SHOT 2015: The SIG P320 Line Continues to Grow

January 21, 2015

The SIG P320 line has grown, in part, with the release of a new Subcompact model.

SIG Sauer hasn’t rested on its laurels when it comes to one of its newest lines of pistols.

A year ago, the European/American gun maker took its first foray into striker-fired pistols with the introduction of the P320. Now the line of modular, polymer handguns is growing in every perceivable way.

While there are all sorts of new additions to the line, perhaps the weightiest being a subcompact model. And it appears SIG has given the new variant the dimensions to make it a dynamite primary or secondary carry piece.

At 6.67-inches long and 1.06-inches wide, P320 Subcompact is comparable to similar pistols on the market. Where the double-stack looks to gain an edge on the competition is weight, tipping the scales at a svelte 24.9 ounces with a magazine.

Like the earlier iterations of the pistol, the P320 Subcompact is modular, with nearly every major part of the pistol interchangeable. This means the handgun can change size and caliber, all without a single tool.

The P320 accomplishes this through its one-piece stainless steel frame/fire-control module. This is the only serialized part, meaning it is the only part considered a firearm. The rest of the pistol is interchangeable, from grip to slide to barrel.

The subcompact is being released in 9mm, with a 12-round magazine. The model, however, is compatible with 15- and 17-round magazines. The subcompact model has an MSRP of $713.

SIG is also making its P320 line a bit bigger in another small way, with the edition of .45 ACP Compact version. The model is slightly larger than the subcompact at 8-inches in overall length and 26-onces. The firearm has a 9+1 capacity and a MSRP of $713.

Adding the venerable round was always in the cards for the P320, SIG said as much a year ago when it released the line. And it should be received well, especially among the American shooting pubic given the popularity of the .45 ACP.

Finally, SIG is adding to new colors of the P320 – flat dark earth and two-ton flat dark earth. The FDE is finished in a PVD finish with matching polymer grip module. The two-tone FDE model has a FDE grip module and Nitron finished slide.

Gun Digest Book of SIG-Sauer, 2nd Edition

SHOT 2015: SIG MCX Hits the Market

Elwood Shelton

January 21, 2015

The SIG MCX offers shooters one of the most flexible platforms available today.

With the release of the MPX a few years back, SIG Sauer introduced an intriguing concept.

The submachine gun was supremely adaptable, allowing a shooter to switch calibers and configuration on the fly. Of course, for a civilian to get a hold of this technology required either deep pockets or a job in law enforcement or the military.

Those days, however, have past with the introduction of the SIG MCX at the 2015 SHOT Show. The new firearm incorporates many of design features of its select-fire cohort, in a semiautomatic package.

Of the pieces of engineering carried over to the MCX, the most intriguing is the firearm’s ability to jump between calibers. The firearm is designed to chew through three different rounds through conversions that can be made in the field, without tools.

For the MCX to go from .300 Blackout to 5.56 NATO, all that needs to be done is a barrel switch. The move to 7.62x39mm is a hair more involved, not only requiring barrels to be swapped, but the bolt as well.

While the MCX has the ability to handle multiple rounds, the European/American gun maker aimed its design to the .300 Blackout. In particular, the configuration of the firearm easily accepts the addition of a suppressor for the eminently suppressible round.

The SIG MCX’s piston-operation is also set up to help the firearm function reliably, whether suppressed or unsurpassed. The auto-regulating gas system is meant to make the switch between supersonic and subsonic loads smooth.

The malleability of the MCX isn’t strictly confined to caliber and suppression. The firearm takes a cue from the MPX in overall flexibility. From barrel length to stock style, nearly everything is interchangeable.

The SIG MCX, configured as a SBR with suppressor.

One of the features that helps make the MCX a gun for all situations is its recoil assembly. With the assembly housed completely in the upper receiver, the firearm does not require a buffer tube. As an added bonus, this allows the MCX to be outfitted with a folding stock.

The lower receiver, on the other hand, is much more familiar. The MCX’s controls are laid out in a classic AR-style with ambidextrous selector and mag release standard.

