Cx8213dsa213CC13sf2 PDF

www.gunworld.
com
FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER
FALL 2013
$8.99 U.S. DISPLAY UNTIL: 11/12/13
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22 POCKET POWER SPRINGFIELDS XDS
With your choice of .45 ACP or 9mm in the same
subcompact package, this pistol is mighty
tempting...but how does such a little gun handle?
By Dave Norman
84 DEEP CONCEALMENT PERFECTED
If you spend most of the day sitting or have difficulty
concealing guns with other methods, an under-shirt
shoulder holster rig may be your best solution.
Check out these two models! By Mike Dickerson
100 HOLSTERS FOR LIFE & TRAINING
BLADE-TECH'S SOLUTIONS!
See what Blade-Tech offers those who spend their
workday sittingin the office, in the truck, or driving
heavy equipment. Their practical holsters get the
tactical work-over in our field test! By Editor
110 FOUR STEPS TO CONCEALED
CARRY SUCCESS
Whether youre brand new to concealed carry or a
pro, these four key tenants of successful defensive
shooting will make you better prepared for the
worst scenarios. By Brad Fitzpatrick
124 TAKING YOUR FIRST SHOT
Lynne Finchs book purports to introduce female
shooters to the technical, tactical, and practical
aspects of defensive shooting. We sat down with
a cup of coffee to see if it delivers for you!
By Dave Norman
Departments
6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
8 CONCEALED CARRY MAP
12 NEWS
130 LAST PAGE
4 FALL 2013 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS
Features
SIG SAUERs
P290 is ready for
defensive work.
The Springfield XDs is
quick out of the holster
and fast to target.
Table of Contents
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Lynne Finchs
excellent
book for
female
shooters, by
a female
shooter, is
out now.
Mike Dickerson reviews
some dramatic deep
concealment rigs.
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Buyers Guides
FALL 2013 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 5
Springfields littlest XD: the XDs.
The Cover
DESIGNED BY ERIC KNAGG
PHOTOS BY DAVE NORMAN,
MIKE DICKERSON AND JIM WEISS
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Derringers are a
solid choice for
the deepest
concealment.
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Put a .410 shotgun
in your hand!
14 Micro Revolvers & Derringers
30 Pocket Pistols
42 Compact Semi Autos
58 Full Size Semi Autos
90 Subcompact Semi Autos
104 Full Size Revolvers
116 Compact Revolvers
126 Medium Revolvers
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CC_FALL13_4-5-TOCcx 8/11/13 11:22 PM Page 5
Confidence
in Your Gear
I
REALLY WANTED TO LIKE
THE HANDGUN ON MY
BENCH. It met my require-
ments for concealed carry, those
being light weight, slim dimen-
sions, suitable firepower, functional
sights, and what I took for reliable
design. It was very different, very
clever, and I lusted after it mightily.
But there was a problem: it broke
during basic test firing.
So I learned a
hard lesson in
expectations not
meeting reality, a les-
son that is absolutely
crucial to learn: the
lesson that no matter
how hard I want to
like something, or want it to be the
answer to a problem, I need to be
open to the possibility that it wont
work for me...and I need to thor-
oughly test and routinely retest the
gear I carry to make sure it still
serves its purpose and remains
mechanically sound.
I cant wish something into
being something its not...like reli-
able. No matter the cleverness of
the design, or price point of the
item, I need to retain the strength
of will and character to reject that
which fails and press on, undaunt-
ed, until I find the right answer.
A friend of mine carries a .32
ACP pocket pistol that was his
grandfathers, mainly because
it was his grandfathersnot
because the caliber suits his
needs, the design suits his opera-
tional considerations, or because it
is a particularly robust and reliable
firearm. Nope. He carries that
particular gun because, simply, he
wants to carry grandpas gun.
This is a mistake that I hope
doesnt get him killed.
While any opera-
ble firearm is likely
better than no opera-
ble firearm, we need
the confidence in
ourselves to admit
when something we
thought would be
great, turns out to not be so
hot after all. Its embarrassing,
especially once youve paid your
money, but I take it as a mark of
character to be able to overcome
your own expectations and see
the good and bad for what they
are...and change your mind
accordingly.
Thats what leads to the best
decisions on what gear you need,
which models truly suit your
lifestyle, and which units you can
trust with your life.
Carry confidently,
A LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR
By Dave Norman
EDITORIAL
Group Editorial Manager: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: Dave Norman
Managing Editor: Breanna Armstrong
Art Director: John Bernikow
CONTRIBUTORS
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Sharon Ahern, Dave Norman, Dave Spaulding,
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FALL 2013
Admit when
something...
turns out to be
not so hot.
CC_FALL13_6-EDITOR 8/6/13 1:05 AM Page 6

CC_FALL13_7 8/6/13 12:34 AM Page 7
Dont Hold Us To it The information contained on these pages is for academic use only, and does not constitute
legal advice. You are solely responsible for knowing the laws in your country, state, and town. These laws can change quickly,
and individual cities or counties may have additional restrictions. While we try to be accurate, we cant be held responsible
for errors or omissions contained herein. Use this data at your own risk.
CC_FALL13_8-11 MAP 8/6/13 1:09 AM Page 8
I
s a 17-round magazine for a Glock
17 a high capacity magazine,
when the manufacturer intends
the pistol to hold that many rounds? Is
the magazine only a high capacity
magazine if it holds more than the man-
ufacturer intended for the standard
magazine for the device? Or if the mag-
azine extends below the grip? Or if it
extends below the magwell in a rifle? Is
there a magic number over which a
magazine becomes a high capacity
magazine? What is the difference
between a standard capacity maga-
zine and a high capacity one?
That ontological debate doesnt
matter. What matters, a lot, is a given
states opinion of how many bullets it
takes for a magazine to become a
high capacity device. To make better
use of our guide to staying legal, here
is a quick overview of the lawas our
inexpert understanding has itin many
of the states that have restrictions.
WASHINGTON DC
Unrestricted
15
10
Under 10
Peculiar Laws
Key:
COLOR CAPACITY
Manufacturers
Intended Capacity
COLORADO
While larger capacity magazines can
apparently be grandfathered in, with the law
explicitly stating that the burden of proof is on
the prosecution to prove that the person in
question did not own the magazine before the
ban, the sale, transfer, receipt, or manufacture
of a magazine capable of containing 16 or
more rounds is now illegal. They also limited
shotgun feeding devices to 28 inches of shot-
gun shells.
CONNECTICUT
As of April of this year, Connecticut has a mag-
azine capacity limit of 10 rounds and a prohibi-
tion on buying, selling, or transferring mags
that can hold 11 or more rounds. Their grandfa-
ther clause is strange, though: you can contin-
ue to own your greater-than-ten capacity mag-
azines, but you must register them with the
Department of Emergency Services and Public
Protection within a year of the bans effective
date. And then you can only load 10 rounds
into that magazine anyway, unless youre at
home or at a licensed shooting range. Even if
you have a CCW, 10 total in your magazine
regardless of its capacity is the law outside
your home and range.
CALIFORNIA
The possession of a high capacity magazine,
while making you highly suspect, is not strictly
illegal, unless it was clearly made after the
2000 ban (such as those for guns not invented
before then). So long as you owned the maga-
zine pre-2000, you can still own it...you just
cant transfer it to anyone else. And you cant
bring any high-caps into the state.
DELAWARE
At press time, magazine capacities were not
restricted in Delaware, but legislation was
pending that would limit the capacity to 10 for
all magazines brought into the state, or manu-
factured or transferred (by sale or gift etc) after
its effective date. Existing high capacity maga-
zines, in the document we reviewed, would be
grandfathered but could not be transferred
between parties and could only be loaded with
more than 10 rounds while on private property
or at a shooting range.
Many Thanks
We owe many thanks to the website www.handgun-
law.us, to the good people at Pro Mag, and a number
of other sources for our information. Thanks for help-
ing disambiguate the convoluted world of magazine
capacity restrictions!
MARYLAND
The 20-round limit becomes a 10-round limit in
October.
WASHINGTON DC
10 rounds is the limit, and there is no apparent
grandfathering clause.
NEW YORK
In the countrys most confusing law, subject to
change before editorial deadline, you cannot
possess a magazine capable of holding more
than 10 rounds. And you may not load that
magazine with more than 7 rounds (even
though it can hold 10)...unless you are at the
firing line of a shooting event recognized by the
NRA or the International Handgun Metallic
Silhouette Association.
OHIO
Ohio is a strange case. According to their law,
possession is restricted on ...any (automatic
firearm) designed or specially adapted to fire a
succession of cartridges with a single function
of the trigger. Automatic firearm also means
any semi-automatic firearm designed or spe-
cially adapted to fire more than thirty-one car-
tridges without reloading, other than a firearm
chambering only .22 caliber short, long, or
long-rifle cartridges.Which we presume means
a ban on the Calico Weapon Systems firearms
that are designed around helical 50 and 100
round magazines. But what about the AR-pat-
tern rifles that easily accept 40-round or larger
magazines? Plenty of people own them. And
were unaware of any bans on shipping 40
round magazines to Ohio. So...make what
sense of it as you need.
LLINOIS
At least five major metropolitan areasall near
Chicago, go figurehave conflicting and com-
plicated restrictions. Be extremely careful.
HAWAII
The law prohibits the manufacture, possession,
or transfer of any handgun magazine over 10
rounds...but doesnt appear to say anything
about rifle magazines.
NEWS
Gun Geo Marker
Application?
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hough its pretty much
been rendered useless
by now due to public
backlash and anony-
mous users filling it with false infor-
mation, there is a free-to-download
digital application out there for
Android smart phones called Gun
Geo Marker. It was put together by
Brett Stalbaum, who Fox News said
is associated with the University of
California San Diego in some
capacity (though not clearly any
capacity that links them to Gun
Geo Marker).
The goal of the application was
initially for users to anonymously
mark on a nationwide digital map
the location of dangerous guns
and unsafe gun owners, which to
some might be those who have rag-
ing disregard for firearm safety while
to others, an unsafe gun owner
might be someone they distantly
suspect of merely possessing a gun.
Of the many problems that users
identify in reviews on the site, and in
the firestorm of rebuke that resulted
from the apps official release, is
that there are no objective means
or institutional parameters for
differentiating unsafe from safe...
...and indeed, the whole concept
seemed to be a means for
anonymous users to publicly
accuse absolutely anyone they
wanted to, of owning or using a
gun unsafely, and allowing that
accusation to exist unchecked as
freely accessible information for
whoever wished to put it to what-
ever use they choselawful,
criminal, or otherwise.
Within 11 days of the apps
launch, there was an update
posted by the designer, which
uses virtually impenetrable aca-
demic language to obfuscate the
ontological value of collecting
such open-source data in geo-
limited environs (we can use
such language, too, but donta
lesson certain programmers
should learn). Somewhere behind
his wall of head-scratching prose
was an admission that the prod-
uct failedwithin 11 daysand
a fair amount of cynical dismissal
of the people who dont like such
personal information about them-
selves to be so openly exposed
and unrestrainedly created by
anonymous strangers. In other
words: the app failed, the
designer took a shot at the mar-
ket that rejected it, and with over
2,860 (in 11 days) scathing
reviews, Gun Geo Marker
looks effectively dead.
One might be wise, however,
to keep their eyes open in the
future for digital applications and
other use of technology that
might, in your opinion, violate your
privacy, personal security, or
sense of decorum.
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F
or those who carry
exposed in the line of
duty or as civilians,
there is always concern
for proper weapon retentionfrom
accidents (like falling over), move-
ment (like bending down),
and unauthorized access (like
someone grabbing your hol-
stered gun on the sneak or during
an ambush). These concerns are
somewhat common to soldiers in
combat, who absolutely must
retain their weapon, and often,
patrol around noncombatants
where insurgents may pose as
civilians or train children to steal
gear right off of soldiers bodies.
To address all of these needs,
BLACKHAWK! developed their
SERPA holster system, which
includes various levels of weapon
retention that make the contained
sidearm accessible only to the per-
sonnel wearing it. Combined with
an innovative mounting solution
called the Quick Disconnect
System (which al lows the user to
quickly disconnect the holster and
move it, gun and all, between hol-
ster attachment points on their hip,
leg, or vest), the SERPA holsters
have become standard issue for
the U.S. Marine Corps, SOCOM
operators, and now, the German
Bundeswehr.
The Bundeswehr began issuing
the SERPA Holster System in 2009,
and recently signed a large con-
tract for another shipment, insuring
that German coaliti on troops will
be carrying BLACKHAWK! SERPA
holsters into combat for a long
time to come. For more informa-
tion: www.blackhawk.com.
HEIZER DEFENSE:
Pocket
Shotguns
Coming
Soon
Heizer Defense is a new
company spun from the
established Heizer Aerospace
company, whose engineers
focus on developing defensive
pocket pistols. Their product
line, shown to journalists at
this years SHOT Show, is
expected to launch this fall.
Their initial product is a dou-
ble action, two shot
over/under pocket pistol in
.45 ACP that includes two
spare rounds concealed in the
grip, and loaded together via
a custom speed strip.
Theyre expected to release
a Pocket Shotgun this fall
as well, bringing the .410
bore shotshell /.45 Colt car-
tridge to bear in a diminutive
package. Well be sure theyre
in our Buyers Guide about
the time your dealer will be
able to order one for you. For
more information: www.heiz-
erdefense.com
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DeSantis Hides an XDs
Springfield Armorys XDs is one of the hottest pistols on the market
right now (see our review deeper in this issue!), and DeSantis has
released a tuckable deep concealment holster for it. Their Intruder
holster features the now-familiar style of a tuckable holster that
puts leather against your skin and uses polymer molded to the
exact contours of the gun to provide a secure fit. Worn inside the
waistband, the belt clips keep the holster from falling down or
coming up with your XDs. You can adjust the ride height and cant
as well. For more information: www.desantisholster.com
Photo by DeSantis
German Soldiers
Issued BLACKHAWK!
SERPA Holster for Combat
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CC_FALL13_12-13_NEWS 8/6/13 1:12 AM Page 13
MICRO GUNS
Many armed professionals see their hand-
gun as a fighting tool to help them make it
aliveto their shotgun or rifle (or away from
the fight entirely). Derringers and micro
revolvers are tools to help you fight your way
to a larger-capacity pistol, a shotgun, or rifle,
or out of harms way.
Or, theyre a last line of defense after being
relieved in some manner of your primary
weapon.
Or, theyre a super-discrete shootin iron
you can always have with you, no matter the
cut of your clothes. Extremely concealable,
and just about as compact as firearms get,
they disappear into places on your bodyor
into stashing places in your home or office
that other firearms wont fitand often,
where no one things to look for a gun.
Yet modern derringers are chambered for
serious cartridges up to and frequently
including .410 bore shotshells and .45 Colt
cartridges. They also come in .45 ACP and
9mm, so your one bullet, many guns
solution applies to them as welland while
they dont have the fight-stopping power of a
duty size handgun, they are usually much,
much better than nothing.
Micro revolvers are chambered in .22
flavors like .22 MAG, .22 LR, and .22 Short,
which dont have the ballistic punch of more
traditional defensive calibers, but they do
generally carry five rounds...which is a means
of increasing firepower while staying slim,
trim, and easy to conceal.
How might the right micro gun complete
your personal protection plan? Editor
$100-$300
Cobra Firearms
MODEL: C22
WEBSITE: www.cobrapistols.net
MSRP: $169
Action: Single
Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 2.4 in
Length: 4 in
Weight: 9.5 oz
Special Features:
Top-hinged barrel
with sights, available
in an array of colors
The C22 derringer
represents a budget-
priced example of the genre,
and is available as well in .22 Magnum, .25 ACP, and
.32 ACP. The wide range of custom color finishes and
grips helps shooters customize the derringer to
exactly the look they prefer.
Cimarron Firearms
MODEL: Diablo
WEBSITE: www.cimarron-firearms.com
MSRP: $219
Action: Single
Caliber: .22 MAG
Capacity: 2
Length: 4.4 in
Weight: 9.4 oz
Special Features: Top-hinged barrel with sights,
includes .22 LR barrel set
Cimarrons
Diablo is a stan-
dard-style top-
hinged two shot
derringer that
comes in .22 Magnum...with a .22 LR
barrel set. That represents
excellent value for this budget-priced
derringer.
CC_FALL13_14-19-MICRO_BG_Rev1 8/6/13 11:47 PM Page 14
North
American
Arms
MODEL: .22 Mag Holster / Grip Combo
WEBSITE: www.northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $244
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 1.1 in or 1.6 in
Length: 5.25 in or 5.75 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 2.9 in
Weight: 6.2 oz
Special Features: Grip folds
under pistol
In this unique
approach to their
miniature revolver, NAA
combines a .22 WMR
pistol with a special grip
that folds underneath the
revolver to protect the
trigger. The grip swings
into place rather like a
pocketknife unfolds, and
even has a pocket clip to
help it ride where you
want it.
While many derringers
are offered in large bore
revolver cartridges, the
CB9 comes chambered for
standard 9mm rounds...
which affords you the
ability to stuff your
derringer with the short-
barrel-defensive-pistol
ammunition you likely
have on hand anyway.
Cobra
Firearms
MODEL: CB38
MSRP: $187
Action: Single
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 2
Length: 5.4 in
Weight: 16 oz
Special Features: Top-hinged barrel
with sights, available in an array of colors
Cobra Firearms
MODEL: CB9
MSRP: $189
Action: Single
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 2
Length: 4.7 in
Weight: 14 oz
Special Features:
Top-hinged barrel with sights,
available in an array of colors
The longer, 3.5-inch barrel
on the CB38 affords
slightly higher velocities and
thus higher impact energy
than the shorter barrels on
Cobras other models...while
still remaining very easy to
conceal and light enough to
carry extensively.
This especially
compact model is short
for its given caliber, with a
1.1-inch barrel and overall
length under 5 inches. At
just under six ounces
unloaded, even though its
chambered for the
magnum rimfire cartridge
its a lightweight
companion.
This tiny revolver is
chambered for the .22
Short cartridge, making it
the smallest commercially
produced revolver of
which we know...while it
still retains five shots and
the traditional function of
other NAA revolvers.
Another distinctive
spin on micro revolvers
includes The Earl, a five-
shot micro revolver that is
styled in the 1860s cap
and ball manner...yet
chambered for the
modern .22 WMR round.
MODEL: The Earl
WEBSITE: www.
northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $284
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 4 in
Length: 7.75 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 3.1 in
Weight: 9.1 oz
Special Features:
1860s percussion revolver
style
North American Arms
MODEL: Mag 1.1
WEBSITE: www.
MSRP: $219
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 1.1 in
Length: 4.75 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 2.9 in
Weight: 5.9 oz
Special Features: Extremely
short for caliber
North
American
Arms
MICRO GUNS
North American Arms
MODEL: 22S
WEBSITE: www.
MSRP: $209
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 Short
Capacity: 5
Length: 3.6 in
Width: 0.81 in
Height: 2.4 in
Weight: 4 oz
Special Features: Contoured
grip, extraordinarily small
Bond Arms
MODEL: Cowboy Defender
WEBSITE: www.bondarms.com
MSRP: $405
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 Colt / .410
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 5 in
Height: 3.75 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable barrels, spring-
loaded cammed locking lever
Bond Arms
MODEL: Bond Mini
MSRP: $389
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 Colt
Capacity: 2
Length: 4.5 in
Height: 3.75 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features:
Crossbolt safety,
retracting firing pins
$301-$600
North American Arms
MODEL: Wasp 1.6
WEBSITE: www.
MSRP: $284
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Length: 5.25 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 2.9 in
Weight: 6.2 oz
Special Features: Includes .22 LR
conversion cylinder
We refuse on
moral grounds
to make any
reference to
sting in relation
to the Wasp. Its
distinctive milling
sets it apart
visually with a bit
of panache.
Bond Arms
Cowboy Defender is
able to accept their
wide array of
barrelsas do just
about all modern
Bond Arms der-
ringersto truly
extend its utility if
derringers are right
for you and all you
need is to match
their caliber to the
mission.
This truly tiny
derringer is nonetheless
chambered for the
powerful .45 Colt
cartridge, but is not
recommended for use
with the .410 bore
shotshells for which its
longer barreled siblings
are rated.
Your hand will find
much better purchase
on the grip of this
derringer than on most,
as it is designed to
offer unheard of
comfort and control for
a derringer while still
remaining true to the
types design and
relative size.
These unique derringers
offer a modern take on the
concept, and feature a double
action trigger pull...and are
available in either aluminum
or titanium frames. An
interchangeable barrel is
available for 9mm cartridges,
and the Double Tap holds two
spare rounds in a stripper
clip in its grip.
The trigger guard on the
Cimarron Titan helps the
shooter control the pistol,
and aids in safety when
trying to cock it with one
hand. The 3.5-inch barrel
offers improved velocity,
and thus energy, over
shorter versions found on
other models.
MICRO GUNS
Cimarron Firearms
MODEL: Titan
WEBSITE: www.cimarron-firearms.com
MSRP: $427
Action: Single
Capacity: 2
Length: 5.5 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 16 oz
Special Features: Trigger guard
Heizer Defense
MODEL: Double Tap
WEBSITE: www.heizerfirearms.com
MSRP: $499
Action: DA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 5.5 in
Width: 0.7 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 12 oz (aluminum)
Special Features: Carries two spare rounds on an
included speed strip in the grip panel
Bond Arms
MODEL: Snake Slayer
MSRP: $505
Action: Single
Capacity: 2
Length: 6.25 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 23.5 in
Special Features: Interchangeable
barrels within an extensive range
of calibers
A in the hand is worth...
...a LOT more than ANYTHING thats not at hand when you need it. Your large, powerful,
heavy, difficult to carry (fill in the blank) is of absolutely no use when youve left it at home,
in the car, etc...
Regardless of your location, your dress or the season, NO gun is easier to carry or conceal
than a North American Arms mini-revolver. Is it an effective deterrent? Would you want to be
shot with one?
Join the millions who dont leave home without one!
Remember Rule #1: Have a gun!
North American Arms Inc.2150 S. 950 E.Provo, UT 84606-6285
www.NorthAmericanArms.com

