While it might seem like an oxymoron, there is such a thing as a “big bore compact handgun”—just check out the Guncrafter Model 5.
Based in Huntsville, Arkansas, Guncrafter Industries (GI) was started by Alex Zimmerman in 2004 with a singular mission: to produce the most effective custom pistol for self-defense, which resulted in the .50 GI. Zimmerman and crew have since set their sights on making some of the finest custom 1911s on the market for hardcore aficionados. As a world champion pistol shooter, Zimmerman assembled a crew of skilled “guncrafters” who know how a defensive handgun should be made.
The newest work of art to hit the market is the Model 5 (M5), which is based on the Concealed Carry Option (CCO) pistol. The goal with the M5 was to create a great handgun for daily carry chambered in .50 caliber.
It features a commander-length slide (4.25 inches) and compact frame, making it ideal for IWB carry. The build includes a forged slide, frame and barrel, as well as a heavy bushing-less barrel and a solid match trigger.
To be carry friendly, all the sharp edges have been removed on the M5 and it has a heavy round-butt treatment with ultra-slim lines. As a custom gun, the M5 comes with a range of options for sights, finishes and even a .45 ACP conversion. If you’re looking for a bore diameter that means business but in a package that’s built for concealment, the M5 might just fit the bill.
Editor's Note: This brief appeared in the June 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here to download the full issue.