Other features of the SIG MCX include: KeyMod handgards, ambidextrous charging handle, cold hammer-forged barrel and compatibility with STANAG magazines.

The MCX is available in three configurations: rifle, short-barreled rifle (which requires a tax stamp) and pistol. The rifle variant comes with a 16-inch barrel, while the SBR and pistol are outfitted with 9-inch barrels. And the rifle and SBR come with the choice of four stocks: low profile side-folding skeletonized stock, telescoping stock, tubular side folding stock, or a folding telescopic stock.

Presently, the SIG MCX rifle has an MSRP of $1,866, the SBR $2,058 and pistol with side-folding SBX $2,132.

Gun Digest Book of SIG-Sauer, 2nd Edition

SHOT SHOW 2015: Optics-Ready Glock MOS, New G40 10mm

Corey Graff

January 20, 2015

Glock unveiled its new Modular Optics System, or MOS, on Gen 4 models G34, G35, and G41 — and a long-slide 10mm Glock, the G40 at the 2015 SHOT Show.

While those stumping for a Glock single-stack 9mm didn’t get their wish at this year’s SHOT Show, the Austrian company nonetheless delivered its impressive Modular Optics System (MOS), an optics-ready configuration on several popular Gen 4 models, and one hell of a handgun for 10mm fans: The G40—a long-slide 10mm also with the MOS option.

“Our research has prompted us to release the MOS configurations for the G34 Gen4, G35 Gen4 and G41 Gen4 and the new G40 Gen4 in the MOS Configuration.” stated Josh Dorsey, VP at GLOCK, Inc. “The new GLOCK MOS platform offers a convenient way to mount reflex sights without costly alterations to a warrantied slide.”

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The MOS models include an Adapter Plate Kit containing 4 adapter plates as well as the tools for the removal and installation for a variety of optics. Optics are not included with the MOS pistols. Right now we know the system works with reflex-style sights from Eotech, Docter, Insight, Meopta as well as the Trijicon RMR, C-More and Leupold Delta Point.

Glock suggests you can take a play from the AR world and use extra-high rear sights, to co-witness with a MOS-mounted optic. Certainly the system has in mind tactical competition applications where speed acquisition is key, but many concealed carriers are adopting and using small red dots as well.

The specifications for the Gen4 MOS configured G34, G35, and G41 are the same as their respective non-MOS versions.

Glock 40 10mm

This one got my attention, for Wisconsin’s hunting regulation has long required handgun barrel length to be a minimum of 5.5 inches (as measured from the firing pin to the muzzle).

This has always been easy business for revolvers with 5-inch tubes, thanks to help from the extra length afforded by the cylinder. However, for semi-auto work, Badger State Glock 20 hunters needed to buy aftermarket barrels, which work well enough but stuck out the end of the slide—making them look … odd and cobbled. Sure, they work, but it was a look I never could warm up to. Now, with the G40 10mm, the length is sufficient to keep the authorities happy and send the .40 cal. bullets screaming down range.

The Glock 40 MOS looks good and packs a heavy payload. It sports a 6-inch barrel and carries 15 rounds of the powerful 10mm cartridge. It can be outfitted with any number of reflex style sights that mount directly to the top of the slide, no custom machining required.

G40 Gen4 Specs
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Overall Length: 241mm/9.49in
Overall Width: 32.5mm/1.28in
Barrel Length: 153mm/6.02in
Mag Capacity: 15 rounds
us.glock.com

SHOT 2015: CZ Unleashes a Ton of New Firearms

Elwood Shelton

January 20, 2015

Holy cow, somebody has been perking some extra strong coffee over at CZ. Because with 67 new or updated guns being released at the 2015 SHOT Show, it appears the Czech gun maker has really burned the midnight oil.

Honestly, it doesn’t look like a corner of CZ’s catalog has gone untouched this year with the introduction of new and improved shotguns, pistols and rifles. So without further ado, here is a look at some of the company’s new wares that caught our eye.

Pistols
CZ has captured a lot of ink already with the introduction of the Scorpion EVO 3 S1. But the 9mm isn’t the only military firearm the company has given a pistol work over.

