A look at the prolific 9mm Luger cartridge, a worldwide favorite thatโs been with us since 1902.
The 9mm Luger, or 9mm Parabellum, was introduced in 1902 with the Luger automatic pistol. It was adopted first by the German Navy in 1904 and then by the German Army in 1908. Since that time, it has been adopted by the military of practically every non-communist power.
The 9mm Luger has become the worldโs most popular and widely used military handgun and submachine gun cartridge. In 1985, the 9mm Luger was adopted as the official military cartridge by U.S. Armed Forces, along with the Beretta Model 92-F (M-9) 15-shot semi-auto pistol.
General Comments
Although the 9mm Luger delivers good performance for police, military or sporting use, it was not popular in the United States until years after its inception. The principal reason was that no American-made arms were chambered for it initially. In 1954, Smith & Wesson brought out its Model 39 semi-automatic in this chambering, and Colt chambered its lightweight Commander for the 9mm Luger in 1951. This plus the influx of military pistols chambered for the 9mm greatly increased both popularity and acceptance in this country. Currently, the 9mm Luger is the most widely used cartridge in the United States, though a principal complaint has always been that the 9mm Luger lacks stopping power as a defensive cartridge.
However, the only automatic pistol cartridge with proven stopping power is the .45 Automatic. For hunting use, the 9mm Luger is adequate for most small game, if hollow-point bullets are used. Modern, premium, jacketed hollow-point loads can dramatically improve performance. A variety of 9mm loadings are offered by every major U.S. ammunition maker.
The term โstopping power,โ as referred to in the above text, is really nothing more than words used to describe something that gun writers have never been able to quantify like they do with velocity and group size. Since the 1980s, when the 9mm became a very popular cartridge for use by law enforcement officers, those who have conducted research into the ability of a handgun cartridge to actually โstopโ a bad guy have learned a great deal.
Additionally, modern bullet engineering, combined with the moderately high velocities obtainable with a 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P and 9mm Luger +P+ loads has changed not only the outlook on but the performance of the 9mm Luger. Extensive tests in 10 percent ordnance gelatin have shown that many defensive loads for the 9mm expand to a wider diameter and penetrate as deeply as many .45 Auto loadsโand they do this with a higher impact velocity, which translates to more tissue destruction.
The .22 Magnum pistol is a rare bird, but we pick four top options in the caliber to satiate even the most finicky rimfire fan.
A semi-automatic .22 Magnum pistol โฆ cue crickets chirping.
Popular as the souped-up rimfire cartridge has proven over the past 60 odd years itโs never really conquered the pistol market. Revolvers, those chamber in whatโs properly known as the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), shooters have them coming out their ears. But pistols tread on hen’s teeth territory.
Whatโs the deal? Thereโs a couple of things at play stacking the deck against the widespread production of .22 Magnum pistols.
More than anything, the cartridge poses a tricky proposition. Rimmed cartridges are notoriously finicky in box magazines. Load them incorrectlyโthat is, hitch a rim behind another rimโand youโre managing a failure to feed. Jam-o-matics arenโt a load of fun, even if they deliver more punch to their destination.
If that isnโt enough, the .22 Magnum is a high-pressure cartridge that doesnโt play nice with straight blowback systems. Instead a delayed blowback operation is required to function properly. The task is tall in a pistol, requiring elegant engineering. This leads to the next big issueโcost.
Inherently, given a delayed blowback operation is more mechanically complex than a straight blowback, it cost more to engineer, manufacture and QC. Faced with this, the suits crunching numbers at gun companies have a simple refrain: Screw it, make a .22 LR pistol! If theyโre ambitious, maybe theyโll roll the dice on a .22 Magnum revolver. Grimace if you must, but their calculus isnโt skewed.
Plus guns chambered for standard-bearer .22 LR not only cost less up front, but also in the long run. Savvy shoppers (in normal times) pay a dime or less per trigger pull of .22 LR; for .22 Magnum, theyโre ponying up nearer to a quarter per pop. That adds upโparticularly for plinking and pleasure shooting. Given these factors, itโs almost a wasteland when it comes to .22 Magnum pistols โฆ almost.
There are some notable exceptions, so we picked out four semi-autos that have what it takes to scratch the magnum-rimfire itch. But, be warned, the world isnโt exactly awash in options. So, as your mother most likely told you on more than one occasion, beggars canโt be choosers.
How I Chose The Best .22 Magnum Pistols
This was an easy task overall, because pickings are slim in the .22 Magnum pistol market. But I still did my due diligence and put each pistol through its paces honing in on each gun’s accuracy, ergonomics, price and overall reliability. The last one is an important point, because this class of pistol has a rough track record. After many rounds down range, some hard running of each gun, I came up with these as the top picks in .22 Magnum pistols.
Released in 2022, the WMP or Walther Magnum Pistol came as a bit of a surprise. It’s certainly on the more “tactical” side of handguns due to its inclusion of features like an optics-ready slide, and that isn’t typical of .22 Magnum pistols.
The WMP is a full-size, polymer-framed handgun with a 4.5-inch barrel and 15-round magazine capacity. It has a typical accessory rail on the underside and an optics-cut slide on top. The front sight is also fiber optic. The pistol is fully ambidextrous as well, in part thanks to its unique Quad release mechanism that features both a traditional button mag release and a Walther-style paddle release on each side.
These features combine to make the WMP a very versatile pistol, just like the cartridge it fires. With its optics-ready slide, it could be used in competition, for pest control or just for having a blast at the range. Regardless of your reason for wanting one, we believe that the new WMP will soon establish itself as one of the best .22 Magnum pistol designs on the market.
Overall, I found the pistol a pleasure to shoot and very accurate out to 15 yards. The Walther fit my hand perfectly, even if I do find the grip a bit unappealing to the eye. And all but for a few rounds at the beginning that failed to eject, I found the WMP very reliable.
Must buy the XT Pro variant if you want to mount an optic, and it has an MSRP $150 higher than the standard model
Rock Island XT 22 Magnum Specs Caliber: .22 Magnum Barrel Length: 5 inches Overall Length: 8.54 inches Weight: 40 ounces Magazine: 14 Rounds MSRP: $599 armscor.com
With a fraction of the fanfare it deserved, Rock Island launched its XT line a few years ago. Yet, the pistol deserves credit, it delivers on all accountsโaffordability, dependability and, above all, accuracy.
No surprise from the Filipino company that made its bones with economical 1911s, its .22 Magnum pistol cuts the same figure and has the same feel. The similarities stop there, but it’s still great news for anyone who loves the grip angle or aesthetics of the 1911. The XT is a top-ejector affair, somewhat reminiscent of a Beretta 92, with a unique two-piece barrel design thatโs part of the pistolโs delayed blowback operation. It sounds complicated, but honestly is a fairly straightforward system that pays dividends. Not only does it run like a top, but it makes for a trimmer, more manageable gun.
I found the XT has a real sporty feel to it, so it’s easy for to imagine it would do well in a competitive setting. I think the flat-top Pro model would make an interesting option for this with its full-length Picatinny rail on top of the slide. Certainly, the pistolโs configuration lends it to self-defense, though, I don’t believe the caliber should be anyone’s first choice. And even though itโs light, the XT is too large to make it a backup option.
Rock Island Armory Armscor XT 22 1911 22 WMR Magazine 51996
When the Kel-Tec labs unleashed this Frankensteinโs monster around a decade ago, it was met withโto be honestโfurrowed brows. (Mine included.) What exactly was the angle of the plasticity, futuristic-looking .22 Magnum pistol?
Not easily categorized, the new-wave heater nonetheless shouldered its way into the market, if for no other reason than sheer, unadulterated firepower. There arenโt many problems that canโt be solved with 30 rounds on tap.
Yes, for those unfamiliar with the PMR-30, thatโs its hookโcapacity. Which, when you put your mind to it, makes this fairly difficult to classify pistol quite useful for many applications. Backwoods insurance policy, rucksackโs best friend, inconspicuous truck gunโin essence, Jack-of-all-trades. Perhaps its most agreed-upon role is as a bug-out bag pistol.
Next to firepower, the PMR-30โs light weight is its greatest asset. Even fully juiced, it doesnโt weigh much more than a centerfire duty pistol. And for all its idiosyncrasies, the pistol is easy and comfortable to run, even delightful. It fit my hand well, boasted a snappy trigger and, thanks to Hi-Viz sights, is relatively quick on target. I like this gun and think it offers a lot for someone in the market for something a bit different, but functional.
Featuring the same TEMPO barrel system that debuted in Smith & Wesson’s M&P 5.7, the M&P 22 Magnum has a lot of advantages over .22 Mag. pistols with more traditional operating systems. That’s because the TEMPO system doesn’t allow for the barrel to cam open until after the bullet passes the gas port, increasing both reliability and accuracy. The only downside here is that the system only works well with certain types of ammo, but Smith & Wesson has already done extensive testing so you won’t need to guess. Use one of the several officially-recommended loads and you shouldn’t have any issues.
Besides the M&P 22 Magnum’s potential for great reliability, it has some excellent features as well. I, like anyone, love its 30-round magazine capacity. Kel-Tec had that market cornered for years, but now if you want a deluxe version of the PMR-30 you have the M&P to consider too. The pistol also comes ready to direct-mount RMSc-footprint optics and features a fiber optic front sight, a flat-faced trigger, a Picatinny rail and a thumb safety.
Of these, I appreciated the ability to mount an optic, which take the pistol a whole new level. As for the TEMPO system, working off S&W’s cheat sheet and shooting CCI Maxi-Mag, the pistol ran flawlessly for me. The only hitch I really found in the .22 Mag is its price tag, which runs a bit more than what many would like to drop on this class of pistol.
.22 Magnum pistols primarily shine on the ranch, in the woods and on the range. By that, we mean that .22 Magnum is an ideal round for pest control around one’s property, small game/varmint hunting and plinking. A .22 Mag. pistol could be used for self-defense, but for most people, there are a lot of better options available.
Is .22 Magnum more powerful than .22 LR?
Yes. Due to its larger case capacity, .22 Magnum rounds are loaded with more powder which results in higher velocities than what .22 LR is capable of producing. For our more in depth comparison of these two rounds, read .22 WMR Vs .22 LR: Application Defines This Rimfire Rumble.
Can you use .22 Magnum for self-defense?
You can, but we generally don’t recommend it. There are much better self-defense cartridges out there that offer more power and better reliability, but these come at the cost of greater recoil. For individuals with hand strength issues or other handicaps, a .22 Magnum pistol with a large magazine loaded with the right ammo may be the best option.
Editor’s Note: Adam Borisenko contributed to this article.
We examine just how vastly CCW laws can vary between states in the U.S and how to navigate that while traveling.
Constitutional carry exists in some states, like my home state of West Virginia. If Iโm traveling south, most of those states also have permitless carry, too โฆ but Virginia and North Carolina do not. If I travel north, things change because few of those states have permitless carry and some have no reciprocity with West Virginia.
If youโre traveling with a self-defense handgun, itโs important for you to know the law in every state you will pass through.
Possession/Ownership
First, I need to qualify everything youโre about to read by saying I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on the television, on the internet or in gun magazines. But I am a former police officer, special agent and a gun owner who has traveled into and through many states with a handgun. I still qualify my advice as something you can trust but that you should verify, because laws change. What I can tell you with certainty is that most of the law associated with firearms transport is black and white, but like with most everything else, some gray exists.
The first consideration when it comes to traveling with a handgun is whether you can legally possess a handgun in the state youโre traveling to or through. You must understand that possession and ownership are not the same thing.
For instance, you must be 21 to purchase a handgun in West Virginia, but you can obtain a concealed carry permit for a handgun at age 18. Regarding possessionโin generalโto legally possess a handgun you cannot answer โnoโ to any of the disqualifying questions on the ATF Form 4473 that you complete when you purchase a firearm. However, in some states, these prohibitions are extended and can include other disqualifiers and even magazine bans.
The point is, meeting the Federal requirements for possession might not be enough in some states. Do your research.
If you have a concealed carry permit with reciprocity or are only traveling in Constitutional Carry states, you can carry normally while traveling by automobile.
Traveling by Highway
If youโre traveling through a state that forbids handgun/high-capacity magazine ownership, you should/might still be legal if you lock your unloaded handgun in a case and secure it in an inaccessible location. This practice is protected through a provision of the Firearm Ownerโs Protection Act (FOPA) 18 United States Code 926A, which is intended to protect firearms owners when traveling throughout the United States with firearms.
Packing a handgun in a lockable case without ammo and storing it in a locked inaccessible location in your car should allow you to travel through states with the protections under FOPA โ 18 USC 926A.
However, I say might because this regulation is somewhat subject to interpretation. First, because, for FOPA protections to apply, you must be engaging in a lawful purpose, and you cannot extend your stay in the state where the firearm/magazine is illegal by staying overnight.
