Concealed Carry Handguns 2018 Spring

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OPENING INSPIRATION
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retty with purpose. Ready for anything, this Wilson
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STEVE WOODS / WILSON COMBAT PHOTO SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
{ON THE COVER}
28 MOVE OVER PPK

Walther’s new PPQ subcompact
might become the company’s
standard for concealed carry.
By Steven Paul Barlow
FEATURES
18 DOUBLE DEFENSE 92 OLD SCHOOL LESSONS
These handguns can protect you in the These defense drills can add important skills to your
wilderness as well as on the mean streets. tactical toolbox.
By Brad Fitzpatrick By Bob Campbell
38 OUTNUMBERED 98 BADDEST BULLDOG

You need to know the realities of engaging Now chambered in .45 Colt, this Charter Arms
multiple adversaries. revolver is a top CCW pick. 76 MUST HAVES
By Chuck Taylor By Dave Workman We’ve chosen the top new gear—something for
everyone who’s serious about defense.
54 COLOR IT CONCEALABLE 106 CHOOSING THE By CCH Staff
The Taurus Spectrum is ready to make a carry MIDDLE GROUND
pistol fashion statement. There are some good reasons why mid-sized guns are 112 CARRY WITH CONFIDENCE
By Richard Schutz better choices for concealed carry. From IWB to ankle carry to duty rigs, here are our
By Steven Paul Barlow top new holster picks.
62 EMPOWERED By Brad Fitzpatrick
WITH FIREPOWER 120 TOP VALUE
Women want to be able to defend themselves. Ruger’s new Security-9 is a priced-right compact DEPARTMENTS
Keep these nine factors in mind when teaching high-capacity 9mm that really performs.
them how. By Bob Campbell 06 FROM THE EDITOR
By Leroy Thompson 10 THE ARMORY
12 EDC BLADES: VICTORINOX
70 MAXIMIZED DEFENSE SWISS TOOL SPIRIT XBS
Once you’ve chosen your carry gun, look to MULTITOOL
these 10 keys for getting the most out of it. 16 EXPERT’S CORNER
By Chuck Taylor BUYER’S GUIDES 130 FINAL SHOT
84 SMALL WONDER 44 FIRST-CLASS FIREPOWER

Smith & Wesson’s 3-inch SW1911 in 9mm is a Firearms design never stands still, and here are the
Cover photo: Walther PPQ SC 9mm, Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement
carry gun you won’t want to leave at home. Knife, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Surefire Tactician Flashlight
best new guns to prove it. Photo by: Steven Paul Barlow
By Richard Schutz By CCH Staff Cover design: Eric Knagg
4 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

106 10
98
54
12
70
62
112
76
120
92
18
SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 5

FROM THE EDITOR
THE NEXT EDITORIAL

Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director
BIG THING
Steven Paul Barlow Editor
Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor
Wendy Wilson Managing Editor
DESIGN
Eric Knagg Design Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Campbell, Brad Fitzpatrick, Richard Schutz,
Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson, Dave Workman
I
ADVERTISING
will never wear out the guns I tures of the handgun of the future? I Bob Hulsy Ad Sales Director
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of them are, like me, getting if someone invented a detachable Casey Clifford Senior Account Executive
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old. Part of the reason is that I’m rotary magazine that kept the empties Mark Pack Senior Account Executive
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continually testing new models. The in the magazine? Charles Dorr Account Executive
guns I like well enough to buy sit (714) 200-1931
Spencer Redmond Account Executive
in my safe. I rarely get to shoot my Each cartridge would have its own (972) 448-4649
John Bartulin Account Executive
own guns because my time is spent chamber as does a revolver cylinder (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
reviewing what I hope will be the now. Upon firing, the spend casing John Cabral Advertising Design
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next big thing. would rotate away and a new car- Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator
tridge would circle into firing position.
MARKETING
So, what will be the next big thing to It’s probably not practical, but I think Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator
come along? Revolvers, for the most of such odd things when I’m picking OPERATIONS
part, have changed little in more than up brass at the range. I’m guessing Robert Short IT Manager
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100 years. The 1911 has been with caseless cartridges will be the more Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager
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us since, well, 1911. Polymer-frame likely solution. Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager
pistols are newer, but believe it or not
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THE ARMORY
BULLETS & BLADES

THIS GEAR MAKES THE CUT & IS RIGHT ON TARGET
01
02
01. SPYDERCO 02. OUTDOOR EDGE 03. DRESS UP 04. FEDERAL PREMIUM
INTRODUCES THE ADDS 3-INCH RAZORLITE THAT REX ZERO LANDS HUGE MILITARY
WARRIOR HAWK EDC TO ITS LINEUP 1 PISTOL CONTRACTS
Laci Szabo has had U.S. Marine, law enforcement In celebration of its 30th anniversary, knife and There’s nothing wrong with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
officer, martial artist and knife designer all toolmaker Outdoor Edge has introduced a new adding a touch of class to your has awarded Federal Premium a contract to provide
appended to his name. Now he’s designed the smaller-sized knife to its RazorLite EDC series. The workhorse of a handgun. All up to 180 million rounds of Tactical HST duty
new Spyderco H03 Warrior Hawk, an all-purpose new knife features a 3-inch blade, a half-inch shorter Standard, Compact and Tactical ammunition in .40 S&W to several Department of
tomahawk suitable for both close quarters than earlier models, making it even easier to carry Arex Rex Zero 1 pistols can now Homeland Security law enforcement divisions and
combat and utility use. every day. be ordered with Hogue G-10 other federal agencies. The contract will be in effect
grips, including the company’s for up to five years.
The tomahawk is 13.68 inches long and weighs The RazorLite EDC line provides an easy solution to Black, Dark Earth and Green
31 ounces. Formed from a single piece of D2 steel dull blades with these knives that feature replaceable Mascus grips. Tactical HST ammo features nickel-plated cases
and coated with black titanium carbonitride, it razor blades that swap out quickly and safely with filled with low-flash powders and topped with the
features a 5.88-inch faceted blade on one side of the push of a button. A special blade holder with Shown is the Arex Rex Zero HST hollowpoint bullet designed for smooth feed-
the head and a spike on the other. The Warrior a black oxide finish supports the blade to provide 1CP compact 9mm with 15+1 ing, reliable expansion and appropriate penetration.
Hawk is fitted with grooved G-10 handle scales extra strength. The double-molded Grivory handle capacity. Arex Rex Zero 1 pistols
for a secure grip. The end of the handle includes has rubberized inserts for a comfortable, secure hold. are imported exclusively into the The company also has been awarded a five-year,
a pry-bar tip and lanyard hole. The tomahawk Ambidextrous thumb studs allow for one-handed U.S. by the Fime Group. $20 million contract to provide .40-caliber frangible
comes with a molded Boltaron sheath. opening. training ammunition to the U.S. Naval Surface
MSRP: $742 Warfare Center – Crane Division.
MSRP: $479.95 MSRP: $34.95. Web: www.FimeGroup.com
Web: www.Spyderco.com Six-pack of replacement blades: $12.95 Federal Premium Ammunition
Web: www.OutdoorEdge.com Web: www.FederalPremium.com

03
04
05
05. CONCEALED 06. FIRST USPSA WOMEN’S
CARRY COWGIRL CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR OCTOBER
STYLE A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG & AG) is expecting
There’s a little bit of cowboy in all more than 100 competitors in the Sig Sauer USPSA Ladies
of us, so naturally we have to keep Handgun Championship. The first-time event will be held Sunday,
the cowgirls in mind. Sherree Cook Oct. 7 at the Rockcastle Shooting Center on the final day of the AG
of Cowgirl Leather specializes in & AG Fall Festival in Mammoth Park, Kentucky. The competition
handcrafted leather goods for the will consist of eight stages with a round count of more than 250
Western woman. Among her most rounds.
popular products are concealed carry
handbags with special easy-draw AG & AG has more than 5,000 members in 48 states. The organi-
06
holster pockets. Shown is The Prescott, zation fosters women’s participation in pistol, rifle and shotgun
with three-side, double-row leather shooting sports and their interest in self-defense. Local chapters
fringe. The company offers other conduct Girls’ Nights Out events at more than 150 ranges to provide
leather products as well, from pillows, opportunities for both new and experienced shooters.
table runners, chaps, clothing and even
Christmas stockings. Membership in AG & AG, however, is not required to enter the Sig
Sauer USPSA Ladies Handgun Championship. To register, go to the
MSRP: $415 website listed below.
Web: www.Leather4Cowgirls.com
A Girl and A Gun
www.AGirlandAGun.org/FallFest

SWISS TOOL
SPIRIT XBS
THIS VICTORINOX MULTITOOL IS
ONE PIECE OF EDC GEAR YOU’RE
ACTUALLY APT TO USE EVERY DAY
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW
C
arry a gun every day and The Victorinox high hopes for this multitool as well.
Swiss Tool Spirit
chances are it will never XBS is a quality Here’s what I found out:
multitool that
leave your holster. Carry a can add excellent
capabilities to your
knife every day and chances everyday carry
gear.
OVERALL QUALITY
are you’ll use it for something every First of all, the Spirit XBS is an
day. excellent size. It’s big enough to hold
and manipulate comfortably and
I have many knives with the word securely, and it’s strong enough for
“tactical” applied to their tough-sound- more heavy-duty tasks than a typical
ing names. I carry one because, well, pocketknife.
you never know. But my EDC gear also
includes things I do know I’ll need at Yet, at just a hair over 4 inches long
some point most days. That gear in- when closed, a half inch thick and
cludes a more practical, versatile knife weighing 7.3 ounces, it’s a tool you
for everyday chores. More times than can carry every day on your belt in the
not it’s a Swiss Army Knife that gives included nylon pouch, in your pocket
me a variety of tools because, no, I’m or in your pack.
not going to turn a screw or pry a lid
with the tip of my $200 tactical knife. This model has a black oxide finish
over the stainless steel for enhanced
Sometimes, however, I need some- corrosion resistance. That finish is
thing for more heavy-duty tasks and deeply burnished, reminiscent of finely
if I can’t get to my full-size toolbox, blued revolvers of years ago. Depend-
that’s when I turn to a multitool. ing on how the light reflects off of it,
Recently, I’ve been putting a Victori- the tool appears either jet black or
nox Swiss Tool Spirit XBS to work. streaked with shiny bronze and silver
Victorinox, of course, is the maker of hues. That might not be important for
the original Swiss Army Knife, and a a workhorse of a pocket tool, but it’s
company that’s been in business more nice to have gear with the look and
than 130 years and, above all others, feel of top quality.
knows how to put a versatile, truly
useful set of tools in your pocket. As I There are no sharp edges on the
had used its knives all of my life, I had handles closed or open—an important

Among the locking blades, you have like always having a can opener on a
flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, multitool. They’re great for camping
bottle and can openers, file, reamer, and hunting trips and can be handy at
punch, scissors, wood saw, metal saw, home during a power outage if you’re
chisel, cable cutters, wire strippers and normally dependent on an electric can
of course, a knife blade. opener.
NOTES ON The chisel blade is also listed as a crate

THE BLADES opener for light prying tasks. It has
Closed, the Spirit Victorinox has always done an excel- several sharp edges on it for stripping
XBS is just slightly
more than 4 inches lent job of combining functions on insulation from wires or cables.
long. It comes with
a nylon belt pouch. individual blades. The bottle opener,
for instance, also includes a large flat- A finely toothed metal saw on one
head screwdriver and a wire bender. edge of the file can be used on other
You can also do some light prying with materials too, such as PVC pipe.
that screwdriver. Yes, I always seem to
have a screw loose, so to speak, so I I have used the awl/reamer on Swiss
use this blade often. Army knives many times to add
holes to my leather belts, a way of
The small flathead screwdriver on documenting my weight gains over
the tip of the can opener can also be the years. This tool on the Spirit is
used on small Phillips head screws. I especially sharp and pointy.
consideration. You don’t want the tool

digging into your hand when you need
it to bite into a piece you’re working.
One of the best things about the

Spirit XBS is that when the handles
are folded around the pliers, all of the
other tools are accessible from the
outside. And they all lock, using a set
of 10 sturdy, flat springs. Spring-loaded
unlocking latches are located on both
sides of both handles, within easy
reach of where they can be manipu-
lated by a thumb or forefinger.
When open, the handles are well con-

toured to fit the hand. When you close
the pliers’ jaws, the handles won’t
pinch the hand the way the multitools
of another well-known brand have
been known to do.
The assortment of tools gives you

plenty of capability.
IN THE TOOLBOX
The hallmark of most multitools, of
course, is the pliers. The long-nose
pliers on the Spirit XBS feature several
gripping surfaces on the jaws, allowing
The Spirit XBS
you to grasp materials for detailed to includes a good as-
sortment of tools to
medium-sized work. There’s a crimper handle many chores
during the course of
and cutters for various-sized wire. your day.

The Phillips screwdriver has a longer “...WHEN THE HANDLES ARE
reach than those on some other
tools—a big plus in my opinion. FOLDED AROUND THE PLIERS,
The wood saw has countless uses in
ALL OF THE OTHER TOOLS ARE
an outdoor survival situation, including ACCESSIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE.
cutting branches for shelter building,
fashioning dovetails to attach sticks AND THEY ALL LOCK...”
without cord, notching tent pegs or
crafting triggers for animal snares. hook is on the reamer/punch. I have The knife blade,
with an edge of
BECOMING A REGULAR
used this hook to pull leather cord about 2.5 inches, is The Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit
capable of handling
I found the scissors to work very well. through moccasins and slippers. And most of your day’s XBS is quickly becoming a trusted
cutting tasks.
Because the blades are small, how- after attaching a length of paracord everyday companion. The uses I
ever, don’t expect long, straight cuts and a cotton patch to the hook, I find for it are quickly adding up.
to come as easily as with a full-size had a take-anywhere pull-through While the price is rather hefty at a
set of shears. Still, they’re great for bore-cleaner for my guns. suggested $175, this is a tool that
cutting coupons and other household instills pride of ownership and gives
chores. I miss not having the traditional you confidence in your capability to
Victorinox tooth pick and tweezers, but handle anything that comes along
Many Swiss Army Knife owners seem I normally have a Swiss Army Knife in during your day. And if you care for
at a loss as to what to do with the my pocket all the time, so I think I’ll it well and don’t abuse it, it should
parcel hook. On the Spirit, the parcel have that covered. last a lifetime. CC
The pliers feature

jaws with several
gripping, crimping VICTORINOX SWISS
TOOL SPIRIT XBS
and cutting sur-
faces.
Closed Length: 4.1 inches

Width: 0.6 inch
Weight: 7.3 ounces
Material: Stainless steel
Knife Blade Length: 2.5 inches
Finish: Burnished black oxide
Tools: Needle-nosed pliers, wire cutter for
thin and soft wire up to 40 HRC, large knife
blade, Phillips screwdriver (half-inch), flat
head screwdrivers (6 mm, 4 mm and 2.5
mm), reamer, punch, multipurpose hook,
can opener, bottle opener, crate opener, wire
bender, scissors, wood saw, metal saw, metal
file, chisel (7 mm), wire stripper, wire scraper,
cable cover longitudinal cutter, cable cover
crossways cutter, wire scraper
Other: Nylon belt pouch included
MSRP: $175

EXPERT’S CORNER
TAKING STOCK WITH

STOCKMAN
FORMER MARINE PISTOL TEAM LEADER ADVISES
ONE-HANDED PRACTICE AND DRY FIRING
BY CCH STAFF | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID STOCKMAN

“ONE-HANDED SHOOTING MAY BE
REQUIRED TO FIRE INJURED, WHILE
SEATED, WITH RESTRICTED MOBILITY,
OR THROUGH OR AROUND A BARRICADE.”
02 CCH: WHAT
FIREARM SKILLS
ARE ESPECIALLY
04 CCH: WHAT AD-
DITIONAL PREPA-
RATIONS WOULD YOU
IMPORTANT FOR CITI- RECOMMEND BESIDES
ZENS TO DEVELOP FOR JUST CARRYING A GUN?
DEFENSIVE SITUATIONS?
Stockman: Use of force. Law enforce-
Stockman: One-handed shooting. ment professionals regularly review
One-handed shooting may be use of deadly force. If you’re carrying
required to fire injured, while seated, a gun for self-defense, seek legal
with restricted mobility, or through training. “The Modern Day Gunsling-
R
or around a barricade. Practice at the er” by Don Mann is excellent reading.
etired Major David Stock- same distance as you would with Mann clearly explains the three
man, USMC, has been both hands. Don’t hesitate to adjust conditions (ability, opportunity and
immersed in the techniques the gun in your hand for best control jeopardy) that must be legally met
of armed combat his entire of the firearm and trigger. when determining a threat.
adult life. He was a heavy lift and
assault support helicopter pilot, partic-
ipating in nine combat operations. He
was captain of the Marine Corps Pistol
03 CCH: HOW WOULD
YOU RECOMMEND
SHOOTERS DEVELOP
05 CCH: CAN YOU
SUGGEST ANY
ADDITIONAL CARRY
Team, in the process earning five gold THEIR SKILLS? CONSIDERATIONS?
distinguished badges in the service
rifle, service pistol, revolver and police Stockman: Dry firing will help you Stockman: Defensive ammunition.
combat. He is a sworn Pennsylvania become proficient with your gun The next generation of ammunition
Special Deputy and Homeland Secu- and master the trigger. When I features a hollowpoint filled with
rity Investigations firearms instructor. was preparing for the Marine Corps high-performance elastomer. On
He also serves as a private sea force Division Matches, I would dry fire the impact, the material starts the expan-
consultant specializing in threat anal- Beretta M9 10 times morning and sion process, as opposed to conven-
ysis and security team equipment. night to master the grip and trigger tional bullet designs that need media
Stockman founded Mil-Spec Safety & pull. Another skill worth developing to enter the hollowpoint and create
Security to provide guard services for is your concealed carry draw. Law expansion forces. Asking what your
the construction industry. He offered enforcement instructors recommend local law enforcement department
his insights into concealed carry. 500 draws to become adept. issues is a good starting point. CC
01 CCH: WHAT IS YOUR

PREFERRED CARRY
GEAR?
Stockman: I prefer the Glock 43 in a
Ritchie Holster Belt Speed Scabbard
carried on my strong side. Paired with
the holster is a 5.11 Tactical 1.5-inch
Casual Leather Belt that features an
insert to help support a sidearm. For
lighter clothing, I use the Glock 42 in
an El Paso Saddlery Stingray Crosshair
rig. Additional gear includes a hand-
kerchief, spare Glock magazine and
ASP Guardian tactical light.

DOUBLE
DEFENSE
THESE HANDGUNS CAN PROTECT YOU IN THE
WILDERNESS AS WELL AS ON THE MEAN STREETS
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRAD FITZPATRICK

xx
Y
es, you can have the best Who says defensive of my time in urban landscapes. The firearm with me most everywhere
weapons can’t look
of both worlds. good? The Kimber great wild predators—grizzlies, wolves I go.
Camp Guard 10
has a black KimPro and mountain lions—are no longer a
slide finish and a
Predators thrive in every satin silver frame threat where I live. But, on occasion, I do venture to
and one-of-a-kind
environment. From the most remote rosewood grips. the wilderness, to the high country
corners of undeveloped backcountry But one doesn’t need to spend much of Idaho, Montana or Alaska, where
to the world’s major metropolitan time searching through local news there are far fewer people but more
centers, these predators pursue their stories to find a situation where some large and dangerous game animals.
prey, seeking out the weak, the innocent person was victimized by And while the odds of being attacked
unprepared. Personal defense firearms one of their own kind. And while I are thankfully very slim, just as on the
allow us to level the playing field and pray that I’ll never have to defend urban streets of home I want to be
defend ourselves and others, whether myself against another human, I want equipped to neutralize those threats
that’s against two- or four-legged to be prepared to do so if the need should they come calling.
aggressors. arises, and that’s why I obtained my
Like so many Americans, I spend most concealed carry permit and keep a There are sidearms that make sense

“THERE ARE
SIDEARMS THAT
MAKE SENSE
FOR PERSONAL
PROTECTION...
—PORTABLE, KIMBER CAMP
Above: Kimber’s
Camp Guard 10 is
accurate and very
GUARD 10
POWERFUL AND
powerful, yet it’s
roughly the same
size as your aver- Based on 1911 architecture, the
age Government
CAPABLE OF
1911, which means Camp Guard is chambered in 10mm
you could carry it Auto and holds eight rounds in the
concealed.
STOPPING BOTH
magazine. Aside from its prodigious
stopping power this is also one
MAN AND
beautiful gun; the satin silver frame
and KimPro black slide look great with
BEAST...”
the rosewood grip complete with a
wilderness scene.
But the Camp Guard’s beauty is

hardly skin deep. Its rugged finish
will withstand the elements, it comes
with a tactical wedge sight for rapid
target acquisition, and checkering on
the frame helps keep this gun planted
even when firing powerful loads. With
its 5-inch barrel, this gun measures
just 8.7 inches long and weighs 38
ounces—the same size as a 1911
Government .45 with added case
capacity and more muzzle energy.
Below: Ruger’s
various GP100 MSRP: $1,228
pistols are all good
defense/trail guns.
This is their Match
Champion .357 RUGER GP100
Magnum model
with fixed sights, The GP100 is a fantastic revolver
and it’s just as well capable of handling powerful mag-
suited for the trail
or personal defense num loads without dishing punishing
applications as it is
for the range. recoil. There are several options from
for personal protection in both a look at some of those guns, great

environments, guns that are portable double-duty defense handguns that
enough to carry as I run errands, yet are serve double duty n two very
powerful enough to put down a grizzly different environments.
if the need arises.
So those are the criteria—portable,

powerful and capable of stopping both
man and beast if the need arises.
Let’s collectively
hope that never
happens, but
if it does these
guns have you
covered. Here’s

which to choose, so it’s easy to find Above: Smith & SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 69 COMBAT
Wesson’s Model 69
one that’s right for your personal Combat Magnum is
defense; there’s a 3-inch barreled .357
very compact for a
.44 (it’s shown here MAGNUM
with a J-Frame).
Magnum six-shot version as well as a With .44 Mag loads A .44 Mag revolver packs a whole
it’s a potent bear
five-shot .44 Special model with the stopper, and with lot of punch, but finding one that is
.44 Special loads
same length barrel. it’s manageable the right size to carry comfortably yet
to shoot and even
works for concealed doesn’t require icing your wrist after
carry.
The .44 Special version weighs 36 every shot can be a bit of a trick.
ounces and measures 8.5 inches
long, so it’s slightly smaller than most The Smith & Wesson Model 69 Combat
5-inch barreled 1911s. It comes with Magnum holds five rounds of .44 Mag- GLOCK 20/40
a black Hogue Monogrip that makes num ammunition and, with its stubby Glock’s “Safe Action” semi-auto pistols
it easy to manage recoil. Also new for 2.75-inch barrel, it measures just 7.8 brought polymer-framed striker-fired
2017 is a seven-shot .357 Magnum inches long and weighs about 34 ounc- pistols to the forefront in the 1980s,
version with a 2.5-inch barrel that es. It’s a handful with magnum loads, and there are two versions that are
holds seven rounds of .357 Mag- Right: Glock’s but the well-constructed grip helps well-suited for defense at home and
striker-fired, poly-
num. Regardless of which version mer-frame Model tame recoil, and I’m a big fan of the in the woods.
you choose, you’re getting a rugged, 20 and Model 40 large, red ramp front sight. If you’re not
guns are cham-
reliable wheelgun. MSRPs: $799 bered in 10mm, an in grizzly country, you can step down The Model 20 sports a 4.6-inch barrel
excellent double
(3-inch six-shot .357 Magnum), $829 duty defense round. to .44 Special loads and it makes a fine and weighs just under 31 ounces
This is the Model 40
(.44 Special), $899 (.357 Magnum MOS which comes carry gun, and you can even conceal it unloaded, so it’s easy to transport and
equipped with
seven-shot) plates for mounting if the need arises. MSRP: $849 can be carried concealed. The larger
optics.