North American
Arms
MODEL: Mini Master
MSRP: $314
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 4 in
Length: 7.9 in
Width: 1 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 10.8 oz
Special Features: Adjustable
target sights, vented top rib
The adjustable target sights on
the Mini Master set it apart, and
make it something of a special
breed among fans of the micro .22
rimfire revolvers: a pistol that has
target sights and the ability to
accept an optic (that clamps to
the vent rib).
American
Derringer
MODEL: DA38
WEBSITE: www.amderringer.com
MSRP: $690
Action: DA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 2
Length: 4.7 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.3 in
Weight: 14.5 oz
Special Features: Rather unique
double-action derringer
$601+
You dont see many
derringers with double
action triggers, yet the
DA38 from American
Derringer proves that they
do exist...and have a valid
role in modern self
defense, especially for
those who lack the
dexterity to quickly cock
the hammer on a single
action derringer or safely
lower it on a loaded round
if the threat passes.
North
American
Arms
MODEL: Pug-T
WEBSITE: www.
MSRP: $334
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Barrel length: 1 in
Length: 4.5 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 2.75 in
Weight: 6.4 oz
Special Features: Tritium night
sights
MICRO GUNS
This Pug-T sets itself
apart with tritium night
sights that help you get a
proper sight picture even
in the dark of night. It
features a standard five
shot capacity, and the
traditional ergonomics
familiar to its
companion models.
Bond
Arms
MODEL: Ranger
MSRP: $634
Action: Single
Capacity: 2
Length: 6.25 in
Weight: 23.5 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable barrels within
an extensive range of calibers
American Derringer
MODEL: M7
WEBSITE:
www.amderringer.com
MSRP: $775
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 4.8 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.3 in
Weight: 7.5 oz
Special Features: Aluminum
construction for light weight
American Derringer
MODEL: Model 1
WEBSITE: www.amderringer.com
MSRP: $710
Action: Single
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 4.8 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 3.35 in
Weight: 15 oz
Special Features: Automatic barrel
selection, hammer block safety
American Derringers
leading model, the Model 1 is
available in nearly thirty calibers
and caliber combinations. Its
automatic hammer block safety,
which disengages when you cock
the hammer, helps prevent
accidental discharges in your
pocket and if dropped.
The M7 from American
Derringer is a truly light pistol,
being milled from aluminum so
that it weighswith grip, but
unloadedjust under half a
pound. Check the weights
of comparably sized, and
chambered derringers to
see just how unique that is!
The automatic extractor on the
Ranger helps with reloading speed
and ease, while the long-for-class
barrels are the standard length for
duty issue pistols...meaning higher
velocities than many derringers,
which leads to higher impact energy.
Except with the XDs. That huge bore is the far end
of a 3.3 inch long barrel with a fully supported feed
ramp, which is designed from first to last to accom-
modate full-power .45 ACP rounds.
5 + 1 of them in fact (the + 1 refers to the round
in the chamber)...which makes for a whole handful
of power.
For those who value an extra two rounds7 + 1
or for various personal reasons favor rounds a little
less damaging to the shooter than .45 ACP, the XDs
is also available in 9mm. The external dimensions
are identical, as are the sights (which include a fiber
optic red front sight dot), the
trigger pull (between 5.5 and 7.7
pounds), and the materials used.
Since the .45 ACP XDs has to
shed a little metal to accommo-
date the larger bore, that model
weighs 1.5 ounces less than its
smaller-bore counterpart.
As diehard fans of polymer-
frame, striker-fired pistols, we
had to pick one up for testing.
Our choice of caliber was made for us, when we
requested a test model generally and the hot new
9mm version arrived...which is plenty fine for testing.
Excellent for carrying. Of wide appeal. Good stuff!
But how would the light, diminutive little gun
perform?
Thats where the surprises really started stacking up.
ACCURACY TESTING
We put one hundred rounds of Winchester white
box practice ammunition through the XDs straight
T
he biggest surprises hide inside the smallest pack-
ages, and the XDs is the smallest of the polymer frame,
striker fired XD pistols in Springfield Armorys line. Its
big surprises start with a suspiciously large bore that sure
seems like it wants to accommodate .45 ACP rounds...but in a
subcompact polymer pistol that is under an inch wide (less
levers), only 6.3 inches long, and 4.4 inches high? Thats the
territory of .40 SW and .357 SIG cartridges, max.
Though compact, the XDs has enough control
surface to afford a solid two-hand grip when you
need maximum accuracy potential.
CC_FALL13-22-29-SPRINGFIELD 8/6/13 1:56 AM Page 22
out of the box to see how it per-
forms without any lubrication (it
came dry) or manipulation, beyond
loading and firing. Our testing crite-
ria are strict by design: if there is
any gun-related fight stopping
problems, it fails and goes back
unceremoniously. If any ammunition
sensitivities crop up with more than
one brand or type of practice or
defensive ammunition, the gun fails.
The XDs did not lock open after
the last round on three of the first
fifteen magazines, but that is not a
fight stopper, and the problem went
away after the first sixty rounds...
which is reasonable, and not
entirely surprising for a new,
unlubricated gun.
What was surprising was
the accuracy: we kept all twenty-
one shots from three straight
magazines on the head of an
IDPA target...at 10 yards. Offhand,
unsupported.
For a subcompact pistol, in
the hands of a competent shooter
who has nonetheless never
fired it before that morning,
thats outstanding.
After ripping through the full metal
jacket practice ammunition, we set-
tled down at the bench for some
proper accuracy testing with more
115-grain FMJ practice ammunition
and some 124gr +P Winchester
PDX-1 defensive ammunition.
The accuracy was outstanding,
with the best group being a five-
shot, seven-yard cluster measuring
only three quarters of an inch cen-
ter-to-center. The pistol shot two
such groups, one with Winchesters
115-grain practice ammo, and one
with American Eagle 147-grain
toxin free ammo. These
groups came from being fired
slowly from a sandbag rest.
From a proper handgun vise
the accuracy might be even
better, but lacking such a tool,
Ill say that my methods pro-
mote a form of practical accu-
racy testing that is far more rel-
evant to the defensive-minded
consumer and leave those
groups as an attainable stan-
dard which you can try to beat
with your own XDs.
Just for fun, we then loaded
the handgun up with full metal
jacket rounds and engaged a
hanging bowling pin at 25
yards, hitting it five times out of
seven offhand with a Weaver
stance. Bear in mind, this is
with a 3.3-inch barreled subcompact
single stack. The gun clearly could
do its part, if the shooter did his. The
paper and pin shooting performance
represented everything I could rea-
sonably ask for combat accuracy at
justifiable use of force ranges.
CLEVER DESIGN
Polymer frame striker fired pistols
are so ubiquitous that they need
little introduction, so lets look at
The slide rails are
long and beefy, and
the pistol is designed
to offer a very low bore axis to
improve the speed of follow up shots.
POCKET
POWER
Springfields XDs-9 Put to the Test!
Story & Photos By Dave Norman
CC_FALL13-22-29-SPRINGFIELD 8/12/13 11:14 PM Page 23
the clever designs inherent in this
particular model. Most striking is
the grip safety, common to all XD
models. Familiar to 1911 shooters,
this is a safety that is automatically
depressed when you grasp the pis-
tol with a firm grip. A similar safety
is located in the trigger, of course,
which is depressed by simply put-
ting your finger on the trigger
which youll only do when you are
ready to shoot, right? Together,
these two are the only exterior
safeties on the pistol. The simplicity
of design holds that they will keep
you safe from accidental charge
even an obstruction accidentally
engaging your triggerwhile your
gun rides in a holster, compart-
ment, etc...and then they will both
be automatically disengaged in the
heat of the moment (when you have
much more important things to
think about than disengaging a
safety) when you properly grasp
your pistol and pull the trigger.
The grip design is very subtle, and
includes a removable, pin-secured
grip panel in the rear that helps
adapt the grip to larger or smaller
hands (a second grip panel is
included). The panel installed had a
slight swell to it that filled my hand
very comfortably. The top of the rear
of the grip is also surprisingly close
to the slide, with only a slight bit of
polymer frame between my hand
and the slide. This suited me just
fine, as the frame was just long and

The factory-included
holster drags a bit
more than other poly-
mer holsters, but is
fine for carry and
range work until you
find a holster that is
adapted perfectly to
your body and needs.
The 3.3 refers to the length of the barrel,
which produces very good, repeatable
accuracy and plenty of velocity.
The holster Springfield includes with
each XDs is good enough for open
carry, range use, and concealed
carry with a cover garment, though
many aftermarket models exist to fit
individual needs.
With 7+1 rounds of defensive ammunition, this is a very
appealing concealed carry handgun.
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high enough to keep my hand safe-
ly below the slides travel path...but
overall, gave a lower-than-expect-
ed bore axis and really helped snug
the gun down low into my hand.
That helped tame the recoil of the
+P defensive ammunition, and
shooting remained funlegitimate-
ly enjoyablefrom the first round
to the last, several hundred rounds
later. This is surprising for such a
small pistol, and very inspiring.
In their quest to reasonably com-
ply with states individual demands
on handgun design, while simulta-
neously providing features that
some shooters consider enhance-
ments (and others dismiss), the XDs
also includes a loaded chamber
indicator that consists of a lever
that swings up out of the slide just
behind the chamber. Observe it in
the raised position, or feel it in the
dark, and youll know for sure that
your chamber has something in it.
Much more interestingly, the XDs
comes with an ambidextrous maga-
zine release. This is surprisingly wel-
come, as my thumbson perfectly
average sized handsare just bare-
ly too short to activate the magazine
release without slightly altering my
grip. My trigger finger, though, can
easily back up and push the maga-
zine release while my grip remains
otherwise very firm. This results in
launching the magazine out of the
gunnot just falling free with gravi-
ty, but actually launching itself clear
of the gun. Which is awesome. Even
upside down, the magazine will pro-
pel itself at least an inch straight up,
strongly suggesting that youll never
have to whip, dig, or claw your
empty magazine out of the grip.
We then loaded the

handgun up with full metal
jacket rounds and engaged a
hanging bowling pin at 25
yards, hitting it five times out
of seven offhand...
The internals are very standard for a striker-fired, polymer frame pistol, though the rails are a little longer and
beefier than in some designs. The fit between polymer and steel pieces, and the slide/rails, is impeccable.
The twin-spring recoil guide rod assembly helps mitigate recoil and prevent the slide from being
battered, while fitting in the very confined space inside the subcompact frame.

CC_FALL13-22-29-SPRINGFIELD 8/11/13 11:19 PM Page 25
When they formed the polymer lower receiv-
er, they molded a standard accessory rail into
the dust cover, and made the stippling on the
grip even more pronounced than on previous
iterations of the XD pistols. With a functionally
common frame between the .45 ACP and 9mm
models, the extra-large bumps really dig in for
recoil control with the heavy-hitting .45 ACP
rounds...which isnt so crucial, though still nice,
for the 9mm rounds we tested.
Each side of the frame has a molded thumb
scallop to make the grip more ergonomic, and
to give you a repeatable place to clamp your
thumb. The scallop continues, in a styleand
this is a very subtle detailas a long and wide
(though shallow) depression leading right to the
trigger, so that your trigger finger has a very
Loaded with seven
rounds of PDX-1
ammunition, and
an eighth in the
chamber, this is a
formidable piece of
pocket ordnance.
The XDs represents some bold features,
like the ambidextrous magazine release,
and some no-nonsense standards, like
the snag-free combat sights and striker
fired operation.
We took it back to the range

for another day of testing...because
the first day was thoroughly enjoyable,
and simply put, we wanted to play
with it again.
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comfortable approach to the trig-
ger. Being perfectly mirrored, this
works with either a right or left
hand grip.
You will not find an action hero
removing the slide from the frame
in a whip-fast motion, and might
actually find yourself investing your
favorite fingernail in rotating the
disassembly leverits tough, but
when you succeed, the rest of
takedown is easy. The recoil spring
is a dual-spring system, as is de
rigueur in subcompacts these
days. The slide rails look a little
longer and a little beefier than
some other sub compact polymer
gunsa good thing for fans of life-
time serviceand the barrels lock-
work is a milled component of the
barrel (rather than a secondary
device). Altogether, the innards are
simple, straightforward, and seem
by those virtues to promote the
kind of dependability I require for a
device to which I entrust my own
life and those of family members.
SIGHTS
I absolutely require good sights,
which I define as those that put my
shots at the very place I aim, are
extremely easy to acquire without
getting in my way when I point-
shoot, do not snag on the draw,
and are mechanically unlikely to fail
in any way. Though the front sight
post is (understandably) polymer,
the sights fit that bill perfectly...with
a bonus.
The front sight post is designed
to hold captive a red fiber optic
rod whose near end glows a
bright, bold red in just about all
lighting. When pointed from
a dark room at a brilliant sky,
the twin white dots on the
rear sight are invisible, and
the sight becomes a stan-
dard black silhouette... but
even then, with the back-
ground so overwhelming the
gun with light, that red dot is
visible. This is all without
batteries or radioactive
chemicals, of course...and
Im thankful.
FINISH
You buy a finely fit and fin-
ished, highly polished and
pristine gun for display. You
buy a defensive gun to go in
places on your body that you
wouldnt willingly put any
other piece of gear. You buy it
to sweat in and on it, to jam it
into pockets with the lint and
sand they acquire, to shove it
into and remove it from all
manner of holsters that are


Accuracy Tests
W/ 7 ROUND MAGAZINES
BRAND GRAIN GROUP
American Eagle 147 3/4 inch
Toxin Free Primers
CCI Blazer Brass 115 1 3/16 inch
Win PDX-1 124 +P 1 7/16 inch
Win White Box 115 3/4 inch
W/ 10 ROUND MAGAZINES
Win PDX-1 124 + 1 15/16 inch
Win White Box 115 1 inch*
*Consisted of a 3/8 inch group and one
flyer that opened it to a 1 inch group
Group dimensions are measured
center to center for five shot groups
fired off of a sandbag rest. They are
grouped by magazine capacity because
the 10 round optional magazine has a
pinky rest, while the standard 7 round
capacity does not...and this presumably
would have an effect on accuracy.
The 9-round magazine holds two more rounds
than the standard magazine, and comes with a
polymer sleeve for extending the grip to pro-
vide a full-hand-hold.
designed for brutal efficiency rather than
babying a finish. Basically, you buy a con-
cealed carry gun to be a tool, be used like a
tool, and be maintained like a tool.
Knowing this, Springfield covered the slide
in Melonite, a rust-inhibiting, all-weather finish
that is also low-glare matte. Its scratch-resist-
ant, and several dozen cycles through
Springfields included polymer holster didnt
appreciably harm it...though over time, you can
expect any polymer holster to impart nice wear
marks. Deal with it; the gun doesnt mind.
AT THE RANGE...AGAIN
We took it back to the range for another
day of testing...because the first day was
thoroughly enjoyable, and simply put, we
Case candy includes 2 standard
capacity 7-round magazines, a
cable lock, extra backstrap,
holster, and magazine holder.
Our case candy included that
9-round extended magazine for
testing (available separately).
The core of Springfields case
candy involves the paddle holster
and mag holders...and we
received the (installed) 9-round
extended magazine for testing.
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wanted to play with
it again. A few guys
wandered over to
take a gander, and
they remarked that
the XDs felt really
solid, and that the
slide to frame fit
was really tight, the
way it should be.
We passed it around, shooting it
with the standard 7 round maga-
zine, where everyone wrapped their
pinky finger under the grip. Then we
used the extended capacity 9 round
magazines Springfield sent along
for testing, and which provide a
polymer sleeve that extends the
aesthetic lines of the XDs and the
gripping surface. With this, it felt
like a slim version of their larger
guns, and the added control sur-
face seemed to lend itself to more
confident shooting (if not empirical-
ly better groups).
I put its accuracy, comfort,
and other shootability-related
characteristics on par with the best
compact handguns, though at its
price point (and by virtue of its poly-
mer and Melonite-finished construc-
tion) I wouldnt have any qualms
about bringing it along on my most
equipment-abusing adventures.
So, will it end up in a tuckable
holster under my shirt? I cant
saythe point of carrying
concealed in the first place (as
opposed to carrying open) is that
no one knows.
The fiber optic front sight is very easily
acquired in virtually all lighting conditions.
Crucial Specs
MODEL: XDs-9
MANUFACTURE: Springfield Armory
MSRP: $599
CALIBER: 9mm
CAPACITY: 7 + 1
LENGTH: 6.3 inches
HEIGHT: 4.4 inches
GRIP WIDTH: 0.9 inches
BARREL: 3.3 inches
WEIGHT: 23 ounces
SLIDE: Forged Steel
FRAME: Polymer
SIGHTS: Fiber Optic Front
and Dovetail Rear (steel)
TRIGGER PULL: 5.5 to 7.7 pounds
MAGAZINES: 2 Flush Fitting
Stainless Steel
FEATURES: Melonite finish, fully
supported ramp, ambidextrous
safety, fiber optic front sight insert
Dillon Leather
by Mitch Rosen!
Dillon Leather
by Mitch Rosen!
www.dillonprecision.com
FREE Catalog K01-14690, Call 800-762-3845
5JR-DL $75
A
full-length belt slide that offers all-day
comfort and superior concealment for an
outside-the-pants belt holster.
Beretta 92 K01-18817
Colt Government Model K01-18810
Colt Commander K01-18811
Colt Officers K01-18812
CZ-75 K01-18823
Glock 17, 22, 31 K01-18813
Glock 19, 23, 32 K01-18814
Glock 26, 27, 33 K01-18815
Glock 20, 21 K01-18816
Makarov K01-18819
SIG P220, P226 K01-18818
SIG P228, P229 K01-18827
S&W M&P 9mm/.40 K01-19011
S&W M&P .45 ACP K01-19012
S&W 2 J-Frame Revolver K01-18820
S&W 4 K-Frame Revolver K01-18821
S&W 4 Lugged Bbl. L-Fr. Rev. K01-18822
S&W 4 Light Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18824
S&W 4 Lugged Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18826
S&W 5 Lugged Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18894
Springfield Armory XD 4 K01-18825
Springfield Armory XD 5 K01-18874
Ruger 2.25 SP-101 Revolver K01-18828

Contact
Springfield
Armory
Springfield Armory
420 West Main Street
Geneseo, Illinois 61254
(800) 680-6866
www.springfield-armory.com
Even upside down, the

magazine will propel itself at
least an inch straight up,
strongly suggesting that youll
never have to whip, dig, or
claw your empty magazine
out of the grip.
The loaded chamber indicator,
indicating a loader chamber.
CC
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Photo by Springfield Armory
POCKET PISTOLS
A
idway between a derringer and a
sub-compact pistol, you find the realm of
semi-automatic handguns that
are extremely concealable...and usually cham-
bered in very soft recoiling cartridges. Pocket pis-
tols hold more rounds than derringers, yet are
generally chambered for smaller and lighter-hit-
ting rounds than sub-compacts. They make great
backup and deep concealment guns, and have
their place among shooters who are recoil-sensi-
tive, have particularly small hands, or otherwise
need to avoid larger guns with heavier recoil.
While they can still feel snappy, its not the same
snappy as a sub-compact .45 ACP.
Modern defensive loads exist in each of the
calibers featured herein, so that whether youre
shooting a .25 ACP or .25 NAA or .380 ACP, you
can find ammunition custom-tuned to the short
barrels in this size range...and designed for opti-
mal terminal performance.
Do your mission requirements and
personal needs favor a pocket pistol?
Editor
$100-$400
IO Inc
MODEL: Hellcat
WEBSITE: www.ioinc.us
MSRP: $274.95
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.2 in
Width: 0.8 in
Height: 3.6 in
Weight: 9.4 oz
Special Features: Snag-free design,
fluorescent front sight
This pocket pistol is similar to other
pocket pistol designs, but at a great
savings. It is milled from billet, and
features a polymer frame to save
weight. It is available in black, brown,
green, or pink.
Beretta
MODEL: Tomcat
WEBSITE: www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $390
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .32 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 4.9 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 14.5 oz
Special Features: Tip-up barrel for
easy loading without racking the
slide or cocking the hammer
The Beretta Tomcat is a high-end
pocket pistol built around a rather
unique tip-up barrel design that allows
you to put a round in the chamber
without racking the slide.
Beretta
MODEL: Bobcat
MSRP: $335
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .25 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 4.9 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 11.5 oz
Special Features: Tip-up barrel
Also available as a .22 LR, the
Bobcat is a perky little .25 ACP semi-
automatic that features a tip-up barrel
that allows you to load the chamber
without racking the slide (and conse-
quently, without cocking the hammer).
CC_FALL13-30-33-POCKET-BG 8/6/13 2:36 AM Page 30
MODEL: Pitbull 9mm
WEBSITE: www.charterfirearms.com
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features: Shoots 9mm
cartridges without needing moon clips
Its somewhat of a novelty to put
rimless auto-loading cartridges into
a revolver, but it has its place: when
you want a ballistically similar
cartridge to a .38 SPL without the
extra length and weight of a .38 SPL
chamber...or when you want to have
cartridge interchangeability between
a semi-auto and a revolver.
MODEL: MPA380P
WEBSITE:
www.masterpiecearms.com
MSRP: $375.95
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 5+1
Weight: 11.3 oz
Special Features: Machined
aluminum grips
Their .380 Protector is a
comparatively inexpensive
pocket pistol that lacks sights,
but has deep serrations on the
slide for cocking the DAO
pocket pistol. The 5+1 capacity
magazine has a finger groove
to give your ring finger a place
to hold onto. Constructed of
4140 steel, with aluminum
grips, its empty weight is right
around 12 ounces.
Charter Arms
This sub compact pistol
has a light trigger for a DAO,
with a five-pound pull. The
light concept extends to its
overall weight, as its liberal
use of polymer helps it
achieve a total weight of only
9.4 ounces loaded (6.6 ounces
unloaded). The P-32 is
designed as a backup gun that
can pull double duty as a deep
concealment gun, and its
diminutive size comfortable
fits smaller hands for shoot-
ers who might not be comfort-
able with the ergonomics of
double-stack grips or other,
larger handguns.
Kel-Tec
MODEL: P32
WEBSITE:
www.keltecweapons.com
MSRP: $318
Action: DAO
Caliber: .32 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 5.1 in
Width: 0.75 in
Height: 3.5 in
Weight: 6.6 oz
Special Features:
Locked breech, light
trigger light weight
MasterPiece Arms
POCKET PISTOLS
$401-$600
Colt
MODEL: .380 Mustang Pocketlite
WEBSITE:
www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $599
Action: SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5
Weight: 12.5
Special Features:
Lowered ejection port,
commander-style hammer
Shrinking the 1911 design down just about as far as itll go,
Colt offers the .380 ACP Mustang Pocketlite for those fans of
the design who want a pistol that will fit in their front pock-
et...or very discretely inside the waistband, on an ankle, or in a
purse. Or just about anywhere else you can carry a 5.5-inche
long, 12.5-ounce (unloaded) handgun. It features high profile
sights that you can actually see when aiming, and a 2.75-inch
barrel that is de rigueur for pistols of this size class.
Magnum
Research
MODEL: 380BL
WEBSITE: www.magnumresearch.com
MSRP: $467
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.5 in
Weight: 14 oz
Special Features: Gas-assisted blowback design
This pocket-sized pistol comes from Magnum
Research, known for their famous Desert Eagle line of
semi-auto pistols chambered for magnum revolver car-
tridges like the .44magnum. Their literature indicates
that, despite its diminutive size at only 4.5 inches long
and 14 ounces empty, it utilizes gas-assisted blowback
operation for enhanced reliability.
North American Arms
MODEL: Guardian 25 NAA
WEBSITE:
www.northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $402
Action: DAO
Caliber: .25 NAA
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.4 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 3.3 in
Weight: 13.6 oz
Special Features:
Proprietary bottle-necked
cartridge, stippled grip for ease of control
This Guardian is designed around the .25 NAA cartridge
developed jointly between North American Arms and ammuni-
tion innovator Cor-Bon, with other contributions to its design.
Essentially a .32 ACP necked-down to .25, NAA publishes
velocities of around 1,100fps for a 50-grain bullet from
Hornady. The Guardian 25 NAA puts six of those in the maga-
zine of their popular Guardian pistol, which fits comfortably in
most pockets. Bottleneck designs were popular in semis of old
for their enhanced feeding reliability, a cardinal concern with
ultra-compact semis.
North American Arms
MODEL: Guardian 380 ACP
MSRP: $449
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.8 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 3.5 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features:
Stippled grip
for control
For those who shy away from carrying any caliber
under .380, this North American Arms sub-compact
offers seven shots (6+1) of .380 inches, a package with
an overall length of only 4.75 inches and height of only
3.53 inches...small enough to fit in most pockets, and
disappear for deep concealment. Just under an inch wide,
its unloaded weight is around 19 ounces.
$600 +
Precision
Small Arms
MODEL: GR4000
WEBSITE: www.precisionsmallarms.com
MSRP: $525
Action: SA
Caliber: .25 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.11 in
Height: 2.9 in
Weight: 7.25 oz
Special Features: Nylon grips
This single action pistol cocks when you
rack the slide, and holds six rounds (plus one
in the chamber) of .25 ACP ammunition in a
streamlined package designed to provide a
snag-free draw.