CZ’s 805 Bren has had its stock removed and is ready to rumble with the growing market of AR-style pistols. The new 805 Bren PS1 Pistol (MSRP $1,982), however, is a bit different than most other comparable guns presently available, in it is piston operated.

The .223/5.56 pistol has an 11-inch barrel, side charging handle and a monolithic Picatinny rail, among other features. It utilizes STANAG magazines and is capable of being outfitted with a SIG brace.

If either the Scorpion or Bren is too big or out there for shooters, CZ also has a classic that might be worth a gander.

The company has unveiled a hand-engraved 40th Anniversary edition of its CZ 75 B, decked out with some impressive upgrades. The most prominent are the gun’s controls, finished in rainbow titanium nitride, and its grips, high-grade California birds-eye maple.

The catch is the 9mm has a hefty price tag at $1,499. But if you need an excuse to get one, just remind yourself, yours will be one of only 1,000 ever made.

Rifles

CZ Western Series 550 Sonoran in 26 Nosler.

Right off, CZ bills its Western Series 550 Sonoran as “more of a long-range tack-driver than mountain rifle”. And this year, it has mated the rifle to a caliber that will more than help it live up to that claim.

The Sonoran is now available in the blistering hot Nosler 26, a chambering that will definitely allow hunters to reach out and touch game. According to Nosler’s website, the 6.5mm round is capable of pushing a 129 gr. bullet 3,400 fps at the muzzle. And it retains as much velocity at 400 yards as a .260 Remington produces at its muzzle.

While the Sonoran (MSRP $3,199) has the makings of a match rifle, it was designed with the hunter in mind. This is particularly evident in the rifle’s light weight with the Sonoran tipping the scales at 8 pounds.

Shotguns

CZ should send smoothbore traditionalists’ hearts soaring with one of its newest models. After all, how many other gun makers are introducing new side-by-side shotguns this year?

CZ’s Ringneck side-by-side inspired the company’s new CZ Sharp-Tail (MSRP $1,022), but the new shotgun is not a carbon copy, by any means. The shotgun has a much smaller action, with coil springs operating the hammers, rather than leaf. And it boasts redesigned sears for a crisper break on the trigger pull.

The gun also has a single selectable mechanical trigger. It is stocked in Turkish Walnut, has a color case-hardened finish on its boxlock and blued barrels.

Gun Digest 2015, 69th Annual Edition

Video: Lyman Introducing Slew of New Products

Elwood Shelton

January 20, 2015

Lyman is one of the latest to release a tease of its new products it’s set to release at the 2015 SHOT Show. And, to say the least, the Connecticut manufacturer has an impressive roster of goods.

The company’s video is worth a watch in its entirety, mainly because the volume of new Lyman products would require too much digital ink to document. But, there were two new goods that appear to be worth a little extra mention.

Lyman is releasing a new Chronograph, the Ammo Tracker, and it has the bells and whistles that might turn some shooters’ heads. In particular, the device’s data display appears to be extremely user friendly.

The Ammo Tracker Chronograph continuously displays data in real time. After each shot, the high, low and average velocities are updated, as are extreme spread, standard deviation, shot number and string number.

Making the unit a bit handier is Lyman opting to make the display screen separate from the chronograph proper. This allows shooters to reference data after a shot without every having to get up from the bench.

The present MSRP for the Lyman Ammo Tracker is 159.95.

Not everyone needs a borescope, but Layman is certainly making them more available to the average shooter with the Borecam Digital Borescope.

Outfitted with a 22-inch probe and designed to fit 20 calibers, the scope is ideal for inspecting a firearm for chamber damage, fouling or erosion. And unlike many available on the market today, Lyman new scope comes with a digital display.

The monitor of Lyman’s borescope not only frees shooters from having to squint down an eyepiece. It also gives them the opportunity to document the inside of their firearm.

The scope has the capability of taking digital pictures, storing the information on a SD card. The pictures can then be downloaded and viewed on a computer or laptop.