Essentially, the protection applies while moving, and if you only stop for food, fuel and a brief rest. If you were engaged in an accident, become too ill to travel, or if your vehicle breaks down, a problem could arise. Iโve heard multiple horror stories related to citizens who believed they were protected by FOPA in states with stringent firearm laws. Even though youโre not in violation of federal law, you could still be arrested, charged and convicted of violating state law. This is exactly why I do not travel to New York, with or without a handgun.
Traveling by Air
One way to circumvent highway travel concerns with a handgun is to travel by air because you cannot violate the anti-gun laws of a state while airborne. So, how do you legally fly with a handgun?
You must declare a firearm at check in, and make sure itโs inside a locked container that will travel as checked luggage. You must meet the container/case requirements of the airline, and you might be required to show that itโs unloaded. This can create some anxiety at the check-in desk, so make sure you communicate effectively with the gate agent.
If they are lockable, the hard-sided box some handguns come in are sufficient for air travel.
I suggest you avoid TSA locks, because theyโre not required and provide minimal security. Also, check in advance with the airline for any additional requirements.
But air travel is not a foolproof way to avoid issues. If youโre traveling from and to a state where handgun possession is legal, but you have a layover or youโre diverted to a state where handgun possession is not legal, you might have a problem if the layover requires you to reclaim your luggage. Technically, you should still be afforded the protections under FOPA 18 USC 926A, but donโt count on it. Make sure your itinerary does not include those states, because air travel is unpredictable.
Carry Permit
Currently, more states have Constitutional carry than not. This is a good and bad thing for gun owners. Itโs good because it eliminates a restriction on your Second Amendment right and worries about traveling through some states. Itโs bad because it has led to many gun owners not securing a concealed carry permitโthat with state reciprocity can prevent them from running afoul with the law for merely traveling with a handgun. I specifically acquired my carry permit in West Virginia so I could legally carry in VirginiaโI only live nine miles from the border.
If you are traveling by automobile in a state with carry permit reciprocity, be sure to have your carry permit and driverโs license with you.
With carry permit reciprocity for a state youโll be traveling through, you can alleviate some traveling concerns, but that state might also have a magazine capacity restriction. And, as I said at the outset, laws change. As of this writing, legislation is in play in Virginia that would make possession of a magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds illegal, and it would also eliminate carry reciprocity with West Virginia.
The bottom line is that, if you have any doubt about the legality of traveling with a handgun, contact the State Attorney Generalโs office in your state and in any state youโre traveling too. While the adage that โforgiveness might be easier to obtain than permissionโ might work with your wife when you buy a new gun, donโt count on it to keep you out of jail if you violate state gun laws.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2026 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 7 new bits of guns and gear to grow your firearms wish list.
Springfieldโs SA-35 is an excellent take on the iconic Browning Hi-Power, but if there was one aspect of the original version worth complaining about, it was its matte blue finish. Thankfully, thatโs no longer a problem as the company has just launched a version featuring an absolutely gorgeous polished blue finish. The cherry on top of this aesthetic upgrade is a set of darker checkered walnut grips to complement the deep bluing. Itโs otherwise the same old reliable SA-35, even down to its price tag. MSRP: $800
Rise Armament Rev 535 Trigger
Everyone enjoys an upgraded trigger in their AR, but few enjoy the installation process of hammering pins. With Rise Armamentโs new Rev 535, improving your rifleโs bang switch has literally never been easier. The companyโs calling it a โslide-and-snap AR triggerโ, as it features built-in spring-loaded pins and requires no tools to install. You simply depress the pins by hand, drop it into your receiver and basically wiggle it into place until the pins lock into their respective holes. At SHOT, we saw people do it in literal seconds. Once installed, the single-stage Rev 535 trigger provides a crisp 3- to 3.5-pound break, and the blade face is rapidly interchangeable too, letting you swap between flat and curved on the fly (both are included). It even comes in different colors. MSRP: $280
Falco Leather Wallet Pocket Holster
Pocket carry isnโt the best way to tote around a handgun, but sometimes convenience trumps factors like draw speed. For times when you need to quickly throw some defense in your pocket before heading out the door, Falcoโs new leather wallet pocket holster looks like a very nice option. Itโs designed to create the outline of a wallet while stowed, so even if someone looks below your belt, theyโll be none the wiser that youโre packing. The holsters are available in a huge variety of different pistol makes and model fitments and are handmade with full-grain Italian leather. MSRP: $80
KelTec PR-3AT
If nothing else, KelTec sure keeps things interesting. Case in point, the new PR-3AT. This .380 ACP pocket pistol is tiny, super lightweight and fed via stripper clip like the companyโs previous PR-5.7 design. Its lack of a removable magazine combined with its rotary barrel system and polymer frame results in a weight of less than 10 ounces when unloaded. Capacity is 10+1 for the short-gripped variant and 13+1 for the version with a longer grip. The larger model is available with a factory-installed Viridian RFX1 green dot sight, too. As far as deep concealment pistols and backup guns go, this might be the best new option on the market. MSRP: $400
Ruger Harrier Rifles
Ruger has completely overhauled its AR-15 offerings with the Harrier line. Featuring two models, both chambered for 5.56 NATO, the company says the new rifles are being manufactured with a major focus on improved fit, function and features. Made in Rugerโs newly acquired factory in Hebron, Kentucky, the two Harrier variants are very similar but differ in a few key ways. Namely, Model 28600 has a mid-length gas system, a Magpul stock and grip, and an M-Lok handguard with a full-length STANAG top rail, while Model 28601 features a carbine-length gas system, an A2 grip, M4-style carbine stock and a lighter handguard with no full-length top rail. Both models utilize the same 16.1-inch nitrided barrel with a 1:8 twist and ship with A2 flash hiders. MSRP: Model 28600 $750; Model 28601 $700
Lyman Sonicore Suppressors
Lyman entering the suppressor game wasnโt an expected move, but a welcome one. With the tax stamp fee for suppressors now being $0, what the market was in dire need of was a line of cans that prioritized value, and thatโs exactly what Lymanโs new Sonicore line is giving us. Featuring 10 different models, all are priced below $300. Available models currently include the Skarv 22, Valor 9, Rekkr Direct Thread (.223 and .30), Rekkr Overbarrel (.223 and .30), Paradox Direct Thread (.223 and .30) and Paradox Overbarrel (.223 and .30). The .22 and 9mm Sonicore suppressors are made entirely of 6026-T9 aluminum, making them incredibly lightweight, while the .223 and .30-caliber models utilize a mix of 303 stainless steel for durability and 6026-T9 aluminum to help keep them lightweight as well. MSRP: $200 to $300, model dependent
Ambient Arms Suppressors
We donโt throw this term around lightly, but Ambient Armsโ new EXO suppressors may really be a game changer. The company calls the heart of the new cans the Ambient Intake System, and it results in significantly cooler operating temperatures by using intake ports and โstrategic low-pressure zonesโ that draw cool air inside during firing. Ambient Arms says the new system didnโt require any compromise with other aspects of the EXO suppressors either, as they still do a great job of reducing report, muzzle flash and even back pressure. Ambient Armsโ lineup currently includes two sizes of 5.56 EXO models and the Stratos .22 thatโs rated from .22 LR up to 5.7x28mm. MSRP: EXO 5.56, $1,350 // EXO 5.56i Mini, $1,400 // Stratos .22, $500
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Since its introduction, the 10mm Auto has been putting magnum power into semi-auto pistols. In recent years, it’s had a bit of a resurgence in popularity.
My introduction to 10mm pistols came in the fall of 2014. I wanted to try some handgun hunting, and Iโm a huge fan of 1911-style pistols. But the .45 ACP just didnโt have the punch needed for deer and hog hunting โ not at any sort of distance anyway. I kept reading about this 10mm Auto, though, available in 1911-type pistols and with power nearly on par with the .41 Magnum.
My first 10mm was a PARA Elite LS Hunter with a 6-inch barrel, and I used it on a couple of deer hunts that fall. Unsuccessfully. Anytime I went afield with the PARA, I either saw no deer or they were 200 yards away. But in the spring of 2015 I took the PARA to Texas in search of feral hogs. Seven hogs later, I was hooked.
Since then, Iโve had the good fortune to shoot more than 15 different models of 10mm pistols, reviewing several of them for publications. Iโve fired a couple thousand rounds of 10mm Auto in that time, using a dozen brands of ammunition, on the range and afield โ the latter while taking wild hogs and deer.
These are among the things Iโve learned about the amazing 10mm Auto.
10mm Auto Basics
First, if you can shoot it well, the 10mm is a much more powerful self-defense round compared to the 9mm or .40 S&W. The larger weight of 10mm bullets and the sheer ballistic superiority of the 10mm round make it so. Most 10mm rounds are loaded with 180- to 200-grain bullets and zip along at 1,150 to 1,250 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle. This is why, for example, handgun hunters use the 10mm โ not the 9mm.
Second, it does take some time and practice for most people to learn to shoot the 10mm well. The reason? It has considerably more recoil than the 9mm or the .40 S&W. And more than the .45 ACP, too, Iโd argue, unless you are using .45 ACP+P loads. Most pistols made for the 10mm are considerably heavier than other semi-autos, so they can be harder to aim with consistency, too. In my opinion, each individual shooter will have to evaluate their own skills and circumstances to determine whether a 10mm pistol is the right choice for them. If you can master it, however, you’ll be better armed than most.
Third, the 10mm is a versatile round, able to shoot farther and with more power than most other pistol cartridges. They are a lot of fun to shoot and to hunt with, and I think that every serious handgunner should at least give one a try.
The history of the 10mm is wrapped up with Col. Jeff Cooper, founder of the Gunsite training facility and the father of the โModern Techniqueโ style of pistol training. Cooper was a huge fan of the 1911 platform. But he also understood the limitations of the .45 ACP round. While the big, lumbering 230-grain bullet was a great fight-stopper at relatively close ranges, it quickly lost power as distances increased.
According to various sources, Col. Cooper wanted a better combat pistol round, one with enough energy to launch a 200-grain bullet at 1,200 fps. Some have labeled Cooper as the โinventorโ of the 10mm. But gun writer Richard Mann, who has researched and written about Cooper more than anyone I know, says Cooper was more of an โinspirationโ to the genesis of the 10mm, not the guy who made it.
In 1983, the 10mm Auto was introduced to the world in the form of the Bren Ten semi-automatic pistol. The initial ammunition, according to Cartridges of the World, 13th Edition, was designed and loaded by Norma with a 200-grain bullet. โMuzzle energy is about double that of the .45 Automatic,โ the bookโs authors note.
After the infamous 1986 Miami bank robbery โ which saw two FBI agents killed by a pair of very well-armed bank robbers โ the FBI looked for a new round; the FBIโs duty-issued 9mm had proven itself generally ineffective against the two Miami hoods. The 10mm was the agencyโs choice โ but only for a while. The 10mmโs stout recoil and fairly expensive ammunition led the FBI to eventually switch over to the .40 S&W.
For nearly 20 years, the 10mm languished. The occasional pistol was produced, and ammunition offerings were very limited across the board.
But it certainly didnโt go away.
The 10mm Auto Renaissance
PARA and a couple other gun makers got the 10mm going once again several years ago: PARA unveiled the aforementioned Elite LS Hunter, and from this the round and pistol began its current steady resurgence.
Now, I doubt that the 10mm will ever be as popular as its smaller 9mm cousin. Thereโs too much recoil in the 10mm round for most shooters, and too much weight in most of the pistols chambered for it. And thatโs okay.
But we like bigger and faster. When shooters started to see more 10mms on the market and began hearing that the 10mm round was indeed bigger and faster than the 9mm and the .40 S&W โ with superior muzzle energy versus the .45 ACP โ more people like myself started trying it. And we quickly discovered what a gem a good 10mm pistol truly is.
How I Chose The Best 10mm Pistols
As mentioned, since my introduction to 10mm in 2014, I’ve gotten to put thousands of rounds downrange through a wide variety of different models. My experience with and knowledge of 10mm pistols has certainly expanded in the interim. My appreciation for the cartridge has only grown since then, and I’ve come to enjoy the caliber in more platforms than the 1911.
There are many great options out there, including some that were very hard for me to leave off of this list. That said, for these categories, I had to decide which model was the best for each. No runner-ups here.
Based on my trigger time behind over a dozen 10mm handguns, I compared the qualities of each ranging from their reliability and ergonomics to their general features and price. Depending on the category, some of those took priority over than others. Regardless, whether you’re looking for a powerful defensive gun for the waistband, the nightstand or bear country, I’m confident that one of these 10mm pistols will get the job done.
The Glock 20 has been around for many years, and itโs a nice handgun: accurate, durable, lighter in weight than most 10mms and packs lots of firepower with its 15-round magazine and one in the chamber. For years, folks hunting in big bear country have favored this model as their sidearm, and I think it’s a great choice for that.
When it comes to bear defense, reliability and power are paramount, and the Glock 20 has both of those qualities in spades. Even for other uses outside of bears, this no-frills full-size 10mm would make a great choice for just about everything besides concealed carry.
