Here we take a quick look at 7mm Weatherby Magnum, an unfortunate victim of the 7mm Remington Magnum.
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum was developed in 1944 as one of a series of cartridges based on the necked-down .300 H&H case (it is the .270 WM necked up .007 inch, although it does use a longer overall cartridge length). There are several similar wildcat versions, but Weatherby’s design is the most popular, due to the availability of commercial ammunition.
The 7mm (or .284-caliber) has long been popular in the United States in various wildcat cartridges, yet the original 7mm Mauser never generated any great enthusiasm. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum, offered as a maximum-performance cartridge, is probably the best known and most widely used of the current 7mm Magnums, with the single exception of the 7mm Remington Magnum. This is due in part to the availability of factory-loaded ammunition in a good selection of bullet weights.
The 7mm Weatherby has a slight edge over the .270 Weatherby on tough or dangerous game because it can use heavier bullets and churns up greater energy. However, if long-range varmint shooting is on the agenda, the .270 is the better choice. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum is adequate for any North American big game and all thin-skinned African game. The 7mm Weatherby Magnum has, to a large extent, lost popularity to the 7mm Remington Magnum, because the Remington version is available in a wider variety of rifles that are generally less expensive than the Weatherbys.
Like most high-intensity cartridges, the 7mm WM can be somewhat hard on its barrel, especially with either careless shooting, inadequate barrel cooling between shots, or inadequate barrel cleaning. And, like all similar chamberings, it loses significant velocity with barrels shorter than 24 inches. Ammunition for this cartridge is now available from Federal and Norma, as well as Weatherby.
7mm Weatherby Magnum Loading Data and Factory Ballistics
Here we discuss why the legendary 1911 pistol is still going strong over 100 years later with no sign of slowing down.
“To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, John M. Browning, a citizen of the United States, residing in Ogden, in the county of Weber and State of Utah, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Firearms, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof.” Those are the first words on a patent application submitted on February 17, 1910. Patent #985,519 was subsequently issued on February 14, 1911, for what would become known as the 1911 pistol. That was 114 years ago, and manufacturers are still making, and shooters are still buying, pistols based on that patent.
It might seem irrational that a century-old pistol design remains so popular in this modern world. But there are reasons for this. Mike Barham at Galco Gunleather told me, “Galco sells an enormous number of 1911 holsters every year. The 1911 endures as a carry gun because it’s slender and flat. This makes it easy to carry … that svelte 1911 just tucks away in a good, concealed carry holster.” But that’s not the only reason the 1911 has remained relevant for 114 years. But first, some history.
The author has been shooting 1911 pistols since he attended basic training in 1984. Nothing has happened to deteriorate his trust in the platform.
A Brief History Of The 1911
Browning designed the 1911 for military consideration, complying with the stipulation that it fire a bullet of not less than 0.45-caliber and that it must utilize the semi-automatic mode of operation. Based partly on a 6,000-round failure free test, in March of 1911 the Army adopted it as the “Model of 1911,” and it saw service in World War I. The Army, however, requested some changes they incorporated in 1924. This updated version was known as the 1911A1, and it served the Army throughout World War II and beyond.
The next major change came in 1949 and was known as the Colt Commander. This pistol was identical to the 1911 in operation but had a shorter—4.25-inch opposed to a 5.0-inch—barrel and a shorter slide. The Commander is also noteworthy because it was the first mass-produced American-made pistol with an aluminum alloy frame, and the first American-made pistol chambered for the 9mm Luger/Parabellum cartridge. In 1970, Colt introduced a steel-framed version of the Commander.
Detonics created a 1911 with an even shorter 3.5-inch barrel with a matching slide and a more compact frame in 1976. It was a compact version of their Combat Master 1911. In 1985, Colt introduced their version of this littlest 1911 and called it the Officer’s Model. This pistol would morph into another 1911-style pistol known as the CCO or Concealed Carry Officers Model, which had the compact frame of the Officers Model but the 4.25-inch barrel and slide of the Colt Commander.
Legendary African professional hunter and gunwriter Finn Aagaard with his 1911. He once wrote, “I dote on my Colt Officer’s Model ACP carry gun, and delight in its presence on my hip.”
Ironically, at about the same time Colt introduced their smallest 1911, a company from Toronto, Canada, known as Para-Ordnance would offer the largest. Para’s 1911 pistols were known as “double-stacks” because their wider magazines would hold twice as much ammunition. They were immensely popular for competition.
Additionally, in 1976, Jeff Cooper founded the American Pistol Institute, which would become Gunsite Academy. Cooper was a strong proponent of the 1911 and preached its virtues at his school and in the magazines he wrote for, and a lot of shooters were listening. This is all very important because the wide array of 1911 pistols we have today, manufactured by so many companies, in and outside the United States, can trace their heritage to one or more of these four early versions, and in no small way to the 1911 legend Cooper helped create.
Former Marine and Gunsite Academy founder Jeff Cooper was a staunch supporter of the 1911 pistol. He was known for calling it the “Yankee Fist.”
But we cannot overlook the influence of Cooper. Cooper and his school were significant in the continuing legacy of the 1911 pistol. Ken Campbell, the current CEO of Gunsite Academy told me, “The 1911 is a tried-and-true design … it makes me smile to see the youngsters of today with their 2011-style pistols realizing and recognizing the simplicity and accuracy of shooting a 1911 platform.”
Jeff Cooper.
The 1911's Appeal
One of the best ways to track the modern history of the modern 1911 is to look at Wilson Combat, the oldest and largest manufacturer of custom 1911 pistols in the world. Founded in 1977 by Bill Wilson, who started customizing 1911s to help him perform better in competition, the company now offers everything from customized classic 1911s to their newest 2024 pistol—the Division 77 P1—which is a 2011-style, high-capacity, aluminum-framed, modified 1911 design with a ported barrel and slide. As an example of the 1911’s continued popularity, the same day Wilson Combat announced their new P1, dealers purchased every pistol available.
Wilson Combat’s new ported, high capacity, and reflex sight compatible P1 pistol is the ultimate expression of the evolution of the 1911.
I asked Bill Wilson his thoughts on the 1911, “The 1911 platform pistol is more popular than ever. I believe this is due to the following factors: Reliability, durability, inherent accuracy potential, excellent trigger pulls and nostalgia. I’m not aware of any pistol design that is as durable as a 1911, I’ve seen guns with well over 100,000 rounds through them that are still fully serviceable, having only required minor parts replacement through the years.” Let’s look a bit deeper into these factors to better understand the gun’s appeal.
Reliability: Some early 1911 pistols could have issues feeding jacketed hollow-point bullets, but after more than a century of tweaking, manufacturers now know how to make 1911s run reliably regardless of the ammunition. Reliability is also a product of magazine quality, and if you use good magazines in a modern 1911, it will sing like a sewing machine. All modern 1911s need to run reliably are good magazines, a little lubrication, and to not be neglected.
