RECOIL Network gave out the first Top Brass Awards at SHOT Show 2026! Brands that brought new products, new ideas, and bold innovation to the market. Top Brass Awards come from all of the RECOIL Network brands, including RECOIL Magazine, Gun Digest, CONCEALMENT, CARNIVORE, OffGrid, and CANCON.
Here are just a few of our winners!
RECOIL Top Brass Phoenix Award: FN SCAR
Reborn from the ashes of the first generation of FN SCAR, the king lives on in the second generation. Improved in almost every way, this new version continues to impress us.
CONCEALMENT Top Brass Award For Best Accessory: TriggerTech ACE Trigger System
Building their name in the bolt-action and AR trigger space, TriggerTech now offers that high level of design with an unbeatable crisp, Zero Creep trigger for Glocks gen 1-5. Tunable by the user for a pull weight between 2.5 and 6 pounds, this is the most crisp, smoothest, and surprising trigger weโve seen for the Glock platform.
CANCON Top Brass Giggle Maker Award: Maxim Defense PDX SD
We see lots of new and interesting things at every CANCON, but this year, the one that never failed to light up someoneโs face was the Maxim Defense PDX SD! Less than 24โ end to end, this ultra-short, ultra-compact little gun sounds and shoots like you canโt believe.
Built to be the ultimate in small gun technology, the Maxim PDX SD is more than the sum of its parts and delivers a tiny gun that everyone loves to shoot.
Gun Digest Top Brass Best New Precision Rifle Award: Seekins SIC
This absolute polearm of a rifle from Seekins left us incredibly impressed. It’s available in 7 different calibers ranging from badass magnums down to 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, but you don’t have to choose just one. This modular rifle developed for U.S. Special Operations is hyper modular, allowing you to quickly and easily swap calibers for your mission on the fly using a just a T25 stored in the buttpad. All of this coolness doesn’t come cheap, but if you can afford it, this is one hell of a precision rifle.
Recoil Top Brass Innovation Award: PSA Mixtape .338 ARC
The .338 ARC cartridge is super cool and potentially very quiet, and that calls for awesome guns chambered in it. PSA did that in spades with their announcement of a .338 ARC Sabre Mixtape! The original version in .300 BLK was already impressive, but we’re excited to see what it can do in the new chambering.
It’s the first day of SHOT Show 2026, and after spending the day walking the floor here are just a few of our top highlights for you.
Lyman SONICORE Suppressors
Lyman’s announcement of the SONICORE suppressor line came as a surprise to most, but after finding out more about it, also a very welcome one. The main draw: their price. None will cost more than $300, and in this new age of $0 tax stamps, that’s a very attractive thing. While the cans won’t be best in class in any particular performance category, when all you need is a basic muffler for some of the guns in your safe, SONICORE suppressors sound like they’re more than capable of doing the job.
The line so far includes the SKARV 22, the Valor 9, the Rekkr Direct Thread (.223 and .30), the Rekkr Overbarrel (.223 and .30), the Paradox Direct Thread (.223 and .30) and the Paradox Overbarrel. A suppressor series like this that balances performance and price is exactly what the market needs right now, both for helping shooters get into their first NFA item on a budget and helping shooters with large collections hush-up more of it.
SDS Arms Inglis 2035
This isn’t the first attempt to modernize a Hi-Power, but to us, the SDS Arms Inglis 2035 looks the best take on the concept. Besides the modernized aesthetics like the two-tone Cerakote finish and slide cuts, it has a ton of practical tactical improvements up its sleeve.
Major features include an optics-ready slide with a direct-mount Delta Point Pro footprint, a uni-rail for lights, and a flat trigger. It also has a no-bite hammer, forward slide serrations, a checkered front strap, G10 grips and suppressor-height iron sights. Just like SDS Arms’ marketing for the pistol says, this truly does look like the evolution of a legend.
Midwest Industries Bounty Hunter
Braces on pistols arenโt totally new anymore, but a brace system for revolvers is entirely awesome! Midwest Industries has options for a wide range of revolvers coming soon, and itโs a difference you need to feel to believe.
Priced around $350 per set, this adds a new level of precision and capability to existing revolvers, making them easier to shoot, more accurate, and just fun. Lots of options coming soon!
Palmetto State Armory Mixtape Vol. 3
Mostly announced last year, this finalized version of the Mixtape Vol. 3 is in .338 ARC and uses the improved lower, upper, and bolt for the Magpul ICAR pattern magazines. Built to be suppressed with high-quality components, this gun rocks.
Weโve been excited about .338 ARC since it was released, and the Mixtape goes a long way in getting the most out of the cartridge that you can get. Combined with subsonic ammo and a good suppressor, the Mixtape will sound amazing.
Franklin Armory Prevail
Push-feed Vs. controlled-round feed is a topic some people care deeply about. If you donโt know what weโre talking about, itโs okay. The good news is that the Prevail from Franklin Armory does the best of both in a new bolt-action rifle. R700 footprint action and trigger, and using Zermatt pattern barrels, the Prevail will be available in complete rifles, barreled actions, and stripped actions for custom builds.
The action we got to feel was smooth, 60-degree bolt, and the internal system for the Total Round Control feed design is interesting in a โI didnโt know I needed it, but I doโ kind of way. Weโre looking forward to doing a complete review soon!
Want to buy an AK-47? I brought in a few of the best AK rifles chambered for 7.62×39 and ran them through their paces to help you make your choice.
AK-47s are probably more popular in the U.S. now than theyโve ever been. Surprising, since the cost of the rifles and their ammunition is also at their zenith. Once viewed as the poor manโs alternative to the AR-15, that is no longer the case. Today, you can get an AR for $400, and the cheapest .223 Remington ammo is less expensive than the cheapest 7.62×39.
No, the AK is no longer the budget option it once was. The AK has become a rifle purchased by historical enthusiasts, collectors and shooters just interested in owning the exotic weapon of the enemy. Given their inflated prices, however, you want to spend your money wisely and choose the best AK that you can for your needs and desires. So, I brought some in for hands-on testing and evaluation to help you make that decision.
How I Made My Picks
The very first gun that I shot was an AK, and itโs the firearm that sparked a lifelong interest in this hobby and led to my eventual career. Consequently, Iโve spent more time researching Kalashnikovs than any other firearm platform and own more of them than I can shake a stick at. Itโs fair to say that I had some preexisting notions before starting this project, but it didnโt stop me from testing and assessing the guns as objectively as possible. Many of my biases were confirmed, but there were a couple of surprises as well.
Ultimately, the goal of the testing was simply to identify any problems if they exist, ensure their reliability and juxtapose the shooting experiences of each AK side-by-side. Testing them like this allowed for some hair-splitting and revealed some nuanced differences between them. Based on criteria like their fit and finish, their cost, the feel of their recoil impulse and the included furniture, I determined what each model does best.
The AK-47 Review Process And Notes
First things first, I should clarify that this buyerโs guide is only discussing 7.62×39 AK rifles that are currently available new, colloquially referred to as AK-47s .
To test each AK, I headed to the range with a duffel bag full of loaded mags and a couple of additional cases of ammo to top them off. 2,000 rounds of Wolf Polyformance 123gr HP were provided by AmmoToGo and an additional 500 rounds of Grom 124gr FMJ were provided by Atlantic Firearms. That comes to a grand total of 2,500 rounds or 500 rounds per gun.
For an AK, or any rifle worth its salt for that matter, 500 rounds is not a lot. It is, however, enough that any possible issues should rear their head. The good, and unsurprising, news is that not a single malfunction occurred. That means for all intents and purposes, you should expect all of these rifles to be equally reliable out of the box.
A wide variety of magazines were used to see if any combinations of AK and mag didnโt like each other. Between my surplus steel mags, various polymer mags (Bulgarian, PMAG, Tapco, and US Palm) and the mags included with each rifle, I didnโt experience any issues, but that said AK mags sometimes require a bit of filing to properly fit. The AKs with tighter magwells needed some convincing to seat some polymer mags, but all worked fine.
As for accuracy, I tested out to 200 yards with a steel half-size silhouette. Every rifle hit the target with ease. At the very least, theyโre all minute-of-man accurate.
The rest of the differences I gleaned from the testing process will be discussed in the buyerโs guide portion.
A WASR-10 sporting replacement wood furniture and a surplus sling.
Country of Origin: Romania Pattern: AKM Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged, Chrome-lined Weight: 7.5 Pounds Furniture: Wood or polymer Muzzle Device: Slant brake Muzzle Threads: 14×1 LH Side Scope Rail: Yes, AKM-pattern Bayonet Lug: Yes MSRP: $1,070
Pros
Rugged, reputation for excellent reliability
Chrome-lined hammer forged military barrel
AKM-pattern, good host for modifications
Enjoys being abused
Cons
Included furniture is garbage
Rough, grayish finish isn’t attractive
No magwell dimples (purely aesthetic)
Comes With: One 30-round mag, no cleaning rod OtherAvailable Variants: WASR-10 UF (underfolder stock), WASR Paratrooper (side-folding stock, combo gas block/front sight)
The WASR-10 that was tested is my personal rifle, and I stand by my decision to put it at the top of my list. Why? It embodies the rough, rugged reliability that AKs are known for. In terms of provenance, itโs the closest to a โtrue military AKMโ of anything on the list.
Long story short, these are made in Cugir, Romania, at the same factory thatโs been pumping out AKs since the early 1960s. Millions of select-fire models have been exported and spread throughout the world since then, and starting in the late 90s, semi-auto variants became available on the U.S. civilian market. They quickly gained a reputation for being workhorses and offered some of the best value you could find at the time.
Theyโre not as cheap as they once were, but theyโre not as expensive as many comparable models either. For someone looking for a basic, no-frills AK-47 at a middle-shelf price (it’s frequently priced below MSRP), you couldnโt go wrong with a WASR.
As far as shooting one goes, it feels like an AK should. Itโs such a standard, true-to-form AK in fact that it served as the baseline for which all the other test guns were compared.
The only real downsides in my mind are that WASRs sport a rough utilitarian finish on their metal parts and ship with low-quality polymer or wood furniture designed to be replaced (as has already been done on the example featured here).
The best parts of the WASR include its production at a legacy factoryโinitially set up by the Sovietsโits use of quality military-grade parts like a cold hammer forged chrome-lined barrel and its widespread compatibility with all standard AKM components and accessories. It’s roughness is also a quality in my eyes, because you’ll never feel bad about throwing it around and scratching it up, and that’s what AKs are meant for.
One final note is that the rifle featured in this review is an original WASR-10, but a few years ago Century Arms began importing a model called the WASR-10 V2. The only noteworthy difference is its gas block does not feature a bayonet lug. If having a bayo lug is important to you, just track down one of the plentiful original WASR-10s instead.
Country of Origin:U.S. Pattern:AKM Barrel: Gas Nitride 4150 steel treated Weight: 6.5 Pounds Furniture: Polymer Muzzle Device: Slant brake Muzzle Threads: 14X1 LH Side Scope Rail: Yes, AKM Bayonet Lug: Yes MSRP: $700
Pros
Very affordable
Impressively soft recoil
Nice finish
Enhanced safety lever
Cons
Barrel is not chrome-lined
Not overgassed, won’t be as reliable in adverse conditions
Comes With: One 30-round PSA mag, cable lock, no cleaning rod OtherAvailable Variants: PSA offers the GF3 in dozens of configurations with polymer, wood and railed furniture in several colors
If youโre looking to get into AKs while spending little money, look at Palmetto State Armory.
The companyโs first couple of generations of AK-47s had some kinks, but itโs widely accepted that the current-generation GF3 rifles are absolutely rock solid. Like every imported AK on the list, this domestically manufactured rifle features a hammer-forged bolt, carrier, and front trunnion. When it comes to those parts, you should accept no substitute.
Besides the attractive price tag, the GF3 has a lot going for it. In fact, it even does quite a few things better than some of the others. First off, it has a nice black finish and its polymer furniture is good enough quality to keep installed if you like the way it looks. It also ships with an enhanced safety lever installed that features a shelf for quicker actuation. Another note on the safety is that while most AKs feature rather tight levers that often need to be broken in a bit, the GF3โs was the smoothest, best AK safety Iโve ever felt right out of the box.
I was shocked by how soft-shooting PSA’s AK is.
As for how it shot, the GF3 had the lowest recoil impulse of the standard AKM-pattern rifles tested (WASR, GF3 and WBP). PSA clearly dialed the gas on this gun very carefully to be just enough to keep it reliably cycling. While this made it a dream to shoot, it could also be considered a drawback depending on how you look at it. If you had to pick an AK to trust your life with on some muddy battlefield, the GF3 isnโt the one. Harsh conditions are why AKs were designed to be overgassed and itโs partly what made them so reliableโit keeps the gun running in the face of excessive fouling or debris in the action.
Another potential downside is the barrel is not chrome-lined, but unless you plan on shooting corrosive ammo through it that shouldn’t be an issue.
That all said, thankfully, most of us arenโt planning on going to war and are simply buying an AK as a range toy. If thatโs all you want it for, the PSA GF3 is an excellent option that shoots surprisingly softly and spits less gas in your face than anything else on this list.
Palmetto State Armory PSA AK-47 GF3 Forged Classic Redwood
Country of Origin: Poland Pattern: AKM Barrel:FB Radom Hammer Forged, Chrome-lined Weight: 7.2 Pounds Furniture: Wood Muzzle Device: Slant brake Muzzle Threads: 14X1 LH Side Scope Rail: Yes, AKM Bayonet Lug: Yes MSRP: $1,100
Pros
Gorgeous finish
Handsome furniture
Barrel is chrome-lined and made by FB Radom
Reliable, faithful AKM clone
Cons
A bit pricey
Finish and wood look so nice, you’ll be scared to properly abuse it
Comes With: One 30-round magazine, NcSTAR VISM 2-point sling, front sight adjustment tool, cable lock, cleaning rod OtherAvailable Variants: WBP offers its rifles with several colors of wood, polymer and tactical furniture, as well as a DIY configuration that includes no furniture
In many ways, the WBP 762SC Jack Classic is just a higher-end WASR. Like the WASR, itโs made in an ex-communist country with a history of producing excellent guns, itโs a very faithful copy of the AKM (including its hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel made by FB Radom) and its recoil impulse suggests its gas is tuned to military specifications, so it’s plenty reliable. What it does better than a WASR are all aesthetic improvementsโa gorgeous glossy black finish and handsome, original-looking laminate wood furniture. It may not come across through the photos, but the finish really looks better and of higher quality than any other rifle on this list.
That said, one angle to consider before you choose the best AK for you is how you plan on treating it. Yes, the WBP is a beautiful rifle, but that could easily result in you babying it and worrying about every ding and scratch like it’s a new car. If you want to shoot your AK and treat it as roughly as it deserves, you won’t feel nearly as bad about doing that to a WASR.
Unsurprisingly, shooting the WBP felt the same as the WASR since both are essentially AKM clones. There isnโt much more to say about it than that. Simply put, if youโre after classic AK aesthetics and are willing to pay a bit more for it to look beautiful right out of its box, the WBP Jack Classic is your ticket.
Milled receiver limits aftermarket parts compatibility
Subpar finish, prone to flaking
Comes With: One 10-round mag, Arsenal 2-point sling, buttstock cleaning kit, oiler bottle, cleaning rod OtherAvailable Variants: SAM7SF (side-folder stock), SAM7UF (underfolder stock) ; all offered in several colors of polymer furniture and with various muzzle device options
While most AK-producing countries completely abandoned milled receivers as soon as they had the technology to manufacture stamped receivers instead, Bulgaria is the exception. Once importation began, Arsenal became the gold standard for shooters in the U.S. who wanted a milled AK-47.
The question then is why does anyone want an AK with a milled receiver? The manufacturing process not only results in heavier guns, but more expensive ones too. Militaries donโt want to pay more for guns than they have to, and soldiers prefer lightweight rifles since they carry them far more than shoot them, but that doesnโt apply to those of us looking to have fun on the range.
