8,000 + rounds 3 shooters glock’s new g43 3 - taurus … · taurus 709 slim springeld xd s 3.3...
TRANSCRIPT
JULY 2015
gunsandammo.com
30
GUN TECH:
POLYCASE & POLYONE
Plastic bullets with plastic cases are almost here.
MADE FOR AMERICAJR CARBINES 9mm FLAG GUN
WINCHESTER’S TRAIN & DEFEND
(HIDDEN) CARRY RIG SNEAKY PETE HOLSTER
8,000+ ROUNDS
3 SHOOTERS
3 DAYS
9SINGLE STACK 9mm
POLYMER FRAME PISTOLS vs.
GLOCK’S NEW G43
HOWDO THEYSTACK UP?
IS PLASTICTHE FUTURE?PolyCase ARX Inceptor Ammunition
Beretta BU9 Nano
Wal
ther
PP
S
Taurus 709 SLIM
Sp
ring
"eld
XD
s 3.3
S&W M&P9 Shield
SIG Sauer P290RS
Ruger LC9s Pro
Kel-Te
c PF
-9
Kah
r CM
9
How does the new Glock 43 compare? We put more than 8,000 rounds through it and nine other compact, single-stack, polymer-frame 9mm carry pistols. Read on ...
BERETTA BU9 NANO
WALTHER PPS
TAURUS 709 SLIM
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
XDs 3
.3
�MITH
&WESSON M&P
9SH
IEL
D
�IGSAUER P29
0RS
RUGER LC9s Pro
KEL-TEC PF-9
�AHR ARMS CM-9
GLOCK 43
WORDS BY G&A STAFF | PHOTOS BY RICHARD KING
PAGE 46
PAGE 50
PAGE 48
PAGE 52
PAGE 54
PAGE 56PAGE 58
PAGE 60
PAGE 62
PAGE 64
JULY 2015 G&A 39
40 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
WATCH OUR TEST!
Guns & Ammo’s editors spent one week on the road visiting three ranges across the U.S., shooting more than 8,000 rounds through 10 single-stack 9mm compacts. Taking the most objective approach, gunsandammo.com recorded the entire review process with early predictions, interviews and conclusions. Malfunctions were noted as well as high-lights and surprising results in the hands of G&A staff and a “third man,” a local full-time police of�cer.
See more at gunsandammo.com/9mm-shootout
GUNS & AMMO wasn’t the �rst to break the news about the Glock 43,
but after some careful thought, we considered the next few questions G&A
readers would ask:
1) How does the G43 stand up to its competition?
2) Should I trade in my carry gun for that one?
3) If I can’t afford to put at least 500 rounds through one, how can I trust that it
will function well for me when I need it?
With these questions before us, G&A surveyed the market for available
offerings and pulled together our collective resources. We borrowed and/or
purchased 10 single-stack, polymer-frame 9mm carry pistols costing less than
$600 with a similar barrel length that measured between 3 and 3½ inches.
In an effort to keep our results consistent, we reached out to Winchester
for 8,000 rounds of its 147-grain Train & Defend loads. These two types of
ammunition are performance matched, giving us a control by which to com-
pare accuracy and reliability. The Train load features a full-metal-jacket (FMJ)
bullet, and the Defend load carries a jacketed hollowpoint (JHP), so feeding
both types of bullet-nose styles would aid in evaluating reliability.
Checks & Balances Knowing that G&A’s result could be hotly contested, we
photographed and cataloged every malfunction regardless of whether it was
user induced or a problem experienced with the pistol.
Further, a “third man” was on hand and inserted into the shooting rotation.
In addition to G&A Editor Eric Poole and Managing Editor Chris Mudgett, three
���� ��� ������� ��� � ��������Umarex Action Pistols, you can train
without traveling to the range. They are authentic in shape, weight, and feel,
like their firearm counterparts, but use readily available, low cost ammunition.
See them in action here:ActionPistols.com/GUNSAMMO
SHOOT30 ROUNDSUNDER $1
���������� ���� ����� ������� � !"#$ %����& %'(
650-ROUND TEST FIRE
JULY 2015 G&A 41
full-time law enforcement of�cers joined this
team to provide their perspectives and vali-
date the execution and results of these tests.
