Herstal of Belgium and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Auto-5 featured a unique long recoil operated design (patented by Browning in 1900) in which the barrel and bolt recoil together following the shot, then separate as the barrel begins to move forward again. At this time, the bolt stays behind to eject the spent shell, before moving forward again to chamber the new shell.

FN Herstal produced the gun for much of the 20th century, and it was also produced under license by a number of U.S. manufacturers such as Remington and Savage Arms, among others. The Auto-5 was produced from a bit after the turn of the 20th century until 1998; however, the Browning Arms Company reintroduced a version of the Auto-5, or A-5, a couple years back. This new version does use a different short-recoil operating system, though, which Browning refers to as Kinematic Drive. Both older and newer models of the “Humpback,” as the gun is endearingly called due to its distinctive high rear end on the receiver, have continued to remain popular.

Affordable Handguns Browning-Hi-Power
Browning's Hi-Power is considered to be the first of the “wonder nines.” Photo by Robert Campbell.

Browning Hi Power

Also known as the Model 1935, P-35, HP35, GP, GP35 and High Power, this pistol was one of Browning’s last designs. In fact, being the devoted worker that he was, it is written widely that Browning died of heart failure while working at the bench on this self-loading pistol in his son Val A. Browning’s design shop. Belgian small arms designer Dieudonne Saive completed the design.

Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Hi Power was one of the first true high-capacity pistols, able to hold 13 rounds. This was roughly twice the capacity of other common pistols, such as the M1911 and Luger P08, at the time of its introduction in 1935. Like Browning’s earlier 1911, the Hi Power was a single-action design. And it operated via a unique short-recoil mechanism.

More than 1 million Hi Powers have been produced, and the gun has seen many years of service with foreign military forces. In fact, it remains a standard sidearm with the Australian and Canadian armed forces. Of course, it’s also popular among many civilian shooters here in the U.S. as well.

Winchester-Model97 - John Browning Firearms
The Model 1897 is considered one of the first truly successful pump- or slide-action shotguns.

Winchester Model 1897

Just as Browning is credited with designing the first successful semi-auto shotgun, so too is it with the pump gun. The Model 1897, also known as the M97 and simply the “Trench Gun,” was based on Browning’s earlier Winchester 1893 pump-action shotgun but addressed many of the flaws in that prior design.

Produced from 1897 until 1957, the M97 was viewed as kind of the standard by which later pump-action shotguns would be judged. The 1897 introduced a takedown design in which the barrel could removed — this is now a standard feature in pump guns today — and featured an external hammer and lacked a trigger disconnector. This lack of a disconnector permitted the user to “slam fire” the gun, or simply continuously depress the trigger while working the action to fire shots if so desired.

As a historical side note, the M97 “Trench Gun” was so effective and deadly during the First World War that Germany issue a formal protest against its use, stating the use of a shotgun violated the 1907 Hague Convention. The later Winchester Model 12 would eventually supersede the Winchester Model 1897; however, it can still be found in use.

Browning-M1919-1 - John Browning Firearms
The air-cooled version of Browning's earlier M1917, the M1919 served U.S. forces in a number of wars, usually in a mounted support role.

M1919 Browning

An air-cooled version of Browning’s earlier water-cooled M1917, which saw some use in World War I, the M1919 was originally similarly chambered for the .30-06 Springfield. However, it would later be adapted to a host of popular military chamberings such as 7.62×51 NATO, .303 British and others.

This belt-fed, short-recoil-operated machine gun has served in many of the U.S. conflicts — World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War — and many foreign militaries have also used it over the years. However, the emergence of general purpose machine guns, like the M60, and squad automatic weapons, like the M249 SAW, in later years has largely relegated the M1919 to more specialized and secondary roles, such as mounted use on vehicles.

More than 5 million M1919s were produced, making it another of Browning’s top designs.

Turnbull-Heritage-1911-1
Turnbull 1911 Heritage Edition Commander. Photo by Alex Landeen

M1911

The Browning design that Americans are likely most familiar with, the M1911, and later M1911A1, was the U.S. military’s standard sidearm until 1985, when Beretta’s M9 replaced it — a move that some still might argue against. In addition to its success as a military arm, it has been, and continues to be, wildly popular among civilian shooters. And a whole host of manufacturers ranging from large to small currently produce 1911s. In short, if there’s one Browning design that unequivocally deserves a spot on this list, it’s the 1911.

The M1911 is a short-recoil-operated single-action hammer-fired pistol. Like some of Browning’s other pistol designs, this one incorporates a grip safety, as well as a thumb-activated (for righties) safety lever on the frame.

The gun, as originally introduced, fired Browning’s .45 ACP, which he designed for the pistol. However, as we know, later 1911s and variants have been offered in a number of other popular calibers such as .380 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super and others. Coonan, Inc. even makes some to chamber the .357 Magnum, and Guncrafter Industries offers 1911s in its proprietary .50 GI for those looking for a true .50-caliber option.

BrowningM2
The heavy M2 Browning has been serving the U.S. Armed Forces, and other foreign military forces, for many decades.

M2 Browning

Bigger and badder than Browning’s earlier M1919 machine gun, the M2 Browning was and is a potent heavy machine gun. Known by its official designation of Browning Machine Gun, Cal. .50, M2, HB, Flexible, and more colloquially as the “Ma Deuce,” this 80-plus-pound beast spits Browning’s .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) — designed for and named for this weapon — at a rate of 450 to 1,300 rounds per minute, depending upon the model.

The air-cooled, belt-fed M2 is a short-recoil-operated design that fires from a closed bolt. Due to its heavy weight, its predominant deployment has been as a mounted weapon on vehicles, naval vessels and aircraft and as a support weapon for troops on the ground. However, it has also been used as a sniping tool, most notably by decorated Marine Corps sniper Carlos Hathcock during Vietnam.

Like the 1911 and some of Browning’s other designs, the M2 has had a fairly long production life. Produced since 1933, the M2 Browning is still in service with the U.S. and a host of other foreign militaries.

Colt Model 1903 -3
The Colt Model 1903/1908 Pocket Hammerless became popular due to its ease of concealment and streamline, elegant appearance. Photo courtesy of Steve Gash.

Colt Model 1903/1908 Pocket Hammerless

Sort of a culmination of some of Browning’s earlier pistol designs preceding and in the few years after the turn of the 20th century, the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless in .32 ACP — and later Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless in .380 ACP — became quite popular with the military, law enforcement and civilians. Building upon earlier designs like the M1902 and M1903 Pocket Hammer pistol, the Pocket Hammerless featured a 4-inch barrel and, despite the name, utilized a hammer that was recessed and hidden from view under the rear of the slide.

Although it was only produced from 1903 to 1945, making it one of the shorter production lives of the Browning designs listed, more than 570,000 Pocket Hammerless pistols were made. It was popular in large part due to its ability to be effectively concealed due to the hidden hammer, which was less apt to snag on clothing.

Due to its classic, elegant appearance and its interesting history, both the 1903 and 1908 Pocket Hammerless remain popular collector items. Although it is currently not produced to the degree that some other guns on this list are, a few years back, Colt did license U.S. Armament Corp. to produce a limited run of new Pocket Hammerless pistols, for those looking to buy new.

Browning-Superposed-1
Browning's Superposed over/under shotgun was no doubt a looker. Its relatively high manufacturing cost eventually spelled its downfall, though.

Honorable Mentions

I feel obligated to mention a few other notable John Browning firearms that I did not include above and which were right on the edge of inclusion.

The Browning Superposed, an innovative yet classically stylish over/under shotgun, was the last firearm to be designed by Browning prior to his death, and probably one of his most elegant. It had a decent production run before it was ultimately decided that it was too expensive to manufacture and thus relegated to being a specialty, limited-production item from Browning Arms Company.

The M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and its later variants represent another potential inclusion. The BAR saw some service in the First World War; however, its role was much more extensive in World War II and in Korea. More than 600,000 were produced.

Colt_Woodsman
One of Browning's less-considered pistol designs, the Woodsman was a fine rimfire pistol with a decent production run.

Remington’s Model 8 was another of Browning’s celebrated designs, though production figures are lower than most, if not all, of the other firearms on this list. It was, however, one of the first semi-auto rifles to see true success. At the time, most were content with their lever guns or the increasingly potent and accurate bolt-action rifles available. Produced under various names from 1906 until 1950, the Model 8 featured a long-recoil-operated design not unlike that used in Browning’s Auto-5 and was chambered in .25, .30, .32 and .35 Remington, as well as .300 Savage.

Manufactured by Colt from 1915 to 1977, the Woodsman is also deserving of a brief mention. More than 690,000 of these little semi-auto .22 pistols were produced, and in a host of different configurations with varying barrel lengths and features.

As previously mentioned, this list is by no means comprehensive. There are a number of other excellent Browning firearms designs that were not included. If one of your favorite and deserving John Browning designs has been omitted, let us know about it in the comments. We always enjoy hearing our readers’ opinions.

Corey Graff contributed to this article.


Bone Up On Browning:

13 Summer Carry Guns To Beat The Heat

When the weather heats up, many shooters ditch their usual carry pieces for lighter, more concealable guns. Here’s a list of 13 top summer carry guns.

What are some of the best lightweight summer carry guns?

As temperatures climb in the late spring and reach a peak in the dog days of summer, many dress down to meet the occasion. T-shirts and shorts start to replace long pants and jackets as the predominant articles of clothing. And those who carry concealed might opt for summer carry guns that are lighter, smaller and less likely to print with their new warm-weather wardrobe.