The first thing youโll notice when you pick up an Arsenal SAM7R-62 is its weight. While you wouldnโt want to hump it over a mountain, that weight also makes for one very nice shooter. Further aided by the included compensator and the wonderfully crisp flat trigger, the Arsenal was by far the best AK to shoot on this list. It really tames 7.62×39 and makes it feel more like a 5.56. Another benefit of the milled receiver is that the action feels much smoother than any of the stamped AKs.
So, why not go with an Arsenal if it shot and felt the best of them all? It mostly comes down to price and parts compatibility. Quality comes at a cost and Arsenal rifles have price tags significantly higher than any other AK on this list. Even if you have the money for it, a milled AK may not be the direction you want to go. The vast majority of aftermarket AK furniture is designed for stamped receiver AKs. This means that parts like buttstocks, handguards and some internal components wonโt fit an Arsenal. If you plan on tricking your AK out, whether that be tactical or with classic wood, youโre going to have far fewer options to choose from.
It’s also worth noting that for the price, Arsenals have a surprisingly rough-looking painted finish. This finish is also known to be prone to flaking, especially when cleaned with certain chemicals, although I didn’t experience this on the test rifle.
That all said, if you just want the softest shooting AK out of the box that money can buy, Arsenal is undoubtedly the way to go.
Arsenal SAM7R-62 Deals
Atlantic Firearms
Arsenal SAM7R-62 Black
$1,840
Atlantic Firearms
Arsenal SAM7R-62 Green
$1,880
Wildcard Option: Zastava ZPAP M70
The ZPAP M70 with a TangoDown grip, aftermarket sling and “Serbian Red” wood furniture.
Country of Origin: Serbia Pattern: Yugo Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged, Chrome-lined Weight: 7.9 Pounds Furniture: Wood Muzzle Device: Slant brake Muzzle Threads: 14×1 LH Side Scope Rail: Yes, Yugo Bayonet Lug: Yes MSRP: $1,063
Pros
Soft shooter
Nice finish
Good hardwood furniture
Safety features bolt hold open notch
Cons
Heavy
Yugo-pattern design limits aftermarket parts compatibility
No cleaning kit trap door in buttstock
Comes With: One 30-round magazine, cleaning rod Available Variants: ZR7762UFSR (underfolder stock), ZR7762RTF (side-folder triangle stock), ZR7762RT (fixed triangle stock); other combinations of wood (various types), polymer and tactical furniture offered as well
Zastavaโs ZPAP M70 has become one of the most popular AK options in recent years, and itโs easy to see why. The company is offering some very high-quality rifles at middle-of-the-road prices, and their fit, finish and hardwood furniture make them attractive to many.
What makes this the wildcard option is, like Arsenal’s AKs, ZPAPs are not the standard AKM-pattern. They are Yugoslavian or โYugoโ pattern, and that means they use a thicker gauge of metal for their stamped steel receivers and have bulged front trunnions. These features were added by the Yugoslavians to ensure the guns were strong enough to handle firing rifle grenades, but thatโs irrelevant in a civilian context. For us, the extra weight merely helps dampen the recoil and makes for a slightly more pleasant shooting experience than with the standard AKM-pattern rifles.
The downside of this difference is again similar to Arsenalโsโparts compatibility. Buttstocks, handguards and some internal parts will need to be specifically designed for Yugo-pattern AKs. The aftermarket for this has grown substantially, but itโs nowhere near as big as that for AKM parts. The optics rail is different as well, which further limits scope and mount options. The ZPAP also loses a point in my book for not having a trapdoor in its buttstock for a cleaning kit, but it earns the point back for coming with a safety lever that has a bolt hold-open notch.
If the parts’ compatibility and higher weight donโt bother you, a ZPAP will make for a very nice shooter.
The A and K stand for ะะฒัะพะผะฐัั and ะะฐะปะฐัะฝะธะบะพะฒะฐ, respectively, which translate to Automatic and Kalashnikov in English. Kalashnikov is the last name of the rifle’s inventor.
What is an AK-47? What is an AKM?
Technically speaking, there has never been a rifle to ever be officially designated as AK-47. If anything can be called an AK-47 it’s the first three patterns of Kalashnikov rifle developed in the Soviet Union between the late 1940s and mid-1950s. In the West, AK-47 is a catch-all colloquialism used to refer to any Kalashnikov rifle chambered for 7.62x39mm, even though the rifles in question are typically AKMs. The “M” in AKM stands for ะผะพะดะตัะฝะธะทะธัะพะฒะฐะฝะฝัะน meaning modernized. The primary difference is the AKM features a stamped steel receiver. This is the version that’s been made in the tens of millions across the globe making it so prolific and well-known.
Why is the AK-47 so famous?
The exact production numbers are debated, but many believe that over 100 million Kalashnikov-type firearms have been manufactured since its invention. The rifles were (and in some cases still are) made in Russia, Romania, Yugoslavia/Serbia, Hungary, Poland, East Germany, Finland, Bulgaria, Albania, Iraq, North Korea and other nations. Many of these countries provided Kalashnikovs as military aid to politically friendly nations and non-state actors, resulting in massive global proliferation. The AK is almost certainly the most recognizable firearm in the world, and it’s the only gun to be featured on a country’s flag (Mozambique).
Should I get an AK-47 or AK-74?
This question is really asking whether one should get an AK chambered for 7.62×39 or for 5.45×39. Both are excellent cartridges, but which is best for you depends on what you want it for. If for some reason you really want your AK to have ballistics similar to 5.56x45mm NATO, then 5.45 offers comparable performance. However, 5.45×39 ammo and magazines are far less common in the United States than 7.62×39 ammo and mags. For most American shooters, the abundance and commonality of 7.62 AKs makes them the better option. A third path to consider is an AK chambered for .223/5.56. These have gained popularity in recent years and besides 5.56 AK mags not being as common as 7.62 ones, these are an excellent option as well.
We shot and carried a ton of concealed carry guns. Here are the handguns we find fit to cover your six.
Finding a handgun you can confidently use and comfortably carry every day is crucial. With countless options available, navigating through the various sizes, styles, calibers, and price points can be overwhelming. That’s where I come inโto guide you through some of the the best concealed carry gun options currently on the market.
How I Chose The Best Concealed Carry Guns
Iโll start by saying that selecting these concealed carry guns was a team effort. Each of these guns was shot, tested and carried by myself, Gun Digest staff or long-term and trusted freelancers. This avoids myopia, a one-person perspective on each of the firearms, and allows us to take into account different body types and backgrounds to give these guns a square day in court. Our experience ranges from certified handgun instructors to law enforcement and military. Oh yeah, thereโs a master gunsmith in the mix too. Of all the pistols and revolvers carried, these were the ones that proved head and shoulders above the rest in the concealed-carry market when it came to reliability, comfort and accuracy.
Next to capacity, the real advantage of the P365 is carry comfort. Itโs easily concealed and comfy to carry.
Pros
Great sights
Excellent Capacity
Optics-ready options
Cons
Ships with only one pinky extension
P365 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 5.8 inches
Overall Height: 4.3 inches
Overall Width: 1.1 inches
Weight: 17.8 ounces
Sights: XRAy3 Day/Night Sights; Optics Ready
MSRP: $600
Is it fair to say this is the pistol that changed the face of concealed carry? Honestly, itโs not too much of a stretch. The Sig P365 has proven among the most monumental handguns to hit the market in a spell, serving up what many consider the perfect on-person self-defense package. That is a tall boast, but one the demure 9mm more than fulfills.
Above all, what makes the P365 such a spectacular heater is its size. The 3.1-inch barreled pistol is a mere 1 inch in width and tips the scales at a scant 17 ounces or so, creating one of the most concealable and easy-to-carry pistols out there. Sure enough, there are concealed carry guns, but in nearly every case theyโre a compromise in power or capacity. Not so with the P365. Shipping with two 10-round magazines, the mighty mite has a payload identical to many compact models that come in nearly twice its size. Not enough on tap? Simply solved, given there are 12- and 13 or 15-round extended magazines available to improve your firepower.
Shooting-wise, the micro-compact shocks for a pistol its size. An abbreviated sight radius provides a challenge for those unfamiliar with the touchiness of small guns, yet Sig arms shooters with the tools to keep it steady. In addition to aggressive grip texturing, the striker-firedโs respectable trigger ups the gunโs accuracy potential. To boot, the 9mm is also quite easy to manipulateโan often overlooked asset.
Another point that sets the P365 apart from the rest of the micro nines and concealed carry guns in general is its modularity. The gun’s fire control unit is interchangeable, in turn, you can upsize or downsize the grip. Furthermore, this feature allows you to swap parts from other P365 models–of which there are many–to create your perfect pistol. However, we can promise the outcome will look good.
As for nits to pick, the gun is stout in recoil, but no more so than any other micro-compact. And Sig only includes one pinky extension with the pistol. Even with medium-sized hands, I find the P365’s grips too short for comfort.
These points aside, there’s little arguing Sig cooked up a game-changer with the P365.
As pointed out, the Sig P365 is a game-changer. The Springfield Armory Hellcat is proof. Quickly embracing the micro-compact concept, the Illinois concern cooked up a direct competitor to the popular Sig. In many respects, it produced a concealed carry gun option that runs neck and neck with the original.
No larger than a compact .380 ACP, the striker-fired is among the smallest 9mm options available today. By the tape, it measures 1 inch in width and 6 inches in length and weighs in at 18 ounces. Pretty dang concealable and easy to carry by anyoneโs standards.
At the same tick, the Hellcat offers everything youโd expect out of a much larger concealed carry pistolโespecially capacity. Out of the box, the 3-inch barreled pistol boasts more firepower than nearly anything in its class, shipping with an 11-round magazine. Invest in a 13-round extended-capacity magazine, well folks, youโll holster an iron flirting with a full-sized pistolโs capacity.
Outfitted with adaptive grip texturing, the Hellcat offers a positive grip when you need it, yet the ability to reposition your hand when you need to. A flat-faced trigger combined with a featherweight break and short reset ups the pistolโs accuracy resume, as well as allows it to run when needed.
Breaking from the herd, Springfield opted for a slightly new sighting system, jettisoning the traditional three-dot sights for a U-notch. Similar in concept, the execution differs in that shooters place the fiber-optic front pipe in the white outlined U-notch. A fast and intuitive system, few will miss the old way of building a sight picture. Additionally, the OSP model offers a slide cut for mounting optics, if a red dot is more your cup of tea.
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 offers a great balance of features; this is indicative of a quality carry gun. It fits the author well, but if it doesnโt fit you, find a different gun.
Pros
Superior build quality
Sublime trigger
Factory customizable
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
EDC X9 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1, 18+1
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.4 inches
Overall Height: 5.25 inches
Overall Width: 1.4 inches
Weight: 29.09 ounces
Sights: Tactical Adjustable Battlesight with fiber optic front sight
MSRP: $3,3210
If you were to build a race gun to a concealed carry pistolโs specs, youโd likely come out with the EDC X9. This is the most highly tuned and performing pistol of our picksโwith a price tag to match. But for the uncompromising souls looking to protect their six, the pistol is a perfect match.
At its core, Wilson Combatโs 9mm is a 1911, but one upgraded for modern self-defense. To the traditional side of the design, the hammer-fired gun inherits the exceptional 1911 trigger, which is light and fast. Unlike the original, Wilson has stripped the grip safetyโthough, for obvious reasons, the gunmaker has kept the thumb safety.
The EDC X9โs ergonomics are impeccable with the gun fitting the hand perfectly and Wilsonโs XTAC pattern grips further enhance the comfort while ensuring a firm hold. Its aluminum frame adds a bit of heft to the compact pistol, but itโs far from prohibitiveโcomparable to a Glock 17. And the weight is a blessing of sorts, making the X9 extremely mild-mannered.
Despite a terse 4-inch barrel, the pistol can accurately fire well past typical defensive ranges. At close quarters, itโs lights out. Not only does the trigger and heft of the gun aid with this but also its Wilson Combat Battlesight and fiber-optic front, which provide quick and clear target acquisition.
In testing, the EDC X9 proved highly reliable, handling a wide range of 9mm ammunition without issueโit chewed through everything from 115-grain ball to 147-grain hollow point without a hitch. Much of this is thanks to Wilson Combatโs Enhanced Reliability System, a proprietary system designed to optimize functioning with the varying power levels of 9mm ammunition.
We lay out a pretty good case in our EDC X9 review of why this pistol is money well spent.
Proven in military and law enforcement use, the G19 has plenty of defensive credibility.
Pros
Accurate
Reliable
Aftermarket parts
Ease of maintenance
Cons
Grip angle
Plastic sights
Mushy trigger
Glock 19 Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.02 inches
Overall Length: 7.36 inches
Overall Height: 5.04 inches
Overall Width: 1 inch
Weight: 21.16 ounces
Sights: Polymer white dot front, outline rear
MSRP: $600
Itโs difficult to knock off the king. And certainly, the Glock 19 still has its place on the throne of best concealed carry guns.
While a larger option than many of the modern sub-compact options, I find it difficult not to love how this momma-bear option operates. Itโs still very concealable, at the same tick, large enough to make it extremely manageable and accurate. Of the guns tested, this G19 provided some of the best groups at even longer engagement distances.
Not to mention, the pistol is almost boringly reliable. Perhaps this is one of the greatest achievements of the pistol, no matter what you feed it the gun will chew through it. Much of this is thanks to a painfully simplistic design that offers few opportunities for malfunctions to occur. The other bonus to this is facet, the gun is extremely simple to upgradeโif you happen to find what rolled out of the factory unsatisfactory.
Sights, Iโd say are one of the areas many consider must-changeโthough the factory set isnโt unusable. Trigger is another one that can use some pepping up and upgrades are legion in this area. Iโll admit, I donโt hate the G19 trigger and itโs more than passible for a self-defense gun, but there are much better options out there.
One last point, while the Glock 19 is concealableโfolks have been keeping it under wraps for decadesโit is large by todayโs standards. Itโs 21 ounces unloaded and 1.26 inches in width and has a height of 5 inches. A bit of a load if you go jogging in your jorts.
On the affordable end of concealed carry guns, the Dagger Micro stands nearly alone.
Pros
Affordable
Glock 43 compatibility
Durable
Cons
Ships with one magazine
Few holster options
Dagger Micro Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Overall Height: 4.7 inches
Overall Width: 1.1 inches
Weight: 15.9 ounces
Sights: Three-dot
MSRP: $300
A remarkable blend of affordability, compactness and practical features, the PSA Dagger Micro hits a lot of the right notes. Surprising, given itโs the South Carolina concernโs first foray into this end of the market.
First off, as a budget concealed carry gunโone with a sub $400 price tagโdonโt expect any originality. The Dagger Micro is what it is and thatโs a Glock clone. Still, there are advantages to playing copycat, such as compatibility with G43, G43X and G48 pistols. And for those who have shot Glocks, well, by golly, the PSA carry gun should prove very familiar.
Overall, the pistol is fairly refined for the price point, with nice ergonomics, beveled edges and aggressive cocking serrations for enhanced manipulation. The trigger leaves a little to be desiredโespecially given the hinged bottomโbut is responsive. And the grip is just right, with a sandpapery texture that keeps the gun where it should beโyour hand.
Nicely, the gun ships with 15 round magazine, a significant upgrade over many in the compact class. Yet, PSA only gives you one. I suppose they needed to save money somewhere. And anyone familiar with the 3-dot sight system will know what to do when they pick up a dagger. Additionally, the pistol has an optic cut that accommodates Shield RMSc footprint optics for those who prefer red dot sights on their carry gun.
Reliability is another strong point for the Micro Dagger, it digested everything we fed it in testing. When it comes to a concealed carry pistolโno matter the priceโthis facet is priority No. 1.
The LCR made concealed carry revolvers relevant again.