Durability: It’s unlikely a 1911 will ever wear out. The extensive slide to frame contact, solid lockup and slide geometry all contribute to the pistol’s ability to withstand continuous use. A well-made 1911 will last your lifetime and for the lifetime of whomever you bequeath it to. My oldest 1911 is nearly 40 years old. It was my competition pistol and has thousands of rounds fired through it. It’s still reliable, and it still shoots better than I can.
Accuracy: How well can 1911 pistols shoot? Well, that depends on manufacturer skill and the tolerances allowed. When I was working with the West Virginia National Guard pistol team, I evaluated 50 GI-stock 1911A1 pistols. Some shot better than I could and others, not so well. But a modern well-made 1911 can outshoot any user. Wilson Combat routinely guarantees their 1911s will group into less than an inch at 25 yards. It has a lot to do with the barrel and the slide to frame fit, but the excellent trigger is a big part of the equation.
Excellent Trigger: Unlike most every other pistol ever made, the 1911 trigger does not pivot, it moves straight to the rear. This means your trigger finger’s interface with the trigger does not change through the very short trigger press. When properly tuned, with a light pull weight, no creep, and minimal overtravel, the 1911’s single-action operation and straight in-line trigger movement makes it the best pistol trigger ever fashioned.
Nostalgia: No other pistol has the legacy of the 1911. It served our military from 1911 until the Beretta M9 replaced it in 1985. After that, the 1911 still remained in the holsters of some elite units. It fought in two World Wars and served in Korea and Vietnam, where countless American GIs learned to trust it to keep them alive. It also dominated early pistol competitions; Ray Chapman won the first 1975 World Shoot with a 1911. Ken Hackathorn is one of the most experienced firearms trainers I know, and he still trusts the 1911. Hackathorn told me, “Certainly, no other USA handgun has had the legacy of the 1911. Even after 114 years, it remains a tool that, in the hands of a competent person, will get the job done. Can’t get more American than that.”
Customization: There’s another aspect to the appeal and nostalgia of the 1911 that rings true with many shooters. An aspect Wilson probably knows better than anyone. The 1911 is a pistol made of metal. In your hand, it feels like a pistol as opposed to a toy. It’s one of the most customizable pistols every made. You’ll never see a modern poly-framed pistol outfitted with hand-checkered Cocobolo wood grips, and no modern pistol looks as good as an engraved 1911.
The 1911 has been customized more, and in more ways, than any other pistol.
The Future
Unless aliens take over control of Earth, or unless the need for citizens to arm themselves for personal protection vanishes, the 1911 will be with us for the foreseeable future. I’m also confident that the pistol will continue to evolve. Wilson Combat has already shown how this can happen with their EDC-style frame that has abandoned the grip safety, as well as their most recent pistol, the high-capacity and ported P1.
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 is a modified 1911 that does not have a grip safety like the original or most 1911 clones.
In 1917, Ford introduced the Model TT, which was arguably the first pickup truck. We’ve all seen how the pickup truck has evolved, just compare a Model TT to a Tesla Cybertruck. More fortunes have been made and lost by building, modifying, and using 1911 pistols than any other handgun. There’s no reason to expect any of that to change, and as long as we have pickup trucks, we’ll have 1911s. This all reminds me of the words of singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen, “The road goes on forever and the party never ends.” The 1911 is a multigenerational pistol, and its story is a long way from its end.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
If you’re forced to defend yourself and end up in court, will you be better off with a bench trial or a jury trial?
When facing criminal charges related to the use of force in self-defense, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to proceed with a jury trial or waive that right in favor of a bench trial. Each option presents unique advantages and risks, and the decision ultimately hinges on the specific facts of your case, the judge presiding and the composition of the potential jury pool. Here, we’ll explore the circumstances that might lead you to choose a bench trial over a jury trial and the rationale behind each preference.
The Right to a Jury Trial
In felony cases, your right to a jury trial is guaranteed and absolute. However, this does not automatically mean you have a right to a bench trial. Waiving a jury trial in favor of a bench trial generally requires the consent of both the prosecutor and the court. Furthermore, in Indiana, as in many states, the law mandates that such a waiver must be fully informed and voluntary. If you are facing misdemeanor charges, you may also have the right to a jury trial, but only if you request it in a timely manner.
A jury trial consists of a group of citizens who act as the “fact finders” in the case. They evaluate the evidence, consider witness testimony, and determine whether the State has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In contrast, a bench trial places this responsibility solely in the hands of the presiding judge. This fundamental difference informs the decision-making process.
Factors Favoring a Bench Trial
While jury trials are often the default choice, certain circumstances might make a bench trial more appealing. One of the primary considerations is the identity and track record of the judge. If the judge has demonstrated a history of fairness and impartiality in self-defense cases, this could inspire confidence in their ability to fairly adjudicate the matter. Conversely, judges who have shown skepticism toward self-defense claims may discourage opting for a bench trial.
Another critical factor is the nature of the jury pool. Depending on the demographics and potential biases of the jurors, you may perceive the jury as less sympathetic to self-defense arguments. In such cases, a bench trial might be advantageous, as it eliminates the unpredictability of a jury’s decision-making process.
Bench trials also avoid voir dire, the process of questioning prospective jurors to identify biases and select a jury. While voir dire can help shape a favorable jury, it also introduces variability—jurors who express hostility toward self-defense claims could end up on the panel. In contrast, a bench trial ensures that only the judge’s views come into play, offering a more controlled environment.
Risks of a Bench Trial
Despite these potential advantages, bench trials carry significant risks. One notable downside is the lack of jury nullification. Jury nullification allows jurors to acquit a defendant despite the evidence and legal standards if they believe a conviction would violate their conscience. Jury nullification, while not viewed favorably by many judges and prosecutors, is rooted in the historical practice of allowing juries to act as a safeguard against unjust laws or their harsh application, thereby reflecting community values and morals in legal outcomes. Waiving a jury trial eliminates this possibility, which can be a powerful tool in cases where the strict application of the law may seem unjust.
Moreover, judges, like jurors, are not immune to bias. While judges are expected to filter out external influences such as media coverage, not all are equally adept at doing so. This concern is heightened in high-profile cases where extensive publicity might impact the judge’s objectivity.
Physical presentation is another consideration. In bench trials, defendants may not always have the option to appear without physical restraints, such as handcuffs or shackles, during the trial. While this may seem like a minor issue, it could subtly influence the judge’s perception of the defendant.
Prosecutorial Dynamics
Another distinction in bench trials is the possibility that the prosecutor may forgo an opening statement. While this could potentially benefit the defense, it might also allow the prosecution to avoid revealing its strategy upfront, making it harder to anticipate and counter their arguments. The absence of a jury changes the dynamic of the trial significantly, as judges are less likely to be swayed by rhetorical appeals or emotional arguments designed to influence a lay audience.
Key Considerations for Self-Defense Cases
Self-defense cases hinge on specific factual disputes, such as whether the defendant reasonably perceived an imminent threat and whether the use of force was proportionate. In a jury trial, these determinations are made by individuals who bring diverse life experiences to the deliberation room. While this diversity can be advantageous, it also introduces unpredictability. Jurors may misinterpret legal instructions, allow personal biases to cloud their judgment, or fail to grasp the nuances of self-defense laws.