There are a number of great pistols and revolvers that are well suited, or can be adapted, to fill this role. But the best are those that are dependable, small enough in size and weight to be easily and comfortably concealed in light clothing, and shootable enough to get the job done if called upon in a fight.

The options presented below don’t represent a comprehensive list of all the great summertime carry guns available. However, most of them are tried-and-true designs that will serve the shooter admirably. The majority weigh less than 20 ounces — with some coming in quite a bit less — and most are about 6 inches in length or less. And, all of these come in at under $800 for their base model.

Without further ado, here are 13 of the top summer carry guns available to shooters right now.

Summer Carry Guns - Ruger LCP II review - 7
Photo by Alex Landeen.

1. Ruger LCP II
Ruger’s original LCP has proved itself highly capable as a pocket, or micro .380 ACP pistol for carry. In its nearly decade-long existence, it’s become one of the most popular pistols in that category due to its reliability, compact design and affordability, with its incredible $259 MSRP.

These days, while the original LCP still certainly remains a serviceable option, Ruger has upgraded the platform with some beneficial changes in the form of the new LCP II. Probably the two most critical upgrades are the improvements made to the trigger and the addition of a last-round-hold-open function on the LCP II’s slide.

Obviously, the triggers on double-action pocket .380s designed for carry are not known for being overly impressive, but Ruger was able to improve upon the LCP’s trigger quite markedly in this new version. The trigger pull is substantially smoother, being fairly light and crisp, as well as quicker on the reset — and it incorporates a bladed trigger safety.

The last-round hold-open feature is of course important to many shooters, as it is a visual indicator of an empty mag; plus, it aids in slide manipulation. Other features, such as the grip, ergonomics and sights, are also upgraded, and the end price is still a highly affordable $349. And with dimensions of 5.17 inches in length, .75 inch in width and 3.71 inches in height, and a weight of just 10.6 ounces, you could hardly do better than the LCP II in terms of a micro .380.

summer carry guns - SW -M&P - bodyguard 3802. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380
A fairly compelling argument could be made for including the M&P Shield on this list. On basic configurations, the Shield's weight hovers right around 20 ounces; the gun is a touch over 6 inches in overall length, has a standard capacity of 7+1, can be found at some pretty affordable prices and has established itself as a dependable carry piece.

That said, if you want something a little more compact for summer wear, the M&P Bodyguard 380 is an excellent option. Like the Shield, the Bodyguard is priced affordably, with an MSRP of $379. Street prices can be even less.

You go from 9mm down to .380 ACP, which means it’s less potent, but you do shave off almost 8 ounces of weight and about an inch in length. The double-action-only trigger isn’t as good as the Shield’s striker-fired trigger, and the sights are probably a slight step down as well, from white dot to stainless steel adjustable. However, the trade off for increased concealability and comfort might be worth it to some.

Summer carry guns - SIG P9383. SIG Sauer P938
The P938 has been around for several years now, and its predecessor, the P238, has been around a couple years longer. The original P238 is a scaled down version of the 1911 chambered in .380 ACP.

The P938 is, of course, a slightly beefed up version of the P238 in 9mm. As such, it's a touch longer and heavier (.4 inch and .8 ounce, respectively), but certainly nothing too dramatic.

Like the earlier P238, it has a fairly crisp 7.5-pound single-action trigger pull and similar 1911-style controls and safety. Both are available with SIGLITE night sights, a major plus for those who carry, as most defensive shootings occur in low light. And both fall into SIG’s micro-compact frame size category, meaning either is suitable in a pocket pistol role.

However, when the dimensional differences are so small, and since we live in a world where bigger is better and more is always better than less, it’s hard not to argue for the 9mm P938. One of the downsides to both these guns is that the price for either is something many will struggle with: The P238 starts at $679, while the P938 begins at $760. This is more than many pay for their compact or subcompact daily carry gun, and it’s a higher starting point than any of the other models on this list, so they might be hard to justify for some as summer carry guns.

A less expensive option from SIG is the subcompact P290RS ($492); though, it does have a slightly longer, and heavier, double-action trigger pull at about 9 pounds, and it weighs just a touch more. As a side note on the P238 and P938, SIG recently introduced “We The People” versions of both guns, which feature a beautiful distressed finish and commemorative patriotic engravings.

Summer carry guns - g434. Glock 43
A lot of people who know a good deal about concealed carry handguns have referred to the Glock 19 as a perfect, or nearly perfect, gun for carry. It’s big enough to shoot well pretty easily, yet small enough to conceal with the right holster and clothing choice. It’s got Glock’s standard and fairly decent 5.5-pound trigger, and is loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm boom. And, it’s a Glock, which means it’s pretty much guaranteed to be reliable. This is, of course, why the G19 has been and continues to be one of the most popular handguns on the market.

But in truth, for some, and especially during warm, summer weather, it’s just not quite as light and concealable as you’d like it to be. The Glock 43 is, without question, both of those things.

Fully loaded, the G43 weighs a bit more than 22 ounces. It’s 6.26 inches in length, 4.25 inches in height and just a touch over 1 inch in width. Now, to get these figures, you do sacrifice quite a lot in terms of round count — 15 down to six — but if it’s a decision between carrying a smaller, lower-capacity gun and not carrying anything, it’s really no decision at all.

When the G43 officially launched in 2015, there was a ton of hype surrounding the new 9mm single-stack pistol. It, of course, followed on the heels of Glock’s even lighter G42 in .380 ACP, which, although nice, wasn’t what shooters had wanted for years (incidentally, the G42 is also a great option for a summertime carry gun).

The G43 hasn’t had the same amount of time to establish itself as the G19 has had, but I think many would say that the hype given the 43, while immense, probably isn’t undeserved. It’s a very shootable gun, conceals easily and offers Glock’s proven reliability. And if you’re one of those people who thinks six rounds isn’t enough to get the job done, there’s always Glock’s 26 (AKA the “Baby Glock”), which weighs about 4 ounces more but does offer a 10-round standard capacity.

summer carry guns - Colt .380 Mustang.

5. Colt Mustang
One of the older handgun designs to make this list so far, the Colt Mustang (essentially a scaled down 1911 in .380 ACP), in various forms, has been around since 1983. Throughout the ‘80s several improvements and additional models were introduced, and in the early- to mid-90s, two other models were added.

Then, in the late ‘90s, the Mustang was discontinued. This was done, according to some sources, in order for Colt to shift more focus to military sales.

Regardless, given the boom in the civilian concealed carry market within the past decade or so, Colt decided to reintroduce the Mustang back in 2011. When it was first introduced in 1983, the .380 ACP Mustang weighed 21.75 ounces and lacked a safety. The two Mustangs Colt currently lists in its catalog today range in weight from 11.5 to 12.5 ounces, and both feature a thumb safety, with the Mustang Lite’s being ambidextrous.

Today’s Mustangs offer a 6+1 capacity and are designed to be a bit more durable than their predecessors. Both models have an overall length of 5.5 inches, a height of 3.9 inches and a width of 1.06 inches. Given these dimensions and their scant weight, these two modern-day Mustangs are highly concealable and easy to carry comfortably.

The front sight on the Pocketlite model is a fixed blade, whereas it is dovetailed on the Lite. Rear sights are dovetailed on both models.

Despite its relatively miniscule size, the Mustang remains fairly shootable. Much of this can be attributed to the frame design, as well as a relatively crisp, single-action trigger pull between 4.5 and 6 pounds.

Summer carry guns - Ruger LCR6. Ruger LCR/LCRx
The LCR, or Lightweight Compact Revolver, line has been pretty successful for Ruger ever since its introduction in 2009. At the time, it was something of a groundbreaking new release.

It was billed as the first-ever production revolver to feature a polymer grip frame. The little wheelgun also featured some of the most aggressive cylinder fluting on any revolver of the time, which, like the polymer grip frame, helped to reduce weight. The LCR weighed in at a scant 13.5 ounces, making it one of the lightest production revolvers at the time.

Initially introduced in just two models, today it is available in a host of different models and calibers, including versions with external hammers (designated the LCRx). Chamberings today include the original .38 Special +P as well as the .22 LR, .22 WMR, 9mm, .357 Magnum and the relatively new .327 Federal Magnum.

With the exception, perhaps, of the .22 LR and .22 WMR, all of these calibers are adequate for personal defense. Felt recoil might become an issue at the higher end of this gun’s caliber range (.327 Federal and .357 Magnum) given its light weight, but with adrenaline pumping through your body during a close-range defensive encounter, that might be less noticeable. Luckily, both those chamberings offer lighter-recoiling options for training purposes (.32 S&W, .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Magnum for the .327 Federal and .38 Special for the .357 Magnum) if you desire.

With an overall length on most models of 6.50 inches and a weight of just 13.5 ounces on the lightest models — add about 4 ounces for .357 Magnum or .327 Federal — Ruger LCRs are perfect summer carry guns, particularly if you prefer revolvers.

Summer carry guns - Kahr - CM97. Kahr CM9
Kahr Arms might not have the brand name recognition of, say, SIG Sauer or Glock, and it might not produce flashy, sexy-looking designs, but the company has quietly been producing solid, reliable handguns ever since its founding in 1995. One of these perfectly suited for carry is the CM9.