“FOR THE REALLY CHOOSE
BIG BEARS, MOST THE RIGHT
EXPERIENCED BEAR CARTRIDGE
GUIDES I KNOW FOR DOUBLE
RECOMMEND HARD, DUTY
FLAT-NOSED There are a wide range of suitable cartridges for personal defense, everything
BULLETS THAT from the .380 ACP and .327 Federal Magnum (and even the .22s and .25 Auto,
depending who you ask) up to the .45s. When you consider cartridges that are
DON’T EXPAND.” also suitable for personal protection against the world’s largest predators—spe-
cifically the bears—the field narrows considerably.
Model 40 MOS comes with a longer by shield-wielding LE officers who And while there are cases of hikers, anglers and hunters stopping big bears
(6.02-inch) barrel so it’s not as easy needed a gun that they could hold in with calibers as small as 9mm in emergency situations, (such a case occurred in
to conceal or as fast to draw, but that front of the shield without worrying Alaska in 2016 when a fishing guide killed an attacking grizzly from 3 feet with
added barrel length increases velocity about slide impact causing a jam. The a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-auto) I believe—and most guides and outfitters
and the MOS system makes adding an scandium frame keeps weight to an who operate in bear country agree—that a .357 Magnum is the minimum and the
optic very simple. MSRP: $599 and up absolute minimum (35.2 ounces) but powerful .40s are a better option.
that excellent grip makes this a gun
SMITH & WESSON that’s quite manageable to shoot. Because no short-barreled, portable handgun carries as much energy as a mag-
PERFORMANCE num rifle, it’s prudent to have power on your side. Shot placement and bullet
CENTER MODEL The matte black finish is very durable, construction are key, but added energy offers more stopping power.
327 TRR8 and there’s a rail under the barrel for
The TRR8 from Smith & Wesson is mounting accessories. The PC-tuned We can begin, then, to whittle down the list of effective cartridges that will work
an eight-shot .357 Magnum revolver action, trigger and trigger stop make for stopping bears. On the revolver side the list starts with the .357 Magnum
that was initially designed to be used this a smooth-shooting revolver. It also
and also includes the oft-overlooked .41 Remington Magnum, the .44 Special,
.44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger, .460 S&W Magnum and the .500
S&W Magnum.
All of these rounds provide sufficient power to stop black bears and mountain
lions. Grizzlies are another animal, but all of these—with the right bullet—give
you a far better chance of survival than smaller calibers with similar shot
placement.
The choices for semi-autos are fewer. The .45 ACP is often considered as a
potential bear-stopper, and for backwoods excursions where grizzlies are
absent, there’s no predator in the woods that the .45 can’t handle. The 10mm
Auto, which offers more capacity and greater energy than the .45 ACP (with the
right loads it isn’t far behind the powerful .41 Rem Mag, as a matter of fact), is
probably a better choice if you can handle the recoil.
The 10mm Auto is in the midst of a renaissance right now, and many shooters
are looking to buy a semi-auto chambered in this round not only for defensive
purposes but also for hunting. There are a handful of semi-autos like those
produced by Desert Eagle that fire magnum rounds like .357 and .44, and if you
can handle the gun weight and recoil they work well, too.
Recoil management is critical. If you can’t handle recoil, you likely won’t practice
with a gun (or practice enough). In any defensive situation, you need a gun with
which you are familiar. Bullet selection is critical, too. For the really big bears,
most experienced bear guides I know recommend hard, flat-nosed bullets that
don’t expand.

SOURCES
www.Smith-Wesson.com
www.Ruger.com
www.US.Glock.com
www.KimberAmerica.com
www.DanWessonFirearms.com
Top: With an
has superb adjustable V-notch sights eight-round cyl- long barrel and extra weight make this they’ve never shied away from big,
that allow you to get on target quickly. inder, lightweight a very easy 10mm to shoot accurately powerful magnum chamberings.
scandium frame
MSRP: $1,328 and quite possibly and quickly. It’s expensive, but it’s very
the best iron sights
for rapid target well-built and accurate. MSRP: $2,194 The Redhawk line has several guns
acquisition of any
DAN WESSON BRUIN pistol on the market
Smith & Wesson’s
that are small enough for daily carry
The Bruin is a large 10mm 1911. TRR8 is a versatile RUGER REDHAWK/ (although concealed carry might be a
SUPER REDHAWK
gun that works
With its 6.3-inch barrel, overall length in a wide array of challenge depending upon your frame,
environments.
is close to 10 inches and unloaded Ruger’s double-action wheelguns the clothing you wear and carry meth-
weight is 43.9 ounces. But it’s just get several mentions on this list, and od.) The 4.2-inch model is available in
Bottom Left: Eight
1.5 inches wide, and that extra barrel is great. The Smith they’re well-deserved. Few companies either .44 Magnum or .45 Colt/.45 ACP,
& Wesson TRR8 is
lengths helped glean every foot-pound a lightweight eight- do revolvers better than Ruger, and both of which hold six rounds.
shot .357 Magnum
of energy from 10mm loads. that was originally
designed for very
“...I WANT TO BE
specialized law
The tritium fiber optic front sight and enforcement work.
It’s also one of the
adjustable rear night sight are easily best trail guns on
EQUIPPED TO
the market.
visible in virtually any light conditions,
and with an eight-round magazine Bottom Right: The
NEUTRALIZE THOSE
Dan Wesson Bruin
there’s plenty of power on-tap when is a long-barreled
10mm Auto pistol
you need it. The wooden grips and that’s very accurate
THREATS.”
and surprisingly
25-lpi checkering in the front strap and manageable to
shoot, even with
mainspring housing combined with the very hot loads.

Find us on
Discover the
world of firearms at
your fingertips.
www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine
These guns do a good job balancing
power with portability and the .44
Mag model comes equipped with
a Hogue Monogrip to make it more
pleasant to shoot. New to Ruger’s
Redhawk line are three eight-shot .357
revolvers with your choice of 2.75-,
4.2- or 5.5-inch barrels. MSRP on
the Redhawk revolvers: $1,079
For those who want big-time

stopping power in a (relatively)
compact revolver package look to
the Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan,
which is chambered in .44 Magnum,
.454 Casull, and .480 Ruger. With its
2.5-inch barrel the Super Redhawk
Alaskan still weighs 44 ounces, but
this six-shot magnum revolver offers
prodigious power—if you can handle
the recoil. MSRP: $1,189
“THERE ARE...GUNS
SMITH & WESSON
SHIELD .45 ACP
Top: Ruger’s Red-
hawk, in its many ...PORTABLE ENOUGH
TO CARRY...YET
forms, is an excel-
lent double duty
Most of us—myself included—spend gun. .44 Magnum
POWERFUL ENOUGH
versions (as seen
more time in the ‘burbs than the here) offer plenty of
stopping power, and
backwoods. To that end, you may be the eight-shot .357
TO PUT DOWN
Magnum models
looking for a pistol that that’s biased combine reduced
recoil with more
toward daily concealed carry but that
A GRIZZLY.”
rounds. Both are
will also work in the wilderness. superb options.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

.45 is an excellent choice for those
seeking a light, compact daily carry
gun with the potential to protect them
in the woods. Weighing in at just 20.5
ounces and measuring 6.5 inches
long, the Smith & Wesson is perfectly
suited to daily carry in the office. But
if you’re planning a hike, a fishing trip
or a hunt in the woods, this 7+1 .45 is
well suited to stop just about anything
on the trail.
The Armornite finish is tough enough

to withstand a lot of abuse when
you’re out in the elements, and the
textured grip is easy to grab even with
wet fish slime-covered hands. The
rugged three-dot sights are easy to
see, you can choose whether or not
you want a manual safety, and this
gun is very affordable. For the vast
majority of wilderness excursions, the
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .45 is one of the best options for those who spend most of their time in devel- Shield .45 is ideal for personal defense
oped areas but also venture into the woods on the weekends. It’s very compact, lightweight, durable and offers
the power of eight rounds of .45 ACP. from any predator that might find you.
MSRP: $479 CC

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The Walther PPQ
SC is a subcompact
9mm pistol that
takes this category
of concealed carry
gun to a new level.

MOVE
OVER
PPK WALTHER’S NEW PPQ
SUBCOMPACT MIGHT BECOME
THE COMPANY’S STANDARD
FOR CONCEALED CARRY
N
ot all subcompact pistols are created equal But
did I really need another one? I mean, after
all, I’ve gotten along fine with my Glock 26
for more than 20 years whenever I wanted to
pack a small pistol. However, even old, set-in-their-ways
gun writers need to be open to new ideas, especially
when something comes along that demonstrates a marked
improvement over an old standby.
Mention the name Walther and, despite the fact that the
company has introduced many new models over the years,
the iconic PPK .380 ACP carry pistols of James Bond fame
still come to mind. Now, the company has introduced the
PPQ SC, a subcompact 9mm Luger semi-auto pistol that
might be just good enough to inspire a new generation of
shooters to automatically associate Walther with top-quality
polymer-frame carry pistols.
So, what’s this new gun all about?

Among other
ITS LINEAGE things, the Walther
features a large,
appearance or feel of this pistol either which sometimes results in pounding
The PPQ SC is the little brother of the squared-off trigger in the hand or in the holster. with frustration. Metal tritium night
guard for use with
company’s full-frame striker-fired PPQ gloved hands and sights are also available.
a captured recoil
that’s offered with either a 5- or 4-inch spring assembly. The polymer sights are in the three-
barrel. The subcompact provides the dot configuration. The rear sight can be The barrel is 3.5 inches long. It
same features as the larger pistols in a adjusted for windage with a tiny screw features a small slot in the top of the
more carry friendly package. Like the on the right side. That’s an excellent chamber that serves as a visual loaded
bigger pistols, the subcompact uses feature when you consider that with chamber indicator. The extractor is
a staggered magazine. It allows for most other sights, you have to drift internal. The ejection port is large and
greater capacity (10 in the flush-fitting them in their dovetails with either a
magazine of the subcompact) with special sight tool or by tapping them,
only a slightly wider profile. Don’t
worry: If you’re a skinny-pistol lover,
the company’s single-stack PPS is also
a great pistol.
UP TOP
The PPQ SC features a Tenifer-treated
steel slide for corrosion resistance. It’s
finished matte black and has nicely
angled cocking serrations front and
rear, with the Walther logo running
through the front serrations on the
left side. The slide tapers toward the
top—there’s nothing blocky about the
“IN OFF-HAND
DRILLS, THE
PISTOL WAS VERY
COMFORTABLE AND
CONTROLLABLE...”
“...THIS WALTHER PPQ
SC HAS PROBABLY THE
BEST SELF-DEFENSE
TRIGGER OF ANY
STRIKER-FIRED PISTOL
I’VE TESTED TO DATE.”
The grip angle, tex- left side of the frame. It is reversible
turing and contours
all contribute to a for lefties. It’s nicely rounded and sized
secure, comfortable
grasp on the pistol. for easy activation without poking out
unnecessarily far. I thought it was a
flared front and rear. This helps to ing position. mistake when Glock went to a larger
make the gun extremely reliability. mag release that sticks out too far,
It also keeps the shell casings from The pistol comes with standard and a feature enjoyed by competition
being dented—nice if you reload your large interchangeable backstraps that shooters that can mean trouble if you
own practice ammo. Inside the slide, allow for some customization. A tool accidentally tap that button and unseat
there’s a firing pin block that prevents to make the swap is included. The or even drop your magazine during a
the striker from moving forward until finger grooves on the front strap help gun fight.
the trigger is fully depressed. to keep your grip on the pistol stable
while not being overly pronounced or The ambidextrous slide release levers
THE FRAME ill-placed as with some other guns. are extended on each side and feature
I think the polymer frame of the PPQ ridges for sure-handed manipulation,
SC is a big part of what separates There’s a two-slot Picatinny accessory but they too hug the frame to lessen
this subcompact from lesser guns. Its rail under the front of the frame. The the chance of inadvertently putting the
cross-directional texturing provides a squared-off trigger guard opening is gun into slide lock while shooting.
secure gripping surface without being large—no problem for fat fingers or
abrasive. gloves. It’s undercut where it meets The PPQ SC comes with two metal
the frame, allowing for a controllable, magazines, a flush-fitting 10-round
The contour of the grip fits my aver- high hold on the pistol. The face of mag and a 15-rounder that’s actually a
age-sized hand well. It tapers toward the trigger itself features the almost full-size PPQ mag with a plastic sleeve
the trigger with dished out areas on obligatory passive blade safety. that fills the space between the short-
both sides of the frame where the er frame of the subcompact and the
thumb and trigger finger are placed. The PPQ SC is one of Walther’s M2 magazine base plate. Also included
The result is that there is no blocky models, which means it features a are a foam-lined plastic hard case and
feel when holding the gun in shoot- button-style magazine release on the a magazine loader.

INNOVATIVE
INCEPTOR AMMO
A RELIABLE
PERFORMER
Imagine a bullet that feeds in semi-autos like a full
metal jacket, is able to penetrate intermediate barriers
without disruption and then causes a wound cavity su-
perior to many hollowpoints, yet won’t over-penetrate
the way hollowpoints that fail to expand are apt to do.
Interceptor Preferred Defense cartridges from

Quantum Ammunition is purported to do all of those
things. The ammo is topped with the company’s ARX
bullet, composed of a polymer-metal mixture. It’s
a non-expanding design with corkscrew-like flutes. TAKEDOWN Top Left sidebar:
The author, along
reviewing. But let me say this: This
Disassembly of the pistol is the same with some other Walther PPQ SC has probably the best
That shape enables it to cause extensive hydraulic writers, fired thou-
displacement in the targets, producing a devastating as with the Glock. With an unloaded, sands of rounds self-defense trigger of any striker-fired
of Inceptor ARX
wound cavity. uncocked pistol, you pull down the Preferred Defense pistol I’ve tested to date.
ammo that uses a
spring-loaded takedown levers on polymer-metal com-
posite bullet while
The 9mm load we used while testing the Walther PPQ both sides of the pistol at once, retract testing the Walther It wasn’t as good as the single-action
last fall.
SC last fall featured a light-for-caliber 65-grain bullet the slide slightly, and then move it pull on my well-worn S&W Model 28
off the front of the frame. I found the revolver or as nice as a well-tuned
at a smoking 1,545 feet per second muzzle velocity. My
takedown levers easier to grasp and single-action 1911, but for a strik-
initial concern was that the light bullet would have
manipulate than those of the Glock, er-fired gun it was superb. The weight
a significantly different point of impact from con-
which can involve a learning curve for of the PPQ SC trigger pull is listed at
ventional defense ammo of 115, 124 or 147 grains. The
new shooters. 5.6 pounds, but I measured the pull
sights on the Walther weren’t adjustable for elevation.
on mine at closer to 4.25 pounds, just
As it turned out, my concerns were unfounded. The
PROOF POSITIVE about as light as you’d want in a carry
ammo proved to be right on target during drills out to
A long list of desirable features is nice, gun of this type.
15 and 20 yards. but a pistol has to prove itself during
live-fire exercises at the range if it’s to I’ve tried guns with lighter triggers, but
During the writers’ event, we shot thousands of earn a spot in my safe. Here’s where I this one, after a small amount of take-
rounds of both the Quantum Inceptor Preferred have to make a confession. I actually up, broke more cleanly than any other.
Defense and the Inceptor Sport Utility range ammo fired hundreds of rounds through one There was little to no flexible, spongy
that utilized a round nose bullet. Both types of ammo of these Walther subcompacts at a feel that’s typical of striker-fired guns.
performed very well. It’s too new to have developed a training and familiarization event for The trigger reset with an audible and
performance track record in real-world gun fights, but writers last fall. The little Walther per- tactile click with very little travel. This
the design is promising. The company now offers In- formed wonderfully then, so naturally made for fast and accurate follow-up
ceptor Combo Packs that include both the Sport Utility I had high expectations with this test shots.
ammo for training and ARX ammo for defensive use. gun.
Above: The Walther
PPQ SC features Given the short sight radius of this
ambidextrous slide
The ammo is also available in .380 ACP, .38 Special, Yes, I know, writers tend to be very release levers and a 3.5-inch barrel gun, I did my accuracy
reversible magazine
.357 Magnum, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. enthusiastic about new guns they’re release. testing at 15 yards with an assortment

of training and defense ammo. At that either side of 1.5 inches. You might be
range, the bullet impacts were pretty able to do better if you’re more patient
much at the point of aim. I didn’t get from the bench than I am.
to play with the little rear sight screw;
the sights were aligned perfectly out In off-hand drills, the pistol was very
of the box. comfortable and controllable, but
that’s one of the benefits of a slightly
Knowing that the bullets will hit where wider double-stack 9mm. I’ve always
I aim is more important to me than found them easier to shoot well than
the ability to make nice small groups The Walther dis- a single-stack. Yes, when using the
assembles into its
in paper from the bench. But the major components flush-fitting magazine, you will have
as does the Glock,
Walther did this well, too. Groups were but the author to curl your pinky finger underneath
found the takedown
consistent across all brands of ammo levers on the the grip, but that is something that
Walther easier to
tested. Five-shot groups hovered on manipulate. becomes more comfortable the more
“...THE POLYMER FRAME OF THE

PPQ SC IS A BIG PART OF WHAT
SEPARATES THIS SUBCOMPACT
FROM LESSER GUNS.”

xxxx
“...THERE’S NOTHING BLOCKY ABOUT

THE APPEARANCE OR FEEL OF THIS
PISTOL EITHER IN THE HAND OR IN
THE HOLSTER.”
you shoot a subcompact. If it doesn’t, Top Left: The author’s
finely crafted Alessi
CARRYING DONE RIGHT
you can go with the longer mag if CQC leather holster
designed for his Glock
THE WALTHER Yes, subcompact 9mm pistols have
you want. As expected, there were no 26 also provides some For range use, I had a Clinger V2 Ultra been around for a while now. But
classy carry for the
malfunctions. Walther PPQ SC. Conceal OWB (outside-the-waistband) this Walther PPQ SC, with its finely
Top Right: The author holster that was comfortable and sculpted frame and slide, flawless per-
used a Clinger V2
For fun, I shot at a 5-inch plastic ball Ultra Conceal OWB secure, but allowed for fast access. formance and reliability, raises the bar
holster that can easily
out to 30 yards and managed to clang be converted to an Actually, it was made for the PPQ when it comes to modern subcompact
inside-the-waistband
the 12-inch steel plate at 100 yards holster by swapping with longer slide, but it worked just pistols. This Walther might not be as
out the attachment
off-hand a couple of times. clips. fine. By swapping out the belt loops well known as the PPK, but I’d have
I can make this into an excellent IWB to believe that even Bond—James
(inside-the-waistband) rig and I think Bond—would find it to his liking.CC
WALTHER ARMS SPECS I’ll do that.
Model: PPQ SC (Subcompact) With the
longer
Type: Striker-fired semi-automatic pistol I also found that the Walther will fit magazine
inserted, the
Caliber: 9mm Luger snugly in the finely crafted Alessi CQC Walther PPQ
SC allows for
Capacity: 10 or 15 leather holster I have for my Glock 26. a full grip on
the pistol.
Slide: Tenifer-coated steel with matte black finish; front and rear
cocking serrations
Barrel: 3.5 inches SHOOTING RESULTS
Frame: Polymer with two interchangeable backstraps, accessory rail
AMMO AVG. VELOCITY SMALLEST GRP. AVG. GRP.
Height: 4.4 inches
AMERICAN EAGLE 115-GR. SYNTECH 1,055 1.5 1.75
Width: 1.3 inches
Weight: 21.2 ounces unloaded
CCI BLAZER 124-GR. FMJ 962 1.25 1.5
Trigger: 5.6 pounds listed, 4.25 pounds tested; 0.4 inch of travel. COLT (DOUBLE TAP) 124-GR. FMJ 1,038 1.5 1.68
Sights: Three-dot with rear sight screw-adjustable for windage DOUBLE TAP +P 115-GR. BARNES TAC-XP 1,109 1.5 1.58
Other: Ambidextrous slide release, reversible mag release, firing pin Velocity in feet per second measured by Chrony chronograph 15 feet from the muzzle. Group size in inches.
block safety Average groups result of four five-shot groups at 15 yards from rest.
MRSP: $649

SOURCES
www.WaltherArms.com
www.ClingerHolsters.com
www.AlessiGunHolsters.com
www.InceptorAmmo.com
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Discover the premier

knife magazine.
www.knivesillustrated.com
The author found that the Walther seemed more
slim than some other double-stack subcompacts,
with no blocky feel in the hand.

“THE PPQ SC COMES WITH
TWO METAL MAGAZINES,
A FLUSH-FITTING
10-ROUND MAG AND
A 15-ROUNDER...”
The Walther PPQ

SC comes in a
plastic hard-sided,
padded case with
two magazines
and an alternate
backstrap.