MODEL: LWS 32
WEBSITE: www.seecamp.com
MSRP: $446.25
Action: DAO
Caliber: .32 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 4.25 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 3.25 in
Weight: 13.25 oz
Special Features: Magazine
latch on bottom of grip
This pistol measures only
.725 inches in width, and only
4.25 inches long, while hold-
ing six rounds in its magazine
for a total weight of only 13.25
ounces (with Winchester
Silvertip ammunition). Its
snag-free design enhances its
function or discreet carry in a
pocket or other tight space,
deep concealment location,
etc. With no sights to speak
of, this is an up-close personal
protection firearm when all
else fails.
Seecamp
Rohrbaugh
MODEL: R9
WEBSITE:
www.rohrbaughfirearms.com
MSRP: $1195
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 14 oz
Special Features: Anodized aluminum
This .380 ACP pocket pistol features
significant use of aluminum in its construc-
tion to save on weight, and has a spur-style
magazine release on the base of the grip.
Professor Mark Prince fires
his second magazine while
evaluating the SIG P290. It was
very important to lock up the
shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints
while bringing the weapon to eye
level and firing. Some defensive
shooting instructors teach a
shooting and movement technique
in which the shooter has his or
her arm out. This technique can
be used preparation for moving, or
for pushing people out of the way,
especially in crowded areas.
CC_FALL13-34-41-SIG.BA 8/6/13 3:11 AM Page 34
A MICRO
COMPACT
FOR EVERY
P0CKET
By Jim Weiss, P.J. Ryan
and Mickey Davis
SIG SAUERs P290 is Made for Concealed Carry
SIG SAUERs
SIG P290 microcompact pistol is
especially made with concealed
carry in mind, with features that
recommend it specifically to that
purpose. For example, many gun
owners who confront a bad guy
in defense of themselves and
others do so under low light con-
ditions. The SIG 290 addresses
this concern with its SIGLITE low
light/night sights.
According to SIG SAUER, their
weapons are the choice of many
premier global military, law
enforcement, and commercial
users. High quality, ultimate relia-
bility, and unmatched perform-
ance have always been hallmarks
of the SIG SAUER brand. In the
USA, nearly one in three law
enforcement professionals use
SIG SAUER firearms. According
to Ron Cohen, President and
CEO of SIG SAUER, many elite
military and government forces
including the U.S. Navy Seals, the
Federal Air Marshals, the
Department of Homeland
Security, and the U.S. Coast
Guard carry SIG SAUER firearms.
There are concealed carry
applicable holsters on the market
that can fit this pistol. For exam-
ple, the 3Speed Concealable
Holster teams well with the SIG
P290 and can be custom fitted to
the customer. In front of this hol-
sters gun pocket is a pocket for
an extra magazine.
FIELD EVALUATION
We enlisted the help of Mark
Allen Prince, a professor of Law
Enforcement Technology/Special
Operations at Central Ohio
Technical College, a former
USDOE SRT operator, and who
spent 20 years in local law
enforcement special operations
and training. He took the SIG
Sauer P290 to the range to see
how it shot. The following is his
This SIG
P290s
slide
hasa
black
Nitron
finish.
field evaluation.
The SIG P290 I evaluated had
some miles on it, and was not out-
of-the-box new. During a field eval-
uation, if there is a gun malfunction
with any firearm, we would not rec-
ommend the weapon. This mal-
function would have to be caused
by the gun itself, and not unfriendly
ammunition, shooter error, or a
magazine issue. In short, if a gun
we are evaluating malfunctions, we
dont write the article, and return
the gun to the dealer or arms man-
ufacturer who provided it. Having
said that, the SIG P290 performed
perfectly. There werent any mal-
functions, period.
As the P290 is Double Action
Only (DAO), the trigger pull needed
several dry repetitions for me to
become familiar with it. The pull
was found to be long but consis-
tent. The P290 has an exterior
hammer that can be seen on the
back side of the slide as the trigger
is pulled. However, the hammer
could not be thumbed back to
facilitate a single action stage.
Also, the trigger on the pistol we
evaluated could not be reset after a
round was fired; it needed to com-
plete a full cycle and return to the
beginning. (According to our con-
tact person at SIG SAUER, the pis-
tol we looked at must have been
an early version since the pre-cock
design was replaced one-and-a-
half years ago. The updated design
is designated on the slide as
290RS, the RS standing for
restrike, and the shooter is able
to pull the trigger multiple times
without cycling the slide.)
The P290s first magazine was
TOP: The SIG
P290RS shown
with the Six Round
Single Stack and
Eight Round Single
Stack magazines.
LEFT: Our SIG
P290had been
used previously by
others in demon-
strations. It handled
and performed
flawlessly.
P290 Variants
P290RS
P290RS Two-Tone
P290RS Two-Tone Laser
P290RS Black Diamond
Plate
P290RS Rainbow
P290RS Enhanced
Concealed Carry Weapons Suggestions for Women
Trainer Mark Prince offers these suggestions for women regarding concealed carry weapons and firearms
First and foremost, the female shooter should be able to achieve a full grip around the weapon. This means
all five digits. The short grips do nothing for most women, as grip strength is a serious issue when managing
a handgun.
Next, the selected ammunitionin combination with the design of the weapon systemmust accommodate
recoil management. IF the angle of the grip is closer to ninety degrees, the bore axis is high, and the round
too hot or big, the recoil felt will most likely be unmanageable for the shooter. The weapon must be able to be
concealed with regard to womens apparel and style of dress.
A gun left in an expensive and attractive CCW bag is of zero value to a woman who needs it. In my professional
opinion, the CCW firearm must be on the person.
The trigger should be consistent. A long and hard trigger pull, although consistent, may not bode well for women
training with it (and this is what we want: training!). A firm yet smooth pull is best. Obviously, reliability is paramount
above all else.
The P290s compact
size recommends it for
use in cramped quarters
(like the cab of your
car). Editor

is currently involved in firearms
development, training, and tactics.
What follows is his take on the
handgun, and its applications.
According to what is going
around in print and various other
media commentaries, several states
have been on a fast track to try to
either enact some kind of con-
cealed carry permit or shore up
existing concealed carry permits
already in place. Florida, in particu-
lar, has issued its one-millionth
concealed carry/weapons permit.
Irrespective of that and whats been
happening in other states, there has
been a flood of new and purpose-
built handguns for the concealed
permit holder to consider.
Enter the 9mm SIG SAUER
P290RS. This is a pocket rocket
plain and simple. With the Double
Action Only (DAO) trigger pull, it has
characteristics similar to a revolver
but just gets better from there.
The P290 is a small pistol with
an overall length of 5.5 inches, is
3.9 inches tall, and weighs 20.5
ounces (the polymer frame helps in
weight reduction). It can get lost in
your back pocket.
This newest addition to the
class of sub-compact pistols is
small in size, but has everything
one needs in a smaller concealed
pistol, and nothing you dont. With
a Nitron-coated steel slide, and
wearing its own SIGLITE brand
night sights, this pistol is ready for
deep concealment.
As noted, the SIG 290 has a
double action trigger with second
strike capabilities, a great thing in a
defensive combat situation. This
basically means if you pull the trig-
ger and the P290 does not go
bang for whatever the reason
either due to a hard primer or a
possibly light primer hityou get
another chance.
The double action trigger is
something you either love, or dis-
like a lot. If you know how it works,
and are comfortable with carrying
this sub-compact pistol with its
DAO, then go for it. It may take
A Note About
Point Shooting
Most people, including the
police, involved in Close Quarter
Combat (CQC), will not be using
their gun sights; the shooting is
basically pointing the gun and
shooting. This is called point
shooting or instinctive shoot-
ing. Point shooting is a well-
researched shooting style that
takes into consideration the num-
ber of different physical and psy-
chological changes taking place
in the majority of people when
they encounter sudden, high-
stress, shoot or dont shoot situa-
tions. In short, they point the gun
at the opponent, and are so psy-
chologically stressed that they
will not see the guns sights at all.
It is in your interest to prac-
tice this technique if you carry
concealed so you can safely draw
and point your weapon. This
technique has been borne out in
real world situations. While there
are some police officers who
report that they have used their
gun sights in CQC, for the most
part at these times your body is
too stressed to even see your gun
sights if you wanted to, and you
will resort to point-shooting.
some getting used to, even for
someone who has prior experience
with handguns or triggers in gener-
al. But to a novice, a short session
(and lots of dry-firing) to learn how
and what it can and cannot do may
be all thats necessary to get you
up and running.
Some seasoned law enforce-
ment officers have had some
problems with a DAO pistol, as
they only used a DA/SA in their
careers. A good deal of practice
would benefit anyone who needed
to get acclimated to the DAO
trigger. Again, as long as you have
an understanding of what it does,
going DAO is easier to understand.
TOP: Disassembly reveals the
intriguing flare outside the barrel at
the muzzle, which assists in lockup.
Editor BOTTOM: SIG P290RS with
its slide locked back, showing a
round waiting to be chambered,
and the Eight Round Single Stack
Magazine loaded up with hollow
points and ready to go.
CC_FALL13-34-41-SIG.BA-CX 8/11/13 11:28 PM Page 40
Meet the Reviewers
Jim Weiss is a former Army light infantryman, school-trained Army
combat engineer, a former school-trained (regular) Army military police-
man, former State of Florida Investigator, and a retired police lieutenant
from the Brook Park (OH) Police Department. He has written and co-written
hundreds of articles for Counter Terrorism, Knives Illustrated and numerous
law enforcement and safety forces magazines, most notably Law and
Order and Tactical Response.
Mickey (Michele) Davis is an award-winning, California-based writer
and author. Her young adult novel, Evangeline Brown and the Cadillac
Motel, won the Swiss Prix Chronos for the German translation.

y

In a nutshell, as you pull the
trigger rearward, you see the
bobbed hammer falling backwards.
The hammer, at its furthest point
back, releases at a SIG SAUER-
measured 9.0 pounds trigger pull,
and initiates the chain of events
that eventually sends a round
down range. To continue this firing
process, you have to send the
trigger completely forward and
continue the cycle again and again
until the slide locks back (empty
magazine?) or you have some kind
of failure to fire. Reading this expla-
nation took longer than it would
take to fire several magazines full
of ammo. Just remember this
long but consistent DAO trigger
pull, and long trigger reset.
As stated before, the SIG P290 is
a 9mm pistol, and although there are
some who may say that the 9mm
round is too small/anemic (insert
your own adjective) to carry for
personal protection, there are count-
less encounters in which both police
officers and law-abiding citizens
have successfully used the 9mm
and are alive to talk about it today.
Carry good quality ammunition
(read 147-grain HPno need
for +P+) and make sure you run
several boxes through it, and you
have yourself a good-to-go pistol.
Two magazines come with the
SIG SAUER P290, a flush fitting
six-round magazine and an
eight-round extended magazine.
AFTER ACTION
The editor would like to add
that the single-stack P290 makes
a fantastic companion piece for
those who regularly carry larger
SIG SAUER handguns. With the
reliability and accuracy our team
found with their test model, it
should warrant serious considera-
tion by citizens who lawfully carry
concealed, as well as armed pro-
fessionals already enamored of
SIGs defensive arms. If it fits your
hand and operational needs, it sure
seems like it could fit the bill!
The 3Speed
Concealable Holster
teams well with the
SIG P290 and can be
custom fitted to the
customer.
CC
CC

CC_FALL13-34-41-SIG.BA-CX 8/11/13 11:28 PM Page 41
F
requently derived from duty-sized hand-
guns, compact semis are generally
chambered for the big three calibers
(9mm, .40 SW, and .45 ACP), and have
capacities closeif not identicalto their
full-size counterpartsbut have critical
dimensions that are more compact to make
them more concealable. Youll find a wealth
of 1911s in this size, if you consider the
Commander-frame 1911s to be compact
(which they are for a 1911, while still being
much larger than many other models in the
class). Youll also find a fascinating mix of
scaled-down duty sidearms and purpose-
built compacts.
Compact semis can serve the dual roles of
concealed carry, generally for those with larg-
er bodies or who routinely wear more gener-
ous cover garments (like
suit coats or vests), and
duty carry. For those
with a logical expectation of needing their
sidearm in a shootout, with little warning, it
makes sense to carry the highest-capacity
handgun possible, with the longest barrel to
get the best accuracy and highest velocities
(for the kinetic energy gain therein). For
those who have only a remote chance of
needing to draw their sidearm unexpectedly,
it might make more sense to carry something
thats far more comfortablemeaning
smaller and lighter, and possibly less
angularthan a combat-ready service
pistol. Such a modestly scaled down gun
will give you more comfort over many years
of carry, and should you actually need it,
will still give sterling service.
Enter the compact semi, the compromise
that many detectives, federal law enforce-
ment officers, and lawfully armed citizens
choose for day to day carry. Is one right for
your needs? Editor
$100-$400
COMPACT SEMIS
Bersa
MODEL: Thunder 380 CC
WEBSITE: www.bersa.com
MSRP: $323
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380acp
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6 in
Width: 1 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 16.4 oz
Special Features: Drift-adjustable rear sight
Bersa started with their tried and true Thunder model to
create the 380 CC, which includes upgrades like a stippled
grip, two finger grooves molded into the grip frame, and a
bobbed low-profile hammer that you can still manually cock
as desired.
CC_FALL13_42-57-COMPACTSEMIS-BG.BA2NEW 8/7/13 12:12 AM Page 42
A modernized
version of Bursas
Thunder, this is
designed with
ergonomic finger
grooves in the frame
and a textured grip
to control recoil
during rapid fire.
Walther
MODEL: PK380
WEBSITE:
www.waltheramerica.com
MSRP: $393
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.2 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: 3-dot sights
This compact-frame .380 ACP has ergonomics
similar to a slimmed-down P99, and features finger
grooves for a positive grip and a hammer that can be
easily cocked for a single action fist pull.
Bersa
MODEL: Thunder 380
Combat
MSRP: $353
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380acp
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6 in
Width: 1 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 16.4 oz
Special Features:
Safety-decocker
Springfield
Armory
MODEL: XDs
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.3 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.4 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: Grip frame
safety, red fiber optic front sight
insert, loaded chamber indicator
This incredibly compact pistol is available
in a subcompact size with 9 round magazines
that feature grip-extending spacers for a
full-hand grip...and shrinks down to subcom-
pact size when used with the flush-fitting 7
round magazines. Amazingly, it has a .45 ACP
forebearthe XDs-45that is externally the
exact same size...and 1.5 oz lighter!
Special FeatureReviewed This Issue!
$401-$600
COMPACT SEMIS
Beretta
The mid-size-range option for
Berettas PX4 series of pistols, this
.40 SW features the familiar inter-
changeable backstrap system and
integral accessory rail, and repre-
sents a 0.8-inch length savings and
0.5-inch height savings (for a total
of only 0.4 oz in weight savings),
compared to the full size PX4
model...and is much larger than the
sub compact model. The PX4
Compact is available in 9mm as
well (15+1). Inox versions, with their
satin stainless steel finishes, are
also available.
MODEL: Stingray C
WEBSITE: www.centuryarms.biz
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.75 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features: Adjustable rear sight, fully
ambidextrous controls
This compact pistol imported by Century Arms
comes from Turkish manufacturer Canik55, who
makes them for police, military, and civilian
defensive use. The polygonal-rifle barrel is chrome-
lined, as are most of the pistols parts, for extended
service life and to survive the abuse and neglect
inherent in a carry guns service.
This striker-fired
Bersa carry gun utilizes a
polymer frame for rigid
lightweight, and its rear
sights are interchangeable
with those from Glock
if you want a custom
sighting solution.
Canik55
Bersa
MODEL: PX4 Compact
WEBSITE:
www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $550
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 7.6 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 27.7 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable
backstraps,
accessory rail
MODEL: BP9CC
MSRP: $429
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.35 in
Width: 0.94 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 21.5 oz
Special Features:
White-outline rear sight,
polymer frame
$401-$600
Caracal
Caracal makes this
defensive pistol for
police, military, and
law enforcement mar-
kets alike, and offers
models that feature
their Quick Acquisi tion
Sight System that
features an intention-
ally shortened sight
radius and unique
design that promotes
quick sight acquisition.
MODEL: Caracal C
WEBSITE: www.caracal-usa.com
MSRP: $499
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 6.57 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 25 oz
Special Features: Ambidextrous
magazine release, extremely low
bore axis
Chiappa
This defensive pistol uses a
Browning-style linkless locking cam
system and features full-capacity
firepower compared to duty-issue
arms. It is made by Turkish company
Girsan, and imported by Chiappa Firearms.
MODEL: MC27
WEBSITE: www.chiappafirearms.com
MSRP: $479
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.25 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Integral accessory rail,
ambidextrous thumb-activated safety
COMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: 75 D PCR Compact
WEBSITE: www.cz-usa.com
MSRP: $582
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 7.24 in
Width: 1.38 in
Height: 5.03 in
Weight: 27.4 oz
Special Features: Forged
aluminum alloy frame,
decocking lever
CZ
The Witness
Compact features a
steel frame for long
service life and to
help mitigate recoil
(through slightly
heavier weight than
competing materials).
Most notably, the
Witness Compact can
come in your choice
of: 9mm, .40 SW,
10mm, or .45 ACP.
This slim .40 SW single-stack
comes with textured polymer grips
that provide a comfortable fit for
most handswhile remaining slim
enough to conceal readily.
MODEL: CW40
WEBSITE: www.kahr.com
MSRP: $549
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.4 in
Width: 0.94 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 18.7 oz
Special Features: White bar-dot sights
The same size and weight
as the CZ 75, the CZ 75 D PCR
Compact utilizes a forged
aluminum alloy frame to save
around seven ounces of total
weight to promote more
comfortable concealed carry.
Rubber grip panels and
serrated front and back straps
are standard features.
EAA
MODEL: Witness Compact
WEBSITE: www.eaacorp.com
MSRP: $557
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 7.3 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Chambered in
four different popular calibers
Kahr
Ruger
MODEL: SR9C
WEBSITE: www.ruger.com
MSRP: $525
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Length: 6.9 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 23.4 oz
Special Features: Accessory
rail, front slide serrations
While functionally identical
to the SR40C (see below), the
Ruger SR9C in 9mm is worthy
of special consideration for its
amazing capacity in a compact
handgun: 17+1 rounds, and only
4.6-inch tall with an overall
length of 6.85 inches that
includes the 3.5-inch barrel.
Finishes on the slide include
brushed stainless for the
stainless steel slide, and black
nitride on the alloy steel slide.
Ruger
This compact pistol measures
only 6.85 inches long and 4.61
inches tall, but manages to fit a
double stack magazine full of 15
rounds into its 1.27-inch wide
frame. The polymer frame keeps
the overall unloaded weight
reasonable beneath your choice
of through-hardened (their
term for it) stainless steel, or
alloy steel, slide...and the frame
includes an integral accessory
rail. The magazine release is
ambidextrous, and the sights are
snag-free while remaining tall
enough to be of use.
MODEL: SR40C
MSRP: $529
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 6.9 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 23.4 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable backstrap
This compact .45 ACP is extremely light
for a .45 ACP, and features a DAO action not
usually found on .45 ACP pistolsa plus
for those who want the king of all handgun
calibers in a package with a law enforcement
friendly DAO action.
Kahr
MODEL: CW45
MSRP: $485
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.32 in
Width: 1 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features: .45 ACP with dimensions of 9mm-frame guns
MODEL: M&P 45C
WEBSITE: www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 3.5
Length: 7.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: Steel low-profile carry sights, interchangeable palm swells
COMPACT SEMIS
SAR Arms
The smallest .40 SW in the M&P line, this
was developed for those who desire a double
stack .40 SW that remains extraordinarily slim,
short, and light, for deep concealment. The
snag-free combat-style sights are a big plus.
An M&P with serious bite in a tiny package, this
.45 ACP holds 8 rounds in its magazine (plus one
in the camber) in a total package that is only 7.5
inches long and 4.8 inches tall...and features
snag-free combat-style sights for accuracy.
To make this a compact
pistol, SAR ARMS shortened
the slide and barrel. By retain-
ing the full-size grip, the pistol
is able to hold 16+1 rounds of
9mm ammunition. The
ambidextrous safety is a great
touch, especially for those
who might ever shoot their
defensive gun in IDPA matches.
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: M&P 40C
MSRP: $569
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 3.5
Length: 6.7 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features: Steel Novak Lo-Mount Carry Sights
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: K2P
MSRP: $412
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 16+1
Length: 7.3 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: Ambidextrous
safety, full size grip with compact slide

The Shield is a single
stack 9mm with sub-1-
inch width and the
incredible lightweight of
only 19 oz (empty), while
retaining a frame-mount-
ed safety, a slide release,
and takedown lever for
ease of disassembly.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: Shield
MSRP: $449
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 0.95 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features:
Frame-mounted safety,
low-profile combat sights
MODEL: 709 Slim
WEBSITE: www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $483
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Low profile fixed sights
This compact DA/SA defensive semi
is engineered to be extremely thin; the
magazine capacity of 7 rounds reflects this
dedication to svelte dimensions, which
enhances comfort for all-day carry.
Taurus
COMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: PT 24/7 G2
MSRP: $539
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Length: 7.3 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Adjustable sights, accessory rail
This large-capacity 9mm stretches the idea of
compact, but by using a polymer frame keeps its
unloaded weight down to 28 ounces...and its adjustable
sights set it apart at both its price point and in its class.
Tauruss latest
.40 SW carry pistol,
this model utilizes a
polymer frame to
remain light weight
while still offering
11+1 capacity and a
3.2-inch barrel.
Taurus
MODEL: DT 40
MSRP: $589
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 6.3 in
Width: 1.15 in
Height: 5 in
Weight: 24 oz
sights, safety integral to trigger
Taurus
$601-$800
The deluxe version of
Armalites AR-24 carry gun,
this model features adjustable
illuminated sights and more
extensive checkering on the
front and rear of the grip.
Armalite
MODEL: AR-24 Tactical Custom
WEBSITE: www.armalite.com
MSRP: $631
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7.5 in
Weight: 32 oz
and replaceable sights, slight
palm swell in grip
Citadel
This reasonably
priced, compact 1911
features comfortable
Hogue rubber grips, an
ambidextrous safety,
flared ejection port, and
all of the features and
ergonomics you expect
of a 1911 defensive
handgun.
Beretta
MODEL: Cheetah 85FS
MSRP: $770
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380acp
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.8 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 23.3 oz
Special Features: Cocked-and-locked
capable, safety/decocker too
Fans of the M9 Berettaor in the
civilian worth the 92/96 modelswill
find that the Cheetah, a scaled-down
version of that full-size pistol, retains many
of the ergonomic and functional features
of the larger pistol. The alloy frame helps
reduce weight for more comfortable carry,
and a pronounced tang helps keep even
larger hands safe from slide bite.
MODEL: 2075 Rami
MSRP: $671
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.25 in
Height: 4.7 in
Weight: 25.5 oz
Special Features:
Front dot tactical sight
CZ
This compact pistol
is chambered in either
.40 SW or 9mm, and
features a front dot
tactical sight and
reliable double action/
single action firing so
that squeezing the
trigger fires a shot no
matter what position
the hammer starts in.
MODEL: M-1911 Compact
WEBSITE: www.legacysports.com
MSRP: $639
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features: Hogue grips,
skeletonized trigger and hammer
MODEL: P-01
MSRP: $608
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Decocker,
forged alloy frame
This firearm was designed to meet
NATO specifications for a service
pistol, and features a forged aluminum
lower receiver to save on weight. Many
of its parts are interchangeable with
CZs P-06 pistols.
52 FALL 2013 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 52 FALL 2013 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS
COMPACT SEMIS
CZ
MODEL: P380
MSRP: $649
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380acp
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.9 in
Width: 0.75 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 11 oz
Special Features: Textured
polymer grip
Kahr
CZ
Chambered in the
potent .40 SW round,
this alloy-frame com-
pact handgun features
the firing pin safety and
decocking lever that
was recommend for
daily carry by armed
professionals in police
and military roles...
and for the civilian
concealed carry market.
MODEL: P-06
MSRP: $660
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: Rubber grips,
light forged alloy frame
To extend the utility of this
compact .380acp, models are
available with Crimson Trace
sights or night sights, and
each one comes standard
with a Lothar Walther
match-grade barrel.
Kimber
MODEL: Solo Carry
WEBSITE:
www.kimberamerica.com
MSRP: $747
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5 in
Width: 1 in
Weight: 17 oz
Special Features: Low profile white dot sights
Kimber makes topnotch 1911
pistols in traditional calibers and
configurations, and has entered
the compact 9mm market in a
big way with the Solo Carry 1911-
inspired 9mm...which includes
3-dot combat sights and an alu-
minum grip frame.
MODEL: Baby Desert Eagle II Compact
MSRP: $616
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 7.25 in
Width: 1.125 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features:
Available in steel or
polymer frame, various
barrel lengths
The Baby Desert Eagle has lines
similar to its larger siblings, the
magnum-chambered Desert Eagle pis-
tols, but is designed to offer a
compact, concealable pistol for personal
defense in a traditional semi-auto
caliber: 9mm.
Magnum
Research
Springfield
MODEL: XD(M) 3.8
9mm
WEBSITE: www.
springfield-armory.com
MSRP: $697
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 19+1
Length: 7 in
Height: 5.6 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Grip
safety, trigger safety,
fiber optic
front sight
This compact
9mm has the
outstanding
capacity of 19+1,
and retains some
1911-inspired
features like the
grip safety and
snag-free combat
sights familiar
from some 1911
models. It is a
polymer-framed,
striker-fired pistol
through and
through, though...
which its light
weight reflects!
COMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: XR9-S
WEBSITE: www.bobergarms.com
MSRP: $995
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 5.1 in
Width: 0.96 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 17.5 oz
Special Features:
Truly unique operation, very
compact for barrel length
MODEL: Defender
WEBSITE: www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $885
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.75 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features:
Wraparound grips,
competition-style sights
Springfield
$800+
Boberg Arms
Built to outwardly match
the size and ergonomics of
their other XD(M) pistols, this
.45 ACP features an outstand-
ing capacity of 9+1 rounds...in
a gun that is far smaller than
1911s that hold fewer shots.
The striker fired action also
ensures that the trigger pull is
identical for each shot.
The Boberg design places
the chamber directly over the
magazine stack, and achieves
loading in a manner originated
by Hiram Maxim and John
Browning for machine guns: as
the slide cycles, a round is
drawn backwards from the
magazine. Then a special lifting
device raises it to the chamber,
where the slide chambers it for
firing. This results in a much
shorter pistol that still has a
3.35-inch barrel.
This compact 1911 has
just enough room to wrap
your pinky around the grip
frame, and the wraparound rubber
grips provide good purchase on the
handgun during rapid fire. Though
compact in both grip and slide
lengths, it still accommodates a
seven round magazine.
Colt
MODEL: XD(M) 3.8 .45 ACP Compact
WEBSITE: www.springfield-armory.com
MSRP: $732
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 7 in
Height: 4.55 in
Weight: 27 oz
Special Features: Frame-mounted safety,
low-profile combat sights
This miniature 1911-inspired pistol
still manages to pack 7+1 rounds of
full-power .45 ACP ammunition into its
diminutive frame. The trench-style sight
milled into the slide aids in aiming,
though the New Agent is designed for
in-close defensive work where reliability
and firepower are more crucial than fine
shot placement over distance.
Colt
MODEL: New Agent
MSRP: $885
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.75 in
Weight: 22.5 oz
Special Features: Slim-fit double
diamond grips