In contrast, a judge’s legal training and experience may offer a more precise application of the law. Judges are also expected to base their decisions on evidence and legal standards rather than personal or emotional considerations. However, this reliance on a single individual’s judgment can be a double-edged sword. If the judge harbors biases or misinterprets the evidence, there is no collective deliberation to counterbalance their views.
The Decision-Making Process
Ultimately, the choice between a jury trial and a bench trial requires careful consideration of multiple factors: the specifics of the case, the characteristics of the potential jury pool and the identity of the presiding judge. Your legal team’s input is invaluable in assessing these variables and determining the best course of action.
For defendants in self-defense cases, the decision often boils down to a preference for the collective judgment of a jury versus the singular judgment of a judge. Each option carries inherent risks and benefits, and the choice must be tailored to the unique circumstances of the case.
By weighing these considerations thoughtfully, defendants can make an informed decision that maximizes their chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Whether you entrust your fate to a jury of your peers or place your confidence in a judge’s expertise, the goal remains the same: to secure an acquittal based on the just assertion of self-defense.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Looking for a new iron or piece of kit to enhance the one you already own? Check out these 14 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.
MDT introduces the JAE-G5 chassis system for Remington short-action rifles, combining precision engineering with extensive adjustability. Key features include adjustable cheek-rest height, length-of-pull, barricade-stop position and magazine-latch height. The chassis offers both vertical and angled grips, a soft rubber buttpad and a palm shelf for improved ergonomics. Constructed with 6061-T6 aluminum and polymer panels, the JAE-G5 incorporates V-Block bedding for superior accuracy and vibration reduction. Additional highlights include M-Lok compatibility, QD sling mounts, bolt-on Arca and barricade-stop rails. MSRP: $1,400
Sauer 505 Bolt-Action Rifle
The long-awaited Sauer 505 bolt-action rifle is now available in the United States after its European debut. Combining elegance and precision, the Sauer 505 features a skeletonized steel chassis and interchangeable, cold hammer-forged barrels for caliber versatility. Stock options include walnut (grade 5), traditional synthetic, thumbhole synthetic or ultralight carbon fiber. Its silky-smooth bolt cycle, ergonomic manual cocking system and adjustable trigger (0.77-2.75 pounds) enhance user experience. Blaser saddle mount technology ensures repeatable optics accuracy without re-zeroing. Weighing around 6 pounds with lighter stocks, the Sauer 505 is offered in a range of calibers. MSRP: $3,200
Nextorch TA21 Pocket Carry Tactical Flashlight
Nextorch recently dropped the TA21 Pocket Carry Tactical Flashlight, a compact-yet-powerful tool designed for everyday carry and tactical use. Measuring just 3.8 inches and weighing 3.4 ounces, the TA21 delivers 1300 lumens with a beam distance of 175 yards. Built for versatility, it features four operating modes, including a red-light setting to preserve night vision, and a patented one-step-strobe switch for immediate high-output or strobe in critical situations. Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum, IPX8 waterproofing and nano-ceramic strike points, the TA21 is both rugged and reliable. MSRP: $95
POF-USA .308 Win. LMR ‘BASE’ Rifle
From the same family and even so close they can even share certain components, there’s one major difference between AR-15s and AR-10s: size. Running with the big-dog calibers, the AR-10 is a much larger affair. This fact alone makes Patriot Ordnance Factory’s release of its Lightweight Modular BASE Rife so intriguing. Spitting out .308 Winchester, it’s a battle rifle through and through, but in a package much more comparable to an AR-15 … so close that its 6-pound weight might slip under some of its small-bore cousin’s builds. POF’s rifle is a lights-out build to boot, outfitted with a 16.5-inch stainless-steel barrel, the company’s patented BCG, anti-tilt buffer and oversized heat sink barrel nut. MSRP: $1,360
ERGO O-VFG SBMC
Ergo Grips expands its O-GRIP lineup with the O-VFG SBMC—a customizable vertical forward grip built for precision and comfort. Crafted from durable nylon 12, it features interchangeable rubber rings, allowing shooters to tailor the grip size and feel. Compatible with both Picatinny and M-Lok rail systems, the O-VFG SBMC also includes a threaded grip cavity for small parts or battery storage when paired with Ergo’s 4115 End Cap Plug. MSRP: Starting at $40
Sig Sauer Foxtrot-MSR Lights
Often overlooked among the most important shooting tools is a solid flashlight. After all, you can’t hit what you can’t see. This is where something such as Sig Sauer’s MSR Lights is key. Designed to seamlessly integrate with both Picatinny and M-Lok mounting systems, the versatile light offers incredible illumination and convenience. Activated by a tape switch or push-button, the touch lights up 1,350 lumens and 33,000 candela for an extremely penetrating beam. Additionally, it features both momentary and latching modes to meet your particular needs at that time. With rechargeable batteries, up to 1.5 hours of run time and full-sized and compact models, Sig lights are just what your carbine or tactical shotgun calls for. ties, ensuring hunters will always get a devastating wound channel in whatever they hit. MSRP: Starting at $152
B5 Systems Rhodesian Camo Collection
B5 Systems introduces the Rhodesian Camo Collection, paying tribute to the iconic Rhodesian Brushstroke pattern born during the Rhodesian Bush War of the 1960s and ’70s. Developed to mimic Southern Africa’s dense bush and harsh terrain, the bold mix of green, brown and olive tones offered unmatched concealment. This modern collection brings the historic pattern to today’s enthusiasts with functional, durable components built for style and performance. The Rhodesian Camo Collection includes the Bravo Stock, P-Grip 23, P-Grip 22 and Vertical Grip M-Lok, blending heritage with practicality for the field or range. MSRP: $109
Girsan Witness2311
Face it, the 2011 game isn’t a cheap one. Catering to competitors and the higher-end concealed carry market, the double-stack 1911s demand top dollar. EAA is aiming to change this. Shaking up this niche, the importer has introduced the Girsan Witness2311, one of the few sub-$1,000 2011 options available today. It’s a slick-looking 9mm, with a full-length accessory rail, removable magwell, aggressive grip texturing and two-tone Cerakote finish (gray and black). Making it even more desirable, the Witness2311 has an optics-ready slide compatible with RMS/RMSc footprints. It’s a tidy package for the price and certainly falls right in line with EAA’s “Why pay more?” campaign the company is running to promote the gun’s release. MSRP: $990
RISE Triggers Reliant Trigger
A mainstay for AR-trigger upgrades, RISE Triggers has struck out in a new direction. Meet the company’s first bolt-action fire control: the Reliant. Compatible with Remington 700 rifles and its clones, the switch fits right into a wide swath of the long-guns available today. RISE offers the Reliant in two models—Hunter and Pro. The Hunter features user-friendly external pull-weight adjustment (2 to 5 pounds), tool steel internal components and simple cassette-style installation. The Pro offers many of the same assets but also tacks on some extras like adjustable 2- to 3-pound pull weight, adjustable overtravel and a flat trigger shoe. MSRP: Hunter $170, Pro $260