OUTNU M
YOU NEED TO KNOW THE REALITIES OF PAUL BRADBURY/GETTY IMAGES
ENGAGING MULTIPLE ADVERSARIES
MBERED
STORY AND PHTOS BY CHUCK TAYLOR

F
When attackers
A B
or nearly three decades are in a lateral
array and visibly
now, the average number of armed with deadly
weapons, the best
adversaries encountered in high-speed weapon
control and target
handgun fights has steadily visibility is achieved
by engaging your
increased. strong side target
first, then working
toward the weak
side, placing a
In fact, it has increased to the point single thoracic hit
on each.
where two targets are now nearly
the norm. As such, the conscientious
tactical shooter would be well advised
to learn the best ways of dealing with
a situation in which two, three or even
four adversaries are involved.
OUTNUMBERED
First off, we need to define what a C D
true multiple target situation actually
is. Yes, I know…the usual response
to this is that there’s more than one
target. However, such is untrue: the
actual definition of a multiple target
scenario is when all of your adversar-
ies can engage you simultaneously.
Typically, this means that your target

will be in a lateral, rather than linear,
array. Were they to be in a linear
array, strung out in front of you in a
line at different distances, what you
would then have is a series of single
target engagements. A quick step or
two to the right of left would prevent
them from engaging you simultane-
ously, allowing you to engage them
accordingly.
ENGAGING
THE TARGETS
It’s important to know this because
it dictates how many shots you’ll fire
at each target. We all pretty much
subscribe to the idea of hitting a single
target twice, but that’s where the
uniformity ends. Due mostly to the
long-standing but nonetheless erro-
neous competitive practice of always
shooting each target twice, all too
many self-defense shooters hamstring
themselves by following that dictum.
Unfortunately, as one might expect,

Bottom Right: If
time is ultra-critical in multiple target the adversaries
are some distance
situations and shooting each target away, as you pres-
ent your weapon
twice simply takes too long. Doing a quick side step,
followed by a good
so simply gives the unengaged kneeling position,
provides stability to
adversaries more time to successfully enhance accuracy
and reduces your
engage you. target profile.

sary’s hands. Let’s examine each of
these theories logically.
01 HAND
HOGWASH
First, shooting the gun out of an
adversary’s hands is Hollywood
hogwash. Things are happening way
too fast for such tricky marksmanship
to be feasible. It also gives rise to the
post-shooting civil court question of,
“if you can shoot the gun out of my
client’s hands, why didn’t you do it
in the first place instead of shooting
him twice in the chest?” Hmmm…an
awkward situation to say the least and
one in which you are made to look
very, very bad.
02 COLLAPSE
CATASTROPHE
Next, let’s look at shooting until the
“I’VE PERSONALLY USED

targets all collapse. Aside from the
fact that it simply takes too long,
THE CRANIO-OCULAR SHOT

there is another problem, one which
most shooters don’t realize. When
AND FOUND IT TO WORK

you shoot someone, you’re actually
racing his central nervous system to
PERFECTLY.”
shutdown, a protective reflex action
that all mammals have. It’s intended
to ward off shock, allowing the person
In civilian and
Years ago, a well-known expert shoot- power, the time required with mul- law-enforcement or animal to continue to function, at
er challenged this, claiming that he tiple targets prohibits doing so. So, self-defense, the least for a while.
frequency of
could shoot twice just as quickly as he a compromise is necessary. Instead, encountering more
than one adversary
could shoot once. We were practicing firing only a single shot into the tho- has been increasing Thus, if a shot to the thoracic cavity
for many years.
the old “El Presidente,” which entails a racic area of each target takes far less NRA photo fails to produce sufficient shock to
180-degree pivot, followed by shoot- time, and allows you to, as handgun incapacitate the target, continuing to
ing each of three targets 7 meters legend Bill Jordan used to say, “get shoot him there is a poor backup plan.
downrange twice, performing a speed a bullet into everyone and see what Within a few seconds of the initial
reload, then re-engaging each of happens next!” trauma, the nervous system is pretty
them, again with two shots apiece. much shut down, so each additional
Once this initial engagement is com- shot produces successively less shock.
For our purposes, only hits in the plete, the weapon should be lowered When you try to do this with two,
thoracic (chest) cavity of the target quickly to the ready position to allow three or four targets, things quickly
counted. Hits anywhere else were the shooter to assess the effect of his spiral out of control, usually with
scored as misses. He shot it as de- shots and follow up as necessary if a devastating results to the intended
scribed; I shot each target only once. failure to stop is experienced. victim. When I “shoot for blood,” the
When the smoke cleared, my time idea is for the other guy(s) to do the
was exactly twice as fast as his, with FOLLOW-UP bleeding, not me.
all center hits. Observers commented FALLACIES
with some alacrity that shooting two
shots at each of three targets allowed
the unengaged targets far too much
Theories on follow-up shots vary
considerably, with some saying that
you should shoot each target until it
03 PELVIC
PROBLEMS
The pelvic shot is intended to stop
time to engage him. finally collapses. Others claim that you an onrushing attack by someone
should shoot for the pelvis, femur or wielding an edged or blunt weapon,
Thus, while we all agree that two femoral artery. A few even espouse not a firearm. Though the pelvis is a
quick hits provide maximum stopping shooting the gun out of the adver- large bone, it isn’t readily visible, so

“...AS HANDGUN LEGEND
personally used the cranio-ocular shot
and found it to work perfectly.
BILL JORDAN USED TO Some claim that the target will notice
SAY, ‘GET A BULLET INTO you’re aiming your gun at his head
and try to dodge the bullet, but this,
EVERYONE AND SEE too, is nonsense. In order to attack
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!’”

with any degree of effectiveness, the
head must first stabilize, meaning
that it will be motionless, making the
cranio-ocular shot entirely feasible.
the shooter must guess its location If any of your shot is attempted. And third, even if Hits in the lower portion of the head,
attackers are
and shoot accordingly. Unfortunately, obscured, first deal they’re hit, if the adversary is armed such as the facial area, aren’t always
with those you can
this often results in hits in the lower immediately identify with a gun, nothing will prevent him incapacitating, so reasonable sight
as a deadly threat,
abdomen or genitals, neither of which then move laterally from using it. alignment, sight picture and trigger
as needed to identi-
are immediately incapacitating. And fy and confront the control are needed to place the bullet
even if the pelvis is hit and the rush-
others.
FAILURE TO STOP where it will have the best effect.
ing target falls, if he has a gun, merely So, if a failure to stop is experienced,
falling down doesn’t prevent him from what is the best response? I prefer the ENGAGEMENT ORDER
using it…on you. cranio-ocular (brain and eyes) area of If your adversaries are some distance
the head. The head is clearly visible away and armed with visible deadly
Shooting for the knees, femur or and presents the least difficult target weapons, a quick side-step, followed
femoral artery all share the same to hit. Moreover, according to the by a good kneeling position will give
weaknesses. First, you’re shooting for dozen pathologists I queried, a bullet you both accuracy and present a
something relatively small that you in the brain or eye nearly always smaller target profile to them. Then
can’t even see. Second, they’re usually produces instant incapacitation and is engage them strong side to weak side.
moving around at the moment the usually immediately fatal as well. I’ve However, if they aren’t all carrying

halves, engage the targets to the out-
FOLLOW THE
FOLLOW-UP
side and work inward. The left-side
shooter engages targets left to right,
while the right-side shooter takes the
far-right target and works to the left. SHOTS
The dividing line is in the middle.
If you’re in a stopped motor vehicle 01 Shooting the gun out of the hand:
Hollywood nonsense, not realistic,
not incapacitating, criminal and civil
and on the driver‘s side, open the
door, but stay inside. Get as low as liability problems
possible in the seat, hold the door
02
open with your leg, and first engage Shooting until he’s down:
the target at the left side of your Gives other adversaries a chance
field of view. Then, work to the right, to shoot you
taking each additional target in turn.
If you’re on the passenger side, en-

gage in the reverse order, first taking
03 Pelvic hits: Might knock adversary
down, but he can still shoot you
the target to the right, then working

to your left. In either case, if any
targets are located in such a way that
04 Head shot: If placed in the
cranio-ocular area, are the most
sure way to incapacitate an adversary
you cannot engage them from inside
the vehicle, dismount, using it for
cover and engage them as they come Life and death are serious business
into your line of fire. and practicing the best techniques
involved is thus essential. Traditional
SEE THE SITUATION beliefs aren’t always the best, and in
As you’ve probably guessed by now, those stressful seconds during which
being able to “think on your feet” is the bullets are flying, your very life
essential. These days, there is far too will depend upon your ability to place
readily identifiable deadly weapons, much what I call “ritualism,” in which fast, accurate hits on your adversaries
first shoot those with firearms, then shooters blindly follow theories and If in a stopped car, while minimizing their potential for
stay low in the seat
deal with those without. In situations techniques that are inappropriate for and engage the doing the same to you. In such situ-
target at the outer
like this, remember than an average the situation. This is a dangerous and edge of the target ations, I prefer to rely on my skill at
man, on a dry, level surface, from a potentially deadly practice and should area first. Francois arms and ability to think and reason.
Ancellet/Getty
standing start, can cover 7 meters in be avoided. Images I’ll bet that you do, too. CC
1.5 seconds.
So, if he has an edged or blunt

weapon and rushes you, don’t let him
get too close before engaging him. I
prefer to “draw the line” at 15 me-
ters—given the 1.5 second rush factor,
any kind of edged or blunt weapon is
deadly if he gets closer than that.
If your targets are not all in the open,

their visual identification as a deadly
threat isn’t immediately possible, so
engage those who are, then move
laterally until you have good visual
contact. You can then identify wheth-
er or not they’re a deadly threat and
shoot accordingly.
If you’re with an armed partner,

divide the area in front of you into

FIRST-CLASS
FIREARMS DESIGN
NEVER STANDS STILL,
AND HERE ARE THE
BEST NEW GUNS TO
PROVE IT
T
hey’ve done it again. If you thought there could
be nothing new under the sun when it came to
firearms, see what the manufacturers have done
this year in continuing to innovate and improve,
all to offer you the latest in defensive handguns. Some are
upgrades, enhancements to your favorites. Others are com-
pletely new. All show remarkable creativity and engineering
brilliance. Whatever your mission—compete, conceal, carry—
here are the best of the new breed.

FIREPOWER BY CCH STAFF
PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURERS

“...THE...RUGER...
EC9S...IS A
NO-NONSENSE
EVERYDAY
CARRY PISTOL...”
Top Right: The

Ruger EC9s is with black oxide finish and a black one-piece, glass-filled ny-
an affordable lon frame. It weighs just 17.2 ounces. The gun also features
single-stack 9mm
pistol suitable for a manual safety, magazine disconnect safety and a passive
everyday carry.
safety lever on the face of the trigger. A small inspection port
enables you to visually check to confirm whether a round is
in the chamber.
SR1911 Lightweight
Officer-Style
01RUGER
With Ruger, you’re not limited to polymer-frame pistols for
your carry needs. If you prefer a single-action 1911 action,
Ruger has also introduced a 9mm 1911 in a more carry
Sturm, Ruger and Company recently added to its stable of friendly package. The SR1911 Lightweight Officer-Style
excellent carry guns that already included the LCP, LCP II, pistol sports a 3.6-inch bull barrel to get a little more weight
LC9s, LC380, American Compact and SR9c. In the compact toward the muzzle for greater control. The gun features a
handgun category, the company has introduced the internal stainless steel slide with low-glare finish and a full-length
hammer-fired Security 9, covered with a full review in this guide rod. It has a lightweight aluminum frame with pol-
issue starting on page 120. ished titanium feed ramp. Topping off the package are the
checkered G-10 grip panels. The pistol is equipped with the
EC9s always excellent Novak 3-dot sights that are drift-adjustable
In the subcompact arena, Ruger has added the affordable for windage. While a bit heavier at 27.2 ounces than polymer
EC9s. This small, single-stack, striker-fired 9mm is a no-non- pistol alternatives, the slightly extra weight should help to
sense everyday carry pistol similar to the company’s LC9s, mitigate felt recoil. The SR1911 Lightweight Officer-Style pis-
but less expensive with sights that are integrally machined tol is a traditional design, which like Series 70 pistols, has no
on the slide. With its 3.12-inch barrel, it’s slightly less than Left: The Ruger
firing pin block. Two seven-round stainless steel magazines
1 inch taller and longer than the company’s diminutive LCP SR1911 Lightweight are included.
Officer-Style pistol
.380. The pistol offers 7+1 capacity, and the package comes is a 9mm carry gun
that should appeal
with a finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to to those familiar MSRP: $299 (EC9), $979 (SR1911 Lightweight Offi-
with 1911 gun-han-
the magazine. The EC9s features a through-hardened slide dling techniques. cer-Style | Web: www.Ruger.com

The Sig Sauer
365 is a new
9mm subcom-
pact with a full
10+1 capacity,
thanks to a new
magazine design.
02SIG
SAUER
Sig Sauer didn’t sit back and rest after winning the U.S. Army contract for the M17/M18 Modular Pistol System.
The company remembered civilians who carry concealed with its new P365, so named because it’s a small gun
that you can carry 365 days a year. The company is promoting the P365 as a “micro compact.” That’s because
the gun’s newly designed, narrow-necked, flush-fitting double-stack magazine allows the gun to have a 10+1
capacity in a frame that, at just 1 inch wide, is closer in size to a single-stack pistol with typical 6+1 capacity.
Two magazines are included: one flush-fitting mag and another with a finger extension floorplate. An extended
12-round magazine is also available. The P365 is a striker-fired, polymer-frame 9mm that weighs 17.8 ounces.
Its barrel is 3.1 inches long. The slide is stainless steel with a black Nitron finish. The slide is topped with Sig Lite
night sights. The frame is a textured polymer with an accessory rail. Sig is planning on launching a light, laser
Above: The new Sig Sauer
and ammo all specifically to complement the new pistol. The company is also teaming with Blackpoint Tactical to 365 is only 1 inch thick,
giving it a profile similar to
offer a series of concealed carry holsters for the gun. single-stack designs, but
with a larger magazine
capacity.
MSRP: $599.99 | Web: www.SigSauer.com
03SMITH
WESSON
&
The S&W M&P Shield is one of the
most popular concealed carry pistols
in the U.S. Usually offered in either
9mm or .40 S&W, now the company The Smith & Wesson
M&P380 Shield EZ
has introduced the M&P380 Shield EZ offers an easy-rack
slide and easy-loading
Pistol. As the name implies, the pistol magazines in a
light-recoiling .380
is chambered for the light-recoiling pistol.
.380 ACP with an easier-to-rack slide,

easy-to-load magazines and easy- have a black Armornite finish. The slide is topped with
to-clean disassembly procedure. The three-dot sights, and the rear sight is adjustable for wind-
newest entry in the company’s M2.0 age. The polymer frame with M2.0 texturing and 18-de-
lineup, the M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol gree grip angle includes an accessory rail. The pistol has a
features an internal hammer and tactile loaded-chamber indicator and reversible magazine
single-action firing system. It features release. Some models are available with ambidextrous
a 3.675-inch barrel and 8+1 capacity. manual safeties. The pistol is 6.7 inches long overall and
Two magazines that feature load assist weighs 18.5 ounces.
buttons are included with the gun.
The stainless steel slide and barrel MSRP: $399 | Web: www.Smith-Wesson.com

04SPRINGFIELD
ARMORY
Springfield Armory continues to be on the forefront of the concealed
carry market with updates to existing models along with new intro-
ductions. Recently, the company introduced the 911 single-action .380,
along with the XD-S Mod 2 3.3 .45 and XD-E .45.
911
Sometimes there isn’t time to wait for a response when you call 9-1-1.
The new Springfield Armory 911 pistol is a super subcompact everyday
carry .380 that measures just 5.5 inches long and a mere 3.9 inches
high. It weighs just 12.6 ounces. It’s offered with a snag-free contoured
slide in either a natural stainless steel or black Nitride finish. The
lightweight aluminum frame sports the company’s Octo-Grip texturing
on the front strap and mainspring housing. Thin, textured G-10 grips The Springfield
complete the package to ensure a secure hold on the gun. The 911 is a Armory 911 is a
pocket-sized, sin-
single-action, hammer-fired pistol with ambidextrous manual safeties gle-action .380.
to allow for cocked-and-locked carry. It comes with Ameriglo Pro-Glo

night sights. The front sight has a green tritium dot surrounded by a
yellow luminescent circle. The rear sight has green tritium dots sur-
rounded by white luminescent circles. The rear sight is also shaped to
allow for emergency one-handed racking of the slide. The 911 comes
with two magazines: one six-round flush-fitting mag and one extended
seven-round mag.
XD-S Mod 2 3.3 .45

Springfield Armory has been updating its lineup of XD pistols, and the
small XD-S Mod 2 3.3 .45 is the latest to receive the enhancements.
This handgun offers .45 ACP power in a small, single-stack carry gun.
The new Mod 2 version provides for a higher hand position on the grip,
an improved grip texture on the polymer frame, a thinner slide with
longer Posi-Wedge serrations, Melonite finish, and Ameriglo Pro-Glo
front sight and tactical-rack rear sight. The striker-fired XD-S has an The Springfield Ar-
improved trigger with quick reset as well. Other features include a grip mory XD-S Mod 2
3.3 .45 provides en-
safety and a loaded-chamber indicator. The pistol is carry-friendly with hancements over
earlier models.
its 3.3-inch barrel, 6.5-inch length and 4.4-inch height. It weighs 21.05
ounces. The pistol comes with one flush-fit five-round magazine and
one six-round mid-mag.
XD-E 3.3 .45

Some shooters are more comfortable with a traditional DA/SA pistol
with a long double-action first trigger pull and shorter, lighter single-ac-
tion pull for subsequent shots. Springfield Armory gave its customers
just that when it introduced the XD-E a year ago in 9mm. Now the
company has expanded the line by offering the same gun in the more
powerful .45 ACP. The XD-E features an external hammer, 3.3-inch bar-
rel and slim (1 inch), single-stack profile. The company touts the slide
as being 27 percent easier to manipulate. The pistol is equipped with
ambidextrous manual safety/decocker levers. It’s equipped with a fiber
optic front sight and a low-profile combat steel rear sight. The steel
slide is finished in black Melonite. The polymer frame is also black. The The Springfield
Armory XD-E 3.3
pistol weighs 23 ounces. It comes with one six-round magazine with .45 provides .45
ACP power in a
Grip X-Tension and one slightly longer seven-round magazine with Mag truly concealable
package with a DA/
X-Tension. SA action.
MSRP: $599 (911 model), $568 (XD-S Mod 2 3.3 .45 and XD-E
3.3 .45) | Web: www.Springfield-Armory.com

The Glock 26 is The Glock 19X is a
now being offered Gen 5 model with the
as a Gen 5 model. slide of a G19 over the
frame of a G17.
05GLOCK
For years, Glock has set the standard when it comes to polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols. It’s this company’s guns by which all others are judged.
The company recently introduced some new models to keep it at the head of the pack.
G26 Gen 5 G19X

Of primary interest to concealed carry enthusiasts is the Glock 26 The Glock 19X is a crossover model that’s a first for Glock. Like 1911 Com-
subcompact, double-stack 9mm pistol that’s now being offered mander-sized guns, the Glock 19X features the short slide and 4.02-inch
in a Gen 5 model. The Gen 5 models feature the company’s barrel of the compact G19 with the full-size grip frame of the larger G17.
Marksman Barrel with improved polygonal rifling and barrel Targeting tactical applications, the Glock 19 features a first-ever factory-col-
crown for enhanced accuracy, the elimination of finger grooves ored slide in coyote brown with like-colored frame. The slide is nPVD-coated
on the grip frame, and ambidextrous slide stop release levers. for maximum wear and corrosion resistance against harsh chemicals and
The new Gen 5 model also features the nDLC finish on the slide extreme environments. The new G19X also includes the Gen 5 upgrades,
for increased wear resistance. The G26 Gen 5 has a 3.43-inch including the Marksman barrel with improved polygonal rifling and barrel
barrel, is 1.3-inches wide and weighs 21.69 ounces. The trigger crown, grip frame without finger grooves, and ambidextrous slide lock re-
pull is listed as 5.8 pounds. For an extra $50, you can have the lease levers. A lanyard loop is also included on this model. The G19X comes
pistol fitted with Glock Night Sights. For an extra $100, your G26 with one standard 17-round magazine and two +2 magazines. It comes
will come with Ameriglo Bold sights. We have to mention, for standard with Glock Night Sights.
competitive shooters, the long-slide G34 9mm is being offered,
too, in a Gen 5 model. MSRP: $699 (G26 Gen 5), $749 (G19X) | Web: www.US.Glock.com
06ARCHON
Archon Firearms, formerly known as Arsenal Firearms, has re-designated its Stryk B pistol as the
Archon Firearms Type B. The most remarkable features of this polymer-frame, striker-fired 9mm
pistol are its unusual operating system, and its extremely low bore axis that helps in reducing
The Archon
felt recoil and allows faster follow-up shots. Internally, the pistol is different than many other Type B makes
the 9mm Luger
semi-autos. The company’s AF Speedlock system provides for the locking block inside to cartridge easier
than ever to
be disengaged upon firing the pistol. The barrel does not have to tilt as on other shoot.
designs; it comes straight back. That should benefit feed reliability, enhance
accuracy and limit felt recoil. The polymer frame is aggressively
textured with raised squares. It comes with a fiber optic front
sight, but the gun is compatible with Glock sights. As a
bonus, the pistol will be shipped with four 15-round
magazines.
MSRP:$849.99
Web: www.ArchonFirearms.com

A C
B
07 KAHR CW380
Black Carbon Fiber
Kahr introduced its first pistol with a polymer grip
A: The Kahr ST9
TIG pistol fea-
tures attractive
Kryptek Typhon
grip panels.
TIG Series
Another new Kahr offering is the special edition TIG Series ST9 pistol,
named in honor of American hero John “Tig” Tiegen, a survivor of the
and a black carbon fiber weave pattern. That gun attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi. This pistol features a polymer
was a compact 9mm with a 4-inch barrel. Now frame with a Kryptek Typhon print. Only 1,000 will be offered. The ST9 is a
the company has added its CW380 a subcompact B: Engraving on 9mm subcompact pistol with a 4-inch barrel. Engravings on these special
the Kahr ST9
.380 ACP with the same option. That frame pro- TIG pays tribute edition models will include the TIG logo, Tiegen’s signature and the Beyond
to John “Tig”
vides for a superior hold and presents an attrac- Tiegen one of the Battlefield logo. The first 50 guns will be sold as a part of three-gun
the heroes who
tive 3-D appearance. The CW380 has a 2.58-inch responded to sets that will also include an Auto Ordnance Tig Model Tommy Gun and a
the attack on
barrel within a matte stainless steel slide. It has the U.S. embas- Magnum Research Tig Model Desert Eagle. Those sets will also include an
sy in Benghazi.
an overall length of 4.96 inches and a height autographed copy of the book Tiegen co-authored, “13 Hours: The Inside
of 3.9 inches. It weighs only 10.2 ounces. Like Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.” Kahr will donate part of
other Kahr pistols, this gun features a double-ac- C: The Kahr
the proceeds from the sale of these TIG models to Beyond the Battlefield
tion-only trigger and a passive firing pin block. CW380 is now Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Tiegen and his wife to
offered with a
There is no magazine disconnect safety. Sight are polymer frame provide support for wounded veterans.
with black
the three-white-dots configuration. Capacity of carbon fiber
texturing.
the CW380 is 6+1. MSRP: $439 (CW380), $541 (TIG model) | Web: www.Kahr.com
The North
American Arms
Ranger II is a
break-action,
five-shot rimfire
revolver.
09NORTH AMERICAN ARMS

North American Arms is best known for its high-quality mini revolvers. Some of the past
models were rather slow to reload. Enter the new Ranger II. This five-shot revolver has a break-top action
once very common a century ago. Hit the spring-loaded latch that also incorporates the rear sight and the
action opens along a hinge at the bottom of the frame, exposing the cylinder so that the empties can be
extracted and fresh rounds loaded. It has a barrel 1.63 inches long and the gun weighs just 6.9 ounces.
These rimfire revolvers are available in either .22WMR (.22 Magnum) or in a combo model, perhaps
the best value for the Ranger II, that includes a .22LR conversion cylinder to allow you to shoot both
cartridges.
MSRP: $574 (combo model) | Web: www.NorthAmericanArms.com

D E
08KIMBER
Kimber makes more 1911 pistol models than any other
D: New models
of the Kimber
Mico 9 include
this Micro 9
Desert Night
KHX Custom
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but we’d bet most
maker. This year, the company has added to its Micro 9 sub- DN with Truglo would love the way this full-size 1911 looks. It features an
TFX Pro Day/
compact single-action lineup with eight new variations—too Night sights optics-ready cutout in the slide that can accept mounting plates
and Hogue
many to list here—as well as new Micro models in .380 ACP. wrap-around for the most popular Vortex, Trijicon and Leupold red dot reflex
grips.
New models were added to the firm’s full-size 1911 offerings sights. The high-profile fiber optic sights are designed to co-wit-
as well. Here are a couple of the more notable new guns: ness with the chosen optical sight. The gun features a black
KimPro II finish over the stainless steel frame and slide. And that
Micro 9 Desert Night DN slide features a unique hex pattern texturing front and rear to
This 9mm pistol features a 3.15-inch barrel and a matte allow for secure manipulation of the slide. The grips are Hogue
black steel slide over a Desert Tan aluminum frame. It comes E: The Kimber MaGrip G-10 grips with a pattern that matches the slide. This
KHX Custom
equipped with Truglo TFX Pro Day/Night sights and Hogue features an pistol is available in either .45ACP or 9mm.
optics-ready
rubber wrap-around grips. Its single-stack magazines hold slide with
unique hex pat-
seven rounds, allowing for a pistol that’s just 1.08 inches tern gripping MSRP: $775 (Micro 9 Desert Night DN), $1,087
wide. It weighs 15.6 ounces. surfaces. (KHX Custom) | Web: www.KimberAmerica.com
10HEIZER
The Heizer PKO45 pistol first announced a couple
of years ago is now available. You won’t find a
smaller, thinner .45 ACP semi-auto. It is just 0.80-
inch thick and makes use of either a five-round
flush-fit magazine or a seven-round extended
magazine. The gun features an all-stainless steel
frame and, because it’s designed with a blow-
back action, a fixed stainless steel barrel. The
trigger mechanism is a single-action type. It has
ambidextrous safeties and the unique feature of
a grip safety on the front strap. Another unusual
design feature is that the recoil spring/guide The Heizer Defense
PKO45 is a blow-
rod assembly is positioned above the barrel. The back-operated .45
ACP pistol with
PKO45 weighs about 25 ounces. It’s available in the recoil spring/
three slide colors: Ghost Grey, Copperhead and guide rod assembly
above the barrel.
Tactical Black.
MSRP: $899 | Web: www.HeizerDefense.com