Pros
Highly concealable
Reliable
Good double-action trigger
Cons
Integral sights
Double-action trigger not great for begginers
LCR Specs
Caliber: .327 Federal Magnum; other calibers .22LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum
Capacity: 5-8 depending on caliber
Barrel Length: 1.87 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Overall Height: 4.5 inches
Overall Width: 1.28 inches
Weight: 13.5-17.1 ounces depending on caliber
Sights: Ramp front, integral rear
MSRP: $739-$859
Despite rumors otherwise, the self-defense revolver isnโt dead. Or it hasnโt been since Ruger introduced its LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver).
The minute snub-nose nearly single-handedly breathed life back into the flagging defensive revolver market when it hit the scene in 2009. And why not? At 13 to 17 ounces in weight and 6.5 inches in overall length, it is among the most concealable guns on the market today. This, in some respects, also gives it a dual purposeโnot only is it a capable primary concealed carry gun, but itโs also svelte enough to serve as a backup.
Aside from concealability, the Ruger has also enhanced one of the key drawbacks of the double-action-only revolversโits trigger pull. The gun utilizes a friction-reducing cam that lightens the trigger pull considerably and makes it surprisingly smooth. Even so, itโs still a stout 8 pounds to trip the hammer, which might not prove ideal for those brand new to shooting. Also, the sightsโan integral rear and blade frontโarenโt the easiest to master for more precise shooting. But at defensive range in defensive scenarios are more than adequate.
Ruger offers a bevy of chambering options for the LCR, from .22 LR up to .38 Special and 9mm. Though itโs a bit of an oddball, we liked the gun in .327 Federal Magnum, a hard-hitting compromise that is forgiving in recoil.
Our Ruger LCR review show why this revolver is such a hot-shot (especially in .327 Fed Mag).
While it doesn’t quite get everything out of the .357 cartridge, it certainly makes it more of a magnum than terser concealed carry revolvers.
Pros
Good ballistics
Accurate
Cons
Limited capacity
Double-action trigger not for beginners
LCRx 3-Inch Specs
Caliber: .357 Magnum; other calibers 9mm, 22 WMR, 22LR, .38 Special
Capacity: 5-6 depending on caliber
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Overall Height: 5.8 inches
Overall Width: 1.28 inches
Weight: 17.3 ounces depending on caliber
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
MSRP: $859
The LCRx is the absolute mamma bear magnum for concealed carry revolvers, offering shooters everything they want in a .357 Magnumโespecially the power. The secret sauce here is the gunโs 3-inch barrel that milks the ballistic potential out of the magnum cartridge.
While the snub-nose .357s have more pop than a .38 Special, even a +P .38, it falls considerably short of the cartridge’s normal performance standards. In return, you get more muzzle blast and pain. However, in my chronograph testing, the LCRx is just off a 6-inch .357 Magnum and dang near identical to a 4-inch model. All while being quite a bit more concealable.
The 5-round revolver is heavier than its little brother LCR, coming in at 21 ounces. This isnโt only due to the extra bore, but also the stainless steel frameโrequired for the more powerful cartridge. Despite this, it remains very concealable.
The trigger is similar to the LCR, making the gun manageable and accurateโthough it still isnโt an option for those who havenโt mastered the double-action trigger pull. There are other aspects shooters should keep in mind with the revolver, as well. It has adjustable target rear sights, providing more accuracy. And its hammer has a spur. While I havenโt found either to pose a problem, each are a potential snag point and might prove uncomfortable for some, depending on how they carry. At 5 oโclock outside the waistband, it wasnโt an issue for me.
Does the extra inch matter? Check out our LCRx review to find out.
It has the chops to hold down primary and backup carry duties.
Pros
Extremely concealable
Capacity for size
Good holster selection
Cons
Short sight radius
Small grip
LCP Max Specs
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
Overall Length: 5.17 inches
Overall Height: 3.6 inches
Overall Width: .82 inch
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Sights: Tritium front, u-notch rear
MSRP: $479
The third version of this iconic .380 pistol finally delivers what shooters have asked for, particularly its sights. I can’t say enough how much I disliked the integral sights on the LCP II (now a .22 LR in Rugerโs catalog). Not only do I not care for fixed systems, but they provided only a rudimentary sight picture. On the other hand, the white outlined rear sight of the Max and tritium front creates a very usable and intuitive system.
One of the best features of the Max is its excellent capacity for what is certainly a pocket pistol. With 10+1 on board with its flush-fit mag and 12+1 with its extended, shooters should feel comfortable with its firepower. However, Ruger slightly widened the LCPโs grip to expand it to a double stack. Not that this is a bad thing. With a little more meat on the handle I found the pistol more comfortable in the hand; add the extended mag and even my medium-sized hand could fit almost completely on the grip.
I had no issues hitting center mass out to 10 yards with the Max, even so, I wouldn’t classify the pistol as a tack driver. I donโt think this surprises anyone with a 2.8-inch barreled gun, weighing all of 12 ounces loaded. And while it’s not a beast to shoot by any stretch of the imagination, itโs also not one I figure most folks will take to the range for fun.
All of that said, what the gun lacks in shootability it more than makes up for in concealability. I toted the Max around via a pocket holster and an IWB holster, both are more than feasible and comfortable. Short Speedos, you can carry the Max confident you wonโt give yourself away.
Tailored to those who may not have as much hand strength, the Equalizer acquitted itself well enough as a concealed carry pistol that it’s more than fit for those who don’t need an easy-to-rack slide.
Pros
Easy racking slide
Optics ready
Low recoil
Cons
Grip Safety
Reset not very audible or tactile
Equalizer Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1, 13+1, 15+1
Barrel Length: 3.68 inches
Overall Length: 6.75 inches
Overall Height: 4.5 inches
Overall Width: 1.04 inch
Weight: 22.9 ounces
Sights: White dot, optics read
MSRP: $599
Easy-to-manipulate semi-auto concealed carry pistols have earned a much-needed niche in the firearms world. There are plenty of folksโthrough age, infirmity or just plain hand strengthโwho find semis difficult to manipulate. Smith & Wesson took a hard look at this class of pistol and developed the best example yet.
OK, so emblazing its nameโEqualizerโacross the slide is about as attractive as tailfins on a Corvette. That, however, is a rare chink in the 9mm pistolโs armor. Living up to its name, nearly anyone can operate the slide and get the gun into action.
While it appears just another striker-fired compact, the design point that makes the pistol so manipulatable is that it’s hammer-fired. Essentially, itโs a Shield EZโlong-time S&W favoriteโbut a double stack, shipping with 10-, 13- and 15-round magazines. Aiding the pistolโs operation externally are large and aggressive cocking serrations and cocking tabs at the rear.
Honestly, I have to admit, the pistol is a shockingly nice one to shoot. Accuracy-wise, I found it on par with S&W’s popular M&P line, but with a much crisper triggerโone of the benefits of a hammer. Certainly, the gun is on target enough for defensive action. The Equalizer also lives up to its billing with its highly manipulatable slide that able hands can run lighting fast.
A drawback I found to the system is holstering the pistol. Too much tension on your holster, the gun can rack when put away. I found counter pressure on the back of the slide with my thumb eliminated this issue.
It’s a beast, but that’s what you need for the backwoods.
Pros
Powerful chambering
Reliability
Versatile
Extended range
Cons
Large
Longer trigger reach
Recoil
Glock 20 Specs
Caliber: 10mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.61 inches
Overall Length: 8.07 inches
Overall Height: 5.51 inches
Overall Width: 1.12 inch
Weight: 39.86 ounces
Sights: White dot front, white outline rear
MSRP: $599
Most only consider two-legged predators when shopping for concealed-carry guns. Certain circumstances call for a pistol that can handle more than upright threats. For backwoods protection, the Glock 20 exceeds nearly all others.
A 10mm, the pistol provides enough punch to batter your way out of the tightest situations and take everything down short of coastal brown bears. Even there itโll likely make them think twice. At the same time, it is feasibly concealable, particularly in garb youโd wear into the hinterlands. That said, itโs no lightweight by carry pistol standardsโweighing in at a hefty 30 ounces unloaded. A good gun belt and perhaps an OWB holster go a long way in making the G20 a more manageable CCW gun.
Surprisingly, the G20 is a very manageable pistol, even with pitching hot loads. The weight does its part in taming the 10mm’s jump, but so do the grip’s ergonomics. Get past the Glock rakeโof which Iโm no fan ofโand the standard model fits medium to large hands well and offers enough texturing, including the front and back strapsโto keep the gun in place. I can take or leave the finger grooves.
Itโs also lights-out accurate, particularly the MOS model outfitted with a red dot. With practice and a good trigger squeeze, the gun can consistently hit well past most defensive ranges. However, for many, tight and accurate splits may take some practice.
Hogs, cougars, two-legged threatsโthe G20 has you covered.
Above all, becoming an armed citizen is a lifestyle choice. By this we mean, your life will conform around your concealed carry gun. Donโt let this scare you off. Itโs less daunting than it seems, yet it merits comment.
It takes more than a gun and a holster to become ready to carry.
After purchasing a concealed carry gun, plan on finding a reputable firearms instructor and enrolling in his or her classes. Generally, theyโll offer different levels of training, from basic pistol courses many states require to procure a concealed carry permit, to instruction on advanced concepts such as dynamic shooting, low-light engagements and mindset. Legal education is a must as well. America is a patchwork of self-defense laws, so be certain you find something tailored to where you live and travel so you have a well-formed idea of when, where and how you can justifiably use lethal force.
The greatest demand going armed makes is mastery of your firearm. Just like buying a guitar doesnโt make you a musician, purchasing a concealed carry gun doesnโt make you an expert in self-defense or the use of lethal force. You must educate yourself, practice and continue doing so. Essentially, itโs a lifetime undertaking. Donโt throw up your hands, because itโs the hardest work youโll ever love with a side benefit of a lot of range time.
Once you have basic instruction under your belt, plan on refresher courses in the future. In the meantime, practice. We wonโt prescribe a particular regimen here, because it will differ for each armed citizen. Your training should result in knowing your concealed carry gun inside and out, from muzzle to butt and all the quirks in between. Range time is the most obvious arena for learning and excelling with your pistol or revolver. But a solid routine of dry-fire drills at home works miracles on a learning curve and doesnโt cost a thing.
The other lifestyle aspect that comes with a concealed carry gun is clothing. Yup, that wardrobe is going to need updating โฆ most likely. Unless youโre still mired in the baggy days of the grunge movement, itโs a safe bet much of your wardrobe wonโt keep your gun concealed. Or, if it does, youโll feel plum uncomfortable. Again, we wonโt touch on the fine points hereโthere are loads of them. Just expect to make a clothing investment along with your concealed carry gun.
Concealed Carry Holsters
Hand-in-hand with clothing is a holster. You didnโt think you were going to tuck that baby in your waistband naked, did you? This is a vast topic, given the numerous types of concealed carry holsters on the market today:
IWB
OWB
Shoulder
Ankle
Belly Band
Pocket
Various Off The Body
Each has pros and cons and fit certain armed citizens, but not all of them. However, essentially all of them do the same job: retain the gun, cover the trigger (among the most important), protect you and the gun, enhance concealability, make carrying comfortable, and facilitate a smooth draw and re-holster. Thatโs a mouthful.
Get ready, because you’ll try many holsters before you find the right system for you.
Stick with Kydex for your AIWB holster. Leather will become soft over time โฆ which is a bad trait for an appendix rig.
Kydex is almost always a solid choice for holster material.
Unfortunately, we donโt have the magic bullet so that you hit the perfect holster your first time out. Nobody does. All we can say is, expect plenty of trial and errorโand a closet shelf of rejectsโbefore you find the ideal hanger for your concealed carry gun.
CCW Gun Fit
No two concealed carry guns are alike nor are two armed citizens. In turn, the pistol that works for you might be unwieldy to your friend. What this comes down to is fit, and there are two basic factors pertaining to concealed carry guns.
How the gun fits your hand
How the gun fits your style of carry
Most new shooters tend to think all guns are alike. They pick a trustworthy name and assume all is right with the world. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Concealed carry guns need to fit your hand properly, facilitating a fundamental high grip, otherwise, there can be control issues. Even the relatively mild-mannered 9mm is jumpy if oversized compared to a particular shooter. Gunmakers have engineered some wiggle room into their guns; most new polymer-framed pistols come with replaceable backstraps and palm swells of different sizes allowing for a level of customization. Take the time to find the make/model that fits you best. A good tactic is to go to a range that has a good selection of guns for rent, and give the ones youโre interested in a test drive. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.
Figuring out which one out of the many concealed carry guns to choose from takes a close examination of yourself and your lifestyle.
As to carry fit, the whole idea behind a concealed carry gun is to keep it concealed. Depending on who you are, how you carry and your particular lifestyle, not every gun will fit the bill. While a 250-pound trucker might easily keep a Government-size 1911 under wraps with no problem, a 98-pound lady business executive might find it more challenging. Think hard about your usual attire (yes, youโll update some of it), daily routine and potential carry methods as you go through the buying process. These will provide guide marks steering you to the ideal choice out of all the concealed carry guns.
The Best Caliber For Concealed Carry
Hoo boy โฆ hereโs a can of worms. Ask 100 people the best caliber for a concealed carry gun and youโll get 100 answersโprobably including 8.5 Mars, .455 Webley and some other oddballs. The topic is so divisive friendships have been lost and gun forums burned to the ground arguing whatโs top dog. Presently, the most popular concealed carry calibers are:
.380 ACP
.38 Special
9mm
.40 S&W
.45 ACP
10mm
.357 Magnum
So, which one is right? The dirty secret is, all of them.
Given ammunition advancements over the past 20 years, particularly bullet design, every one of the cartridges can save your life. The rub is, some of the smaller and lower velocity optionsโ.380 ACP and .38 Special, weโre looking at youโrequire more homework to find acceptable self-defense loads. The big boysโ10mm and .357 Magnumโrequire more skill to wield effectively. Donโt let either factor turn you off any of those if the particular concealed carry gun that fits you is chambered thusly. Just expect to spend more time making them work.
Is there a right choice?
That leaves us with 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. These are the most popular self-defense calibers on the market. Again, we canโt choose for you, only point out each that is an effective option, capable of neutralizing a threat, and are widely available. You need to find what you shoot best and that comes in a make/model that fits your lifestyle. A range that rents guns is invaluable for puzzling this out. Take each for a spin before you buy!
What about a .22 LR and other small fries? While inadvisable for most armed citizens, if thatโs all you can get or effectively shoot, itโs better than nothing.
What Is The Best Length For A Concealed Carry Gun?
Compact pistols have a 4-inch barrel and micro compacts a 3- to 3.5-inch barrels. We find these lengths the easiest to carry. However, the longer the barrel of a gun the more accurate it is due to a longer sight radius. In turn, the best length for a pistol is one that facilitates the most accuracy, while being easy to conceal.
What Is The Best Caliber For A Concealed Carry Gun?
There is no consensus on which caliber is the best, though, the 9mm is the most popular. For the most part, .380 ACP is considered the minimum caliber for self-defense.
What Is The Best Concealed Carry Handgun Holster?
One that completely covers the trigger, for starters. Aside from a way to carry your concealed carry gun, a holster is a safety device. From there, much of it is a personal preference. I personally prefer inside the waistband (IWB) holsters, because they provide the most concealment. However, in the colder months, I will use an outside the waistband (OWB) holster for comfort.
What Is The Best Concealed Carry Gun For Women?
While many gun salesmen push small and light revolvers, my choice for most women would be a compact or micro compact pistol. The trigger pull is lighter and more predictable. For women concerned about being able to manipulate the slide, the Smith & Wesson Equalizer would be my first choice; for those looking for less recoil, the Springfield Hellcat with a compensator would be an excellent option.
Take a look at a few of the cool things we saw at the Staccato Vegas Range Day this year.
We decided to mix things up this year and check out Staccato’s Vegas Range Day instead of the official SHOT Show one, as there were plenty of big companies in attendance worth checking out. Here’s a quick look at a few of our highlights, but make sure to check back the rest of this week starting tomorrow to see our regular SHOT Show 2026 coverage!