Besides that, as is true of all Glocks, the G20 has excellent aftermarket support. Finding a holster, upgrading certain components or adding accessories won’t be a problem. Glock even offers a Gen 5 MOS model now if you want to add a red dot to it. At the end of the day, I just think it’s hard to go wrong with a Glock.
Colt was one of the few gun makers that kept offering the 10mm in lean times, in the form of the Delta Elite, a 1911 with a 5-inch barrel. Colt also offers a variant that has a rail beneath the barrel for mounting hardware if that’s something that appeals to you. I put 300 rounds through one recently, and itโs a solid, accurate pistol. I found the Novak sights to be a real treat as well.
Some people simply prefer hammer-fired handguns with metal frames, and others just love 1911s. Whatever your reasoning may be, if you want a solid 10mm pistol that’s not polymer and striker-fired, the Colt Delta Elite is a great option. 1911s are so slim that you could even carry it without much problem. It’s only major drawback compared to some others on this list is its capacity.
Some would maybe describe the FN 510 Tactical as overkill, but when it comes to a home-defense gun, I think it’s just right. Why go small when size doesn’t matter in the nightstand?
It comes with a flush-fit 15-round mag and an extended 22-round mag, so capacity shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re defending against a zombie horde. On top of that, it’s probably the most feature-rich 10mm pistol on the market. Out of the box it comes ready to mount a wide variety of red dot sights, a suppressor or compensator and, naturally, a light or laser. The trigger isn’t my favorite, but it’s not terrible either and people say it gets better the more you shoot it.
If all you’re after is maximizing your firepower in a relatively compact, suppressible package, the 510 is the gun for you.
SIG Sauer P220 Legion Specs Action: DA/SA Safety: W/ or w/o manual thumb safety Barrel Length: 5 Inches Overall Length: 8.8 Inches Weight: 44 Ounces Capacity: 8+1 MSRP: $1,599
SIGโs P220 line started life as a .45 ACP, but a while back the company introduced some 10mm variants of the P220 as well. Currently, however, the only P220 model offered by SIG in 10mm is the Legion Full-Size. Featuring a Legion Gray finish, these pistols sport 5-inch barrels, SRT (Short-Reset Trigger) DA/SA triggers and steel guide rods. They also come with optics-ready slides and X-RAY3 Day/Night sights.
You may want to try and find some now-discontinued 10mm P220s on the used market, such as the Hunter with a Kryptek camo finish, as the Legion series guns are from SIG’s top-shelf and cost a pretty penny. That said, if you can afford it, I think the upgrades found throughout the P220 Legion should be appreciated. Plus, given the sheer heft of the P220, it makes for a smooth shooter as far as 10mm pistols go.
If you prefer DA/SA pistols over SAO or striker-fireds, this is as good as it gets in 10mm.
Maybe the best in the affordable category of 10mm pistol options, the XD-M Elite holds its own against all comers. The line of Springfield Armoryโs polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols are renowned for well thought out ergonomics, making it a very controllable launchpad for the โPerfect 10โ. Plus, the guns are available in a slew of configurations from compact carry piece to the duty-sized.
Honestly, I think the XD-M in all its iterations offers shooters an accurate and solid 10mm pistolโone many have found more than fills the role of a heavy hitter, but I think that the 3.8-inch compact is the XD-M model that really steals the show.
There are other small, carry-sized 10mm pistols out there, but I don’t think any of them have as good of ergonomics or features as the XD-M Elite. It even fits one more round in its flush-fit mags than the compact 10mm Glock 29 does. If you’re looking for a powerful 10mm that can disappear in an IWB holster, this little Springfield Armory is likely your best bet. That said, don’t be afraid to check out the other models as well if you’re shopping for a full-size pistol.
If you love your 10mm, you must feed it, and there are more ammunition choices today in this caliber than ever before. Among those I have used and do recommend, are:
Barnes Bullets: The VOR-TX firing a 155-grain all-copper XPB Bullet is ideally suited for whitetail deer and hog hunting.
SIG Sauer: The Elite Performance FMJ in 10mm is a solid range and practice round, while the 10mm V-Crown load with a 180-grain JHP bullet is a great option for both hunting and self-defense.
Federal Premium: Federalโs American Eagle line of range ammo includes the 10mm with a 180-grain FMJ bullet, and itโs a workmanโs choice for practice. And what about for hunting? The Trophy Bonded Bear Claw with a 180-grain bonded soft point bullet is tough to beat.
Hornady: The Critical Duty 10mm round with a 175-grain FlexLock bullet has โman stopperโ written all over it. Gel tests say so, too. For hunters, the Custom brand is the choice. Itโs loaded with the 180-grain XTP bullet, a lead core covered by gilding metal, for deep penetration on the toughest game animals and reliable expansion.
Remington: The Remington UMC in 10mm is about the most reasonably priced choice for the range I have found. Itโs clean burning, too.
Many more 10mm ammunition brands and pistols are available today, too, and I expect a good number of new entries in coming years. Yes, itโs a great time to be a fan of the 10mm. Jump in now, before the 10mm waters get too crowded!
10mm Pistol FAQ
Is 10mm Stronger Than .45 ACP?
Yes. 10mm Auto has a higher muzzle velocity and more energy than .45 ACP, it also retains more of that velocity and energy over greater distances. That said, “stronger” isn’t a well-defined term when it comes to comparing handgun cartridges, and .45 ACP’s larger diameter and typically heavier projectiles lends itself to potentially better expansion with hollow-points.
Will a 10mm Stop A Grizzly Bear?
Yes, but only with proper shot placement. 10mm is on record as having killed grizzly bears before, but you still have to do your part to hit the right spots.
Why Did The FBI Get Rid Of 10mm?
While the FBI did adopt 10mm Auto and then subsequently decommission it, it’s only partly true to say that they “got rid of it.” The cartridge’s hefty recoil combined with the large grips of the Smith & Wesson 1076 pistol were too much to handle for most average FBI agents, leading them to adopt .40 S&W instead. However, FBI HRT and SWAT teams did continue to use it, at least for a period.
What is a 10mm handgun good for?
10mm handguns are relatively versatile in their usefulness due to the several different styles and sizes that are now available. Boasting significantly more power than 9mm, 10mm is capable of putting down grizzly bears, bandits and everything in between. That power also makes 10mm handguns viable for hunting game like whitetail deer and boar. As long as you can handle the stronger recoil, a 10mm handgun would be a good choice for certain kinds of hunting, bear defense, some forms of competition shooting and even for protection against human attackers as a home defense or concealed carry gun.
KelTec has just announced the KP50, a 5.7x28mm braced pistol with a 50-round magazine.
If thereโs one thing you can expect from KelTec, itโs the unexpected, and the companyโs latest oddball firearm is the KP50. Itโs similar to their previous P50 design as theyโre both chambered for 5.7x28mm and feed from 50-round P90 magazines, but the new KP50 has been improved in several ways.
The standard KelTec KP50.
The first key improvement is that the magazines now insert from the bottom of the KP50 and theyโre drop-free. The P50 had a top-loading design with a hinged upper that had to be lifted to insert it. Even better, KelTec is offering what it calls the Jungle Clip for the KP50 that allows you to clamp two mags together and double your on-board capacity. It also now features a much nicer machined lower receiver and uses a KelTec SU16 trigger group.
The KelTec KP50 with a pistol brace and two magazines attached via Jungle Clip.
The KelTec KP50 is available in several different configurations. The base model (MSRP $900) is a pistol that has a rear Picatinny rail for mounting a brace or stock. Alternatively, you can order the braced model that comes with KelTecโs brace preinstalled as well as two magazines and a Jungle Clip ($1,100). If you donโt mind doing the Form 4 paperwork and waiting a bit, you could order it directly as an SBR with a folding stock instead ($1,100). A select-fire version called the MP50 is being made as well, but of course, itโs only available to militaries and law enforcement agencies. KelTec says that all KP50 variants will start hitting shelves in early Q2.
The American Custom Gunmakers Guild dives into what it takes to make gorgeous custom and engraved guns.
American firearms have woven themselves into the national tapestry since European settlers found their way to the East Coast of America hundreds of years ago. Many setting foot on new soil brought their trade knowledge with them: furniture makers, metal and woodworkers, all eager to begin carving out a life in their new country. While some immigrants hung out their shingle as a continuation of their livelihoods in Europe, many found work in the fledgling American firearms industry, bringing generational skills and knowledge to the embryonic trade. Furniture makers became stockbuilders, machinists barrelmakers, even farm equipment manufacturers set their sights on fulfilling their new countryโs burgeoning need for firearms.
And Americaโs gun trade hasnโt looked back since, building on and improving traditional methods to become a bastion of firearm manufacturing efficiency. While the benefits of mass-producing guns canโt be argued with, there is a select group of artisans who still prefer to build firearms one at a time. They can be found not on a stool in an assembly line or a lengthy corporate roster, but laboring over a multitude of their own machines and tooling, creating all or part of a custom gun for a discriminating client. A custom or bespoke gun is handmade to the customerโs specifications and highlights numerous talents of the builder or builders and incorporates several trade disciplines, including custom stock or grips, barrel, metalwork and engraving to name a few. When done by a skilled hand, the firearm will exceed expectations and not feel like adding another piece of steel to the gun safe but more like welcoming a new member of the family.
The ACGG Is Born
In the interest of expanding and passing on the custom gun trade in the U.S., the American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG) was founded. Several people from the industry began sharing booth space at an NRA show in the early 1980s, hosting gunmakers to meet with prospective clients and others interested in the trade. In 1983, recognizing the benefits of banding together, a small group of forward-thinking individuals each pitched in $100 and formed the first iteration of the Guild as a corporation in Texas; the inaugural show was held shortly thereafter.
The ACGG quickly found its footing and has continued to expand over the years, becoming the preeminent organization for American custom gunmakers. The members help and learn from each other while becoming masters of the craft, driving up the bar for custom gun work across the nation. The Guild website reads:
The mission of the ACGG is manifold. As an entity, the ACGG will strive to function as a venue for the exchange of ideas concerning the craft and promote public awareness of custom gunmakers and their craft. While promoting the betterment of custom gunmaking, we ะตstablish standards of excellence within the field of custom gunmaking and ethical guidelines to benefit those who create and use custom guns. ACGG nurtures and develops the next generation of custom gunmakers. ACGG follows through on its pledge by working with gunsmithing schools across the country, having professional members give guest lectures and presentations throughout the year to students new to the trade.
The vision of the ACGG is to be the preeminent entity in the United States for custom sporting firearms knowledge, skill, craftsmanship and artisanship. The ACGG aims to be the go-to organization for those seeking knowledge of custom sporting firearms or wishing to have a custom sporting firearm crafted.
With this in mind, the Guild created an ethics board that ensures a potential clientโs investment will be protected by holding memberโs work to the standard its become known for; if thereโs ever a concern, a buyer can contact the board for remediation.
Remington rolling block chambered in 40-65, octagon bridge, custom sporting triggerguard and MVA mid-range sight. Barrel polished and profiled with Rigby flats by Morris Melani of Alaska Arms, LLC, a Guild professional member. Photo: Matthew Horninger at Black Diamond Gunworks.
The Guild has two categories of membership: Associate and Professional.According to the Guild: Accomplished gunmakers are few and far between. But youโll find most of them are members of ACGG. And theyโre all ready to pass on the craft and keep this fine art alive. You are invited to join as an associate and enjoy the fellowship of others who appreciate firearms crafted by hand from exquisite wood and fine metal with intricate design and attention to every detail. As an associate member, you will be part of a unique association that helps ensure that the art of combining wood and metal into collectible and usable firearms continues. We invite anyone who appreciates this work to join as an associate. Associate members can join online at ACGG.org for a modest yearly fee.
Professional members must be an associate for a minimum of one year and submit samples of their work to be voted on by other professional members at one of the shows attended by a quorum of members. Professional members are craftspersons who actively work in the custom gunmaking trade and are willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to associate members eager to learn this unique craft. Both memberships receive access to the quarterly publication of the Guild, Gunmaker. Edited by Dave Norin, a Guild professional member, itโs brimming with how-to articles, current and past projects of members, and other useful information for those interested in the custom gun trade.
Recognizing that custom gunbuilding doesnโt neatly fall under one umbrella, the Guild has a variety of categories for members to join in. Trades represented and able to test for professional membership are: stockmaker, barrelmaker, pistolsmith, metalsmith, metal finisher, engraver, checkering specialist, toolmaker and casemaker. All of the requirements for work to be tested can be found on the ACGG site. Once accepted at the professional level, the member will enjoy the benefits of having their work featured on Guild social media if desired, access to Guild forums, as well as discounts at certain industry sites and businesses. For those who have questions about the membership process, the ACGG has several points of contact to help facilitate, all found on the website.
Colt 1911 chambered in 38 Super and nitre-blued by Ted Yost, engraved and French grayed by Melissa McMinn, charcoal blued by Doug Turnbull; all ACGG professional members. Photo: Matthew Horninger at Black Diamond Gunworks.