Falling within Kahr’s “Value” series, the CM9 is a Browning-style locked-breech pistol that features a 3-inch, conventionally rifled barrel (as opposed to the match-grade polygonal-rifled barrel of the “Premium” PM9), a textured polymer grip, a black polymer frame, a matte stainless slide and drift-adjustable white dot sights. It utilizes a six-round, flush-floorplate magazine and comes equipped with a pretty solid double-action-only (DAO) trigger.

The CM9 weighs just 14 ounces unloaded. It is 5.42 inches in overall length, 4 inches in height and less than an inch in width. All of that adds up to one very concealable 9mm pistol, even in the dog days of summer. And with an MSRP of just $460, you won’t have to break the bank for this concealed carry piece, which comes with a lot of features and quality for the price. If you’re looking for something even more concealable and are willing to step down to a .380, Kahr’s CW380 is another option.

Summer Carry Guns - Kimber Micro 98. Kimber Micro/Micro 9
Founded as Kimber of Oregon in 1979, the manufacturer was initially known for its rifle production. However, after some troubles and eventual ownership changes, the company — now headquartered in Yonkers, New York — came to be well known as a producer of fine, high-quality 1911-style pistols.

While much of Kimber’s catalog is devoted to full-size 1911s, the manufacturer does offer two lines of highly concealable Micro pistols chambered in either .380 ACP or 9mm. Like the previously discussed Colt Mustang and SIG P938 and P238, these guns are scaled down versions of the 1911.

Both Micro and Micro 9 pistols feature a crisp, single-action trigger with a factory setting of around 7 pounds and share a similar 1911-style thumb safety, slide release and magazine release. Other standard features across both lines include a lowered and flared ejection port, a beveled magazine well and steel sights mounted in machined dovetails. Both the Micro (.380 ACP) and Micro 9 (9mm) pistols sport six-round magazine capacities.

The Micro weighs 13.4 ounces empty, has an overall length of 5.6 inches, a height of 4 inches and a width of 1.08 inches. The slightly larger Micro 9 weighs 15.6 ounces empty, is 6.1 inches in overall length, is 4.07 inches in height and is 1.66 inches in width. The Micro starts at $527, while the Micro 9 starts at $654.

Both are a little more than some are willing to pay for a summer carry gun, but they offer some pretty good features and come from a respected maker of 1911s. And their dimensions make them well adapted for carry in all conditions.

Summer Carry guns - S&W - Model 6429. Smith & Wesson Model 642
This little J-Frame revolver has been a big seller for Smith & Wesson for years. Its lineage traces back to the “Centennial” family of S&W revolvers, which came out in 1952.

These days, there are several currently produced Model 642 revolvers available to buyers in S&W’s catalog. All are prized for their relatively light weight, concealability, ease of use, reliability and .38 Special + P chambering.

In these times of widespread semi-auto pistols of all shapes, sizes and colors, it might seem hard to believe that small wheelguns like this J-Frame have hung around, but they remain one of S&W’s most popular items. And this is so for good reason.

Revolvers are almost foolproof in their operation, and with their generally long, double-action trigger pulls, they’re typically quite safe. For those lacking grip strength, they’re incredibly easy to load and unload, which is not always the case for semi-autos. And because many — like the 642 — feature an enclosed hammer, they won’t snag on clothing.

The basic Model 642 has an overall length of 6.3 inches and a weight of 14.4 ounces, making it well suited for carry. It’s also palatable, price-wise, starting at just $469. Although I’ve selected the Model 642 specifically, many of S&W’s other J-Frame revolvers are similarly worthy choices.

Summer Carry guns - Kel-Tec P3AT10. Kel-Tec P3AT
This little pocket pistol gem dropped on the scene in 2003, and it made a pretty decent splash on arrival. With an astonishing weight of just 8.3 ounces unloaded, at the time of its release, this gun was (and might remain) the lightest production .380 ACP pistol in the world. Its impact can be seen in the number of micro .380s produced in its wake, including Ruger’s own LCP, which does, at least in external appearance, share many characteristics.

Designed based off Kel-Tec’s earlier P-32 — another micro, but chambered in .32 ACP — the P3AT is a locked-breech pistol, unlike many other similarly sized pistols, which are straight blowback. This allowed the engineers at Kel-Tec to use a lighter slide, permitting even more weight reduction.

The gun is 5.2 inches in overall length, 3.5 inches in height and .77 inch in width. And despite these diminutive dimensions, it still manages to pack in six rounds of .380 ACP. That’s quite a bit of bang in a teeny, tiny package.

The little P3AT might not be much to look at, but it does offer pretty unprecedented firepower for the weight. A number of features had to be omitted to achieve this, which is why the gun doesn’t include a slide stop or a safety (aside from its long, double-action-only trigger pull) and has no slide-hold-open feature after the last shot. The magazine release is also very small; on the plus side, that means it’s a little more difficult to accidentally activate in the course of carry.

The sights on the P3AT could be better. They’re basically a simple fixed notch rear and fixed front blade. However, on a gun with a 2.7-inch barrel, you’re probably not expecting competition-grade accuracy.

The gun’s MSRP is listed at $338.18; however, you can likely pick one of these up for markedly less. Over the past decade plus, the P3AT has garnered a pretty decent reputation for what it is and its capabilities in that role. It’s generally been fairly reliable, shootable enough to get the job done at close range and utterly concealable.

Springfield XD-S review - 2
Photo by Alex Landeen.

11. Springfield XD-S
This might be one of the more controversial additions to this list just on the point of weight alone. Up until now, every other inclusion has had an empty weight below 20 ounces. Across all models in this Springfield line, weight with an empty magazine is above 20 ounces.

Despite this, the XD-S remains a good choice for summer because it is still fairly easy to conceal. With a length of 6.3 inches, a height of 4.4 inches and a width of .9 inch, it actually compares pretty favorably with several of the previous inclusions. And you get an easy-to-shoot CCW that’s available in some beefier defensive calibers such as .40 S&W or .45 ACP.

Sights on the XD-S are quite good. The front is a fiber optic, and the dovetail rear sight is steel. The fiber optic up front is a great focal point that naturally draws the eye, and the clean, striker-fired trigger of the XD-S makes it easier to put rounds on target than many of the double-action guns on this list. And with MSRPs starting right at $500, your wallet can rest easy.  

Summer Carry Guns - Bersa Thunder 380 CC12. Bersa Thunder 380 CC
First produced by the Argentina-based Bersa, S.A. back in 1995, the Thunder 380 has been a capable .380 ACP pistol for carry and personal defense for the past two decades and change. Eagle Imports, Inc. is the exclusive importer of Bersa handguns in the U.S., and today’s crop of Bersa Thunder 380s offer even more versatility than the original design.

One of the newer models perfectly suited as a summer concealed carry gun is the Thunder 380 CC (Concealed Carry), which is itself available in several different models. The nice thing about any of the CC models is that they are lighter than the standard Thunder 380, coming in at 16.4 ounces instead of the usual 20 ounces or so.

Most people, even just by looking at it, can see the visual similarities between the Thunder 380 and Walther’s classic PPK pistol. The nice thing about Bersa’s gun is that it generally sells for much less than the Walther PPK, something you’re sure to appreciate if you’re on a budget. This is especially true if you’re just looking for summer carry guns.

The Thunder 380 CC has a capacity of 8+1, and the gun has an overall length of 6 inches, a height of 4.6 inches and a width of 1 inch on the dot. The sights, which consist of a simple fixed notch rear and fixed front blade, could be better, but all in all, the Thunder 380 CC is a great choice for its relatively easy concealment, decent shootability and proven reliability.  

Summer Carry Guns - Walther PPS M2
Photo by Jeff Jones.

13. Walther Arms PPS M2
Released in 2016, the PPS M2 is an upgrade to Walther’s earlier PPS, which debuted publicly in 2007. A few changes were made on the PPS M2, but probably the two most notable were the addition of a new, ergonomic grip similar to that found on the Walther PPQ line of pistols and the use of a more traditional thumb-activated magazine release instead of the European-styled ambidextrous paddle release on the PPS.

Dimensionally, however, the guns remain almost identical. Both have an overall length of 6.3 inches, a height of 4.4 inches and a width of 1 inch. The new M2 version is about 4/10ths of an ounce lighter, but that’s pretty negligible.

The PPS M2 uses three-dot metal sights and has a 6.1-pound trigger pull with a minimal amount of travel and a short, distinctive reset. Chambered in 9mm, the PPS M2 offers a capacity of six or seven rounds.

At 21.1 ounces empty, like the XD-S, it’s one of the heavier guns on this list, but it too remains highly concealable. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter and are willing to slide down to .380 ACP, Walther’s PK380 at 18 ounces empty is another quality German option. With a difference of about 3 ounces, though, I’d be hard pressed not to go the 9mm route with the PPS M2.

The PPK is another option, and I feel obligated to mention it here because it’s a model that has influenced handgun design a great deal, particularly as it relates to .380 ACP and other small, micro-style pistols. I didn’t include it on this list because it is a little heavy in comparison to some of the other .380s mentioned at 22.1 ounces empty. It’s also a bit more expensive than some of the other .380 models. It appears in some respects with the inclusion of the Bersa Thunder 380, and again here as a sort of honorable mention.

Parting Shots
So, that's it. Those are 13 of the best summer carry guns currently available to shooters, along with a few alternatives thrown in for good measure.

This is by no means THE comprehensive list of the absolute best summer carry guns. Many other options exist out there that are still plenty serviceable. If you think there's been an important omission or if your favorite is missing, feel free to sound off in the comments.