Ambient Arms EXO Series Suppressors
One new company making waves in the suppressor industry this year is Ambient Arms, and it’s easy to see whyโthese cans stay cool. Up to 75 percent cooler operating temperatures, in fact, according to Ambient. How did they achieve this? The company calls the technology behind it the Ambient Intake System, a design that uses intake ports and “strategic low-pressure zones” that draw cool air inside the suppressor.
More than that, Ambient Arms says the EXO suppressors are also up to 15 decibels quieter than flow-through cans while still reducing blowback, majorly limiting flash signature and managing the shock wave to improve precision. Of all the new suppressors recently announced, this one boasts some of the most radical improvements over the rest of the market, so we’re very excited to see how they fare once in shooters’ hands.
Barrett REC10 & Pixels On Target VooDoo-S Thermal
While it was on production hold for a period, the Barrett REC10 AR-10 in .308 & 6.5 Creedmoor is coming back this year. There are plenty of good AR-10s on the market, but Barrett’s is purpose-built for precision. To help demonstrate that at Staccato’s range day, Barrett partnered with Pixels On Target and equipped their rifle with one of their VooDoo-S clip-on thermal optics in conjunction with a Nightforce scope.
Set up on a tripod and pointed at a thermal target at 200 yards, Barrett’s rifle and Pixels’ thermal both did their job very well. Of course, 200 yards isn’t much of a challenge for a setup like this, but Barrett says factory testing is showing sub-MOA 5-shot groups. Whether you need a serious DMR or a clip-on thermal, both the REC10 and Pixel On Target’s VooDoo-S are worth a look.
STACCATO C4X
The highlight of Staccatoโs offering was the brand new HD C4X pistol! Built off the HD C3.6, this new version adds an integrated compensator to the 3.6โ barrel, making it 4โ total. Combined with the Aluminium frame and Glock 19-sized grip, this might be the pinnacle of what a concealed everyday carry gun can be.
Extremely flat shooting with soft recoil, this was outstanding to shoot. Faster cycling than the Staccato XC, but almost as flat to shoot, getting follow-up hits was super simple.
MSRP is over $3,500. That is asking a lot for a carry gun, but the pistol is impressive.
RADIAN WEAPONS MODEL 1 RIFLE
An uber premium rifle with a price tag to match, the Radian Model 1 in 6 ARC is as pretty as it is awesome. Both 14.5โ and 18โ options were on the long range bay today, and getting to send 108gr rounds over 500 yards never gets old.
Being a huge fan of 6 ARC, itโs great to see more brands supporting it with factory rifle options like the Model 1. While expensive, the Model 1 has a lot going for it with an ambi receiver, fluted high precision barrel, and all the bells and whistles you can ask for in terms of mounting, handguard, and features.
What do you get when you cross a time-tested platform with the most popular centerfire handgun cartridge? The 9mm revolver. Here are five that are fit to cover your six.
Ahโฆ the revolver. Timeless and still highly trusted. Why not? Outside the side-by-side shotgun, few firearms have more on-the-ground, behind-the-trigger practical testing backing up their prowess. Old West gunslinger Wyatt Earp and modern-day New York lawman Jim Cirillo bet their lives regularly on the wheelguns. Both came out winners.
Far from outdated, the revolver is tried-and-true. Even so, the handgun has remained relevant to modern shooters, evolving into more useful and convenient forms. Next to light alloy frames and hammerless designs, one adaptation gaining favor presently is the 9mm revolver. Though, truth be told, the concept is nothing new. Gun designers have squeezed in the 9mm and other semi-automatic pistol cartridges into wheelguns for decades creating classics along the way. The .45 ACP M1917, for instance.
If you aim to shoot a 9mm revolver get use to these. Moon clips are the standard for this caliber wheelgun.
While the 9mm doesnโt have as storied a model to its name, I’ve found gunmakers have cooked up some dandy revolvers for the cartridge in recent years. Competitive shooters have especially benefited from geeked-out, highly-tuned race guns hitting the scene. Smith & Wessonโs PC Pro 986 and Ruger GP100 Match Champion are a couple high-octane wheelguns that come to mind.
Concealed carry hasnโt been left out in the cold. While the selection pales to standby revolver chamberingsโ.357 Magnum and .38 Specialโthere are options. And as interest in 9mm revolvers continues to grow, itโs expanded. So, whatโs available now? Weโre going to take a look with five 9mm revolver options fit for concealed carry.
Optimized for carry, with all snag points eliminated
Cons
Light enough it proves a bit bucky
DAO trigger not the best choice for beginers
Honestly, the LCR has looks to rival a mud fence. Matte black all around and a cylinder profile reminiscent of a wasp nest, the lightweight 9mm revolver (it also comes in .38 Spc. and .357 Mag.) wonโt win any beauty contests. It doesnโt have to. From my experience, its attractiveness comes from its reliability and convenience, making it among the most cherished modern-day defensive wheelguns.
The LCRโs greatest advantage is eminent concealability, which few other revolvers rival. Weighing in at a hair over 17 ounces unloaded, and boasting an 1.8-inch barrel and 6.5-inches in overall length, the gun is unassuming and anything but cumbersome. Having carried the LCR, I can attest it is likely the one revolver you’ll carry every day.
Furthermore, the aircraft-grade aluminum-framed revolver is demure enough to fill a backup gun role, one you can dual-purpose ammo with a semi-auto pistol.
Light as the 5-round revolver is, those who are new to snubbies might find it bucky, but thatโs nothing some practice wonโt cure. Ruger gives you a leg up in this department with an excellent double-action triggerโa must on a DAO gun. Smooth as polished marble, the friction-reducing cam system doesnโt stack and makes the 9-pound pull weight much more manageable.
Optimized for concealed carry, Ruger removed every conceivable snag point, such as an exposed hammer and rear sight (itโs integral with the frame). Additionally, the LCR 9mm is fast on the reloadโwhen you get the system downโutilizing full moon clips. Overall, it deserves its place among the best 9mm revolvers.
Its trigger–Performance Center tuned–is the best on the list
Proves a very shootable revolver, capable of delivering shot-to-shot accuracy quickly
Cons
By nearly any standard, the 986 is a boat anchor
It is almost strictly limited to OWB carry for most folks
Granted, the PC Pro 986 is a beast of a snub-nose and might not exactly fit every armed citizenโs definition of the ultimate clandestine 9mm revolver. But if overcoming the platform’s main constraintโfirepowerโis your concern the handgunโs extra bulk pays you back 10 fold. Holding 7-rounds in its ample titanium cylinder, the 986 flirts with the capacity of many micro 9mm pistols that have become the hot ticket in recent years.
First off, I’ll point out the obvious–the revolver is turned and designed for competition. Yet, this facet means the revolver is very responsive, particularly its trigger. I might say its the best I’ve felt on the list. In double-action it is smooth and lighter than most production modes, vastly improving the 986โs accuracy. At the same tick, shot-to-shot, the revolver is quick thanks to an overtravel stop that ensures efficiency in rapid-fire. Adding to this, the gun comes with an adjustable rear sight, which goes a long way in taking advantage of the other accuracy enhancements.
So, all of this is great, but the Performance Center marvel is still a 31-ounces L-frame revolver, with a William Taft-sized monolithic cylinder. Yes, this adds up to a milder shooter, thus better accuracy. But, it will take some consideration to puzzle out if it fits your carry profile. As do the sights and hammer spur, which all have the potential of hanging up on the draw if youโre not practiced. I’ll be the first to admit, this option isn’t for everyone–particularly those who aim to carry IWB. But I firmly believe for the right armed citizen, the 986 is an excellent 9mm revolver option that will perform well above many in its class.
Smith & Wesson 178055 Model 986 Performance Center Pro Precision Cylinder S
Barrel is long enough to get a near full burn from most loads, thus good velocity
Novel ejectors do away with moon clips
Compatible with strip-style speedloaders
Cons
Trigger tends to be stiff and heavy
A bit heavy compared to other options
Sooner or later, nearly every wheel gunner has an inkling to toy around with a .44 Special. This inevitably leads to one gunmakerโCharter Arms. Its long-standing Bulldog has become legendary at this point, if for no other reason than itโs one of the only dedicated .44 rigs configured for carry. More recently, the company has shown a real knack with 9mm revolvers too.
Starting life a decade ago, the Pit Bull is an ingenious system doing away with moon clipsโhalf or fullโfor spring-loaded ejectors. Just snap a round in the cylinder and there it stays until ejected, just like it was a rimmed cartridge. Anybody whoโs dealt with moon clips, particularly well-used warped ones, get the advantage the ejectors offer. Additionally, the feature makes the gun compatible with strip speedloaders, whichโwhile not the fastestโare among the most convenient.
About as plain Jane as a revolver gets, the Pit Bull wonโt turn any headโaside from an icon of its namesake on the barrel. Matte blasted stainless-steel finish, ramp front sight and integral rear are the order of the day, and the trigger isnโt a polish job for sure. But the gunโs fit and finish are downright decent, and its tight cylinder lockup gives it an overall solid feel and dependable performance. I like that a hammer is part of the package, one with a somewhat muted spur. In turn, with a little familiarity, it can be drawn with little worry of getting tangled up.
Heavier than many would care to tote on a daily basis
Snag points on rear sight and spur
Most think fairly economical 1911 pistols when Rock Island Armory is the topic of discussion, but the gunmaker has proven a more than adept revolver-smith over the years. Added to the gunmakerโs lineup a few years back is a jack-of-all-trades 9mm revolver that certainly has the stuff to fill a defensive role. To this end, I find the AL9.0โs capacity an especially tantalizing aspect, holding 6 rounds of Parabellum and quickly reloading via full moon clips.
The tradeoff with the AL9.0 is its measurements. While its width–1.5 inches–and barrel length–3 inches–are more than manageable, the gun tips the scales at 32 ounces. That doesn’t exactly make it a featherweight. But it does add up to a very comfortable shooter, especially digesting the already well-mannered 9mm. In shooting it, despite a somewhat heavy DA trigger, I’ve found the gun very responsive and have been able to clear plate racks quickly once in a rythem.
I like the rubberized grip and the adjustable rear target sight–though the latter does concern me as a snag point. But the my real nit to pick is with the AL9.0’s hammer spur, which prominently sticks out. But, if youโre willing to put in the time with the heater, and learn its ways, the revolver should prove more than manageable.
Weight provides just the right balance between ease of carry and shootablity
Steller Clips makes reloads quicker
Cons
Concealed hammer not available on 2-inch barreled model
It comes as no surprise Taurus has had a 9mm revolver for some time. After all, the gunmaker has wheelguns chambered for nearly everything under the sun. The 905 has been a mainstay for many for the past decade or so and is a more than capable defensive gun, along with about anything else youโd want out of a 9mm.
Granted, the steel-framed handgun is on the lower end of capacity holding 5-rounds, but thatโs fairly standard for a majority of concealed carry revolvers regardless of caliber. The 905 makes up for this by coming in lighter, 21 ounces, and slightly narrower, 1.4-inch width, than other 9mm revolvers. Plus, itโs fairly streamlined with a built-in rear sight (ramp front) and all its edges fairly smoothed down. The only hitch, at least for some, is the spur on the hammer, though itโs not a dealbreaker.
Handily, the 905 utilizes Taurus Stellar Clips (and moon) to hold the rounds in place, a neat bit of engineering that makes loading the clips easier than traditional moon clips. Like any 9mm revolver using clips, the gun itself is quick to reload with practice. The one hitch in the 905โs giddyap is a substantial double-action trigger pull, out-of-the-box flirting with 12 pounds.
I’ll also pitch in one more thing. Taurus makes a concealed hammer model of the 905, however, it’s only available with a 3-inch barrel. It’s definitely still a carry option, but it’s disappointing the company hasn’t come out with a similar feature on its 2-inch barred model.
There are several good reasons why one may prefer a 9mm revolver over other commonly available calibers. Firstly, 9mm defensive ammo outperforms .38 Special while producing similarly mild levels of recoil. Secondly, because 9mm is the most common handgun cartridge in the world today, most shooters are likely already invested in the cartridge. It therefore makes sense to get a revolver chambered for 9mm as well. Thirdly, some shooters may want to use moon clips, and they generally work better with rimless cartridges like 9mm than with rimmed cartridges like .38 SPL.
Is a .38 more powerful than a 9mm?
No. Despite the fact that .38 Special has a longer case than 9x19mm Parabellum, 9mm operates at higher pressures which results in more powerful projectiles coming out of the muzzle.
What are the disadvantages of a 9mm revolver?
There are a few reasons why one might not want a 9mm revolver. Namely, the higher pressure of 9mm requires a beefier cylinder than .38 Special does, and this results in heavier guns. A .38 Special revolver has the potential to be a few ounces lighter than a 9mm version of the same model. Also, most 9mm revolvers use moon clips, and some may prefer the simplicity of a traditional revolver.
Why carry a revolver instead of a pistol?
Shooters that prefer to carry a revolver over a semi-automatic pistol typically do so for a few key reasons. Firstly is the simplicity of operation. There are no safeties to worry about disengaging, chambers to worry about loading or magazines to worry about being properly inserted. Once the cylinder is loaded, a revolver is ready to be drawn and shot. Another reason is that revolvers, because they don’t rely on a slide reciprocating to operate, can be shot from inside a pocket or with their muzzle pressed against a target without jamming. For close-quarters defense, that’s a pretty big advantage. Many view revolvers as having greater inherent reliability as well, and others just prefer their ergonomics for shooting or their rounded profile for concealability. Any way you slice it, revolvers are just as valid of a carry gun choice as a semi-auto pistol.
Taurusโ TX line has just gone 9mm, with three sizes of TX9 to choose from.
Based on the DNA of the TX22, Taurus has just announced the TX9 family of pistols in 9mm. Available in three sizes, Taurus is calling the TX9 the companyโs โfirst purpose-built, duty-grade pistol platform.โ
The TX9 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol family that uses a serialized steel chassis called the Taurus Modular System. That means that future upgrades like grip modifications will be able to be utilized without any additional transfers. All three TX9 models are also optics-ready thanks to their T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) slides. They also all share the same ergonomics, triggers and control layouts, as well as modular grips with interchangeable backstraps.
Depending on your needs, the TX9 is available as a full size, a compact and a subcompact. The full size features a 4.5-inch barrel and a 17-round capacity, the compact features a 4-inch barrel and a 15-round capacity and the subcompact has a 3.4-inch barrel and a 13-round capacity. Of course, each of those is also available with a 10-round mag for ban states.
Bret Vorhees, CEO of Taurus Holdings, Inc., said this about the new pistols:
The TX9 represents a defining moment for Taurus โฆ It is our first dedicated duty pistol platform, built on the TXโข foundation shooters already trust and engineered from the ground up for professional-grade performance. By bringing that DNA into a 9mm duty systemโand building it here in the USAโwe’ve delivered a platform designed to perform across every role and every size.
All three models of the Taurus TX9 have an MSRP of $500.
We go hands-on with the latest generation of FN SCAR to see what’s new in the iconic system.
In October 2025, FN announced they would be discontinuing commercial production of the SCAR after nearly two decades. But like the death of Superman in 1992, these proclamations to the end of an icon were premature. Just a few short months later weโre here to show you the newest generation of SCAR rifle โ and the most significant changes FN has ever given to the system.
Ever since the advent of the SCAR in 2008 there have been plenty of fans but no small number of detractors. Though it never replaced the M4 in U.S. Army inventories, it found a home with Special Forces and is now an issued rifle for SOF units in two dozen nations. Though initially launched in two variants (a 5.56mm โlightโ and 7.62mm โheavyโ), it would be the heavy SCAR 17S (also called the SCAR-H) that captured the most imaginations and garnered the most fans.
In 2018, FN would bring the Mk20 precision model, first chambered in 7.62mm followed by a 6.5 Creedmoor variant in 2020. In late 2022, the tiny 7.5-inch barreled 5.56mm SCAR 15P personal defense weapon (PDW) would be released, with a .300BLK model coming in 2024.