Borecam Digital Borescope carries a bit of price tag, presently its MSRP is $299.95. But, this is a fraction of most other scopes’ retail prices.

Gun Digest Guide to Maintaining & Accessorizing Firearms

SHOT Show 2015: Ruger FTW Predator Goes Long on Scout Rifle Concept

Corey Graff

January 20, 2015

Fair game critters everywhere sounded air raid sirens on news of Ruger’s FTW Predator, which combines Gunsite Scout features with the M77 Hawkeye in what promises to be a formidable long-range varmint-blasting machine.

If you’re a chuck or song dog you have good days and bad days. But when Ruger recently announced its FTW Predator Rifle—which blends the best of the Scout and M77 Hawkeye—there’s no way around it: Your varmint days are numbered.

For long-range shooters it’s good news indeed as the rifle sports what gun owners like about the Ruger Scout and the company’s well-established Predator. It’s not difficult to envision tactical applications of the rifle, either.

For one thing, it’s built on the iron-clad non-rotating M77 action, which is basically a Mauser-type controlled feed battle tank (I think following World War III there will be three things left—Royal typewriters, Chevy engine blocks and M77 actions).

While a rock-solid action promotes accuracy, equally critical to making long-range hits is the rifle’s two-stage adjustable target trigger, giving you the ability to let them snap cleanly.

The FTW designation, by the way, refers to the world-renowned FTW Shooting School in Barksdale, Texas, where extensive on-range consultation with SAAM (Sportsman’s All-weather, All-terrain Marksmanship) shooting instructors was conducted by Ruger in the development of the new gun.

Everyone liked the proven accuracy of the Hawkeye Predator and the quick handling of the Gunsite Scout rifle. So it seemed a no-brainer for Ruger engineers to whip together a rifle that combines the trigger and action of the Hawkeye Predator with the adjustable buttstock design found on the Gunsite Scout. Voila! That’s some serious stuff for everything from ‘yotes to foxes.

The result is one well-handling little rifle capable of dropping them in there out at long-range—yet in a fast-handling predator rifle platform.

Ruger Hawkeye FTW Predator Features

The Hawkeye FTW Predator features a two-stage target trigger, Green Mountain laminate stock, stainless steel receiver and medium contour barrel. Models are available with either a 22” barrel with a 1:10” twist chambered in .308 Win., or a 24” barrel with a 1:8” twist chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.

The soft rubber buttpad is adjustable with the use of three, ½-inch buttpad spacers (included) which allows the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters or varying levels of outerwear. Integral scope mounts are machined directly on the solid-steel receiver, providing a stable mounting surface for the included scope rings.

Ruger FTW Predator Specs
Stock: Green Mountain Laminate
Capacity: 4
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Hawkeye Matte Stainless
Sights: None
Trigger: Two-Stage, Adjustable Target
Barrel Length: 24.00″
Overall Length: 43.25″ – 44.75″
Weight: 8.12 lbs.
Length of Pull: 12.75″ – 14.25″
Twist: 1:8″ RH
Grooves: 6
Suggested Retail: $1099.00
www.ruger.com

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Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting, 2nd Edition

Get the most recent advances in guns and gear to extend your range for hunting, informal target shooting, and formal competition. Discover new tools for long-range shooters both in the field and on the firing range, with coverage of new developments from advances in military applied combat theory. Learn more

Photo Gallery: New Colt Pistols for 2015

Elwood Shelton

January 19, 2015

Fans of the 1911, expect your lives to get a bit more complicated after Colt’s most recent announcement. The iconic company has released its new pistols for 2015, which will vastly expand your 1911 choices. In all, Colt is introducing seven new models of the timeless pistol. All of them are extensions of existing lines with a good share representing new chamberings of existing models.

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Video: Extended Trailer of American Sniper

Elwood Shelton

January 16, 2015

American Sniper opened today in theaters nationwide, recounting the story of the most lethal sniper in American military history – Chris Kyle. The Navy SEAL had 160 confirmed kills out of 255 probable kills over the course of four tours in Iraq. As the above extended clip shows, the new movie – an adaptation of Kyle’s Autobiography of the same title – appears fairly intense and true to the tribulations the Chief Petty Officer endured while protecting his brothers in arms.