MODEL: HK 45 Compact
WEBSITE: www.hk-usa.com
MSRP: $1187
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.6 in
Weight: 28.5 oz
Special Features: Extended
slide release, accessory rail
This compact version of
the full-size HK 45 features a
slightly shorter grip and barrel,
and a feel that is still solid and
reassuring. The extended slide
release and 1911-inspired frame-
mounted safety are ergonomi-
cally designed and located.
MODEL: USP Compact
MSRP: $998
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.8 in
Width: 1.14 in
Height: 5 in
Weight: 23.5 in
Special Features: Accessory rail
A slightly scaled-down, yet
full-featured version of the HK-USP,
the USP Compact presents the
ergonomics and legendary reliabili-
ty of its larger sibling, in a size that
is optimized for concealed carry.
Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch
COMPACT SEMIS
A slim .40 SW,
this semi features
wrap-around grips for
recoil mitigation and
a comfortable fit.
Kimber
Kahr
MODEL: P45
MSRP: $805
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.07 in
Width: 1.01 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features: Polymer and
steel construction
This single-stack .45 ACP features
a slim, short gripframe that is easily
concealable, and snag-free sights
that aid in achieving maximum
accuracy potential.
MODEL: Ultra + CDP II
WEBSITE: www.
kimberamerica.com
MSRP: $1,331
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.8 in
Width: 1.28 in
Weight: 25 oz
Special Features: three-dot
combat-style sights
A supremely
attractive scaled-down
1911, the Ultra CDP II
features an ambidextrous
safety and Tritium
illuminated combat sights.
Kahr
MODEL: K40
MSRP: $855
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 0.94 in
Height: 4.55 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features:
White bar-dot sights
Wilson Combat
Sig Sauer
MODEL: Ultralight Carry
Compact
WEBSITE:
www.wilsoncombat.com
MSRP: $3,650
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.9 in
Weight: 26.5 oz
Special Features:
Combat-style sights
This commander-length
1911 features thin grips and
a 4-inch barrel to appeal
to the compact handgun
market, while retaining a
seven round magazine and
combat-style sights with a
fiber optic front sight insert.
Their Armor Tuff finish
resists holster wear, sweat
and other moisture.
MODEL: P239 DAK
WEBSITE: www.sigsauer.com
MSRP: $835
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.6 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Double-strike
capable for hard primers
This P239 features
the DAK trigger that is a
double action only affair
with double strike
capabilities, should the
hammer fail to set off the
primer on the first trigger
pull. For long service life
despite constant use, the
slide has a Nitron finish.
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Ruger
MODEL: P95
MSRP: $399
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 7.25 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.75 in
Weight: 27 oz
Special Features: Synthetic grip,
stainless slide
These full-size duty pistols offer a slide-
mounted safety and DA/SA functioning with a
nearly 4-inch barrel for accuracy and velocity.
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: SD 40 VE
MSRP: $379
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 14+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.29 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: White dot, snag-free sights,
accessory rail
Smith & Wessons SD line of Value Added
pistols includes this striker-fired model
reminiscent of both the M&P and their former
Sigma models...at a price point well below what
you would expect for a Smith & Wesson handgun.
T
he sidearms carried by police and mili-
tary personnel are generally full frame
semi automatics, handguns chambered
in the big three defensive cartridges (9mm,
.40 SW, and .45 ACP) and designed to hold a
lot of rounds. Our record in this buyers guide
for highest capacity in a standard-fitting (as
opposed to extended) magazine is 18 rounds,
held by the Caracal F model and CZs SPO-1
Phantom, both chambered in 9mm.
This is the size classification where the
1911s really come out to play, and where some
conventional wisdom holds that if youre
going to carry a full-size gun, you might as
well make it a .45 ACP.
These are the guns carried by armed pro-
fessionals who generally have a high expec-
tation of needing to use them, and often
more than once during their careers...so they
dont mind the extra weight and bulk. And
since much of their use is by armed profes-
sionals, these are frequently carried
exposedeven by lawfully armed citizens in
open carry states, or whose choice of gar-
ments or given physiology allow them to con-
ceal full-size handguns.
So when concealment is not a factor, or
when your clothes and body allow you, a full-
frame semi generally represents the longest
barrels, highest velocities, and largest maga-
zine capacities that youre going to find in a
defensive pistol. If thats what your mission
requires, heres the gear you need to consider.
Editor
$100-$400
CC_FALL13_58-63-FullSEMIS.QXP 8/6/13 3:35 AM Page 58
$401-$600
American
Classic
MODEL: Classic II
WEBSITE:
www.americanclassic1911.com
MSRP: $586
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.4 in
Width: 1.25 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features: Novak-style rear combat sight
This full-size 1911 gets high velocities and good accura-
cy from its 5-inch barrel, and the Novak-style combat
sights help make the most of the long sight radius. The
extra barrel and slide length help mitigate recoil for faster
follow-up shots.
Arcus
MODEL: 98DA
WEBSITE: www.arcus-bg.com
MSRP: $400.95
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 8 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features:
Ergonomic grip,
double action
Arcus packs many of the features of the original
Browning Hi-Power into this pistol, a suitable tribute at
less than half the cost of most originals...and it features
two extra rounds per magazine. Unique to their model is
the DA/SA operating system, and the standard finger-
groove grips. They feature magazine disconnect safeties,
and have combat-style sights.
Arcus
MODEL: 98DAC
WEBSITE:
www.arcus-bg.com
MSRP: $400.95
Action: SA/DA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.3 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: White
dot combat sights
The PX4 Storm series of pistols is Berettas latest line
of innovative service and carry handguns, and the full size
pistols come chambered in 9mm (17+1 round capacity),
.40 SW (14+1), and .45 ACP (10+1). With an overall width
of 1.4 inches, courtesy of the ambidextrous
safety/decocker lever, and a grip width of 1.2 inches,
theyre on the wide side...but pack impressive firepower.
The .45 ACP version is only 0.9 ounces heavier than the
.40 SW and 9mm versions, making it not only functionally
identical, but practically identical in weight as wella
critical consideration for those who like to standardize
one platform populated by several calibers for defense,
sporting, and other related uses. The rotating barrel helps
dissipate some recoil energy laterally (using it to power
the rotation), which helps mitigate recoil in all calibers.
A slightly compact
version of the Arcus
98DA, this c-model
features a barrel .7 inches
shorter and a concomitantly
shorter slide to save on
weight and bulk when
concealing, and on length
when trying to keep the
pistol concealed in an out-
side-the-waistband holster.
Beretta
MODEL: PX4 Storm
WEBSITE:
www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $575
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 7.6 oz
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features:
Rotating barrel,
interchangeable backstraps
Caracal
MODEL: Caracal F
WEBSITE: www.caracal-
usa.com
MSRP: $400
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 18+1
Length: 7 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Pre-A1 military styling
The Caracal is a high-capacity, striker-fired handgun
from the United Arab Emirates that is targeted at military
and law enforcement users...but also appeals for con-
cealed carry work. Their Quick Sight System is somewhat
novel, and the extraordinarily high capacity is a big plus.
CZ
MODEL: CZ75 P07
duty
WEBSITE:
www.cz-usa.com
MSRP: $487
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 16+1
Length: 7.3 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 27 oz
Special Features: Safety/decocker,
high capacity
Designed for the law enforcement community, and
very well suited to concealed carry, this pistol has a stan-
dard capacity of 16+1 rounds in its double stack magazine.
Standard fixed sights sit atop it, and the safety/decocker
that lets you safely put the hammer down on a live round
so as to carry it with a round in the chamber, can be
swapped out with a standard safety if you like.
Bersa
MODEL: Thunder Pro
WEBSITE:
www.bersa.com
MSRP: $495
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 31 oz
Special Features: Cocked-and-locked-capable
This full-size pistol features the popular DA/SA oper-
ating mechanism and a safety/decocking lever that
allows you to safely bring the hammer down on a loaded
chamber after loading, or partway through a magazine, so
that you can carry it loaded with the hammer down. At
30.7 ounces unloaded, and 7.6 inches in length, with a
height of 5.5 inches, it wont exactly disappear...but its
size puts it right at home with other full frame service
pistols, while its 13+1 rounds of .40 SW (or 17+1 rounds of
9mm) mean that it brings plenty of firepower along with
its size. The gentle palm swell design of the grip fits
many hands well, and helps mitigate the recoil impulse
for faster shot recovery.
Century Arms
MODEL: Military
WEBSITE: www.centuryarms.com
MSRP: $400+
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 42 oz
Special Features: Pre-A1 military styling
This full-size 1911
is designed to evoke
the look, feel,
weight, and handling of
the original GI-pattern m1911 pistols
before the pattern was developed into
the mainstay of full-frame factory-custom
handguns. A solid carry arm, it also appeals to
those with a finer appreciation for the historic
look and feel of ol slabsides.
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Designed to put maximum fire-
power on your hip, with maximum accura-
cy potential, this pistol is perhaps better suit-
ed for big folks or those who can carry open-
ly... though with a bit of creativity, you can
conceal this 5.8-inch tall, 8.2-inch long, 1.5-
inch wide double-stack 9mm and all 18+1 of
its onboard 9mm rounds. The polymer frame
helps reduce some weight, while still offering
an integral accessory rail, and the DA/SA
action is an attractive feature for many shoot-
ers. The price tag, at only $595, is also very
attractive.
EAA
MODEL: Witness
MSRP: $557
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 8.1 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 33 oz
Special Features: Sleek design
This service-size, yet still
concealable, Glock duty pistol
represents a balance of size
and firepower. With 13 rounds in
the magazine and a shorter
slide/barrel and grip than the
full-size G22, it saves around two
ounces of weight and roughly
7/10 of an inch in length and 4/10
of an inch in height. That costs
it two rounds in the magazine,
and slightly in terms of velocity,
but makes for a much more
concealable pistol weather worn
inside the waistband or outside
your pants. Its ability to accept
high capacity Glock .40 SW
magazines means that when
you switch to your backup
magazines, youll have as many
rounds as any full-size Glock...but
youve started with the tactical advantage
of a concealable handgun.
CZ
The Witness features in
defensive pistol shooting
competitions for many of the
same reasons it is trusted for
personal protection in the
home, and under concealment:
its a double-stack 9mm with
large capacity standard (15
rounds of 9mm), features a
sleek anti-snag design, and
has a DA/SA trigger pull
that allows it to be carried
hammer-down on a live round
with a double action first shot.
Glock
MODEL: G23
WEBSITE:
www.glock.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 13+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.4 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features:
White outline rear sight
MODEL:
SPO-1 Phantom
MSRP: $595
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 18+1
Length: 8.2 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.8 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: Polymer
frame, accessory rail
Further extending the
utility of the duty-size Glock
frame, the 37 is chambered in
the .45 GAP (Glock Automatic
Pistol) that they developed to
create ballistics similar to a
.45 ACP in a
cartridge short enough, and
with appropriate pressures, to
be chambered in 9mm/.40 SW
frame handguns.
MODEL: P1 MK7
WEBSITE: www.centuryarms.biz
MSRP: $449
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.4 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: Four
interchangeable backstraps,
completely ambidextrous controls
Grand Power
A compromise between the heavier
per-round knockdown power of the
M&P .45 ACP, and the slightly lighter
frame and higher capacity of M&P
9mm, the M&P40 puts 15+1 rounds
of potent .40 SW ammunition into
a full-size, polymer frame semi with
low-profile tactical sights, an acces-
sory rail, a 4.25-inch long barrel,
and a 6.5-pomd trigger pull. A related
model includes a thumb safety.
MODEL: G37
WEBSITE: www.glock.com
MSRP: $562
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 GAP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 8.0 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Unique cartridge
Glock
This Eastern European
military-inspired handgun
offers a large number of
unique perks for a pistol priced
so reasonably. Its controls are
fully ambidextrous, including
mag and slide releases and
thumb-activated safety. It
includes four interchangeable
backstraps to create a custom
fit for your hand, and the
standard RIS rail under the
barrel is ready for lights
and lasers.
MODEL: M&P40
MSRP: $569
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.25
Length: 7.6 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: Interchangeable
backstraps
S

Smith & Wesson
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: M&P45
WEBSITE:
www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 7.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable
backstraps
This full-size duty pistol is
Smith & Wessons .45 ACP,
full-frame model
within their extensive M&P
series. With a 4-inch barrel
and white dot low-profile tac-
tical sights, its ready to deliv-
er solid accuracy and high
velocities. While it is slightly
heavier, especially loaded,
than the other M&P pistols, it
otherwise feels much the
same and features the same
operation...and even comes in
a thumb-safety model, as do
most other M&Ps.
Taurus
MODEL: 809B
WEBSITE:
www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $497
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 8.25 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features:
Unique multi-position
safety
Stoeger
MODEL: Cougar
WEBSITE: www.
stoegerindustries.com
MSRP: $469
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Ambi -
dextrous safety/decocking
lever, rotating barrel,
accessory rail
The Cougar, originally
offered by Beretta and
now by Stoeger, offers
users a single, intuitive
platform that comes in all
three major pistol cal-
ibersperfect for those
looking to standardize
defensive arms through-
out a household or
department, yet with indi-
vidual calibers based on
different tasks or shoot-
ers. The 9mm version
accepts 15+1 rounds,
while the .45 ACP accepts
8+1, and the
Beretta-style
ambidextrous
safety/decocking
lever helps get the
hammer down safely after
loading so that your first
shot will be DA...and the
rest will have a sweet,
short SA trigger pull.
Walther
MODEL: PPQ
WEBSITE:
www.waltherarms.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features:
Interchangeable backstraps,
ambidextrous slide release
This full-size
pistol from Walther is
designed along very
similar lines as the
P99, though offers
savings over the
P99s MSRP. The
PPQ has a rather
unique ambidex-
trous, extended slide
stop, and features
interchangeable
backstraps that help
it provide an ideal
grip for a wider range
of shooters.
Chambered in both
9mm and .40 SW,
optional extended
capacity
magazines are
available to further
enhance its already
great capacity and
firepower.
This unique pistol features the somewhat common
DA/SA operation with an exciting twist: a multi-position
safety/decocker allows it to be carried hammer-down
for a DA first shot, or, in a cocked-and-locked condition
for a single action first shot.
American
Classic
This 1911 features a
shortened barrel and
slide to reduce weight
and make for a more
comfortable-carrying
pistol for all day carry.
MODEL: Classic Commander
WEBSITE: www.americanclassic1911.com
MSRP: $600
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.5 in
Width: 1.25 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 35 oz
Special Features:
Extended beavertail grip safety
MODEL: Amigo
MSRP: $684
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.25 in
Width: 1.25 in
Height: 5 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features:
Novak-style combat sights
1911 has an extended beaver-
tail grip safety, skeletonized
trigger and hammer, and
other features normally
found on custom 1911s.
American Classic
MODEL: Trophy
MSRP: $796
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.4 in
Width: 1.25 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
combat-style sights
$601-$800
American Classic
This is the target model 1911 that American
Classic designed for supreme accuracy, which
will serve the concealed carry market well for
those seeking a full-size 1911 with adjustable
sightsgood for staying on target as you switch
between defensive loads, and/or practice loads.
FULL FRAME SEMIS
CC_FALL13-64-74-FullSEMIS 8/6/13 3:43 AM Page 64
Beretta
MODEL: 96A1
MSRP: $725
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features:
Accessory rail,
ambidextrous safety-
decocker
Auto Ordinance
MODEL: 1911A1
WEBSITE: www.auto-ordnance.com
MSRP: $627
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features: Parkerized finish
This full-sized 1911A1 wears a classic
parkerized finish, and is updated with brown
plastic checkered grips to help you hang
onto the pistol in all weather. The rear sight is
drift adjustable for windage.
Colt
MODEL: 01991L
WEBSITE:
www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $786
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 35 oz
Special Features: GI specification
Colt updated the 1911 design minimally for the
01991, keeping it true to the classic design while uti-
lizing modern metallurgy and means of production. In
keeping with the military spirit of this model, their
serial numbers pick up where Colts serials numbers
for their government contracts left off.
The full-size duty pistol is nearly identical to those
currently issued throughout the US armed forces, and is
still in use with many police departments. The 96A1 is
the .40 SW version of Berettas M9 family of handguns,
which includes the militarys M9, the civilian 92fs/96fs,
and many similar models. This pistol fills the hand com-
fortably, and offers easily accessed controls such as the
ambidextrous safety/decocking levers, and the maga-
zine release. This model includes an internal recoil
buffer, a captive recoil spring assembly, and a remov-
able front sight. Each 96A1 ships with three magazines.
CZ
MODEL: 75B
MSRP: $631
Action: SA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 8.1 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 35 oz
Special Features: Three dot
combat sights
This CZ pistol features similar
ergonomics to the 1911/Hi-Standard
pistol, but with its own unique,
double-stack-grip flair and
particularly useful DA/SA firing
mechanismwhich allows for a
second strike on rounds that fail
to ignite the first time.
CZ
MODEL: CZ 97 B
WEBSITE:
www.cz-usa.com
MSRP: $686
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 8.3 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.9 in
Weight: 41 oz
Special Features: Loaded
chamber indicator, cocked-
and-locked capable
Glock
MODEL: G17
WEBSITE:
www.glock.com
MSRP: $690
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features:
White outline
rear sight
FN Herstal
MODEL: FNP 45
WEBSITE: www.fnherstal.com
MSRP: $795
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.9 in
Width: 1.6 in
Height: 6.3 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Deep-
notch rear sight
A solid pistol from a recognized leader in military
arms, the FNP 45 puts DA/SA functionality into a pack-
age that accepts 15+1 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. It
fills the hand and points naturally, and the deep-notched
rear sight (with two white dots, combat-sight-style)
works splendidly with the white dot front sight for posi-
tive sighting and quick alignment to get those rounds on
target fast.
Glock
MODEL: G21SF
MSRP: $637
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Relieved
backstrap to fit
medium/smaller hands
FULL FRAME SEMIS
This is a solid choice
for shooters who want a
.45 ACP with a DA/SA
operating system. With
ten rounds in the maga-
zine and one in the cham-
ber, the CZ 97 B keeps up
with other .45 ACPs in
terms of firepower, while
its steel frame suggests a
very long service life. At
2.5 pounds unloaded its
no lightweight, but the
wood grips are comfort-
able and attractive and
the extra steel helps it
hold up to years of prac-
tice with defensive
loads...and lots, and lots
of service on your hip.
The full-size model in
Glocks three-model
family of .45 ACP pis-
tols, the G21 carries four-
teen rounds of full-
power .45 ACP ammuni-
tion onboard (13+1), and
features Glocks stan-
dard front dot, white
rear outline sights. The
front of the grip is fin-
ger-grooved and stip-
pled for comfort and all-
weather traction, and at
only 0.1 inches wider
than most other full-size
Glocks, it feels and han-
dles nearly identical to
other full-size Glocks
important for those who
train, carry, or are issued
other Glocks and want
to keep their training
and familiarity identical
across multiple firearms.
There are smaller mod-
els, but none in the
Glock line with quite the
.45 ACP firepower as
this police-issue service
pistol.
This popular police and per-
sonal protection pistol was
named for its capacity, which at
one time was extraordinary in a
duty pistol and still remains at
the high end of concealable
handgun capacity. Seventeen
rounds fit into its double stack
magazine, and versions are avail-
able in progressively shorter bar-
rel/slide and grip lengths in the
G19 and G26.
Glock
MODEL: G38
MSRP: $614
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 GAP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.4 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.0 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: White outline
rear sight

This concealable .45 GAP model is slightly
slimmed down from Glocks .45
ACP models, by virtue of their
namesake .45 Glock Automatic
Pistol cartridge. While the .45 GAP
delivers ballistics nearly identical to
the .45 ACP, it involves dimensions (the two .45
cartridges are not interchangeable) and chamber
pressures that allow the G38 to be built on
frames used for .40 SW and 9mm pistols
meaning that you can essentially have a .45 in a
more compact frame than Glocks .45 ACP
double stack designs. This results in a 1.18 inches
wide pistol that weighs just over 24oz unloaded,
and accepts 8 rounds in its magazine.
Glock
The duty-size .40 SW in
Glocks line of polymer-frame pistols, the
G22 puts fifteen rounds of ammunition into
its standard-length magazine and uses a 4.5
inches barrel to accurately deliver each
projectile. Issued by many police departments,
this model is a popular choice for concealed
carry among those who use outside the waist-
band holsters, or are accustomed to full size
pistols in inside-the-waistband holsters.
MODEL: G31
WEBSITE:
www.glock.com
MSRP: $641
Action: STR
Caliber: .357 SIG
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features:
Loaded for special
cartridge
Glock
MODEL: G22
MSRP: $641
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 8.0 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: White outline rear sight
The full-size duty pistol
frame that Glock uses for
their 17 and 22 is here uti-
lized for the hot little .357
SIG cartridge, which
creates ballistic perform-
ance similar to a .357
magnum from an auto-
loading cartridge.
Regent
MODEL: R100
WEBSITE: www.regentarms.com
MSRP: $499
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Hammer-forged
stainless barrel, Hogue rubber grips
Magnum Research
MODEL: MR9
MSRP: $559
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.1 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Decocking button,
interchangeable backstraps
This full-size 1911
has all of the standard
features of the genre,
with a comparatively low
price point right around
$500. The standard
Hogue rubber grips are
a bonus, as is the
hammer-forged stainless
barrel.
Strongly evocative of the Walther P99, the
Magnum Research MR9 features a 15+1 round
magazine (11+1 rounds for the .40 SW variant),
decocker button and interchangeable backstraps
the latter of which helps adapt the pistols grip to
shooters of vastly different hand sizes, allowing it to
serve as a fleet weapon in police departments and
with other armed professionals. As a concealed carry
pistol its overall length of 7.13 inches is concealable,
while the 5.31 inch height
will require the same concealment
consideration as for other duty-sized
models. The fully adjustable rear sight sets it apart in
a good way, and replaceable front sights allow anoth-
er degree of customization.
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Kahr Arms
MODEL: P40
MSRP: $739
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Bar-dot-style
combat sights, incredibly slim and light
This ultra-slim .40 SW utilizes a single stack
magazine that holds six rounds, and helps keep
the pistols width to 0.94 inches. With an
unloaded weight of 18.7 ounces, and a height of
4.55 inches, its light enough for extended carry
and easy to conceal. The stainless steel slide
can come in matte stainless or matte black fin-
ishes, and the polymer grip frame is stippled to
help you hold on during rapid fire. Night sights
are available as well.