Last, a videographer with multiple cam-
eras captured the action. This video will
be edited for length and made available to
G&A readers at gunsandammo.com short-
ly after this issue appears on newsstands.
Keeping It Real Each pistol was tested
using only the elements supplied by the
manufacturer, just as one would purchase
it new. For example, if a pistol was sup-
plied with one six-round magazine, that
was the only mag loaded and reloaded
during the entire test.
No pistol was lubricated or cleaned at
any time. The very �rst 25 shots averaged
three shooter’s �ve-shot groups from a
25-yard benchrest for accuracy at the
beginning, and the same was done at the
end of the 650-round test�re. We’ll let the
data speak for itself.
)*+*,,- )./ 0-12
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7829: ;<
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 6+1 rds.
WEIGHT 1 lb., 1.9 oz. (empty)
FINISH Black nitride (steel)
GRIPS Polymer frame, Gen4
SIGHTS
White dot (front), U-notch (rear)
TRIGGER
8 lbs., 6 oz. (new); 8 lbs., 13 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $549
MANUFACTURER
Glock USA770-432-1202glock.com
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY
6+1 rds. (std.), 8+1 rds. (extd.)
WEIGHT 1 lb., 4.48 oz. (empty)
FINISH Black nitride (steel)
GRIPS Polymer shell, textured
SIGHTS Three dot, drift adj. (rear)
TRIGGER 8 lbs., 3.5 oz. (new/�nal)
MSRP $450
MANUFACTURER
Beretta USAberettausa.com
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 6+1 rds.
WEIGHT 1 lb., .8 oz. (empty)
FINISH Stainless steel (matte)
GRIPS Polymer frame, textured
SIGHTS
White dot (front), white post (rear)
TRIGGER
6 lbs., 4.5 oz. (new); 5 lbs., 6 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $460
MANUFACTURER
Kahr Arms508-795-3919kahr.com
42 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
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4.3
1 in.
5.67 in.
2.67 in.
2.59 in.
6.25 in.
4.2
0 in.
1.05 in.
2.48 in.
5.58 in.
4.2
2 in.
1.11 in.
DEFHIEJ LMHN
OPQEU VXNY LUZ
[\] [^PEU L_N`O[TYPE
Hammer �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY
6+1 rds. (std.),8+1 rds. (extd.)
WEIGHT 1 lb., 4.6 oz. (empty)
FINISH Nitron (steel)
GRIPS
Polymer, textured; interchangeable panels
SIGHTS
SIGLITE three-dot night sights
TRIGGER
9 lbs., 12 oz. (new); 10 lbs., 5.3 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $513
MANUFACTURER
SIG Sauer603-610-3000sigsauer.com
TYPE
Hammer �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 7+1 rds.
WEIGHT 14.6 oz. (empty)
FINISH Parkerized (steel)
GRIPS Polymer frame
SIGHTS Three dot, adj. notch (rear)
TRIGGER
7 lbs., 5 oz. (new); 6 lbs., 11 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $333
MANUFACTURER
Kel-Tec CNC Industries321-631-0068keltecweapons.com
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 7+1 rds.
WEIGHT 1 lb., 1.3 oz. (empty)
FINISH Blued (steel)
GRIPS
Glass-�lled nylon grip frame
SIGHTS Three dot, drift adj. (rear)
TRIGGER
5 lbs., 2 oz. (new); 4 lbs., 11.5 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $449
MANUFACTURER
Sturm, Ruger & Co.928-541-8892ruger.com
SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT | JULY 2015 G&A 43
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4.5
5 in.
5.96 in.
2.87 in.
1.01 in.
4.8
2 in.
6.01 in.
2.77 in.
1.06 in.
4.5
8 in.
5.55 in.
2.49 in.
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TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY
7+1 rds. (std.), 8+1 rds. (extd.)
WEIGHT 1 lb., 7 oz. (empty)
FINISH Melonite (steel)
GRIPS Polymer, textured
SIGHTS
Fiber optic, red (front); white dot (rear)
TRIGGER
8 lbs., 9 oz. (new); 7 lbs., 14 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $599
MANUFACTURER
Spring�eld Armory800-680-6866spring�eld-armory.com
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY 7+1 rds.