Ruger/Magpul RXM 9mm
Rifle, pistol or shotgun, modularity is a hit with shooters. In turn, Ruger and Magpul’s tag-team effort on the striker-fired pistol should have the potential to turn heads. Dubbed the RXM, the 9mm features a stainless-steel fire control insert (the serialized component of the pistol) that can jump between Magpul’s Enhanced Handguard Grips. Want a different color? Need to upsize or downsize the pistol? Require more rail space or any other tweaks? All of these are potentials with the system. Further enhancing the customization possibilities, most major components are designed for compatibility with Glock Gen 3 pistols. The sky is the limit. MSRP: $500
Canik MC9L & MC9LS
Canik expands its MC9 lineup with the new MC9L and MC9LS 9mm carry pistols, offering enhanced capacity and ergonomics. These models feature larger grips and standard 17-round magazines, providing improved control and firepower. The MC9L has a 3.18-inch barrel, while the MC9LS offers a longer 3.64-inch barrel and sight radius for greater accuracy. Both include optics-ready slides, interchangeable backstraps and a robust accessory package: two 17-round mags, IWB holster, speed loader, three backstrap sizes, tool kit and cleaning kit—all packed in a hard case. Available in black, FDE or two-tone finishes. MSRP: $500
Hawke Frontier LPVO Scopes
Hawke Optics is taking on CQB with the release of the Frontier 30 FD L4A and Frontier 30 FD LRX, two new 1-8x24mm LPVO riflescopes ideal for target shooting, tactical use and outdoor activities. Built on a durable 30mm 6061 aluminum tube, these scopes feature Hawke’s H7 multi-coated optics for exceptional clarity and a generous 4 inches of eye relief. Both models include illuminated reticles with Hawke’s Auto Illumination Mode (AIM) to conserve battery life. Choose between the L4A FD reticle for a clear, unobstructed view or the LRX-Tactical FD reticle with holdover marks and 2-MOA windage markers. Designed for performance, they’re shock-proof, waterproof and fog-proof. MSRP: $829
Smith & Wesson M&P15 SBR Series
A staple in high-performance yet affordable AR-15s, the M&P15 line has more than earned its stellar reputation. The good news is that Smith & Wesson is taking its standby in a whole new direction with the expansion of the line into short-barreled rifles (SBR). Yes, you heard that right. The M&P15 is now available in two short configurations, giving shooters a nimble CQB option without a confiscatory price tag. The gunmaker is offering the 11.5-inch barrel gun with either an M-Lok forend or a Gunfighter forend. Outside of that, the two models are the same with flat-faced triggers, B5 SOPMOD stock, Williams Gun Sight folding sights and Radian Raptor-LT charging handle. Yeah, you’ll still need a tax stamp, but S&W prices the SBRs so you can afford it. MSRP: $1,280
AGM ObservIR LRF Binoculars
AGM Global Vision has expanded into daytime products with the ObservIR LRF 25-256 Binoculars, a multi-channel optic designed for hunters. Featuring a 4K digital channel with 5.5-22X zoom for daylight clarity and a 256-resolution thermal mode to detect hidden game, these binocu-lars seamlessly transition between digital and thermal views. With a 1,000-yard laser rangefinder, hunters can quickly measure distances, while 64GB internal memory enables recording with GPS and audio for post-hunt review. MSRP: $1,495
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Springfield Armory’s double-stack 9mm 1911s just got more carriable with the announcement of two DS Prodigy Compact models.
We’ve reviewed Springfield Armory’s standard 1911 DS Prodigy before and walked away impressed. However, while they may have proven great on the range and for home defense, their size kept them from being a good concealed carry option. For those interested in carrying one, Springfield has just announced the 1911 DS Prodigy Compact series.
Compared to the standard models, the 1911 DS Prodigy Compacts feature shorter grips and a reduced magazine capacity of 15 rounds with the two included flush-fit mags. They’re also available with either an officer-sized 3.5-inch barrel or a commander-sized 4.25-inch barrel. Besides their barrel lengths, the two Prodigy Compact models are otherwise the same.
Some other features that set the compact models apart from their full-sized counterparts include their tritium front post night sights, recontoured hammers and beavertails to minimize bulk, and billet machined 7075-T6 aluminum frames to reduce weight. The new frames mean that the 3.5-inch model only weighs 25.5 ounces and the 4.25-inch model weighs just 29 ounces. Most of the DS Prodigy Compacts’ other features are the same as on the standard model, including U-notch rear sights, ambidextrous safeties and optics-ready slides that use AOS (Agency Optic System) plates.
Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory, said this about the new pistols:
The release of these compact variants of the popular 1911 DS Prodigy offers EDC enthusiasts an exciting new option … Combining double-stack capacity with ease of carry and the excellent shooting characteristics of the proven 1911 pistol, the new Prodigy Compact warrants serious consideration for your self-defense needs.
Both Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact models are available now and they share an MSRP of $1,549.
How long do you want to be in the fight? Here we discuss some considerations of self-defense handgun capacity.
Back in the day of the gunslinger, fighting handguns held six rounds. Of course, legend has it that they generally only loaded five rounds, at least that’s what John Wayne’s character J.B. Books told young Gillom in The Shootist, “You keep your hammer on an empty chamber for safety … load six if your insides tell you to.”
Regardless, for social survival, five or six rounds seemed like enough, at least up until Dieudonné Saive gave us the Hi-Power in 1935. With the advent of the high-capacity pistol, lawmen, civilians and even bad guys got to thinking having more than six rounds was a good thing.
If you believe statistics, for a civilian to survive the average self-defense shooting, they’ll not need more than five or six rounds. However, as the great Mark Twain said, “Facts are stubborn, but statistics are more pliable.” I often take the approach that everything in life is 50-50. The girl will say yes, or she won’t, your horse will come in first or worse, and you’ll either need less than six rounds or more. But then, like a more recent philosopher by the name of Paul Harvey once offered, “If there is a 50-50 chance that something can go wrong, then 9 times out of 10 it will.”
How long can you fight with your handgun depends on how much ammo it holds and how fast and accurately you’ll shoot.
How Much Do You Need?
All this leaves us with the $10,000 question regarding your self-defense handgun: How much capacity do you need? One way to look at this is to examine how long it takes you to shoot any number of shots, and how accurate those shots might be. Of course, this will vary a great deal with shooter skill, but based on my shooting records I can give you an example.
From the holster, I can generally get two hits on a man-sized silhouette target at 10 yards in about 1.20 seconds. If I reduce the target size to an 8-inch circle, my time increases to about 2.5 seconds, which is about twice the amount of time. As for five shots, it usually takes me about 2.0 to 2.2 seconds to get five hits on the silhouette target at 10 yards, depending on whether I’m shooting a 9mm or a .45. Reduce the target size to 8 inches and the time almost doubles.
Why is this important?