Sar Arms
MODEL: K2
MSRP: $657
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 8.3 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.7 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Adjustable rear
sight, cocked and locked carry
This is a unique .45
ACP handgun in its
employ of a double-
stack 14-shot magazine,
its 1911-like ability to be
carried cocked and
locked while also fired
in DA/SA mode, and its
inclusion of an accesso-
ry rail (a thoroughly
modern feature seen on
an emerging number of
pistols).
Springfield
MODEL: GI 45
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $667
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features:
Classic military styling
MODEL: R200
WEBSITE: www.regentarms.com
MSRP: $599
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Hammer-forged
stainless barrel, Hogue rubber grips
Regent
The brushed-stain-
less sibling to Regent
Arms R100, this full-
sized 1911 has forward
slide serrations, a
skeletonized trigger,
and an extended
thumb safety.
With checkered
double-diamond grips
stamped U.S. and
classic WWII-era-1911
styling, this .45 ACP
defensive gun has
direct lines to a rich
heritagewith proven
defensive value.
Built to the militarys
specifications for the 1911A1
pistol, by a company who has
filled many government
contracts for the same, this
mil-spec 1911A1 is ready for
civilian use and collector
appreciation alike.
Taurus
MODEL: M92
MSRP: $660
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.6 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features: Frame-mounted
safety/decocker
Available in your choice of .40 SW
(as feat ured here) or 9mm (for $679.00), this
full-size handgun is the modern service
pistol from the legendary Walther
brand. With a 4.1-inch barrel that
wrings high velocity out of
personal defense rounds, three-dot
adjustable combat sights, and its
rather safety/decocker button built into
the frame and magazine release built into
the rear of the trigger guard, this personal
defensive arm has features not widely
found on other pistols...and comes with a
DA/SA trigger that breaks at 11.5/5
pounds respectively.
Springfield
MODEL: Mil-Spec 1911A1
MSRP: $715
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features: Military-spec pistol
Virtually identical on the out-
side to the government M9 pis-
tol, Tauruss M92 features a
frame-mounted safety/
decocker and a magazine that
fits seventeen rounds.
Walther
MODEL: P99
WEBSITE: www.waltherarms.com
MSRP: $679
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12
Length: 7.2 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.3 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Safety/decocker button,
ambidextrous mag release
FULL FRAME SEMIS
$800-$100O
This slightly updated 1911 fea-
tures the classic look, feel, and
ergonomics of the m1911, but with
the updated Series 70 firing sys-
tem that puts a modern spin on
the fire controls for an improved
trigger and improved safety with
the hammer down on a live round.
Colt
MODEL: .38 Super Auto
MSRP: $837
Action: SA
Caliber: .38super
Capacity: 9+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 38 oz
target sights
A factory-custom target
setup for the vaunted M1911
design, the XSE Series Model
O features an extended
ambidextrous frame-mounted
safety, extended beavertail
safety with palm swell, front
slide serrations, an adjustable
aluminum trigger, and more of
the 1911s most popular acces-
sories.
Colt
MODEL: 70
MSRP: $919
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features: Series 70
firing mechanism
This 1911-pattern pistol is
designed for personal defense by
those in countries that dont allow
civilian ownership of military cal-
iber firearms, like 9mm and .45
ACP handgunshence its cham-
bering in .38super. Target shooters
have adopted this full-size 1911 as
well for the particularly high veloc-
ity, high energy cartridge with
which it gets nine shots per stan-
dard-length magazinewhich
makes it quite appealing for per-
sonal protection as well.
Colt
MODEL: XSE Series Model O
MSRP: $944
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 7.75 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features:
Adjustable trigger
This full-size .40 SW carry gun weighs 24
ounces unloaded, and measures 6.8-inches
long in part by virtue of having a 3.66-inch long
barrelenough to get good velocity out of the
.40 SW cartridges, or the 9mm (13+1 capacity)
and .357 SIG cartridges (12+1) that it can be
chambered for instead. These pistols accept
USP Compact magazines, enhancing their abil-
ity to integrate among your other H&K pistols,
and feature interchangeable backstraps to help
you achieve a custom-feeling fit. The accessory
rail accepts standard accessories like lights
and lasers. H&Ks Law Enforcement
Modification (LEM) trigger is one trigger option
among six subtly different options, all of which
are flavors of double action only.
MODEL: P2000SK
MSRP: $983
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 6.4 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features:
accessory rail
Heckler &
Koch
Heckler &
Koch
While still conceal-
ableespecially by virtue
of its narrow .94-inch
slide widththis is a
slightly larger, and thus
more controllable in rapid fire, carry pis-
tol than many of the other pistols in Kahrs
line. Chambered in the potent .40 SW car-
tridge, and carrying 6+1 of them, it welcomes all
three support fingers around its narrow grip and
includes a sculpted baseplate magazine for com-
fort. The DAO system is familiar throughout their
line, while the tritium night sights set this particular
model apart.
MODEL: P2000
MSRP: $941
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 6.8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5 in
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features:
accessory rail
Legendary military arms manufacturer
Heckler & Koch have a unique trigger system
on their P2000SK that they call the Law
Enforcement Modification, which is essen-
tially a double-action-only trigger that, from
first shot to last, maintains a constant trigger
pull weight and length of pull, despite the
pistols exposed hammer. This enhances shot
accuracy, and to a large degree, safety from
the standpoint of inhibiting accidental dis-
charges on shots subsequent to the first one.
A traditional DA/SA version is available,
which includes a decocking feature. A tiny
version of their familiar duty arms, this pistol
has an accessory rail, a grip that is grooved
and micro-stippled for two fingers, and a
backstrap that is interchangeable between
two options for a custom-feeling grip.
Kahr
MODEL: K40 w/ Night Sights
MSRP: $985
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Tritium night sights
FULL FRAME SEMIS

Kahr
Arms
MODEL: T9
WEBSITE:
www.kahr.com
MSRP: $831
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 6 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 25 oz
Special Features:
Bar-dot-style
combat sights,
wood grips
This is a deluxe 9mm carry
pistol, featuring a matte stainless
frame and matching matte stain-
less slide, attractive wrap-around-
the-back Hogue Pau Ferro wooden
grips with a gentle palm swell,
and their sub-1 inches width (0.9
inches, actually). At 4.95-inches
high and 6.5 inches of overall
length, this pistol approaches the
full frame category, while remain-
ing narrow enough to beand
retaining the capacity characteris-
tic ofa compact model. The
sights are drift-adjustable, and
feature white dots in the combat
sight style. Each T9 comes with
two magazines.
Ruger
MODEL: SR1911
MSRP: $829
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.3
Height: 5.45
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features:
Skeletonized hammer and trigger, oversized
beavertail grip safety
This full-size 1911-pattern .45 ACP from Ruger is
budget-priced compared to many similar factory
models, yet has Novak combat sights, a custom
beavertail grip safety, fine workmanship, attractive
wood grips, an skeletonized hammer and trigger. The
stainless steel has a low-glare finish, and is designed
to provide excellent service life even in close contact
with your body for extended periods of time.
Kimber
MODEL: Custom II
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $871
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.25 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features: Adjustable rear sight
Low-profile, fixed or adjustable combat-style
sights help you get on target, and the full-length
5-inch barrel contributes to achieving high
velocities from defense ammunition.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: 1911 Traditional RTSS
MSRP: $949
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 42 oz
Special Features: Trijicon adjustable night sights
When Sig Sauer released their 1911 carry/competition
pistol, it made news as the companys first 1911-pattern
pistol. Known for their P200-series pistols, like the P226
and P229, the .45 ACP 1911-pattern model was a big
departure. Now they boast well over a dozen configura-
tions, all neatly represented by the 1911 Traditional RTSS
with its 5-inch barrel, attractive two-tone finish, SIGLITE
Night Sights, and Hogue Black Diamond grips.
The P226 is widely regarded
among police, government, and
military entities for its large
capacity of 9mm rounds and
reliable delivery of themgood
attributes in a solid pistol for
concealed carry.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P229
WEBSITE: www.sig-sauer.com
MSRP: $975
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 7.1 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Snap-on modular grips
Made by Auto
Ordnance, this
Thompson Custom
1911A1 has the
Thompson logo on the
grips, and classic 1911
styling for those who
enjoy that workhorse
.45 ACP defensive
pistol design.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P226
MSRP: $975
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.7 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features: Wide range of custom features
The .40 SW version of the widely
regarded P226, this full-frame pistol
has a slide and barrel optimized for
concealed and discrete carryand
a safety-decocker that greatly aids
its function.
Thompson
MODEL: Custom 1911A1
WEBSITE: www.auto-ordnance.com
MSRP: $813
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features: Flared
ejection port
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Browning
MODEL: Hi-Power Mark III
WEBSITE: www.brown-
ing.com
MSRP: $1059.99
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7.75 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Ambidextrous safety, locked
breech, ergonomic grips
A classic military pistol for many forces around the
world, this is John Brownings own refinement to his
classic 1911 design. Available in 9mm for a 13+1 capacity,
it puts familiar 1911 ergonomics and control in your hand.
The Hi-Power has a barrel just over 4.5-inches long inside
of its 7 3/4 inches of overall length, and has a nominal
weight right around two pounds. Its a true classic among
1911-style handguns, and one of the few originally cham-
bered for the 9mm pistolby the legendary Mr. Browning
himself, no less.
Colt
MODEL: Combat Elite 1911
MSRP: $1032
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 36 oz
Special Features: Novak Low-Mount
carry sights
A solid choice in 1911 defensive pistols, this
classic option from Colt packs the standard
8+1 rounds of .45 ACP into its single stack design. The
Novak Low-Mount carry sights are a fantastic upgrade that
comes standard on the Combat Elite, and the upswept
beavertail grip safety is designed for comfort and to be
drawn cleanly from beneath concealment.
Colt
MODEL: 1991 Series Commander
MSRP: $1008
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.75 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 33oz
Special Features: Lowered ejection
port, white dot sights
This commander-sized 1911-pattern Colt defensive
pistol is more compact than a duty-issue 1911, but still
large for a compact pistol...which comes with the velocity
and accuracy advantage of the 4.25 inches barrel.
Dan Wesson
MODEL: Valor
MSRP: $2012
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.8 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features: Heinie
Straight Eight adjustable
night sights
This factory-custom pistol has a full-length match-
grade barrel and premium Heinie Straight Eight
adjustable night sights. An undercut trigger guard in its
stainless steel frame aids in your comfort while shooting
long strings during practice, and the eighth round in the
standard magazine is one more than most 1911scrucial
for personal defense.
$1000+
Dan Wesson
MODEL: Guardian
MSRP: $1619
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: Bobtail design, 9mm 1911
In the slowly increasing field of 9mm-
chambered 1911s, the Dan Wesson
Guardian stands out for
its attention to crafts-
manship...and for its
bobtail frame design,
which is specifically
engineered to help con-
ceal the pistol under clothing (and pro-
vide more comfortable carry). With a
commander-length slide and an alloy
frame, it weighs just 1.8lbs unloaded and
has a 4.25 inches barrel within its 8 inch
overall length. The Guardian measures
5.5 inches tall, and 1.45 inches
wide...quite
concealable for a 1911.
Dan Wesson
MODEL: Specialist
MSRP: $1870
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 33 oz
Special Features: Tritium night
sights, accessory rail
CZ USA imports this
Dan Wesson model, which
features drift-adjustable
no-snag combat sights.
The commander-sized
1911 has a durable
ceramic-based finish that
is designed to withstand
years of use and abuse
without the metal being
compromised.
This super-custom 1911
was designed by CZ to meet
the needs of tactical law
enforcement units who
approached them about
designing a custom 1911-
pattern .45 ACP for their
officers. It features an
accessory rail milled into
the dust guard on the
frame, a solid trigger and
skeletonized hammer, very
attractive wooden grips,
and exquisite attention to
detail in fit, finish, and
workmanship.
Dan Wesson
MODEL: V-Bob
MSRP: $2,077
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.45 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 35.2 oz
Special Features: Ceramic-base
finish
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Ed Brown
MODEL: Kobra
WEBSITE:
www.edbrown.com
MSRP: $2195
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features: Novak-style combat sights
This full-size, factory-custom 1911 is milled with snake-
skin-pattern serrations on the slide and front strap of the
grip for positive grippingand to give it the custom Kobra
look. An extended frame safety is easily disengaged when
youre ready to fire, and the combat style sights are fast
and accurate.
Guncrafter Industries
MODEL: CCO
WEBSITE:
www.guncrafterindustries.com
MSRP: $2795
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length:
4.75 in
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 33 oz
Special Features:
Tritium no-snag sights
A superbly crafted handgun built on the 1911 frame, the
4.75-inch barreled CCO offers a full-size handgun without
the extra ounces and length of some larger 1911s...while
retaining top features like the Tritium night sights,
enlarged beavertail grip safety, and custom fit and finish.
Ed Brown
MODEL: Kobra Carry Lightweight
WEBSITE: www.edbrown.com
MSRP: $2920
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.75 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 27 oz
Special Features: Front night sight, cocobolo grips
1911 features slim cocobolo
grips to present more
intuitive ergonomics for this
with medium and smaller
hands, and the shorter slide
and barrel save a lithe on
weight while helping you
transit more quickly
between multiple targets.
Kimber
MODEL: Eclipse Custom
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $1289
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.25 in
Weight: 38 in
Special Features: Meprolight night
sights, front serrations
A factory-custom concealed carry pistol from a
vaunted name in personal protection 1911s, the Eclipse
Custom from Kimber is a 38-ounce (empty) full-size 1911
with adjustable sights and exquisite attention to detail
like the brushed-polish finish over the stainless steel
frame and slide, accentuated by black components and
rich wood grips that are checkered for firm gripping in all
weather. These are designed for true aficionados.
This commander-
size 1911 comes with
Crimson Trace Master
Series Laser Grips
already installed, and
features a bobbed
grip to help aid in
concealment. The
aluminum, match-
grade trigger is light
and responsive.
Kimber
MODEL: Tactical Entry II
WEBSITE: www.kimberamerica.com
MSRP: $1490
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Ambidextrous frame-
mounted safety, deluxe sights
This is a 1911 for those who need an
ultra-compact 1911 that measures only 4.75
inches tall (90 degrees to barrel, they say)
by 6.8 inches long. At 25oz unloaded, its
not the lightest subcompact...but much of
that weight comes from the bushingless
steel match-grade barrel and durable steel
slide atop the matte black aluminum
frame. With the beavertail grip safety,
cocked-and-locked -capable carry mode,
snag-free target-style sights, and 7+1
capacity, this has the features of a full-size
1911...scaled down nicely.
Kimber
MODEL: Master Carry Pro
MSRP: $1568
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.25 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Crimson Trace Master
Series Laser Grips
This full-size 1911 features
many custom upgrades in its
production form, including
low-profile combat-style
sights, an ambidextrous
safety, tactical rail, and
superior fit and finish.
Kimber
MODEL: Ultra Crimson Carry II
MSRP: $1206
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.75 in
Weight: 25 oz
Special Features: Match-grade barrel,
snag-free sights
FULL FRAME SEMIS
Les Baer
MODEL: SRP
WEBSITE:
www.lesbaer.com
MSRP: $2590
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features:
Similar to FBI contract
model
Les Baer
MODEL: Boss 1911
WEBSITE: www.lesbaer.com
MSRP: $2109
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Chrome frame
Les Baer
MODEL: Premier II
WEBSITE: www.les-
baer.com
MSRP: $1790
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features:
Adjustable target-
style sights
Les Baer
MODEL: Premier II Super Tac
WEBSITE: www.lesbaer.com
MSRP: $2280
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features:
DuPont custom finish
This custom 1911 is a full-frame, factory-custom pistol
featuring adjustable night sights, wooden grips, ergonomic
safeties and slide release, and a special black DuPont S
finish for extended service life in rough environments.
Known for their
custom pistols for
competition and
dutylike their FBI
contract 1911sLes
Baer is a vaunted
name in combat
handguns. This model
is quite similar to the
one they designed for
the FBI, featuring
target-grade accuracy
and streamlined
controls.
The Premier II features
components desirable to
target shooters, like
adjustable target sights,
an extended and
ambidextrous safety, and
front slide serrations.
A chrome frame helps the
Boss 1911 withstand every day
use next to your salty body,
and the full-length barrel
helps achieve high velocities
and good accuracy.
Para USA
MODEL: USA PXT 1911
WEBSITE: www.para-usa.com
MSRP: $1149
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 14+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.6 in
Height: 5.75 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Extended
mag well, adjustable sights
Olympic Arms
MODEL: Westerner
WEBSITE: www.olyarms.com
MSRP: $1033.50
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.75 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 39 oz
Special Features: Faux-ivory
laser-etched grips
This wide-body 1911
features a double stack
magazine for .45 ACP, accom-
modating fourteen rounds in
each. It features many target-
type accessories, like the
Novak Extreme Duty
adjustable sights, extended
oversize magazine well, fiber
optic front sight, and more.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: 1911 Carry Scorpion
MSRP: $1,213
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 7.7 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 35 oz
Special Features: Low profile night
sights, Hogue grips
FULL FRAME SEMIS
A full-sized 1911, the
faux-ivory grips lend an air
of class and sophistication
to this defensive handgun.
This top-end concealed
carry 1911 features Hogue G-10
grips and low profile combat-
style night sights, along with
an ambidextrous safety and
an accessory rail to make it a
thoroughly modern carry gun.
This is the civilian
equivalent of that
issued to Navy aviators
and many specialized
personnel across the
US Armed Forces.
Slightly smaller than
the standard issue M9,
it shoots the same
round, has the same
capacity, and has a
decocker...but is a Sig
Sauer pistol born and
bred!
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P210
MSRP: $2199
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.6 in
Weight: 37.4 oz
sights, wood grips
This full-size 9mm is
designed as a primary arm
for those whose duty
requires them to be well
armed with a full-sized,
full-featured pistol. The
frame-mounted thumb
safety is reminiscent of
1911 models, and unlike
other Sig Sauer models,
this one lacks the
decocking lever.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: M11-A1
MSRP: $1,125
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.1 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.4 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: SIGLITE night sights,
decocker
This single-stack
9mm features
comfortable and
attractive wooden grips
with decorative
accents to make a dis-
tinctive pistol intended
for target shooting, and
providing full-frame,
plush comfort for those
who can conceal a
full-frame pistol of
distinction and class.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P226 X-Five Tactical
MSRP: $1,696
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.8 in
Width: 1.6 in
Height: 5.7 in
Weight: 36 oz
Special Features: Thumb safety,
accessory rail
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: SW1911 SC E-Series
MSRP: $1369
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Scandium
alloy frame, round butt
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: SW1911 Bobtail Carry
MSRP: $1539
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Relieved slide, fish scale slide
With a stainless steel slide for
durability, and a scandium alloy
frame for light weight, this
custom-style 1911 evokes a sense
of Smith & Wessons Performance
Center in a production gun.
Classic in most every way, this gun
is modified for concealed carry by
virtue of its rounded gripthat
helps it print less under clothing,
and ride more comfortably on
your hip.
Springfield Armory
MODEL: Range Officer
MSRP: $1099
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Stainless
steel match grade barrel
FULL FRAME SEMIS
The new Smith & Wesson Custom Shop
SW1911 Bobtail Carry pistol debuted at the
SHOT Show to a thunderous reception. It offers
light-for-style weight, full 8+1 capacity, and a
bobtailed Commander-sized frame that makes
concealed carry simple.
Springfield Armory makes many fine
1911-pattern pistols, represented quite well
by this full-size 1911. The long, stainless
steel match grade barrel helps make the
most of the .45 ACP cartridge, while
working with the long sight radius tactical
sights to deliver solid accuracy.
STI
MODEL: Guardian
WEBSITE: www.stiguns.com
MSRP: $1135
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: High rise
beavertail safety, officer length
Renowned for their competition 1911s, STI also makes
superb personal protection pistols, represented quite
well by the Guardian, their compact 1911 that is available
in .45 ACP, .40 SW, and 9mm. With a 4 inch barrel and
concomitantly shorter slide, it is slightly lighter than a
full-length for more comfortable carry. The extended
beavertail grip safety, Novak-style combat sights, and
attention to fit, finish, and detail, help ensure reliability
and combat effectiveness.
Wilson Combat
MODEL: X-Tac
WEBSITE: www.wilsoncombat.com
MSRP: $2,760
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.6 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features:
Custom grips
and finish
A super-premium 1911
from a leading maker of the same, the X-Tac features a
fiber optic front sight and combat rear sight, unique grips
and distinctive millingincluding their approach to
checkering the front and back of the grip frame.
STI
MODEL: Tactical
WEBSITE: www.stiguns.com
MSRP: $2045
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 11+1
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.5 in
Weight: 34 oz
Special Features: Front
and rear slide serrations
This defensive handgun packs an outstand-
ing eleven rounds of .45 ACP into its double stack
magazine, and a full range of featuresmany standard,
some optional at time of orderinghelp this standout
arrive ready for personal defenseor defense-oriented
tactical competition.
Wilson Combat
MODEL: X-Tac Compact
WEBSITE: www.wilsoncombat.com
MSRP: $2785
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 41 oz
Special Features:
Combat sights,
unique milling
The compact version of the X-Tac, which retains the
features of that line while shortening the barrel to 4
inches, this X-Tac features unique milling and design
along with combat sights that feature a fiber optic
insert front sight.
Deep Conceals Ultra
Concealed Carry holster uses
two adjustable shoulder
straps and a body band that
adjusts via heavy duty hook-
and-loop closures.
DEEP
CONCEALMENT
PERFECTED
C
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r
t
e
s
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K
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A
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.
By Mike Dickerson
Two
Modern
Shoulder
Holsters
CC_FALL13-84-89-DEEP.BA2CX-CX 8/11/13 11:32 PM Page 84
S
houlder holsters
have long been a
standard-issue item
to both good guys and
bad guys in the movies
and on television. They
enjoy an iconic status in
American culture, and with
good reason. Before con-
cealed carry hip holsters
and gun belts reached an
advanced stage of design,
shoulder holsters enjoyed
great popularity, especially
with those who had to
spend much of their day
seated on the job.
The Air Marshal 3 supports models
ranging from sub-compacts to full
size pistols. It closes in the middle of
the chest and has built-in pockets
on the off side for spare magazine
and handcuffs.
Ultra Concealed Carry Fits:
4 IN 7 IN OVERALL LENGTH
Micro Desert Eagle Ruger LC9 S&W
Bodyguard 380
6.5 IN 9 IN OVERALL LENGTH
Glock 27 Kahr CM9 SIG Sauer P232
CC_FALL13-84-89-DEEP.BA2CX-CX 8/11/13 11:32 PM Page 85
The chief drawback of shoulder holsters is that they
required a covering garment to be worn at all times to
maintain concealment. That didnt work out too well
in hot weather or certain social or work environments.
Often made of heavy, stiff leather, many rigs were
both uncomfortable and conspicuously bulky.
If only someone made a shoulder rig
that you could comfortably wear
beneath a shirt
Well, someone does. Actually,
a couple of companies,
Kangaroo Carry and Deep
Conceal, manufacture several
models of under-shirt holster
rigs. Made of thin, comfort-
able material, theyre
designed to carry a handgun
under the arm but next to the skin
beneath a shirt or blouse. At first
glance, they look like a cross
between a shoulder holster and a
bellyband, but
theyre quite dif-
ferent from
either. The band part of the rig is worn just below
the pectoral muscles and is adjusted to secure the
gun horizontally beneath the arm. The rig is supported
vertically by one or two thin, adjustable straps that
wrap over the shoulder front-to-back. Adjusted
properly, the under-shirt holster and firearm are all but
invisible, especially with small- and medium-frame
guns. Large handguns wil l vanish as well, so long as
youre not wearing a skin-tight shirt.
Ive had the opportunity to wear these holsters for
several months, and I can report that they are, without
question, the most effective and comfortable deep-
concealment rigs Ive ever worn. I frequently wear
them, with complete confidence, in upscale restau-
rants and at social events. I have also, on several
occasions, stood in front of gun-savvy friends,
informed them that I was carrying a pistol and defied
them to guess where I was packing. Not one was
able to guess correctly. When people know with
certainty that youre carrying a gun but cant
guess where, thats about as effective as it gets.
These rigs are ideal for those of us who have a
difficult time concealing medium-to-large hand-
guns without dressing in clothes that make us
look like stick figures dressed in tents. A lot of
impetus for the manufacture of these holster
rigs came from the federal law enforcement
community. Theres a solid clue in the fact that
one popular model is named the Air Marshal.
While these holsters are popular with a variety of
The author
demonstrates
a drawing
technique using
Deep Conceals
Ultra Concealed
Carry holster,
Cabelas tac-
tical shirt
with faux
buttons and
snaps, and a
Springfield Armory
XDs .45 ACP.
Kangaroo Carry Fits:
MICRO HOLSTER
Beretta Pico Kahr P380 Ruger LCP
STANDARD TWO
J Frame S&W Ruger LCR Kahr compacts
AIR MARSHALL THREE
1911s Glocks S&W M&Ps
CC_FALL13-84-89-DEEP.BA2CX 8/7/13 12:31 AM Page 86
law enforcement and military clients,
you dont yet see them in wide-
spread use in the civilian population.
Of course, thats partly due to the
fact that you literally cant see them.
It may also be due, in part, to what
my wife jokingly calls their man bra
appearance. If youre leery of trying
one due to their appearance, get
over it. No ones ever going to see it
unless you want them to.
Of course, all modes of concealed
carry involve some sort of tradeoff.
There are a couple of tradeoffs with
these under-shirt rigs, but they can
be easily dealt with. First, because
guns are carried beneath the arm
and next to the skin, they can be
exposed to a significant amount of
sweat and salt. The cure is to simply
wipe down and lubricate the gun
more frequently, which is a good
idea for a carry gun anyway.
A more serious issue is draw
speed and safety. These rigs are
inherently slower to draw from than
belt holsters because you may need
to partially unbutton your shirt to
reach the gun. That can be over-
come with practice and with some
minor wardrobe modifications or
specialized shirts. The draw
sequence I prefer with these rigs
goes like this:
First, take a step back with the leg
beneath the arm you draw with.
Simul taneously raise the elbow of
the gun-side arm into a blocking
position to keep it clear of the muz-
zle. You can, if youre wearing a
shirt with Velcro closures or snaps,
pull the front open with your hand
as youre raising your elbow. Knife
your draw hand through the front of
the shirt and grip the handgun,
keeping your finger clear of the trig-
ger. Draw the gun up and across the
chest, muzzle pointed down and
forward to avoid covering anyone off
to the side with the muzzle. Thrust
the gun forward and bring the raised
hand into supporting position in one
smooth movement into a Weaver
stance. It sounds more complicated
than it is, but can quickly be mas-
tered with practice.
Y O U C A N C A R RY
P E A C E O F MI N D
N O M A T T E R
WH AT S O N H I S.
The TAC-XPD Defense Bullet from Barnes, the optimized solution for
carry or home defense. Engineered to deliver top performance in life-
threatening situations. Techni-Crom plated cases and coated, all-copper
bu||ets produce smooth, re|iab|e ring with virtua||y no muzz|e ash.
Available in 380 Auto, 9mm Luger,
40 S&W and 45 Auto.
www.barnesbul l ets.com 1-800-574-9200
C
All Kangaroo Carry
under-shirt holsters
have three attach-
ment points for the
single shoulder
strap, allowing
you to position the
gun for maximum
concealment and
comfort.
A very effective draw technique for Kangaroo Carrys Standard II holster. The author is wearing Cabelas tactical shirt and drawing a Kahr CM 9.
Heres a rundown of the models offered by both
manufacturers:
KANGAROO CARRY
The Standard II is an improved version of the original
under-shirt holster created in 1994. Made of heavy
unbleached, natural cotton, the material conforms to
both the firearm and your body with wear. It has a sin-
gle adjustable shoulder strap, and the narrow body
band secures on the side with military spec hook-and-
loop closures. It has front storage pockets to hold a
spare magazine or other items. The pistol pouch has a
sacrificial seam so you can easily enlarge it to accom-
modate pistols with under-barrel laser systems. Its
available in a range of sizes, for right- or left-handed
draw, in black or natural unbleached color. Since I gen-
erally prefer to carry smaller pistols, this minimalist rig
quickly became one of my personal favorites for carry-
ing a Springfield Armory XDs or
Kahr CM9. It will handily accommo-
date a variety of small-to-medium
size handguns.
The Air Marshal 3, a refined ver-
sion of the original model devel-
oped in 1999 to meet the needs of
air marshals, is used by a variety of
law enforcement,
military and civilian clients. It differs
from the standard model in several
important ways. It has a wider body
band to support larger guns, rang-
ing from sub-compacts to full size pistols, including
the most popular models in the Glock, Springfield XD,
and S&W M&P lines. My H&K P2000 carried nicely in
this rig. The body band secures in the center of the
chest, allowing for extra pockets under the off shoul-
der to carry spare magazines and handcuffs. It also
has a firearm retention strap that you can use if you
wish, or simply tuck it out of the way. The pistol pouch
has a sacrificial seam to accommodate guns with
attached lasers or lights. Its available in seven differ-
ent sizes, in black or natural color, for left- or right-
handed draw.
Kangaroo Carry also offers a Micro model. It resem-
bles the Standard II model, but is made to fit specific
firearms such as the Ruger LCP, Sig P238, and Taurus
TCP. A full list is available on the companys web site,
along with instructional videos for all models.
All models have three attachment points for the
shoulder strap to aid in positioning the gun where you
want it to ride.
DEEP CONCEAL
Deep Conceal takes a different approach with its
Universal Harness model, which uses two shoulder
straps and hook-and-loop
closures to adjust both the
body band and the shoulder
straps. It has no pockets or
pouches. These are ordered
separately so that you can
change them as you wish to
carry different guns. They
attach to the harness via
hook-and-loop panels, allow-
ing you to easily adjust posi-
tioning. Available accessories
include a derringer pocket, an
ultra pocket for full-size guns, a compact pocket and
a universal magazine pocket that holds two maga-
zines (see the companys web site for firearms fit
information). All gun pockets come with a firearms
retention strap. The harness is available in black or
white and comes in nine sizes. I tested one with a
These rigs are ideal