WEIGHT 1 lb., 3.2 oz. (empty)
FINISH Blued (steel)
GRIPS Polymer frame, textured
SIGHTS
Three dot, elev. and windage adj. (rear)
TRIGGER
7 lbs. (new); 6 lbs., 10 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $302
MANUFACTURER
Taurustaurususa.com
TYPE
Striker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY
7+1 rds. (std.), 8+1 rds. (extd.)
WEIGHT 1 lb., 4.8 oz. (empty)
FINISH Black 68 HRc (steel)
GRIPS Polymer frame, textured
SIGHTS
Three dot, drift adjustable (front/rear)
TRIGGER
7 lbs., 1 oz. (new); 7 lbs., 2.5 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $449
MANUFACTURER
Smith & Wesson800-331-0852smith-wesson.com
44 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
���� ���
6.80 in.
4.9
4 in.
1.05 in.
2.99 in.
6.46 in.
4.3
8 in.
1.07 in.
2.60 in.
6.20 in.
4.5
8 in.
1.13 in.
������� ���
TYPEStriker �red, semiautomatic
CALIBER 9mm
CAPACITY7+1 rds. (std.), 8+1 rds. (extd.)
WEIGHT 1 lb., 5.6 oz. (empty)
FINISH Tenifer (steel)
GRIPS Polymer frame, textured
SIGHTS Three dot, drift adj. (rear)
TRIGGER7 lbs., 1 oz. (new); 6 lbs., 5.5 oz. (�nal)
MSRP $599
MANUFACTURER
Walther Arms Inc.479-242-8500waltherarms.com
SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT | JULY 2015 G&A 45
OUT-OF-THE-BOX / INITIAL TEST RESULTS
FIREARM
MAX. MAG. CAP.
NO. MAGS. INCL. SIGHTS PACKAGING
TESTED WEIGHT
(OZ.)
TRIGGER PULL AT 0 RDS. / 600 RDS.
OR 1,000 RDS. (LBS.)
OVERALL LENGTH
(IN.) MSRP
MUDGETT SIX-SHOT
SPLITS
POLICE SHOOTER
SPLITS
POOLE SIX-SHOT
SPLITS
Beretta BU9 Nano 8 2 Three Dot Plastic Box 20.4 8.22 / 8.22 5.67 $450 2.54 / .25 2.08 / .28 1.90 / .18
Glock 43 6 2 Dot/Notch Plastic Box 17.9 8.38 / 8.81 6.25 $549 1.53 / .22 1.96 / .20 1.60 / .22
Kahr CM9 6 1 Dot/Post Cardboard Box 16.8 6.28 / 5.38 5.58 $460 1.78 / .28 1.85 / .25 1.61 / .23
Kel-Tec PF-9 7 1 Three Dot Plastic Box 14.6 7.50 / 6.69 5.96 $333 2.40 / .32 2.82 / .38 1.91 / .26
Ruger LC9s Pro 7 1 Three Dot Cardboard Box 17.3 5.13 / 4.72 6.01 $449 1.50 / .20 1.98 / .22 1.38 / .17
SIG Sauer P290RS 8 2 Three Dot NS Plastic Box 20.6 9.75 / 10.33 5.55 $513 2.25 / .24 3.21 / .34 2.85 / .34
S&W M&P9 Shield 8 2 Three Dot Cardboard Box 20.8 7.06 / 7.16 6.80 $449 1.59 / .20 1.36 / .21 1.34 / .20
Spring!eld XDs 3.3 8 2 Fiber Optic Plastic Box 23.0 8.56 / 7.88 6.46 $599 1.52 / .22 1.76 / .19 1.49 / .21
Taurus 709 SLIM 7 1 Three Dot Cardboard Box 19.2 7.00 / 6.63 6.20 $302 1.54 / .24 1.30 / .18 1.31 / .19
Walther PPS 8 2 Three Dot Plastic Box 21.6 7.06 / 6.34 6.30 $599 1.86 / .23 1.42 / .17 1.33 / .19
NOTES: “SIX-SHOT SPLITS” represent total time and split time of six shots !red offhand in rapid sequence, which were measured and recorded by a PACT Club Timer III.