There were always downsides to SCARs, many which existed due to the combination of the timeframe of initial design and FNโs plodding response to demand. Paired with an enthusiastic user base, this led to both a dedicated aftermarket and countless competitors looking for market share (we even ran a whole article about so-called โSCAR-Killersโ).
You can see how much shorter the handguard is on the Legacy SCAR (top) versus the Gen 3 (bottom). Also note the muzzle device swap. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
Because FN isnโt a company that moves fast (those that deal with generational government contracts around the world rarely are), it took them some time for this new batch โ all told theyโve been working on them for five years. After taking an insights-driven approach to development, they put it all together to upgrade and improve the entire SCAR family of arms. Letโs check out what they did.
Furniture & Controls
This is the easiest one to see outside. Gone are the Picatinny rails widening the profile and reminding you this is a rifle designed not just when quad rails were ironically cool โ but nearly new. The forend is now longer for more space for both accessories and your hand, and features M-LOK slots across five angles. Speaking of longer, the top Picatinny rail now encloses the gas regulator, the old folding front sight shunned for a low-profile Magpul. The rear sight is also replaced (a shame, because the OG SCAR rear is the best iron sight ever made).
The handguard can be taken off by removing a few screws, which is good because attaching M-LOK can be a pain when more than one fastener is involved. Check out the removable cover for the gas regulator. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The gas regulator comes with a removable cover, the better to keep your hand from overheating, especially when shooting suppressed. And we do mean suppressed; this has been a sore point with SCARs (though weโve never had a problem popping a can on them) โ FN redesigned the barrel with more shoulder for increased muzzle device compatibility, specifically for silencers (both competitors and their own new line).
Legacy SCAR (top) versus Gen 3 (bottom): The already-good ambi selector is now even better due to modularity. Ergonomics of the magazine release have increased with the surface area, and the right-side bolt lock/release is well placed. The insides look much the same, but you can see the difference in the triggers by examining the hammer spring. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The buttstock of the SCAR is an oft-replaced item. A lot of people like to stick an ACR stock on there (the only part of that failed rifle that remains), but FN has stuck to the โUggโ stock so long that the fuzzy footwear it was named after actually came back into style for a while. Itโs been upgraded with the addition of a QD cup on the rear, and FN also has OEM options for AR-style stocks and Picatinny-railed rears.
QD cups are also now found on either side of the rear receiver plate, and each rifle comes with an additional M-LOK QD mount.
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
Gone is the A2 grip, FN instead opting for a more-upright model. The new trigger module is designed to be compatible with aftermarket grips without modification. Speaking of the trigger module, it features a new set of controls.
The selector levers are more readily swappable (each gun comes with extras of different sizes and lengths), the magazine releases are more ergonomic, and thereโs an excellent ambi bolt lock/release on the right side thatโs easy to use.
The trigger itself has changed, for the better. It used to be a crapshoot what kind of trigger youโd get, but now FN tells us each rifle will be more refined right from the factory โ precision rifle or not.
In terms of colorways, you still have the traditional unmatching FDE, lame black, and a great-looking gray.
Bolt Carriers
The heart and soul of the FN SCAR lie in the bolt carrier and wheelbase barrel cradle, and you can track generational changes by examining these parts. FN didnโt change anything about their barrel attachments with this latest, but they made significant shifts with the bolt carrier.
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The SCAR was originally designed with a reciprocating charging handle, one which moves back and forth with every shot, explicitly because U.S. Special Operations Command demanded one.
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The initial requirements for the SCAR were outlined way back in 2004, back when the Global War on Terror was new and modern warfighting was first getting figured out. The thinking at the time was that a reciprocating charging handle meant there would be no need for a forward assist, and that the potential downsides would be minimal.
USSOCOM requirement or not, that moving charging handle remained the most major complaint people had about the SCAR for many years. Some subpar non-reciprocating aftermarket options were offered, but most simply managed it with technique.
Then, in 2021, FN released the Gen 2 NRCH (Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle). The NRCH was accomplished with an internal sled that detached the charging handle from the bolt carrier. This also added the ability to run dual charging handles and to be truly ambidextrous. The bolts and small parts remained the same. Importantly, this was also a backward-compatible conversion; older SCARs would just need a new (or modified) receiver front plate to work with the internal sled.
The Gen 3 changes are even more significant. It shares the same internal sled and charging handles as the NRCH, but the carrier body is lightened, multi-piece, modular, and even has a hydraulic buffer pinned inside. The top arm of the carrier, called the bolt carrier front rail, keys in place so the same bolt carrier can be used across different systems and calibers. The hydraulic buffer arrests the movement of the carrier right at the peak of rearward recoil, making for a more-gentle curve despite the lighter weight of the unit and is designed to prevent damage to optics.
Like the SCAR you already know, but improved right out of the box. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
Though the bolt itself is slightly shorter than the previous generations, the other small parts remain the same. And like the Gen 2, the Gen 3 is also backward compatible โ you can drop a complete unit into a SCAR from 2007 if you change that front receiver plate.
Small Parts & Extras
The looks are the easiest to see, but outside the BCG what really got me going was seeing that all the small fasteners are now Torx. This makes maintenance ten times easier, because small hex screws are just so damned easy to strip out.
Youโre still going to want to use heat to remove them (thread locker being what it is) but youโll find that youโll have a much better time.
The Mk20 shares the same improvements as the rest of the line. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
In addition to the extra selectors and charging handle, FN ships the SCAR with an M-LOK vertical grip. Each SCAR now comes with a nice padded soft case youโll actually use for the range, too. Sized just right to tuck into a Pelican for air travel.
You can really compare FNโs [lack of] color-matching skills here with the Legacy SCAR (top) versus the Gen 3 (bottom). Note the QD sockets and sights. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
On The Range
Hydraulic buffers stuffed into rifles often have the scent of snake oil, largely because theyโve previously been sold by the unscrupulous as add-on solutions for problems that donโt exist. That said, weโve seen them used to good effect by OEMs before (hereโs looking at you, B+T), and this is FN, after all. So, when it came time to hit the range, we were cautiously optimistic. SCARs are already light shooters for their weight class, so even if they were exactly the same there wouldnโt be any complaints. [Cue drumroll] โฆ And?
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The SCAR-H feels like a SCAR-H, but a touch lighter. Weโre still talking about a 16-inch barreled 7.62 with polymer furniture here, but things get a bit more obvious when you shoot a Gen 3 and a Legacy side-by-side. Even when both guns are rocking longer handguards for more leverage, you can tell the Gen3 SCAR-H is better.
Itโs a similar story for the Mk20. This is a very capable rifle, and weโve previously shown you an example in 6.5 Creedmoor that printed .597 MOA groups. Hitting beyond 1,200 yards was more about reading wind and a ballistic calculator than improvements to the system itself. No one is crying about less recoil and a reticle that settles faster, however.
While the SCAR-L was the dark horse, thereโs a reason why the Heavy is the one that captures imaginations and sees the most use. Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The dark horse here is the SCAR-L. This is the one the U.S. Military liked the least, but still finds a fan with at least one RECOIL editor (and the editor of RECOIL OFFGRID, too). And, out of the box, the new Gen 3 SCAR 16S shoots like a custom tuned gun. Extremely pleasant shooting gun with fast follow-ups.
Nightforce Optics NX6 2-12
Gracing the top of the SCAR on the cover of this issue is the new Nightforce Optics NX6 2-12. As the name implies, each scope in the NX6 line has a 6x power factor covering the whole gamut (1-6, 2-12, 3-18, 4-24, 5-30, and 6-36). Many are available in both first and second focal plane, MOA and MRAD. The one you see here is first focal plane with MRAD adjustment โ perfect for a 16-inch 7.62mm gun.
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The reticle is an FC-MRx, which is based on Nightforceโs FC-DMx LPVO reticle but with 20 MILS of holdover instead of 10. The center is illuminated in both red and green, and you cycle through illumination levels by pressing the button on the left side of the optic. Thereโs a parallax adjustment, but as itโs unmarked, youโll have to check it for yourself when you get behind the rifle (which you should be doing anyway, because those markers are just a guideline anyhow).
Photos: Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo.
The new Fieldset turret system allows you to easily float your turrets after zeroing without requiring a special tool (though it does come with one). Simply twist the mechanism on the top of the to turret to unlock, pop it off to reposition, replace, and twist back to lock. Itโs not like messing with small screws was especially difficult or anything, but this is easy.
Loose Rounds
Itโs clear that FN took a lot of time with this generation. They addressed the furniture, suppressors, controls, and small parts while maintaining their advances with the non-reciprocating system and keeping everything backward compatible. The fact they added extras and did all this without increasing the MSRP is saying something โ oh yeah, they didnโt increase the price; Gen 3 is priced the same as the last. Which ainโt cheap, of course, but weโre talking about FN, not the race to the bottom.
FN has just announced the 309 MRD, a 9mm FN pistol thatโs more accessible than ever before.
Itโs well known that FN makes some great firearms, but letโs be honest, most of them are priced above what many Americans can afford. With the goal of making an excellent 9mm pistol thatโs more accessible to shooters on a budget, FN has just announced the 309 MRD.
The FN 309 MRD has everything one looks for in a defensive pistolโitโs lightweight, optics-ready, easy-to-use and comes with high-capacity magazines. For flush-fit mags, the 309 holds 16 rounds, and extended mags hold 20. However, 10-round mags are available as well for ban states. It has a crisp, 5-round single-action trigger, a neutral grip angle for a natural point of aim, a rounded rear U-notch sight and a green fiber-optic front sight. As for mounting optics, it will take any red dot with a Shield RMSc or Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint.
Besides being more affordably priced, the FN 309 MRD is more accessible to shooters thanks to its slide thatโs easier to rack, its magazines that are easier to load and a disassembly procedure that doesnโt require pulling the trigger.
Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols for FN America, said this about the new handgun:
Many gun buyers donโt see FN as an option, and we wanted to change that perception by making the brand accessible to people looking to spend $500 on a 9mm pistol โฆ With the FN 309 MRD we now have a trustworthy, easy-to-use pistol perfect both for new gun buyers and those looking to purchase their first FN. For us, itโs not just a new product, itโs FNโs commitment to offering the everyday user peace of mind and FN performance.
Over/Under shotguns tend to cost a lot of money. But there are some affordable double-barreled gems available nearly any shooter can work into their budget.
There are over/under shotguns out there that cost more than I paid for our three-bedroom brick ranch house in 1961. These would be the likes of Krieghoff, Kolar, Perazzi and others. Similarly, there are used side-by-sides, especially old English types, that in current-day prices can cost as much as a Southern California fixer-upper. This is not about such double guns.
The game plan here is to tell you about several over/unders and a side-by-side that wonโt break your bank, melt your plastic or get you in too much Dutch with your spouse. There arenโt too many hunters, upland specialists and waterfowlers who wouldnโt love to see a nice double gun in their gun safe โ as well as be proud to carry one come November. So, letโs start with CZ-USA and their flagship hunting over/under shotgun.
CZ is short for the Czech Republic company that the “C” and the “Z” in the company name are too hard for Americans to pronounce, so this is made simple with CZ โ with CZ-USA the American importer of their many products. This companyโs most traditional and most long-term products have to be their bolt-action centerfire rifles. But CZ also makes a complete line of rifles, plus Dan Wesson handguns and other firearms-related products. CZโs many shotgun models are imported from Turkey.
But letโs get back to that CZ flagship over/under โ the Redhead Premier. Of special interest, this model is not only available in 12, 20 and 28 โ each of these gauge receivers is delivered in their own size frame, which means the 12 gauge is made on one size receiver, the 20 on a smaller receiver and on down the line with the 28.
The CZ Redhead Premier features a bright satin receiver, a bit of engraving, as well as a classic-style Turkish walnut stock. Both the 12- and 20-gauge guns come in either 26- or 28-inch barrels, and five flush-mounted screw-in chokes are included โ all at a suggested retail of about a grand!
I missed the SHOT Show when the Turkish-made double guns were first introduced, then imported by a company called Armsco โ the doubles made by Huglu in Turkey โ the same maker that CZ now uses for their double-gun imports. But I did make the next SHOT Show, and the Armsco booth was the first I visited because I had been told of these over/unders and side-by-sides. I was so impressed that I eventually bought five of these doubles.
Thereโs fine laser-cut checkering on todayโs CZ Redhead, a solid 8mm mid-rib (so no brush can accumulate while bulling thickets), a top rib, extractors and pistol grip that does not have a lot of re-curve. Thus, Prince of Wales style on that grip. There are 3-inch chambers in the 12 and 20 CZ Redhead Premiers, with 2ยพ-inchers in the 28 bore. The 28 come only with 28-inch barrels (probably CZโs most popular length in all four gauges).
Thereโs a single extractor instead of ejectors on all gauges โ plus the 12, 20 and 28 come with screw chokes.
The length of pull has been updated at 14.5 inches, the drop at comb 1โ inches and the drop at heel is 2ยผ inches. Triggers are mechanical, and the thumb safety is manual. Weight in the 12 gauge runs an average of 7.7 pounds, depending a bit on density of the walnut. Donโt expect a lot of walnut figure, but do expect wood strength.
What does a $12,000 over/under have over one like the CZ Redhead Premier that costs about $1,000? The Redhead is a hunting gun, though it can be used plenty on any clay target field. Hunting guns are simply not shot all that much when compared to a competition over/under that might be shot 20,000 times per year for decades! I doubt the Redhead will hold up to that type of long-term punishment.
Plus, on a $14,000 shotgun, there tends to be better fit and finish โ a higher grade of walnut โ as well as many other factors that increase costs. Still, if you’re looking for a double gun that you want to hunt with, this CZ Redhead Premier and the others that will follow are definitely worth your consideration.
Sharp-Tail Specs Barrel Length: 28″ Overall Length: 45.75″ Weight: 7.3″ Max Shell Length: 3″ Chambering: 12-guage (20, 28, .410) Length of Pull: 14.5″ Receiver Finish: Color Case Hardened Barrel Finish: Black Hard Chrome Stock: Turkish Walnut Rib: Raised MSRP: $999
Pros
Classic Design with Modern Durability
Gauge-Specific Frames
Versatile Choke System
Cons
Lacks Ejectors
Heavier for a Side-by-Side
While over/unders outsell side-by-sides by a large margin in America, there are those who feel that the side-by-side is the ultimate hunting gun. Many of the old English doubles can sell for over $100,000 โ and theyโre over 100 years old โ so they werenโt made with modern stronger steels. This Sharp-Tail model is made with high-strength steel, and it sells for a pittance in comparison. Regardless, the gun comes with classic lines and classic appeal.
Further, the CZ Sharp-Tail is offered in 12, 20, 28 and .410 โ each gauge built on its own size frame. Thus, the 28 gauge weighs only a whisper compared to the 12 gauge. But, even the 12 gauge is no heavyweight at 7 pounds, 3 ounces. All Sharp-Tails come with a 28-inch barrel only and extractors that lift both shells out for easy removal.
Thereโs a classic feel to these guns with splinter fore-end (though CZ calls it a semi-beavertail) and a semi-pistol grip stock of Turkish walnut. Swing one on an upland bird and your mind will maybe take you back into history 100 years. The 20 gauge and 28 gauge weigh 6.3 and 5.9 pounds, respectively. In my view, these are the gauges to select for upland shooting, and the 12 for waterfowl and turkeys. The .410 CZ Sharp-Tail also weighs in at 5.9 pounds. List price is just under $1,000.
Adding to this modelโs appeal is the color case-hardened receiver finish. This is a new receiver compared to CZ side-by-sides of some years back โ smaller and lighter, and probably stronger as well โ and is forged in one piece. Trigger springs are now coil type. The trigger is a single, selectable one. Fine laser-cut checkering adorns the grip and slender fore-end. Five screw-in chokes are a part of the Sharp-Tail package (though fixed Modified and Full in the .410), and donโt forget the plastic protective case.