for those of us who have a
difficult time concealing
medium-to-large handguns
without dressing in clothes
that make us look like stick
figures dressed in tents.
Fast-Draw Shirts
Wearing a button-up shirt with under-shirt holsters can be a bit tricky since you generally have to unbutton one or two
buttons to reach your gun. Many people address this by sewing buttons on top of the buttonholes and placing Velcro or
snaps in the buttons original position, making it easy to pull the shirt open as you draw. Happily, you can also buy shirts
ready-made for this purpose.
Deep Conceal offers a long-sleeve shirt, with faux buttons and Velcro closures that functions equally well as a dress
or casual shirt. Its made of 55% cotton and 45% polyester, and is available in five sizes, up to 2XL, in solid tan, blue,
and red colors.
For more casual wear, Ive become a real fan of Cabelas tactical shirt. Made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, the
shirts are available in long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions. Each has faux buttons and quick-opening snaps as well
as concealed breakaway snaps in the split hem for quick access to a belt holster. They have ample chest pockets
with hook-and-loop covering flaps. Theres even a hidden, zippered pocket beneath the left chest pocket. I found these
generously cut shirt to be stylish and comfortable, yet versatile and functional, with good freedom of movement.
Theyre available in sizes medium to 2XL, in field khaki, black, and mushroom colors.

compact pocket and found it perfect for carrying my
Springfield Armory XDs .45 ACP.
If you need only one holster for a medium or large
frame handgun, the company offers a more traditional
design in its Ultra Concealed Carry holster model,
which also uses two adjustable shoulder straps and
sewn-on gun pockets with magazine pouches on the
opposite side. Its available in black and white, in nine
sizes and a choice of medium or large gun pockets. I
had no difficulty effectively concealing and comfort-
ably carrying a full-size S&W M&P .40 SW in this rig.
The company also offers a new
rig made specifically for women.
The Lotus for Ladies holster has a
harness that contours to a
womans shape and has smaller,
one-inch webbing. It has
adjustable front and back slides
and a three-inch elastic insert in
the back for a comfortable fit. You
can choose black or white ver-
sions (in left- or
right-hand draw) and
either a small or
medium gun pocket.
The rig has a single
magazine pocket
on the opposite side. Its available
in eight sizes.
In order to effectively utilize the under-shirt holster
rigs from either company, you absolutely have to order
the correct size. You can find detailed instructions for
correct measuring and ordering on each companys
web site.
Whether you prefer the models with
single shoulder straps from Kangaroo
Carry or the double-strap models from
Deep Conceal is mostly a matter of
personal preference. If I had to choose,
Id probably wear the single-strap models
in hot weather and the double-strap
models in cool weather. Otherwise, both
approaches do the job well.
Sources
Cabelas
www.cabelas.com
Deep Conceal
www.deepconceal.com
Kangaroo Carry
www.kangaroocarry.com
Deep Conceals
Ultra Concealed
Carry holster comes
in black or white.
CC
SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
Kel-Tec
MODEL: PF9
WEBSITE: www.keltecweapons.com
MSRP: $333
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 5.9 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 13 oz
Special Features:
Accessory rail,
magazine includes
finger rest
Designed for deep
concealment while
retaining the new
fashion for accessory rails molded into
the dustcover, the PF9 weighs only 18.2
ounces with a full loaded magazine. Pop
another round in the chamber, and youll
have eight rounds of 9mm personal
defense ammunition ready to go.
Taurus
MODEL: 738B
MSRP: $336
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Width: 1.0 in
Weight: 10 oz
Special Features: Extreme light weight
This pocket pistol is Tauruss lightest
handgun, owing much to the polymer frame
and the compact overall dimensiononly 5.25
inches long, it has a 2.84-inch barrel and
extremely low-profile sights.
This class of firearm is usually derived
from much larger semi autos scaled down to
fit the mission for discreet carry. Some man-
ufacturers shorten the grip such that you
can only fit your middle and ring fingers on
the grip, and truncate the barrel and slide to
the absolute minimum they can while main-
taining reliable function and reasonable
velocities.
Some models further shrink themselves
from larger-frame relatives by switching to a
single stack design rather than a double stack
configurationwhich saves a little weight and
around an eighth of an inch or more in grip
width.
The benefit of this approach is that many
sub compact pistols have predominantly sim-
ilar ergonomics, and similar if not identical
controls (like safeties, magazine releases,
and the like) to their large frame counter-
parts. Thus, if youre familiar with a full-size
1911, or Glock, or Springfield XD, youll proba-
bly find the controls on their subcompacts to
be refreshingly similar
which is absolutely critical when you
want to train as youre going to fight, with
skills that carry from one design to another.
Other companies make dedicated sub
compact models built from the first measure-
ment to be tinyand these offer some great
ergonomics that dont feel cut off. Which is
right for you?
Youll just have to test fire a fewand
thats not all bad, is it?Editor
$100-$400
CC_FALL13-90-99_SUBCOMPACTSEMIS-BG.BA2CX 8/7/13 12:37 AM Page 90
Beretta
MODEL: BU9 Nano
MSRP: $475
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 5.6 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features:
Adjustable sights
MODEL:
PX4 Storm Subcompact
WEBSITE:
www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $575
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.2 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Accessory rail
The smallest of Berettas PX4
Storm series of pistols, this
subcompact model comes
chambered in either 9mm or .40
SW (with 10+1 capacity), which is
an enormous amount of ammunition
for a subcompact pistol. Its width
of 1.4-inch belies, its double stack
magazine and ambidextrous
safety/decocker levers.
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$401-$600
Caracal
MODEL: Caracal SC
WEBSITE: www.caracal-usa.com
MSRP: $401
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.34 in
Width: 0.93 in
Height: 4.9 in
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features: Fiber optic
front sight, accessory rail
The smallest Caracal model weve
seen, the SC (for sub compact) is
one of the highest-capacity subcom-
pacts on the market...and still meas-
ures under an inch wide. The low bore
axis helps control recoil, and models
exist with different sight systems to
suit your tastes.
As near as we can tell, this is Berettas first
striker-fired pistol, and their smallest 9mm.
Aimed to fill the sub-compact niche between
their 3032 .32 ACP Tomcat and 9mm PX4
Storm Subcompact. It is only slightly larger
than their Tomcat, but chambered in 9mm.
Beretta
Glock
MODEL: G27
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features:
Safe-action trigger
Kahr
MODEL: CM9
MSRP: $517
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special
Features:
Polymer frame
With a slide width of
just 0.9 inches and an
overall length of 5.42
inches with a height of 4
inches, this is a very, very small 6+1 9mm. The front and
backstraps are stippled to afford you a positive grip, even
as your pinky wraps around underneath the grip as on most
other subcompact handguns.
Glock
MODEL: G33
WEBSITE:
www.glock.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .357 SIG
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features: Chambered
for .357 SIG bottleneck cartridge
Identical to the Glock 27 (.40 SW) and Glock 26
(9mm) in virtually every way save caliber, this pistol
offers a firepower advantage over both by combining the
projectile of a 9mm and the powder load of a .40 SW in
its .357 SIG cartridge.
Magnum
Research
MODEL: Micro Desert Eagle
MSRP: $467
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 4.5 in
Weight: 14 oz
Special Features:
Slight palm swell
The slight palm swell on this
subcompact pistol aids in com-
fortably holding it and effective-
ly firing it, while a protruding
magazine offers a gripping surface to
grasp should the magazine fail to drop free for reloading.
The fixed sights are milled into the frame, and their
no-snag design is unobtrusive.
SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
This easily conceal-
able .40 SW is a true
subcompact in having
an overall length under
7 inches (6.54 inches,
actually) and a height
under 4.5 inches (4.17
inches with standard
magazine), and though
there are narrower
pistols, this 1.18-inch-
thick gun uses double
stack magazines to get
9+1 firepower.
This snappy little 9mm
weighs barely a pound
unloaded at 17.1 ounces, and is
6 inches long by 4.5 inches tall
with its seven-round single
stack magazine. The big win
with this model is the
streamlined snag-free design,
including low profile sights
that Ruger advertises are
adjustable.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: Bodyguard 380
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $419
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.25 in
Weight: 12 oz
Special Features: Polymer frame,
stainless steel slide
Ruger
MODEL: LC9
MSRP: $449
Action: DAP
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.0 in
Width: 0.9 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 17 oz
Special Features: Snag-free
ergonomic design
Among the smallest semis
that Smith & Wesson currently
produces, the Bodyguard 380
has a rear sight similar to that
found on their larger M&P
pistols, and relief channels
moulded into the grip to give
your trigger finger an intuitive,
in-tight position as it engages
the trigger.
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: M&P Shield
MSRP: $449
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7 + 1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 1.0 in
Height: 4.6 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Safety built into trigger

The subcompact-size entry in Smith &
Wessons M&P series, the Shield is available
in 9mm or .40 SW, and has the same features
and ergonomics of the larger pistolsmak-
ing it a perfect backup, deep concealment, or
even primary defensive arm for those who
routinely train with or carry the larger-frame
M&P models.
Taurus
MODEL: 740 Slim
MSRP: $483
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.2 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Very compact,
adjustable sights
This subcompact 9mm
features a double stack
magazine tucked inside a
two-finger grip for 10 rounds
of defensive ammunition in
a very compact package. It
accepts larger Glock 9mm
magazines as well.
This thin subcompact pistol
packs the full-power punch of
.40 SW ammunition, especially
thanks to its long-for-class
3.2-inch barrel. Its adjustable
sights further set it apart, and
the polymer grip helps keep its
weight to 19 ounces unloaded.
Glock
MODEL: G26
MSRP: $690
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features: White
outline rear sight

SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
$601-$800
The subcompact
model in Springfields
popular XD series,
this 9mm accepts a
compact 13-round
magazine or full-size
XD 9mm magazines
for target
practiceand mas-
sive firepower when
you reload.
Springfield
MODEL: XD Subcompact
MSRP: $549
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.25 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.75 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: 30-dot drift-
adujstable/swappable rear sight
Glock
MODEL: G30SF
MSRP: $687
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.9 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.9 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features: Narrower
backstrap for comfort
While stretching the definition of subcompact, this 1.28
inches thick, 7 inches long, 4.45 inches tall pistol is just
about as small as youll get with a double stack .45 ACP that
delivers 10 rounds per magazine.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P232
MSRP: $649
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.6 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.7 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Non-slip grips
Available with standard or SIGLITE night sights,
this concealable .380 has a very comfortable grip to
aim in accuracy by way of encouraging a comfort-
able, consistent grip even under duress.
Glock
MODEL: G39
MSRP: $614
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 GAP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.2 in
Height: 4.2 in
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features: .45 GAP in
subcompact frame
This subcompact
pistol packs six rounds
of forty-five-caliber
ammunition into its
magazine; with one in the
chamber, thats seven
shots of forty-five on
hand. The .45 GAP
cartridge approximates
the ballistic performance
of the .45 ACP, but in a
slightly shorter cartridge
with slightly different
pressures, it can be
chambered in
subcompact 9mm/.40
SW size frames,
like this one.
This subcom-
pact, 1911-styled
single action is Sig
Sauers deep-
concealment
option for those
who prefer cocked-
and-locked carry.
The trigger pull is
short, but at 7.5
pounds, heavy
enough to
discourage acci-
dental shots. Now
its available in
different colors,
finishes, and
designs, like
Tribal.
Sig
Sauer
MODEL: P238
MSRP: $693
Action: SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 15 oz
Special Features: Cocked-and-
locked single action carry
MODEL: Chiefs Special Auto
MSRP: $782
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Special Features: Three-dot
combat-style sights
The slide-mounted safety/decocker is one of the
smart features of this subcompact DA/SA defensive
9mm; the three-dot combat-style sights further
enhance its utility.
Smith
& Wesson
Colt
MODEL: New Agent
O7810DA
WEBSITE:
www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $992
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.75 in
Width: 1.3 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: Double
action 1911-pattern
subcompact
From the legendary name in .45 ACP 1911 pistols
comes this subcompact model with a very big difference:
a double action only trigger. The trench-style sight helps
you get the rounds on target, and the carbon steel slide
rides atop an aluminum receiver.
Walther
MODEL: PPK
WEBSITE: www.waltheramerica.com
MSRP: $626
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.1 in
Width: 1.0 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 22.4 oz
Special Features: Classic
defensive pistol
The classic defensive pistol made
famous by James Bond, the Walther PPK is
eminently suitable for many concealed
carry roles. Its sleek profile promotes
snag-free operation, while the hammer
is grooved for manual cocking if you prefer
to avoid the longer double action first shot trigger pull.
Kahr
MODEL: PM45
MSRP: $855
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 5+1
Length: 5.8 in
Width: 1 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: White bar-dot enhanced sights
A very slim pistol for a .45 ACP, this compact model
measures just 1.01 inches wide across the slide and
accepts a single-stack magazine filled with five rounds
of full-power .45 ACP. At 5.79 inches long and 4.49
inches high, it is easily concealable, and even has room
for your pinky.
SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
$801-$1000
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P290 Laser
MSRP: $828
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features: Integral laser
A very streamlined Sig Sauer sub-
compact, this P290 offers seven
onboard rounds (six in the magazine
plus one in the chamber) of full-power
9mm you can direct with your choice of
SIGLITE Night Sights or by way of the integral laser
the features that give it an edge over other out-of-the-
box subcompacts.
Sig Sauer
MODEL: P938
MSRP: $823
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 5.9 in
Width: 1.1 in
Height: 3.9 in
Weight: 16 oz
Special Features: SIGLITE
night sites
Easy to conceal, impossible to
ignore, is their quite apt slogan for this
subcompact personal defensive arm
from legendary pistolsmith Sig
Sauer. With SIGLITE night sights, a
familiar single action cocked-and-
locked-carry functionality, and snag-free
design, its ready straightaway.
Colt
MODEL: Defender 7002D
WEBSITE:
www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $1,015
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.75 in
Width: 1.3 in
Weight: 25 oz
Special Features: Novak Low-Mount carry sights
For those who want to carry a sub-compact 1911
frame pistol, there is an increasing market to choose
from...and increasingly, more non-.45 ACP calibers as
well. With an 8+1 round capacity and Novak Low-Mount
carry sights, this little pistol brings the Colt name and
classic 1911 style to a whole new subcompact package.
$1000+
ParaUSA
MODEL: Warthog
WEBSITE:
www.para-usa.com
MSRP: $999
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: Fiber optic front sight,
extended beavertail grip safety
A truly subcompact 1911, the Warthog accepts
10-round magazines, or lesser-capacity maga-
zines for more discrete carry. Deluxe sights and
attention to detail, including an extended
beavertail grip safety and fiber optic front sight,
enhance its utility as a concealed carry pistol.
Para USA
MODEL: Stealth
WEBSITE: www.para-usa.com
MSRP: $1339
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features:
Combat-style sights
This subcompact pis-
tol combines a functional
beavertail grip safety
with combat-style sights and other features of a full-size
1911, in a more concealable packagethat features a
rather unique for a 1911-pattern pistol DAO trigger.
Springfield
MODEL: EMP
MSRP: $1,345
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.6 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.8 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Diamond-
pattern cocobolo grips
From a heavy-hitting name in 1911s
comes this micro 9mm with a total ten round
capacity and fixed tritium three-dot sights.
Springfield
MODEL: Micro Compact
MSRP: $1,247
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 5.0 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: High-hand beavertail grip safety
This subcompact 1911-pattern pistol features the
features and ergonomics that 1911 users expect, shrunken
down to 6.5 inches in length and 24 ounces unloaded.
SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
Sig
Sauer
MODEL: P224
MSRP: $1125
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 6.7 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 25.4 oz
Special Features: Palm swell, double stack maga-
zine
This short, light Sig Sauer subcompact features a dou-
ble stack magazine that holds 11 rounds of 9mm (or 10
rounds of .40 SW or .357 SIG), snag-free sights, and the
general look and ergonomics of Sig Sauer handguns...in a
miniscule package that doesnt skimp on firepower.
CC_FALL13_99 8/6/13 11:42 PM Page 99
CONCEALMENT
HOLSTERS
BLADE TECH AT THE RANGE & ON THE STREET
Story & Photos By Editor
A
good holster holds your
firearm securely when
you dont need it, and
lets it go easily enough when
you do. A great holster holds
your firearm securely during vig-
orous movement, disappears
completely under real-world
cover garments (no extra-long
photographers vests), and
releases your handgun only
when you mean to draw it.
Blade-Tech makes some good
holsters, and a few great ones.
We wanted to check out their
practical/tactical crossover Black
ICE OWB holster, see whats up
with the state of the art in
mounting hardware (for attach-
ing holsters and mag holders to
your belt), and check in to see
whats new with these guys. What
we found is some really cool gear
thats worth your attention.
FOR LIFE &
TRAINING
Innovation
Blade-Tech reportedly got
their start with knives and the
sheaths for them, and got
onboard in a big way with the
drive to use Kydex for firearm
holsters. According to the annu-
al gear survey the IDPA does at
their national match, Blade-Tech
holsters now enjoy a huge fol-
lowing among dedicated defen-
sive competition shooters...
...who by and large are con-
cealed carry practitioners, too.
Thus, its a very good idea for
them to acquire holsters that
serve admirably for concealed
carry and also qualify as compe-
tition-legal equipment. Blade-
Tech makes a number of these
models, and each model can be
specially made for just about
any common defensive hand-
gun, meaning that you can get a
trim holster for your compact
and the same angle, cant, and
style, holster for your larger
competition gun. Train like
youre going to fight, right?
What are truly special among
Blade-Tech holsters, though, are
their belt-mounting options. Tim
The DD/OS drop for
Tek-Lok interface
holsters lowers your
holster perfectly to get
around bulky clothing,
bulky midsections,
or make drawing
comfortable for those
with limited range of
motion.
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According to the annual
gear survey the IDPA does at
their national match, Blade-Tech
holsters now enjoy a huge
following among dedicated
defensive competition
shooters...
CC_FALL13-100-103-BLADE.BA2 8/6/13 4:22 AM Page 100