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PATENTED ANDFULLY GUARANTEED.NET
���� ���
5.3
4 in.
6.30 in.
2.50 in.
46 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
BERETTA BU9 NANO
The only single-stack 9mm pistol built on a chassis.
BERETTA’S SMALLEST 9MM is the Nano, which
is unique in that it features an internal subchassis
that serves as the pistol’s serialized component. It is a
modular design, meaning that its chassis will readily
accept optional grip frames, which marry neatly to
the no-snag slide assembly. For now, its polymer grip
shells are available in black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
and pink. For an additional $200 more than the stan-
dard con�guration, the Nano can be ordered with a
Crimson Trace laser unit.
Shooting the Nano quickly revealed that it was easy
to control through rapid-�re drills, particularly when
�red using the 8+1-round magazine. This particular
magazine comes with an extended basepad to rest
your �ring hand’s pinky �nger on for optimal control.
Other positive takeaways include that the magazine
release was always readily accessible, and the textur-
ing on it was very good (much like the no-slip grip).
Though the trigger pull averaged 8 pounds on our
gauge, during this evaluation shooters indicated that
it was notably smooth.
Accuracy results were not representative of the
pistol’s real potential. Our pistol shed its rear sight on
round 12 and its front sight on round 363. Further,
the lack of a slide-lock lever made failure-to-extract
(FTE) malfunctions especially cumbersome to clear.
The Nano is easy to maintain and disassemble. A
�at-tipped screwdriver — or the rim of a spent case
— is necessary to rotate a takedown pin 90 degrees.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 869 49 18
5.82 3.83
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 6.00 3.93
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
78 Failure to EjectThe !rst of nine occurrences of this malfunction type with a double feed.
12 Rear Sight LostOccurred during the third string of out-of-the-box accuracy testing.
363 Front Sight Lost The front sight’s dovetail launched it forward into the target berm, never to be seen again.
596 Failure to ExtractThe last malfunction experienced before it was retired following accuracy testing on round 650. Looking back, the option of an external slide lock lever could have eased malfunction clearing in a few cases.
48 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
GLOCK 43
The new kid on the block everyone is talking about.
MANY GLOCK FANS CRIED FOUL after learning
that 2014’s G42 introduction would be a single-stack
.380. (However, we are told that Glock sold nearly
200,000 G42s after its launch.) All was well when
Glock announced on March 20, 2015, that the G43
would be a single-stack 9mm. Those who appreciate
this brand’s familiar ergonomics will quickly become
comfortable with this compact nine.
Size-wise, the G43 is a little more than a quarter-
inch longer in overall length than last year’s G42 and
.16 inch shorter than the subcompact G26. One inter-
esting decision will be made by users of the G26: Is it
worth giving up standard 10-round or extended-
capacity magazines for the slim handling of the G43?
(The G26 measures 1.18 inches wide versus the G43,
which measured 1.05 inches.)
At the range, the G43 was extremely accurate,
with Eric Poole shooting an unexpected 1.89-inch
best group at 25 yards — after the pistol had !red
625 rounds without incident. The G43 was a favorite
among our “third man” participants, each indicating
that they would soon own one.
The G43 performed consistently well, and G&A
has no reservations in recommending this model for
carry. Our only gripe would be the desire for a more
than six-round-capacity magazine and steel sights to
replace what Chris Mudgett jokingly refers to as the
“Glock dovetail protectors.” No doubt the aftermarket
will soon follow with some options.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 910 38 15
3.70 2.91
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.43 1.89
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
245 “Big Hands” Says, “This pistol would be perfec-tion with a longer length of pull.”
25 Accurate and Familiar“It’s as if it were the little brother to my G19.” — E. Poole
605 Can a Pistol Become More Accurate? Eric Poole shoots a 1.89-inch group from a bench at 25 yards.
50 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
KAHR CM9
An accurate short-frame pistol that lacks the bene�t of an extended mag.
“VALUE PRICED” is the takeaway Kahr Arms wants
us to have with its CM9. The CM models differ from
the more expensive PM models in that CM pistols
utilize a conventionally ri�ed barrel rather than the
PM’s match-grade polygonal-ri�ed tube. Additionally,
the CM series uses a metal-injection-molded (MIM)
slide-lock lever rather than one that is machined. Roll
marks indicate make, model and caliber on the slide
rather than if it had been laser engraved, and the CM9
is shipped with one magazine rather than two. The
result is that this pistol requires fewer manufacturing
processes. This means Kahr customers save money.