It’s important because depending on how accurate you want your shots to be, you will empty a six-shot handgun—revolver or semi-auto, it does not matter—in somewhere between 2 and 4 seconds. If you can remain calm enough to take your time and shoot at the right spot, your two to six shots will likely stop the threat. (Here we go with statistics again, likely could be anywhere between 51 and 99 percent.) If you rush like statistics suggest you will when you’re scared for your life, you might have some misses or less-than-ideal hits.
The point is that, with a six-shot handgun, you will more than likely be out of ammo in about 4 seconds. If you shoot well, it all might be over. If you don’t, or even worse if there’s more than one attacker, it still might be over—over for you as opposed to the bad guys.
The point you need to consider is that in a self-defense situation where you must shoot to save your life, with a six-shot gun you best be prepared to reload after about 4 seconds. OK, that’s not a problem because you practice speed loads, right? Well, how long does that take?
Skill at reloading fast is a great thing to have, but no matter how fast you can reload it will leave you vulnerable.
Just as with the time it takes to shoot, the time it takes to reload will vary too. With the right pistol and an open carried magazine, I can sometimes complete a reload and fire an accurate shot in about a second and a half.
When working with a concealed magazine, it can take me from 2 to 4 seconds to reload and fire a single shot with a pistol, depending on where I have the magazine concealed and on the pistol I’m using. That’s not too shabby but we already know what can happen in 1.5 to 4.0 seconds. At 10 yards, someone could easily shoot you anywhere from between two to five times.
It Probably Will
When it comes to my life, I kind of like Harvey’s logic, which essentially says that if anything can go wrong it probably will. You don’t have to be a mathematician to deduce that, if your pistol holds 10 rounds, you can stay in the fight twice as long as you could if it only held five rounds. You also don’t have to be a tactical savant to recognize that conducting a reload during a gunfight could get you killed.
So, we are once again back to the $10,000 handgun capacity question. The simple answer is the more the better. But this only applies up to the point where the added capacity increases the size of the pistol making it uncomfortable to carry and/or difficult to conceal.
You must balance handgun ammo capacity with ease and comfort of carry.
So, what’s the complicated answer?
Well, I think it’s obvious. First, the capacity of your pistol should reflect how long you want to be able to fight. If you’re comfortable only fighting for your life for a few seconds, a five- or six-shot handgun is just fine.
If you want to be able to fight for twice that long, you need twice the capacity … and so on and so on.
Second, you’ll have to temper the time you’re prepared to fight with the comfort and concealability of your handgun. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my gun to run empty before the fight is over … and I don’t want to have to reload my gun until it’s really—really—over. Five or six shots might be enough, but if you believe Harvey, it will only be enough 10 percent of the time.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
We hit the range to test out the PDP Pro-X, Walther's comped 9mm that's equal parts race pistol and nightstand gun.
Since the late 1800s, Walther has been one of the most interesting and innovative firearm manufacturers in the world. While some brands with that much time and history behind them are content to take no risks and invent nothing different, Walther doesn’t stop.
One of their latest takes on the modern handgun is the Walther PDP Pro-X. Designed with a major nod to competition—but it’s no safe queen and comes in at a price normal people can be excited about—this is a seriously under-appreciated pistol.
Walther PDP Pro-X Specs & Features:
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Slide Material: Steel
Frame Material: Polymer
Overall Length: 8.5 Inches
Width: 1.4 Inches
Height: 5.7 Inches
Barrel Length: 4.6 Inches
Sight Radius: 6.4 Inches
Grip Circumference: 5.8 Inches (Med Backstrap)
Weight With Empty Magazine: 27.4 Ounces
Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
Mags Included: 3
Trigger: Dynamic Performance Trigger
Trigger Reach: 2.8 Inches
Trigger Pull: 4.5 Pounds +/- 1 Pound
Trigger Travel: 0.2 Inches
Safeties: 3 – Auto
MSRP: $999
The Walther PDP Pro-X is one of the most feature-packed pistols to ever cross my hands. Replaceable backstraps, flared aluminum magwell, Parker Mountain Machine compensator, optics ready via Walther’s optics mounting system, Dynamic Performance Trigger and extended slide release, its assets go on and on.
What is even more surprising is that these features actually deliver on what the company claims. Most gunmakers say their guns have an improved trigger these days, but Walther comes out of the gate swinging in this department. This is actually the best trigger I’ve found on a factory striker-fired pistol. Honestly, it’s better than a lot of factory 1911/2011 triggers.
The magwell is wide and useful, the PMM comp actually works, and even the slide serrations are extra deep for maximizing their usefulness. Walther didn’t just add “features” to check off boxes on a list, they added features that matter and do their jobs like they mean it.
And they did it for an MSRP of $1,000.
On The Range
Getting on the range with the Walther PDP Pro-X immediately feels like nothing else. Everything about this pistol seamlessly integrated into every drill and stage thrown at it. Normally, there is a bit of a familiarization curve with any review. A practice magazine or two or three to shake out just how it feels and performs. That just didn’t happen with the PDP Pro-X. From the first shot, it felt natural and right.
Maybe it’s a freak occurrence with my grip and eyes perfectly mating with the ergonomics of the gun, or maybe it’s a little German-American magic. Either way, the PDP Pro-X shoots like warm butter.
Playing around with a few types of ammo, it quickly became apparent the PMM did a great job on this comp. Almost every brand and grain of ammo worked well with the gun. Shooting 115-grain, the comp provided a little less compensation than 124-grain, but the fairly anemic load still benefited from the PMM comp.
The meat and potatoes of the shooting were done using Igman 124-grain, S&B 124-grain and Black Sheep 124-grain. All felt great and shot well with minimal muzzle rise.
If you love great triggers, you’re faced with a difficult decision with this pistol. The Walther PDP Pro-X will forever redefine your definition of a good striker-fired trigger. Honestly, it might ruin you for other triggers. Going back to your gunsmith-polished, aftermarket Glock trigger will feel like going back to a bag of rocks.
On the other hand, you’ll experience what is genuinely a stunning trigger. And that isn’t just for a factory trigger. It’s outstanding for any striker-fired trigger … ever. If Walther ever brings this technology to other platforms, it’ll corner the market on triggers.
The pull measures at 4 pounds but is so crisp, it feels lighter. Movement from take-up to break is extremely short, just enough you know you put pressure on the trigger before hitting a defined wall for the break. Reset is a few millimeters and feels almost instant.
All Roses?
Maybe this is just personal preference but there are a few points that would improve the PDP Pro-X in my book. First, a double undercut for the trigger guard. For a pistol that leans very modern in every other respect, it’s kind of odd not to see a double undercut.
Second, it needs suppressor-height sights. The irons on the PDP Pro-X are decent, nothing to write home about. Yet, this is a gun built for red dots. Not only because of the optics plate system, but just everything about it exudes the desire for a red dot on top. Why then, are the irons so short?
Sure, different dots work best with slightly different sight heights, but adding a few millimeters to the PDP’s factory sights would have solved it for most people shooting most red dots.