As a new addition to the Gun Digest, this series will focus on a different ACGG category each year, giving an introductory look into what it takes to master the art of custom gunmaking. This yearโs focus is stockmaking; letโs pull back the curtain on this Old World craft and dive in.
Stockmaking
Inherent in the process of stocking a custom firearm is a tremendous amount of artistic freedom. From wood selection to laying out stock lines and choosing a checkering pattern and finish, the stock is the equivalent of a race car chassis, steering wheel, and accelerator. One must only sit behind the wheel to get a sense of the balance and artistry of a top-tier performance machine.
Dennis Earl Smith, aka โThe Stock Doctor,โ and arguably one of this countryโs most talented gunmakers, put it succinctly, โYou build the gun to the shooter.โ Length of pull, pitch, cast and toe measurements are planned for, documented and laid out well before any chips are made. The result born, after weeks or months of labor and numerous steps documented below, is a firearm that points instinctively like an extension of the body and can raise goosebumps with its accoutrements.
A Springfield 1903 G&H Classic Sporter chambered in 30-โ06, stock and metalwork by Tyrell Christensen, engraving by Chris Rossiter, both Guild professional members.
A complete, finished project can be nothing short of awe-inspiring, but what goes into the creation of such snappy, well-appointed firearms? The first step in crafting a one-of-a-kind gun begins when a job is commissioned and wood is chosen for the upcoming project.
Wood Selection
While there may seem to be innumerable options when one starts looking for a stock blank for a project, most custom firearms are stocked in some type of walnut. Sharon Dressel of Yakima, Washingtonโa Guild professional member and purveyor of gunstock blanksโwas kind enough to tour the author through her inventory and point out different characteristics of the wood gunmakers look for and why. Perusing row upon row of blanks, Dressel would occasionally pull a piece out and, with a practiced eye, point out characteristics sheโd been describing like the sought-after fiddleback, crotch feather and marble cake pieces, referring to different grain structure in the wood.
According to Dressel, a specific stock blank is chosen for various reasons. These can include: type of wood (there is a plethora of walnut types, each with their own characteristics, with four varieties: California English, Turkish Circassian, Bastogne, and Black being widely used for stockmaking), uniformity of grain structure (for even workability throughout the inletting and shaping process), whether the blank is slab, quarter, or rift sawn (referring to how the grain is presented in the blank), as well as any โfigure,โ meaning visually obvious wood characteristics that add to the woodโs appeal. Moisture content and how the blank was dried and aged also play a role as improperly dried wood has ruined more than one stock job. With an appropriate blank chosen for the project, itโs time to move on to the layout.
Stock Layout
Layout refers to taking an individual shooterโs measurements and transferring that information into stock dimensions complementing the shooterโs form, style and body type. When fitted correctly, a custom gun wonโt feel forced when mounted, it will feel like itโs going home, and the difference in performance and handling can be quite astounding.
Layout is of utmost importance from beginning to end to hold lines and measurements as the stock is shaped. Photo: Jeff Tapp.
Numerous books have been written on gun measurements, as well as the โhowโ and โwhyโ for arriving at said measurements for a project. Michael Yardleyโs Gunfitting is an excellent resource and starting point to help understand the intricacies that go into measuring a stock for a specific shooter. When practical, stockmakers start with a pattern stock first, observing the clientโs shooting style, and make fine adjustments before beginning the build on a fine piece of wood.
Once the rough measurements are taken, itโs time to build a roadmap of sorts to avoid project creep. The stockmaker will trace the top metal onto a piece of graph or butcher paper, then begin to draw the stock profile onto the corresponding metal tracing. Once roughed in, theyโll ensure all the dimensions are correct for the length of pull, cast, toe, pitch, etc. Now, with a life-size drawing, they design and sketch the stock details, paying attention to how the metal and wood lines correspond with each other. Drawing complete, the tracing is cut out and transferred to the stock blank with a pencil, making sure the figure and grain flow in the blank corresponds to the location of the tracing. With the wood marked, a saw is used to cut around the border leaving the material slightly proud of the lines.
Inletting
Now that the extra material is removed, the centerline of the bore measurement and the trigger location are marked, to be used to verify dimensions recorded on the tracing. With the initial measurements done, the buttplate is laid out and marked with the corresponding pitch, cast and toe measurements. The grip and forend cap locations will be located and marked as well if the project requires it. Next, the top and bottom metal can be set by carefully using scrapers, chisels, gouges and other handtools to bring them into the wood. Inletting black [ink] is brushed on the metal surface that contacts the wood to be removed, a black transfer on the wood indicates a high spot to be brought down. Although a painstaking and tedious process, the receiver and barrel should seat with nominal, uniform tolerancesโmeasured in thousandths of an inchโthroughout when finished.
Shaping
The metal is set in the stock and all measurements are verified. Now itโs time to start bringing the comb, forend and wrist lines that were sketched on the tracing into the stock and merging them into one piece of art. Flow lines drawn in grease pencil help to keep uniformity and prevent too much material from being removed as areas are blended together by chisel and plane.
Sanding
Rough sanding incorporates rougher grit sandpaper (150-280) and must be done carefully to not roll or dull edges that were cut in the shaping process. With care, this step will remove the final, thick layer of wood needing to be sanded, with each finer grit removing the previous roundโs deepest mark. Whiskering between sanding takes place until the maker is satisfied with the result.
Whiskering is accomplished when warm water is rubbed onto a stock by rag or hand, then allowed to dry, raising the worked, broken wood fibers to be sanded off; it can take numerous times between sandings before all of the damaged grain is raised and sanded smooth to the touch.
Finish sanding is next. Progressively finer sandpaper (320-2000) allows the sander to finish prep their work for sealing and finishing while removing very little material from the stock.
Sanding and finishing is the final step before checkering. Photo: Jeff Tapp.
Finishing
While wood can be cut and transformed into beautiful, purposeful material for stockmakers, it doesnโt lose its proclivity for gaining and losing moisture throughout its life cycle from tree to blank to stock, thus, it requires a suitable finish for the environments it will be exposed to.
Personal preference dictates a choice between an โin the woodโ or โon the woodโ finish, although hand-rubbed oil-urethane finishes rule the day when it comes to the custom gun world. An โin the woodโ finish is applied over many days and many coats, allowing time for the finish to soak into the wood fibers before another coat is applied. These are generally considered complete after the stock absorbs less than a drop or two per coat when rubbed into the wood, indicating the pores are full of oil. A coat of wax can be applied at this point to add an additional layer of protection. An โon the woodโ finish is as the name suggests, layered on the exterior of the stock with minimal absorption yet generally faster drying times and higher luster. All finishes, like automotive paint, will need to be touched up and taken care of occasionally to get the long-lasting protection desired for a custom gun.
Checkering
Checkering, at its most rudimentary, is a tactile way to better grip a firearm; at its finest, itโs exquisite art mixed with functional beauty. Itโs also the last step in the custom stock but it can ruin it just as surely as the first. Given that, many custom gunmakers prefer to send their work to checkering specialists who can adorn the newly crafted stock appropriately. Those who do their own choose from two options: hand or power checkering. The hand checkering method uses a series of tools to lay out lines per inch (lpi) and diamond ratio of the checkering; when satisfied, the artisan traces a pattern onto the stock before cutting several โmaster linesโ to help guide the layout. Power checkering is laid out the same way but instead of scratching in lines one or two at a time by hand, checkerers hold a tool reminiscent of a dentistโs drill, with a choice of different power options and a small wheel that cuts the lines as it rides over the workpiece. Custom checkering jobs, depending on their incorporated features, can take tens of hours to complete correctly and, conversely, are ruined in one careless slip of a tool.
Checkering is an art unto itself and takes tens of hours to complete on a custom job. Photo: Jeff Tapp.
After passing through the stockmakerโs hands, a custom gun is well on its way with a major component complete. Before the project is done, it will pass across more artisansโ benches: a barrelmaker will carefully turn a piece of metal stock into a one-of-a-kind tube, a metalsmith will use contours and lines to seamlessly join barrel and receiver together, adding custom touches to triggers, scope rings and more. The metal must then be finished, with a variety of choices and processes, the builder is only hindered by their imagination. While some gunmakers prefer to keep most or all of the building process in-house, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild has categories for vetted, professional members that are experts in their chosen fields and often collaborate on projects together.
Conclusion
A custom gun, whether it be a shotgun, pistol or rifle, hearkens back to early America and the craftspeople who had a hand in helping a young country find her feet. The many disciplines it takes to craft a firearm are being honed, nurtured and passed on in a host of shops across America as gunmakers live out the ACGG words: Accomplished gunmakers are few and far between. But youโll find most of them are members of ACGG. And theyโre all ready to pass on the craft and keep this fine art alive.
If youโre interested in learning more about the custom gun world or in joining the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, check out ACGG.org for more information.
While recognizing there are many ways to skin the proverbial cat, this article strives to highlight general workflow ideas provided by Guild members and the authorโs research. It features โbuilding from the blankโ and not semi-inletted or duplicated stocks, although the process is similar.
ZeroTechโs compact Thrive HD 1-4 Prism might just be the best bargain of the year for an everyday carbine optic.
Think of it as a variable-power ACOG. Taking up about as much space as a TA31, ZeroTechโs newest model gives users a true 1x bottom end, with just enough magnification to consistently hit torso-sized targets out to 600 yards in field conditions. Best of all, it does it at a very affordable price.
Sitting atop this well-used AR, the Thrive HD 1-4 seems right at home as a jack-of-all-trades optic.
Optics are one of the few areas of the gun space where weโve seen steady, consistent improvements in the past couple of decades, to the point where if you showed someone from the mid aughties what they could have for their (Biden-flation adjusted) money, theyโd shake their head in disbelief. LPVOs are prevalent on general-purpose carbines, and for lots of good reasonsโthereโs a model for every budget, and with 10x magnification now available on Chinese-made scopes for less than a grand, youโd be entirely justified by asking why make the seemingly retrograde step of choosing a 1-4 instead.
ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-4×24 Prism Specs
Length: 6 inches Weight: 19 ounces Click Value: 0.5 MOA Field of View: 131 / 31 feet at 100 yards MSRP: $600 URL:zerotechoptics.com
If youโve ever tried to use a cheap 1-10 at low light and in a less-than-perfect setup, youโre probably a couple of sentences ahead right now. Although glass quality and lens coatings have come a long way, thereโs still a significant performance gap between those used in high-dollar rigs, and those in bargain-priced optics. Itโs like expecting AMG performance from a Kiaโyes, both will get you around town, but thereโs a reason one costs more than the other for four wheels and a couple of seats.
Unlike most LPVOs, this one has the zoom ring at the front of the optic.
At 10x, the eyebox becomes so tight that unless youโre bang-on in terms of cheek weld and head alignment, itโs much more time-consuming to line up, especially compared to a medium-powered optic at the same magnification. Itโs less noticeable at lower magnifications due to the larger exit pupil, but itโs our contention that most folks use the throw lever on an LPVO as a switchโitโs either at 1x, or they turn it all the way up. If, like Nigel Tufnelโs amp, it went to 11, that would be peachy, too.
Weโve come to appreciate the Thrive HD 1-4 in the weeks weโve played with it. Glass quality is very good, delivering crisp, edge-to-edge images across the magnification range. The unfortunately named RAP-R reticle offers enough information to make fast hits close in at 1x. Dialing up the magnification, it was relatively simple to connect at distance in breezy conditions, and once you figure out your holds, it can be used out to the effective range of 5.56. We found that with a 50-yard zero, the lowest stadia line corresponds to POA/POI at 500 yards, sending M193 from a 16-inch barrel.
Weโre kinda glad that the manufacturer didnโt endow this optic with a BDC reticle, as theyโre usually calibrated for one specific ammo and barrel lengthโmost commonly M855 analogues paired with a 16-inch tube. When you get to shooting 77-grain OTMs from a 12.5, then things donโt line up too well. But by using a ballistic app to choose an appropriate zero distance, you can align the hashmarks with known distances and then verify in the field.
Where this scope really shines is on short, barreled carbines, with limited rail space. Most times, with an LPVO and rail-mounted laser, thereโs no room to add a clip-on thermal or I2 device, so if you want to make best use of your setup at night, other compromises must be made. Speaking of compromises, the scope could use a little more eye relief. We had to set up in the rearmost slot on our 1919 rail, which means thereโs no room for a set of backup iron sights. You could solve this problem with an offset red dot, but if youโd prefer the low-tech solution for a secondary aiming system, youโre SOL.
Overall footprint is very ACOG-ish, and weight is about the same.
Our Thrive HD was packed very neatly in its padded shipping box and arrived with two different clamps for its integral mount. At first, we just slapped it on an AR and headed to the range, where we quickly became frustrated due to the locking lever partially blocking access to the carbineโs charging handle. About to write the optic off due to its incompatibility with Americaโs favorite rifle, we noticed a second clamp lurking in a corner, which reversed the locking lever and cured the problem. Eureka!