Everybody involved in testing the CM9 agreed that,
though the stroke was long, the trigger was good and
exceeded our expectations. Even more interesting, the
trigger got even better by losing almost a full pound
after having been �red more than 650 rounds!
Kahr’s CM9 proved reasonably accurate, manage-
able to shoot fast and very reliable. Most important
was that there were no malfunctions experienced in
�ring to the end of our performance test.
Of note, some users with dexterity challenges
will �nd that the slide on the CM9 requires more
strength to rack, and G&A recommends at least one
spare magazine be obtained ... preferably one with an
extended basepad allowing for a more positive grip.
One or two extra rounds in capacity would also be
greatly appreciated.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 863 29 11
3.94 2.62
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 5.31 5.17
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
111 Long Trigger“The long stroke on this trigger is mak-ing this pistol a bit of a chore to shoot with big hands.” — C. Mudgett
650 It’s Dirty But ...No malfunctions after 650 rounds !red.
52 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
KEL-TEC PF-9
This gun was built for carry, not for shooting high-round-count range sessions.
PERHAPS THE LIGHTEST 9MM ever made is
the Kel-Tec PF-9. Besides a few inherent attributes
that make it an easily concealed pistol — slim,
lightweight, accurate — the best feature is its price.
Though the MSRP indicates a higher number, we
have found that street price is signi�cantly less; the
Parkerized/black model we tested here currently aver-
ages $270 nationwide. Other �nish and color options
include blued and hard-chrome slides atop polymer
frames molded in desert tan, olive drab and gray.
The rear sight is new, which is adjustable for
windage using the Kel-Tec-supplied Allen wrench.
The aging eyes of our “third man” did not care for the
small sights, but young eyes will �nd them useful in
obtaining a sharp sight picture.
The PF-9 is one of the few carry compacts with an
accessory rail, which we applaud. Downrange results
in the real world are improved when two hands are
available to control the pistol while shooting rather
than one hand needing to manage a handheld
�ashlight.
Our hands still ache from the beating the PF-9 gave
us. This lightweight pistol’s narrow grip translates to
unequaled pain. In time, the PF-9 was the only hand-
gun that we chose to wear gloves to shoot. Ouch.
A sight to see was beheld at the range. The Kel-
Tec’s 1.21-inch leaf-spring-powered extractor helped
chuck spent cases far and away ... nearly 30 feet on
several occassions.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 873 35 14
5.19 3.18
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 5.26 2.92
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
259 We Recommend Using Lubricant … But We Didn’t.This was the !rst of 10 failure- to-extract (FTE)/failure-to-feed (FTF) malfunctions over the next 250 rounds that resulted in slug-gish slide velocity due to carbon residue buildup.
54 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
RUGER LC9s Pro
It was every new shooter’s favorite.
THE LATEST AND GREATEST iteration of Ruger’s
popular LC9 series is the LC9s Pro. The reason is
simple: the trigger. We’ll get to that shortly.
The LC9s Pro model is a striker-�red version of the
original (and popular) hammer-�red LC9. The Pro
model offers no external manual safety or magazine
safety, and this one works with all the accessories
such as lasers, lights and extended nine-round maga-
zines that already exist for the LC9.
Open the box, and new shooters are greeted with
an unexpected bonus: a Ruger-labeled softcase. But
the lasting takeaway was experienced during the �rst
dry �re. The LC9s Pro incorporates the lightest trigger
of any polymer-frame, single-stack 9mm compact
we’ve encountered. The Lyman trigger-pull gauge av-
eraged 5 pounds, 2 ounces out of the box. It slightly
improved to 4 pounds, 11½ ounces by the time this
pistol �red its last and 650th round.
Only one malfunction was experienced, and we
suspect that it was user induced. It occurred on round
171 and was caused by our “third man,” who may
have accidentally pushed up on the small slide-lock
lever with the joint behind his thumb during �ring.