New Gear: Daniel Defense Wave 3D Printed Suppressor

The Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 is the Georgia-based company's first standalone suppressor, and one of the first in the industry to be entirely 3D printed.

Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 Snapshot:

  • Daniel Defense's first suppressor, and one of the industry's first major 3D-printed centerfire suppressors
  • Features a one-piece Inconel baffle/tube with advanced cascading baffle geometry
  • It utilizes no welds, which are some of the weaker points in traditional suppressors
  • Reduces sound by 30 dB in 5.56, 40 dB in .300 BLK
  • Available in quick-detach (QD) or direct-thread (DT) models
  • Rated for use with 5.56 NATO up to .300 Win. Mag.

It's no secret that 3D printing technology has had an influence on the firearms industry. Whether used to rapidly produce prototypes of new products during the research and development phase or to create a finished product, 3D printing has become a key piece of technology for many in the business. This can clearly be seen with one of the newest pieces of gear to hit the market, the Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 3D printed suppressor.

Officially launched back at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, the new Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 is created using a laser sintering 3D printing approach, which essentially means it uses a laser to fuse materials together and form the desired 3D shape. According to Daniel Defense, this is the same 3D printing approach often used to create parts for space rockets.

Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 suppressor 1The Wave, which is Daniel Defense's first standalone suppressor, has to be one of the first 3D-printed cans to be produced and offered by a well-known name in the industry. Others have produced 3D-printed suppressors in the past, including rimfire versions as well as a few for centerfire cartridges, but none, it seems, with the brand recognition of Daniel Defense. 

The Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 features a one-piece Inconel baffle/tube that utilizes what the company refers to as an advanced cascading baffle geometry, which is designed to effectively attenuate sound. According to the manufacturer's website, the suppressor reduces sound by around 30 dB with 5.56 NATO and by around 40 dB with .300 BLK.

Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 suppressor 2One of the more interesting aspects of the Daniel Defense Wave's 3D-printed design is that it removes the need for welds. Welds are typically some of the weakest points in traditional suppressor designs, so removing those could certainly improve durability.

The suppressor also comes equipped with the Acme Thread Quick-Clamping System, which clamps securely to a 17-4PH stainless steel muzzle device. The heavy acme threads on the muzzle device disrupt the buildup of carbon, allowing for easy removal of the can even after it's been used extensively.

The new Daniel Defense Wave 7.62 3D-printed suppressor is rated from 5.56 NATO up to .300 Winchester Magnum. It weighs 17.2 ounces and is 7.6 inches long.

There are two models available. The quick-detach (QD) version is available for $1,157, while the direct-thread (DT) model is listed at $986.

AK Upgrades To Trick Out Your Kalashnikov

AK Upgrades - feat
Photo courtesy Magpul Industries.

Take your Kalashnikov rifle to the next level with these functional and ergonomic AK upgrades.

The AR is to many the definition of a fully customizable, modular weapon platform. Stocks, grips, triggers, safeties, charging handles, handguards or even entire uppers — pretty much any part on the rifle — can be swapped out or exchanged with relative ease, and manufacturers produce an abundance of aftermarket parts to do just that.  

Customizing the AK-47 and its variants, on the other hand, can be a bit more challenging. The aftermarket for AK upgrades and parts has been more limited in the past, and the AK’s design is less conducive to customization, with the original rifle being designed in an era in which iron sights were good enough for the average soldier and a wood stock and furniture were all that were needed.

Additionally, many AK owners simply prefer the rifle with its traditional wood furniture and iron sights, with some purists going so far as to mock those choosing to modify their AK. Memes even exist that strongly dismiss the notion of upgrading or customizing the AK-47 in any way and have made the rounds online in blogs and forums.

Thankfully, not everyone feels this way, and manufacturers offer an assortment of products that help shooters take the AK to the next level. While the AK certainly doesn’t have the same degree of modularity as the AR or as large of an aftermarket parts selection, there are still plenty of accessory options and AK upgrades for owners to choose from, and the choices are only continuing to grow each year.

Take a look at this list of accessories and ways to improve performance and functionality from your AK-style rifle. It's by no means comprehensive, but should be plenty to pique an AK owner's interest.

AK Upgrades:

Editor's Note: This roundup does not cover optics mounts. For info on the various side rail optics mounts available for AK-pattern rifles, check out Jim Grant’s article on optics mounting options for the AK.

1. Triggers
One of the best ways to upgrade any rifle and increase accuracy is to install a better trigger, and the AK is no exception. While the AK-47 and its variants have never been known for astounding accuracy, some of the factory-installed triggers that come standard don’t do them any favors. Several manufacturers offer improved trigger groups for the AK platform that will help you get more hits on target.

AK Upgrades- TAPCO G2TAPCO INTRAFUSE AK G2 Trigger Group
The G2 Trigger Groups available from TAPCO offer an improved trigger pull between 3-4 pounds and eliminate the uncomfortable trigger slap common with other designs. A “no fumble” trigger sleeve allows for assembling the group outside of the rifle and simply dropping it in as one piece. Trigger groups are available in single- or double-hook options and are manufactured using heat-treated, 4140 tool-grade carbon steel. ($32.99; TAPCO.com)

AK Upgrades - Century RAK-1Century Arms RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group
Century Arms’ RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Groups are available for WASR, C39, RAS47, AK63DS and many other standard AK-style rifles and pistol variants, as well as for N-PAP, O-PAP, M90 NP, M92 PV and other Yugo AK variants. The trigger is 100 percent American made and has passed a 15,000-round endurance test. Each group includes a hammer, trigger and disconnector, and, thus, constitutes three U.S. 922r compliant parts. ($39.99; CenturyArms.com)

2. Grips
While less critical than a good trigger, a grip that is comfortable and conforms to your hand well is important. Some feel that the standard factory grip on many AKs just isn’t the right fit. Luckily, grips are a common upgrade for the AK platform, and plenty of manufacturers offer different grip options.

AK Upgrades - Hogue gripHogue AK-47/AK-74 Rubber Grip
Hogue is well known for its handgun grips, but the company also produces grips for tactical rifles like the AK. This OverMolded grip uses Hogue’s famed orthopedic handshape with compound swells and naturally proportioned finger grooves and has the manufacturer’s Cobblestone texture for a non-slip, non-irritating grip. The grip is impervious to oils and solvents and has a compartment for storage. The 922r-compliant part is available for Chinese, Russian and Yugoslavian AKs. ($26.95-$39.95; HogueInc.com)

AK Upgrades - TAPCO AK SAWTAPCO INTRAFUSE AK SAW Style Pistol Grip
This pistol grip from TAPCO offers AK users a more ergonomic, angled grip similar to that found on the military’s M249 SAW light machine gun. The grip’s more severe angle and increased width provide the shooter with improved comfort and control when firing the rifle. It is made of a high-strength composite and houses a storage compartment for spare tools and cleaning supplies. ($19.99; TAPCO.com)

3. Stocks
Replacing the stock on your AK is another easy way to improve ergonomics, and tons of manufacturers produce stocks for the rifle. Abundant stock options range from synthetic or wood fixed to metallic folding and adjustable, polymer. Add in adapters that allow your AK to accept any AR-type stock that fits a standard AR buffer tube and the options are nearly endless.

AK Upgrades - TimberSmith StockTimberSmith Premium Wooden Stocks
For those who want a new stock to replace an old, possibly damaged factory one but who want to keep the AK’s classic look, TimberSmith has several wooden furniture options for Romanian AKs. The stock sets are quite stylish, offering a “like-new” appearance without moving away from the traditional look. Color options include Black Laminate, Brown Laminate, Hardwood and an elegant Red Laminate.
($145-$160; TimberSmithUSA.com)

AK Upgrades - TAPCO AK folderTAPCO INTRAFUSE AK Folding Stock
This stock is made from a high-strength composite and folds to the right, allowing you to reduce the overall length of the firearm when needed for storage or close quarter engagements. The AK Folding Stock incorporates a sling attachment point in the knuckle and has a 15-inch length of pull. It fits standard, single-tang, stamped receivers only. ($39.99; TAPCO.com)

AK Upgrades - Command Arms stock adapterCommand Arms AK47SFSP Stock Tube
This stock tube from Command Arms allows you to take advantage of the vast number of AR-15/M4 buffer tube type stocks on the market. Capable of attaching to most AK-style rifles with Saiga stamped receivers, the AK47SFSP (Side-Folding, Six-Position) Stock Tube allows for any standard commercial AR-style stock to be added to your AK. The stock tube is ambidextrous, easy to operate and quick to install, making it a great option for any shooter. ($124.99; CommandArms.com)

AK Upgrades - Magpul Zhukov -SMagpul Zhukov-S Stock
This innovative polymer, folding, collapsible stock comes with QD sling mounts, modular cheek risers and a shock-absorbing rubber buttpad. It has five positions for length of pull adjustment and folds to the right. Users can still charge and fire the rifle when the stock is folded, and positive detents prevent unwanted movement. The Zhukov-S fits common stamped-receiver AKs, and a Yugo variant model is also available. Magpul's MOE is another good option, if you prefer a fixed stock. ($99.95; Magpul.com)

4. Handguards/Forends
While it might not be as easy to swap out a handguard or forend on an AK as it is on an AR, and some fitting may be required, it’s certainly a worthwhile upgrade for those who do so. Most stock AK forends do not have attachment points for accessories or optics. The majority of aftermarket AK handguards and forends do, either in the form of Picatinny rail sections or KeyMod or M-Lok attachment points. This gives users tons of customization options — far more than would be possible otherwise. Additionally, some aftermarket handguards/forends just feel better than those that come standard. For either reason, an upgraded handguard is a good choice if you're looking to trick out your rifle.