At 19 ounces, the scopeโs weight is in line with LPVOs, and you wonโt have to source a set of rings or cantilever mount, as scope body and mounting system are integral, machined from a single forging. There are pluses and minuses for everything of course, and while this increases rigidity and reduces failure points, it also limits adaptabilityโif you want an extra-tall mount for use with NVGs, then this probably isnโt going to be your first choice.
Buttons on left side adjust reticle illumination and allow for toggling between red and green.
If you have vision problems such as astigmatism, red dots are usually a no-go. With its crisp, etched reticle, ZeroTechโs baby can be used by everyone, and when your battery eventually fails, the black reticleโs still there. So long as you have power, you can choose between red and green illumination, but be warned, despite this being a second focal plane scope, itโs not daylight bright. At 1x, its field of view is enormous and outclasses most other LPVOs, even our beloved Kahles and Zeiss 1-6 models.
Weโre pretty impressed with the feature set ZeroTech have managed to cram into the Thrive HD 1-4 Prism. The more we use it, the more it grows on us, and the combination of image quality, seemingly bombproof construction and small footprint is very appealing, particularly on our 12.5-inch barreled work guns, which seem to get used for just about everything these days. If youโre in the market for a versatile carbine optic, we believe itโs worthy of a look.
MDTโs Send It Gen2 electronic level is here to help you eliminate cant and ensure first-round hits.
As the trend of demand for higher precision and accuracy continues across firearm types, rifles have become the centerpiece for maximizing that capability. From mile rifles to recce builds, the desire to have consistent first-round impacts continues.
A growing sector of this pursuit of precision is methods to keep a rifle level. But why is holding a rifle in the proper position related to the Earth during the shot process important, you might ask? Here are the answers, and one of the best tools to keep it on the level.
On The Level
One of the most significant challenges in LRP, or long-range precision, or ELR, extreme long-range shooting, is gravity. This constant factor is both friend and foe, exerting its influence on everything we do, including bullets. As is now a well-known fact, bullets donโt travel in a straight line. Instead, they travel in a relatively predictable arc.
Combine this with whatโs known as Ballistic Coefficient or BC, which is the effect air has as drag slowing a bullet’s velocity. Add in muzzle velocity and bullet spin rate, also known as twist rate, and you can now start to build a consistent mathematical solution to predict the flight path. Thereโs one more wrinkle in this endeavor: environmental conditions.
So now you have the solution to nail a first-round impact, but thatโs on paper. Once you find yourself in your shooting position, itโs time to take into account new problems to be solved, such as firing angle, temperature, air density and wind.
These environmental factors can take years to master, especially wind. There are tools such as a Kestrel to help you mitigate the influence of those factors, but as youโre in the process of breaking your shot, thereโs one factor that weโve known about for years; you can now, thanks to technological breakthroughs, see better than ever.
Bubble levels, also known as spirit levels, have been a helpful tool for years. You can purchase them for a few dollars at a local hardware store, and theyโve stood the test of time. Based on the principle that a bubble suspended in a consistent liquid will always seek the highest point, most bubble levels utilize ethanol both for its low viscosity and resistance to temperature swings.
Where this all comes into play for shooting is that 2 to 3 degrees of cant can produce inches or even feet of left and right dispersion, depending on the distance to your target. Bubble levels have been a valuable tool on rifles for years and remain so to this day. Still, trends in other industries, such as construction and woodworking, have created digital levels to provide further precision even beyond the classic bubble level.
Thereโs A Better Way
MDT saw an opportunity to capitalize on this technology and has created the leading option in digital levels for rifles with the MDT Send It Gen2. With a 16-year pedigree of providing some of the best and most innovative shooting accessories focused on the sweet science of long-range marksmanship, MDT is uniquely poised to push the envelope when it comes to the ability to achieve first-round impacts at remarkable distances.
The Send It Gen2 pushes that envelop with four different mounting options to ensure that youโll be able to set up your rifle in the way that suits your needs and be able to see the three lights indicating your cant position easily. Sporting the ability to change sensitivity settings quickly, it also gives the level of feedback you want without overcomplicating the process.
The Send It Gen2 uses a CR2032 battery, which has become ubiquitous across the optics space, and has an auto-shutoff feature after 10 minutes of inactivity. It will restart when moved and can be turned off manually as well to conserve battery life further.
In practice, Send It Gen2 is remarkably durable, representing itself well in proofing stages for an upcoming sniper competition at the BRVO Tactical Sierra 1 site in Heber, Arizona. Over hundreds of rounds in 90-degree-plus Fahrenheit temperatures, with winds gusting from 5 to 30 miles per hour, and field shooting positions such as tree branches, rocks and prone off a bipod in moon dust, the three lights were there whenever needed.
A couple of notes for users that can make your life easier. First, the sun in Arizona is brutally bright. The Send It Gen2 instructions are clear and should be read thoroughly. One point they make is that there are rigid light pipes that can be installed to make the red, green and blue indicators more visible.
Itโs highly recommended you install them unless youโre anticipating having to work in a low-light environment. If you would like to remove them in the future, it requires simple disassembly of the unit as if you were going to change the battery, and pushing them out with something like a ballpoint pen. Next, if you choose to use the included fiber-optic line, ensure the lines are securely placed in the Send It Gen2, and use the included shrink wrap to prevent snag hazards on the lines.
By its nature, fiber-optic lines are fragile, so be careful to set them up in the safest manner possible. From experience, I recommend the direct center Picatinny mount setup if youโre planning on using these fiber optic lines.
The performance of the MDT Send It Gen2 sets it apart from the rest, but the mounting options put it over the top. Itโs durable, reliable, compact, versatile and when set up correctly, an ideal solution to your shooting needs. A tool like this isnโt for every rifle or shooter, but if youโre someone who wants the best chance of a first round and subsequent impacts on target, stepping up your game with the Send It Gen2 will help with that process.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
We take a closer look at a very cool Yost Custom Browning Hi-Power SRT model in .40 S&W.
Iโve had a nodding acquaintance with Ted Yost for a bunch of years now. I first met him when I attended one of the Gunsite Alumni Shoots, known in the fraternity as GAS. While there, I took advantage and took photos of Ted and his operation, since he was at that time the resident gunsmith at Gunsite. I also happened to win a GSP as the prize for winning the shoot-off, which GSP Ted had built. (Ted, it has since been modified and isnโt like you built it. Sorry about that.)
That article gave me entrรฉe to editors and led directly to my starting with Gun Digest books. Thanks, Ted.
A few years back, one of the other Gunsite alumni had a firearm in excess of his needs. It was a Browning Hi-Power, in .40S&W, one that Ted had customized. I was deep into a Hi-Power period thenโand I had to have itโand the offer was for a very fair (perhaps even bargain) price.
So, I bought it.
The Yost BHP, in its FN case from the factory, with all the extras.
The Favored Forty
When the .40 S&W hit the market in 1990, it was an immediate hit. Everyone who built a self-loading pistol had to have something in the lineup in .40 caliber โฆ or risk being left behind. The first iterations of .40-caliber pistols were simply 9mms with a different breechface, barrel chamber and bore, and magazine.
And they were not entirely satisfactory. Well, the 1911-based ones were, but those who favored the 1911 stuck with a .45-caliber, except for the competition shooters, who would sell their souls for one more round in a magazine.
The โ9 converted to a 40โ models were quickly changed, and changed again and again, until they became properly-built-for-.40 pistolsโexcept for Glock, where Gaston had the good luck to have built a pistol portly enough that changing it to .40 from 9mm wasnโt a big deal.
FNโthorough engineering prowess has always been their strengthโdid not have the same model evolution. They did that in the workshops and test ranges. What they found was horrifying. OK, the classic BHP, or Hi-Power, is a steel frame where more than 80 percent of the steel is machined away from the forging.
Another gun writer described it once as being made from the โbest grade of Velveeta-class steel,โ and he wasnโt far off. It didnโt need exotic alloys or high-strength steels; it worked and worked for a lifetime in 9mm.
But chambered in .40, the test guns died a quick and ugly death. Barrels, slides and frames all expired in different ways and at different round-count intervals, but they all died. So, the engineers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
The .40 BHP differs from the 9mm in three major ways, besides the breechface and bore. First, the .40-caliber barrel has three locking lugs instead of two. This spreads out the case-thrust load over 50 percent more steel. The slide is heavier, even though itโs the same length as the 9mm. This, combined with a heavier recoil spring, reduced slide velocity, which was just killing slides and frames. And, lastly, the frames were made of steel castings.
How does this help? Simple: The raw casting can be just a few thousandths oversized in the areas that need precision fitting. With the machining greatly reduced, FN could cast the 40 frames out of a much stronger alloyโan alloy that didnโt even need heat-treatment to make it strong.
One thing they did was keep the magazine dimensions, so they could use the same un-killable frames in 9mm. This had the unfortunate consequence of reducing the 40 BHP magazine capacity to 10 rounds. What made it not such a big deal was that, at that time, there was a new lawโthe Assault Weapon Ban of 1994โwhich prohibited manufacture of new magazines greater than 10 rounds. So, if you liked the Hi-Power but were stuck with only 10 rounds, youโd likely opt for a 40 rather than a 9.
The 40 BHP mags only hold 10 rounds, and thereโs a spring to make ejection brisker.
Yost-ing the Hi-Power
So, this particular 40 made by FN in 1993 (an early 40 then) and imported to the United States, Ted built as an SRT model, and itโs so marked on the slide, and the frame has Yost Custom on the dust cover.
The slide has a Novak-dovetail rear sight, but with the front face of the rear sight cut bluff, so you could use it as a cocking surface if you needed to do one-handed manipulations.
The rear sight, with the front face contoured to make it possible for one-hand slide manipulation, if the occasion warrants it.
The front blade has, as is Tedโs custom, a gold line up the middle, with the blade and the gold serrated.
The top of the slide is serrated from the rear sight to the front. And the front blade has a gold insert.
On the length in-between the sights, Ted serrated the slide. Right-hand side of the 40 slides donโt give you a clue as to the added steel, but the left side does. FN kept the slide-stop lever dimensions, and this meant they had to machine a slight recess on the left side for clearance of the slide-stop lever boss. The 40 slide has the same external extractor that FN switched all BHP production to around 1962.
The thicker slide of the 40 had to be machined with a slight step to clear the standard slide stop lever boss.
On the frame, Ted went and stippled the frontstrap all the way up to the high-cut trigger guard. On the backstrap, he stippled it slightly lower than that, but plenty high enough to give you a good grip. This he calls his Sharkskin stippling, and itโs an apt description. The grips appear to be Spegels, with the sexy contours and hand-filling checkering that anyone who has ever picked up a properly stocked Hi-Power falls in love with.
The Sharkskin stippling Yost applies to the front and backstraps.
The bottom of the frame gives the origin away. The cast frames have the bottom of the frame, at the back of the magazine well, serrated in the direction of the bore axis. Apparently, there were still very few 40s built on forged frames, but only a few. The magwell opening has a small but definite bevel cut by Tedโit aids fast reloads.
The backstrap gets the Sharkskin treatment, and it makes hanging on to the brisk 40 a lot easier.
The magazines for the 40s, while the same dimensions as the 9s, only held 10 rounds. So, the 40s gained the addition of a spring-lever to assist magazine ejection when you want the empty gone. This tends to rub the cast-frame serrations, but thatโs life.
The BHP is notorious for biting the hand who shoots it. My first experience with a BHP was that of blood freely running down my hand from where the hammer had bit me. Ted sculpted the hammer so it canโt reach your hand, even if the web of your hand rides up over the tang โฆ as mine does. A small thing, but it matters to some of us.
The BHP benefits from a de-horning, but the hammer needs more to keep it from biting the hand that feeds it.
Another thing he did was to upgrade the safety. The original thumb safety was designed at a time when it was common to carry a pistol with the hammer down on an empty chamber. So, the thumb safety was an accessory not a vital implement. Frankly, the originals were and are miserable to try to use in Condition One.
Many have tried to improve the safety, and some came close. Ted is one of the few who made it something you could actually use. If youโre familiar with the 1911, then the Yost BHP safety is a known quantity. And if your only experience with Hi-Powers is the old safety, you will be amazed.
And, lastly, Ted worked on the trigger. The original magazine disconnector? Gone. The new firing pin safety, there since the MKIII, is still there, but you wonโt notice it. The trigger is not competition light, and I suspect that the more-violent cycling of the BHP is part of that. But it is clean and crisp, even if it is 4.25 pounds.
Youโll also likely notice that the recoil spring is much stouter than it is on a 9mm. It has to be, as the 40 is stronger, even if it isnโt a .45.
One thing Ted didnโt change is the barrel. Itโs the factory original, with the serial number matching the frame, and I suspect that it wasnโt accidental. FN makes good barrels, and this one is no exception.