Here are some suggested Long-Range Shooting References

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HPR Adds 300 Blackout Ammo Topped with Barnes TTSX Bullets

Elwood Shelton

January 16, 2015

HPR has tipped its new 300 Blackout ammo with Barnes TTSX bullets.

HPR (High Precision Range) Ammunition is blacking out, with a bit of help from Barnes. The Arizona ammunition maker is adding a .300 Blackout offering to its catalog and is topping off the cartridge with a 110-grain Barnes’ TTSX bullet.

The TTSX, released in 2003, was designed as a hunting bullet. The streamlined projectile has a polymer tip that helps reduce drag and increase the ballistic coefficient. It also aids in the solid-copper bullet’s expansion.

The TTSX has won praises for its terminal ballistic performance. The bullet retain nearly 100-percent of its weight and it double in diameter, both leading to wound channels.

HPR puts the muzzle velocity of its new 300 Blackout ammunition at 2,311 fps and its muzzle energy at 1,304 ft./lbs. The ammunition is presently available in boxes of 20, which have an MSRP of $33.99.

Cartridges of the World, 14th Edition

Video: Magpul Adds 60-Round Drum Magazine to Roster

Elwood Shelton

January 15, 2015

With around a week until the 2015 SHOT Show, Magpul has let the cat out of the bag for its big product announcement.

The Wyoming firearm accessories manufacturer dropped a video earlier this week showcasing it’s new Pmag D60 – a 60-round drum magazine. Check out the above video to see the polymer beast go through its paces on a number of different firearms.

Historically, drum magazines are temperamental, but Magpul has added a few twists to the D60 that look to defuse some common problems. The company has included a quick-release backplate on the drum for on-the-fly maintenance. And it has a loading lever to aid juicing the magazine in a more timely fashion.

The D60 has a couple other unique features, such as a full magazine indication window, compatibility with a wide spectrum of firearms and last-round bolt hold open. While the MSRP was not listed on the Magpul website, it has been reported the list price will be $129.95 and it will ship this summer.

Gun Digest Guide to Customizing Your AR-15

Sierra Releases Tipped MatchKing Bullets

Elwood Shelton

January 15, 2015

For some shooters, Sierra is the king of the hill.

Really, the regard for Missouri manufacturer’s MatchKing bullets has reached mythical proportions in certain corners of the shooting world. But there is good reason why the hollow-point projectiles have earned such respect in the world of precision shooting – they get the job done.

Sierra, however, is aiming to tighten up groups a bit more with the addition of six bullets to the line. And while they have taken a marked break from the classic MatchKing design, the tweaks could make the already accurate bullet even more so.

The company’s new Tipped MatchKing Bullets are designed to give shooters a ballistic boost. They do so through the addition of an acetal resin tip, which lowers drag by improving the ballistic coefficient. Most of Sierra’s new line is presently available and come in 100 to 500 count boxes.

.22 Caliber 69 gr.

Diameter (inches): .224
Sectional Density: .196
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.375 @ 2700 fps and above
.365 between 2700 & 1950 fps
.335 between 1950 & 1700 fps
.305 @ 1700 fps and below

.22 Caliber 77 gr.

Diameter (inches): .224
Sectional Density: .219
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.420 @ 2400 fps and above
.415 between 2400 & 2000 fps
.395 between 2000 & 1750 fps
.380 @ 1750 fps and below

.30 Caliber 125 gr.

Diameter (inches): .308
Sectional Density: .188
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.343 @ 2580 fps and above
.338 between 2580 fps and 2180 fps
.332 @ 2180 fps and below

.30 Caliber 155 gr.

Diameter (inches): .308
Sectional Density: .233
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.519 @ 1900 fps and above
.490 between 1900 fps and 1600 fps
.420 @ 1600 fps and below

.30 Caliber 168 gr.