AK Upgrades - Krebs Custom UFMKrebs Custom UFM KeyMod System
Marc Krebs has been doing some really innovative things with the AK platform for a number of years, and the company’s UFM KeyMod System represents one such product. With models available for the different AK variants, this system offers a lightweight handguard with ample mounting possibilities that is durable and maintains zero. Manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminum, it features a Picatinny rail up top and KeyMod slots on the side and bottom. ($159.99-$264.99; KrebsCustom.com)

AK Upgrades - Hogue ForendHogue AK-47/AK-74 Handguard
This handguard features an OverMolded lower piece with metal shield for secure and comfortable grip and protection from heat during extended firing sessions. It comes with two upper handguard pieces — one with a top rail and one without. Available for Chinese, Russian and Yugoslavian AKs, the Hogue handguard also includes three Picatinny rail sections for additional options. Both this handguard and Hogue’s AK pistol grip are available in a combo kit. Color options are Black, OD Green, FDE and Ghillie Green. ($49.95 for the Handguard, $59.95 for the kit; HogueInc.com)

AK Upgrades - Troy AK BattlerailsTroy Industries AK-47 Battlerails
Troy has expanded its AK-47 Battlerails line in the last couple years to include KeyMod and M-Lok options. The new KeyMod and M-Lok Battlerails are machined from hardened aircraft aluminum with stainless steel components and finished with a Mil-Spec hardcoat anodizing for increased ruggedness. Short (10-inch) and Long (13.5-inch) versions are available, as is a 5-inch Top Rail for optics. ($124.95-$149.95; TroyInd.com)

AK Upgrades - Command Arms AK74 railCommand Arms Picatinny Hand Guard Rails System
This handguard system from CAA is designed specifically for the AK74M and AK100 series of rifles and provides four railed sections for mounting accessories, including both Picatinny and KeyMod solutions. Plus, it fits AKM and AKMS rifles. And its sturdy design maintains zero, allowing for easy field strip and maintenance. ($350; CommandArms.com)

5. Muzzle Devices
One of the easiest upgrades you can make to your AK is a new muzzle device. Many manufacturers offer brakes and other devices that are compatible with AK-style rifles, so there is plenty to choose from that will enhance the capabilities of your AK.

AK Upgrades - Troy Claymore AK brakeTroy Industries Claymore AK Muzzle Brake
Instead of directing muzzle blast and sound to the sides, as with most brakes, the Claymore pushes the blast and sound forward and away from the shooter, while retaining muzzle brake properties such as increased control. The brake has a very low dust signature and, with its durable, heat-treated ordnance steel construction, can be used as a breaching device if necessary. ($64; TroyInd.com)

AK Upgrades - Krebs Custom 4-prong hiderKrebs Custom 4 Prong Flash Suppressor
With a design thoroughly researched for effectively eliminating muzzle flash, the 4 Prong Flash Suppressor with 14x1mm left-hand threads is made from 4140 steel, is heat-treated and is designed for AKM/AK-74 pattern rifles and Saiga and VEPR rifles with threaded barrels. It weighs 2.3 ounces and has a black oxide finish. ($70; KrebsCustom.com)

6. Magazines
Another great way to improve functionality and make your AK look good in the process is to use different magazines. There are a ton of options out there for the AK platform. Many of these AK-47/AK-74 mags are produced overseas, but for those looking to buy American, there are still ample choices.

AK Upgrades - Magpul PMAGMagpul PMAG 30 AK/AKM Gen 3
Magpul’s PMAGs have a very high reputation among those in the firearm industry, and for good reason. They are lightweight, durable and highly reliable. The new Gen 3 version of the PMAG 30 AK/AKM mag features steel-reinforced locking lugs; a removable floorplate; an anti-tilt, self-lubricating, low-friction follower; and an impact- and crush-resistant polymer body with ribbed gripping surface and aggressive front and rear texture for positive grip. ($26.95; Magpul.com)

AK Upgrades - US Palm AK30US Palm AK 30 Magazine
The AK 30 magazine from US Palm is constructed of proprietary aerospace polymers but sets itself apart from many other polymer magazines with several unique features, including the lack of a removable floor plate. It also has stainless steel reinforced weapon locking interfaces and a low-friction self-cleaning polymer follower. Cleaning is as simple as placing the mag in hot, soapy water, rinsing and inverting to drain. ($19.95; USPalm.com)

AK Upgrades - Command Arms - AK MagCommand Arms AK MAG
This lightweight polymer magazine features a no-tilt, smooth action that incorporates a fluorescent orange follower. It has clear windows on both sides that indicate remaining round count with 10-, 20- and 30-round markings. The mags are Mil-Spec heat-treated and utilize a mildly textured surface on both sides for positive grip. ($27; CommandArms.com)

AK Upgrades - Century drumCentury Arms Romanian AK Drum Magazine
For those range trips where 30 rounds just isn’t enough (trust me, they do exist) Century Arms has the Romanian AK Drum Magazine. Sporting a capacity of 75 rounds, this product works with all 7.62x39mm AK-style rifles and pistols that accept high-capacity mags. It weighs 2.25 pounds unloaded and 5.05 pounds loaded. ($94.99; CenturyArms.com)

7. Other Accessories
There are some other less obvious parts and accessories for owners of an AK-style rifle to consider. Two of these are an enhanced safety lever and a retaining plate, or trigger pin retaining plate. Enhanced safety levers provide added functionality and ease of use over the AK’s standard safety lever, which some shooters find awkward to engage and disengage. A retaining plate, on the other hand, permits easier installation of fire control groups and better retains those pins.

AK Upgrades - TAPCO AK Retaining plateTAPCO AK Retaining Plate
This AK Retaining Plate installs in seconds, quickly securing pins in the correct position to keep the trigger group in place. The plate works in almost all AKs, including the Tantal version, and is finished in a phosphate coating for durability. ($5.99; TAPCO.com)

AK Upgrades - Krebs Custom retaining plateKrebs Custom Trigger Pin Retaining Plate
This retaining plate is precision-manufactured from heat-treated steel alloy. It is far superior to the typical “shepherds hook” for retaining fire control parts. Krebs also has a version for Saiga-style shotguns. ($10.50; KrebsCustom.com)

AK Upgrades - Krebs Custom Mk7 safetyKrebs Custom Mk VII Enhanced Safety Lever
The Mk VII Enhanced Safety Lever allows for ambidextrous use and permits activation without removing the hand from the firing position. Lefties engage and disengage the safety using their thumb, while right-handed shooters use their index finger. The device will work on both machined- and stamped-receiver rifles and requires no modification. It will not, however, fit Yugoslavian AKs. ($65; KrebsCustom.com)

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the May 2016 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Gallery: Top 10 Fun Guns for the Fourth of July

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There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than by enjoying your Second Amendment rights. Here are 10 fun guns sure to put a smile on your face on July Fourth.

The Second Amendment rights afforded to us in this country represent one of the defining aspects of American culture. And as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, it’s important to keep those rights in mind, and to celebrate those rights along with our independence.

One of the best ways to do that, of course, is to get out and shoot over the holiday.

Above is a list of 10 fun guns to consider for your trip to the range, private land or your own backyard for the Fourth. The list covers a mix of guns that are fun, and in some cases both fun and relevant to our country’s history. It is designed to be relatively broad and inclusive, but does get slightly more specific in some cases.

This list is in no way definitive, nor is it prescriptive. It’s just good fun.

There are lots of fun guns out there. That’s why many of us have large gun safes and more than a few firearms. Some are on this list, and some are not.

Check out the list above to see which guns made the cut, and if you feel something’s been overlooked, let us know in the comments section. All opinions are valid, and these types of debates are always fun.

Review: Springfield Armory SAINT Rifle

Springfield Armory SAINT review - 1The new Springfield Armory SAINT is a feature-packed rifle at an affordable price designed for honest Americans looking to defend their legacies.

Most people familiar with the Springfield Armory brand, or with the firearms industry as a whole, know that the company built a name for itself, at least initially, with its production of classic designs like the M1911 and the M14, which it produced in a commercial variant as the M1A. The M1A was synonymous with Springfield Armory ever since its official founding in 1974, just six years after the U.S. Government closed the original Springfield Armory, which had been in service as a federal armory since George Washington ordered its creation almost 200 years prior in 1777.

The American manufacturer has diversified its handgun offerings since its inception. It introduced the XD series back in 2001, and it has brought out many different versions of the XD in the following years, as well as a number of 1911 variants. However, on the rifle side of production, the M1A has still been pretty much the only horse in Springfield’s stable.

At least, this was the case until November 1, 2016, when the company revealed its new Springfield Armory SAINT, an AR-style carbine, to the public. This represented the manufacturer’s first-ever AR-15 to be developed and produced for the civilian market, and despite the sea of other black rifles available and the vast number of new and existing firearm manufacturers jumping into the AR market in recent years, the SAINT certainly made a splash, with shooting blogs and websites of all stripes carrying the news of Springfield’s latest creation.