When I first acquired it, I had this notion of scoring a 9mm conversion barrel from Bar-Sto (yes, they make such a thing, and it works just fine) and swapping the Yost 40 to 9mm. But it was just too good-looking to put buckets of 9mm ammo through it, and besides, I had a box-stock 40 that I could do the same thing to if I ever wanted to. (Which I eventually did, and that is another BHP story.)
And She Shoots!
I did test-fire it and found it to be superbly accurate. And that leads me to the accuracy testing I did in the oddest way.
I was, at the time, regularly assisting teaching LE Patrol Rifle classes. The three-day classes had the last day at a National Guard base, and the five-day armorerโs class spent the last two days of each class at the NG base. Once the students had passed the qual course, we split them up into groups, and they all had a chance to get runs in on the Army computer course, with knock-down targets out to 300 meters.
The head instructor, who had written the course syllabus, made it mandatory for all instructors to shoot the qualifying course for score, on the record, in each class. It didnโt take long before we were all posting perfect scores. Then, we used whatever rifle we thought was interesting to try. AK? Sure. M1A? You bet. FAL? Of course. All passing.
Then, we started shooting the rifle qual course with handguns. That took a while, but we managed to pass.
Someone had the idea of trying them on the 300-meter course. That one is 20 targets rising up to be hit and fall down, from 50 to 300 meters. A passing score in the Army is 12 out of 20. One day, word came back that the lead instructor just shot a passing score. Oh, and did I mention this was not shooting from the foxhole? This was done standing.
Well, I had to give it a try. As it happened, the only suitable pistol I had along that day was the Ted Yost BHP in 40. (Yes, I had shot a passing score on the qual course with it an hour earlier.) So, I stood there and proceeded to shoot a 14. When the lead instructor heard that, he had to stay up until he shot a 15. (Yes, we are a competitive group.)
So, there it is: a Ted Yost custom 40 BHP that practically fell into my lap from a fellow Gunsite grad and with which I have shot a passing score on the Army rifle qualification course. Standing. The late Walter Brennan had a role in a TV show called The Guns of Will Sonnet. One line that his character used more than once was: โItโs not bragging if you can do it.โ
Iโm not bragging โฆ much.
Ammo Notes: .40 S&W
The 40 was going to be the one ring to rule them all, even if it wasnโt going to bring them all in the darkness and bind them. It would be nearly a .45, with nearly the magazine capacity of the 9mm, and it would do your taxes, slice your bread and wash your car.
Well, not all that, but it was going to be epic.
And then reality set in.
First, the 40 was hard on the first pistols made for it. And then, once the pistols were beefed up, we found that it was hard on a lot of shooters. The standard load, a 180-grainer at 950 fps, wasnโt too bad. But in the interests of getting even closer to the .45 in performance, we started seeing 165-grain bullets at almost 1,100 fps.
And the 180-grain bullet moving at 950 fps wasnโt kidding around, either. It turned out that the less-dedicated, the smaller-handed shootersโthe people who didnโt really want to be shooting guns anywayโfound it really tough to shoot. For police departments, that meant more time and ammo to get them โqualified.โ
Basically, the 40 over-promised and under-delivered.
But competition shooters loved it anyway. They could shoot Major and use a magazine that held more rounds than anything in .45 could.
The real-world results were muddy at best. While the math and the physics tell us that the 40 was better than the 9mm, not all users agreed.
The reign of the 40 lasted not quite 35 years. Once word got out that the FBI was going back to the 9mm, departments across the country followed suit. Now, you are hard-pressed to find a new 40 being made, and used ones languish in gun shop display cases, if they make it there at all.
Millions were made, and they will last, and your grandkids will still see .40 ammo in gun shops (assuming there are gun shops then), but itโs being replaced by the 9mm.
And, yes, you can convert your BHP in 40 to 9mm. Just ring up Bar-Sto barrels and they can set you up. Oh, and buy 9mm magazines, too.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
An ambi safety can add a lot of functionality to your AR-15. Here we take a look at Aero Precisionโs PRO model.
The problem with most AR-15 ambidextrous safeties is the tiny little screws holding them together. The even tinier Allen wrenches meant to tighten them are one momentโs oversight from bending to uselessness.
On a personal note, the wings of ambi safeties tend to be too big for me, and the offside one interferes with my trigger finger. But thatโs my problem. Yours, and ours, is assemblage. Well, Aero has solved the problem.
The M4E1 Pro ambi safety selector kit comes with the center shaft, which is cut to work as a safety, two wings, and the spring and plunger to work them.
Now, if your rifle already has a safety on it, the spring and plunger are both superfluous. But theyโll be handy as spares.
The neat trick to the Aero approach is that the wings are both separate parts from the shaft. The center shaft is cut for clearance and to block the trigger when on โsafe,โ so youโll have to pay attention when you install it. However, the shaft also has square bosses on the ends. These fit into the recesses in the wings.
The wings have clearance holes on the front so you can disassemble the Aero Pro ambi safety if you need or want to.
And the real trick? There are captured, spring-loaded plungers in the shaft on the ends in those bosses. So, once you have figured out which side is up, press one wing over the boss, use a small-tipped tool to depress the plunger and snap the wing onto the shaft.
Yes, itโs that easy. Press the assemblage into the receiver (with the correct parts assemblage of trigger, disconnector and hammer already there) and press the existing frame-installed plunger down for clearance. (If youโre building from parts, the frame spring and plunger go in just before the pistol grip goes on.)
Once the one-wing-and-shaft assemblage is in place, press the other wing over the boss and use your sharp-pointed tool to depress the plunger. Once it snaps in place โฆ well, youโre done.
No more fiddly little Allen-socket screws of minuscule thread size to fuss over. If you ever want to disassemble it, use a small press pin to depress the plunger. Yes, Aero thought of that and the hole for the plunger goes through the wing, so you have access.
The Aero Precision ambi selector is easy to install and clever as all get-out.
You have your choice of black, OD Green, or Kodiak brown so you can mix or match your new ambi safety to your AR-15 lower or next build project.
Now, some might object that $65 is a bit much for a safety selector, and if you donโt need an ambi, thatโs probably correct. After all, you can buy a plain-Jane GI one for, what, $8 plus shipping?
But if you need an ambi, or you feel the need for an ambi, you might as well make life (installation life that is) easier.
Editor’s Note:ย This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue ofย Gun Digest the Magazine.
CLINTON, SC โ Wraith Metalworks is proud to announce their place as Presenting Sponsor of CANCON 2026, at the Clinton House in Clinton, SC on May 6th through 8th.
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business, Wraith Metalworks was founded in 2020 first as a self-made think tank for tackling suppressor-related innovation. In early 2025, after years of multi-faceted problem solving, they entered full-scale R&D. By August of 2025, Wraith suppressors placed 1st, 2nd, and 5th at TBAC Suppressor Summit in the โMLโ (Muzzle Left) category, out of 141 different 5.56 suppressors tested. Their focus on dynamic problem solving and rapid iterationโbuilt around additive manufacturingโallows the Wraith team to re-optimize designs or solve end-user-specific suppression problems with functional testing in a matter of days, instead of months or years.
Their system-forward approach has created an entirely new methodology to suppressor construction that offers unprecedented flexibility for consumers. The Wraith Modular Suppression SystemTM offers several distinct advantages over legacy suppressor lines:
Multiple formats โ Different diameters and lengths so you can optimize for specific missions and hosts instead of settling for โone size fits most.โ
Multiple baffle designs โ A large library of interchangeable baffles, each tuned for specific outcomes (sound, backโpressure, flash, recoil, etc.), and crossโcompatible across our models.
True userโserviceability โ The ability to reโconfigure, maintain, and upgrade at the component level rather than throwing away or sidelining entire suppressors.
Wraith currently offers three core suppressor sizes: the Sentinel at 1.88″, the Ambush at 1.575″, and the Raider at 1.45″. The Sentinel and Ambush feature annular flow channels along the outside of the can body, which significantly improve airflow control and exit hygiene, reducing turbulence and helping manage gas where it matters most.
Says Bill Abrams, Chief Executive Officer: โFor us at Wraith Metalworks, CANCON is more than an eventโitโs the center of gravity for the suppressor community. It brings together serious shooters, top manufacturers, and a culture that actually values performance over hype. Thereโs no better place for us to stand shoulderโtoโshoulder with the best in the industry and meet the shooters we build for. Weโre excited to be part of that energy, to spend time talking shop on the line, and to let people experience the Sentinel system in a place thatโs all about suppressed shooting.โ
For more information about tickets for CANCON 2026, Presented by Wraith Metalworks, check our website at CANCONevent.com.
Vortex has just added 10×28 and 12×50 models to its popular Triumph HD binocular line.
Vortex is known for its great-value glass, like its Triumph HD binoculars, and now the company is adding two more options to the line. The original Triumph HD binoculars were 10×42, but for those who needed something a bit smaller or with a little more magnification, theyโre now available in 10×28 and 12×50 configurations as well.
Vortex said this about the new Triumph HD models:
The Triumphยฎ HD 10×28 is smaller and lightweight without giving up resolution. The Triumphยฎ HD 12×50 adds reach, detail, and brightness for more open-country glassing and scouting where a tripod can make all the difference.
Details about the new binos are what youโd expect from the Triumph HD line, namely, compatibility with tripods, excellent HD glass with fully multi-coated lenses and a tough rubber exterior and nitrogen gas purged interior for resistance to shock, fog and water. Of course, if you manage to bust them, theyโre covered by Vortexโs unconditional VIP Warranty as well.
The Triumph HD 10×28 model has an MSRP of $130 and comes with a carrying case, a neck strap, a lens cloth, tethered objective lens covers and eyepiece covers. The Triumph HD 12×50 has an MSRP of $180 and comes with a Glasspak binocular harness, a neck strap, a lens cloth, snap-fit objective lens covers and eyepiece covers.
We take a look back at the life and times of the iconic M14, as well as where it stands today.
Retro has been all the rage in recent years, and the interest level in guns from the Cold War era has skyrocketed. Ignoring the nuclear reality of the geopolitical situation during the time period, the guns in question have become something of a cozy nostalgic experience against the constant barrage of bad international news and rampant domestic consumerism in the industry today.
Simpler times, if you will.
The past few years have seen a growing appreciation for the early War on Terror era and its various attempts to adapt Cold War systems to the needs of the time, among them the venerable M14. We look at the state of the rifle today and what might be to come for the legendary rifle.
The Best Rifle for a War Already Fought
There are certainly quite a few opinions surrounding the M14 and its merits. It has been accused of being too large, too powerful, not powerful enough, both very accurate and not able to hit the broad side of a barn, the shortest-lived service rifle and yet the one that kept coming back when the going got rough.
It seems like everyone has an opinion of this rifle, but the only true tragedy is that the gun didnโt come sooner. We could have had a rifle very similar to the M14 as early as the 1920s, but the government was hilariously concerned about soldiers losing magazines and wasting ammo, a thing that went so far as to be mockingly chalked up to as British custom (the SMLE had detachable magazines and a 10-round capacity).
For no reason that made sense, the U.S. government was deeply concerned with this and had been for decades, going so far as to put magazine cutoffs on the 1903 Springfield and doubting the need for stripper clip-fed bolt guns with the choice of the Krag rifle in the 1890s.
The M14 was designed to be able to use stripper clips to load a magazine, just like a Mauser.
The experiences gained in World War II and Korea birthed the M14, and I stand by the fact that it would have been a great rifle for those conflicts โฆ had it existed. For the naysayers, note that the Germans and Russians already had various attempts at detachable-magazine, full-power semi-auto or select-fire rifles that were developed actively in the war. The issues they encountered with the G43 and SVT40 (updated SVT 38) made them generally subpar, especially to the American M1 Garand.
Not only could they simply not make enough of these rifles; the ones that were produced were often of poor quality and the reception, especially of the later war G43s and the SVT series in general, for both accuracy and durability. The concept was solid, the execution not so much.
The desire to have this type of rifle was present in the American mind but unrealized in practice, and thankfully the M1 Garand was proven to be superior to Axis rifles in all ways except the issue of a detachable magazine. It should be noted that the Axis powers and Russia tried to mass-issue autoloading rifles, but they failed due to wartime stress. There were, of course, attempts to remedy this issue with the M1, but the war ended before any serious progress had been made. The M1โs lack of detachable magazine was notable, and it was, to many firearms experts, already obsolete during its production run.
The (Unwitting) Rifle of the Future
The American side of things had been slowly working on a general program for rifle improvement for some time, but there was a good deal of bureaucratic uncertainty involved and many competing ideas leading to a foot-dragging between various factions and their ideas of what was needed in service rifles.
After WWI, experiences gained led to a search for a self-loading rifle. This led to famous designs like the Pedersen rifle and the Garand, and it included a heavy debate on the merits of โsmall boreโ rifles, namely chambered for .276 Pedersen. Of note is that most other world powers were capable of delivering on a detachable magazine semiautomatic rifle, while America wasted time much in the same way that they resisted bolt actions and stripper clip-fed rifles in the pre-WWI era.