When
folded, the Ideal
Conceal derringer
by design
resembles the
ubiquitous smart
phone.
The Ideal
Conceal handgun
is a double-barrel
11 IDEAL
derringer in .380
ACP that folds for
discreet carry.
CONCEAL
Concealing a defensive handgun usually requires an appropriate cover garment for a specific type of holster. Now, Ideal
Conceal has developed a new handgun that you hide in plain sight. The Ideal Conceal folding “cell phone” gun is a dou-
ble-barrel derringer-style pistol chambered for .380 ACP that, when closed, appears as a common cell phone. It’s 5 inches
by 3 inches by 0.75 inch in size. You open the hinged frame to expose the trigger and get a grip on the pistol. The Ideal
Conceal Pistol weighs 18 ounces.
MSRP: $500 | Web: www.IdealConceal.com
13CANIK
As more U.S. shooters become familiar with the excellent
value of Canik pistols, the company has responded with
more models for specific applications. This year’s new 9mm
models will include the TP9 SFT and the TP9SA Mod 2. Centu-
ry Arms is the exclusive U.S. importer of Canik pistols.
The Canik TP9

SFT feature a
TP9 SFT
suppressor-ready The TP9 SFT offers the solid performance of the TP9SF pistol
threaded barrel
and suppres- with the addition of a suppressor-ready threaded barrel and
sor-height sights.
suppressor-height sights. The 4.94-inch barrel has 13.5x1mm
left-hand twist threads of the fitting of suppressors. The
Warren Tactical sights, with fiber optic front sight, are high
enough to allow the shooter to acquire a sight picture
unobscured by the addition of a suppressor. The sights fit into
standard-sized dovetails, so the pistol can easily be fitted
with a variety of other aftermarket sights if desired. Like the
standard TP9SF, this pistol features a match-grade barrel,

12BOND
ARMS
The Bond Arms Bullpup9 is a 9mm semi-auto pistol,
The
Bond Arms Bullpup9
is an innovative
9mm semi-auto
but what makes it unique for a subcompact pistol pistol in which
the cartridges are
is that this is a bullpup design, meaning that the stripped off the mag-
azine the rear and
action is situated behind the trigger. Because of this, then pushed into the
the rounds are stripped off the magazine to the rear chamber.
and are then pushed forward into the chamber. The

bullpup design allows for a 3.35-inch barrel in a
firearm that is only 5.1 inches long overall, making
it an extremely concealable weapon. The pistol is
attractive with two-tone finish and engraved rose-
wood grips. It’s a double-action-only design with
a consistent trigger pull of about 7.5 pounds. The
sights are of the three-dot variety and are drift ad-
justable for windage. It comes with two single-stack
seven-round magazines allowing for a profile that is
only .96 inches thick. It weighs just 17.5 ounces.
MSRP: $1,099 | Web: www.BondArms.com
The Canik TP9SA

Mod 2 has a de-
cocker button on
top of the flat slide
and improved grip
texturing.
loaded chamber indicator, cocked striker indicator,
accessory rail, reversible magazine release and
improved single-action trigger. The new TP9
SFT has Cerakote over Nitride finish. It comes
with one 18-round magazine and one 20-round
magazine. Also included are interchangeable
backstraps, cleaning rod and brush, and a poly- a thin-feel grip, 18+1 capacity, Warren
mer holster with paddle and belt attachments. Tactical sights with U-notch rear and white
dot front, 4.46-inch match-grade barrel,
TP9SA Mod 2 loaded-chamber indicator, cocked-striker
Responding to suggestions from the military indicator, accessory rail and reversible mag-
and law enforcement, Canik has upgraded its azine release. Included are two magazines,
TP9SA pistols with a new Mod 2 version. The interchangeable backstraps, cleaning rod
enhancements include a flat-top slide for easier and brush, and a holster.
sight acquisition and a decocker button atop the
slide. The grip has also received a new texture MSRP: $519.99 (TP9 SFT), $399.99
treatment with more aggressive stippling. (TP9SA Mod 2)
Like the earlier pistols, this new variation features Web: www.CenturyArms.com CC

CON
THE TAURUS SPECTRUM
COLOR IT
CEALABLE
IS READY TO MAKE A CARRY PISTOL FASHION STATEMENT
STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD SCHUTZ • STOCK PHOTOS BY CAMILO VELASQUEZ, TAURUS INTERNATIONAL

“WHAT SETS
THE TAURUS
APART FROM
THE OTHERS
IS ITS DAO
TRIGGER
AND THE
COLORED
SOFT-TOUCH
PANELS.”
S
pectrum: “A band of colors, Above: The Spec- was long and broke at an average size, the slide stop lever and magazine
as seen in a rainbow…” trum uses a tilting of 8.38 pounds — not bad for a DAO release are both small, but they are
barrel design.
trigger. It does have double-strike still relatively easy to manipulate. The
There is no question regard- capability. magazine release is reversible, but I
ing why Taurus named its new .380 could not find anything in the instruc-
micro pistol Spectrum. Designed, The Versaflex soft-touch inserts in the tion manual explaining how to do so.
engineered and manufactured in the frame’s grip and slide felt good to the It appears that all that is required is to
United States of America, it comes in touch and helped provide a solid pur- reach up into the magazine well, un-
three frame colors, two slide colors chase on the grip and slide, while the hook the mag catch spring (a straight
and 20 soft-touch panel colors, for a extended magazine gives the shooter rod), remove and reverse the maga-
total of 120 possible color combina- a place to rest the pinky finger. It’s a zine catch, and reinstall the spring.
tions. When was the last time you small gun, so every little thing that im-
saw a factory firearm of any type proves the shooter’s grip is important. The integral fixed sights are small and
with that many color combinations? I did not miss slide serrations or grip very difficult to pick up, especially in
The only thing that might come close checkering. low light conditions. Some would ar-
is a 1911 with blued or stainless slide gue that sights on a close-in pistol like
and frame and custom grip panels. Even though the Spectrum is quite the Spectrum are superfluous, but I
small, it really isn’t significantly differ- would like to see at least a contrasting
OPERATION ent in size and weight than some of its color front sight. An option for night
AND FEATURES competitors. The Smith & Wesson M&P sights would also be a good idea.
This non-energized, striker-fired poly- Bodyguard .380 and the Ruger LCP II
mer pistol uses a double-action-only are almost identical in size and weight. The “melted” or “dehorned” treatment
trigger. As expected, the trigger pull As one would expect on a pistol of this does its job keeping the Spectrum

really found nothing at all to criticize Below: The right
side of the Taurus AMMUNITION
Spectrum shows a
regarding the design and construction generous hook ex- The Spectrum is chambered for the
of the pistol; it appears to be well tractor, one-quarter- .380 Auto cartridge. Taurus prohibits
turn takedown pin,
designed and manufactured. The only DAO trigger and the the use of +P or +P+ ammunition.
non-working side
area where I would want to withhold of the reversible The instruction manual also warns
magazine release.
judgment is on the soft-touch panels. Photo by Camilo against using reloaded ammunition
Velasquez, Taurus
Only time will tell how well they Intl. and further disclaims damages due to
maintain their color and stay attached the use of reloaded ammunition.
to the pistol.
During my evaluation of the Spec-
VERSIONS AND trum, I fired factory new ammunition
ACCESSORIES from five different manufacturers.
My test gun was black. As I wrote this, This assortment included two FMJ
it was unknown when the other color loads and three defensive hollow-
combinations would be available. point loads. Bullet weights ranged
Because it doesn’t have an accessory from 90 to 95 grains. All three brands
from snagging on clothing when being rail for mounting lights or lasers and of the defensive ammunition used
deployed and when re-holstering. I the sights are fixed, there are no ac- operated flawlessly.
prefer to use a flat baseplate maga- cessories other than holsters available
zine on most carry guns to minimize either.
the possibility of “printing,” but in the
case of the Spectrum, I would elect to
carry it with the extended magazine
installed to improve my grip on the
draw.
Fit and finish on the Spectrum seem

appropriate for the price point. I
xx

SOURCES
Taurus International
www.TaurusUSA.com
DeSantis Gunhide
www.DeSantisHolster.com
CrossBreed Holsters
www.CrossBreedHolsters.com
Above: The Taurus

Spectrum dressed I did have two failures to fire using especially with a film of oil on it.
in a black frame,
black melonite Blazer #3505 95-grain FMJ ammuni-
finished slide and tion. The primer strikes were not what The barrel hood is round instead of
black Versaflex soft-
touch inserts. I would consider light (there was a sig- square as on many pistols, so it rotates
nificant indentation in both primers), when you are reinstalling the recoil
but it was not hard enough to ignite rod and spring assembly, making it
the primer. Both rounds fired when difficult to get everything aligned
Opposite Right: The struck a second time. properly. When replacing the slide
outer cover of the
DeSantis Super Fly onto the frame, just slide it all of the
holster has been
removed to show
TAKE-DOWN way back and the locking pin will
the solid fit of the Field stripping the gun does not rotate into position on its own.
Spectrum. A flat
flap attaches to the require pulling the trigger. Just make
holster with hook
and loop material
and folds over the
sure that the gun is unloaded, remove RANGE TIME
holster to help the magazine, and with the slide Due to the Spectrum’s small size and
disguise its outline.
The Super Fly is the in battery, turn the takedown pin light weight, I’ve probably had more
author’s favorite
pocket holster. one-quarter turn counterclockwise fun shooting at the range, but it didn’t
using a screwdriver or the rim of a raise any blisters and was controllable
casing. The slide assembly then slides for follow-up shots.
off the front of the frame. The recoil
Left: The top of the spring is not captive on the recoil rod, I’m not a fan of DAO triggers, even
Spectrum’s slide
shows the integral, so use caution when removing it. Also, on defensive pistols, but no one will
“speed bump” style it can be a little difficult to reassemble, pull this trigger far enough back to
sights.

PAIR THAT SPECTRUM
WITH THE RIGHT
HOLSTER
It didn’t take long for holster makers to tailor some of their best-sellers
to the new Spectrum.
DeSantis offers both the Super Fly ($39.99) and Nemesis ($25.99)
pocket holsters for the Taurus Spectrum. The Nemesis has an exterior
material that keeps it in place in your pocket and a slick cloth interior
material that allows a low friction draw. There is also an extension or
hook below the trigger guard that catches on the front pocket opening
to prevent the holster from being drawn with the pistol. The Super Fly
starts off with a holster similar to the Nemesis only with a “stickier”
exterior material, and adds a removable outer flap that is intended to
better cover the outline of the gun and make it look more like a wallet.
fire the gun unless they truly intend Groups fired using three different I have used a Super Fly for years and find it an excellent pocket pistol
to do so. If you are used to a standard brands of defensive ammunition aver- holster.
striker-fired pistol with a short reset for aged 3.27 inches at 15 yards for three
follow-up shots, make sure that you five-shot groups. This may not impress I used a CrossBreed horsehide IWB holster ($84.75) for inside the
let the trigger of the Spectrum travel competitive shooters, but it is entirely waistband carry. This rig works well but is almost too much (and too
all of the way forward before pulling acceptable for a pistol of this size. expensive) for a pistol as small as the Spectrum. Crossbreed uses
it a second time. People with large Magazine changes were uneventful leather backing with a molded and mounted Kydex pocket. As with any
diameter fingers may have trouble and reasonably quick for a micro leather holster, it takes a while for the leather portion to break-in and
operating the trigger due to the size pistol. The slide release lever (more of conform to your body, but once it does, it fits like a glove. The Kydex
and shape of the trigger guard and the a bump than a lever) is small, but it
pocket guarantees a secure fit tor the gun. The belt clips are adjustable
forward position of the trigger when works when you need it to and it isn’t
for ride height and cant.
reset. going to get in the way.
“IT...WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THREE

FRAME COLORS, TWO SLIDE COLORS
AND 20 SOFT-TOUCH PANEL COLORS,
FOR A TOTAL OF 120 POSSIBLE
COLOR COMBINATIONS.”
I was able to draw from a Crossbreed
IWB holster and engage a USPSA/IPSC
target at 7.5 yards and put all six shots
in a 6-inch group in the “A” zone as
fast as I could pull the trigger.
CONCEALED CARRY
As it should for a micro pistol, con-
cealed carry is where this gun shines.
The Spectrum is easily concealed with
almost any type of clothing due to its
small size and light weight. Most men
will probably find pocket carry using
Above: The field-
a minimalist type holster the most stripped slide shows
the non-captive re-
convenient method. Women will be coil rod and spring,
barrel and slide
able to carry it either on their person or assembly. The firing
pin (striker) block
tucked away in a dedicated compart- can be seen at the
ment of even a small purse. lower right of the
slide assembly. The
striker cannot move
forward unless
The Spectrum is so small and light that the trigger is fully
depressed and the
after carrying continuously for a day or block is elevated.
two, you will forget that you are carry-

ing it. Just don’t get so used to it that
you take it into a prohibited area.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Taurus Spectrum is not the type
of gun that you will take to the range Top Left: Here the
slide is fully assem-
every weekend and put a couple of bled with the barrel,
recoil guide rod and
hundred rounds through it, so I have to spring in-place.
believe that it will last for many years
of everyday carry. It is small and light
but so are other micro pistols. What
sets the Taurus apart from the others
is its DAO trigger and the colored soft-
touch panels.
Many people will be quite content with

Bottom Left: This
the matte black frame and either the view from the op-
erator’s end of the
blued or stainless steel slide. Spectrum shows
just how small the
sights are.

“THE VERSAFLEX SOFT-TOUCH INSERTS
IN THE FRAME’S GRIP AND SLIDE FELT
GOOD TO THE TOUCH AND HELPED
PROVIDE A SOLID PURCHASE...”
TAURUS SPECTRUM SPECS

Caliber: .380 Auto
Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO)
Firing System: Striker-fired
Frame: Polymer with Soft-Touch overmold inserts (Versaflex thermoplastic elastomer)
Slide: Stainless steel with black melonite or matte stainless finish
Sights: Integrated low-profile
Safety: Integral
Length: 5.4 inches
Height: 3.82 inches
Width: 0.89 inch
Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
Left: The Taurus Weight: 11.6 ounces, with empty magazine
Spectrum, as the
name suggests, Trigger Pull: 8 pounds, 6 ounces (for 10 consecutive pulls using a digital Lyman trigger pull gauge)
will be available in
a variety of colors. Magazine Capacity: 6 (7 with extended magazine)
Photo by Camilo
Velasquez, Taurus MSRP: $289 (standard colors), $305 (house colors)
Intl.
SHOOTING RESULTS
AMMUNITION AVE. VEL. E.S. S.D. SM. GRP. AVE. GRP.
Others, however, might be in the
HORNADY CRITICAL DEFENSE #90080 90 GR. FTX 899 52 15.1 2.59 2.63
market for an EDC gun that they can
customize to match their personality. SIG SAUER #E380A1 90 GR. V-CROWN JHP 844 93 26.8 3.09 3.46
Also, at a street price of $260 to $275, WINCHESTER “WHITE BOX” 95 GR. FMJ 804 85 28.7 2.34 3.65
I can see folks buying more than one BLAZER #3505 95 GR. FMJ (ALUMINUM CASE) 849 59 21.6 3.18 3.69
Spectrum in different color combina-
tions to match the occasion or their
BLACK HILLS 90 GR. JHP 858 80 25.8 3.26 3.72
outfits.
Velocity is the average of 10 consecutive shots as measured and calculated by a LabRadar device. Group sizes are for three, five-shot
groups fired at 15 yards. Sm. Grp. is the smallest of the three groups fired. Ave. Grp. is the average for three, five-shot groups for that
Taurus may have just found a new particular type and brand of ammunition.
niche market with the Spectrum. Only E.S.—Extreme Spread; S.D.—Standard Deviation; Sm.—smallest group in inches; Ave.—average group size in inches for three, five-
shot groups. Notes: 1.) Velocity is calculated at the muzzle using a LabRadar device; 2.) Distance to target was 25 yards; 3.) Average
time will tell. CC Velocity is for 10 consecutive shots in feet per second.

EMPOWERED
FIREPOWER
WITH
WOMEN WANT TO BE ABLE TO DEFEND

THEMSELVES. KEEP THESE 9 FACTORS
IN MIND WHEN TEACHING THEM HOW
STORY AND PHOTOS BY LEROY THOMPSON
T 01
here’s no question SUIT THE
that some women are TRAINING
avid shooters: hunters, TO HER NEEDS
competitive shooters, law First, for this group of shooters,
enforcement officers or members training should be designed to meet
of the armed forces. the woman’s wants and needs. For
the most part, she is not interested in
However, a large number of women going to the range every week with
have entered the shooting ranks over her friends, or in taking to the woods
the last decade because of the desire to hunt with her handgun.
to defend themselves. During that
period, I’ve observed a lot of new She wants to defend herself in her
women shooters learning the basics home, in her vehicle and as she goes
and getting their concealed carry about her daily activities. As a result,
licenses, and I have assisted in training these female shooters crave and
some of them. appreciate practical training.
During the process, I’ve made some

observations about positive and neg-
ative aspects of such training and will
02 START WITH
A PROPER GUN
I’ve seen men who take their wives
offer a few comments. shooting and, through some misplaced

Many women want
to learn the basics
of gun handling and
shooting primarily
for self-defense.
Jamie Carroll/Getty
Images

sense of proving their manhood, insist
that these women shoot their favorite
handguns immediately.
Most women, and many

men, who have not shot
before or who have shot
little, will be intimidated by
shooting a .45 caliber 1911
or .40 caliber Glock 23, not to
mention a .357 or .44 Magnum
revolver.
The object of teaching a wife, sister,

girlfriend, daughter, etc. to shoot is
not to impress her with your macho
ability to handle the handgun, but to
enable her to learn basic skills and
discover what type of handgun she
will want to carry and shoot.
Most women have smaller

hands and less hand/arm
strength. This will affect the
handgun choice. Generally,
when I have taken a new
shooter—male or female—to
the range, I’ve taken along
an array of .22 LR handguns
for them to try and use as
learning tools. I’ve used various
sized S&W .22 revolvers from Model
If a woman shooter
63 or 34 Kit Guns to the Model 17 is more likely to car-
ry her pistol if she
K-22. I’ve also used autos of different finds it stylish, there
is nothing wrong
sizes, from a .22-caliber Walther PPK with a pistol with
colored features.
to a Ruger Standard or a 1911 with
.22 conversion unit.
03 WORK UP
TO LARGER
CALIBERS
a de-cocker. More
important, even
My wife offers a good example, as though she does
she had never shot a handgun before not have strong
we met. She found she liked the hands, she learned to
Walther PPK .22, and while she was chamber the first round
learning the basics of shooting, it was and ready the pistol for
her choice. It proved a good choice, action.
as it allowed inexpensive shooting
and didn’t hurt her hands or bother I taught her the technique of
her with recoil. She is 5 feet tall and Far right: Right grasping the slide and shoving
side view of the
weighs 105 pounds, so those were Kahr CQ380 with the frame forward with the shooting
Crimson Trace
important considerations. Laserguard, a com- hand, then releasing the slide to
pact carry gun with
quick engagement chamber the round. In the case of Another advantage of the PPK was
capability thanks
The PPK also allowed her to learn to to the laser, and the PPK, she applied the de-cocker that she could move up in handgun
relatively good
fire a DA/SA auto and adjust to the stopping power safety first, thus allowing the hammer power using the same platform. First,
with proper choice
difference between a first DA shot and of ammo and use to safely drop as the round was she started using a .32 ACP PPK and
of multiple shots on
follow-up SA shots. She learned to use target. chambered. later a .380 ACP PPK, all with the

“...WHEN I HAVE same operating features.
TAKEN A NEW I mentioned that the PPK offered a
SHOOTER...TO
way to learn the DA/SA system with
automatic pistols. However, I should
THE RANGE, I’VE

note that my experience with training
inexperienced shooters, especially
TAKEN ALONG AN female self-defense shooters, is that

keeping the operating system simple
ARRAY OF .22 LR is better.
HANDGUNS...TO... A striker-fired or relatively light DA-on-
USE AS LEARNING
ly pistol is best, as the trigger pull will
be the same for each round fired and
TOOLS.”
all that is necessary is pointing the
pistol and pulling the trigger.

As she gained experience as a shoot-
er, my wife settled on a Kel-Tec .32
and a Kahr CW380 as her carry pistols.
She likes them and practices with
them to the extent that she shoots
them very well to 15 yards.
04 STICK
WITH ONE
OPERATING SYSTEM
Speaking of the operating system,
I recommend that even if multiple
self-defense pistols are kept loaded
around the house (and all safety
warnings should be implicit), all of
them should have the same operating
system, so that any family member
who accesses them immediately
knows that all that is necessary to
engage a threat is to point and pull Just because a
handgun is small
the trigger. doesn’t necessar-
ily mean that it
is suitable for a
shooter with small
My wife keeps her Kahr CW380 in her hands. The Double
Tap is small and
nightstand and I keep the HK P30SK easily concealable,
but it has punishing
with LEM trigger or Glock 43 I carry recoil. That causes a lot of them to opt for a
in my nightstand. She has fired the Top right: For
compact .380 Auto. Don’t assume I’m
P30SK and the Glock enough that she women with limited sexist here: I’ve known women who
hand strength, a
knows that, as with her Kahr, all she revolver might be carry full-sized 1911s and shoot lots
a better option as
has to do is point and pull the trigger. there’s no slide to of .45 ACP when training. I’m gearing
draw back. This one
This carries over if we are out and has a laser grip. my comments to female self-defense often asked if it’s from Coach; it offers
Rich Legg/Getty
about and for some reason something Images shooters who aren’t really in to guns. a quick access pocket to carry her
would happen to me and she would They just want to be able to protect handgun. When we go to the range
need to use my HK or Glock. She themselves. she practices drawing from the purse
knows she can. and shooting.
I mentioned that many women do not
05 MAKE
CARRYING
CONVENIENT
like to carry using a belt holster. Hav-
ing grown up carrying things in their
purses, some like to carry their hand-
So, given she likes to carry her gun in
the purse, the Galco is about as good
as it gets. One other note: Charter
Caliber choice will depend on the guns there. I don’t like this system, Arms sent me a left-handed .38
female shooter. Some will choose as the purse can be snatched and the Special revolver for her to evaluate,
a .38 Special revolver or a 9x19mm weapon taken with it. However, the as she is a southpaw. She sometimes
auto, while others will opt for a .32 purse carry is better than leaving her carries it in the Galco holster.
ACP or .380 Auto. I have found that gun at home.
an important consideration for getting
many female self-defense shooters to
carry their handgun is that it be easily
My wife has a Galco Meridian Con-
cealed Carry Handbag that she really
06 CONSIDER
WEAPON
RETENTION
concealed without wearing a holster. likes. It is stylish enough that she is Another advantage of the compact
“DURING TRAINING, CONSIDERATION

SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE POSSIBILITY
AN ATTACKER WILL ATTEMPT TO
OVERPOWER THE WOMAN AND
TAKE HER WEAPON.”
The woman shooter should also be trained in fast reloads. This Charter Arms Although the purse is not an optimum place for a woman to carry her hand-
Pink Lady is a model designed for left-handed shooters, allowing faster reloads gun, many women prefer this method. A purse designed for concealed carry,
for southpaws. such as this Galco Meridian, allows quick presentation of the revolver.