Three-inch chambers reside in the 12, 20 and .410, and a 2ยพ-inch in the 28 gauge. Barrels of both the CZ Sharp-Tail and CZ Redhead are black chromed on the outside (great for corrosion resistance), and inside there’s full-length chrome protection. Stock dimensions are 14.5 x 1.5 x 2.25 inches. Thereโs a raised rib, and the mechanical trigger has a selector for barrel choice. So, if a side-by-side has long been on your โI wannaโ list, maybe you better check out a CZ dealer.
International Silver Reserve Specs Barrel Length: 28″ Overall Length: 45″ Weight: 7.5 lbs Max Shell Length: 3″ Chambering: 12-guage (20, 28, .410) Length of Pull: 14″ Receiver Finish: Satin Silver Barrel Finish: Matte Blue Stock: Satin Black Walnut Rib: Vented MSRP: $820
Pros
Versatile Choke System
Durable Lockup Design
Comfortable to Handle
Cons
Lack Of Ejectors
Plain Receiver Design
While this over/under no longer has a touch of engraving and a bright coin-finish receiver, the Mossberg International Silver Reserve is still a blast in the field. Once known as the Silver Reserve II, now the International Silver Reserve is an import from Turkey. Yes, the scrollwork is gone, in it place a matte silver receiver. But at the shoulder it remains equally as pleasant and responsive. In my mind, it brings up dreamy ideas of chasing native chukers somewhere in the Middle East.
However, this Mossberg over/under will be right at home whether you’re chasing ruffed grouse, Hungarian partridge, pheasants, woodcock, quail, doves โ even pest pigeons. Gauge choices run the gamut here โ though no 16 bores are offered. May I suggest a 20 gauge? All gauges come with five flush-mounted screw-in chokes that are compatible with Benelli and original Beretta Mobilechokes.
Checkering on the pistol grip and slim fore-end of the over/under is the cut type. The website suggests 7 pounds for the 20 gauge with 26-inch barrels. However, my test 20 hefts 6 pounds, 9 ounces on my digital postal scale. Chambers are 3 inches in the 12, 20 and .410, and 2ยพ inches for the 28 gauge. Length of pull is only 14 inches, which is a little short for most of todayโs new guns but maybe just right for you. The stock is select Turkish walnut. Thereโs a vent rib with a front bead. All models models come with extractors, a bit of a regressions in the line, given the Sporting Silver Reserve II 12 gauge came with ejectors.
Full retail price starts at $756, but who pays full retail for most anything these days? Iโve already mentioned melted plastic credit cards and empty cookie jars, but neither need take place with this series of Mossberg International Silver Reserve over/unders.
Lockup is similar to the CZ Redhead Premier โ with barrels pivoting on trunnions and a full-width locking bolt that slides forward upon closing to engage lugs milled into the bottom of the monobloc. Further, two recoil lugs milled into the base of the monobloc dovetail into milled-out areas in the bottom of the receiver upon closing, resulting in a very strong lockup. A barrel selector on the safety switch allows choice of the top or bottom barrel. Picture yourself in a field of South Dakota CRP, a Minnesota tangle of wrist-thick aspens, approaching an old apple tree in New England, or watching a pointer quarter back and forth on a Southern plantation of pines with the undergrowth burned over the previous spring โ in each scenario you are carrying a Mossberg International Silver Reserve over/under.
Mossberg International Silver Reserve Over Under Satin Walnut Field
Model 555 Specs Barrel Length: 28″ Overall Length: 45.28″ Weight: 6.2 lbs Max Shell Length: 3″ Chambering: 12-guage (16, 20, 28, .410) Length of Pull: 14.57″ Receiver Finish: Black Barrel Finish: Black Stock: Turkish Walnut Rib: Vented MSRP: $769
Pros
Lightweight
Gauge-Specific Receivers
Nimble Swing
Cons
Aluminum Receiver
Extractors, Not Ejectors
Lightweight is the byword when it comes to the Savage/Stevens model 555 over/under because the receiver is not steel but high-strength aluminum alloy โ but with a strength-enhancing steel insert at the breech face. Even the 12 gauge hefts only 6 pounds, the 20, 28 and .410 โ 5.5 pounds โ and each gauge is made to its own specific receiver size. These are the types of guns grouse and woodcock hunters seem to like because they want to carry their upland ordnance in a ready, somewhat port arms position full time … or at least for hours on end. Most of us canโt do that with a 7.5-pound shotgun. The heft of the smaller gauge 5.5-pound Stevens 555 makes such ready-carrying easy.
The 12 gauge comes with a 28-inch barrel โ the other three with a 26-incher. Barrels are rigged for flush-mounted screw chokes, with five of them included. The stock is Turkish walnut in a matte finish and the trigger is mechanical. There are extractors instead of ejectors, and thereโs a manual safety โ meaning the safety does not engage automatically when you open the gun. Lockup is similar to the previously described over/unders; barrels pivoting on trunnions โ plus that full bolt based in the bottom of the receiver, and the strength-enhancing recoil lug.
Thereโs a vent rib with white bead at the muzzle; there are vented side panels, and the barrel wears a matte finish. The receiver and the fore-end iron are deeply blued โ almost black. Thereโs cut checkering on the pistol grip and the fore-end โ the latter Schnabel in style.
Mearns quail habitat in southern Arizona is some steep and thick cover. In my experience, they erupt with almost blinding speed โ just the situation where a very lightweight shotgun can pay dividends. Why? Because in shooting scenarios like this, the birdโs jump has them already ahead of the barrels. So, the shooter must catch up โ thus, the swing-through shooting technique is almost universally required here. The low weight of the Stevens 555 makes catching up easier.
Experienced swing-through shotgunners have a mantra as they are swinging to catch up: โBum, Belly, Beak,โ and โbeakโ is when they hit the trigger.
Browning Citori Specs Barrel Length: 28″ (26″) Overall Length: 45″ Weight: 7.6 lbs Max Shell Length: 3″ Chambering: 12-gauge (20, 28, .410) Length of Pull: 14.25″ Receiver Finish: Polished Blue Barrel Finish: Polished Blue Stock: Black Walnut Rib: 1/4″ vented MSRP: $2,180
Pros
Durable
Variety Of Models
High-Quality Craftsmanship
Excellent Lockup
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No Recoil Pad
Yes, we are moving up in price range with Browningโs Citori, but this over/under is a worthy consideration as the cost is relatively low compared to the quality, and so many of them have been sold that Citoris are readily available on the used market at less than retail prices. Further, these guns have performed on all the clay target stages โ many of them for hundreds of thousands of rounds. So, you can rely on a Citori to hold up long term whether it’s new or used.
Iโve visited a number of firearms factories over the years, and most are basically sophisticated machine shops that turn out high-quality firearms. Visiting the Browning factory in Japan, I saw things differently. Sure, there was plenty of โmachiningโ going on there, but what impressed me in that factory was the inordinate amount of handwork that goes into making a Citori.
The Citori is, in many ways, a knockoff of the Browning Superposed. It was made in Belgium for decades. In the early 1970s Browning brass saw the financial handwriting on the wall. Belgian labor costs were mushrooming, and who knows how much the machinery there was aging and in need of replacement. Thus, the move was made to Japan, and the model name went from Superposed to Citori.
For decades now the Browning Citori has become available in a near unimaginable series of models โ mainly specialized renditions for trap, sporting clays and skeet. These are more expensive than the basic Citori, but the ensuing paragraphs are devoted only to the Citori.
Todayโs basic model is the Citori Lightning โ in style similar to the Superposed Lightning โ with Lightning-style rounded fore-end and semi-pistol grip. The Lightning model Citori is offered in 12 gauge โ and on a smaller, lighter receiver in 20, 28 and .410 โ all three smaller gauges based on the 20-gauge receiver and thus of similar weight.
Further, there are Citori models with a steel receiver and those with an aluminum alloy, the latter offering almost a pound in weight reduction โ this one dubbed the Citori Superlight. Thereโs even a White Lightning model with a bright silver nitride receiver. The basic Lightning receiver is richly blued. The current full retail starts at around $2,200. You also get good quality engraving on the receiver and fore-end, engraving that closely resembles the engraving on the old Superposed.
The semi-pistol grip (again think Prince of Wales style) seems to offer quicker, surer gun mounting. Tight re-curve pistol grips are more suited to an already-mounted gun โ as in clay target busting. The stock is gloss finished, and the checkering is cut very fine at 24 lines-to-the-inch. There is no recoil pad, which is important to a hunting gun, as less weight is involved with the Citoriโs black plastic buttplate. Better balance is maintained, with the average balance point right at the hinge.
That โhingeโ is also different in the Browning Citori compared to most all current-day over/unders. Barrels donโt pivot on trunnions but instead pivot on a full-width hinge pin. Thereโs also the full-width locking bolt and a recoil lug milled into the base of the monobloc that dovetails into a matching milled-out area in the bottom of the receiver โ that recoil lug going all the way through the base of the receiver. Check out this square notch in the accompanying photo. This lockup design is extremely strong.
The 12 gauge tends to weigh a tad over 8 pounds with 28-inch barrels. Three screw chokes are included. Barrels are overbored to .74 inch. Chambers are 3 inches in the 12, 20 and .410, and 2ยพ inches for the 28. The 12-bore Citori is also offered with 26-inch barrels, but the 20-gauge barrel possibilities are most interesting โ 26, 28, 30 and 32 inches! With a 28-inch barrel, the 20 gauge goes 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Both the .410-bore and 28-gauge guns come with either 26- or 28-inch barrels. How about the 12-gauge in Mississippi at one of Nash Buckinghamโs favorite waterfowl haunts? If the birds arenโt flying, you can always look down and admire the fit and finish of your Citori.
Want lighter weight? Then go with the Browning Citori Superlight models. These come with the alloy receiver, but the grip is straight and the fore-end features a bit of the Schnabel flare. More money is demanded here, but still a full retail of under $2,400. Other specs include: 26-inch barrels and 6 pounds, 12 ounces for the 12 gauge; and 5 pounds, 11 ounces for the 20 gauge. There are no 28s or .410s in the Superlight renditions. Receivers are bright silver nitride like the White Lightning โ so expect even better corrosion resistance than a blued receiver.
Bergara just joined the suppressor game with the announcement of its titanium .30-caliber BTi30.
Bergara, like just about every firearms manufacturer right now, has just joined the suppressor game. Naturally, however, the company has tailored its cans for precision to be a perfect match for its rifles.
Bergara said this about the BTi30:
The precision-optimized design is engineered to minimize point-of-impact shift and tighten groupings up to 25% versus traditional suppressors or bare muzzles, providing repeatable and consistent results for precision hunters and shooters.
The BTi30 is a vented suppressor, meaning less peak pressure in the blast chamber and less blowback to the face of the bolt and the face of the shooter. The end caps are swappable as well, so you can further optimize the can for your rifle or task. Using just a 5/8-inch socket, you can install either a sealed end cap for maximum noise reduction or a vented end cap for less blowback and faster recovery. Another nice extra feature is its external fluting to help it cool off faster.
As for mounting the BTi30 on a rifle, itโs HUB-compatible and ships with a 5/8×24 direct-thread mount that self-indexes against the crown of the muzzle to ensure proper alignment. As for the tale of the tape, Bergaraโs suppressor is 6.5 inches long, 1.75 inches in diameter and weighs just 12.9 ounces thanks to its Grade 5 titanium construction. Itโs rated up to 300 RUM with a 16-inch barrel as well.
MSRP for the Bergara BTi30 is $1,100 and itโs available with a black, grey or FDE Cerakote finish.
Want a little scope with big capabilities? EOTECH has just expanded its super short riflescope line with the 4-12×36 Vudu.
Who says small guns canโt have awesome magnified optics? EOTECH brought a lot to the table last year with its Vudu 3-9ร32 SFP, and now the company is expanding its line of super short scopes with the 4-12×36 Vudu.
The new 4-12×36 Vudu has a lot in common with its predecessor, but now features an FFP (first focal plane) reticle, greater magnification and a slightly larger objective lens. While it is a bit bigger, itโs still an incredibly compact optic with a total length of just 7.1 inches. Of course, itโs built tough, too, while the aluminum construction helps keep it lightweight at just 16.9 ounces.
Other features of the 4-12×36 Vudu are its illuminated reticle (10 settings), its wide power band on the eyepiece for rapid magnification adjustment and its adjustable diopter for precise focus control. The capped turrets offer .1-MRAD adjustments, and its mounting solution allows for directly attaching the scope to Picatinny rail using either the included EOTECH mount or an aftermarket mini-ACOG mount. Compatible micro red dots can also be attached to the Vudu itself, either at 12 oโclock or at a 45-degree offset.
EOTECH said this about the Vuduโs FFP reticle:
The first focal plane is preferred by more tactical users because the design allows quick range estimation and trajectory compensation at any magnification. In this design, the reticle and its sub-tensions, maintains its size relative to the target image.
MSRP for the 4-12×36 Vudu is $1,220 and it will begin shipping in Q1 of this year.
Most mag-fed semi-auto 12-gauges are based on the AK, but here we look at the top AR shotguns on the market.
AR shotguns are a loosely defined family of semi-auto shotguns with designs and features inspired by the AR-15. Why? Because jamming in a new box magazine will always be faster than stuffing shells in your tube, and not everyone wants one based on an AK.
Not to mention, having the same manual of arms as Americaโs favorite carbine is pretty darn convenient.
That said, there are a lot of very different AR shotguns on the market, so which one should you get? I’ll list the top models to consider purchasing, then go over what’s awesome about AR shotguns and some pitfalls to avoid.
Best features, including Hiperfire trigger, adjustable stock and M-LOK rail
Lower can be paired with a DPMS .308 AR upper
Ships with hard case and one 5-round mag
Cons
Most expensive AR shotgun by far
Proprietary magazines
Probably the closest thing to an actual AR is the Genesis Arms Gen-12. It’s built on a DPMS Gen 1 .308 AR-10 lower, and you can drop a compatible upper onto the gun and have a rifle instead. If you like the arms-room concept, this is your shotgun.
Instead of DI, the gun uses a recoil-operated system with a reciprocating barrel like the Browning Auto-5. The barrel (the standard model is 18 inches, but 7- and 10-inch models are also available) has external threads, with the same pitch (M22x0.75in) as the Saiga 12, so Saiga external chokes are compatible.
The lower uses a .308 carbine-length buffer assembly, and the upper, which is side charging, comes with a railed M-LOK forend. I don’t dig the proprietary magazines. On the upside, Genesis Arms has both 5- and 10-round units as well as a +2 extension.
I’ve found these smoothbores to be rugged and reliable with everything besides light birdshot.
Features a flat trigger, rubber grip and M-LOK on bottom of handguard
Uses common MKA 1919-pattern mags
Ships with three 5-round mags, flip-up sights and a sling
Cons
Fixed stock (collapsible can be purchased separately)
Better QC than the cheaper Turkish imports, but some owners still report reliability/durability problems
Typhoon Defense imports guns from Turkey, but does QA/QC stateside. Manufacturer support includes spare parts, magazines and a lifetime warranty.
The F12 is their gamer shotgun, with a monolithic upper/lower receiver, fixed LOP stock (adjustable stocks can be purchased from Typhoon) and an 1100-style gas system. The standard barrel is 18.5 inches, with a 3-inch chamber and a threaded muzzle for Benelli chokes. The receiver is a flat-top, joined by a split-top handguard with M-LOK slots along the bottom and a skeletonized and flared magwell for faster reloads.
The upper is side-charging, with ambidextrous controls and a flat blade trigger. Flip-up iron sights are included as well as a bungee sling and three 5-round magazines (2-, 10- and 20-round magazines are also available from Typhoon).
If you’re aiming at 3-Gun Open, this is an option I’ve found a lot of people start at.