These are all commercial rifles, but their namesakes all served together in various conflicts through the โ60s and โ70s. Top down: Brownells M16A1, James River M14 and brand-new CMP M1 rifle. These three represent a progression of small arms ideology.
This amorphous program was referred to as the U.S. Light Rifle Program and led to many, many designs, both failed and successful. The general goal of the post-WWII program was to find a successor to the M1 Garand, and that is exactly what happened, just not in the most direct way. The program was lengthy, and there were many facets covered in both rifle and cartridge design.
The M14 came to us as the result of this program; however, the rifle did attempt to do a lot. In utilizing a compacted Garand-style action combined with a cartridge that was for all purposes very close in ballistic performance to .30-06 in the M1, the M14 was a guaranteed performer in terms of power. Making it select-fire and including magazines with capacity equal to the BAR (Browning automatic rifle) checked those boxes, making it able to provide squad support. Its overall size and weight made it easy to carry and point. On paper it was a great rifle, and in practice it was, tooโbut not in every role the military needed it for.
Like many jack-of-all-trade concepts, it was a compromise on several points, namely its powerful 7.62 NATO chambering and difficult handling in full-auto. World militaries at this time had only tinkered with what we call intermediate calibers, and the Western powers didnโt understand them well, comparing them to sub-machine guns in most period literature. A big culprit was the German StG44, what would be known as the granddaddy of assault rifles, of course chambered in the 8mm Kurz, an intermediate rifle round. The rifle was also referred to as the MP44, as in machine pistol.
What should be understood about the M14 and 7.62 NATO was that it was considered โnormalโ for the time, and the intermediate calibers like the USSRโs 7.62x39mm were effectively laughed at; the American mind was fixed on traditional rifles and long ranges. Intermediate cartridges were not taken seriously until they were encountered head-on.
The M14 and M1, field-stripped. The two rifles disassemble the same to this point, but afterward special tools are required.
The idea that American and NATO forces had for their 7.62x51mm rifles was solid, but ultimately it would result in a back-and-forth with Eastern Bloc powers, resulting in the small-bore race in the 1960s. The 5.56 NATO eventually inspired the USSR to start looking for smaller and lighter options, and here we are today.
But, for the M14, going small had its hidden advantages. As wars changed and the demands of battle proved too much on the 5.56 NATO, the M14 was called back into service time and again. Sure enough, the War on Terror saw a complete resurgence and change of reputation for the M14, and it went from something of a pariah to a saving grace. Today, itโs held in high esteem thanks to its evolution into the storied EBR, and itโs now enjoying a resurgence in media and video games, with just a touch of nostalgia.
The M14 Today
So, there has to be a point made here that the civilian M14 and military M14 are not exactly the same rifle, despite accepting most of the same accessories. You can think of it the same way as any semi-auto โversionโ of a full-auto capable military weapon.
The simple reason this happens is because there is a wide commercial demand for these types of guns out of a simple desire for identical cosmetics. People love them, and they are fun. While nobody is going to say that a BAR or Tommy gun is going to be a great modern option, they will always turn more heads at the range than another AR. And, even at that, the retro AR options are always a bit more fun if you ask me.
The civilian M14 doesnโt have a specific designation, and the M1A moniker belongs only to Springfield Armory. Calling a civilian semi-auto M14 an M1A is wrong unless it was specifically made by Springfield, the company that is responsible for bringing the original rifle to market in the 1970s after the government restricted the sale of converted military receivers to the public. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, the original receivers are machine guns and far harder to get, especially for people wanting to shoot at the time. That said, if you are into it, transferable select-fire originals are still around and donโt command outrageous prices compared to many legal machine guns.
The internals of the military M14 are different from the commercial guns, but the actual differences are not all that cosmetically significant. More people have seen and handled the commercial rifles at this point so the selector switch cutout isnโt a missed detail. Hardcore military clone builders can get their hands on a dummy switch and a corresponding stock pretty easily. The M14 today is somewhat unsupported by the aftermarket, and this has left a large gap after years of popularity decline.
Where Did the M14 Market Go?
So what happened to the M14 after all these years, and what is the deal with the surge in interest for it? The direct answer is that it simply lost relevance, as modern, AR-based designs filled in military roles and the stopgap measures eventually stopped appearing in the media. The M110 family started replacing the M14 EBR variants fairly early on, despite the incredible popularity of the latter in War on Terror media.
The classic 2000s-era guns we know and love were, for the most part, short-lived. The M4, M16A2 and A4 rifles that featured heavily were phased out for a variety of newer variants that were more easily able to accept the ever-changing accessories being used. Rail systems became popular, as did lights and lasers. The demands placed on rifles like the M14 proved too high for the old warhorses, and, despite being praised as reliable and universally loved for their aesthetic quality, they couldnโt keep up.
The civilian side of things saw the market dry up considerably, as military demand dwindled. And, having lived through it, the M14 peaked commercially around 2010, where it then sharply dropped off. Political trends in the country were gravitating toward support of the AR-15, which was the target of the Obama administration, but by his re-election in 2012, the entire 2A community was firmly behind preventing limits on the AR, the zombie thing was trending (just a reminder we did do this), and the M14 simply dropped off in popularity. The AR was truly the new big deal, and that trend has lasted to the point that the M14 market virtually went extinct.
This isnโt to say the M14 ceased to exist. The rifle remained popular in match shooting and some long-range events until it was also pushed out by the growing popularity of sports like PRS. It simply couldnโt adapt to the demands of changing rules, gear and advanced cartridges. However, these days the mood has changed, and the M14 is again being looked at, as things grow uncertain in the world and consumers burn out on modern guns. The retro wave has lasted far longer than anyone could have guessed.
The State of the M14
Today, companies are still making parts and accessories for the M14, but they are decidedly few in number. The main companies making this type of rifle are Springfield Armory, Fulton Armory, Bula Defense and LRB. There used to be quite a few more, including Chinese Norinco versions, but they have not been available in some time. Of note is that there are more companies making the M14; the James River rifle featured here has a Bula manufactured receiver.
The James River receiver reveals that the rifle is made of almost entirely Bula Defense parts. The M14 market is small these days, and itโs not unusual to find mixed parts or alternate stamps.
Stocks are available, but, again, few in quantity, as production never really ramped up after the drop off. Wood stocks can be had fairly easily as well as synthetic. Companies like Boyds make them, but youโll need to be familiar with a bit of hand-fitting in some cases. Surplus stocks and a variety of fiberglass versions can be found on the surplus market as well. Forums and gun shows are a good way to source truly retro parts if youโre going for a certain look.
US Tactical Supply is currently releasing new production versions of the classic EBR chassis, but again, these are not exactly drop-in. Youโll need to be familiar with working on the M14โs barrel and gas system or get it sent off to be professionally installed. As with many of these older guns, they were not designed with modularity or easy servicing in mind. If you want it done right, you might not be able to do it yourself.
Barrels and small parts are a mixed bag. Thereโs still a good amount of like-new surplus floating around in terms of period-correct parts. Companies like Criterion make a number of barrels appropriate for the M14, but installation is a more professional endeavor. Headspacing is best left to a custom shop, as itโs a complicated procedure unlike the easy install on AR rifles or modern pre-fit bolt guns. Many of the quality barrels are chrome lined, and companies like Fulton Armory are experts at their installation, for which you canโt use a chamber reamer. The barrels must be intricately timed and headspaced to the receiver and the bolt. Suffice to say, it needs to be done right.
If you want a good look at the M14 accessory market today, well, this is most of it. There has been a decline in accessories for years now, but you can still readily find scope mounts, scout mounts and specialty parts like Fulton Armory adjustable gas blocks and suppressor mounts.
Optical mounts and the like are still widely available, and you can have your choice of receiver-mounted versions or scout style, like those from Ulitmak. I have had success with both of these, but again it should be noted that these are truly not the same as installation of parts on an AR. Installing an M14 receiver optic mount is a bit of a pain and, while not exactly 10/10 difficult, it does require know-how.
You might be sensing a trend here that these rifles arenโt exactly easy to work on.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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Magpulโs Sub-Compact Enhanced Handgun Grip is now available for the Ruger RXM.
The Ruger RXM was one of the most successful new handguns to come out last year, and recent grip releases from Magpul have only given more reasons to own the modular pistol. Because the RXMโs serialized component is its removable Fire Control Insert (FCI), it can be freely swapped between different grips along with the pistolโs upper, allowing for more freedom to modify the grip size compared to traditional pistols with serialized frames.
Featuring a Glock 19-size upper, the RXM also comes standard with a G19-sized Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip (EHG). Magpul recently launched the G17-sized Full-Size EHG, however, and now the company has released the G26-sized Sub-Compact EHG as well. This means you can have all the benefits of a concealable grip paired with the advantages of a longer sight radius and more barrel length. Thatโs a pretty nifty combination, and as far as Iโm aware, the only way to achieve that with a genuine Glock is to permanently cut down the frame of a G19.
Besides the shorter grip size, the Sub-Compact EHG has the same features as the other Magpul EHGs. Namely, it sports texturing on its front and back straps, side panels and forward index pads. It also has an undercut trigger guard, a flared magwell, a mag release scallop and an accessory rail.
The Magpul Sub-Compact EHG is available in black, FDE, OD green and Stealth Gray and has an MSRP of $40.
There’s no need to go full-sized in a defensive smoothbore with bullpup shotguns around. We give you the best to guard hearth and home.
Gun design is fairly rote. By that I mean, there is an accepted configuration to a particular style of firearm, which is generally adhered to. Sure, there are tweaks here and thereโdifferent grip rake or fore-endโbut overall anomalies arenโt tolerated. Unless youโre talking about the bullpup, which here, we are. In particular, bullpup shotguns.
In 1901, Thorneycroft Carbine turned gun design on its ear reconfiguring the standard rifle design in a bid to shorten the overall length of British military rifles. It certainly did the job, but proved unwieldy in almost every other respect. Given this, the bullpup design should have been just another footnote. Except as materials and mechanical design advanced, so did the feasibility of the shortened system. Now today we have quite a few choices when it comes to these odd-ducks, particularly bullpup shotguns.
If youโre unfamiliar with whatโs available in this unique gun niche, weโve gathered a few of the best bullpup shotgun options available today. But before we touch upon them, perhaps we should go over some bullpup basics.
What Is A Bullpup And Why Would I Want One?
Essentially, the bullpupโbe it bullpup shotgun or bullpup rifleโis simply a design that moves the action from above the trigger to behind it. Itโs as uncomplicated as that and has a profound effect on performance. At the same time, it shortens the overall length of the firearm, while maintaining its ballistic potential. Itโs quite a feat when you consider it.
The easiest way to shorten the length of a firearm is to trim down the barrel. Just like that, the gun is shorter. But you potentially pay a price in ballistic performance given most cartridges (or shotgun shells) produce more velocity through a longer bore. Conversely, the bullpup ignores barrel length and shortens the system by kicking everything back a few inches.
There are pros and cons to this approach, which we go in-depth on in our piece about bullpup rifles. But in thumbnail the ups and downs of the design are these:
Pros
Compact size helps it excel in close-quarters
Support hand closer to the muzzle makes it more controllable and nimble
Mass closer to the body makes it easier to manage for longer periods of time
Longer barrel improves ballistic performance
Cons
Triggers tend to be poor and squishy
Many are not friendly to lefties, ejecting spent rounds into the face
Some designs, particularly ones with box magazines can be difficult to reload quickly
Design is inherently tail heavy
Like any firearm design, the bullpup shotgun has its good and bad points. Some shooters might find it the perfect tool for their particular application. Others might chalk it up as just another useless twist to proven designs. If you donโt know where you fall but are interested in a bullpup shotgun or rifle, itโs worth doing your homework.
More than reading an article, try to find a gun range or dealer that has specimens you can test fire. Only after youโre behind the business end of a bullpup will you truly know if itโs the loyal companion youโve been searching after.
For the most part, when manufactured by a reputable company, bullpup shotguns are a solid and fun addition to an arsenal. There’s a rub to this: there aren’t many reputable companies making this class of gun. It’s mind boggling how many bullpups there actually are on the market, many of which are a step above fly-by-night importers with dubious QC. While there are fine guns made in Turkey, buyers do have to beware because there are more factories turning out dumpster fires than quality guns in that region. The question you might ask yourself before rushing off to buy that $200 bullpup is: Is this deal too good to be true? The answer to this is typically yes.
How We Selected The Best Bullpup Shotguns
The shotgun is as common as bluegrass in the suburbs and is a class of firearm we Gun Digest editors have spent a lot of time behind the trigger. These include seasoned hunters, sporting clays competitors and in tactical games–such as 3-Gun. Our experience runs from gun enthusiast to veteran military and law enforcement, which gives us a pretty good cross-section of potential users. Based on our combined and hands-on experience with bullpup shotguns we chose the best off a number of criteria, the chief of these being:
Reliability–does the gun actually run, because there are a lot of trash bullpups that do not.