SOURCES
www.Kahr.com
www.KeltecWeapons.com
www.CharterFirearms.com
www.CrimsonTrace.com
www.GalcoGunleather.com
www.Black-Hills.com
www.FederalPremium.com
www.Corbon.com
.380 Auto is that a shorter barrel

lessons the chances of an attacker
wresting the pistol away from the
woman.
Other basic steps can help prevent

this as well, such as learning to keep
the pistol close to the body and to
shoot from that position. Laser sights
are very popular with a lot of female
shooters, as they allow them to keep
the pistol close to their body yet still
acquire the target and shoot quickly.
My wife has learned to engage very

quickly with either hand with the
pistol held close to the body using her
CW380 with Crimson Trace Laserguard.
An added advantage from her point of
view is that the laser will also allow
her, if I’m away, to engage an intruder
using the laser to aim the pistol with-
out endangering our Airedale who
likely will have attacked already.
While you must
master basic shoot- Access to a range allowing such drills car-jackings are relatively common, so
An important point to note, though, ing fundamentals, may be difficult for some, so they can I do have my wife practice accessing
drills that address
is that a small pistol is only advisable weapons retention be carried out with an empty pistol her handgun and engaging from
and close-quarters
if its caliber is not punishing in that shooting should be (checked multiple times) at home. within her SUV. Fortunately, we use a
practiced as well.
pistol. For example, the Double Tap Jamie Carroll/Getty Once again, I have found a laser range where such training is possible.
Images
is a tiny two-shot pistol available in invaluable for quick target acquisition
9x19mm or .45 ACP. It would readily
fit in a woman’s pocket, but the recoil
is so punishing that when I tested the
during these drills.
Normally, if alone and she believes

08 LET HER
CHOOSE
HER OWN STYLE
pistol I could only fire two rounds of an intruder is in the house, a woman Many shooters smirk at brightly col-
.45 ACP and six rounds of 9x19mm (or man for that matter) should get ored grips or receivers on some guns.
without giving my hand a long rest. the weapon and take up a position If it gets her to carry her pistol, then
behind whatever cover is available I think it’s a good thing. My wife has
07LEARN SIMPLE
TACTICS
During training, consideration should
while calling for help. However, if she
does choose to move through the
house, she should know how to pull
a Kel-Tec with nickel slide and white
grips, a Kahr with purple frame assem-
bly, and a Charter Arms “Pink Lady.”
be given to the possibility an attacker the handgun in close when passing
will attempt to overpower the woman through doorways to lessen the They will kill an attacker just as dead
and take her weapon. I include drills chance of it being grabbed. as a blued steel weapon, and the
such as back-pedaling while engaging deceased criminal will have to tell the
and firing from the ground in case the Avoiding dangerous areas is always gatekeeper when he arrives in Hell he
woman has been knocked down. a basic premise, but we live where was ended by a girl with a pink gun!

09MAXIMIZE
AMMO CHOICE
When smaller caliber weapons are
chosen, then the most effective
ammo possible that performs reliably
in the pistol should be chosen. For Starting new
female self-defense
example, in her Kel-Tec, my wife shooters with a .22
caliber semi-auto or
carries Federal 65-grain Hydra-Shok, in revolver of combat
type helps them
her Kahr Federal 90-grain Hydra-Shok learn the basics at
minimum expense
or Black Hills 90-grain JHP, and in her and with little worry
Charter Arms Glaser Safety Slugs. about recoil. Shown
is a Walther PPK-L
in .22 Long.
Because many women will be

shooting a .32 or .380, develop tactics
to maximize that ammo. I taught my
wife and a couple of other women
self-defense shooters to use triple taps
or to shoot zippers—one shot to the
mid-section, one to the upper chest
and one to the head. This drill also
takes into consideration that under
stress many will shoot high. In this
case the first two shots should still
impact.
The SIG-Sauer P238

A friend has taught women who Rainbow offers an
carry a .32 or .22 for self-defense to attractive, compact
.380 Auto for the
view it as a shotgun and to fire many female shooter, but
is a single-action
rounds into the attacker quickly. I have auto with a thumb
safety, which will re-
worked in countries on protective quire more training
to use.
detail where I was limited to carrying
a .32 auto and have advised or trained
close protection teams where this was the body will lessen the chances of
the case. it being snatched. I have also found
that many women who are not avid
My wife shoots this drill every time shooters, but avid self-defenders do
we train. Shot placement is important very well with the laser. That doesn’t
as well. In addition to zippers, I also mean they shouldn’t also train with be needed, it’s important to carry one
encourage women shooters to do their sights, but the laser helps them whenever possible.
Mozambique drills in which they fire engage more quickly and from more
a double tap to the chest followed by unconventional shooting positions. Her training should also give her
a headshot. And, don’t forget to have confidence that she doesn’t have to
her practice reloads. Most of all it is important to empha- be a victim but can turn her attacker
size to new shooters that, because into a victim when she does need her
CARRYING WITH you don’t know when a gun might pistol. CC
CONFIDENCE
“I TAUGHT MY WIFE...TO USE

Many women are self-defense shoot-
ers, so their training sessions should
TRIPLE TAPS OR TO SHOOT

be practical and geared to defending
themselves. Base their training on
the gun and carry method with which
they feel comfortable. Fit the tactics to ZIPPERS—ONE SHOT TO THE
her lifestyle.
MID-SECTION, ONE TO THE
Also, base training on the assumption
UPPER CHEST AND ONE TO
THE HEAD.”
that most attackers will be larger and
stronger so keeping the gun close to

MAXIMIZED
DEFENSE ONCE YOU’VE CHOSEN YOUR CARRY GUN, LOOK TO
THESE 10 KEYS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF IT
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHUCK TAYLOR
H
ow do you choose the
defensive handgun that
is best for you? And once
you’ve made your pick and
it proves to be reliable, how do you
customize and accessorize it to make it
most effective for your needs? The author con-
tends this full-size
Glock 17 would be
easier to handle
It all starts with the gun itself. effectively under complicated to operate or maintain
stress than a small as is often believed, many prefer the
pistol.
SO MANY CHOICES venerable wheel gun. Yet, there’s
These days, anyone interested in something else they don’t realize:
buying a defensive handgun has While it has certainly earned its spurs,
more choices than ever, perhaps too so to speak, the classic double-action
many. Whether the prospective buyer revolver is somewhat more difficult to
prefers a revolver or self-loader, the operate, particularly under stress. This
array of handguns currently available factor alone is sufficient to give one
is so large that at times it can become pause for thought.
mind-boggling.
Here are some of the top consid-
Having no way of realizing that erations when choosing and then
self-loading pistols aren’t as modifying your carry gun:

01 SIZE
MATTERS
In addition, there is the matter of size.
Regardless of whether a revolver or
auto is chosen, far too many defensive
handgunners allow weapon size to
override the fundamental need for
maximum performance under stress.
This is why we often see sub-compact
self-loaders and small-framed revolv-
MODIFY TO
OPTIMIZE THESE
ers being chosen.
Like it or not, the hard truth is that the

smaller the gun, the more specialized FEATURES FIRST
it becomes. Putting it in another way,
Before you accessorize, consider these top
this fact means that it’s harder to use
four priorities when it comes to modifying
quickly and effectively, thus limiting its
your defensive handgun:
tactical capabilities.
1. Good sights
02 KEEP IT 2. Clean, crisp trigger pull

SIMPLE 3. No sharp edges
Likewise, inappropriate guns are often 4. Appropriate finish for the environment
selected. Fancy custom or compe-
tition guns may be pleasing to the
eye, especially if one appreciates fine
craftsmanship, but the fact is that
neither one is intended or suitable for
tactical use.
Most lack the functional reliability so

critical to life and death situations, and
extensive modification of the weapon
from its original configuration often
makes it less efficient than it was from a dangerous decision, to say the least.
the box and is also an open invitation So, before you buy, spend some time
to a civil liability nightmare. For exam- defining your needs. Your very life and
ple, extended barrels with sound-sup- assets may ultimately depend upon it. Remember that the
smaller the gun, the
pressor threads present an ominous
03 LIMIT
more difficult it is to
image that increases your civil liability THE shoot quickly and
effectively. While
hazard and should be avoided. ADD-ONS highly concealable,
such weapons recoil
more, have a much
Once you have your handgun, and es- shorter sight radius
and because of
How does this happen? Simple, really. pecially after you carry and familiarize their short barrels
It happens because the prospective yourself with it, the urge to do things often lack satis- The fact is that there are only four
factory terminal
owner hasn’t clearly defined his needs to it is often strong. A quick perusal of ballistic capability. things necessary to bring any handgun
Never forget that
before making a decision. In turn, this the Internet or magazine advertise- you want the best to its highest potential: 1) sights (not
possible efficiency
means that the need for concealment ments quickly discloses a huge array from your defensive necessarily adjustable) that you can
handgun and that
is thus often given precedence over of after-market accessories. Be careful concealability, while visually acquire quickly at high speed;
important, doesn’t
the weapon’s performance capability, what you choose. supersede this fact. 2) a clean, crisp trigger pull; 3) remov-
“...TO ACQUIRE...PROPER TRAINING...SEEK

IT FROM A QUALIFIED, WELL-RECOGNIZED
INSTRUCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN
CIVILIAN SELF-DEFENSE.”
Three Above: High
al of sharp edges that abrade skin and no doubt obvious, but surprisingly,
05 NOT
visibility sights are
wear through concealment clothing, essential on any
fighting handgun.
many buyers overlook it. In a life- TOO LIGHT
and; 4) a finish appropriate for the They must therefore
be large enough to
and-death situation, the gun must not IS RIGHT
natural environment in which the gun see quickly at high only be presented to the target, that Trigger pull weights can be tricky,
speed. In addition,
will be carried and used. Beyond these for lowlight use, is, brought into action quickly, but in too. Technically speaking, for best
many manufactur-
four characteristics, there are a few, ers include white order to shoot it with any reasonable accuracy, a trigger of from 3 to 4
dot inserts on both
but only a few, additional modifications front and rear sight degree of accuracy, its sights must pounds is best, but we live in a
to enhance lowlight
that are “nice to have” but not critical. capability. also be quickly acquired and aligned. world full of civil liability and a light
Small, narrow “thumbnail” type sights trigger can get you into serious
04 SIGHTS
ARE KEY
The need for high-visibility sights is
degrade this need. Likewise, guns with
a short sight radius magnify alignment
errors, also degrading accuracy.
trouble in a post-shooting lawsuit.
So, 4 to 5 pounds is the best com-
promise.
“...FAR TOO
MANY DEFENSIVE
HANDGUNNERS
ALLOW WEAPON SIZE
TO OVERRIDE THE
FUNDAMENTAL NEED
Commander-sized
guns are a viable
compromise for
FOR MAXIMUM
the majority
of self-defense
functions. They’re
small enough to be
PERFORMANCE...”
reasonably conceal-
able, yet efficient
enough to shoot
well in a fight.

turers have placed protective ridges
beneath and around the lever, but
all too often the ridges are too high,
preventing efficient access to and op-
eration of the lever when appropriate.
Some careful work with fine emery
cloth is required to lower them to the
point where the lever is easily ac-
cessed without being left unprotected.
Magazine release buttons, too, often

exhibit sharp edges and are also often
extended to the point where merely
pressing the gun against the body will
Two Above: Best
activate them. Better to remove those
06SMOOTH 07 RESIST
lowlight sights fea-
ture tritium inserts
in a horizontal edges and relieve the stock panel to
EDGES RUST three-dot pattern.
Costing around
allow quick access.
Sharp edges make practicing with the Corrosion is also an issue, especially if $125 installed,
09
they’re well worth
gun an unpleasant chore, but practice you live in a humid part of the country their tariff, since
most handgun
ALL’S WELL
is necessary if you wish to achieve and or reside near the ocean. Both hu- encounters occur in
dim light.
WITH STAN-
maintain any degree of skill. Moreover, midity and salt air are big contributors DARD MAG WELL
those same sharp edges quickly wear to corrosion, so be sure your gun has Another current trend is to add
through coat linings and other conceal- some form of resistant coating. funnel-shaped appendages to the
ment clothing, so removing them is entrance to the gun’s magazine well,
08
Below: Optical
essential. AVOID LARGE sights are appear-
ing more often than supposedly to make speed-loading
LEVERS ever before, and are
a viable option for easier. All this does is reduce the
those with less than
Lately, to enhance grip when the Avoid overly extended slide stop optimum eyesight. gun’s concealability and increase the
They also work
hands are moist, excessive rough- levers, especially since the current well in low light, potential for bungling the load by
ening of the front and back straps trend towards the isosceles stance but remember that obstructing proper seating of the fresh
batteries must be
and side panels of the grip-frame places one thumb over the other, with regularly changed. magazine after it’s inserted. “Ah,” you
has become common. For civilians or the supporting thumb well forward,
police officers, such roughness is tough usually directly beneath the lever. This
on the skin of the shooting hand and allows unintentional upward pressure,
should be reduced to tolerable levels. resulting in unintentional activation of
After all, only a small percentage of the lever.
operators are Spec Ops types wearing
tactical gloves. To combat this trend, many manufac-

“SHARP EDGES MAKE PRACTICING...
AN UNPLEASANT CHORE...MOREOVER,
THOSE...SHARP EDGES QUICKLY WEAR
THROUGH...CONCEALMENT CLOTHING...”
say, “I’ll put an extended magazine Left Four: Sharp those skills. Handgun efficiency is
edges and exces-
floor-plate on my magazines to pre- sive roughness highly perishable with disuse, so going
abrade skin and
vent that problem.” However, all that damage conceal- to a class or two, then failing to contin-
ment clothing and
accomplishes is to further reduce the should be removed. ue dry and live-fire practice regularly
They’re often
weapon’s concealability. found on magazine afterward is a serious error.
release buttons,
the tang area of
1911-pattern guns,
Years ago, I was one of six men front and back Remember that life and death con-
straps and grip
in the world who could perform a frame side panels. frontations are serious business, too
one-second speed-load. That is, from 7 serious to be left to amateurs and too
meters, I could fire a shot, speed load serious to be taken lightly. Many gun
and fire another shot, both of which owners feel that it takes too much
were center hits, in one second. The time and energy to practice, but this
other five and I accomplished this feat is a dangerous, potentially, deadly
by practicing proper speed-loading attitude. After all, how much effort is
technique, not adding gadgetry to our your life worth? CC
guns. All of us used some kind of 1911
pistol with a small 45- to 60-degree
bevel just inside the entrance of the
magazine well. No one utilized an
after-market funnel device.
10 SMOOTH
FEEDING
Polishing the feed ramp of your gun
will often, though not always, enhance
its feeding reliability with JHP ammo.
And if you’re a hand-loader, lowering
and relieving the weapon’s ejection
port prevents the spent cases from
being dented as they’re ejected. Are
either of these modifications critical?
No, but as mentioned earlier, they’re
“nice to have.”
OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
Getting the most from your defensive
handgun doesn’t stop with the selec-
tion of your gun or the modifications
you choose. It’s also dependent upon
selecting the right kind of holster,
spare mag/ammo carriers and ammu-
nition for your needs.
Last, remember that regardless of

what you do to bring your handgun to
its highest efficiency, you still need to
practice with it periodically to retain

Many handguns
are now offered
with several back-
strap panels to
allow best fit of
the gun into the
shooter’s hand.
GET APPROPRIATE
INSTRUCTION
When it’s time to acquire some proper training, make sure you seek
it from a qualified, well-recognized instructor who specializes in
civilian self-defense. Remember that you’re not a SEAL or SWAT
Left: Extended team operator, so learning techniques from such instructors is often
barrels with
sound-suppressor dreadfully incomplete or inappropriate.
threads make the
weapon look more
ominous than
necessary and in- Special Ops personnel are trained for missions in which a great deal
crease civil liability
concerns. of shooting is employed. Targets are engaged with a high volume of
fire until neutralized, a valid method in that particular environment,
but one that can get a civilian into serious criminal and civil liability
trouble.
In addition, many erroneously seek instruction from competitive

shooters, but they, too, lack the tactical experience and informational
acumen to teach civilian self-defense. Competition is a game, a fun
game to be sure, but a game nonetheless, and its participants know
the course of fire in advance and can thus practice their moves until
they know exactly what they’re going to do.
Handgun fights don’t allow that luxury and are as different from
Left: Trigger pull
weight of 4 to 5 competition as night is from day. Moreover, many competition
pounds provides
the best balance of techniques are tactically unsound and can be dangerous and even
shooting efficiency
and civil liability suicidal in an actual gunfight.
protection.

MUST
HAVES
WE’VE CHOSEN THE TOP NEW GEAR—
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WHO’S
SERIOUS ABOUT DEFENSE
02
BY CCH STAFF | PHOTOS FROM THE MANUFACTURERS
S
harpen your pencils and get ready to jot down your wish
list. Companies in the outdoor/gun industry have been busy
coming up with new products specifically with you in mind.
From new EDC knives to flashlights to ammo innovations to
shooting accessories, there’s lots here to get you seriously psyched.
01
01 Snag Mag
Magazine Holster 02 Phone
Skope
It’s not always practical to carry a spare magazine of ammo on your belt. Did you ever wish you could take a photo of what you see through
It’s worse to have no spare ammo at all. If you simply stick a magazine your rifle scope, binoculars or spotting scope? It’s easy with Phone
in your pocket, you can’t depend on it being positioned for easy access Skope, a two-part system of adapters that allows you to attach your
or that it will be oriented properly for a fast reload when you need it the smart phone to any of your optics. You can then use your device’s
most. A gun fight is no time to be twirling a magazine trying to figure camera to take a photo through the lens of your scope. In fastening
out which way is up. Snag Mag is an innovative device that holds a single the device on a 60-power spotting scope for instance, you would
magazine in your pocket. It positions and keeps the magazine in the prop- ratchet one adapter onto the scope’s eyepiece. Then you’d place
er position so you can grasp it when needed and insert it into your pistol your phone into a special phone case that has an adapter on the
without adjusting your grip. There are models tailored to the magazines back of it. The adapter on your phone fastens to the adapter on
of specific handguns. Each lightweight, polymer magazine holster has a the scope with a twist. It’s that easy. The phone’s camera can then
pocket clip on one side for attaching the Snag Mag to your pocket. From see anything you would normally see through the scope and take
the outside, it appears as the clip from a pocket knife. There’s also a little a photo of it. Adapters are available for many specific phones and
wing on one side of the holster that catches in the pocket to prevent the optics. There are also universal adapters available for unusual fits.
holster from coming out when you draw the magazine. The Snag Mag is
made in the U.S. MSRP: $49.99 (phone adapter), $38.99 (optics adapter)
Web: www.PhoneSkope.com
MSRP: $34.95 | Web: www.SnagMag.com

03
04
02
03 Lasermax
for LCPII 04 Federal Premium
Hydra-Shok Deep
Lasermax has expanded its line of Centerfire handgun lasers with Grip Federal Premium has introduced the Hydra-Shok Deep, initially
Sense technology to include a model specifically for the popular Ruger in 9mm Luger. The original Hydra-Shok ammo used a bullet with
LCP II. Grip Sense provides a detection zone near the area where a a notched jacket, non-bonded lead core and a center post inside
shooter’s middle finger contacts the trigger guard where it meets the the hollowpoint to provide more consistent expansion. Current
grip. It’s similar to the science used in your smart phone. When you pick standards call for more consistent penetration through barriers.
up the gun, the laser is activated instantly without having to shift your The new Hydra-Shok Deep was designed to consistently penetrate
grip on the gun or fumble with manual switches. However, an ambi- intermediate barriers and still penetrate 14 to 16 inches in the tar-
dextrous push-button switch is provided to allow the shooter to turn get. The new bullet achieves that with 15 inches of penetration in
off the laser or deactivate the Grip Sense. The Grip Sense works with ballistics gelatin. Federal is touting this new bullet as being able to
either gloved or bare hands. The lasers are available with either a red score a 70 percent improvement over the old Hydra-Shok. The new
or green laser with both steady and pulsating modes. The unit mounts Hydra-Shok Deep uses a redesigned core and specially formulated
to the frame without any permanent alteration of the firearm and is propellent to provide sufficient penetration to reach vital organs
contoured for a snag-proof draw. The lasers are adjustable for windage and maximum expansion for the most tissue damage. The new
and elevation. 9mm load uses a 135-grain bullet.
MSRP: $149 (red) $169 (green) | Web: www.Lasermax.com MSRP: $27.99 (box of 20) | Web: www.FederalPremium.com

06
05
05 Trijicon RMR Type 2

Reflex Sight 06 Burris
Fastfire M3
Trijicon has upgraded its already highly regarded reflex sight with Burris has built in more features with the Fastfire M3 reflex sight.
the introduction of the RMR Type 2. RMR stands for Ruggedized The tiny sight is just 1.9 inches long and is available with either a 3
Miniature Reflex, and the company has improved the electron- MOA or 8 MOA red dot for fast target acquisition. The on/off button
ics and the battery contacts on this new model of miniature red allows you to toggle through various brightness settings, including
dot gun sight. These updates help it to stand up in the harshest auto, high, medium and low. An automatic shut-off feature activates
environments and endure the most punishing recoil. The sight after nine hours of use. A single CR1632 battery inserted into the
includes a Button Lock-out Mode to prevent inadvertent changes top of the sight powers the Fastfire M3 for about 5,000 hours. It
to your preferred brightness setting. In Battery Conservation Mode, can be replaced without removing the sight from the weapon. The
the sight adjusts the output to the surrounding light after 16.5 hours sight can be mounted to most handguns, rifles and shotguns as a
without pushing a button. These sights provide a bright, illuminated primary sight, or atop an existing sight using Burris mounts. The
aiming point for quick target acquisition that’s parallax free. Audible sight allows for 115 MOA of elevation adjustments and 86 MOA of
windage and elevation adjustments can be made without the use windage adjustments in 1 MOA increments without tools. The sight
of special tools. This sight uses a CR2032 lithium battery with a life is lightweight, too—the heaviest model weighs just 1.5 ounces—so
span of up to two years in the standard LED models or up to four it won’t affect the balance of the firearm. The Fastfire M3 uses
years in the Adjustable LED models when set at the middle level. multi-coated optical glass for a maximum clarity. As with all sights
The sights are available in 1.0 MOA, 3.25 MOA and 6.5 MOA dot of this type, the Fastfire M3 is parallax-free and offers unlimited
sizes. All existing RMR mounts are compatible with the new RMR eye relief. Waterproof and shockproof, it’s back by the Burris Forever
Type 2 for use with optics-ready pistols. Warranty.
MSRP: $699 (Adjustable LED models) | Web: www.Trijicon.com MSRP: $299 | Web: www.BurrisOptics.com
07
07 Buck
110 Auto
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is a classic. Introduced by Al Buck in 1963, the knife was a rock-solid lockback folder immediately embraced by
outdoorsmen everywhere. It quickly became an industry standard. That knife is still available and still very popular. Now the company has taken
that iconic design a step further by introducing the Buck 110 Auto, an automatic knife that maintains the classic looks and features of the original,
with the ability to deploy it with the push of a button. The knife features the familiar clip-point blade of 420HC steel that provides a good balance
of sharpness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. The blade is 3.75 inches long and 0.12 inch thick. The knife weighs 7.1 ounces. The 110
Auto features the same Macassar Ebony Dymondwood grip scales and brass bolsters that helped make the original 110 so popular. And like the
original, this one is made in the U.S., too. A leather sheath is included.
MSRP: $200 | Web: www.BuckKnives.com

08
09
08 Nikon
P-Tactical
Spur Reflex Sight
09TLR-8
light/laser
Streamlight has long been known for making high-performance tactical lights at affordable prices. I
Nikon has introduced the P-Tactical Spur, carry one daily and have them in each of my day-packs, ready kits, camping bins and vehicles. Now
a small reflex sight suitable for mounting the company has introduced two new rail-mounted weapons lights: the TLR-7 (light only) and the
on a handgun, carbine or shotgun. It is TLR-8 (shown) that features a light and an integrated 640-660 nm red laser sight. At just 2.15 inches
waterproof and shockproof. It’s efficient; long and weighing less than 3 ounces, these lights are among the smallest rail-mounted lights, but
a single battery lasts for 15,000 hours of they offer big performance. Each delivers as much as 500 lumens to light up any threat. “These super
continuous use. A low battery indicator bright new tactical lights are designed to fit a broad array of compact and full-frame weapons, making
will show you when you’ve reached that them effective for a variety of concealed carry and law enforcement uses,” said Streamlight President
level. It features a wide field of view and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “Both models provide amazing light for a wide variety of
and unlimited eye relief. The 3 MOA red tactical situations, whether for directly illuminating a subject or disorienting a target with the strobe
dot can be adjusted easily through 10 mode.” Each light is powered by a now easy-to-find 3-volt CR123A battery for run times of about 1.5
brightness settings. The initial two set- hours. In laser-only mode on the TLR-8, the battery will last up to 18 hours. The lights are rugged.
tings are compatible with night sights. They’re crafted from sturdy aluminum, are waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and have an oper-
It includes a Picatinny rail mount and ating range fro -40 to +120 degrees F. They carry Streamlight’s limited lifetime warranty. They can be
features sturdy aluminum construction. mounted easily with a one-handed tool-free snap-on-and-tighten system that keeps the user’s hands
The P-Tactical Spur is backed by a five- safely from the gun’s muzzle. An included key kit allows these lights to be mounted to most rails. The
year warranty. lights include ambidextrous on/off switches. A locking mode keeps the lights from being turned on
accidentally. The TLR-8 can be operated in light only, laser only, and light and laser modes.
MSRP: $219.95
Web: www.NikonSportOptics.com MSRP: $215 (TLR-7), $350 (TLR-8) | Web: www.Streamlight.com
10
10 Gerber
Empower
Gerber has introduced its new Empower series of automatic knives for use when fast deployment is essential. The American-made knives are
available at an affordable price point in four styles, all designed for both everyday carry and tactical operator use. The knives use S30V blade steel
with either a stone washed or black oxide finish. Each knife features a spear-point blade profile, 3.25 inches long, with a false edge on the tip of the
spine for maximum utility and penetrating power. The knives include the company’s earlier Propel chassis with chemical-etched, textured Armored
Grip handle scales for a secure, controllable hold. The knives have an oversized plunge lock to keep the blade open and a slide lock to keep the
blade closed in your pocket. A reversible pocket clip is included.
MSRP: $125 | Web: www.GerberGear.com