Besides having the most pleasant trigger pull of the
lot, it surprised us that the LC9s Pro didn’t champion
any particular category. Accuracy was a little ho-hum
average, and one shooter thought the trigger was “too
light,” a feature that is obviously subjective. It certain-
ly was a solid performer, and it has no-snag lines.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 853 48 18
4.89 3.71
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.8 3.90
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
171 Slide Locks to the RearIt is believed that the LE of!cer taking his turn at evaluating the LC9s Pro inadvertently pushed up on the miniscule slide-lock lever. In keeping with the rules of this test, this incident was documented.
650 No (Other) MalfunctionsDepending on whether you count the incident at round 171, this Ruger quali!ed for carry.
56 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
SIG SAUER P290RS
This one comes with night sights and wears the best textured grip of the bunch.
THE P290RS IS LOADED with features that dis-
tinguish it from other single-stack, polymer-frame
Wonder Nines. For example, the P290RS arrives in
an excellent plastic case that contains the pistol, two
magazines and a holster (among other things). Only
Spring�eld Armory offers more accessories, with its
XDs. Further, this subcompact offers interchangeable
grip plates to personalize the grip — we’ve seen a
picture of orange, purple and pink side panels also
— and it is the only pistol in this roundup to come
standard with night sights. The P290RS wears a set of
three-dot SIGLITE tritium-�lled irons.
The “RS” suf�x indicates that this model utilizes
a double-action-only (DAO) trigger that’s restrike
capable. Some feel the need for this capability should
a live cartridge in the chamber not �re initially. Such
an incident was not experienced in G&A’s testing, so
this feature could not be evaluated.
The trigger on the RS model is much longer and
“very stagey,” as one shooter put it. This aspect made
rapid-�re drills challenging with a lot of shots pulled
low. It seems to encourage slapping the trigger. We’d
prefer the P320’s striker setup over this hammer gun.
To acheive this pistol’s best results, we recommend
using the supplied eight-round extended magazine
over the �ush-�t six-round mag for an awesome
grip that mimics the control of a full-size gun. G&A’s
favorite feature of the P290RS is its texturing, which
is also applied to the extended magazine.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 850 28 12
3.62 2.55
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.04 2.81
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
144 Failure to Feed (FTF)This malfunction occurred three times within the !rst 220 rounds. In the hands of the same shooter, a bad magazine was initially suspected. Later in the test, it was determined that applying !rm pressure to the extended mag-azine pad caused the mag to move downward, too far below the slide’s ability to pick up a fresh round. Further FTFs ceased.
650 Final ThoughtsHeavily optioned with features and good accuracy, the DAO trigger was this model’s least popular detail. No malfunctions were experienced when using the six-round, "ush-!t magazine.
58 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
THE NEW PERFORMANCE CENTER M&P9
Shield was almost ready to challenge the Glock 43 in
this test. Alas, due to an issue regarding �ber optic
sight availability, the enhanced and ported Shield
could not be obtained in time for comparison. (Too
bad; S&W indicated that it intends to price this “up-
graded model” less than the G43.) So, we borrowed a
personally owned, off-the-shelf M&P9 Shield.
The Shield is a concealable striker-�red pistol with
an enviable reputation. It boasts a 1-inch pro�le and
an instinctively pointable 18-degree grip angle.
Smith & Wesson achieved a good balance between
concealability and shootability, perhaps better than
any other single-stack 9mm polymer-frame hand-
gun. Though the grip is textured, G&A felt that after
shooting 650 rounds, in comparison with other
makes the Shield could stand to bene�t from more
aggressive texturing to improve positive handling.
The trigger was a highlight of this pistol and featured
a consistent pull that averaged nearly 7 pounds at the
beginning and end of this evaluation. It quickly built
this pressure with short travel, then crisply snapped as
the striker is released forward. The click to reset was
tactile, quick and somewhat audible to the shooter,
providing very fast and predictable follow-up shots.
During drills, this latter feature combined with its
full-size-like grip (using the eight-round extended
magazine) to control groups in very tight order. The
Shield posted many of our test’s best results.
