At the 2023 NRA Annual Meeting in Indiana, firearm companies gathered to introduce and promote some great new products and accessories, but especially new firearms. There were far too many options to make the list, so I focused on some of my favorite handgun manufacturers. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 new handguns introduced at NRAAM 2023.
Kimber KDS9C
The Kimber KDS9C is sure to take the market by storm. Double-stack 1911 and 2011 designs are incredibly popular, and for good reason. They shoot and perform incredibly well. Most are large pistols with high-capacity magazines and magwells geared toward competition shooting, while others are full-size duty guns. Kimber has gone a different route with the KDS9C, in that it is geared toward concealed carry.
The KDS9C is about typical Commander 1911 size with its 4-inch barrel, similar to a compact pistol such as the Glock 19. It features a lightweight, durable 7075 aluminum frame and accepts 15-round magazines. The grip frame has been slightly rounded for improved concealability and to decrease printing. The slide features the popular Shield RMSc and Holosun K optics cut footprint for mounting your favorite red dot sight.
Henry Big Boy Revolver
Bringing us back to classic brass and blued steel, Henry introduced the “Big Boy Revolver” chambered in .357 Magnum. Offered with either a Bird’s Head or Gunfighter (Square Butt) grip option, this double-action wheel gun has a historic feel and timeless design. I’m sure the Gunfighter grip feels great at the range, but there’s something about the curves of the Bird’s Head that pair well with the overall design. The 6-shot, medium-frame revolver incorporates a minimalist gutter-style rear sight and standard front post.
This would be the perfect companion to any Henry Big Boy lever-action setup. Whether hung on a wall or carried in the field, the Henry is sure to be a show stopper. It’s nice to see a new wheel gun from a maker you wouldn’t typically expect, especially in a form factor such as this. I can’t wait to get my hands on one!
FN Reflex
FN has entered the micro compact carry gun market with the new Reflex. Competing with guns such as the SIG P365, S&W Shield Plus, and Springfield Hellcat, this semi-auto 9mm was designed for deep concealment. The slide is just 1-inch in width and the pistol accepts an 11-round flush-fit mag or a 15-round extended magazine.
The Reflex features an internal hammer and overall snag-free design. Additionally, it incorporates FN’s multi-faceted grip texture that provides good adhesion when you’re gripping down, but no skin irritation during carry. FN states: “The trigger is the smoothest, most refined fire control in an FN carry pistol.” A bold claim that is sure to be tested. FN has a long history making durable and reliable military-grade weaponry, and the Reflex is sure to uphold this fine tradition. Available in black or FDE, the Reflex likely looks as good as it performs.
One thing I think FN missed the mark on was not making the pistol optics-ready. Surely there will be a “Tactical” model in the future with a threaded barrel and optic cut, but it will likely come with a price hike too.
SAR SOCOM
SAR really upped its game with the new SAR SOCOM. Based on the popular civilian SAR9 pistols, the SOCOM incorporates some tactical upgrades geared toward defensive shooting. SAR claims the design is “combat proven” and is engineered for Special Forces — a huge stamp of approval.
The SOCOM stands out with its 5.2-inch threaded barrel and OD green/FDE cerakote color scheme. The striker-fired 9mm accepts 17-round flush mags and 21-round extended mags. The extended magwell facilitates faster and more efficient magazine changes. It features an optic cut that allows you to co-witness with the provided suppressor-height, tritium night sights. The polymer grip module utilizes different grip plates and backstraps to completely customize the gun to your hand fit.
EAA Girsan MC 14T
Girsan has introduced another interesting Beretta-inspired design. This time it’s the MC 14T, a tip-up barrel design similar to the Beretta 86. The company has a good history with Beretta remakes at an affordable price point, and the MC 14T should be a big hit. This .380 ACP pistol features a 4.5-inch barrel and holds 13+1 rounds. The tip-up barrel design is good for those with weaker hands, as you do not need to retract the slide to chamber a round. The pistol has an ambidextrous thumb safety and an accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers. At just 22.4 ounces for an all-metal pistol, this alloy-frame gun is light enough for comfortable carry all day.
Final Thoughts: NRAAM
It’s always exciting to see what new and exciting firearms that manufacturers have around the corner. Sometimes the results are more interesting than others, but it’s always great to see innovation. The 2023 NRA Annual Meeting certainly did not disappoint, with popular manufacturers bringing some serious heat to the table. Now comes the annoying wait until we can get them in hand and on the range!
What new firearm from NRAAM 2023 are you most excited for? Let us know in the comment section.
I found it so refreshing to read a “Top Five” or “Top Whatever” review that Wasn’t leaning heavily upon Polymer Framed Firearms.
I don’t deny that there are a Wealth of fine Pistols, Revolvers and even Carbine that are made of this Space Aged Material and that they are Accurate and Reliable. However, after examining for myself, Precision Instruments and Devices made of comparable materials and the Corruption and Degradation they suffered after years of use I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable staking my Life or a Loved One’s with such.
Yes. Uncared for Steel can rust and suffer from stress and Alloys can degrade over time as well but that takes Far FAR Longer and the Firearms I purchase I should like to be handed down to our Great Grandchildren.
Larry Estes, my wife carries a Springfield Hellcat with a Viridian laser and a Viridian holster made for the combo. The holster is designed so that it turns on the laser when she draws and turns it off when reholstered.
Please show me a small body gun for my wife,,,to be carried near her waist, in a holster. under her blouse
Larry,
Small is a relative term. While some consider a .380 or smaller caliber for their size, most would consider the 9mm to be the minimum defensive caliber. That being said, here are a few choices to get you started:
Please let me know if any of these are what you are looking for or more of an idea of what you want (Caliber, revolver or semi auto, barrel length, etc)
~Dave
I’m totally thrilled with the new FN High Power. Definitely shoots better than the High Power I shot in the Canadian Armed Forces in the 80’s. They fixed design flaws that make it my favorite 9mm – had to modify my G34 to compete.
I appreciate all info on new firearms. I like reading comments from pros and non-pros.