11
12
11 Trijicon HD XR
Night Sights 12 Spyderco
Clipitool
Precision is the name of the game with the Trijicon HD XR metal Spyderco knives have always been great EDC blades. With the
night sights. It has always been a dilemma for handgunners: Clipitool series, the company is adding even more utility while
Do you choose a large front sight for quick alignment on the maintaining an easy-to-carry profile. The Clipitool Standard,
target or a thin sight for enhanced accuracy potential? Trijicon’s shown here, features a 3.5-inch leaf-shaped blade of 8Cr13MoV
HD XR bridges the gap by maintaining a large, easy-to-acquire steel with a 3.052-inch plain edge and a full flat grind for cutting
dot on a front sight that’s narrower overall. That front post is just power. The blade is 0.094 inch thick and, naturally, it features
0.122 inch, allowing the shooter to see a little more daylight in Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole for easy one-handed opening
each side in order to align it more accurately with the rear sight. with either hand. A liner lock secures the blade when opened.
The difference is more noticeable as the distance to the target That sounds pretty much typical Spyderco so far—but the Clipitool
increases; the narrower front sight obscures less of the target adds slip-joint, non-locking tools, including a combination can
at great distances, enabling enhanced precision. The Trijicon HD opener/small screwdriver and a bottle opener/larger screw-
XR features an orange or yellow ring surrounding a tritium lamp driver. They feature the Trademark Round Hole, too. The Clipitool
capped with a sapphire jewel for a bright sight picture day or Standard is 4.409 inches long closed. It has black, textured G-10
night. That bright ring is imbued with luminescent paint for the handle scales over stainless steel liners and an hourglass pocket
most clear sight picture in transitional light between daylight clip that can be positioned for either tip-up or tip-down carry. The
and eventual darkness, when the tritium component takes over. knife weighs just 4.2 ounces.
The rear sight has a wide U-notch opening and a steep, hooked
front edge to aid in emergency slide manipulation by catching it MSRP: $79.95 | Web: www.Spyderco.com
against a rigid surface.
MSRP: $175 | Web: www.Trijicon.com

13
14
13 Crimson Trace Laserguard

for Sig P320 14 Steiner TOR Fusion
Light and Laser
Crimson Trace has adapted its proven Laserguard handgun laser sight to the Steiner eOptics has introduced a rail-mounted
Sig Sauer P320 semi-auto pistols with full-size and compact frames. The Laser- light and laser combo called the TOR Fusion that’s
guard is designed to fit securely over a handgun’s trigger guard and accessory designed specifically for handguns. It’s small and
rail. For the P320, the Laserguard will be available with either a red (LG-420) unobtrusive enough to be suitable for holster carry
or green (LG-420G) laser. These models will also include the company’s when mounted on a defensive handgun. The TOR
Instinctive Activation technology that activates the laser automatically when Fusion is available with either a red or green laser.
you the draw your weapon and take a normal grip on the gun. There are no Ambidextrous buttons activate the laser, or you can
buttons to fumble with under stress. Disengage the grip or holster the gun switch to auto mode, in which the laser is activated
and the laser turns off automatically without the chance of draining battery by automatically when the pistol is drawn and raised
leaving it on accidentally. A master on/off switch is also included. The laser is into the firing position. The laser automatically turns
adjustable for windage and elevation with the provided wrench. off when you re-holster or set the firearm down. The
A single 1/3N lithium battery with a four-hour run time powers these Laser- unit installs easily to any handgun with a Picatinny-
guards. The battery is easily replaced without removing the laser unit from the or Weaver-type rail forward of the trigger guard. The
gun. These models are eligible, too, for Crimson Trace’s Free Batteries for Life laser is adjustable for windage and elevation, and
program. Once signed up, the company will keep you supplied in batteries for features a low battery indicator. The white tactical
that laser. These new Laserguards are just two of the new models introduced light has an output of 350 lumens. However, the unit
this year by Crimson Trace. Other new models include Laserguards for the S&W features a “boost mode,” in which you can maximize
SD and SDVE, M&P M2.0 full-size and compact; Ruger LC9, LC9S and LC380; the output to 470 lumens for up to a minute at a
HK VP9/40 and VP9SK; as well as a light/laser combo for Glock subcompacts. time. One CR123A battery powers the TOR Fusion.
The company has also debuted four tactical weapons light models that can be
removed from their brackets and used as handheld stand-alone lights. MSRP: $399 | Web: www.Steiner-Optics.com
MSRP: $229 (red), $309 (green) | Web: www.CrimsonTrace.com

16
15
15 Coast
HX5R 16 Speer Reloading
Manual #15
The Coast Ultra Compact Rechargeable Focusing The latest edition of the handy Speer Reloading Manual, Manual #15, is
Flashlight might be just about the best bargain out now available. Those who reload their own cartridges have trusted Speer
there in tactical lights. For less than $30, you get a manuals for many years to give them safe, accurate reloading data for a
rugged aluminum flashlight that puts out up to 240 wide range of rifle and pistol cartridges. The new manual contains 948
lumens of light, an on/off switch on the barrel of the pages of reloading data that includes information the latest powders and
light and full-sized USB plug hidden inside the tail components. Your old favorite cartridges are there, along with some re-
cap. No separate cord is required. Just unscrew the cent additions, such as the .204 Ruger, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300AAC Blackout,
tail cap and plug the light into any USB port to re- .338 Lapua Magnum and .416 Ruger. There’s step-by-step instruction for
charge the battery. You can also power the light on a the beginners and trouble-shooting tips for the more experienced. This
conventional CR123A battery. Sliding the light’s bezel is a must-have resource for anyone looking to reload, whether you’re
forward allows you to adjust the beam from flood enticed by the thought of less expensive training ammo, reduced recoil
to spot. Light modes include: high, low and, with a competition loads or finely tuned hunting ammo.
double tap of the switch, strobe. A two-way clip is
included for attaching the light to either a pocket or MSRP: $29.99 | Web: www.Speer-Ammo.com
the brim of a hat.
MSRP: $29.99 | Web: www.CoastPortland.com

18
17
17 Handi
Racker 18 Speer
10mm
Gold Dot
Manipulating the slide of some semi-automatic pistols to Ammo manufacturers are responding to the resurgence in popularity
chamber a round or unload the gun can be a struggle for those of the powerful 10mm Auto cartridge, and Speer is one of them. This
with limited hand strength or disabilities. Sometimes a shooter year, the company added a 10mm load to its renowned Gold Dot line
will even turn the muzzle in an unsafe direction in an effort to intended for personal protection. The cartridge propels a 200-grain
gain better leverage on the slide. The solution is an Ameri- 10mm Gold Dot hollowpoint bullet at a reported 1,100 feet per second
can-made product called Handi Racker. It’s simple but effective. from a 5-inch barrel for about 537 foot-pounds of energy. Speer Gold
The Handi Racker, available in small or large sizes, is a plastic Dot ammo has long been a favorite among police agencies due to
block with a cut-out on one side that serves as a channel for its consistent penetration through barriers and its reliable expansion.
the pistol’s slide. You place the Handi Racker over the gun’s This new 10mm load should prove to be very effective—powerful, yet
slide so that the slide fits into that channel. Put one hand over controllable in full-sized defensive pistols. The Gold Dot hollowpoint is
the top of the device to keep it in place on the slide and the a bonded-core bullet, the first among handgun ammunition. This elimi-
other hand on the pistol in a normal grip. Then you push the nates the copper jacket separating from the lead core. The hollowpoint
front edge of the Handi Racker against a solid object—a table cavity is tailored to the specific caliber and bullet weight to maximize
or wall—in a safe direction and the slide will move to the rear. performance. The bullets are formed in two stages to determine how
Aside from loading and unloading, the Handi Racker can be much the bullet will expand and how quickly. The brass cases are nickel
used to clear malfunctions. With something so inexpensive and plated for smooth functioning and durability.
easy to use, you don’t have to give up your semi-auto because
it’s difficult to retract the slide. MSRP: $34.95 (box of 20) | Web: www.Speer-Ammo.com CC
MSRP: $19.99 | Web: www.HandiRacker.com

SMALL
WONDERSMITH & WESSON’S SW1911
IN 9MM IS A CARRY GUN YOU
WON’T WANT TO LEAVE AT HOME
STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD SCHUTZ
T
The SW1911 3-inch
9mm rides in a Gal- here’s something about 1911-style pistols that
co Summer Comfort
IWB holster. makes me wonder why I shoot anything else. Is
Accessories include
a spare magazine it the excellent trigger, the feel of a real gun in
loaded with eight
rounds of Federal your hands, the accuracy or all of the above?
Premium 150-grain
HST JHP ammu-
nition, a Smith &
Wesson Delta Force I have to believe it’s mainly the trigger, although when
KL-10 rechargeable
flashlight (200 lu- shooting a 1911, it’s hard to separate the parts from the
mens) and a Smith
& Wesson Black whole package. It just feels right. For 2018, Smith & Wes-
Ops MAGIC assisted
opening knife with a son’s Performance Center has added a model chambered in
3.4-inch tanto blade, 9mm Luger to its SW1911 Pro Series that just feels right.
serrated edge and
blue/black handle.
This small package features a 3-inch barrel and makes for

an excellent concealed carry handgun, as long as you don’t
mind a little additional weight and less capacity than is
found in its polymer counterparts. The scandium alloy frame
is light but tough and helps keep the overall weight down
from that of a steel frame pistol. It has some other interest-
ing features as well.

Left: The Smith
& Wesson SW1911
Performance Center
Pro Series 9mm
pistol with 3-inch
barrel rides in a Gal-
co Summer Comfort
IWB holster.
Right: The SW1911

3-inch barrel 9mm
Pro Series pistol
looks like a short-
ened standard 1911.
FEEDING THE
Here the hammer
is cocked and the
SW1911 9MM
safety is engaged. For the purpose of this evaluation,
The trigger sports
an over-travel ad- I used six different types of factory
justment screw.
ammunition from five different man-
ufacturers. Three types of ammunition
were defensive loads, two were FMJ
loads and one was a match load. All
performed as expected with no feed-
PAIRING THE SW1911

ing, failure to fire or ejection problems.
Bottom Right: Look- Reliability is just what you need in a
WITH THE RIGHT HOLSTER

ing at the business
end of the SW1911 defensive handgun.
3-inch 9mm Pro Se-
ries, the full length
recoil rod end can
be seen cradled Both of the magazines functioned
inside of a closely
Galco International offers a plethora of holsters for all sizes of 1911-style pistols. They are fitted bushing. without a hitch. It would be nice if
made of leather, elasticized nylon, Kydex, Blakguard (steer hide and plastic combination), hy- Smith & Wesson provided more than
brid (Kydex and premium steer hide) and exotic materials such as alligator, stingray, ostrich, two magazines, but I guess you can
shark and horsehide. I counted a total of 48 models of holsters available for 3-inch 1911s. always purchase more.
I chose the company’s Fletch High-Ride belt holster for an OWB holster due to its retention Bottom: Galco Smith & Wesson warns against using
Gunleather offers reloaded ammunition. The instruction
strap and reinforced thumb break. I like the extra security of the retention strap when carrying the Fletch High Ride
belt loop holster manual further states that +P+ ammu-
a 1911 cocked-and-locked. and the Summer
Comfort IWB holster nition must not be used in any Smith
for 3-inch 1911s like
For an IWB holster, I went with Galco’s Summer Comfort holster for times when concealment
the SW1911 Perfor- & Wesson firearm.
mance Center Pro
Series 3-inch barrel,
is more difficult due to clothing constraints. The Summer Comfort features a butt-forward
EASY TAKEDOWN
9mm pistol.
cant, metal reinforced mouth and 1 3/4-inch belt loops. It does not have a retention strap. I
Fieldstripping of the SW1911 is simple.
did not find any Galco IWB holsters designed for a 3-inch 1911 that featured a retention strap.
There is no barrel bushing to turn as
in most 1911s, so there also is no
As with any leather holster, both Galco
plunger to fly across the room. There
holsters were tight to begin with and
is, however, a recoil spring bushing
required a break-in period. This allows
in the front of the slide that must be
the leather to stretch a bit and conform
removed in order to slide the barrel
to the gun’s shape. After the break-in out the front of the slide. The bushing
period, both holsters still retained the in the gun that I have is quite tight
pistol well and the draw was smoother and took a bit of finagling to remove
than when new. My experience is that and install. It became a little easier
a well-made leather holster gets better each time I cleaned the pistol. When
with age and use as long as you take reinstalling the slide on the frame,
good care of it. Both holsters work best make sure that the firing pin plunger
for 3 to 5 o’clock (RH) position carry. lever is lowered and flush with the
They are very well made and will last frame; otherwise, the slide will not
most users for many years. retract properly.

“THE GUN...FED, FIRED
AND EJECTED 12
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
AMMUNITION
FLAWLESSLY THROUGH
APPROXIMATELY
500 ROUNDS FIRED.”
Right: The scan-
INNER WORKINGS dium alloy frame
of the SW1911 Pro
pounds with no discernible over-trav- er, recommend using this method over
Other than the obvious cartridge dif- Series helps to keep el. It had a short tactile and audible a “press check,” as that may leave the
the pistol’s weight
ference, the SW1911 Pro Series 9mm down. Here, the reset. The bilateral safety can only be slide out of battery and unable to fire
ejector, firing pin
Luger varies from John Moses Brown- plunger lever and engaged when the hammer is fully at an inopportune time.
bilateral thumb
ing’s iconic design in that this gun has safety can be seen cocked. This allows for “cocked and
at the top rear of
a full-length recoil rod and external the frame. locked” carry, but the safety cannot The slide has rear cocking serrations
extractor, but no barrel bushing. be engaged when the hammer is in only. The dust cover does not have an
the half-cock position. Smith & Wesson accessory rail. The front of the grip has
Scaling down the 1911 and chamber- warns the user not to carry the 36-lpi vertical serrations and the main-
ing it for the 9mm Luger cartridge has SW1911 with a round in the chamber spring housing has 18-lpi checkering.
proven difficult for some manufac- and the hammer in the half-cock The synthetic grip panels are stippled
turers over the years. Many of these position. The grip safety prevents sear and provide good traction for a secure
iterations have experienced feeding release unless it is fully depressed. grip. The magazine release was set
and reliability problems. It seems that up for right-handed shooters and
Smith & Wesson has conquered these A visual loaded-chamber indicator is had just the right amount of spring
problems in their SW1911 9mm pistol. located at the top of the slide/ejection tension. The bilateral thumb safety has
The gun that I reviewed fed, fired and port by observing the opening at the a slightly wider lever on the left than
ejected 12 different types of ammuni- Bottom: The rear of the barrel hood. When you on the right, giving the right-handed
fieldstripped slide
tion flawlessly through approximately assembly shows look into this opening, a casing will be shooter slightly more surface area to
the underside of
500 rounds fired. the slide, the barrel visible if there is one in the chamber. work with.
assembly with
operating link, dual Naturally, you should never rely solely
spring full-length on this indicator to determine whether Both the front and rear sights are drift
After 0.030 inch of take-up, the trigger recoil rod and the
broke crisply at an average of 6.12 recoil rod bushing. the pistol is unloaded. I would, howev- adjustable for windage only; they
SOURCES
www.FederalPremium.com
www.FreedomMunitions.com
www.Hornady.com
www.SigSauer.com
www.Winchester.com
www.GalcoGunLeather.com

“IT’S ALWAYS...A
MORE PLEASANT
DAY AT THE RANGE
WHEN THE GUN
YOU ARE SHOOTING
PERFORMS WELL,
AND THAT’S JUST
WHAT THE SW1911
PRO SERIES 9MM
PISTOL DID.”

The slide has a have no elevation adjustment. The
lowered ejection
port and an external front sight has a single white dot and
extractor. The man-
SMITH & WESSON SPECS ual thumb safety is

bilateral.
the rear sight has a white dot on each
side.
Model: Performance Center SW1911 Pro Series 9mm
SKU: 178053 OTHER MODELS
Action: Hammer-fired single action This isn’t Smith & Wesson’s first go-
Caliber: 9mm Luger round with the 1911. The SW1911 se-
ries of pistols includes six S&W models
Length: 6.9 inches
(five at E-Series and one engraved),
Barrel Length: 3 inches
three Performance Center models and
Height: 5.8 inches (bottom of magwell to top of sights)
four Performance Center Pro Series
Width: 1.3 inches (grip panels); 1.4 inches at thumb safety models. They are chambered in both
Weight: 26.2 ounces (with empty magazine) 9mm Luger and .45 ACP.
Trigger Pull: 6 pounds, 2 ounces (average of 10 pulls after approximately 300 rounds were fired)
Safety: Manual bi-lateral thumb and grip RANGE WORK
Front Sight: White dot (dovetail) It always makes for a more pleasant
day at the range when the gun you
Rear Sight: Two white dots (dovetail)
are shooting performs well, and
Grips: Synthetic, stippled
that’s just what the Performance
Barrel: Stainless steel Center SW1911 Pro Series 9mm pistol
Slide: Stainless steel did. It shot all ammunition well,
Frame: Scandium alloy had no malfunctions and was fun to
Capacity: 8+1 shoot.
MSRP: $1,330
From the bench, the pistol definitely

“THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT 1911-STYLE
PISTOLS THAT MAKES ME WONDER WHY
I SHOOT ANYTHING ELSE.”
Any time I go to the range, I like to 1911s, I usually go back to shooting
have a purpose in mind. It may be my striker-fired pistols. Maybe it’s a
drawing from concealment, follow-up capacity thing or the price. The bottom
shots, magazine changes, shooting line is, do you go for the sub-compact
from the off-hand, shooting while striker fired polymer pistol or tradition-
moving, shooting from concealment or al 1911 pistol in a sub-compact size?
unusual positions. I like to take a shot Polymer pistols have proven to be reli-
timer along, too, as a gauge to track able and lightweight but without style,
my progress. something the 1911 has in abundance.
My recommendation is to make room
This time, I performed some shooting for both in your gun safe. CC
drills starting with a draw from
concealment using the Galco Fletch
High Ride Belt Holster. My initial draw
was slow because the holster was
not yet broken-in, but follow-up shots
were a good measure of my potential.
Unfortunately, the battery in my timer
died, and I only recorded one string
with a time from the buzzer to the first
shot of 3.72 seconds and an average
split time of 0.41 seconds for seven
successive, aimed, 7.5-yard shots. I did
improve as I practiced.
liked the Federal Premium 150-grain
HST JHP ammunition best with a CARRYING IN STYLE
2.18-inch average for three five-shot Not only is the Performance Center
groups. Two groups in that average SW1911 Pro Series 9mm 3-inch
were 1.77 and 1.76 inches. Federal’s barrel pistol a good concealed
new 135-grain Hydra-Shok Deep carry gun, it is fun to shoot and
ammunition came in second with a therefore a pistol that you want
three five-shot group average of 2.5 to take to the range on a regular
inches. All of the defensive loads The 3-dot sights are basis.
easy to pickup. Both
fired were more than adequate for front and rear sights
are drift adjustable
self-defense purposes. for windage only. While I always enjoy shooting
SHOOTING RESULTS
AMMUNITION VEL. E.S. S.D. GRP. SIZE SM. GRP.
FEDERAL PREMIUM 150-GR. HST JHP 871 44 13.9 2.18 1.76
FED. PREM. 135-GR. HYDRA-SHOK DEEP 1 019 59 15.3 2.50 2.27
FREEDOM MUNITIONS 135-GR. XAP 922 60 17.9 2.53 1.71
WINCHESTER “WHITE BOX” 115-GR. FMJ 1078 83 29.0 2.87 1.66
SIG SAUER 124-GR. FMJ 1120 60 17.3 3.37 2.90
HORNADY CRITICAL DEFENSE 115 GR. FTX 1067 33 11.0 3.79 3.45
Velocity and group sizes for six factory loads fired at 15 yards using a sandbag rest. Vel.-velocity in feet per second at the muzzle;
E.S.-extreme spread; S.D.-Standard Deviation; Group Size-average of three five-shot groups; Sm. Grp.-smallest five-shot group of
the three groups fired. The velocity, extreme spread and standard deviation were measured/calculated using a LabRadar device.

OLD-SCHOOL
LESSONS THESE DEFENSE DRILLS CAN ADD IMPORTANT
SKILLS TO YOUR TACTICAL TOOLBOX
STORY AND PHOTOS BY BOB CAMPBELL

ALEKSANDR KICHIGIN/DREAMSTIME.COM

T “...IF YOUR SET OF
ime isn’t always on our This young shooter
is finishing his first
side. session with the
Applegate Drill and
SKILLS IS LIMITED TO
doing well.
While we might try to take
THE FIREARM, YOU

advantage of opportunities to main-
tain and improve our self-defense
ARE ILL-PREPARED
skills, few of us are able to train as
hard as we would like or for as long
FOR THE REALITY OF

as we would like.
We need fairly simple tactics that will

save our lives and which we may
master with a minimum of practice.
PERSONAL DEFENSE.”
This isn’t ideal, but it is exactly the among others and good instructors take the time for in-depth, dedicated
problem that confronted Colonel Rex were there—but the time simply training. We might try the Isosce-
Applegate as he was tasked to train wasn’t there. les or the Weaver stance, but not
OSS operatives heading for Europe thoroughly examine any of them. We
during World War II. Good combat These days, we’re likely to engage do not repeat the draw 500 times.
courses developed by Ed McGivern in superficial dabbling rather than We might fire from one stance or the

other for a box of cartridges or so and THEAPPL EGATED RILL Plenty of practice is
needed to master Because users might have needed
combat shooting.
declare one works best for us. That is Colonel Rex Applegate trained hun- to quickly discard the handgun, few
dabbling. dreds of OSS operatives. Applegate were worn in holsters. Applegate
became a master of CQB tactics. He studied firsthand accounts of the Wild
While not the perfect solution, here developed tactics to provide skills to West and Wild Bill Hickock’s own
are three old-time techniques that men who had a minimum of prior words. Hickock used snap shooting:
can be learned quickly and, while experience. They were often armed quickly bringing the pistol to bear and
they still must be practiced, they can with the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer- taking a fast sight picture using only
be effective if properly executed in less, a handgun with minimal sights. the front sight.
close quarters where self-defense The pistols were carried concealed in
conflicts are likely to occur. Nazi-occupied Europe. Sometimes called combat point
shooting, Applegate’s tactics included
aiming the handgun, but the sight
picture was unconventional. He used
the slide as a guide in some drills. In
dim light, body aiming was used to
achieve hits.
In the most commonly accepted

Applegate drill, the user draws the
handgun and steps forward on the
firing hand foot. The handgun comes
forward at the same time, rising to
eye level. The eyes are on the threat.
As soon as the sights break the plane
between the eyes and the target, the
pistol is fired. The hand is flexed stiffly
to avoid shooting low. This drill is
fast and accurate at ranges of 5 to 10
yards. Hickock called it snap shooting,
some call it instinctive shooting and
Left: This is the
wrong side of the others point shooting. It is a viable
Applegate drill. Note
the revolver is at exercise for close range defense.
eye level.