Wegner & Robert Terzuola invented
the Tek-Lok system that Blade-Tech
utilizes extensively, which is extreme-
ly popular among practical shooters
and offers a lot for concealed carry
work between range trips.
Tek-Lok
The Tek-Lok system allows you to
mount mag holders, holsters, and
other belt-carried gear (which is
threaded for the screws that interface
with the Tek-Lok) with a secure
connection to your belt. Thats not
special. What is, is that this connec-
tion clamps the holster (or mag hold-
er) in place on common-thickness
and duty belts, has removable spac-
ers that let you raise or lower the
units ride on your belt (as do the
mounting positions of the screws that
hold the Tek-Lok to the unit, in many
cases), and in many cases, you can
change the cant of your holster or
mag holder by attaching it to a differ-
ent series of holes on the Tek-Lok.
But its real utility comes in how it
attaches and detaches from your
belt in seconds, without you having
to remove your belt (though it helps
if you loosen it a little). That means
you can clip on or remove your hol-
ster or other gear without unthread-
ing your belt from your pants, and/or
without removing other gear from
the beltcrucial for taking your hol-
ster off at the office without drop-
ping your trousers, or adapting your
competition load-out to the stage
without having to venture all the way
over to the safe table.
Black ICE
This holster is designed as an all-
purpose outside the waistband hol-
ster (OWB) for those in confined
spaces (such as vehicles or behind
desks), those with restricted range
of motion, and by virtue of design,
competitions. It is a basic Kydex
open-topped holster with a friction
bump that retains the pistol during
vigorous movement (and does so
very well), but otherwise does not
secure the gun.
Its main design feature is the
two-inch deep relief on the front of
the holster, where wings protrude up
to protect both sides of the trigger
guard and slide. The pistol need
only be drawn 3.5 inches (on our
test model for a Glock 35) before the
muzzle can rotate forwards and
clear the holsterthe whole gun
need not clear the top of the wings,
meaning that you need not draw it
as high as if removing the gun from
most other holster designs. This is a
boon to those with shoulder issues,
or those who simply cant move
their arms that much in that vector
due to their operating environment.
The holster attaches to virtually
all-mounting hardware Blade-Tech
offers, including the Tek-Lok,
Stingray Loop, paddle system, and
three-inch duty loop system. Most of
those can be customized with
removable spacers to fit narrow
dress belts up to 2.25-inch wide
duty belts.
DD/OS Drop
Were particularly taken with the
DD/OS Gen 2, a clever device that
puts the holster somewhat lower
than belt height, but higher (and
much more comfortable) than a
thigh holster. The unit drops the
OWB Blade-Tech holster to which

When clamped to a duty belt, the Blade-
Tech Black ICE holster and Revolution Mag
Pouches make a dynamic, well-integrated
practical/tactical competition rig.
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The Black ICE holster, with DD/OS Drop
and a Tek-Lok installed. You can just tell the
holsters grip-out cant.
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The Eclipse OWB Holster can easily be modi-
fied for tuckable inside the waistband carry
with the addition of these belt mounts.
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The Tek-Lok utilizes spacers that secure it
to various belt sizes, and micro-adjust the
ride up and down relative to the belt. They
are universal to holsters/pouches/etc with
Tek-Lok-pattern mounting holes.
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The Black ICE Holster, ready to be mounted
to a paddle, Tek-Lok, or belt-slide system
for custom carry.
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you attach it nearly three inches,
and offsets your pistol .5 inches
from your body, and ever so slightly
cants the grip away from your leg
(so that you have a little more room
between it and your body). This
makes it strictly verboten for IDPA,
but convenient for other
practical/tactical competitions and
hugely useful for open carry with
thick clothing, coats, tactical gear,
etc...and we like where it puts our
gun when riding an ATV.
Most belt holsters are a pain in the
derriere when drawing with a coat
on (or body armor or tactical vest),
but in field testing (during incongru-
ously hot weather) the DD/OS Drop,
teamed with a good holster (the
Black ICE), put the gun far enough
below those impediments and
angled it away from them such that
you can quickly and easily draw
despite the encumbering layers.
Mag Holders
Blade-Techs mag
holders come in
three flavors. The
Eclipse line is specifi-
cally designed for
concealed carry, and
their E-Loop mount
pulls them into your
body for discrete
wear. Looking at the
unit sideways, your
belt snakes around
the backside of the
mags, rather than
running flat along the
backside. They are available in dou-
ble or single mag pouches.
The Classic comes in single and
double mag varieties, and mounts to
Tek-Loks or anything with similarly
spaced and threaded holes. The
choice for competitions, with utility
for everyday carry as well, they are
available in single and double mag
capacity.
Revolution pouches are their
lower-priced single- and double-
mag pouches that interface with vir-
tually all of their modular mounting
systems. They serve extremely well
for carry and competition.
Each pouch uses a bolt to adjust
for retention pressure, but otherwise
has no provision for retaining the
magazinewhich is not a shortcom-
ing by any means.
Eclipse OWB Holster
The defining trait of the Eclipse
series (of holsters and mag pouches)
is the placement of the belt loops
(which you can select as either 1.5-
inch or 1.75-inch). On their holster, the
inside edge of the loops project just
farther than the holster body enough
to conform to the curve of the aver-
age shooters body, such that they
and the holster make three points of
contact with your skin. This position-
ing also uses the belt to pull the hol-
ster into the body for a particularly flat
profile that combats printing.
The holster is molded with full pro-
tection up over the ejection port, to
protect your gun from the ele-
ments...and a contoured projection
extending two inches up from the
confluence of the two sides of the
holster (which are riveted together in
The Revolution Double Mag Pouch here carries two Glock
magazines exactly where the shooters wants them, and single
Revolution Mag Pouches are stacked behind for auxiliary support.
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The Klipt Appendix Holster is a straightfor-
ward IWB clip-style holster with several
clever design features...which can hide in
not-too-obvious places on your body.
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The Revolution Double Mag Pouch is the
lower-cost solution that matches your other
Kydex gear and serves just fine.
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The Eclipse OWB Holster features a conven-
ient cant and cover that extends well above
your ejection port.
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With regular belt loops, the Eclipse OWB
Holster uses its contoured design to snug the
gun to your side for a flat, print-inhibiting ride.
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one place and feature a tension
adjustment bolt safely forward of the
trigger guard). This projection keeps
the rearmost part of your gun from
digging into your side (or picking up
sweat from your skin), without hin-
dering your draw...which youll have
to make higher than on many other
holster models to clear the extra
material. Its a tradeoff that works
well for some shooters, and results
in a nice, flat-riding OWB holster.
Klipt Appendix Holster
A minimalist holster, these are
designed to beas the name
impliesclipped inside of your
pants for a snug IWB fit. The holster
is designed to be sleek and offer a
very low-drag draw (with secure
retention in the fully-holstered posi-
tion), and a protrusion on the side
against your skin rises exactly an
inch above the clearance point to
keep the rear of your slide from dig-
ging into your skin. The holster cov-
ers the entire trigger guardas do
each of the Blade-Tech holsters we
testedand is made of a single
piece of Kydex folded once and
pinned together with a rivet. There is
no tension adjustment bolt, but for
appendix carry or other IWB carry,
we found the draw to be fine as-is.
The most interesting feature is the
belt clip itself: the hook underneath
the clip is aggressive enough to
catch on the belt-area seam on
many pants, if you choose to forego
the belt (or wear it over the clip for
even greater concealment...though
this isnt terribly relevant for a non-
tuckable holster).
We wore it for awhile in the appen-
dix-carry position, and couldnt get
over the jitters of having our pistol
pointed right at...where these things
point. But, it has undeniable utility for
those who lack a protruding stomach
and find themselves sitting in a car in
places where they might need to
fight off carjackers. Even on a motor-
cycle (where you can sit upright,
rather than the hunched-forward
crotch rockets) this style of carry
works well with this holster, as your
shirt is pressed against it rather than
flapping and billowing behind and
above other carry locations.

The Eclipse OWB holster is designed with a
tab that extends up to protect your side from
the rearmost portion of your slide...and your
gun from your salty skin.
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The Revolution single and double mag pouch-
es use adjustable retention devises to hold
magazines securely inside with friction.
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The extremely long snout on this Eclipse OWB
Holster covers the long slide of a Glock 35,
and provides coverage well back beyond the
ejection port.
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The Revolution Mag Pouch holds a single dou-
ble stack magazine securely under adjustable
tension without need for a retention strap.
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The author practices mag changes with
the Revolution Mag Holders until out of
magazines...which takes awhile!
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Contact Blade-Tech
Blade-Tech Industries
5530 184th St E
Puyallup, WA 98375
877.331.5793
www.blade-tech.com
Prices*
*which may vary depending on your
chosen configuration
Tek-Lok
MSRP: $12.99
Black ICE Holster
MSRP: $69.99
DD/OS Drop
MSRP: $12.99
Eclipse Double Mag Pouch
MSRP: $49.99
Classic Double Mag Pouch
MSRP: $54.99
Revolution Double Mag Pouch
MSRP: $29.99
Eclipse OWB Holster
MSRP: $69.99
Klipt Appendix Holster
MSRP: $44.99
CC
T
he most powerful handgun cartridges are
designed for revolvers, where their
rimmed cases help with extraction and
their sheer bulk is no obstacle to cycling or
design...because theyre contained in a rotating
cylinder that can be strengthened to take car-
tridges up to and including various .50 calibers.
When you want the absolute most
power-per-round possible on your hip, a
revolver is what you need...and a full-size
model is a must. With the cylinder indexed
as part of the double action trigger pull (or
by manually cocking the hammer), there
are no cycling or feeding issues related to
ammunition, even if you choose to practice
with seriously downloaded target ammunition.
Just point, pull the trigger, and boom.
Every time.
Shooters love the reliability and straight-
forward option of revolvers, and thats helped
keep them a strong choice for concealed carry
and even some uniformed carry though the
modern market is full of semis. It doesnt take
long to train a shooter on a revolver, and there
is no slide to manually cycle (a consideration
for those with hand injuries, arthritis, or
related concerns), which add to the allure.
Though the technology iswell established,
lets sayfull-size revolvers still hold a strong
place in the concealed carry community!
Editor
Charter
Arms
MODEL: Bulldog Pug
MSRP: $414
Action: DAO
Caliber: .44 SPL
Capacity: 5
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features: Bobbed hammer design
For those with an affinity for the .44 special cartridge, and
the ability to place its projectiles where they want them, this
offers serious firepower in a package that is still concealable.
The .44 special cartridge has excellent personal defense
loads, and some that are also suited for defense against
dangerous animals for hikers, hunters, and campers.
$401-$600
FULL SIZE REVOLVERS
CC_FALL13-104-109-FULLSIZEREV-BG.BA2NEW 8/6/13 4:45 AM Page 104
MODEL: 4510
MSRP: $587
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 COLT/.410 bore
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 9.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features: 3-inch chambers
This model is ready to accept 3-inch
.410 bore shotshells, along with shorter
shotshells and a wide range of .45
COLT loads. The fiber optic front sight
speeds target acquisition, and the
grips are designed to decelerate the
revolver under recoil.
MODEL: R971
WEBSITE: www.rossiusa.com
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Weight: 32 oz
sights, molded grips
Rossis R971 is
their standard double
action .357, with the
upgraded advantage
of having adjustable
sights...and their
grips are ergonomi-
cally molded to per-
fectly fit a large range
of shooters hands.
Taurus
Tauruss 4-inch bar-
reled 65 is a standard size,
standard weight, standard
configuration .357
Magnum for those who
want six double action
shots available with the
most straightforward
operation possible.
Taurus
MODEL: 65
MSRP: $547
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 10.5 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 38 oz
Special Features: Full-size
stippled grip
Rossi
FULL SIZE REVOLVERS
Taurus
MODEL: Public Defender
MSRP: $620
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 COLT / .410 bore
Capacity: 5
Length: 9 in
Weight: 28.2 oz
Special Features: Fires 2.5-inch .410
bore shotshells or .45colt rounds
In the world of .45
COLT/ .410 bore shotpis-
tols, the 3-inch chambers
on the Judge 3" Mag
make it stand out: the
pistol can take 3-inch
.410 bore shotshells...
which pack five 000
buckshot pellets p
er shell, and includes
some other serious
defensive rounds.
Taurus
Taurus's enormously popular
Judge series of revolverss
includes this Public Defender
model, which puts a carry-length
2.5-inch barrel onto a frame that
fires 2.5-inch .410 bore shotshells
or .45 COLT rounds. This makes it
a highly effective snake gun on
top of being a very popular per-
sonal defense gun.
$601-$800
MODEL: Judge 3 Mag
MSRP: $695
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 9.5 in
Weight: 37 oz
Special Features: Fires 3-inch .410
bore shotshells or .45colt rounds
This unique .357
magnum, fires from
the bottom cylinder,
which greatly lowers
the bore axis for
increased recoil
control and faster
follow-up shots.
With a fiber optic
front sight and
adjustable rear sight,
you can get on target
quickly...and the
distinctive wooden
grips are surprisingly
ergonomic and
comfortable.
Smith & Wesson
With six rounds
onboard, this is a .45 colt
/ .410 bore revolver to be
reckoned with. Modern
personal defensive
ammunition for those
shotshells turns it into a
unique and dramatic
personal defense
revolver, while the ability
to shoot .45 colt and .45
acp (courtesy of moon
clips) extends its utility
much farther.
Chiappa
MODEL: Rhino 40DS
WEBSITE:
www.chiappafirearms.com
MSRP: $775
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 8.5 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Fires
from bottom cylinder,
concealed hammer
Ruger
MODEL: SP101
MSRP: $699
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 3 in
Length: 9.12 in
Weight: 29.5 oz
Special Features: Fiber optic
front sight, adjustable rear sight
Rugers famous SP101 is the base for
several defensive and hunting models,
including this 3-inch barreled model
that is right at home protecting you on
a camping trip, hunting adventure, or for
daily carry.
MODEL: Governor
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $769
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 6
Length: 8.5 in
Width: 1.75 in
Height: 5.5 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Accepts .410
shotshells, .45 colt, and .45 acp
FULL SIZE REVOLVERS
$801+
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson
This unique stainless steel
revolver was designed for,
and in part by, Jerry Miculek,
the famous competitive
shooter. It holds six rounds of
.40 SW ammunition, courtesy
of moon clips, and features a
wide trigger and target sights
that put it right at home in
your hand.
This classic-styled double
action revolver features the
industry-standard six rounds
of .357 Magnum in its cylinder,
but goes the extra mile with
deluxe wooden grips, target
sights, and modern produc-
tion materials and features
that update the classic
concept in an elegant way.
For shooters who insist
on their personal defensive
caliber starting with a four,
this six-shot .44 Magnum
puts an enormous amount
of power in your hand. Target
sights help you get those
shots on target, and it
accepts .44special rounds
for reduced-power practice.
MODEL: M625 JM
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $979
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 40 oz
target-style sights
MODEL: 586
MSRP: $809
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 9.25 in
Weight: 41 oz
Special Features: Red ramp front sight
MODEL: M629
MSRP: $989
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .44 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 5 in
Length: 10.5 in
Weight: 44.3 in
Special Features: Target sights
This full-size double action revolver puts six
rounds of .44 Mag ammunition in your hand, and
uses Taurus's cushioned insert grip to lessen the
punishment of shooting full-power ammunition. You
can practice with .44 SPL rounds, of course, or carry
.44 SPL defensive loads, too.
Smith & Wesson
Ruger
The combination of a .44
Magnum cartridge and this
double action revolver that
puts six of them in your
hand is a formidable form
of defense against wild
beasts with two or four
legs, whether youre in the
back of beyond or just your
own backyard.
Taurus
MODEL: 444
MSRP: $810
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .44 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 9.8 in
Width: 1.8 in
Height: 6.3 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: Cushioned insert grip
to help tame recoil, fiber optic front sight
No longer in current
production, but still available
for those who appreciate its
unique merits, the Night
Guard combined full-sized
Pachmyr grips with an
astounding eight-shot
capacity to create a .357
Magnum that truly rivaled
the firepower of defensive
semis with limited capacity
magazines.
MODEL: Super Redhawk Alaskan
MSRP: $1079
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .44 MAG
Capacity: 6
Length: 7.6 in
Weight: 45 oz
Special Features: Adjustable rear sight
MODEL: Night Guard
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $1,153
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 8
Length: 7.75 in
Weight: 29 oz
Special Features: tritium front
sight, Pachmayr grips
4 Steps
to Concealed Carry Success
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CC_FALL13-110-115-STEPS.BA2 8/6/13 4:55 AM Page 110
G
un writers have a tendency to complicate things. We look
at every angle and examine every approach, focusing on
nuances of firearms, shooting, reloading, and tactics. Im
guilty of this myself; when I wrote The Shooters Bible Guide to
Concealed Carry I set out to produce a text that was simple and
straightforward regarding the most basic principles of selecting
and learning to properly shoot and carry a handgun, and the final
product was over 200 pages.
LEFT: Proper instruction can
make you a better shooter.
Find an instructor that
understands how to work
with new shooters and
who is patient and clear in
their instruction. INSET:
Practice helps you become
comfortable with your gun
and diagnose accuracy
problems.
The volume of information avail-
able about defensive carry is
tremendous, but sometimes its
simply too tremendous. It can over-
whelm new shooters whove read a
hundred forum discussions on the
best caliber for defensive carry.
Lets try for a moment to simpli-
fy concealed carry to its most
basic elements. Whether you are
a new shooter or an experienced
hand, here are four basic steps to
successful concealed carry.
1.
SELECTING THE
RIGHT GUN
This step is much more compli-
cated than it may initially seem,
and shooters can be confused by
too much advice from well-inten-
tioned friends who consider them-
selves gun experts. One person
may suggest a small caliber
revolver like a .22 magnum, and
the next person you speak to may
suggest that anything less than
the mighty .45 ACP is tantamount
to hitting someone with a flyswat-
ter. The truth is, that caliber is
only one component in the selec-
tion of a concealed carry gun.
Most importantly, you have to
have a gun that you feel comfort-
able with. It has to fit well in your
hand and you have to be able to
handle the recoil. Mechanically
speaking, the simplest concealed
carry guns are revolvers because
they are easier to maintain and are
less likely to jam than semi-autos.
Semi-autos have a higher ammu-
nition capacity than revolvers, and
the narrow dimensions of a com-

By Brad Fitzpatrick
Get a Grip!
The nuances of grip and stance vary, but some tenants hold true no mat-
ter whether you are shooting from a Weaver or isosceles stance. First, the
gun should come up to align with your line of sight. I see a lot of shooters
(particularly new shooters) who want to meet their gun halfway, dipping
their head down to find the sights. The knees should be slightly bent, as
should the arms. The strong hand should be wrapped tightly around the
grip, and the weak hand should support, either on the bottom of the grip or
wrapped around the other hand with the thumbs on the same side. Focus
on the front sight and practice trigger control.
pact semi-auto make them easy to
conceal. When Im asked whether
a revolver or a semi-auto is the
better-concealed carry gun, I often-
times frustrate the asker with a
shrug of the shoulders. I dont
know what works for you.
If you find that the simplicity of a
revolver fits your liking, then
youre in luck because there are a
wide variety of great carry
revolvers to choose from, but
there are also a number of excel-
lent semi-autos. Some guns may
be too big for your hand, forcing
you to reach for the trigger. Other
guns may be too small and your
hand may be cramped around a
tiny grip thats two sizes too small.
The only way to know for sure is
to hold a lot of different guns,
which you should insist on doing
before committing to any one
design.
2.
UNDERSTANDING
THE MECHANICS
OF YOUR FIREARM
Once youve selected a firearm it
is important to understand its
function and to be able to properly
maintain the gun. If you purchase a
revolver, you wont have as much
to learn as if you select a semiau-
tomatic handgun. Thats not to say
that semi-autos are difficult to
maintain and keep in proper work-
ing condition; I have several semi-
autos that perform well and that I
enjoy taking to the range.
However, I only carry one of those
semi-autos, and it not only fits my
hand well and points naturally, but
I have also developed an in-depth
understanding of the mechanical
functions of the gun.
I can lock the slide open, drop
One True Caliber?
Caliber selection is only one of many factors that go into how
effective a carry gun is, so saying that a .45 ACP is always
better than a 9mm is inaccurate and hypothetical. There are
a number of good concealed carry guns chambered in
cartridges like .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .40 SW, .45 ACP,
and others. Most carry revolvers are chambered in .38
Special, .38 Special +P, or .357 Magnum. There is no
one true concealed carry caliber for all people, all
the time.
And anyone whos spent much time studying ballistic
gels will tell you that your choice of bullet is perhaps even
more important than caliber. Good quality defensive
ammunition is available from a variety of manufacturers,
with purpose-engineered projectiles for short barrels and
standard barrels, and different tactical applications.
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This cartridge by
Laser Lyte allows
the shooter to
practice at home,
and a red dot
indicates point
of impact.
the magazine, or disassemble the
gun for cleaning without looking at
the gun, and having this thorough
understanding of the function of
my firearm and how to manipulate
it makes me more comfortable
handling it and more likely to sur-
vive a shootout. Additionally, when
I ask shooters why they dont clean
their guns as regularly as they
should the answer is usually the
same: its a nuisance to disassem-
ble their gun, drag the cleaning
supplies out of the closet, clean
the gun and reassemble.
Understanding how your gun
works makes you a safer shooter,
so it is very important that you
learn its mechanical function early.
Im still shocked at how many
shooters come to the range and
fumble with their guns, often losing
track of the muzzle and pointing
their gun at other shooters. Thats
a very dangerous situation, and
oftentimes when I see someone
with the muzzle of their gun point-
ed in an unsafe direction its
because theyre trying to accom-
plish some mechanical function like
releasing the slide, dropping the
magazine or finding the safety.
Shooters must also learn to clear
Assailants expect that having a gun give them an edge. To combat this,
you need to be prepared to defend yourself and have practiced enough
with your gun that you are confident and capable. BOTTOM: (Left) Part of
owning a concealed carry gun is understanding the mechanical function of
that firearm. Understanding the mechanics of your gun helps you maintain
that firearm and will make it easier to clear jams and diagnose problems.
(Right) Finding the right carry style is a personal matter. Ankle holsters like
this one from Galco Gunleather offer a discrete option.
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jams. What do you do if you have a
stovepipe jam in your semi-auto?
How about a double feed? The
hope is that these situations never
occur, but if they do happen in the
midst of a deadly encounter, your
only hope is that you are familiar
enough with your gun to clear the
jam quickly.
3.
PROPER
PRACTICE
Just because someone shoots a
lot doesnt mean that they shoot
correctly, so its important that you
learn proper shooting technique. If
youre going to carry a concealed
firearm under the pretense of
pulling that gun out and using it to
defend yourself and your family
then you have a responsibility to
learn proper shooting technique.
As the old saying goes, only per-
fect practice makes perfect.
Improper practice simply makes
bad habits permanent.
I include safety in the proper
practice category, because the
habits that you develop early in
your shooting career are usually
the longest lasting. Safe gun han-
dling should be part of your
firearms practice; learn and prac-
tice how to safely handle your gun
when at the range and at home.
Keep your finger off the trigger,
keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction, and always be aware of
what youre shooting and what lies
beyond. Eye and ear protection
should be part of this routine.
Dont be fooled into thinking that
you can simply practice at the
range and be ready for a deadly
encounter. You need to practice
carrying the gun, and this means
finding a carry method that is com-