These are fairly minor points though. In the grand scheme of everything, the Walther PDP Pro-X punches way above the average.
One point that isn’t so minor is magazines. Currently, the PDP Pro-X ships with three 20-round magazines (and that’s awesome). But getting more magazines is a touch rough. Its 20-round mags aren’t currently available from Walther, 18-round mags are as large as they currently go.
The 20-round magazines that ship with the gun are 18-round bodies with a plus-two baseplate. But the baseplates aren’t available from Walther either.
The gun’s 18-round magazines are easy to find in stock and are very affordable at around $32 from retailers. You can add your own aftermarket plate and get plus-two or even plus-three from those, but it would be nice to see factory options from Walther soon.
Loose Rounds
The Walther PDP Pro-X is an outstanding pistol that you have to shoot to believe. The trigger alone is worth seeking out a friend or rental range to give it a try. If you’re looking for a pistol that can hang with the big dogs for a weekend of competition but also be a gun you can always bet your life on, the Walther PDP Pro-X makes a compelling argument.
In a market awash with pistols that over-promise and under-deliver, it’s refreshing to see just how much effort Walther has put into making a gun that shows up.
Pros
Excellent trigger
Very feature-rich
Compensated
Good value
Cons
No double undercut trigger guard
Iron sights not tall enough to co-witness some red dots
Subpar magazine availability
Walther PDP Pro-X Deals
Guns.com
$1,026.99
Sportsman's Warehouse
$949.99
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2025 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Bersa USA is getting into the suppressor game with its new WhisperTech line, initially featuring five different models.
Bersa USA, mostly known as the importer of Argentine-made Bersa pistols like the Thunder 380, has just decided to get into the suppressor game as well. It seems that everybody and their brother has done so these days, but why not? Suppressors are awesome, and more options never hurt anyone. Bersa is calling its new cans the WhisperTech line, and it presently features five models rated for five different calibers.
The WhisperTech line currently includes the B-22 (.22 LR, MSRP of $459), the B-556X (5.56mm, MSRP of $619), B-762P (7.62/.30-caliber, MSRP of $659), B-65P (6.5mm, MSRP of $659) and the B-9X (9mm, MSRP of $649). The 5.56 and 9mm models are also full-auto rated. Bersa says that the WhisperTech suppressors use a “patented solid-separation method to eliminate solids from suspension, allowing gases to flow through the silencer.” In turn, this should result in quiet, efficiently sized cans that have minimal breach blowback or impact shift. Further, all WhisperTech suppressors are user-serviceable with standard hand tools.
Rafael Del Valle, Director of Sales & Marketing for BERSA USA, said this about the new suppressors:
The WhisperTech line of silencers have been intentionally designed and priced to be disruptive. This line is another example of BERSA's commitment to excellence, innovation, and meeting the diverse preferences of firearm enthusiasts.”
Bergara has just announced the BMR-X, a new rimfire rifle available in three chambering options with a carbon or steel barrel.
Featuring stocks inspired by the company’s BXR series of semi-auto rimfire rifles, Bergara has just announced the BMR-X. These rimfire bolt-actions will be available in .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR with either a steel or carbon barrel.
For those looking for a lightweight, portable field rifle, Bergara offers the BMR-X Carbon. Featuring an 18-inch No. 6 carbon fiber barrel, this version weighs just 5.7 pounds. For those looking for a competition rifle or just want to save a bit of money, there’s the Bergara BMR-X Steel that sports an 18-inch No. 6 chromoly steel barrel and a weight of 6.6 pounds.
Besides their barrels, weights and respective prices, the variants are otherwise the same. Both rifles feature a Bergara Micro Rimfire action, 30 MOA optics rails, match chambers and adjustable Bergara Performance Triggers. The rifles’ stocks also have adjustable lengths of pull, vertical grips and flat forends. Further, regardless of the caliber chosen, each rifle will come with one 5-round and one 10-round magazine.
The Bergara BMR-X Steel has an MSRP of $719 and the BMR-X Carbon has an MSRP of $819. Both are available now.
Check out a few of our highlights from the fifth day of SHOT Show 2025!
Mossberg 590R & 590RM
The Mossberg 590 is one of the most popular pump-action shotguns on the market, and it’s hard to think of many ways to make one better, but Mossberg has managed to with the 590R and 590RM. The most radical change is the addition of an AR-style rotary safety lever that replaces the traditional top-mounted safety. Paired with an AR-pattern pistol grip, it makes it easy and fast to flick on and off and brings the familiarity of AR controls to the 12-gauge. Mossberg also extended the bolt release so it can be easily activated with the thumb.
Overall, these felt great to handle, and the simple additions of AR controls and AR grip ergonomics made the shotguns feel truly tactical given the speed with which they can be manipulated.
Aimpoint COA
Aimpoint’s new COA red dot is interesting enough on its own, but that’s not what we were most impressed by. It’s the new mounting system that for the next year will be exclusively available on Glocks that are sold as a package with the COA. Once 2026 rolls around, however, the mounting system will become available for other handgun and optic manufacturers to utilize.
What’s special about Aimpoint’s new mounting system is that it’s not just a new footprint, it’s a radical departure from what the industry has been doing up until now. In a nutshell, it works kind of like a ski boot. The front of the optic is inserted into a notch cut in the slide and then rocked back to sit on a wedge. The rear iron sight is then installed with two screws, this pushes the optic down onto the wedge and solidly locks everything in place with tension. This setup means the two screws involved won’t take any shear stress from recoil (unlike most current systems with screws through the body of the red dot) and should make for a very rugged and long-lasting system. It has plenty of other benefits too, but we’ll get to those when we take a closer look at it later on.
PSA Concept Guns
Palmetto State Armory has an interesting approach to deciding which projects they should be working on each year—they simply ask the public. The company brings out a bunch of cool concept gun prototypes to SHOT Show, puts them on display and then allows the public to vote on their top three favorites.
A few of their guns that caught our eye this year include a suppressed manually-operated .45 ACP pistol called the MSP 45, a 37mm flare launcher called the Thumper and a semi-auto .50 BMG rifle called the Sabre Lancet. If you want to see the full lineup and vote yourself, go to their website HERE.
Check out a few of our highlights from the fourth day of SHOT Show 2025!
SNT MOTIV
Gun nerds love military-issue weapons. And they really love uncommon and less-known ones from smaller countries. South Korea, for example, fielded the K2 assault rifle in 1984. A gas-operated AKM-style long-stroke piston 5.56mm rifle, it looks reminiscent of an AR-18.
Founded in 1981, S&T Motiv Company is the preeminent firearms company for the Korean military. It was originally called Daewoo Precision Industries. They're finally going to make guns available in the U.S., rebranding as SNT and establishing a presence here. SNT Defense is the new U.S. subsidiary in Las Vegas and will manufacture SNT Motiv's rifles and pistols right here in the US. These guns will be offered to the commercial market later in 2025.
In addition to the K2S, a semi-auto version of the K2 rifle, SNT Defense plans to offer the future 5.56mm standard rifle for Korean special forces, the K13.