Springfield Armory SAINT review - 2An Improved AR
A few weeks ahead of the SAINT’s official launch in November, Springfield Armory held an event in Las Vegas where it revealed the rifle to a group of gun writers and industry media. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance and was able to get a firsthand look at the new SAINT and to shoot it extensively.

Upon first glance, the rifle looks very similar to other entry-level ARs on the market. And the SAINT’s retail price of $899 certainly positions it in, or very near, that category. However, Springfield has made some nice changes to the base AR with the SAINT, which elevates it from a lot of other ARs out there.

One of the most important improvements Springfield made was its decision to use a mid-length direct impingement gas system instead of the traditional carbine-length system found on most base-model ARs. The mid-length system has typically been a smoother experience than the carbine length, and this certainly felt true on the soft-shooting SAINT. The choice of a mid-length system also allows the shooter to use a longer handguard as well, which is helpful if you’re like me and prefer to place your support hand farther forward on the forend than standard handguards permit.

Springfield Armory SAINT rifle -1Speaking of handguards, another change Springfield Armory has implemented with the SAINT is to use furniture from Bravo Company Manufacturing instead of the typical GI-style furniture found on most entry-level guns. The handguard on the SAINT is Bravo Company’s new PKMT Handguard, a slim-profile, polymer handguard with KeyMod attachment points. This handguard was developed and produced exclusively for the SAINT, but was slated to become available as one of Bravo Company’s aftermarket accessories a little while after the 2017 SHOT Show.

The PKMT has a relatively comfortable, smooth feel in the hand, and while it’s not quite as long as I would prefer, it did have a nice hand stop built into the polymer design, which helped keep me from sliding my hand too far forward and making contact with the barrel. Overall, it was a dramatic improvement over the standard M4 handguard.

Other Bravo Company additions include the manufacturer’s Mod 3 pistol grip, BCM Gunfighter stock and BCM Gunfighter oversized trigger guard. The Mod 3 grip has a good feel, being adequately textured for positive retention and featuring a reduced angle that improves ergonomics. Aesthetically, the adjustable BCM Gunfighter stock has a great appearance and, once adjusted to your desired length, fits the shoulder well; however, to me, making adjustments seemed more difficult than with the standard GI-style six-position stock or many of the other aftermarket stocks on the market. While I didn’t really get to test the SAINT with gloves, an enlarged trigger guard always seems like a good idea for those users who will.

Springfield Armory SAINT review - 3The receivers on the new Springfield Armory SAINT are both type III hard-anodized aircraft-grade 7075 T6 aluminum. The flat top upper receiver comes equipped with a forward assist and M4 feed ramps, while the lower features Springfield Armory’s proprietary Accu-Tite Tension System, which consists of a nylon-tipped tension set screw that tightens the fit between upper and lower to remove any play that might exist. The SAINT also has an M16 bolt carrier group with a Carpenter 158 steel shot-peened and magnetic particle inspected bolt for more reliable function and a properly staked gas key.

The Springfield Armory SAINT features a 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO and utilizes a 1:8 twist. The 5.56 NATO chambering obviously permits shooters to use both standard 5.56 NATO loads and the host of .223 Remington hunting, personal defense and target loads available to shooters. The 1:8 twist also helps in this endeavor, being a compromise between the faster 1:7 and the slower 1:9 rates, and which allows it to adequately stabilize a wide array of bullets ranging from those in the 50-grain range up to the heavier 70- and 80-grain bullets. As an added bonus, the barrel’s chamber, bore and external surfaces receive a Melonite finish for increased durability.

The trigger on the SAINT is a proprietary design from Springfield that’s a GI-style trigger, which has been enhanced with a Nickel-Boron coating for a smoother, less-gritty pull than is often found with standard factory AR triggers. The rifle also utilizes a heavier “H” tungsten buffer in its buffer assembly that helps reduce wear and tear on internal components and improves upon the SAINT’s already light recoil. Sights on the SAINT consist of a GI-style “F” height front sight that is adjustable for elevation and one of Springfield Armory’s low-profile flip-up, dual aperture rear sights that’s adjustable for windage.

Springfield Armory SAINT review - 6Potent and Practical Defender
At its heart, I firmly believe the SAINT is intended, and is well suited, for use as a home defense or personal defense carbine. Based on the teasers and promotional material Springfield Armory devised for the gun’s release, it seems that’s also what the company envisioned for its use. A major emphasis of the entire event in Las Vegas, and of Springfield’s marketing efforts, was the notion of average Americans of all sorts “Defending their Legacies.” As such, the Springfield Armory SAINT is not expressly intended for the “tacticool” crowd or hardcore hunters. Rather, it’s a simple, easy-to-use AR with excellent features for the money that can be used for protection of home or person.

To that end, at the event in Las Vegas, the writers in attendance were able to put the new Springfield Armory SAINT through its paces with a Trijicon MRO — a great choice for a defensive carbine — as well as a low-powered Bushnell scope, which we used for engaging targets at more intermediate ranges. We used the MRO-equipped SAINT in a competitive challenge in which we had to engage 100 steel popper targets for time, and it performed admirably in that and during all the other shooting we did with it at the event.

Along with several other writers and industry media, I was also able to run a SAINT with Force on Force training rounds and gear through a home defense scenario put together by professional firearms trainer Rob Pincus. It was a relatively simple scenario, but it was certainly enough to get my heart rate elevated and to affect my decision-making abilities, and it underscored Springfield’s emphasis of using the SAINT for self-defense applications.

Springfield Armory SAINT Review - 8A while after the event, Springfield sent me a sample of the SAINT for review. The SAINT ran flawlessly during my time in Vegas with it, so I was pretty sure it would do so again in my independent testing, but I did want to see what kind of accuracy it was capable of producing, something I was not able to do at the event itself.

For accuracy testing, I chose to equip the Springfield Armory SAINT with the recent Tango 6 3-18x44mm scope from SIG’s relatively new Electro-Optics line. It’s a great mid- to long-range scope that features a first focal plane reticle with illuminated ¼ MOA milling marks and comes with SIG’s LockDown Zero System turrets.

Springfield Armory SAINT Review - 7In my testing, I used five different loads to gauge performance, all .223 Remington loads: HPR’s 55-grain FMJ, Hornady’s new American Gunner 55-grain HP and BLACK 62-grain FMJ, Aguila Ammunition’s 55-grain FMJ and SIG Sauer’s Elite Performance 77-grain OTM Match. I measured velocities with a Competition Electronics ProChrono Chronograph from Brownells placed about 10 feet from the muzzle. Accuracy data was produced from three, five-shot groups taken at 100 yards from a Caldwell Matrix shooting rest, also from Brownells.

The HPR 55-grain FMJ load produced the best average group at 1.41 inches. It also scored the best group overall at 1.07 inches. The Hornady American Gunner 55-grain HP load was close behind, with an average group of 1.44 inches and a best group of 1.09. Before I pulled one of the shots, a four-shot cluster in one of the American Gunner groups measured 0.74 inch. And the 77-grain SIG Sauer load was right at its heels with an average group size of 1.47 inches.

Springfield Armory SAINT Review - performanceOverall, the SAINT’s accuracy was about what I anticipated. It wasn’t stunningly accurate, but it was plenty capable for a defensive carbine — accuracy that I’d feel comfortable with in a defensive scenario at close to intermediate ranges.

The SAINT’s proprietary Nickel-Boron-coated, GI-style trigger I think certainly makes a difference. I’ve shot some less-than-stellar GI triggers in entry-level ARs, and the SAINT’s felt like a definite improvement. Even if the pull weight remains the same, the added smoothness with the Nickel-Boron coating seems to help.

Parting Shots
In a crowded market of black rifles, particularly at the entry level, the new Springfield Armory SAINT manages to stand out from the rest. With its mid-length gas system, Bravo Company furniture, Nickel-Boron coated trigger, heavier buffer tube and other improved features — not to mention its sub-$900 MSRP — the SAINT represents an excellent value to potential buyers.

I believe Springfield envisioned the SAINT as sort of an everyman’s defensive carbine, and based on my experiences with the rifle, it has largely succeeded in that endeavor. The SAINT has most of the things a shooter could want in a serious self-defense carbine, and it’s available at a very competitive price.

It has taken a while for Springfield to finally jump into the AR game, but it has done so in dramatic fashion and with a product that I’m certain will prove itself worthy in the coming years.

Specifications:

Springfield SAINT - specsSpringfield Armory SAINT
Type: Semi-auto, direct impingement gas
Gas System: Mid-length system
Barrel: 16 in., 1:8 twist, Melonite finish
Overall Length: 32.25-35.5 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 11 oz.
Receivers: 7075 T6 aluminum, hard anodized, Accu-Tite Tension System (lower)
Trigger: Springfield proprietary Nickel-Boron-coated single-stage trigger
Sights: A2-style front post; flip-up, dual aperture rear
Grip: BCM Mod. 3
Handguard: BCM PKMT KeyMode
Stock: BCM Gunfighter, six position
Capacity: 30 rounds
Price: $899
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory; Springfield-Armory.com

Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the May 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

CMMG Mk3 Rifles Now in 6.5 Creedmoor

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - 1CMMG has added four new models to its classic and reliable Mk3 AR-10 rifle line — all chambered for the flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor.

Hot on the heels of its recent introduction of the MkG-45 Guard carbine in .45 ACP, CMMG has another big new release for fans of the AR. Earlier this week, CMMG revealed four new additions to its established Mk3 rifle line — all chambered in the increasingly popular 6.5 Creedmoor.