TOP: A good concealed carry gun should fit your hand.
This revolver is too large for the shooters hand, and shell
have to reach for the trigger to fire the gun. BELOW: Many
experienced gun shop owners can help you choose a
defensive handgun, but dont be swayed into purchasing
a gun simply based upon their recommendation.
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fortable for you. Once you find a
carry position that is comfortable
stick with it.
4.
PRACTICE
OFTEN
I was on my colleges trap and
skeet team. Most of the good
shooters fired at least 200 shells a
week, and that was just to stay
competitive. Some of the very best
shooters at our club shot 500 or
even 1,000 shells per week, and
they did so in the hopes of winning
a trophy at a competition. The
stakes for concealed carry are
much, much higher, and yet CCW
holders often dont feel the need to
practice. They feel that once theyve
fired a few cartridges through their
gun they understand just how it
works. I say thats hogwash.
Maybe we should step back from
our discussions about which cal-
iber is best and which brand of
handgun is most reliable long
enough to realize that the most
important thing, the most important
thing is that you practice. A lot.
Criminals who intend to inflict harm
on you wont care how big a bullet
comes out of the muzzle, and your
brand of handgun makes no differ-
ence. What matters is how well you
shoot that gun, and the only way
you can hope to survive a deadly
encounter is to have developed the
muscle memory needed to draw
the gun, aim, and fire accurately, all
while in the midst of a crisis.
A practiced shooter carrying a
.380 ACP pistol that they know and
trust is a lot more dangerous than
someone with a .40 SW who does-
nt know where the safety lever is
located. If youre serious about
saving your life, practice with your
carry gun often.
On a bright note, if youre shoot-
ing 50 or 100 rounds a week youre
also practicing more than most
criminals. Studies show that while
criminals carry guns for intimida-
tion and many claim to have for-
mal training most felons dont
shoot regularly. That gives the con-
cealed carry holder an edge in a
fight if they spend quality time at
the range practicing their shooting
and developing the muscle memo-
ry necessary to survive two or
three seconds of sheer terror.
Young or old, veteran or rookie,
these four points will help insure
that you are prepared to save your
life in a moment of crisis. You must
find a gun that suits you and that
you can operate, learn proper
practice techniques, and practice
often. Heaven forbid you find your-
self in a desperate situation, but
when the stakes are highest, youll
be prepared.
What Feels Right?
The only way to know which
gun fits your hand, comes up to
your point of aim naturally, and is
intuitive to operateto youis to
hold (and ideally fire) a great num-
ber of different models and styles.
Here are a few places you can go
to test-hold, and maybe even test-
fire, a range of handguns:
Friends
Local Gun Shop
Indoor Shooting Range
Many rent guns for use on-site
Cabelas
Bass Pro Shops
Other Major Retailers
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Part of finding a gun that
fits is finding one that you
can carry comfortably all
day long and draw quickly
when needed. This may
require some practice with
different carry methods.
CC
Charter Arms
D
esigned with lockwork similar (or
identical) to full size revolvers, but
in an overall much more compact
package, these models are the go-to for those
who choose to carry a concealed revolver.
They traditionally chamber five rounds of .38
Special, usually in +P ratings, or .357 Magnum
for those who dont mind the slight increase
in length and noticeable increase in felt recoil
and report.
Some models are chambered for larger
numbers of .22 LR ammunition, making them
appropriate for the recoil-averse, who want
the benefit of more rounds of comparatively
more manageable ammunition. Then there
are the .32 caliber models, and those
chambered in rimless semi auto cartridges
(like the .40 SW)...meaning that you have
many choices in this frame size.
Perhaps best of all: you can repeatedly fire
a revolver through a coat or jacket pocket
(which is not recommended and is highly
dangerous) if you absolutely must...whereas
with a semi and its reciprocating slide, youd
likely get just the first shot before it jams.
So, is your next carry gun among these
models? Find out below...
Editor
$100-$400
COMPACT REVOLVERS
MODEL: Pathfinder
MSRP: $369
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 6
Weight: 19 oz
Special Features: Ramp front sight, rubber grips
Those with extreme recoil sensitivity will find a
fantastic handgun in the Pathfinder, chambered for
the .22 LR cartridge but otherwise featuring the size
and ergonomics of a more traditionally chambered
compact defensive revolver.
Charters Mag
Pug Standard
perfectly evokes
the aesthetic of
the roughly 2-inch
barreled, snub
nosed .357
Magnum DA/SA
revolver.
MODEL: Mag Pug Standard
MSRP: $400
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: Rubber grips
Charter
Arms
CC_FALL13-116-123-COMPACTREVOVLVERS-BG.BA2 8/6/13 5:02 AM Page 116
MODEL: Shadow
WEBSITE:
www.cobrapistols.net
MSRP: $369
Action: DAO
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.4 in
Weight: 15 oz
Special Features:
Hammerless design,
wide range of custom
colors
This DAO, concealed
hammer .38 SPL from
Cobra comes with
Crimson Trace LaserGrips
installed and ready to
go...so that you can
utilize a laser to help
ensure your rounds find
their target no matter
what body position
youre in when you have
to squeeze the trigger.
Charter Arms
MODEL: Undercoverette
WEBSITE:
www.charterfirearms.com
MSRP: $378
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .32 H&R Mag
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Weight: 16 oz
Special Features: .32 H&R
magnum chambering in a
light steel-frame gun
Taurus
MODEL: 85
MSRP: $349
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.25 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features: 6.25 ins
overall length
A traditional example of the type,
Tauruss 85 is a compact .38 SPL that
features the relatively light weight of
only 21 ounces while retaining the ability
to shoot .38 SPL +P defensive
ammunition.
For those shooters
for whom the .38 SPL
is a bit too stout of
a cartridge, the
Undercoverette is
chambered for five
rounds of comparably
lighter recoiling .32 H&R
Magnum defensive
ammunition...and will
take many .32 caliber
practice loads as well.
Cobra
Firearms
Charter Arms
MODEL: Pink Lady
MSRP: $428
Action: DAO
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Weight: 12 oz
Special Features: Bright pink
cast aluminum frame
While the color is intended to
appeal to female shooters, the con-
trols of the Pink Lady appeal to all fans
of super-simple revolvers. Point. Click.
Reload by swinging the cylinder out
and replacing the five cartridges
insidesuper simple stuff when you
need to focus on other issues.
Rossi
MODEL: 35202
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: Low profile
fixed sights
This standard
compact
revolver from
Rossi has a stainless
steel frame and
cylinder to endure
years of service close
in to your body, in harsh
environments, etc. It has the
standard capacity and features of
other compact revolvers, including a
comfortable rubberized grip.
Charter Arms
MODEL: Pit Bull .40
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 5
Weight: 20 oz
Special Features: Chambered for .40 SW
While staying within the general size parameters of
its type, the Pit Bull has a particularly short chamber...
on account of being chambered for the .40 SW round,
which was designed for semi-autos. That makes it a
great companion piece for anyone who also own a .40
SW semi-auto.
$401-$600
COMPACT REVOLVERS
Rossi
MODEL: 462
WEBSITE:
www.rossiusa.com
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 2 in
Weight: 26 oz
Special Features: Low profile
fixed sights
The exposed hammer on the 462
makes single action shooting easy for
those who are unable to pull the trigger
accurately through a complete double
action stroke, or simply want the
advantages of the crisp, short trigger
pull afforded single action shooting.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: Bodyguard 38
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $509
Action: DAO
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.6 in
Weight: 14.3 oz
Special Features:
Hammerless design, laser
Ruger
MODEL: LCR .22
WMR
WEBSITE:
www.ruger.com
MSRP: $529
Action: DAO
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 6
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 16.6 oz
Special Features:
Hammerless design, some
polymer components
Rugers polymer
framed LCR revolver
is also chambered in
.22 WMR for those
who are particularly
recoil averse, and
thus are intrigued by
the possibilities of
the magnum rimfire
cartridge. As an
added bonus, Ruger
packs a sixth round
into the chamber for
this .22 WMR model.
Taurus
MODEL: 650B2
WEBSITE:
www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $523
Action: DAO
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.4 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 24 oz
Special Features: Sturdy steel frame
This hammerless pocket revolver has a blued steel
frame and barrel, and comes chambered for the potent
.357 Magnum cartridge. The molded grips have finger
grooves and stippling to enhance your grip under
adverse conditions.
This double action
.38special revolver has a
fantastic bonus: an
Insight Technology tac-
tical laser integral to the
grip. When you grip the
revolver, the laser auto-
matically turns on, pro-
jecting a red dot where
the bullet will strike,
which greatly enhances
the hit potential for
shooting under duress.
Taurus
MODEL: 731 Ultra Lite
MSRP: $514
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .32 H&R Mag
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.5 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 17 oz
Special Features: Light weight
With the select use
of polymer components
around stainless steel
internals, this pistol is
able to house five
rounds of .38 SPL with
a 2.5-inch barrel with
an unloaded weight of
only 18.2 ounces.
Taurus
MODEL: 850B2UL
MSRP: $481
Action: DAO
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.5 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 18 oz
Special Features: Concealed
no-snag hammer, rubber grips
For those who prefer
the lesser recoil of a .32
caliber round, while retain-
ing the velocities crucial
for effective penetration
and generating
respectable energy, this
double action revolver
packs six rounds of
.32H&R Mag ammunition
into a frame that has an
unloaded weight of only
17 ounces.
Taurus
MODEL: 85PLYSS2
MSRP: $461
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.7 in
Height: 4.3 in
Weight: 18 oz
Special Features: Light 18.2oz weight
COMPACT REVOLVERS
Rated for .38 SPL +P defensive
ammunition, this revolver has standard
fixed sights and the Taurus Ultra-Lite
design that helps minimize weight for
comfortable extended or backup carry.
MODEL: 200DS
WEBSITE:
www.chiappafirearms.com
MSRP: $749
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.5 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features:
extremely low bore axis,
fiber optic front sight
Chiappa is known for their innovative revolver
designs, here represented by their 200DS .357 Mag
compact concealed carry handgun. It fires from
the bottom chamber, rather than the top, and has
a flat-sided cylinder for a more easily concealed
width...while still packing six rounds.
Chiappa
Smith &Wesson
MODEL: 36 Chiefs Special
MSRP: $729
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Length: 7 in
Weight: 19.5 oz
Special Features:
Walnut grips
This classic snub nose
revolver has been trusted for
decades as a primary arm for
detectives and backup arm
for police officers across the
countryas well as a carry gun
for civilians.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 351
WEBSITE:
www.smith-
wesson.com
MSRP: $689
Action: DAO
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 7
Length: 6.2 in
Weight: 10.8 oz
Special Features: Hammerless design
Shooters who prefer the lower recoil and faster
recovery time inherent in shooting defensive rimfire
loads can find in the 351 a J-Frame S&W revolver
with a whopping seven rounds on boardtwo more
than in J-Frame .38 SPL models!
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 360
MSRP: $649
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.3 in
Weight: 13.3 oz
Special Features: Scandium
alloy, exposed hammer
$601-$800
In the age of
hammerless
double action
revolvers, this is a
modern compact
revolver with single
action capability
courtesy of the
exposed hammer.
With a scandium
alloy frame its
lightweight for
convenience and
comfort when
carrying, and the
synthetic grips have
molded finger
grooves.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 60
MSRP: $798
Action: SA/SA
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.6 in
Weight: 22.5 oz
Special Features: Ergonomic grip
Smith &Wesson
MODEL: 640
MSRP: $729
Action: DAO
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.6 in
Weight: 23 oz
Special Features: Fully shrouded hammer
A trusted model in compact,
defensive revolvers, the Model 60 in
.357 Mag comes from a vaunted
name in revolvers: Smith & Wesson.
Smith & Wesson
MODEL: 60 LS Ladysmith
MSRP: $782
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.6 in
Weight: 21 oz
Special Features: Walnut
full-finger grips
COMPACT REVOLVERS
This attractive stainless steel
revolver features a rarity for the
compact .357 type: wooden
grips that accommodate all
three supporting fingers, via
comfortable scallops. This aids
in proper aiming and target
tracking, as does the single
action trigger pull option
available by virtue of the
exposed hammer.
The model 640 comes with
wooden boot grips that provide a positive
grip, with gently scalloped wells for two
fingers to find comfortable purchase.
Ruger
MODEL: LCR
MSRP: $879 (w/ Crimson
Trace LaserGrip)
Action: DAO
Caliber: .357 Mag
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.5 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.5 in
Weight: 16.6 oz
Special Features:
Hammerless design, some
polymer components
Rugers LCR comes with Hogue Tamer Grips,
and features a polymer frame with stainless steel
internals right where you need them. The result is
a tough, light, durable revolver...that comes with
Crimson Trace LaserGrips in this case.
$801+
CC_FALL13-116-123-COMPACTREVOVLVERS-BG.BA2 8/6/13 11:36 PM Page 123
BOOKS
Read All About It
A Womans Introduction to Defensive
Shooting (and Personal Safety) By Dave Norman
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You may be called upon to defend yourself in awkward positions, confined areas, and very
unexpectedly. Proper training is important to survival!
S
itting on my desk now
is a well-thumbed copy
of Taking Your First
Shot by Lynne Finch, a
U.S. Air Force retired author and
accomplished personal defense
instructorthe latter of which is
substantiated by her NRA instruc-
tor certifications in several disci-
plines, a SABRE-Red pepper
spray instructor certification, and
being an I.C.E. Training Defensive
Firearms Coach. Lynne knows her
subject matter, less from her mili-
tary experience (she says that in
her career she fired only an M16
rifle, and at that, once), and
much, much more from her per-
sonal journey from zero firearm
experience to where she is now.
That journey began with a jolt that
is, sadly, familiar to a number of
us who carry concealedespe-
cially females.
Her safety was threatened, seri-
ously threatened, by a former
boyfriend. She writes, That is
when I learned that the police are
primarily reactive. She didnt
want her home or body to be a
crime scene before the man was
stopped by authorities, so, she
quite sensibly got proactive about
her personal safety and security.
That set her off on a journey that
she describes as liberating and
life altering in positive ways
she discovered her love of
shooting, the calming effect that
range time has, the great com-
munity of shooters and instruc-
tors, and whole new forms of
personal confidence and
empowerment. She writes about
this in Taking Your First Shot.
She also writes about the
practical aspects of defensive
shooting, from firearm safety to
defensive firearm selection;
about esoteric concepts that
are crucial to surviving a hostile
encounter (and doing so with-
out becoming a criminal), as in
her chapter Proportional
Response; and about plenty of
female-specific material, such
as holster choices that work
with womens clothing and
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Title: Taking Your First Shot
Author: Lynne Finch
Pages: 146
ISBN: 978-1-62087-717-3
Published: 2013
Illustrations: Color
Publisher: Skyhorse
Publishing, Inc.
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
CC_FALL13-124-125_BOOK 8/6/13 5:09 AM Page 124
often presents her information.
The third ammunition-related
malfunction is a squib, she
writes on page 48. It may sound
like sushi, but actually a squib is
not found in the ocean, but more
likely part way down the barrel of
your gun. While she might have
wanted to state explicitly that a
squib results in the projectile
having incompletely exited the
barrel, her description of the
phenomenon and what to do
subsequently is solid...and feels
like the sort of approachable
instruction that Ive seen work
with many new shooters (espe-
cially females).
Taking Your First Shot is not
especially captivating reading for
those who took their first shot
many tens of thousands of rounds
ago. But for those who are within
their first few thousand rounds, are
looking to transition from target
shooting to defensive shooting, or
are looking for some solid study-at-
your-own-pace instruction to go
with a first handgun purchase, it
could be just the ticket.
Especially for female readers. CC
Dave Norman is the editor of
Concealed Carry Handguns and
Tactical World.
bodies, and even how to suc-
cessfully carry concealed while
pregnant. There is good info in
there for men...but from the first
word to the last, its written by
a woman, for women.
Which makes it a standout
book in and of itself, for what I
presumeas a guywill be its
accessibility and applicability to
female readers. A wealth of
color photos illustrate her tech-
niques, label parts of firearms,
and even show some basic
self-defense hand to hand
maneuvers...which are not best
taught in a book, but are
included as basic guidance and
inspiration for learning the
basics of freeing oneself from
an attacker at contact range
long enough to run away or
draw and deploy a firearm.
The text proceeds from the
logical starting point of address-
ing someone interested in per-
sonal defense with a firearm,
who has no preexisting back-
ground with firearms...and walks
that line where it includes the
sort of basic and seemingly
obvious details familiar to shoot-
ers, but not yet to those just
learning the craft. She does so
without bogging the text down
in details, or sounding conde-
scendingtwo criticisms Ive
had of prior instruction Ive
observed, and am heartened to
see the book avoid.
I was particularly taken by the
humorous and creative way she
Females have some carry options that are unavailablepractically or mentallyto males, and
need to know how these options can empower them.
She didnt want her home or body to be a
crime scene before the man was stopped by authorities,
so, she quite sensibly got proactive...
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Practice Versus
Defensive Ammunition
Proportional Response
Practice Versus
Defensive Shooting
CC_FALL13-124-125_BOOK 8/6/13 5:09 AM Page 125
MEDIUM FRAME REVOLVERS
A
t home, on your hip, or at the range
for target shooting and tactical
competitions, medium frame revolvers
generally have long enough barrels to get great
performance from defensive ammunitionthe
longer barrel aids in gas economy to produce
higher velocities (and consequently, more
power) than when shooting the same
cartridge from compact revolvers, and the
slightly longer sight radius aids in accuracy.
Both are solid wins for defensive shooters,
especially at the range for those thousands of
rounds you ought to be shooting for practice.
This size of revolver represents an ideal
balance where most models chamber six
roundsone more than compact revolvers
yet have overall weight and dimensions that
are more easily concealed, and more
comfortably carried, than full size revolvers.
If you want a carry gun that will be
enjoyable to shoot, and that employs the
same mechanism as your full-size duty gun
or compact-size carry gun, the medium
frame revolver is a great compromise!
Editor
EAA
MODEL: Windicator
MSRP: $319
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Length: 7 in
Weight: 30 oz
Special Features: Available in several calibers
Known more for their semi-autos than their revolver, EAA
nevertheless has this popular entry into the medium-frame
revolver market with a reliable .357 Magnum, with a standard
four-inch barrel and standard six-round capacity.
$100-$400
CC_FALL13-126-129-MEDFRAME-BG.BA2 8/6/13 5:12 AM Page 126
MODEL: Pitbull 9mm
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6
Weight: 22 oz
Special Features: Shoots 9mm
cartridges without needing moon clips
Its somewhat of a novelty to put
rimless auto-loading cartridges into
a revolver, but it has its place: when
you want a ballistically similar
cartridge to a .38 SPL without the
extra length and weight of a .38 SPL
chamber...or when you want to have
cartridge interchangeability between
a semi-auto and a revolver.
$401-$600
While discontinued
from production, this
rather unique medium
frame revolver is still
available on the second-
ary market, and repre-
sents a fine choice for
those who are averse to
the recoil of .357 Magnum
loads...but want to deploy
a powerful, large diameter
projectile all the same.
Charter Arms
This vent-rib revolver
helps dissipate the heat
from the barrel laterally,
so to retain your ability
to properly align the
sights throughout long
strings of fire from the
six shot cylinder.
Rossi
MODEL: 85104
MSRP: $401
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 4 in
Weight: 32 oz
Special Features: Ventilated rib
atop barrel, adjustable sights
Taurus
MODEL: 405SS2
MSRP: $523
Action: DA
Caliber: .40sw
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2 in
Special Features: Ribbed grip,
takes rimless .40sw rounds
MEDIUM FRAME REVOLVERS
Taurus
MODEL: 617
MSRP: $571
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 7
Barrel Length: 2 in
Length: 6.6 in
Width: 1.5 in
Height: 5.1 in
Weight: 28 oz
Special Features: High capacity for caliber,
recoil-cushioning grip
This fascinating seven-shot .357 Magnum weighs under thirty ounces
(unloaded), and is a fine example of a medium sized revolver...with that
extra kick from the surprisingly high capacity!
$601-$800
Sometimes you need to go with a high speed, low recoiling cartridge
smaller than the stoutly-recoiling .357 Magnum. For those times, theres
the .327 Magnum, of which Ruger puts seven in this excellent revolver.
$401-$600
Ruger
MODEL: GP100
MSRP: $759
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .327 MAG
Capacity: 7
Length: 9.5 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Extra shot by
virtue of unique chambering
$800 +
This enormously popular double
action revolver features adjustable
target-style sights with an orange-
insert front ramp, molded grips that
are gently textured for a firm grasp,
and quite resilient stainless steel
construction for long service life as a
concealed carry or sporting pistol.
This 132-Page Magazine is the Ultimate Guide to Concealed and Carry
Trends in Concealed and Carr]
Popular Calioers For Concealed Carr]
Concealed Carr]. Knives
Nassive Bu]er's 0uide
How To 0row Your 0wn Food
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
Call 800-764-6278
or visit us on-line at
www.engagedmediamags.com
Allow 5-7 days for delivery of your issue. Outside US, prepay yearly postage in US funds only.
Just
$
8
99
2:37 AM
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 686
MSRP: $829
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Length: 9.6 in
Weight: 40 oz
Special Features: Adjustable sights
with white outline, orange insert
CC_FALL13-126-129-MEDFRAME-BG.BA2 8/6/13 11:39 PM Page 129
LAST
PAGE

T
o seriously train like youre going to fight, you
must train dynamicallyyou must train to move,
reload behind cover, reload while moving, fire
while advancing and retreating, manipulate doors and
other objects while armed... You must do everything
youre not doing when you stand squared up to a round
target hanging harmlessly ten yards away and slowly
fire for the sake of making a tiny group.
Use the internet, and ask questions of local range opera-
tors and gun shop owners, to find information on IDPA,
USPSA, and 3gun matches. Ask if there are any defensive
shooting leagues, local matches, and the like. Put events
on your calendar. Find out what gear you need to bring...
...and bring your basic carry gear (along with any-
thing else they demand). Practice and compete with
your everyday carry gun, even if the others have slick
and expensive race guns, or high-dollar custom
defensive guns. Unless youre out to game and play
to win, any disparity between what they are shooting
and what you pack will not matter.
What will matter is that you use your carry gun to
solve the stages. To play their games, meet their
challenges. It will build familiarity with using your
gun...especially while your mind is focused on other
things (like manipulating doors, remembering a
sequence in which to shoot the targets, etc.). The
best matches challenge you mentally more than they
challenge your marksmanship...because if you can
maintain respectable marksmanship while confounding
your brain with other tasks, manipulating your environ-
ment, counting your shots and reloading strategically,
then youre ingraining skills that can be applied to
saving your life while your brain processes other
thingslike details of the attack youre countering.
So train like youre going to fight. Train at matches
right among the gamers. Train by yourself at the range.
Train. Shoot. Move.
Survive. Editor
A competitor is
charged by a moving
target after opening
a door...and finding
his gun had only
one round in it. That
could have been a
fatal mistake...
Photo by Dave Norman
Advertiser Page
Barnes Bullets Inc...............................87
CZ-USA. ..............................................27
DeSantis Gunhide ...............................37
Dillon Precision. ..................................29
Double Tap Defense, LLC.....................7
DoubleTap Ammunition ....................132
Galco International. .............................39
MIL-TAC..............................................41
North American Arms, Inc...................19
Ontario Knife Company ......................91
Pro Tool Industries..............................41
Sturm, Ruger & Company .................2-3
Train Dynamically
CC_FALL13-130-LASTNEW 8/6/13 5:15 AM Page 130
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CC_FALL13_6-EDITOR 8/6/13 1:05 AM Page 6

We then loaded the

We took it back to the range

Even upside down, the

These rigs are ideal

CC_FALL13-100-103-BLADE.BA2 8/6/13 4:22 AM Page 100

130 FALL 2013 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

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