They'll also build the K14, a 7.62mm bolt-action rifle, and the DP51, an older fast action/triple action pistol that would appeal to collectors.
Insite Armory American SVD
Another highly coveted military rifle that’s practically unobtanium in the U.S. is the Dragunov sniper rifle, aka the SVD. Just about everyone knows what this classic Cold War Soviet DMR is, but due to very low numbers ever being imported into the U.S., they’re very rare and typically demand a price of nearly $10,000 at the bottom end. Fans of the rifle have longed for a domestically produced variant for years given the lack of viable imports, and it finally looks like that’s just what we’re getting.
Insite Armory of Huston has been working on this project for years, and the company’s goal is simple—make an SVD clone in America that’s more available and attainably priced than any of the existing imports. So far, it seems they’re on track to do just that.
The two prototypes Insite Armory had on display at SHOT Show 2025 weren’t quite done yet, but all the major pieces were there. The company says that it’s aiming to have rifles shipping by Q4 with a price of $4,000. That’s still expensive, but for those who’ve been dreaming of owning a Dragunov, it feels like a relative steal. Insite Armory is starting with the original classic version with wood furniture in 7.62x54R, but they also plan on offering other chambering options and variants down the road. We’re very excited to see this come to fruition, so keep an eye out for our full review when it launches.
Dead Air Sandman X
Ten years ago, Dead Air hit the market behind what would become a legendary suppressor—the Sandman. A decade into the game, what better way to celebrate their success than with a revamp of the suppressor that put them on the map? Say hello to the Sandman X. This is nearly an entire conceptualization of the suppressor, incorporating many advancements that have come down the pike in the past 10 years. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the 3D-printed baffles, which are designed not only to reduce the sound signature but also to eliminate back pressure. It achieves this through a spiral that’s only possible through additive manufacturing. Furthermore, Dead Air has included multiple mounting options for the can, including KeyMo, Xeno, and Direct Thread. Finally, the Sandman X was engineered to take whatever you have mounted on throughs at it with the 30-caliber can rated up to .300 RUM. Best of all, at $1,059 the suppressor won’t break the bank like other 3D-printed options.
Check out a few of our highlights from the third day of SHOT Show 2025!
Hera H6
This beauty was teased at IWA a couple of years back and this side of the pond has been champing at the bit to get their hands on it. Now the unique side-loading Hera H6 will be available in the good old U.S of A. Hera showcased the idiosyncratic iron at SHOT Show 2025 and aims to have the bolt-action on the market around April. And there’s more appeal to the rifle than its unique configuration. First, the gun is whisper light, weighing in at a tick under 6 pounds. It’s dressed in a useful M-Lok handguard, so decking out the rifle is a snap. But the absolute show-stealer is the H6’s trigger.
A single-stage affaire manufactured by Recknagle, the switch trips at a mere 2 pounds (it actually feels like less when you get your digit on it). This aids the gun in being a veritable tack driver, with the good folks at Hera reporting it turned in a consistent sub-MOA performance at range day. Hera will release the gun in .223 Wylde and .300 Blackout when it becomes available and will have a price tag of around $1,500. Hera has our interest, expect a review inthe near future.
BSD/B&T VSS Vintorez Clone
The Soviets made a lot of interesting guns, but one of the coolest and most widely sought-after is the VSS Vintorez. This integrally-suppressed special purpose rifle chambered for 9x39mm has become widely known in the gun world through video games and war footage since its introduction in 1987, but unlike some other Russian guns, the VSS has never been available in the U.S. That, however, is about to change.
A company called BSD Fabrication has teamed up with B&T to produce American-made VSS Vintorez clones, with B&T making the integral suppressor portion. It’s not an exact clone, but the changes made are improvements, especially for the American market like its .300 BLK chambering. BSD is hoping to have these out the door by the end of this year, and we hope so too because these won’t just be cool to look at, they should be incredibly quiet and great shooters.
Shadow Systems On The California Roster
Every 2A supporter should hate the fact that the California Roster of Safe Handguns exists, but while it exists it’s always heartwarming to see new pistols being added to it for our brothers and sisters in ammo that are trapped under the tyrannical rule of the California legislature.
The latest addition to the roster comes from Shadow Systems! Added just today to the roster, Californians can now get Shadow Systems XR920, DR920, and MR920 pistols. All three models come with or without a new compensator using a non-threaded, non-lug design for the California market.
The new Shadow System pistols also feature a new magazine safety that disables the trigger when the magazine is not inserted (a requirement of the CA roster). Fun fact, the magazine safety is a part of the trigger shoe. If you replace the shoe…
Hornady 3-In-1 High-Speed Case Trimmer
Announced late in 2024 we finally got a close look at the new trimmer and it is nothing short of awesome. If you need precision brass and process a good amount of it, such as PRS and NRL:H shooters, this new trimmer is going to be hard to beat for features and price.
Precision hard stops with a click micro-adjustment screw, multiple Hornady collets included to cover most bolt faces, and a motor that was nearly whisper quiet. A huge step forward for trimmers that we’re excited to see!
CRKT Provoke X Axe
An axe in your pocket? You bet your ass, thanks to the mad geniuses at CRKT. The Provoke X Axe was dropped at the show, the latest addition to the company's forward-looking Provoke line. Designed by Joe Caswell, the hacker’s head and spike fold up flush against the handle and deploy with the flick of the wrist. The Provoke X has a definite tactical bent to it, with the D2 steel tool too light to fall all but the smallest trees. But in its intended role, boy howdy, does it look like it could do some damage. The axe has an MSRP of $350 and is expected to be released later this year.
Check out a few of our highlights from the second day of SHOT Show 2025!
Century Arms/MKE AP5-SD
The MP5 is probably the best SMG ever made, and the MP5SD is its coolest variant. Unfortunately for Americans, lookalikes have been expensive and difficult to procure. Until now. Century Arms has started importing a new AP5 variant made by MKE in Turkey called the AP5-SD, and it’s going to help make MP5SD lookalikes far more accessible. It’s sold as a pistol with a 5.75-inch barrel that’s covered by a faux suppressor shroud, all housed neatly beneath the iconic MP5SD shrouded handguard. The faux suppressor can then be easily removed and replaced with a real suppressor. The AP5-SD is currently available in two versions, a standard pistol (MSRP $1,699.99) and a brace model that comes with a Magpul MP BSL Brace (MSRP $1,799.99). This one has us excited, so stay tuned for our full review later this year.
C+H Precision Comp Max
C+H Precision has proven aggressive in the optics sphere offering up a solid collection of red dots made to go the distance. The as-of-Tuesday-released Comp Max certainly fits this bill. Everything on this RMR-footprint optic screams speed from its large 28mm window to its 2 MOA dot—with circle and circle dot reticle settings. Further, the optic has 10 brightness settings with levels 1 and 2 compatible with night vision. C+H also made this competition-ready option fit for hard use, building the housing out of aircraft-grade aluminum that should absorb any mishandling from your butterfingers. It leans to the tonier side of reflex red dots at $340 but puts a lot on the table to warrant the price.