DEMPSEY DROP STEP The above two
photos show how response at intimate range. And if your side foot and strong side arm move in
the Speed Rock
Jack Dempsey was a heavyweight is executed. After set of skills is limited to the firearm, unison. The foot goes forward quickly
champion. Boxing is perhaps the most striking out at the you are ill-prepared for the reality and as the striking arm is thrust for-
adversary with the
under-appreciated martial art. The non-shooting hand, of personal defense. You must have ef- ward the foot lands hard. Landing hard
bring the hand in
Dempsey Drop Step offers a devastat- toward the chest fective skills that are useful when you increases your footing and the power
as you draw your
ing blow when properly delivered. No pistol with the are not justified in using lethal force or of the blow. The blow is delivered from
other. This is liter-
matter your weight or strength, if you ally shooting from when the attacker is upon you before the abdomen to the face, depending
the hip. Guruxox/
are able to deliver force equal to your Dreamstime.com you can access your weapon. on the opportunity.
body weight on the point of the fist, it
is a powerful blow. The Drop Step is executed in different An open palm is preferred to a fist. If
forms by experienced individuals, but you strike the skull with the fist, you
Why talk about a boxing technique in a all feature an explosive forward step may break a knuckle. When you strike
gun magazine? Whether the adversary rather than a shuffle. The Dempsey and the hand comes back, the hips
employs open hands, edged weapons Drop Step directs most of the individu- will tighten in involuntary movement
or blunt force, you must be ready for a al’s mass in the direction of the strike. that cannot be controlled. The muscles
It is important not to over reach. Don’t are loose on the move, then tighten
fall forward if you miss, be certain that when you stop movement. The ac-
you have many repetitions under your complished martial artist will learn to
belt. cope with this and avoid allowing this
tightening to stop his motion.
Some believe the jab is used to sting
only and is used in repetition in SPEED ROCK
defensive blows. A jab with real power Many CQB skills are inherently dan-
behind it can be effective if used in gerous. It is imperative you practice
conjunction with the Dempsey Drop these drills through dry firing until you
Step. Don’t ruin the execution with are certain you will not cross the body
poor mechanics. The body will be with the handgun’s muzzle. By the
loose as the drill is executed. same token, there is more danger in
CQB when dealing with an adversary,
The author prac-
tices the drop step Ideally you will be standing with the so be smooth and practiced in your
and other drills
often. strong side foot to the rear. The strong skills. The muzzle must not cross limbs

“THE EYES ARE ON THE THREAT.
AS SOON AS THE SIGHTS BREAK THE
PLANE BETWEEN THE EYES AND THE
TARGET, THE PISTOL IS FIRED.”
and extremities. A proven technique a short cycle. This is a good time to body to increase wound potential.
for CQB is the Speed Rock, basically execute a double tap, firing two rounds
shooting from the hip with the forearm quickly. A variation I have seen is to tilt Be certain to practice rapid controlled
of your shooting hand pressed firmly the muzzle upward to turn the bullet movement. There is a tendency of
against the side of your body. into the vital organs. I feel that this is the body to recoil back to its original
The assailant’s body may be in contact an over complication of a simple drill defensive position after a drill is
with yours, as in an edged weapon that may lead to a short-cycled hand- executed. This reaction should be
attack. The method usually taught is gun. The speed rock might be execut- understood and mastered. The drill
to face the target flat footed or in the ed at such short range that a revolver used to be taught with an exaggerated
interview position. The non-dominant may be thrust into the opponent’s backwards lean on the draw. But you
hand will deliver a strike to the threat don’t want to be off balance where
as fast and as hard as possible. the attacker’s forward momentum can
knock you off your feet.
The gun-side hip has pivoted away
from the threat to prevent interference SEEK MORE
with the draw. As the striking hand INSTRUCTION
immediately retracts, the gun hand It doesn’t end here. While these three
draws the pistol. The pistol is thrust to- simple techniques can be effective,
ward the threat and fired as soon as it they should, like carrying a gun, be
clears the holster. This delivers a bullet just part of your overall self-defense
to the adversary’s mid-section. repertoire. Practice, and if it works for
you, put it into your bag of tricks so
Left:: The Speed
The wrist must be locked to prevent Rock is an import- you won’t be an easy victim. CC
ant firing drill.

BADDEST
BULLDOG
NOW CHAMBERED IN .45 COLT, THIS
CHARTER ARMS REVOLVER IS A TOP CCW PICK
STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE WORKMAN

“ANYBODY WHO THINKS
THE .45 COLT IS A
HAS-BEEN...IN THIS DAY...
OF METRIC WHIZ-BANGS
AND MAGNUM
WHOPPERS OWES
HIMSELF...A TOUR
OF OLD WEST
CEMETERIES.”
C
harter Arms’ Bulldog revolver Above: The Bull-
dog’s rubber grip
became famous in .44 Special sucks up recoil and
provides a firm sur-
STURDY BUILD front about 3/16-inch.
more than a generation ago, face, wet or dry. Built from stainless steel, the Bulldog This makes for a solid lockup.
and since then it has become .45 Colt is a formidable little wheel-
something of a cult favorite among gun. It’s got a 2.5-inch full-underlug Like other modern double-action
armed citizens who like a big, slow- barrel and is 7 inches overall. It has revolvers, Charter Arms wheelguns
er-moving bullet that hits hard and has a surprisingly smooth, though a bit feature a transfer bar that prevents ac-
more than 125 years of history as a heavy, double-action trigger pull. Off of cidental discharges by preventing the
fight stopper. a sandbag rest at 12 yards, I managed hammer from contacting the firing pin
some very tight groups, depending unless the trigger is fully depressed.
Thanks to the development of the upon the cartridge. Single-action letoff This raises the bar to provide contact
similar Charter Arms Pitbull in .45 ACP, is crisp, without a hint of creep. with the frame-mounted firing pin and
it became certain that the big Charter the hammer face. It’s a good system
XL frame could handle the .45 Colt Last year in a conversation with Ecker and works well on any revolver with
cartridge, which actually operates at about another Charter Arms model, he this feature.
a lower chamber pressure than the pointed out two things that contribute
.45 Auto round. According to Charter’s to the reliability of handguns from this BIG BULLETS
President Nick Ecker, several people company. First, there are no sideplates MOVING SLOWLY
(including yours truly) had suggested on Charter Arms revolvers. The action I had two disappointments that I will
this chambering, and in February, I comes out the bottom if repairs or discuss right up front. First, the .45
Right: The Bulldog
took delivery of a production model .45 Colt holds five detailed cleaning are required. Second, Colt bullet fired from a short barrel
rounds, but by the
that turned out to be more than I time they’re gone, the crane is not on the front of the sacrifices muzzle velocity. Don’t expect
you’ve definitely
expected. made your point. frame, it is in the frame, back from the much if you shoot ammunition devel-

SOURCES
Charter Arms
www.CharterFirearms.com
DeSantis Gunhide
www.DeSantisHolster.com
Uncle Mike’s
www.UncleMikes.com

“...THE NEW BULLDOG .45 COLT FROM
CHARTER ARMS IS A REASONABLY
PRICED SNUBBY WITH A BIG BORE
THAT IS RATHER IMPRESSIVE.”
A B C
oped for Cowboy Action competition, A: Rear sight notch But then I did a little math. A bullet ammunition, it’s a little hard to just
on frame is square
which is loaded a bit light, intended and easily acquired. traveling at about 700 fps is going to stop, especially after you get the hang
Simple but effective.
for target use only. Defensive loads, cross the 15 to 25 feet of a typical of the revolver’s idiosyncrasies.
however, have some punch. gunfight in a nanosecond and hit like
a hammer at that distance, which is I’ll say it right now: I just knew this
The best performance I got was from essentially point-blank range. gun and cartridge combination was
Remington’s 250-grain roundnose going to work. I told ya so! And with
B: That’s an im-
lead load. It averaged 715 fps out pressive bore size, Second, the tip of the trigger is a bit full power loads, what you’ve got is
and what comes
of the stubby barrel with a high out is a nasty-gram too finely tapered for my liking. The a concealable big bore revolver that
addressed to an
velocity of 729.0 fps. Next in line unlucky recipient. solution would be to make it slightly may only put five downrange before
was Speer’s 250-grain Gold Dot, more blunt; that is, thicker and slightly reloading, but by the time they’re
which crossed over my chronograph more rounded. I fired this revolver gone, you’ve gotten someone’s full at-
screens at an average of 682.9 fps, enough during two range sessions to tention, if not ruined their whole day.
and a top speed of 724.4 fps. I had a develop a tiny blister on my trigger
small supply of Winchester 225-grain C: Contributing to
finger, but darn it, the Bulldog .45 FIXED SIGHTS
Silvertips, and they clocked 663.1 the Bulldog’s safety
is the transfer bar,
Colt is actually so much fun to shoot NO PROBLEM
fps average with a high reading of which hits the that I was too stupid to put it down. Anyone who is skeptical about the
frame-mounted
673.9 fps. firing pin. After the first 100 rounds of mixed Bulldog’s ability to perform as a defen-
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE I’ve been loading the .45 Colt for several years with such smokeless propellants as HP38,
THE .45 COLT HS-6, Titegroup and more recently with Hodgdon’s CFE Pistol with very good results. Crack
a loading manual and one can find several load recommendations for a variety of bullet
weights and designs.
Anybody who thinks the .45 Colt is a has-been or is over-rated in this day and age
of metric whiz-bangs and magnum whoppers owes himself or herself a tour of Old I’ve grown rather fond of Hornady’s 255-grain lead flat point, a 250-grain lead flat point
West cemeteries. from Acme and the 250-grain plated lead bullet from Rainier Ballistics. Propelled by any of
the powders listed above to the suggested charge and all of these bullets will deliver the
Many of the permanent residents, if they were capable, would sit up and correct goods.
you real fast, and they succumbed back when the .45 Colt (there is no such thing as
the “.45 Long Colt”) was loaded with black powder. Today’s crop of .45 Colt loads I will offer two warnings if one loads for the Charter Arms Bulldog .45 Colt model. First,
runs all the way from mild target fodder to serious business ammunition capable of choose a powder that burns clean. I noticed with some of the factory ammunition I used
stopping a fight permanently. during the evaluation that whatever propellants the manufacturers are using, some of it

Above: Charter
sive sidearm because of its simple Cowboy load shot a tad high, so I had designers gave the What one would need to do is buy a
2½-inch barrel a full
sights — a serrated ramp/blade up to do some experimenting every time underlug to protect box or two of each round, head for
the cylinder pin.
front and a simple square notch at the I changed cartridges. Notice the serrated the range, and experiment to see
front sight blade.
rear of the frame — will actually do which specific load suits your purpose
quite well at gunfighting distances. AMMO SELECTION and which shoots with the greatest
And, I’d hazard a guess that at 25 If this were my carry piece, I’d use a accuracy out of your specific revolver
yards, and maybe beyond depending defensive round with a lighter bullet. .
upon the shooter, with the right load That would deliver a bit more speed A GOOD SHOOTER
the Bulldog .45 Colt could do well out of the short barrel, while still As far as group size, once I got the
on small game or predators such as launching a big bullet with a large hang of each round and how it
coyotes or cougars. frontal mass. In that realm, there performed in the Bulldog .45 Colt, I
are several choices, including the managed to keep five-shot groups
Using a sandbag rest, I was able to aforementioned 225-grain Winchester within 2½ to 3 inches, again off a rest.
hold down on my targets pretty well. Silvertip, a 185-grain Hornady FTX in Some rounds delivered much better
I discovered that the Remington load its Critical Defense series and Federal’s Below: Load up a
results, putting three or four out of five
shot a bit to the left consistently, while 225-grain JHP in its American Eagle cartridge belt and in tight little clusters.
you’re ready for
Hornady’s 255-grain Cowboy load shot product line. Speer’s 250-grain Gold anything with this
new Charter Arms
a bit low. Winchester’s 250-grain lead Dot shouldn’t be overlooked either. entry. And this brings us around to my little
burns rather dirty, leaving a fair bit of residue. Other ammunition burned
pretty clean.
Second, and most important, the muzzle flash and blast from this snub-gun
is rather impressive. On one of my range visits, I had to contend with
later-afternoon cloudy skies that habitually darken the Pacific Northwest in
mid-winter. My guess is that in a shootout, even if you miss, you could scare
somebody halfway to the hereafter! The modern .45 Colt cartridge not only
roars, it looks capable of quick-broiling a steak.
To suggest a funeral dirge for the .45 Colt is to greatly exaggerate the details
of its passing. This big bore remains a versatile, devastating defensive caliber
and in the right hands, it isn’t as good as it used to be…it’s better.

D: Workman’s one
caveat. Tight groups are nice, and a suggestion is to of holsters I own, one from DeSantis
blunt the tip of the
gun that shoots to point of aim, or grooved trigger, and the other an Uncle Mike’s nylon
close enough to be negligible, should which comes down rig that has been around the Wash-
rather narrowly.
always be one’s choice for reliable ington State outdoors enough that it
concealed carry. However, I have yet probably could find its way home.
D to read or hear about a gunfight in
which somebody paid much attention Ecker noted that any holster that
to his/her group size after the smoke will fit the .44-caliber Bulldog would
cleared. Under life-or-death pressure accommodate this new model quite
when everybody is moving pretty E: Hammer is well. After packing it around, I can
shaped to strike the
fast, you’re not likely to be delivering transfer bar in the honestly say the weight is hardly
frame.
Olympic match accuracy. noticeable, so in addition to being a
capable defensive revolver, some peo-
The Bulldog’s full rubber combat ple just might consider this a trail gun.
finger-groove grip really soaks up
recoil. One might think a handgun this I’m expecting somebody to come up
size, chambered for a cartridge such as with a speed loader to match this
the .45 Colt, would have a murderous model. In the meantime, spare ammu-
E F: Surface of the
recoil, but that’s simply not the case. It rubber grip. It nition can be carried in belt loops.
feels less stout than the .357 Magnum, spreads the recoil to
the palm and makes
and frankly there didn’t seem to be the Bulldog .45
very comfortable to
BIG BORE, SMALL
much difference between the Bulldog shoot. PRICE
recoil and that of my single-action Ru- With an MSRP of $433, the new
gers in the same caliber, even though Bulldog .45 Colt from Charter Arms
they’re heavier. is a reasonably priced snubby with a
big bore that is rather impressive. In
TAKING THE BULLDOG a holster, pocket, purse, fanny pack
FOR A WALK Below: Like all
or backpack, this is a handgun that
Despite its all stainless steel construc- Charter Arms re- can deliver a punch five times over. If
volvers, the crane is
tion, the Bulldog .45 Colt weighs just fitted into the frame there’s something wrong with that, I
rather than on the
F 22 ounces. It carried well in a couple front end. haven’t figured it out. CC

“...IN ADDITION TO BEING A CAPABLE
DEFENSIVE REVOLVER, SOME PEOPLE
JUST MIGHT CONSIDER THIS A TRAIL GUN.”
CHARTER ARMS SPECS SHOOTING RESULTS
Model: Bulldog .45 Colt #74530 CARTRIDGE MUZZLE VELOCITY (FPS) GROUP SIZE
Action: D/A, S/A WINCHESTER 250-GR. LEAD 588.1 3.0 INCHES
Caliber: .45 Colt WINCHESTER 225-GR. SILVER TIP 663.1 2.75 INCHES
Capacity: 5 rounds
BLACK HILLS 250-GR. LEAD 631.2 2.25 INCHES
Weight: 22 ounces
TRAIL BLAZER 230-GR. LEAD 587.0 2.5 INCHES
Sights: Fixed
Barrel: 2.5 inches GOLD DOT 250-GR. JHP 682.9 1.5 INCHES
Frame: XL HORNADY 255-GR. COWBOY 650.7 1.5 INCHES
Finish: Stainless REMINGTON 250-GR. RNL 715.9 1.25 INCHES
Grips: Combat full rubber Below: Shown with
author’s S&W Model
Hammer: Standard 19 snubby, the Char- Velocities recorded in feet per second with chronograph set 36 inches ahead of muzzle.
ter Arms .45 Bulldog Group sizes in inches measured best three rounds out of five-shot string, fired at 12 yards
OAL: 7 inches is comparable in
size with a bigger from sandbag rest.
payload.
MSRP: $433

CHOOSING
THE
THERE ARE SOME

GOOD REASONS WHY
MID-SIZED GUNS ARE
BETTER CHOICES FOR CONCEALED CARRY
S
ometimes bigger is better. The author believes choice. Choose a tiny car and you
that while there’s a
time and place for might find it economical to run and
small handguns,
That goes for the fish you catch, mid-sized models easy to park. But when that big truck
have an overall
the deer you shoot and the foot- advantage. runs the red light, you’ll wish you
long sandwich at the corner deli. It’s true had something bigger. Likewise, that
for monster trucks, your tax refund, and tiny gun might be more economical
it’s true—within limits—when it comes to to shoot and you can “park” one
your defensive handgun. conveniently in your pocket, but come
up against a real threat you’ll probably
Yes, the handgun you carry, like the car wish you had bet your life on some-
you choose, comes down to a personal thing bigger.

MIDDLE
GROUND

For me, a mid-sized handgun is an
ideal balance of controllability, con-
cealability and performance. Yes, there
02 IT’S SO SMALL
AND LIGHT,
I DON’T EVEN
Being aware that you’re carrying is also
are reminder not to go into places where
carrying is prohibited, such as the post
are excellent small guns available and REMEMBER I’M office. It can also be a reminder to be on
I own some myself. There is a time CARRYING A GUN. your best behavior so you don’t lose your
and place for them, but their effective You should always be aware that right to carry.
uses are more limited. I’ve heard all of you’re carrying a gun. That way,
the rationalizations from people who there’s less likelihood of losing it. As A mid-sized gun isn’t an anchor. A mid-
carry pocket pistols. Let’s address them a police officer, I encountered people sized Glock 19 9mm, typical of guns in
one at a time and see why a mid- who had absent-mindedly misplaced the “compact handgun” category, weighs
sized gun has the advantage. their handguns. Sometimes the guns just 31.04 ounces loaded. (Remember,
had fallen between the seats in their you don’t carry them empty.) By compar-
01 IT’S BETTER
THAN NOTHING.
I’ve heard that many times. That’s
cars. Some had been on the roofs of
cars when the owners drove away.
And more than one person thought
ison, a Glock 42 .380 ACP weighs 17.29
ounces loaded. That’s 15 rounds of 9mm
vs. six rounds of .380. Tough choice.
a heck of a standard for a self-de- they were carrying, but had left their Choose a proper holster and you won’t
fense gun that you hope will see you guns on their bedroom dressers. notice those few extra ounces.
through a life-or-death confrontation.
The idea for those who opt for small
guns is just to have something to be
used in a last-ditch effort for survival.
What it really says is that they want
a feeling of security without the
perceived inconvenience of carrying a
larger gun, so they opt for something
as small as possible.
A mid-sized gun has advantages that

far—pardon the pun—outweigh any
drawbacks from carrying a slightly
larger, heavier gun. In most cases,
you’ll be able to shoot a mid-sized gun This Ruger Amer-
ican Compact in
more accurately, be able to transition .45 ACP is currently
the author’s go-to
from target to target more quickly carry gun. It carries
comfortably all day
with it and manipulate the controls in this Crossbreed
IWB holster.
more surely than with a tiny gun.
“IN MOST
CASES YOU’LL
BE ABLE TO
SHOOT A
MID-SIZED
GUN MORE
ACCURATELY...
AND
MANIPULATE
THE CONTROLS
MORE SURELY...”
TOP CHOICES
03 MOST SHOOT-
ING SCENARIOS
IN MID-SIZED CARRY GUNS
OCCUR AT VERY Almost every handgun manufacturer makes a mid-sized model normally referred to as a
CLOSE RANGE. compact model. Most are excellent, so don’t get bummed out if yours isn’t listed.
Many of them do, but why put such
These are just a few of my personal favorites:
a limit on your ability to defend
yourself? Restaurants, churches, movie 1. GLOCK 19
theaters, places of employment, any With its 4.02-inch barrel and 15+1
place where people congregate are all capacity, this compact 9mm has been
potential killing fields these days. around long enough to have a proven
track record. They’re up to Gen 5 on this
A mid-sized gun gives you more of a gun right now. My personal gun is a Gen 2
fighting chance when you walk into a that I’ve had for more than 25 years. I’ve
convenience store that’s being robbed put thousands of rounds through it and
or when a lunatic opens fire at your don’t remember any malfunctions ever.
kid’s soccer match. The ability to place
hits at greater ranges is a plus. And at 2. WALTHER PPQ
Sleek and streamlined, this gun features
excellent ergonomics and top-notch
reliability. I didn’t realize what I was
missing until I had a chance to shoot one
of these extensively a few months ago.
Available in 9mm or .45 ACP.
3. RUGER AMERICAN COMPACT

Available either in 9mm or .45 ACP. Mine
is a .45 and is my current favorite for
concealed carry. Well built, reliable and
accurate, this one just happens to fit
my hand better than any other polymer
gun I own.
4. COMMANDER-SIZED 1911
Almost every manufacturer makes one of
these with a full-size grip and a 4.25-inch
barrel. Their slim profile is a plus for
carry. Mine is a Custom 425FP in .45 ACP
made by Oriskany Arms. It’s fitted with
night sights and has a beautiful Cerakote
finish. It’s accurate and the trigger is
excellent. Super gun for the money.
5. RUGER SECURITY SIX

Darn it. Ruger doesn’t make this revolver
anymore. If you find one on the used
market, scoop it up. I love my slightly
larger GP-100, but the Security Six was
the perfect size. Maybe if we all wrote
letters to Ruger…
6. SMITH & WESSON

K-FRAME REVOLVER
The S&W K-Frame has been around
for more than 100 years and it’s still a
perfect size. I have one in .38 Spl and
another in .357 Magnum.
SPRING 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 109

close range, the mid-sized gun is not Smith & Wesson
a handicap at all. If anything, despite K-frames represent
an excellent
the much-ballyhooed advances in balance between
concealable size
ammo design, the greater velocity and controllability
if you opt to carry a
from the longer barrel of a mid-sized revolver. An old po-
lice trade-in Model
gun will give your defense ammo a 10 .38 Spl (left) and
a newer Model 66
better chance of doing its job. .357 Magnum are
good examples.
04 YES, IT’S
A SMALL
CALIBER, BUT IT’S
easier with a mid-sized gun. I know
from experience that I can fire my
mid-sized 9mm or .45 ACP handguns
05 I CAN’T
CONCEAL
A BIGGER GUN.
SHOT PLACEMENT more accurately than I can the pock- A person with a very slight frame
THAT COUNTS. et-sized .380’s I’ve tried. will have a harder time concealing
Shot placement counts no matter a larger gun, but all that is required
what cartridge your handgun fires, And because the larger frame on a usually is some different wardrobe
that’s true, but I contend that you can mid-sized gun allows me to get a choices, namely more loose-fitting
place that bullet in the right spot better grip on the gun right from the clothing.
draw and to control the recoil better,
KEY ADVANTAGES
my first shot and follow-up shots are
on target more quickly. Want to prove
OF A MID-SIZED it for yourself? Try shooting an IDPA

or USPSA match with your pocket
GUN pistol. While those competitions don’t

completely replicate a gunfight, it will
give you an idea of your capabilities
01 More controllable/
less felt recoil
with a small gun.
02 Ability to get a full grip
“I’VE OFTEN HEARD,

on the gun
03 Generally easier to manipulate

trigger, mag releases, other controls ‘THAT’S WAY TOO
04 Longer sight radius helps with BIG AND HEAVY TO
CONCEAL’...IT’S
practical accuracy
05 IRONIC THAT MOST