“With the new 6.5 Creedmoor models, we set out to deliver our most accurate line of rifles to date,” said Chris Reinkemeyer, CEO of CMMG. “We're extremely excited about this up-and-coming caliber and are pleased to offer it to our customers in our proven Mk3 line.”

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - 2For those who don't know, the 6.5 Creedmoor, introduced by Hornady back in 2007, is one of the hottest new cartridges of the past few years. Originally designed for target shooting, particularly at some longer ranges, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a flat-shooting cartridge that uses high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) .264-caliber bullets. It chambers in short-action bolt guns, as well as AR-10 rifles, and in addition to its target-shooting applications, it's also started seeing more and more use as a hunting cartridge, especially on thinner-skinned game such as deer and pronghorn.

Like its recent and popular Mk47 Mutant, the new Mk3 rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor utilize a receiver set manufactured from billet 7075-T6 aluminum. As with earlier Mk3s, these new models also use a rifle-length direct-impingement gas system to get the most out of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - 3With the four different 6.5 Creedmoor Mk3 models, CMMG is offering varying levels of performance features at a range of prices. The base model, the Mk3, features a 20-inch medium-taper barrel rounded out with an A2 compensator. This model also incorporates a CMMG single-stage trigger, an A2-style grip and buttstock and CMMG's RKM15 KeyMod handguard. Priced at $1,799.95, it weighs 9 pounds total.

The next step up is the Mk3 P, which adds a 24-inch heavy-taper barrel, a CMMG SV brake, a Magpul MOE pistol grip and an MOE stock. It weighs slightly more at 10.4 pounds and comes in at about $100 more than the base model. Other features that appear on the base model, such as the CMMG single-stage trigger and RKM15 KeyMod handguard, also show up on the Mk3 P.

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - 4
Close-up shot of CMMG's new RML15 M-LOK handguard, found on the DTR models.

The Mk3 DTR model swaps the RKM15 handguard for CMMG's new RML15 M-LOK handguard. It also incorporates the excellent PRS fully adjustable stock. Like the Mk3 P, it utilizes a 24-inch heavy-taper barrel, the same SV brake and single-stage trigger and the Magpul MOE grip. The final weight on the Mk3 DTR is 11.3 pounds, and its price is slated at $2,099.95.

Last but not least is the Mk3 DTR2, the top-end model. It shares most of the same features as the Mk 3 DTR but adds Geissele's renowned SSA two-stage trigger for even more precise shooting. It also weighs 11.3 pounds and is priced at $2,274.95.

For more information on these new CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor rifles, visit the CMMG website, or check out the full specifications for each model below. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for a full review of the new CMMG Mk3 in an upcoming issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Specifications:

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - specs Mk3CMMG Mk3
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Gas System: Rifle length
Barrel: 20 in., 1:8 twist, medium taper 416 stainless steel
Overall Length: 41 in.
Weight: 9 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: A2 compensator, threaded 5/8-24 barrel
Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Receivers: Billet 7075-T6
Trigger: CMMG single stage Mil-Spec type
Grip: A2-style
Stock: A2-style
MSRP: $1,799.95
Manufacturer: CMMG

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor specs - Mk3 PCMMG Mk3 P
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Gas System: Rifle Length
Barrel: 24 in., 1:8 twist, heavy taper 416 stainless steel
Overall Length: 45 in.
Weight: 10.4 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV brake, threaded 5/8-24 barrel
Handguard: CMMG RKM15 KeyMod
Receivers: Billet 7075-T6
Trigger: CMMG single stage Mil-Spec type
Grip: Magpul MOE
Stock: Magpul MOE
MSRP: $1,899.95
Manufacturer: CMMG

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creedmoor - specs - Mk3 DTRCMMG Mk3 DTR
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Gas System: Rifle Length
Barrel: 24 in., 1:8 twist, heavy taper 416 stainless steel
Overall Length: 46 in.
Weight: 11.3 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV brake, threaded 5/8-24 barrel
Handguard: CMMG RML15 M-LOK
Receivers: Billet 7075-T6
Trigger: CMMG single stage Mil-Spec type
Grip: Magpul MOE
Stock: Magpul PRS
MSRP: $2,099.95
Manufacturer: CMMG

CMMG Mk3 6.5 Creddmoor -specs - DTR2CMMG Mk3 DTR2
Type: Semi-auto, direct-impingement gas
Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
Gas System: Rifle Length
Barrel: 24 in., 1:8 twist, heavy taper 416 stainless steel
Overall Length: 46 in.
Weight: 11.3 lbs. (unloaded)
Muzzle Device: CMMG SV brake, threaded 5/8-24 barrel
Handguard: CMMG RML15 M-LOK
Receivers: Billet 7075-T6
Trigger: Geissele Automatics SSA two stage
Grip: Magpul MOE
Stock: Magpul PRS
MSRP: $2,274.95
Manufacturer: CMMG

Heckler & Koch Introduces VP9SK Pistol

HK VP9SK pistol mainHeckler & Koch has brought out its new VP9SK, a subcompact version of its highly popular and incredibly reliable VP9 full-size pistol in 9mm.

A few years back when Heckler & Koch unveiled its VP9 9mm striker-fired pistol, it made a pretty substantial splash in the gun industry. In the time since, the VP (which stands for Volkspistole, or “people's pistol”) line has only continued to grow. Within the past two years, HK has added a .40 S&W variant in the VP40 and tactical models and different finish options for both calibers. Now, the company is at it again with a new subcompact model in the VP9SK.

Announced just ahead of the recent NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, the new HK VP9SK is the first subcompact offering in the VP family of pistols. As such, it offers added concealabilty while retaining the great features of its larger brethren. This includes HK's VP precision strike trigger, which has a pretty high reputation courtesy of its crisp, single-action break and quick reset.

“The VP9SK is the right combination of compact size and firepower for a subcompact — and it's loaded with unique HK features like our adjustable ergonomic grip, the only grip in the industry that can be customized to fit any shooter,” said Michael Holley, HK-USA Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The VP9SK possesses the accuracy and durability that shooters know they can expect from a Heckler & Koch pistol.”

The adjustable ergonomic grip, a major highlight of earlier VP models, has obviously been scaled down with the VP9SK. However, its functionality and flexibility remain the same. The grip adjusts to fit any user via the interchangeable backstraps and lateral grip panels, and there are also finger grooves on the front of the grip instinctively placed for shooters.

As an added bonus in the ergonomics department, the VP9SK's controls are also completely ambidextrous. There are slide releases on both sides of the frame, and the gun's paddle-style magazine release favors both right- and left-handed shooters. And, the new VP9SK also carries over HK's patented charging supports found on earlier full-size models — polymer inserts mounted on each side of the rear of the slide that offer improved leverage for manipulation.

HK VP9SK pistol - night sights and extender
New HK VP9SK pistol equipped with optional night sights and hooked floorplate.

Of course, the most important difference is the change in dimensions, which takes the VP9 from a full-size duty pistol to a subcompact perfect for concealed carry. The VP9SK shaves .73 inch off the overall length of the VP9, .84 inch off the height and 2.49 ounces off the weight. Some of those figures might not sound that impressive, but it's just enough to make the VP9SK a serious contender as a carry gun.

The new VP9SK incorporates an abbreviated Picatinny rail up front, an addition not all carry guns feature but one that's beneficial for those using a laser sight or a weapon-mounted light. The gun is compatible with a variety of HK magazines, including compact double-stack 10-rounders with flat or hooked ergonomic floorplates. According to HK, later in the year there will also be 13- and 15-round magazines with sleeves that mimic the grip profile of the manufacturer's full-size VP models.

The brand new VP9SK is available at a fairly reasonable $719, which, incidentally, is exactly the same as for HK's full-size VP9 and VP40. Like other HK guns, the VP9SK comes with the manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, check out the specifications below, or visit the HK-USA website.

Specifications:

HK VP9SK specsHK VP9SK
Type: Semi-auto, striker fired
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.39 in., cold hammer forged, polygonal
Overall Length: 6.61 in.
Height: 4.57 in.
Width: 1.31 in.
Weight: 23.07 (with empty magazine)
Grip: Polymer, adjustable ergonomic with interchangeable backstraps and grip panels
Sights: White three dot, (night sights also available)
Trigger: HK VP precision strike single action
Capacity: 10 rounds (13 and 15 rounds in the future)
Price: $719
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch

NEW GEAR: SIG Sauer Optics for Shooters

SIG Sauer Optics - Juliet4 MagnifierThere were a few new additions to the SIG Sauer optics lineup at the recent 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits: the ROMEO5X and ROMEO5XDR red dots and the JULIET4 magnifier.

The SIG Sauer optics line has been growing pretty steadily ever since it was first announced a few years back. At the recent 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, the manufacturer added a few more new offerings to the line — two red dot models, as well as a magnifier.

The new red dot additions include the ROMEO5X and ROMEO5XDR. Meanwhile, the new magnifier is the JULIET4, which offers 4x magnification for any and all red dots.

SIG Sauer Romeo5X - Romeo5XDRROMEO5X and ROMEO5XDR
The “X” in the new ROMEO5X and ROMEO5XDR stands for “extended” life, and that's exactly what the user will get. Both of these new SIG Sauer optics utilize a single, common AAA battery for an increase in effective runtime. The previous ROMEO5 runs off a CR2032 battery.