S&W M&P9 SHIELD
The benchmark for comparison.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 886 27 10
4.37 2.41
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.41 3.06
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
25 Number 1The most accurate pistol out of the box in the hands of three very different shooters.
12 Failure to ExtractThis malfunction occurred for an unknown reason.
324 StovepipeAlthough malfunctions were rare, the Shield did present a single failure to eject.
600 “Shining Star”After 6,000 rounds had been !red between 10 single-stack 9mms, the Shield was one of the most comfortable and enjoyable handgun to shoot.
60 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
THERE WAS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Each
time one of us put down Spring�eld Armory’s XDs
3.3, we’d look at the grip’s imprint remaining in the
palm of our hands and ponder about the threshhold
between comfort and control. This pistol’s coarse,
molded checkering sticks to hands like no other. It is
also well equipped.
The XDs comes in a value-added packed plastic
case that opens to reveal a pistol with an outside-
the-waistband (OWB) holster and spare mag carrier.
The pistol itself is �tted with a red �ber optic sight up
front that seems to gather light and focus your atten-
tion where it should be: on the front sight.
This model’s 3.3-inch barrel offers a little more
sight radius than other single-stack nines, which, in
conjunction with the eight-round extended magazine,
helped us all print respectable groups out of the box.
This performance seemed to remain consistent over
650 rounds, but everyone felt it could shoot better if
the trigger were lighter and crisper. (The XDs trigger
did lighten 11 ounces by the end of this test.)
Two failure-to-feed malfunctions occurred during
the �rst 100 rounds of testing and then no more. The
left-side button of the XDs’ ambidextrous magazine
release became increasingly dif�cult to press the more
it was shot, but it never did seize. Therefore, G&A
feels this model deserves consideration ... especially
by those who want a compact 9mm pistol that won’t
squirm in your hand when called on.
SPRINGFIELD XDs 3.3
The most controllable single-stack, polymer-frame 9mm tested.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 924 15 5
3.80 2.57
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.72 2.77
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
27/81 Not In BatteryTwo failure-to-!re (FTF) malfunctions were caused by slight out-of-battery situations. No other malfunctions occurred through 650 rounds.
62 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
GET READY FOR THIS: The striker-�red Taurus
709 Slim proved to be this test’s best value. Why? Let’s
start with MSRP: $302. This year, Taurus dropped
the prices for several of its models, to include the 709
Slim. That means we’re likely to �nd one of these for
about $270 across the counter at the local gun store.
But a low price doesn’t necessarily mean “cheap.”
Frankly, some of us entered this test with a slight
bias. By the end of the test, all of our opinions had
radically changed. It’s unfair to judge the new Slim
until you’ve actually shot one.
To start, the 709 Slim printed the single best
�ve-shot group of this entire test — 1.18 inches at
25 yards — in the capable hands of Chris Mudgett.
And it did so after it had �red 635 rounds without a
malfunction. (Then it went far, far beyond and has yet
to stutter.)
The Slim weighs 3 ounces over a pound and has a
grip that points naturally and a single-action trigger
that’s impressively crisp. Though it only comes with
one !ush-pad magazine, we grew to appreciate its
bright-yellow follower, which clearly indicated its sta-
tus in low light, visible through the ejection port. (All
companies should follow Taurus’ lead on this.)
Keeping an open mind and evaluating the Slim in
hand with nine other pistols of this class, we all —
including the three police of�cers among us — con-
cluded that its ergonomics and performance earned it
a place on the list of everyone’s top pistols tested.
TAURUS 709 SLIM
One of the top pistols tested.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 853 46 17
4.81 3.34
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 2.62 1.18
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
245 Going ...Still waiting for a malfunction.
111Manual SafetyWe realized here that the 709 Slim and the S&W Shield were the only pistols in this test to feature an external safety lever.
630 Best GroupFired at 25 yards by Chris Mudgett, this 1.18-inch group was the best in the test.
650+ “It’s True. This Gun Runs.”In spite of the pending criticism G&A expects from the Web, we stay true to our experience. Zero malfunctions, and it’s all on video.
64 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
AT THE START of our test, all of us wrote down
predictions. No one scribbled “Walther” as a top
�nalist. However, by the end of our second day, we
were all dumbfounded. Where every other target had
600-round holes averaging the size of a large pizza,
the Walther PPS had shot a ragged hole the size of a
grapefruit. And, besides the initial accuracy test, most
of it was shot rapid �re. The PPS with its large, eight-
round extended magazine proved to be as controlla-
ble and easy to shoot fast and precisely as a full-size
service pistol.