Ships with flip-up sights, two 5-round mags and a cleaning kit
Cons
Monolithic stock/grip assembly means you can’t swap those parts
Limited rail space for accessories
The Panzer Arms AR-12 features a monolithic polymer lower and a railed flat-top upper. It also uses incredibly common MKA 1919-pattern magazines.
What I don’t like is handguard has what appears to be M-LOK slots, but they are just lightening cuts. However, there are Picatinny rail sections in case you want to mount accessories. I’ve found the Panzer does not run as well on light target loads, so bear that in mind.
The standard barrel length is 20 inches (18.5-inch models are available as well) with a 3-inch chamber. Each AR-12 ships with flip-up plastic sights and two 5-round magazines.ย
Includes flip-up sights and M-LOK and Picatinny rails on handguard
Cons
Substantial break-in before the gun will run light loads
The VR80 is made in Turkey but imported by Rock Island Armory for sale in the U.S. While a cost-effective import AR shotgun, I find it’s a slightly smarter buy among the many guns in this class.ย ย
The VR80 has a 20-inch barrel with a 3-inch chamber and is compatible with Beretta chokes. There are no actual AR parts save the buffer tube, but it has AR-style controls. The upper is side-charging and the charging handle can be swapped to either side. The receiver and handguard are fully railed as well and come with flip-up iron sights.
The handguard has M-LOK and QD slots for mounting accessories and the thumbhole-style pistol grip and stock can be swapped for any AR-15 stock. It ships with a 5-round magazine, but RIA also makes 9- and 19-round stick mags for them that are available separately (as well as any other MKA 1919-pattern mags of course).
After a break-in period, the VR80 is pretty rock solid. Not to mention, I find the ample spare parts that are available pretty reassuring.
Monolithic stock/grip assembly means you can’t swap those parts
Limited rail space for accessories
If all you want an AR shotgun for is blasting pumpkins, thereโs no need to go broke doing it. That makes the TAR 12P an excellent option.
As for features, it has a threaded muzzle for Beretta/Mobile chokes (3 are included), a flat-top receiver and some Picatinny rail on the handguard for accessories. It also ships with flip-up iron sights.
Besides the attractive price point, another draw of the TAR 12 is itโs available with several different finishes. The most basic and affordable black/grey model is shown here, but you can order them in various other colors, camo patterns and paint schemes.
Shotguns, even those of the tactical variety, have traditionally utilized tube magazines. While tube mags have certain advantages in their own right, namely allowing for a very sleek overall package, they also have obvious drawbacks. When it comes to fast reloads, the potential for increasing a shotgunโs total capacity and quickly switching oneโs ammunition type, box mags are the clear winner. Result? The development of box magazine-fed shotguns.
A Kalashnikov USA KS-12, an American-made clone of the Russian Saiga-12 AK shotgun.
The most successful of course are those that are based on the Kalashnikov. The Saiga-12 is the original, the VEPR-12 is a beefed-up version of the same, and today Chinese and American clones of these AK shotguns are widely available as an alternative given the importation ban on Russian firearms. AK shotguns have seen enormous success not just on the international commercial market, but on the international military and police market as well.
AR shotguns are an attempt to do the same thing with the AR-15.ย At least, kind of. While AK shotguns use a traditional Kalashnikov operating system, AR shotguns rarely function the same way as true AR-style rifles. Instead, AR shotguns typically only imitate the aesthetics and control layout of AR-15s to make them more familiar to the American shooter.ย
The first shotgun that could really be considered an AR shotgun is the Daewoo USAS-12. While it doesnโt look quite as โARโ as some of the newer commercial models, it is a semi-auto 12-gauge thatโs fed by box (and drum) magazines. Its lower receiver, controls and grip are also directly based on the AR-15, and it even has carry handle iron sights. While the USAS-12 was successful in the military/police market, its commercial sales were very limited.
You could ostensibly hunt using an AR shotgun with a 2- or 3-round magazineโฆbut traditional semi-auto hunting shotguns are lighter and handier in the field, and they work so well that there’s no advantage to using anything else.ย ย
As for home defense or any other more tactical purpose, again, an AR shotgun could work fine, but there are reasons why armed professionals are still choosing more traditional tactical shotguns like Benellis to do their jobs. ย
Benefits And Drawbacks
AR shotguns bring two main advantages to the table.ย ย
First, thanks to the detachable magazine, it’s faster to reload and allows for easy switching between ammunition types. Both details are advantageous to 3-Gun shooters and are why AR shotguns are popular in Open classes.ย ย
Capacity is less of an advantage than you’d think. While 19- to 21-round magazines and drums exist, 5- and 10-round sticks are more common given the bulk of 12-gauge shells. Most tube mag shotguns have somewhere between a 5+1 and 8+1 capacity, so it’s not that big of a difference.
Second, the ergonomics and manual of arms of an AR-15 have always been among the best of all fighting rifles. If you already have some training or familiarity, less time will be required to learn to run an AR shotgun efficiently.ย ย
And now, time for the “but.”
The magazines have long been the Achilles’ heel of mag-fed shotguns. Rimmed cartridges/shells and box magazines don’t always get along.
The Saiga and VEPR shotgun mags are generally regarded as the best, but even those sometimes require tuning to get and stay reliable. You may have to do likewise with certain AR shotgun mags.ย
Second, AR shotguns come in two flavors. Expensive but generally reliable with care, and Turkish imports. The latter are more common.ย ย
This isn’t to say that good firearms cannot be manufactured in Turkey, Stoeger and Canik come to mind, but it is to say cheap imported guns are usually that way for a reason.ย In the case of Turkish-made AR shotguns, that means general QC and reliability can both be hit-or-miss. Some owners report great reliability with a given model while others’ turn out to be lemons.
AR shotguns aren’t 50-state legal either, whereas some of the more traditional semi-auto shotguns can be.ย ย
Many don’t have an adjustable length of pull and accessories can be anywhere from common to vaporware. Magazines and spare parts can also be difficult to source depending on the model.
What To Look For In An AR Shotgun
Firstly, if there are any accessories you plan on attaching to your AR shotgun, you should first ensure that there are compatible options available.
Also, if you’re serious about using the gun for something other than just blasting stuff in the back 40, look for a gun that has factory support and good parts availability.
The most common magazine pattern is MKA 1919 magazines, so it helps if your gun accepts them.
Finally, semi-auto shotguns of all kinds have been plagued with issues cycling light target loads since time immemorial, so a model with an adjustable gas system is a big plus.
AR Shotgun FAQ
What Are AR Shotguns Good For?
AR shotguns are mostly useful for 3-gun competition shooting and pure range fun. The advantage in 3-gun is the increased reloading speed over traditional tube-fed shotguns. While 12-gauge box magazines are pretty big and bulky, they’re also undeniably faster to jam into an empty gun. That said, there’s no reason that a good quality, reliable AR shotgun couldn’t be used for home defense or more tactical purposes as well.
How Does an AR Shotgun Work?
Unlike AK shotguns that are all based on the AK rifle’s long-stroke gas piston system, AR shotguns vary more between models in how they function. Some are recoil operated, while others are gas piston operated like their AK-derived counterparts. Ironically, this means that many AR shotgun models are more similar to AKs internally than they are to ARs, but the benefits of an AR shotgun mostly related to their external differences like controls, modularity and aesthetics.
What Are The Benefits Of An AR Shotgun?
The primary advantage of an AR shotgun is the increased reloading speed, but that applies to any box magazine-fed shotgun. The benefits of AR shotguns specifically over similar concepts like AK shotguns are their familiar, AR-based control layout, their commonality with some standard AR parts and accessories (model dependent) and their aesthetics for those who prefer the way they look.
What Are The Limitations Of AR Shotguns?
The limitations of AR shotguns are mostly the same as any other box magazine-fed semi-auto shotgun. Namely, the magazines are big and bulky. The magazines will also hold substantially less ammo than rifle mags potentially can, but that’s true for any shotgun. Finally, reliability can be hit or miss depending on the model, as there are many cheap, low-quality options on the market that should basically only be used as range toys.
A .357 Magnum revolver for concealed carry โฆ really? Might as well hook up a mule team to your buggy for the daily commute. In certain quarters of the gun world thatโs what an on-person gun chambered for granddaddy magnum amounts toโan anachronism of the highest degree. Yet, in a world awash with polymer, striker-fired pistols the tried-and-true .357 revolver soldiers on. What gives?
The .357 Magnum revolver soldiers on, but not every make and model is ideal for concealed carry.
Truth be known, the revolver-cartridge combination is a proven, reliable, popular and powerful systemโstill considered by many among the most trustworthy for self-defense. For the better part of the 20th Century, perhaps only the .38 Special overshadow itโs use by law enforcement. And in this role, few other sidearms built a better reputation for neutralizing deadly threats.
Truth be told, with ammo and gunsmithing advancement, the .357 Magnum has only gotten better with time. This includes the delicate role of concealed carry gun. Today, there is a slew of .357 Magnum revolvers worth considering if the wheelie and cartridge fit your particular lifestyle. Weโve chosen five we believe excel in this role. But so we donโt put the cart before the horse (or mule), letโs hash out if the gun and cartridge fit your particular circumstances.
Should You Go A .357 Magnum Revolver?
We have a much longer write-up on the pros and cons of .357 Magnum as a personal-defense option, well worth checking out if youโre seriously considering this route. But for our discussion here we can boil down the gun and cartridgeโs pluses and minuses to the quick.
Pros
Proven Self-Defense CartridgeโThe cartridge is still considered a superior option for neutralizing a threat and has the resume to back it up. Additionally, the cartridge boasts among the widest selection of ammo that passes the FBIโs barrier and penetration tests.
Simple Manual of Arms In Its GunsโTo troubleshoot a double-action revolver you simply pull the trigger again. Doesnโt get much easier. True enough, revolvers arenโt immune to malfunctions and when they jam they jam like no other. However, the occurrence is rare enough to be negligible.
Manageable For MostโUnlike almost any other handgun magnum, everyday shooters can master the .357. There is a โbutโ to this that weโll go into greater detail on in a moment.
The .357 Magnum still holds its own as a defensive cartridge. An added bonus in picking up a revolver chambered for it, you can shoot forgiving .38 Speical.
Cons
Difficult Double-Action TriggerโItโs long and heavy and requires much more practice than a snappy single-action or striker-fired pistol to achieve consistent accuracy. If thereโs any one facet that makes the revolverโ.357 Magnum or otherwiseโa marginal option for beginners itโs this.
Shorter Barrels Notably Reduce VelocityโSnubbed-nose .357 Magnum revolvers produced excessive muzzle flash for a reason, they burn a lot of powder outside the bore. In turn, this style of revolver wonโt top-end most loads’ velocity by any stretch. By no means is the popular myth true a short barrel degrades the magnum to +P .38 Special performance. But realize, out of a snubbie ammo wonโt live up to the box-side ballistics.
Limited CapacityโExpect 5 or 6 rounds at best. Thatโs cutting things close. Additionally, reloads are no walk in the park, involving many more steps than a semi-auto pistol, taxing fine motor skills under stress. Go a .357 Magnum revolver, youโd better practice your emergency reloads!
Thereโs an elephant still in the room, the โbutโ we mentioned above, and it’s particular to many concealed carry .357 Magnum revolvers. Some are out-and-out bears to shoot. Thereโs a reason why the guns have the dubious moniker โknuckle bustersโ.
This is not a good situation. Excessive recoil does not breed excellent marksmanship, thus the reason why professional dalliances with the 10mm and .41 Magnum have been short-lived. Folks donโt like to train when their hands are getting the Torquemada treatment, and it has the potential to lead to problematic issues such as flinch.
Very light and small .357 Magnum revolvers tend to this sort of experience. Though, there is a way to mitigate some of this, which segues nicely into our selection criteria.
In making our selections of best concealed-carry .357 Magnum revolvers, we stuck to our usual criteria for separating the wheat from the chaff:
Reliability: The guns are well made with a reliable track record. Concealability: Weโre looking at concealed carry revolvers, in turn, weโre sticking with smaller .357 Magnums. Accessibility: All the models are currently in production, thus found at most gun retailers.
However, we also added another evaluation pointโshootablity. Given this, many of our choices tend toward the heavier end of the spectrum. It makes a difference.
Take a hypothetical a 140-grain .357 Magnum load that leaves a snubbie’s muzzle at 1,000 fps. Shoot it from a 22-ounce Smith & Wesson Pro Series Model 640 and it generates roughly 10 ft-lbs. of recoil energy. Put that same load in an 11-ounce Smith & Wesson Model 340PD and the recoil energy nearly doubles to 19 ft-lbs. For context, thatโs the neighborhood of many .270 Winchester loads out of a 7-pound rifle.
Considering this, a bit of extra weight on the hip is a worthwhile tradeoff for what will likely lead to more consistent accuracy.
Best .357 Revolvers For Concealed Carry
Smith & Wesson Model 640
Smith & Wesson Model 640 Pro Series
A staple in Smith & Wessonโs J-Frame catalog, the snubbie .357 Magnum revolver is a gem of its class. Constructed of all stainless steel, the rugged double-action only (DAO) likely has the chops to be handed down to a son or daughter one day. And, like most Js, is a fairly easy affair to conceal. How about to shoot? It’s about as pleasurable as this sized magnum gets. It certainly doesnโt get the nod for weekend plinker, but at a hefty 22 ounces the 640 sets shooters up for success.
Smith & Wesson offers the plain Jane version of the concealed-hammer 640 and a Performance Center Pro Series option. With about $100 difference between the two models, the PC upgrade is worth the money delivering not only a more attractive gun but some notable enhancements. The three that pop out on the 5-round revolver are rear and front tritium drift-adjustable sights, a cylinder cut to accept moon clips and a PC-tuned trigger. Yeah, itโs still as heavy as a kettlebell, but boy is it smooth. MSRP: Model 640 $809; Pro Series $939 smith-wesson.com
Ruger SP101
Ruger SP101
Thereโs a lot of gun here, and weโre not talking metaphorically. Even in its 2.25-inch snub-nose rendition, the SP101 is constructed from a load of stainless and it looks itโalmost reminiscent of Smith & Wessonโs K-frame Model 66. As we discussed previously, as a primary arm this is an advantage giving shooters a more manageable system. Although, it might be a better option for an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. For the right individual it could qualify for inside the waistband (IWB). Pocket carry is pushing it.
The 5-round .357 Magnum revolver shoots well, and for its bulk cuts a fine figure, especially with its full lug. Its factory grips are a bit small, but easily upgradable with plenty of aftermarket options. The DAO model is the most logical concealed carry candidate, the spurless hammer enhancing an already streamlined design (an advantage of casting).
Yet, be forewarnedโthe SP101 has a notoriously heavy and somewhat gritty trigger pull. Plus, itโs only available with an integral rear sight in DAOโnot the most precise of systems. Then again, you arenโt getting a concealed carry magnum for precision range work. MSRP: Starts at $919, ruger.com
Ruger LCR
If weight is the utmost concern, the .357 Magnum LCR is most likely the best option. At 17 ounces, it walks a fine line and, for the most part, is at the basement in what weโd consider a manageable concealed carry magnum. Buyer beware, this is a much buckier .357 Magnum revolver, but not at the magnitude of ultralight guns. Size-wise, with a 1.87-inch barrel, the LCR not only qualifies as a primary carry arm, but would fill the role as a hard-hitting backup.
Outside of its dimensions, the .357 revolver has several other nice attributes, from very comfortable Hogue Tamer grips to replaceable pinned front sightโin case you want to upgrade to a low-light option. Above anything, it has an excellent trigger. Yes, itโs a heavy pull (what did you expect in double-action?), but itโs like silk compared to most factory switches. The LCR is also intuitively laid out, with a button cylinder release on the left side that picks up the pace of the DAOโs reloads. MSRP: $859, ruger.com
Kimber K6S
Kimber put thought into what makes a solid concealed carry revolver and it shows in its K6S line. Easy to keep under wraps, but not at the expense of controllability, the nifty snub-nose heaters present armed citizens with the whole package. To boot, they’re lookersโtoo bad the guns are meant to avoid the light of day most of their lives.