Diameter (inches): .308
Sectional Density: .253
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.535 @ 2050 fps and above
.521 between 2050 fps and 1650 fps
.480 @ 1650 fps and below

.30 Caliber 175 gr.

Diameter (inches): .308
Sectional Density: .264
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges:
.545 @ 2400 fps and above
.530 between 2400 and 1800 fps
.495 @ 1800 and below

Pair Face Off to Win $10,000 of Sig Sauer Firearms, Gear

Elwood Shelton

January 14, 2015

Wow! Sig Sauer pulled out all the stops on this prize package.

Jeff Gabel and Johnathon Akers each added a Sig Sauer P320 pistol to their gun collections. Soon, one of them will stuff the gun safe with a heck of a lot more Sig hardware.

The finalist of Sig Sauer’s P320 Take-A-SHOT contest face off at the 2015 SHOT Show in a bid to take home a $10,000 prize package. And, boy, if you like the New Hampshire manufacturer’s guns, it’s a heck of roster of goods to nab.

The grand prize includes a SIG MCX, SIG MPX, M11-A1, MK25, extra barrels for both pistols, extra magazines and SIG SAUER Elite Ammunition all in a custom Pelican case.

But to pocket all those goodies Gabel or Akers will have to have a steady hand. The grand prize winner will be determined at the Sig Sauer VIP Range Day, through a series of shooting challenges.

Gabel, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, was the winner of the video contest, with his entry “A Gun For Every Hand”. Akers of Katy, Texas was selected in the P320 Sweepstakes. Check out Sig Sauer’s Facebook page or You Tube page for video of the final competition.

Video: Defensive Shotgun Patterning

Elwood Shelton

January 14, 2015

Typically shotgun patterning brings one thing to mind – hunting prep.

The practice is integral in delivering pellets on a bragging-rights long beard or limiting out on white wings. But understanding how different shot sizes in different loads perform out of a particular shotgun has broader applications.

The shotgun is a popular home-defense tool; knowing how it patterns is key to getting the most out of the firearm. Luckily, Clint Smith neatly covers this crucial concept in the above video from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

The president and director of Oregon’s Thunder Ranch training center, however, doesn’t stop at discussing patterning. He also touches upon the role distance plays for the defensive shotgun.

Far from being a point-and-shoot weapon, Smith demonstrates exactly how precise the shotgun can be at close range. Have your doubts? Watch the whole thing and take note of the exactitude required to successfully execute Smith’s drill at the end.

Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Shotgun

Photo Gallery: Five New ARs from FNH

Elwood Shelton

January 13, 2015

FNH has earned a solid reputation for building reliable and striking firearms. From rifles to shotguns to pistols, the transnational company has all the bases covered. And it has a slew of new AR-style rifles hitting the market this year. So, without further ado, here are the five new black rifles from the Belgian-American gun maker.

[imagebrowser id=431]

Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Digital Collection

The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Digital Collection is the ultimate AR-15 guide, including reference to help you understand the platform inside out.

Concealed Carry Handguns: Taurus Curve Review

Dr. Martin Topper

January 13, 2015

Taurus has done it again. This innovative Brazilian company revolutionized personal defense handguns when it introduced the big-bore Judge in 2010. This year they’ve provided us with a whole new “curve” on deep concealment .380s.

Carrying a concealed handgun discreetly can sometimes be a problem. Even compact handguns can be hard to conceal when wearing light clothing in warm climates. This is especially true for people who are of small stature.

The size, weight and the overall squareness of most compact revolvers and semi-autos often makes them bulge at the waistband or print through a shirt, even when the best IWB holster is used. Some folks even have trouble concealing sub-compacts, so they resort to vests, fanny packs or special carry bags that too often are dead giveaways.

Taurus’ solution was simple in concept. Build a gun that doesn’t require a holster and give it a body-hugging lightweight polymer frame that is concave on the left side.

This allows the pistol to curve around a right-handed shooter’s hips when carried in the waistband on the right side or in a cross-draw position on the left. Curving the frame greatly reduces printing when you stand still, and when you move, the gun moves with you and doesn’t protrude.