Ergonomics–Does the gun have an intuitive and familiar Manual Of Arms–was the gun comfortable and were the controls laid out in a logical fashion?
Accessory Compatibility–Given many bullpups are import trash, built and sold quickly, many components–such as rails–are not in spec. We want our guns in spec.
Weighing these criteria and many others, we agreed these were the best bullpups from our standpoint. Now, onto the good stuff.
Best Bullpup Shotgun Comparison
Make/Model
Available Gauges
Overall Length (inches)
Barrel Length (inches)
Weight (pounds)
Action
Capacity
Frame
Sights
Choke
MSRP
S&W M&P 12
12
27.8
19
8.3
Pump-Action
12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells
Polymer
Optics Rail
Rem Choke
$1,239
IWI Tavor TS12
12
28.34
18.5
9
Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
8+1 3″ shells, 10+1 2 3/4″ shells
Polymer
Optics Rail
Beretta, Benelli
$1,399
Rock Island Armory VRBP-100
12
32
20
7.94
Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
5+1
Polymer
Flip Up, Optics Rail
Beretta, Benelli
$599
Kel-Tec KSG
12, .410
26.1
18.5
6.9
Pump-Action
12+1 3″ shells, 14+1 2 3/4″ shells
Polymer
Optics Rail
Choke Tube Adaptor Sold Seperately (compatible with WinChoke)
$845
TriStar Compact Tactical
12
30
18.5
8.6
Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
10+1
Polymer
Flip Up, Optics Rail
Beretta, Benelli
$749
Escort Bultac SA
12, 20, .410
27.75
18
7
Gas-Operated Semi-Auto
5+1
Polymer
Detachable carry handle w/ fiber optic front ; Optics Rail
What we like about Smith & Wesson is the pump-action 12-gauge boasts dual magazine tubes, providing a total capacity of 14+1 when loaded with 2 3/4-inch shells. The M&P 12 does feature a 3-inch chamber, however, so it can also be loaded with 12+1 3-inch shells–defensively, we’d go for the capacity over power. That’s us.
The M&P 12 also sports two pistol grips for better control, one rear and one forward on the pump, and both are modeled after the M&P pistol series which includes the ability to swap backstraps according to user preference. The total package is 27.8 inches long and weighs just over eight pounds unloaded, making its heft comparable to many of the other bullpup shotguns on this list. Unlike some of the other listed models, however, the M&P 12 sports fully ambidextrous, AR-15-style controls and its muzzle is compatible with Rem Chokes.
Other features on the M&P 12 include a loaded chamber indicator, Picatinny rail for optics, M-LOK for mounting accessories and a push-button assisted loading/unloading system. That being said, the complex loading process means that you will never want to top off in the middle of a defensive scenario, so hopefully the shotgunโs generous 15-round potential capacity proves large enough to get you through the fight.
In testing the M&P 12, we found the bullpup among one of the most reliable on the list with zero malfunctions in our time with it. This shouldn’t prove much of a surprise, given it is a pump-action. However, dual-tube ‘pups have been known to act wacky, particularly when jumping between the magazines. This certainly didn’t happen to us.
The gun felt good at the shoulder, though bucky on the trigger pull. We also appreciated the ambidextrous controls, as they not only made the gun lefty-friendly but truly tactical as well given how it facilitates easy operatation with either hand.
Overall, the gun ticks all the boxes to make it the overall best bullpup shotgun at present, except for price. Like all guns in this class, it’s plasticky, so the above $1,000 price tag feels steep.
Known for its economical 1911 pistols, Rock Island Armory has made a lot of noise lately on the shotgun front. While much of this has been accomplished in the AR-style shotgun realm, the gunmaker has expanded into bullpups with the VRBP-100. Shooters are lucky they have. The 12-gauge is a stout shooter, but inexpensive and effective.
The main draw of this bullpup shotgun is that itโs a gas-operated semi-automatic, quick shot-to-shot, and highly reliable. With time, when it comes to the gun’s reliability. RIA specifies a 500-round break-in period for its semi-automatics. While the gun wasn’t overly finicky in kicking shells early on, the further we pushed it the better it performed.
The VRBP-100 isn’t as tame as many semi-autos, we consider it a downright thumper, truth be told. Still, even with a kick, it remains a very nimble option and accurate at shotgun ranges.
If you’re a righty, the ergonomics are excellent. For a gun that falls in the budget category, we were surprised with how well RIA laid out the VRBP-100. The controls are right in reach and once you are familiar with the layout the gun is quick to manipulate. The only ping we give it here is the charging handle is not reversible, something lefties might not care for. And it left us scratching our collective heads because the gun boasts an ambidextrous safety and mag release.
The gun feeds off 5-, 9- and 19-round detachable box magazines, which gives it fairly ample firepower. Howeverโas is the case with most bullpupsโthe mag well residing in the stock slowed down our reloads. If you’re dedicated to the system and work on it, I’m sure you’ll swap mags much faster than we did.
Finally, you can’t beat RIA’s price on this semi-auto bullpup. Sub-$600, the gun makes it well worth enduring its break-in period and we find it an overall potent choice in bullpup shotguns.
The elephant in the room is this is a mammoth bullpup shotgun. Not in lengthโit measures 28 inches (for reference, thatโs 2 inches longer than a Mossberg Shockwave). But in bulk. Despite this, we found the TS12 surprisingly easy to manage, and paid us back for adapting to its size.
Much of the bullpup’s mild manners are thanks to the TS12’s gas-operated semi-automatic nature, and the 12-gauge does not want in firepower either. How about 15+1 shells on tap in a three-tube rotating magazineโa design point we like because it adds to the gun’s sci-fi good looks. Unfortunately, tube rotation is manual, but we found the procedure can be mastered through familiarity with the firearm. The only way IWI could onboard more ammo would be to go drum magazine, which by all accounts is as impractical as it is heavy.
We’d love to say IWIโs design makes for a true fighting shotgunโeasy to maneuver and relatively comfortable to operate. Particularly obliging is a reversible charging handle thatโs accessible and modifiable to the dominant hand or shooting style. Except, we did find the bullpup tended to malfunction.
In particular, failure to eject. Specifically, this occurred with lighter low-brass loads as it fared well with buckshot. Early on, we didn’t find setting the gas system to “L” (Light) did anything to alleviate the issues with bird shot. However, shooting the gun more did. We cleaned and lubed the gun, ran heavier loads, and then went back to birdshot. This reduced the failures to eject considerably. We believe the gun requires a break-in period before it hits its stride andโlike many gas-operated shotguns–diligent cleaning and lubrication.
That out of the way, what we love about this gun is the TS12 is astonishingly light for its size, a scant 8 pounds and with an 18.5-inch barrel the bullpup is relatively nimble. The gun’s 3-inch chamber, M-Lok compatible rails, compatibility with Benelli/Beretta chokes and cross-bolt safety are also appreciated.
We wish we could suggest this gun as a defensive option but are tentative given the malfunctions. Still, we believe in a less serious role, the TS12 is out of sight and has the potential to become the most interesting gun in your safe.
The KSG, in some respects, is the granddaddy of the bullpup shotgun renaissance. I suppose that’s thanks to John Wick. Still, the Kel-Tec being long in the tooth doesn’t mean the gun is out to pasture. It’s certainly one we found cut muster in our testing and is still holding its own in this class of firearms.
Where we get excited about this gun is its compactness. At 26 inches, we flew through target transitions and found it easy to manipulate around cover. Plus, we can’t complain about the gun’s firepower. Twin-tube magazines give the shotgun impressive firepower, 15+1 2 ยพ-inch shells and 12+1 3-inch shells. More than enough ammo on tap to get most jobs done.
Furthermore, the controls of the gun are comfortable and well laid out. Kel-Tec makes it easy to jump from one magazine to another via a selector switch behind the grip. The one addition we suggest is adding a hand stop to the slideโyou’ll thank us later.
Convenient, the KSG loads very similarly to a traditional pump-action, through a bottom port. Conceivably, this should make it simpler to load on the fly–but trust us, it’s still a slog given it takes a lot to juice this gun. However, it makes it lefty-friendly, given that spent shells eject out of the same port downwards.
To the bad, the all-things-in-one-port design makes clearing malfunctions lengthy. We had to invert the gun in most cases to clear failures to ejectโnot optimal. Then there’s the factor of malfunctions in general.
This has always been the knock against the KSG and mainly had to do with feed issues early in its life. Much of this has been ironed out by Kel-Tec redesigning the troublesome parts. Now if it occurs, itโs generally an operator error. In our case, the failures all occurred when short-stoking the slide.
One last point, the gun is a kicker and not exactly something you want to take out for a couple rounds of skeet. Then again, the gun wasn’t designed for clay. It’s a fighter and if run properly fills that role.
Better known for its classy and economical field and range shotguns, TriStar has also tried its hand in the tactical end of the market. The Compact Tactical is the result and offers shooters a fairly tidy package with one of the most affordable price tags on the market.
As things go, we like the Compact Tactical given it’s essentially an AK shotgun, though looks nothing like one at first blush. But from it’s lever safety, paddle release, side charging, and rock-and-lock magsโit’s all there. For our editors who live and breathe Russian guns, running this was like slipping into an old pair of shoes.
The other surprising point, the trigger is not a hot messโas is the case with many bullpups. The break is very acceptable, though the reset is a little craggy. And the gun’s recoil is very acceptable, even boarding on superb.
A few of the down points, the gun has an adjustable gas block so it can run a load of different shells. However, we found when set for heavier loads, it most certainly wouldn’t kick birdshot. Then there’s the issue of adjusting the gas block, which we despised, given you’ve got to take the Compact Tactical upper body off, which involves screws. Eesh.
Then there’s the elephant in the roomโthe bullpup’s looks. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly with bullpups. But for many on the Gun Digest editorial team, Tri-Star’s offering pushes the limit on acceptable aesthetics. Finally, it’s the least compact offering of our choicesโa full 30 inches long. At this point, it is almost a deal breaker, given the whole appeal of bullpups is their compact size.
All that said, we can’t help but like the Compact Tactical. It runs well and offers you Saiga familiarity. There is a lot to appreciate in that.
Save Smith & Wesson jumping into the bullpup game there have been few new entries of note lately in this class of gun. The BullTac SA is the exception.
Manufactured by Hatsan (yes, of airgun fame), the gun is not a bad option for those who want to add a bullpup to their collection but not break the bank doing so. In short, it’s a fun gun that could push into the defensive realm and is worth its sub-$400 price tag.
The gun to us is straightforward, simply a single-tube pump-action. While the capacity game has driven bullpups in recent years, there is something to be said about sticking to the tried and true. And in the case of the BullTac, this equates to a highly reliable shotgun. We tested the 12-gauge version and didn’t come up with a single malfunction, aided by a very workable slide.
The gun is comfortable too. The editors found the gun fit at the shoulder and the controls were intuitive and in reach, with a shotgun mainstay cross-bolt safety and a loading port typical to most pumpsโthough further back. Also, we like the side ejection port, which should cut down on clearing malfunctionsโwe can’t say, we didn’t have one.
To the pros, we also liked the carrying handle with the pic rail, which gives the gun a unique look and the stop at the end of the pump, which improved cycling the gun. Finallyโthough we only tested the 12โwe love Escort/Hatsan offers this gun in multiple gauges and we’d love to give the 20 a day in court.
On to the bad. It’s a 5+1 capacity shotgun, given it’s imported from Turkey. Honestly, this is a minor ding, given that 6 rounds are ample for a lot of situations, plus the BullTac loads quickly. But we agree that it might not suit some folks’ needs.
All that said, we like this gun and think it’s a worthy addition to our list. Given its price, the BullTac punches above its weight.
For the most part yes. There are no state laws banning bullpup shotguns, however, a certain model may run afoul of certain state laws. This is especially true concerning magazine capacity. Always check your local laws to ensure gun you’re thinking of purchasing is legal.
Are Bullpup Shotguns good for home defense?
Yes, bullpups can be good for home defense if they are reliable. The guns are compact, thus excel in close-quarters combat. Like all shotguns, they have a devesting payload. And many bullpups have excellent capacity. However, if they have a tendancy to malfuntionu002du002dwhich many dou002du002dall of those assets don’t amount to much.
Do Bullpup Shotguns have better recoil management?
A bullpup’s recoil depends on a number of factors; its action, weight and type of load are among the most important. For the most part, a heavy gas-operated bullpup should have fairly tame recoil, while a light pump-action will prove stouter. Overall, bullpups do not inherently have more or less recoil than a traditional shotgun and are very similar in managment.
How do Bullpup Shotguns compare to traditional shotguns?
The bullpups main difference compared to a traditional shotgun is its compact size. Arguably, traditional shotguns are more versitile and have a better track record for running smoothly.
Updates: February 2025: Removed UTAS UTS-15, added Escort Bultac SA.
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