The ROMEO5XDR offers an additional benefit in the form of a Dual Reticle (DR). The user is able to choose between a standard 2 MOA dot or a 65 MOA circle dot for even quicker target acquisition.

“The ROMEO5 has proven to be a very practical and popular red dot sight at an affordable price,” said Andy York, president of the SIG Sauer Electro-Optics division. “We are excited to expand the value further with both extended runtime and multiple reticle options for our AR customers.”

And, of course, both of these new models utilize the earlier ROMEO5's sturdy, lightweight design and feature the same high-performance coatings and SIG's MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) to enhance battery life.

Specifications:

SIG Sauer ROMEO5X (5XDR)
Dot Size: 2 MOA; 2 MOA or 65 MOA Circle (5XDR)
Magnification: 1x
Clear Aperture: .787 in./20mm
Illumination Settings: 8 day/2 NV
Elevation Adjustment Range: +/- 40 MOA Minimum
Windage Adjustment Range: +/- 40 MOA Minimum
Weight: 5.1 oz./145 g (with riser mount and AAA Alkaline battery)
Waterproofing: IPX-7
MSRP: $239.99 (ROMEO5X); $299.99 (ROMEO5XDR)

SIG Sauer Optics - Juliet4 4x magnifierJULIET4 Magnifier
The first magnifier in the SIG Sauer optics line, the JULIET4 quickly enhances the magnification of any standard red dot from 1x to 4x. This makes it a great option for any instances where a combination of close- and medium-range engagements may be present.

The new JULIET4 magnifier comes equipped with a PowerCam 90-degree mount system, which means the shooter can easily transition between magnified and non-magnified shooting. The optic also features a quick-detach mount with built-in recoil lugs. The result is a magnifier that's both easy to remove and rock-steady while mounted.

In terms of durability, the JULIET4 utilizes an aircraft-grade CNC aluminum housing and incorporates front thread-in lens protectors and flip-back rear protectors to defend against the elements. The optic also comes with spacers for adjusting height.

Although the new JULIET4 4x magnifier is compatible with all red dots, it's tailored for SIG's own ROMEO red dots.

“The new JULIET4 Magnifier works with any and all red dot sights,” York said, “but it was designed as an integrated optical system when used in conjunction with SIG’s new ROMEO4 and ROMEO6 red dot sights with ballistic holdover reticles. This amazing new combo allows for fast, intuitive red dot target acquisition that transforms instantly into a 4X magnified riflescope with ballistic holds.”

Specifications:

SIG Sauer JULIET4 Magnifier
Magnification: 4x
Field of View: 6.25 degrees
Objective Lens Clear Aperture: 24mm
Exit Pupil: 6.0mm
Eye Relief: 65mm
Diopter Range: +/-2
Adjustment Range: +/-45 MOA
Waterproofing: 20m, 1 hour
Overall Length: 4.2 in., 107mm
Overall Height: 2.6 in., 66mm
Overall Width: 2.1 in., 53mm
Weight: 12.5 oz., 357g
MSRP: $479

Review: Benelli Ethos 28 Gauge Shotgun

Benelli Ethos 28 Gauge review - 2The new 28-gauge Benelli Ethos is a lightweight shotgun with power above its weight class, making it a great option for the serious upland hunter.

“Looks like they’re locked up again,” said Scott, our guide for the day, as he motioned forward with his head. Up ahead, Heidi, a veteran German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), was rooted in place, clipped tail rigid in the air, front leg bent and nose straight as an arrow pointing at the edge of a tall grass patch, where yet another pheasant was surely hunkered down. Behind her was Fox, another GSP, also locked up and honoring Heidi’s point.

I was on the left side of the patch and the dogs when Scott motioned for me and another hunter to our right to move closer. After we approached, Scott had one of the Labs we were hunting with move in to flush the bird. It didn’t take much of the Lab’s lumbering antics for the bird to decide it was time to get out of Dodge.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - pointerIn a rush of commotion, the pheasant flushed from the grass and made a beeline to the left. It was the perfect shot opportunity for me, and I quickly shouldered my gun, drew down on the bird and shot, making sure to swing through. The bird (my third from this one pass) dropped immediately, shedding some feathers on its way down. A few short seconds later the dogs had retrieved it, and on we went.

This was a common occurrence over three days of hunting at Pheasant Bonanza in Tekamah, Nebraska, in late October with Benelli’s Ethos 28-gauge shotgun. In fact, it was so common that those three days of hunting may have spoiled me forever.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 3Smaller Goes Bigger

Debuting at the 2016 SHOT Show, the Ethos 28-gauge was an expansion of the manufacturer’s already popular Ethos shotgun line, which included 12- and 20-gauge models. The new gun brought the innovative—and stylish—Ethos design to an even lighter, 28-gauge platform.

Benelli’s decision to introduce a 28-gauge offering was an interesting one in and of itself. The 28-gauge shotgun is relatively rare in comparison to 12- and 20-gauges, which tend to see the bulk of field use, and ammo can sometimes be difficult to find. This can be especially true for suitable field loads. Target loads are often more available due to the 28-gauge’s frequent use in skeet shooting. What made this new 28-gauge Ethos even more intriguing, however, was Benelli’s choice to have the gun feature a 3-inch chamber instead of one of the typical 2¾-inch length.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 4The concept seems to make sense. A bigger chamber translates to a bigger shell, which can equate to more shot, increased velocity, et cetera. The one caveat to this, of course, is that you have to have an ammo manufacturer that produces 3-inch 28-gauge shells, and at the time, none of the major manufacturers had been. That’s why Benelli worked with Fiocchi to develop some 3-inch high-velocity field loads. The Fiocchi loads we used on the hunt contained 1 ounce of No. 5 lead shot and were cruising along at 1,300 fps.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 9So does the extra quarter inch matter? I was initially skeptical before the hunt, but after having used these shells for three days and dropping a slew of birds with them—some at pretty fair distances—I have to say, I’m a believer. I saw other writers knock down pheasants at distances approaching 60 yards, and I myself dropped one at what I’d estimate as close to 50 yards. Truly impressive for a 28-gauge. But more on the new Fiocchi shells later.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 5New Size, Same Great Ethos

The Ethos 28-gauge is an incredibly lightweight, smooth-swinging game gun. Weighing just a touch more than 5 pounds, it’s a real treat to carry all day through the field. And, because it’s a 28-gauge, that lightness doesn’t punish you once it’s time to shoot. I actually think I brought down more birds than I could have with my standard Benelli M2 Field 12-gauge because my follow-up shots were more accurate due to the reduced recoil.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 6Benelli’s newest Ethos points and swings naturally, and like the previous models, it’s also a looker. The AA Grade satin walnut stock and forend and elegant, engraved nickel-plated receiver are certainly eye-catching. While this graceful design may keep avid waterfowl hunters from tossing the Ethos in their duck blind, the gun’s svelte feel and sophisticated appearance are perfectly suited for upland hunters. It was also a perfect complement to the classy upland gear provided by Banded for our hunt.

In addition to being incredibly stylish, much of the Ethos’ design is also highly functional. The gun utilizes the same great Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system found on previous Ethos models, which makes for easier follow-up shots.

It also features an enlarged bolt release, an outward-angled cartridge drop lever and an ergonomic trigger guard and safety for gloved users. Similarly, its Easy-Loading system uses a beveled loading port, redesigned carrier and a two-part carrier latch for simpler loading. One other nice feature that was brought to my attention on the hunt was the ability to quickly unload shells using a button inside the loading port. Previously, a shooter would’ve had to manually cycle and eject each shell through the ejection port.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 7Of course, this new Ethos also incorporates Benelli’s dependable and clean Inertia Driven operating system. This design has proven itself as inherently reliable over the years, and it certainly did so again during the course of our hunt.

The Ethos uses the same Crio choke tubes found on other Benelli shotguns, which I’ve always found to be very good. It also comes equipped with three interchangeable fiber optic front sights for use in any lighting condition a shooter might face in the field.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 8Parting Shots

Benelli made a bold decision by bringing out a 28-gauge model of its Ethos shotgun, especially with a 3-inch chamber. The 28-gauge has typically occupied a sort of niche in the shotgun world, being more limited to target shooting and hunting smaller game birds while the larger gauges see the lion’s share of use. However, if what I experienced during the fabulous hunt at Pheasant Bonanza is any indication, the Ethos 28-gauge has a huge potential for success with upland hunters.

Benelli Ethos 28 gauge review - 10It can certainly hold its own against the 12-, 16- and 20-gauges in the pheasant fields when using those 3-inch Fiocchi high-velocity loads. During three days of hunting, I believe our group of six averaged around 100 birds or more each day, with all of them falling prey to the 28-gauge Ethos. So, in short, the gun definitely has what it takes to get the job done.

At $2,199, its price is a little steep for some hunters. However, for those looking for a lightweight 28-gauge field shotgun that looks incredible and can reliably bring down upland game, Benelli’s new Ethos is hard to beat.

Specifications:

Benelli Ethos 28
Type: Semi-auto, Inertia-Driven
Gauge: 28 Ga.
Chamber: 3 in.
Receiver: Nickel plated engraved
Stock: AA Grade satin walnut
Buttstock: Progressive Comfort recoil reduction system
Barrel: 26 in.
Overall Length: 47 in.
Length of Pull: 14 3/8 in.
Weight: 5.3 lbs.
Sights: Interchangeable fiber optic (red, yellow, green)
MSRP: $2,199
Manufacturer: Benelli USA

This article is an excerpt from the January 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

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