pocket guns • spring 2015

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FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLDPOCKET GUNS • SPRING 2015

U.S. $8.99 • DISPLAY UNTIL: 3/3/15

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN W

ORLD| POCKET GUNS

Engaged Media By Beckett

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The Mustang® has been a favorite of customers for years. Updated with 21st century technology, the Mustang XSP is sure to become a popular option for concealed carry. But the most important stories belong to the men and women who have owned and relied on Colt through the decades. Make your story include a Colt.

BUILT ONE AT A TIME. PROVEN EVERY ROUND.

COLT.COM 800.962.COLT FACEBOOK.COM/COLTFIREARMS @COLTFIREARMS

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4 POCKET GUNS • SPRING 2015

26 COVER STORYCombat Focus ShootingIn the real world, you need tolearn how to shoot as efficientlyas possible. Rob Pincus’ CombatFocus Shooting will teach you.

By Torrey Kim

10 ABCs of CCWThis is your guide to carrying a concealed handgun. By Stan Skinner

40 9mm ShootoutWe tested six leading defensive 9mm handgun loads. By Brad Fitzpatrick

56 Hot PerformerWe tested Spring Armory’s XD 9mm subcompact, and we were impressed in many ways. By Steve Sieberts

FEATURES PRODUCT GUIDES

COLUMNS

76 Carry With ConfidenceTo get you on top of your game, we have different methods of carry and tips to ensure you’re lightning fast. By Richard Crays

88 24/7If you carry, you need to be prepared at all times. And you can’t carry unless you have the right holster. By Bob Campbell

104 Little GiantGood things do come in small packages.The Glock G42 is an example of that.By Steve Sieberts

16 Micro Handguns

34 Ammunition

46 Compact

66 Subcompact

82 Holsters

92 Revolvers

110 Accessories

116 Lights

122 Lasers

6 Editorial8 Barrels130 Last Look

PHOTO BY JESSE CLEMENTS

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SPRING 2015 • POCKET GUNS 5

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Photography: Jesse ClementsDesign: Eric Knagg

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y brother-in-law is a great guy. Family man, with four kids, andthe pastor at his church. We are about the same age, grew up inthe same area of Southern California, but our backgrounds

couldn’t be more different.I went into the military, and he stayed with his business that he

started as a young man right out of high school. I grew up around gunsand he had never gone shooting before. We had had discussions aboutguns, and although he wasn’t necessarily against them, he really didn’tsee much need for them or what the big deal about them was.

He was on the fence about them because nobody had really talked tohim about why it’s so enjoyable to go shooting. He had never heard ourside, and had not experienced the positive aspects of firearms and shoot-ing in general, only what he had heard on the local and national news.

Consequently, his kids were growing up and they didn’t get the oppor-tunity to go shooting as I had when I was a kid. My Dad had taken me topublic ranges as a kid many times, and taught me to respect firearms,but not fear them; that they are just a tool to be handled with due regardfor their ability to change a person’s life forever if mishandled, but to usethem for sport and recreation as they were designed to do.

Life happened and after many years he brought his family out tospend some time with mine due to business and family affairs. I took allof us out to a friend’s farm for some relaxation, conversation and goodfood since my brother-in-law and his family lived in a city and didn’t getto experience that aspect of life on a farm.

After the barbeque we stepped out to the backyard, and I brought outseveral guns to shoot. Mostly I brought .22 pistols and rifles, and about1,000 rounds. When I pulled the first rifle out of the case, both our kidsjust stood there wide-eyed, like they were just being handed the GoldenTicket. After going through the safety rules for him and all the kids, Ipassed around the ear plugs and safety glasses and we proceeded toshoot up the tin cans and paper plates we had put out for target practice. I had noticed he was a bit hesitant at first. When we were allthrough shooting, I had expected some comments about still not seeingwhat the big deal about guns were, but the first thing he said was, “Gotany more ammo!”

Passing on the positive aspects of shooting to people that have neverexperienced it can work wonders to dispel the negative myths aboutfirearms in general and the “gun culture” in particular.

It just starts with a positive experience. Pass it on.