Even if you don’t carry on your hip, the curved frame still offers advantages. Its unique shape makes the gun fit naturally in the right front pocket of most trousers. If noticeable at all, it looks like a wallet. It also carries nicely in some ankle rigs, and, for ladies who wear dresses, on the inside of the left leg in a thigh holster. The curved frame does limit the use of this gun for lefties.

Additional Features

In addition to its unique frame, the Curve has other features that improve its concealability and tactical utility. The edges of both the frame and slide are fully rounded, and there are no sharp or protruding edges on the pistol to cause the gun to print or dig into the flesh.

Rounding includes eliminating the slide-stop lever and replacing the magazine release button with a pressure release at the base of the pistol’s six-round magazine.

This helps avoid abrasion of skin and clothing. In fact, the only part that can catch on clothing is the frame-mounted belt clip, which after all, is intended to grip the waistband. For those who wish to carry only in a pocket or a leg-mounted holster, the clip can be removed by removing two screws.

Tactical innovations include the absence of sights on the slide that might catch on clothing. When carrying in a holster, the holster’s sight track helps prevent the sights from snagging when the gun is drawn. Instead of a gutter, the Curve has a built-in laser/light combination, which is very good for both sighting and target identification in low light. For shooting in bright daylight the pistol has white markings on the rear of the slide that intersect on the axis of the bore. They allow the shooter to index the bore on the target.

Finally, there are a number of safety features that should be mentioned. The Curve has a pop-up loaded chamber indicator and magazine safety that will not allow the pistol to be fired with the magazine removed. It also has a long double-action only trigger pull that helps prevent accidental discharges. The gun also comes with a polymer trigger cover, which may be used for carry.

Shots Fired

I tested the Curve indoors in low light at the ultra-modern Nexus Shooting Range near Miami and outdoors at the Flagler Gun Club in central Florida. All shooting was done at relatively close range, as this pistol is designed for close-in defensive shooting. In low light the built-in laser and light performed as designed and allowed for good shot placement. Outdoors using the bore indexing lines delivered reliable hits to the head, neck and center chest at 4 yards.

The Curve was test-fired with a variety of ball and hollow point ammunition. Functioning was excellent, as long as the gun was kept clean and lightly lubed. Given the critical alignment of its magazine and barrel, the Curve has close tolerances. Therefore heavy build-up of firing residue did cause a few failures to go fully into battery. Regular maintenance is advisable.

The Taurus Curve is one of the most innovative personal defense handguns to come along in the last several years. It is as sleek as a smartphone and the holsterless design will intrigue many prospective buyers. The built in laser and light is a great bonus. People looking for a concealable .380 semi-auto just might want to give the Curve a close look.

Taurus Curve
Caliber:   .380 ACP
Capacity:   7 rounds with one chambered
Barrel:   2.5 in.
Sights:   Built-in laser and bore axis indicator lines
Frame:   Polymer
Length:   5.18 in.
Height:   3.7 in.
Weight:   10.2 oz. unloaded
Options:   None
SRP:   $390
Website:   taurususa.com

This handgun review also appeared in the January 22, 2015 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Don’t Conceal Your Curiosity: Dive Into CCW Insights

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GUN DIGESTWE KNOW GUNS SO YOU KNOW GUNS

10mm Guns Unloaded: Our Best Reads

Glock 40 10mm

Fair game critters everywhere sounded air raid sirens on news of Ruger’s FTW Predator, which combines Gunsite Scout features with the M77 Hawkeye in what promises to be a formidable long-range varmint-blasting machine.

Ruger Hawkeye FTW Predator Features

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.22 Caliber 69 gr.

.22 Caliber 77 gr.

.30 Caliber 125 gr.

.30 Caliber 155 gr.

.30 Caliber 168 gr.

.30 Caliber 175 gr.

Taurus has done it again. This innovative Brazilian company revolutionized personal defense handguns when it introduced the big-bore Judge in 2010. This year they’ve provided us with a whole new “curve” on deep concealment .380s.

Additional Features

Shots Fired

Don’t Conceal Your Curiosity: Dive Into CCW Insights

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