The EAA Witness Match .45 is an accurate handgun well worth its price. As for personal defense, a 10-shot .45 with the TruGlo combat light mounted is a terrific home defender. The pistol is similar to CZ 75-type handguns, but features a factory trigger that is as good or better than any the author has ever tested.
Before I begin singing the praises of the Springfield EMP 1911, I should say that I have never felt the 9mm 1911 made a lot of sense. It was like putting a six cylinder engine in a Corvette. The 10mm 1911 is like a 454 Chevelle by comparison. However, the Springfield EMP is not an average 1911 9mm.
The Competition Pistol is a go-anywhere do-anything 1911, that while geared for competition, will also serve well for personal defense. Priced at less than $1,000 and generally available for $899 or less, the Competition Pistol is more than fair for a pistol with this pedigree and performance.
With most new introductions in the concealed carry handgun market focused on polymer-frame striker-fired handguns, it is good to see that Springfield Armory has catered to the rest of us with a modern, polymer-frame double-action first-shot handgun with a decocker.
I have been shooting since I was nine years old. My grandfather taught me firearm safety and the .22 rifle.…Read More >
Some years ago, when the Kahr 9mm pistol was introduced, I obtained and tested an example as soon as possible. In doing so, I found a reliable handgun with excellent features. A smooth Double Action Only trigger, excellent machine work, and a truly compact frame made for a trend-setting pistol. The design was both fresh and intelligent.
The Beretta 92 handles well on a combat course. Recoil is modest even with +P loads. The tapered, double-column magazine is an aid in rapidly replenishing the ammunition supply. As a tactical pistol, the Beretta has much to recommend. As for absolute accuracy, the Beretta takes a back seat to few pistols.
Ruger’s recently released 7.62x39mm American is a smart choice. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is the most popular and well distributed, mid-range caliber in the world. Ammunition is plentiful and inexpensive. Modern loadings, such as the Hornady SST, offer good game taking ability. Handloads put the 7.62x39mm right at .30-30 WCF power. In short, the new Ruger American should prove to be a capable, go anywhere, do anything rifle.
The SAINT is the first AR-15 to wear the Springfield name. That fact should not be lost on anyone looking to purchase their next long gun. That SAINT is billed as entry, and by today’s standards the price point may not be inline with that moniker. However, older shooters such as myself that are able to discern quality at a fair price will appreciate the SAINT. As a Springfield fan the SAINT will take its place beside my 1903 Springfield and the modern 1911 Operator, but there is more to the puzzle than the name.
For some time, American Tactical Imports has offered affordable firearms giving everyone a chance to get into the shooting game. These 1911s may be diamonds in the rough, but they are single-action 1911 handguns, and they are .45s. These GI Type guns have given many shooters on a budget the opportunity to try their hand at Old Slabsides at an exciting price.