Kimber bills its 2-inch barreled K6S as the lightest 6-round .357 Magnum revolver on the market, but donโt let that spook you. The gun is still substantial at 23-ounces and eats a majority of recoil. Also, donโt let the extra round in a concealed-carry model fool you eitherโitโs still very easy to fit inside the waistband or pocket. In part, this is thanks to milled flats on the stainless-steel gunโs cylinder that keeps it nearly as svelte as 5-round options.
The K6S design is sleek, reducing the chances of hanging up on the draw, hastened further by a concealed hammer. The gun also sports a top-notch trigger, with a light-for-DAO 9-pound break. With practice it runs fast. One more thing, actual front and rear sights earn the K6S extra points. As far as model, the Stainless is the most affordable, but the DCR adds a touch of class with rosewood grips. Other variants are available as well. MSRP: Starts at $985 kimberamerica.com
Colt King Cobra Carry
The reboot of the Colt Python has somewhat overshadowed the King Cobra in the publicโs eye. Nevertheless, it does little to diminish the snub-nose .357 Magnum revolverโs performance in its main roleโon person self-defense piece. Plus, itโs a Colt โSnake Gunโ, with is inherently cool.
All stainless steel and nearly a full-sized grip, the King is a fairly polite piece, one that with some practice runs fast and accurate. Part of this is thanks to the 6-round revolverโs weight, which is an ample 26-ounces unloaded. But the trigger also deserves kudos. Again, compared to a pistol itโs substantialโ10-poundsโbut responsive.
A full lug adds a level of protection to the ejection rod, ensuring it doesnโt get skewed in everyday rough and tumble. And Hogue Overmolded grips with finger grooves adds another level of control to the handgun. Most will appreciate the bobbed hammer on the DAO variation, however, if you can’t live without a hammer spur there is a Carry iteration with one. At the risk of drawing the ire of Colt fans, the cylinder lock isnโt intuitive for those who havenโt run the revolver previouslyโpulling backward. But this facet isnโt generally a hindrance once familiar with the system. MSRP: $999, colt.com
A quick look at EchoCore Suppressors, a new can company thatโs already making big waves in the silencer industry.
With the silencer tax stamp feeโs recent reduction from $200 to $0, a ton of companies, both new and old, are joining the suppressor game. Why not? The demand is certainly increasing, so the supply has to as well. One of the newest companies is EchoCore Suppressors, but unlike a lot of other new cans on the market, EchoCoreโs have already proved to be more than just background noise.
Officially debuted and tested at the 2025 Silencer Summit, known in the industry as the gold standard test for suppressor performance, EchoCore took both first and second place in the 5.56 category with its Sector 5.56 Full Size and Sector 5.56 Compact. Thatโs a very impressive feat, especially for a brand-new company facing off against much more experienced manufacturers. Howโd they pull it off? The company chalks it up to precision engineering, advanced additive manufacturing techniques and its XCR (Cross Chamber Regulation) technology that keeps backpressure low without compromising sound and flash reduction. All of EchoCore’s cans are 3D-printed, feature a completely weldless design and are HUB Compatible, though materials vary between models. Most ship with a low-flash vented endcap as well.
Chris Mudgett, Founder of EchoCore Suppressors, had this to say about his companyโs recent victory at Silencer Summit:
Earning first and second place in our debut year validates everything weโve worked toward โฆ EchoCore was built on the belief that true innovation is alive and well in this industry. Our teamโs expertise, discipline, and relentless pursuit of performance are what make these results possible โ and this is just the beginning.
Exclusively available through Silencer Shop, EchoCore already has more to offer than the 5.56 Sector line, as the companyโs catalog features the Traverse 30, LaTitude 30 and Radius 360 Multi-Cal as well.
This is one silencer company thatโs definitely worth keeping an eye on, so much so that Iโve already lined up a hands-on review of the Sector 5.56 Full Size. Iโll be excited to hit the range with it as soon as the transfer goes through to see (or hear) what it can do for an AR in person.
Griffin & Howe is rekindling and reinventing a storied flame.
Pulling up to the spacious Hudson Farm facility in northern New Jersey to celebrate the Griffin & Howe Centennial, I was immediately impressed with the sheer scope of the operation. In addition to the huge showroom, there were meeting halls, what amounts to a small hotel, a full farming operation andโmost intriguingโthe Griffin & Howe Gunsmithing Shop.
While most rifle historians will be immediately familiar with the Griffin & Howe nameโas their famous sidemount and customized rifles have received accolades for decadesโmany of the younger generation are likely unfamiliar. But what impressed me most while we hobnobbed under the huge tent erected for the 100th anniversary celebration was how a couple of relative youngsters have brought the brand seamlessly into the 21st century.
And, catching my eye immediately, was a unique rifleโthe Highlanderโblending a walnut stock with classic lines and a carbon-fiber barrel, but with steel sections to accommodate traditional iron sights.
That rifle at the Centennial celebration wasโappropriatelyโchambered for .35 Whelen, but little did I know that just a couple years later weโd be putting a similar model in .375 H&H Magnum to the test in Zimbabwe.
High Class, High Expectations
The Highlander Safari is the larger-bore variant of the G&H Highlander, being offered in both .375 H&H Magnum and .375 Ruger. Like most rifles available from Griffin & Howe, plenty of options are available to the customer, as their gunsmithing shop is capable of just about anything your checkbook and imagination could handle.
The Griffin & Howe Highlander Safari melds traditional lines with modern construction materials and techniques. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
At the rifleโs heart is the Defiance Rebel CRF action, attached to a Proof Research Sendero carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel and housed in either a premium walnut or synthetic stock. Dan Rossiter, stockmaker of excellence and manager of the Griffin & Howe Gunsmithing Shop, would bring along a beautiful, figured walnut stock variant on our safari to the Sango concession of the Savรฉ Valley Conservancy, for both backup on the dangerous game species and to handle any plains game species.
Griffin & Howe have cleverly mated a Proof Research carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel with metal inserts to facilitate the front and rear iron sights. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Topped with a Swarovski Z8i 1-8×24 in G&H quick detachable top-mount rings, this rifle exhibited true versatility, performing wonderfully in a number of situations.
With the scope removed through the use of the G&H quick-detach top mounts, the Highlander Safari becomes svelte and a dream to carry in the field. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
I readily admit having a strong preference for a controlled-round-feed (CRF) action in a repeater for use on dangerous game, and though the Mauser 98 and its innumerable clones are probably what come to mind when discussing CRF actions, there are other options. The Defiance Rebel is one, and I quickly came to like this action.
Using a โmodern claw styleโ extractor to handle the cartridge without question, the Rebel allows the user to insert a cartridge into the chamber and close the bolt over it without running the risk of breaking the extractor. It acts like a push-feed when loading directly into the chamber, and as a CRF when loading from the magazine. This will turn a โthree-downโ rifle into a four-shot gun, and when the game is large and close at hand, that extra shot will be much appreciated.
Constructed of aircraft-certified 416 stainless-steel, the Rebel will surely handle the pressures generated by the pair of 375s, and the one-piece steel bolt cycles as smoothly as you could ask for. That bolt face handled the feeding and extraction without a single issue; during the course of our safari, weโd load, empty and reload the rifles several times a day, not to mention running the bolt during the course of taking an animal. I had complete confidence in that Rebel action.
The bolt faceโand beefy extractorโof the Defiance Rebel action. Operating as both push-feed and controlled-round feed, the Rebel is a smart, modern design. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
A three-position Winchester 70-style safety allows the shooter to safely unload the firearm, and a hinged floorplate allows for quick emptying of the magazine; the Highlander Safari in .375 H&H held three cartridges in the magazine. A spring-loaded bolt release located at the left rear of the receiver allows the bolt to be removed for cleaning. The action also features a TriggerTech trigger timed to the action, and that trigger broke cleanly at about 2ยฝ pounds, with almost no creep or overtravel.
The Proof Research Sendero carbon-fiber barrel certainly has a larger diameter than what any of us are used to seeing on a dangerous game gun, and being a .375-inch bore, itโs bigger than most. With a metal insert on the outside of the barrel for the island rear sight and at the muzzle for the hooded front sight, the Highlander Safari definitely has a unique barrel look.
Employing a 1:12 twist, the 24-inch barrel will take full advantage of the velocity potential of the .375 H&H Magnum, without being unwieldy in the thick bush. Accuracy was excellent, and this rifle showed sub-MOA groups with both soft-points and solids. Rossiter and I tried a few ammo brands, but we decided to listen to the rifle: It liked the Barnes factory ammo best, using 300-grain TSX expanding bullets and the 300-grain Barnes Banded solids.
The stock on the Highlander Safari is a thing of beauty, balancing wonderfully in all carrying positions, and coming to the shoulder almost effortlessly. I met Rossiter years ago, as a member of the American Custom Gunmakerโs Guild, and his stock designโin both walnut and syntheticโmakes all sorts of sense for a do-all rifle like this.
A Silverโs recoil pad takes the sting out of the .375 H&H Magnum, while still maintaining a proper look. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
The comb is a subdued Monte Carlo design, being carved for use with a riflescope, but the shooter can still make good use of the iron sights by driving the cheek down onto the comb. A proper Silverโs recoil pad takes the sting out of the .375 H&Hโof which there isnโt much with this stock designโand there is proper hand-cut checkering on pistol grip and forend. I liked the balance of the rifle with the Swarovski scope onboard and loved the feel and balance with the scope removed. I could easily wrap my hand around the receiver and carry the iron-sighted gun for miles on the trail.
For the customer, plenty of bespoke options are available from Griffin & Howe, ranging from length of pull (their fitting service is nothing shy of excellent), to engraving and metal finishing choices (Rossiterโs brother, Chris, is the house engraverโand his work is stunning). If the metalwork of your rifle is to be engraved, the receiver and barrel shanks must be left in the white and clear-coated.
Color case hardening is available for the bottom metal, iron sights and bases, scope rings and bases, and pistol grip cap if so desired. The walnut-stocked variant tips the scales right around the 9-pound mark (sans scope or ammo), and you can shave off a half-pound by going with the synthetic stock, and both models offer the option of elite blackout Cerakote finish. The synthetic model comes stock with a Spartan magnetic bipod socket; thatโs an option for the wood stocked model.
At the Range and in the Field
Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farm offers a full-service training facility, with classes for shotguns, handguns and rifles, and for the latter you can take your hunting or target rifle out to a considerable distance. Rossiter had the rifle trued out to 500 yards, with a ballistic turret so marked atop the Swarovski scope. The rifle showed sub-MOA accuracy out to that mark, and we felt we had things nailed down pretty well.
In Zimbabwe, with PH Mark Jansen on the Sango concession of the Savรฉ Valley Conservancy, we each had a management bull and cow buffalo available, plus a small assortment of plains game. We had another G&H rifleโthe Criterion in .404 Jefferyโon hand for the primary duty on the big stuff, with the Highlander Safari coming in as a backup for the buffalo.
The author used the G&H Highlander Safari (right) to backup Dan Rossiter on his buffalo bull. Photo: Massaro Media Group.
When Rossiterโs bull didnโt exactly read the script and decided heโd take over a half-dozen shots, Jansen asked me to help put the bull down. Rossiter and I fired almost simultaneously, and the bullโs nose was soon in the dirt, with the death bellow following closely. That Highlander Safari performed perfectly, putting a bullet on the point of the shoulder from about 60 yards. Weโd later recover that 300-grain Barnes TSX, well expanded and retaining 92 percent of its original weight.
A few days later, Rossiter would find himself 284 yards from the largest slab of eland bull Iโve ever seen in my life, and laying prone across his pack, put a TSX through the huge bullโs lungs. The ballistic turret made his life easy, and walking up to that bull reinforced the fact that a truly big eland bull is bigger than any Cape buffalo that ever walked. Our cameraman, Michael โHeffalumpโ Heffernan, was offered the opportunity to take a pair of impala rams with the Highlander Safari, making a pair of one-shot kills at 168 and 209 yards, respectively, once again proving the flexibility of the venerable .375 H&H Magnum.
To top it off, I was invited to participate in a management elephant bull hunt at the end of the safari, using the Highlander Safari for backup duties. The rifle had no issue putting a 300-grain Barnes Banded Solid into the bullโs brain at 15 paces. Death was instantaneous, with all of the meat neatly weighed and donated to the villages.
The Highlander Safari handled it all, from the small to the tall, the near to the far, with grace.
The Cost of Bespoke
The rifle we brought to Zimbabwe had a Grade 5 Turkish Walnut stock, handworked by the Griffin & Howe team. Time is money, as the saying goes, and the hours put into a custom piece need to be paid for. Without the walnut being upgraded, the Highlander Safari starts at $28,400. Our rifle had a 14-inch length of pullโto accommodate my longer armsโand that feature can easily be adapted to the customer, though other upgrades are obviously going to raise the price.
Griffin & Howe is working toward offering an โoff-the-rackโ stocked version, with a length of pull suited to the customer that will reduce costs. There is always the synthetic versionโwith stocks finished in Goreโs Sub Alpine, Open Country or Cover camo patternsโwhich sports a price tag of $11,750, again reflecting the amount of handwork that goes into a Griffin & Howe stock and metalwork.
Iโll be the first to admit that the carbon-fiber barrel is a non-traditional look on a bespoke rifle, but I will also testify that, after carrying that rifle through the ins and outs of a week on safari, I truly enjoyed the experience. Iโve been blessed to have used a number of custom/bespoke rifles over the years, and the G&H Highlander Safari sits among some of the best, especially in the stock design department. The action is slick, the trigger is sweet, and the G&H quick-detach mounts allow the optic to be removed and reinstalled without fear of losing zero.
If youโre interested in the custom rifle experience, contact Rossiter at Griffin & Howe, or stop by their booth at one of the outdoor shows and hold the Highlander Safari for yourselfโIโll wager youโll be impressed. Rossiter has indicated that in addition to the .375 H&H Magnum and .375 Ruger offerings, they are offering the .35 Whelen chambering so long as the barrel blanks hold out.
Background: A Very Brief History of Griffin & Howe
Seymour Griffinโa New York City cabinet makerโwas inspired by President Teddy Rooseveltโs book African Game Trails and wanted to use a .30-06 rifle like his hero. He liked the action of the 1903 Springfield, but the military stock left much to be desired, so he restocked it himself using a French walnut blank. In the 1920s, Col. Townsend Whelen heard of Griffinโs talents and introduced him to the foreman of the Frankford Arsenal, James Howe.
Photo: Massaro Media Group.
Howe collaborated with Whelen to develop the .35 Whelen, and that cartridge remains inexorably tied to the Griffin & Howe name. Griffin & Howe opened their doors in June of 1923, but Howe would leave by the yearโs end. By the 1930s, the quickly famous G&H detachable scope side-mount was on the market, and G&H was selling not just fine rifles, but all sorts of outdoor gear.
The firm would make their most famous connection when they outfitted Ernest Hemingway with the .30-06 Springfield rifle made famous in Green Hills of Africa, and which inspired the fictional works Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Short Happy Life of Frances Macomber. Griffin & Howe would also provide rifles to the likes of Clark Gable, President Dwight Eisenhower and author Robert Ruark. After Griffinโs retirement in the late 1950s, the company declined until gunsmith Bill Ward acquired the assets, keeping the name alive through the 1970s and โ80s.
By 2015, Steven Polanish would assume CEO duties, and today, he has brought the G&H name onto the 4,000-plus-acre Hudson Farm complex, with G&H issuing new rifle designs in 2017. The complex offers training for handgunners, shotgunners and riflemen alike, as well as an enormous showroom full of premium firearms and gear.
Having celebrated their 100th anniversary, Griffin & Howe is most definitely back, delivering all the classic products as well as new, cutting-edge rifle designs. Brothers Dan and Chris Rossiter are among a crack team in the gunsmithing department, which is turning out some head-turning products.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 of the best concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