OK, there was one feature that none of us really
cared for on this model: the ambidextrous pad-
dle-style magazine release that straddles half of the
triggerguard. We should note that we don’t mind
this type of magazine release on other pistols, but it’s
unnecessarily awkward to work for this little pistol.
A conventional mag-release button as found on the
PPQ M2 might make this the best single-stack 9mm
money can buy.
That one criticism aside, everything else was spot
on. The length of pull and grip angle facilitated com-
fortable operation by big and small hands alike, and
it sported consistent accuracy, a �ne trigger and a grip
that was easy to hang on to during rapid �re.
The Walther PPS posted no malfunctions during
our test. After 650 rounds had been �red, Eric Poole
printed a 25-yard 10-round group (for his own amuse-
ment) that measured 3.18 inches.
WALTHER PPS
It strikes the balance between shootability and concealability.
WINCHESTER TRAIN & DEFEND PERFORMANCE TEST
LOAD
WEIGHT
(GRS.)
VEL.
(FPS) ES SD
AVG. GRP.
(IN.)
BEST GRP.
(IN.)
Initial Test Results (rds. 1 – 25)147 894 5 2
4.21 2.81
End Test Results (rds. 625 – 650) 4.56 2.08
0---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----100--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--200---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----300--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--400---–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–----500--–----—----–----—----–----—----–----—----–--600--–----—----–---
300 Rapid FireWith little muzzle !ip, the PPS is not-ed to be the easiest pistol to control and group rounds.
100 Look at This!Shooters step back from the "ring line and compare all 10 targets to "nd that the PPS had grouped 100 rounds into the size of a tennis ball.
650+ No MalfunctionsTest complete with no incidents to report.
660 One Last GroupAfter shooting a best group of 2.08 inches at 25 yards, Eric Poole continued to shoot a total of 10 rounds that measured 3.18 inches.
�������PPS
features a unique paddle
magazine release.
66 G&A JULY 2015 | SINGLE STACK 9 SHOOTOUT
AT THE COMPLETION of our initial performance test, several
pistols moved on to shoot more than 650 rounds. Treating it as
a �nal elimination stage, we agreed to run these pistols against
the new Glock 43 to 1,000 rounds as long as there was no type
of malfunction. This number is considered by many (particularly
those in the law enforcement community) as the standard any
duty gun must meet before they are willing to trust their lives to
its reliability. Only three pistols made it: the Kahr CM-9, Taurus
709 Slim and Walther PPS. The CM-9 had an FTF on 763.
The road to 1,000 was quite a boring journey for the Glock
43, Taurus Slim and Walther PPS, which continued to run with
�ve-minute breaks between strings of 100 rounds. All three eval-
uators rotated and pushed these pistols through several rapid-�re
sessions at near-80-degree temperatures. After the 1,000-round
mark was met, Eric Poole decided to push all three pistols
through one �nal program he calls the “typewriter test.” This
drill draws from different loads and bullet weights staggered in
each magazine — usually leftover ammunition from other tests.
Though all loads were of Winchester’s manufacture, the audible
report heard through ear muffs is akin to a typewriter smacking
paper. Springs and small parts must instantly react to the chang-
ing pressures resulting from different loads.
These last 50 rounds did nothing to affect the performance of
these pistols. The Glock 43, Taurus 709 Slim and Walther PPS all
successfully pushed to 1,050 rounds �red.
BEYOND 650
THEFORDOUTFITTERS.COM
WATCH SEASON 3
OF THE OUTFITTERS.
SUNDAYS. 11 A.M. EST
SPORTSMAN CHANNEL.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THE FORD F-150.
THE FUTURE OF TOUGH.
Try to avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs
and proceed slowly. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for
detailed information regarding driving through water.
With more than 8,000 rounds hav-ing been !red, the end of each day looked like this: a pile of Winchester Train & Defend car-tons on the range "oor, spent cases observed as incred-ibly clean. In fact, one of!cer noted that all he’d have to do to prep the brass for reloading would be to punch out the primer. Now, that’s some good ammo.