Better velocities from longer
barrels helps penetration and
hollowpoints to expand
OF THEM AREN’T
06 Larger capacity with flush-fitting
magazines EVEN AWARE THAT
I’M CARRYING THAT
07 Longevity: larger frames handle
the beating better over time
MID-SIZED GUN...”
SOURCES
www.US.Glock.com
www.WaltherArms.com
www.Ruger.com
www.OriskanyArms.com
www.CenturyArms.com
www.HK-USA.com
A mid-sized gun is not that harder to way when you sit down. Yes, the grip
conceal for most of the rest of us. A is generally a bit longer on a mid-sized
mid-sized gun usually has somewhere pistol. But many people fit their small
in the neighborhood of a 4-inch barrel. pistols with either higher capacity mag-
That’s about 1 to 1.5 inches longer than azines or those with extended mag-
that of a pocket pistol. But if you’re
carrying in an inside-the-waistband
holster, that extra length disappears
azine baseplates to give them room
for their pinky fingers. Thus, they’ve
negated the concealment advantage of
06 A SMALL GUN
YOU CARRY IS
BETTER THAN ONE
without being too long to get in the the shorter frames anyway. YOU LEAVE AT HOME.
Yes, that’s obvious. So, why would
you leave behind the more effective
weapon that, with a light jacket,
sweatshirt or untucked t-shirt, is just
as easy to conceal and not uncomfort-
able to carry with a good holster?
A PLACE FOR BOTH

If you own a quality small gun, keep
it. It adds options and versatility to
your defensive carry capabilities. No
one gun is best for all situations. I am
not going to sell my subcompacts or
my pocket pistols. They can be useful,
Bridging the gap even preferred, in some instances,
in size between
compact and sub- especially where deep concealment is
compact handguns
is this well-made, required. But I’ll always advocate for
single-stack Star
BM available from carrying the larger compacts whenev-
Century Arms.
er it’s possible. I believe a larger gun
ups my odds of surviving an attack.
I’ve often heard, “That’s way too big

and heavy to conceal” from so many
people who ask about my preferred
carry gun. It’s ironic that most of them
aren’t even aware that I’m carrying
that mid-sized gun when we have
that conversation. CC

CO
Savoy Leather makes

custom, handcrafted leather
holsters. This one has both
clips and belt slots for either
IWD or OWB carry. The
Don't Tread on Me pattern
over the American flag sells
for $179.99.
www.SavoyLeather.com

CARRY WITH
NFIDENCE
FROM IWB TO ANKLE CARRY TO DUTY RIGS,
HERE ARE OUR TOP NEW HOLSTER PICKS
STORY BY BRAD FITZPATRICK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS
I
don’t spend a lot of money on clothing or electronics,
I’m not much of a gambler, and I don’t own a boat or
a motorcycle or UTV. But one thing I do splurge on is
holsters. I’ve got drawers full of them.
Some are for competition, some for concealed carry, a few

are specifically designed for exercise or long road trips,
others for OWB access when I’m hunting or hiking in the
backwoods. Two or three I use strictly for range practice.
I’d estimate that I have roughly two holsters for each gun
that I own, and for certain applications—specifically compe-
tition shooting and concealed carry—I carry spare holsters
that can be swapped out if my primary holster is out of
commission (which, to date, has happened just one time).
And I’m always looking for new and novel holster concepts.
Part of the rise in the number of holster models is due

to the increase in concealed carry permits over the last
decade. With roughly 16 million CCW holders, there’s a new
demand for better carry holsters, but many shooters are
looking, too, for holsters that they can use on the range
that don’t need to be concealed.
There’s also been a spike in the number of competitive

pistol shooters in IPSC, IDPA and other competition formats,
and this increased demand has generated some fantastic
new holsters of late.
So, whether you’re one of the growing number of new gun

owners looking for the best carry rig for your concealed
firearm, a serious competition shooter, law enforcement
professional or simply a recreational shooter looking for
an affordable range holster, we’ve got you covered here.
This is a list of the most noteworthy new holsters for the
coming year.

01 BLACKHAWK!
Premium Leather Holsters 02 DeSantis Infiltrator Air
When BLACKHAWK! decided to launch a new line of leather hol- DeSantis is known for producing well-built, innovative holsters
sters, the company didn’t just roll out two or three new versions. and the Infiltrator Air is no different. One of the primary com-
Instead, the company released dozens of new models this year plaints levied against IWB holsters is that they’re just too hot to
for virtually every popular pistol design. So, you won’t have to wear every day because body heat and moisture can be trapped
wait and hope that they’ll eventually get around to making a against the backing plate.
version for your pistol.
DeSantis remedied this by offering the Infiltrator with a mesh
These classy holsters are made from premium Italian leather, and back that is breathable and dries quickly. The holster body itself
they are available in either Burnished or Antique Brown. Each is made from durable Kydex, and each of these holsters comes
one of these holsters is hand-formed and each one is unique, with DeSantis C-clips (J-clips are available as well). This holster
which means you’re getting a one-of-kind leather holster for a also adjusts for height and cant, so it’s easy to find a perfect
fraction of what you would normally expect to pay. carry position.
Several different holsters designs are available as well, including MSRP: $86.99
a three-slot pancake version and inside-the-pants option for www.DesantisHolster.com
concealment. BLACKHAWK! is offering leather magazine pouches
as well.
MSRP: $99.95 (holsters), $49.95 (mag pouches)

www.Blackhawk.com

03 Galco ExtremeTuk 04 Safariland
Model 557 Open-Top Concealment Holster
The Extreme Tuk holster combines a high level of comfort with For anyone—particularly law enforcement officers—who carries
maximum concealability at a very affordable price. One of the a pistol equipped with a light, removing that light generally
primary complaints regarding IWB carry holsters is that they requires a holster swap to prevent the gun from moving in the
simply aren’t comfortable to wear all day. holster.
To remedy this, Galco offers the Extreme Tuk with a broad, du- But Safariland has designed an ingenious system to accommo-
rable cowhide backing plate that rests against the body without date pistols both with and without an attached light. The 557
poking or jabbing. The leather back is affixed to a durable Kydex holster has a detent that secures against the ejection port of the
holster pocket that’s designed to fit your gun perfectly. firearm, so your pistol will stay put whether you have the light in
place or not.
Kydex won’t hang up or impede your draw, and the slight for-
ward cant of these holsters makes it simple to draw even large Durable Safari Laminate construction makes these holsters
duty pistols from concealment. impervious to the elements, and the 557’s low profile makes it
easy to conceal while the wide design distributes weight evenly
Each Extreme Tuk holster comes with two clips, a traditional for comfortable carry.
design and Galco’s Ultimate Stealth Clip, which fits on the top of
the pants or over or behind the belt. These are ideal holsters for MSRP: $50
daily carry, especially if you need to wear your gun for extended www.Safariland.com
periods of time.
MSRP: $45

05 BLACKHAWK!
Kydex IWB, OWB, and IWB/OWB Holsters 06 Galco Ankle Guard
Kydex holsters are very popular among shooters because they’re A lot of shooters want to carry their firearm (or backup firearm)
light, affordable and durable. BLACKHAWK! is launching a line on their ankle, but finding a rig that fits right isn’t always easy.
of new Kydex holsters this year, and there is a lengthy list of Galco’s new Ankle Guard changes that by combining a neoprene
available models to fit most every popular firearm. ankle cuff with sheepskin padding and Velcro closure.
The IWB and OWB models allow for position changes, the IWB/ A metal D-ring is included for attaching an optional Ankle Calf
OWB and OWB models come equipped with flexible backing, and Strap, too, so you can rest assured that your holster won’t slide
the IWB and IWB/OWB models feature adjustable belt mounts. down your leg as you walk into work. Twin tension units on the
holster itself allow you to adjust ease of draw and security, and
All of these holsters are equipped with heavy-duty hardware, so the tension-locking unit secures the firearm at the trigger guard
they’re capable of withstanding a lot of abuse. Best of all, they’re so it won’t accidentally come loose.
very reasonably priced.
The holster’s sight “trench” will accommodate just about any iron
MSRP: $49.95 sights on the market, and the beveled sight rails allow for easy
www.Blackhawk.com reholstering. The Ankle Guard will even accommodate carry-style
optical sights, which is very impressive.
MSRP: $85

07 Allen Swipe MQR 08 Galco Tuck-N-Go
The Allen Swipe is one of the most innovative holster designs The newest member of Galco’s popular Carry Lite line of holsters
to come along in years. On the surface this looks like traditional is the Tuck-N-Go. As the name suggests it’s a compact, IWB hol-
soft-sided pouch holsters that have been popular for years, but ster that tucks neatly inside the waistband. Premium steerhide
the key feature on the Swipe is the new Magnetic Quick Release construction makes this a comfortable holster to carry all day,
top strap. and the open-top design features a reinforced mouth that allows
for an easy draw and simple reholstering.
Traditional pouch holsters with straps offer a high level of
security, but they don’t allow for a fast, precise draw. The MQR Two clips are provided—a traditional model and Galco’s Ultimate
system utilizes a magnet that can easily be removed by swiping Stealth Clip—and because both are adjustable for cant, you can
the hand across the holster, a natural movement when drawing. wear this holster in a variety of different positions, including
When the gun is reholstered, the magnet automatically locks strong side, crossdraw and appendix. If you’re looking for a
back in place and it can’t be released until you repeat the swip- lightweight, comfortable, affordable open-top carry holster, then
ing motion once again. this newest offering from Galco is a perfect option.
It’s a simple design that’s very practical, and it’s a great option MSRP: $38
for those who like a hip holster. Several different models are www.GalcoGunleather.com
designed to fit popular semi-autos and revolvers, and the top
strap is adjustable for a perfect fit.
MSRP: $29.99
www.ByAllen.com

09 Safariland
Model 17 and Model 17T 10 Galco Quick Slide
The Model 17 and tuckable 17T are two brand new IWB holsters The new Quick Slide from Galco comes combines a wide
that are constructed of durable Safari Laminate, yet are thin steerhide backing with a Kydex holster body and utilizes a quick
enough to be easily concealed even under light clothing. on-off snap system to allow for fast removal of the holster at the
end of the day.
The Model 17 comes with a spring steel belt clip that locks
securely in place on the belt or trousers, and the 17T is equipped Unlike some other holsters of this kind, the Quick Slide has snaps
with a cant-adjustable J-hook attachment that allows it to be that are widely spaced, and this allows the holster backing
easily tucked and concealed. Both of these holsters come with to conform more comfortably and naturally to the body for
deep contouring on the trigger guard that acts as a detent to increased comfort and a secure fit.
hold the firearm in place without impeding draw. The hard-shell
Safari Laminate construction means that the mouth of the holster Neutral cast provides for a fast draw and easy reholstering. A
stays open for easy reholstering. passive retention device on the trigger guard ensures the gun
remains holstered until it is forcefully drawn upward. Its light-
The compact design is extremely light and comfortable, yet the weight design keeps bulk and weight to a minimum. Looking
thermos-formed laminate construction means that these holsters carefully at this holster, I was very impressed by the quality of
are capable of withstanding years of abuse. They’re an excellent the stitching and the thickness of the steerhide backing. This is a
option for concealed carry. They fit belts up to 1.75 inches, and holster that’s designed for years of serious use.
they are a great bargain.
MSRP: $54
MSRP: $38.50 www.GalcoGunleather.com CC
www.Safariland.com

“PART OF THE RISE
IN THE NUMBER OF
HOLSTER MODELS
IS DUE TO THE
INCREASE IN
CONCEALED CARRY
PERMITS...”

TOP
VAL
RUGER’S NEW
SECURITY-9 IS A
PRICED-RIGHT COMPACT
UE
HIGH-CAPACITY 9MM
THAT REALLY PERFORMS
STORY AND PHOTOS

BY BOB CAMPBELL

“AT A SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
OF JUST $379, THIS IS A GREAT
BUY IN A HIGH-CAPACITY 9MM.”
I
t’s a new gun with a name that This is one of the
cleanest designs yet
recalls a company’s legacy for from Ruger. Ruger
photo
producing rugged firearms.
The Ruger Security-9 is the company’s

latest entry into the lucrative 9mm
defense pistol market. It’s a compact
semi-auto pistol, but the name is
undoubtedly derived from the durable
and popular Security-Six revolver once
offered by Ruger.
Ruger firearms have long enjoyed an

excellent reputation for reliable func-
tion and long-term reliability and they
have a loyal fan base. The company
has only secured a stronger hold on
that reputation with the Security-9.
WELL DESIGNED
The Security-9 is a handgun that is de-
signed around the trigger action devel-
oped for the recent Ruger LCP II with
a recessed hammer that is close to
fully cocked upon chambering a round.
The Security 9 might remind you of a
beefed-up LCP II in many regards. For
my personal taste, I felt the ergonom-
ics on some earlier Ruger designs left
some room for improvement. But the
new Security-9 is a handgun with
excellent human engineering.
The pistol’s frame is glass-filled nylon.

This construction has proven durable
in other Ruger handguns and allows
Ruger to manufacture the pistol eco-
nomically. This is important in today’s
buyer’s market.
The grip fits most hands well. With this

type of construction, you may design
a thinner grip frame large enough to
contain a high-capacity magazine. The
grip has a pleasant texture that offers
good adhesion when firing. There
were no problems handling the pistol

when firing full-power 9mm and 9mm point. The angled cocking serrations Above: The Securi-
ty-9 is an attractive
+P ammunition. The magazine release look rakish and work well in practice. and functional
handgun. Ruger
isn’t ambidextrous. Left-handed shoot- The steel slide is well finished and photo
ers may use the forefinger to actuate will not show signs of wear early if
the magazine release. experience with the earlier LC9 is any
indication.
The slide is nicely machined. There
are no sharp or abrupt edges and GOOD SIGHTS,
the design is actually sleek, which TRIGGER
hasn’t always been the case with The sights feature a white outline in
Ruger firearms. The Security-9 is a the rear and a white dot in the front.
different design and praiseworthy in For many shooters, this is preferred to
this regard. the three-dot set up. It certainly isn’t
going to be misaligned in a hurry by
The pistol features forward-cocking an experienced shooter. Well designed
serrations in addition to rear-cocking for personal defense, the sights also
Right: The rear
grooves. Forward-cocking grooves are offered good precision at a long 25 sight’s outline is
ideal for most
uncommon in a pistol at this price yards. The first impression of the Se- shooting chores.

9MM HANDGUNS
POPULAR FOR GOOD REASONS
It seems that every few months a new 9mm Luger handgun is introduced.
Designed for personal defense, concealed carry and all-around, do-anything
anywhere use, these are the most popular handguns in America.
1. SUFFICIENT POWER
The 9mm Luger cartridge is a powerful number. Many loads exhibit over
1,100 fps even in short barrel handguns. The 9mm will jolt bullets fast
enough to ensure reliable expansion.
2. EXTRA FIREPOWER
Even the most compact handguns have a capacity of eight to nine cartridges,
and some stuff 15 rounds into the magazine and remain manageable with a
comfortable sized grip.
3. EASY TO CONTROL
Another advantage of the 9mm cartridge that cannot be overstated is that
folks of normal physical ability are able to master the cartridge to a high
standard. Recoil is modest for the power exhibited. I will not insult your
intelligence by claiming the 9mm is just as effective as the .40 or .45 caliber
handgun—of course it isn’t, it cannot be—but the 9mm is powerful enough
for personal defense given careful load selection.
4. AFFORDABLE AMMO
Another advantage of the 9mm is ammunition cost. You will spend more
on ammunition over a period of months in mastering the handgun than the
initial cost of the handgun itself. The 9mm offers economy. As an example,
a quick look at the prices for 9mm ammunition at Cheaperthandirt.com
indicates that 9mm Luger ammunition may be had in 500 rounds versus 350
rounds for the .45 ACP at the same price. The ratio may favor the 9mm more if
you shop carefully. That is a lot of extra ammunition in the training budget.
Below: The pistol’s bold

front post gave a good
aiming point at close
range and in precise fire.

SOURCE
Sturm, Ruger and Co.
www.Ruger.com
“THE 9MM LUGER CARTRIDGE IS A

POWERFUL NUMBER. MANY LOADS
EXHIBIT OVER 1,100 FPS EVEN IN
SHORT BARREL HANDGUNS.”
curity-9 is of a well-balanced handgun supplied. The pistol is 7.25 inches Above: Pairing the pistol, with the safety engaged. The
Security-9 with a
that will take more shooting than you long, 5 inches high and just over an TruGlo combat light safety is stiff when moving it to the
is a good combi-
are likely to give it. inch in width. The Security 9 weights nation for anyone safe position. Perhaps it will break in.
interested in home
23.5 ounces unloaded. defense. When it is on safe, less effort is re-
The Security-9 has a 4-inch bar- quired to move it to the firing position.
rel, which means that the velocity I appreciate a manual safety and the The pivot is different than a 1911, but
attained by the 9mm Luger will be Security-9 features a frame-mounted there is plenty of leverage to quickly
higher than that of similar handguns one. The safety isn’t ambidextrous, move the safety to the fire position.
with 3- to 3½-inch barrels. which may be a demerit for left-hand-
ed shooters. The Security-9 should be Below: The pistol The hammer-fired Security-9 requires
is thin enough for
Two steel 15-round magazines are carried as you would a single-action concealed carry. less racking force to the slide to make

the pistol ready than with striker-fired Security-9 shows it may well earn it and guide rod are pulled from the
pistols. For some this is important. The given some time. I’ve found that the barrel and the barrel tipped out the
Security-9 features a blade lever on Security-9 is easier for many shooters bottom of the slide.
the face of the trigger to lessen the to pick up and get good hits with.
chance of a discharge from a lateral Even Glock fans that tried the pistol FIRING IMPRESSIONS
force against the trigger. The trigger admitted this. If you own an LCPII, the I loaded the magazines with
pull weight proved to be a consistent trigger action will be familiar. Winchester’s 115-grain FMJ load.
4.8 pounds. Reset is rapid. There is a Affordable, good quality training am-
trigger stop molded into the trigger EASY TAKEDOWN munition is an advantage of the 9mm.
guard but the trigger does not contact Fieldstripping is easy enough. Be As it turned out, it was good that the
this stop. certain the pistol is unloaded. Retract weather was cold and my fingers
the slide to allow the takedown pin nearly numb. I had previously fired a
The Ruger Security-9 is about the size to line up on the center of its notch target grade handgun in such weather
of a Glock 19, and that invites obvious in the slide. Remove the pin with a and found that I wasn’t as in control of
Fieldstripping is
comparisons. The Glock has a proven simple enough screwdriver tip. The slide is pressed the trigger as I liked. I never felt that
with the new Ruger
reliability track record, while the Ruger pistol. forward for removal. The recoil spring I did not have a good feel for take-up,
“THE PISTOL IS WELL DESIGNED

AND FEELS GOOD IN THE HAND.”
Back
Issues
Available
Find us on
Call us at Discover the

1-800-764-6278 world of firearms at
your fingertips.
www.engagedmediamags.com
www.gunworld.com
trigger break and trigger reset with
the Security-9.
I fired the handgun at steel gongs

at 15 yards and, after the initial few
rounds to get the feel of the pistol, I
was rewarded with a solid clang with
every shot, including speed shooting
and double taps. It didn’t take long to EXCELLENT VALUE
go through the box of 100 rounds. The After firing 160 rounds relatively
pistol never failed to feed, chamber, quickly, I had a good idea of the ability
fire or eject. of the Ruger Security-9. The sights and
trigger action are good. The pistol is
I also fired the Winchester 147-grain well designed and feels good in the
PDX Defender. The steel gongs hand. It is light and concealable, but
responded with a deeper clang from deploys with 15 hard-hitting cartridges.
this bullet. I also fired the Winchester I think that the Security-9 will respond
124-grain PDX +P at 1,200 fps. Results to a trained shooter well and yet not
were good. I fired a group bracing on challenge a novice. At a suggested
the barricade and put five rounds into retail price of just $379, this is a great
2 inches at 15 yards. buy in a high-capacity 9mm. CC
“THE PISTOL Above: The controls
NEVER FAILED TO
of the Security-9 are
well designed for
rapid manipulation.
FEED, CHAMBER,
Ruger photo
FIRE OR EJECT.”
Left: The author
fired Winchester
ball ammunition
and also the PDX
Defender 147-grain
JHP.
Right: Winchester’s
PDX loading is a
viable defense
load with excellent
cartridge integrity.
Winchester photo

The Security-9
did not suffer in
RUGER SECURITY-9 SPECS comparison to
other handguns the
author has tried.
Model: Ruger Security-9 Overall Length: 7.24 inches
Caliber: 9mm Luger Height: 5 inches
Capacity: 15+1 Weight: 23.7 ounces AD INDEX
Slide: Through-hardened alloy steel, blued finish Grip Frame: Glass-filled nylon
Advertiser Page
Slide Width: 1.02 inches Sights: Drift adjustable for windage
Barrel: Alloy Steel, blued finish MSRP: $379 ADCO 25
Barrel Length: 4 inches Black Hills Ammunition 25
Bravo Company 8-9
SHOOTING RESULTS Corso Inc. 127
Fobus U.S.A. 37
LOAD VELOCITY 5-SHOT GROUP AT 15 YARDS
WINCHESTER USA 115 GRAIN FMJ 1,156 FPS 2.25 INCHES Harpers Ferry Armory 129
WINCHESTER PDX DEFENDER 147 GRAIN JHP 961 FPS 1.65 INCHES HKS Products, Inc. 37
WINCHESTER PDX DEFENDER 124 GRAIN JHP +P 1,190 FPS 2.0 INCHES Hogue Grips 37
SIG SAUER ELITE V CROWN 124 GRAIN JHP 1,170 FPS 2.25 INCHES
JM Custom Kydex 35
REMINGTON 147 GRAIN GOLDEN SABER JHP 925 FPS 1.9 INCHES
Springfield Armory 132
HANDLOAD
MAGNUS CAST BULLETS 124 GRAIN TITEGROUP POWDER 890 FPS 1.7 INCHES Tedder Industries 2
XS Sight Systems, Inc. 131

FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED
CC-WIN17-Harpers FROM Armory
Ferry STANDING BRACED BARRICADE
8/10/17 10:21POSITION
AM Page15 YARDS
1 FROM TARGET. COMPETITION ELECTRONICS
PRO CHRONOGRAPH SET 10 FEET FROM MUZZLE USED TO GAUGE VELOCITY IN FEET PER SECOND.

FINAL SHOT
STOP
RIGHT H
umphrey Bogart al-
ways had a gun and
usually got the girl.
He’s one of our all-
THERE,
time movie favorites and is seen
here in a publicity photo for “The
Enforcers” (1951). No, Hollywood
movies are usually not very re-
alistic, but they can be very en-
ANGEL
tertaining. Who are your favorite
movie gun handlers? Let us know.
djeffrey@engagedmediainc.com.
Here’s looking at you, kid.
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SECURITY-9: RUGER’S TOP VALUE COMPACT

Get Your Starter Kit Online $99 88

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SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 5

THE NEXT EDITORIAL

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BULLETS & BLADES

10 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 11

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 13

NOTES ON The chisel blade is also listed as a crate

consideration. You don’t want the tool

One of the best things about the

When open, the handles are well con-

The assortment of tools gives you

14 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

The pliers feature

Closed Length: 4.1 inches

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 15

TAKING STOCK WITH

16 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

01 CCH: WHAT IS YOUR

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SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 19

20 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

But the Camp Guard’s beauty is

for personal protection in both a look at some of those guns, great

So those are the criteria—portable,

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 21

22 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 23

24 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

For those who want big-time

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

The Armornite finish is tough enough

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So, what’s this new gun all about?

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SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 31

Interceptor Preferred Defense cartridges from

32 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018

“...THE POLYMER FRAME OF THE

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“...THERE’S NOTHING BLOCKY ABOUT

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Discover the premier

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The Walther PPQ

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ENGAGING MULTIPLE ADVERSARIES

SUMMER 2018 • CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 39

Typically, this means that your target

Unfortunately, as one might expect,

40 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS • SUMMER 2018