Faxon Firearms CMP M1 Barrels
Faxon Firearms has a host of cool things to show off this year like their new line of suppressors with new baffle designs, new chamber options for their AR barrels like 338 ARC, and even the FX-7 has some magic happening. But something that might fly under the radar for most people is the new M1 barrels Faxon is making for the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
The CMP might not be the most flashy thing happening in shooting sports, but it’s one of the few government programs that directly supports the Second Amendment and its continuing historical legacy. Helping preserve these rifles for the next generation is a great thing to see and support.
Armasight Three New Thermals: Commander 640, Warden 640, & Operator 640
Armasight has awesome thermals but they have newer and more awesome thermals releasing right now! A clip-on, monocular, and dedicated scope all with improved electronics and packed with features. All three thermals use the same ArmaCORE 640-x480 12-micro thermal sensor boating 60Hz performance. Combined with 35mm Germanium lens this new lineup pushes thermal detection to 1,300 meters. We’ll be excited to dive deeper into these new optics later this year!
Check out a few of our highlights from the first day of SHOT Show 2025!
Spandau S2
This is a sweet little package waterfowlers will appreciate—the Spandau S2. Delivering all the features and performance of a high-end inertia-driven shotgun, the S2 comes with a price tag anyone can afford. Dressed in Realtree Max-7 or APX, the 12-gauge comes at a forgiving $499. It has a few tricks up its sleeves making it all the more useful in the duck marshes. Fluting makes the bolt lighter, thus less punishing for those heavy flights with a lot of shots. An oversized charging handle eliminates fumbling around to get or keep the gun in action. And most nuanced, but maybe the best asset, an enlarged and chamfered loading gate eliminates any pinch when topping off the magazine—plus makes it very friendly to gloved hands. Overall, it is a solid and economical option for duck or goose season.
Diamondback SDR 3”
Oh yeah, size matters—particularly with the .357 Magnum. The legendary defensive round is fairly neutered coming out of a snubbie revolver, resulting in more muzzle blast and knuckle pain than velocity downrange. Diamondback Arms has cooked up a new addition to its concealable SDR line of revolvers, now offering a 3-inch barreled model. The wheelie remains highly concealable but gives the magnum enough bore to get the performance most look for out of the cartridge. To boot, it also has a bit more sight radius to improve its accuracy potential. What struck us at range day about the gun—and its predecessor 2-inch barreled model—is its silk and stageable trigger. It’s also a looker with a full integral lug. For $837, it’s a pretty tough little revolver to beat.
KelTec PR57
In typical KelTec fashion, the company’s latest design has been turning heads and forming long queues at its SHOT Show debut. Not because it’s the “best gun” out here, but one could certainly make the argument that it’s the most different and interesting. The stats already looked impressive on paper, but it’s hard to convey just how light and slim the PR57 is without holding one yourself. It feels like a toy in hand, but putting some 5.7x28mm through it quickly reminds one that it’s anything but. Despite the gun’s light weight, it’s a smooth shooter too. We’re definitely keeping this little stripper clip-fed pistol on our radar and will hopefully conduct a full review in the future.
Biofire Smart Gun
Sure to be a divisive product, Biofire is a biometrically locked smart gun that uses fingerprints and/or facial recognition to allow access only to a limited number of users. We first looked at the pistol in 2023, but this year the company is ready to start shipping units to backers, media, and customers.
Getting first shots with it at SHOT Show Range Day 2025, the pistol isn’t what you probably expect. Bulky and strange looking, it actually shot remarkably well for the 15 or so rounds we shot it for. We’ll withhold judgment until we can get one in for a full and detailed review. MSRP: $1,499
Smith & Wesson has announced the return of three classic revolvers sans the dreaded lock.
Just about everyone loves classic Smith & Wesson revolvers, but nobody liked the Hillary Hole. Thankfully, Smith & Wesson has just announced the No-Lock Classic Revolver series, featuring three S&W DA/SA classics without an internal lock.
For those looking for a classic concealed carry gun, there’s the S&W Model 36 Classic. The 5-shot .38 SPL +P J-frame features a 1.88-inch barrel and a fixed blade front sight/integral slot-in-frame rear sight. The steel frame and barrel sport a blued carbon finish and the grips are checkered wood.
Next is the Model 10 Classic, a 6-shot .38 SPL +P K-frame with a 4-inch barrel. It also has a fixed blade front sight/integral slot-in-frame rear sight and a blued carbon finish, but the grips are Tyler Gun Works walnut grips.
Last is the Model 19 Classic, a 6-shot .357 Magnum K-frame with a 4.25-inch barrel. It has the same blued carbon finish but features a red ramp insert front sight, adjustable black blade rear sight and checkered wood grips.
MSRPs for the no-lock revolvers are $849 for the Model 36 Classic, $979 for the Model 10 Classic and $1,099 for the Model 19 Classic.
We take a quick look at the KelTec PR57, an interesting 5.7 concealed carry pistol that’s loaded via stripper clip.
While some people deride KelTec for its often unorthodox designs, others appreciate the company for its interesting, innovative firearms that step outside the mold. KelTec’s latest gun, the PR57, is a testament to that and has already sparked some heated debate online. Even at a glance, it’s easy to see why, as this concealed carry pistol is top-loaded with stripper clips.
Designed by the legendary George Kellgren and chambered for 5.7x28mm, the PR57 is not a typical concealed carry pistol by contemporary standards. In a world of micro 9mms, 5.7 pistols have typically been relegated to the nightstand or open carry given their large size, but KelTec has now managed to build a handgun for the caliber that’s small enough to conceal. The root of this innovation lies in the PR57’s rotary barrel, and that’s what the “R” stands for in the gun’s name. The rotary barrel system is what allows the PR57 to be 40% lighter than the next lightest 5.7 pistol currently on the market. Combined with the compact size, it should be very easy to carry concealed.
As for the gun’s chambering and the decision to use an internal stripper clip-fed magazine, KelTec has clearly laid out its reasoning. Since data shows that most self-defense encounters are quick, at close range and see only three shots fired, the company felt that a pistol that focused on shootability, reliability and concealability was more valuable on most people’s hips than a more powerful gun that can be rapidly reloaded. With 20 rounds of 5.7 on tap, the idea is that the capacity is sufficient enough to eliminate the need for speed reloads. The caliber also produces very little recoil, making it easy to shoot for new and experienced shooters alike. Further, by omitting detachable box magazines, the PR57 can be very slim despite its large capacity and is only 0.937 inches at its widest point. The pistol is loaded with two 10-round stripper clips, two are included with each gun and more can be purchased separately.
The two final notable details of the PR57 are that it’s optics-ready and very easy to disassemble. By just pushing the trigger forward, the slide can be pulled right off, and KelTec is calling it “the quickest and easiest fieldstrip on the market.”
The KelTec PR57 is expected to begin shipping in Q1 with an MSRP of $399.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