Regards!— Steve Sieberts, Editor

The Power of Positive Shooting

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EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Doug JeffreyEditor: Steve SiebertsManaging Editor: Peter ScheldenSenior Creative Director: Eric KnaggArt Director: John Bernikow

CONTRIBUTORS Tom Tabor, Brad Fitzpatrick and Richard Crays

ADVERTISINGAd Sales Director: Gabe Frimmel (714) 200-1930 [email protected] Account Executive: Casey Clifford (714) 312-6275Senior Account Executive: Mark Pack (714) 200-1939Ad Traffic Coordinator: Gennifer Merriday

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EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200Yorba Linda, CA 92887(714) 939-9991Fax: (800) 249-7761www.gunworld.comwww.facebook.com/ConcealedCarryMagazinewww.facebook.com/eembybeckett

Pocket Guns © 2014 by Engaged Media By Beckett. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understandingthat information presented is from various sources from whichthere can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media ByBeckett as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

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Barrels ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


PHOTO BY KYLE SIEBERTS

[Books]

Hand Guns, Concealed Carry, Gun Laws, Other Concerns,and Things You Should Know: A Basic Companion for theCasual Handgun Owner and Concealed HandgunMSRP: $21.54Author: Hammond Satterfield346 pagesAvailable through most book sellers

Overview: I like this book since it covers aspect of concealed carry that most shootingschools and DVD’s only touch on. That is the area of legalities. The author goes into detailabout crime statistics, not to scare the reader, but to show the need for self-defense. Thisbook does a deep dive into not only the How, but the Why of concealed carry, and this iswhy books are still importantin this digital age.

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[DVD’s]

FIGHTING with the 1911 by Tiger McKeeMSRP: $29.99Published by Guntalk89 minutes

Any honest discussion about using a handgun in a defensive situation has to beginwith the 1911A1 pistol. Most people are, at least

familiar with the history of the pistol and its origins. There is a reason it’sarguably the most popular and most modified handgun in the world, and used by more professionals that rely on a handgun for defensive or offensive purposes than any other handgun.

In order to get the best out of any handgun, good training is a must,but some people learn skills better, in different ways. Sure, it’s great to goto a $1000 shooting school and get hand’s on instruction, but for somepeople, that’s’ not an option because of travel, family obligations or other reasons.

So there needs to be another way to learn. DVD’s, and before that, VHStapes have been popular medium to transfer knowledge, and so it is withshooting fundamentals.

Tiger McKee is a former Adjunct Firearms instructor at Thunder Ranch,and imparts his knowledge in an 89 minute instructional DVD. Containedin the DVD Tiger covers all of the necessary fundamentals for anyonewanting to learn how to get the most out of their 1911. He covers: Stanceand Draw, Tactical reloads, Malfunction Drills, and much more. Check outmore at Tiger’s website at: www.shootrite.org/

Concealed Carry DVD 1MSRP: $29.95Published by Springfield Armory48 minuteswww.vatatrainingcenter.com/

There are a lot of great instructor and shootingschools out there. The conflicts in Iraq andAfghanistan over that last decade have pro-duced an unintended consequence. There are a

lot of former military people with vast amounts of real world experience.Many of them have left the military and returned to civilian life and havetransitioned that knowledge into tactical training programs for military,law enforcement and civilian application.

So it is with the VATA Group. VATA stands for Vulnerability Assessmentand Threat Analysis. Based in Southern Louisiana, the VATA Group offers awide variety of firearms and security courses for military, law enforcementand civilians.

Some of the courses of interest to civilians who are interested in thehandgun for defensive use and individuals who have, or are wanting to obtain their Concealed Carry License, the VATA group offers an Intro, aBasic and Advanced Tactical Pistol, Women’s Offensive Combatives andDefensive Pistol, Home Defense and Advanced Concealed carry.

Their DVD demonstrates all of the basic points, such as: Choosing aGun and Holster, shooting small guns, where to aim, and where to wearyour gun and more. It covers all of the bases in glorious slow-motion.

[Shooting Schools]As good as books and DVD’s are for learning defensive pistol techniques,there is no substitute for an actual hands-on class, complete with aclassroom for theory and presentation, and range time for launchinglead downrange.

There are many shooting schools available so how does a person select a good one? Word of mouth is one way, but as with all thingsfirearms, the NRA is a great place to turn when the topic is firearms andshooting instruction is no exception.

Defensive Strategies, LLC680 Brent StreetManchester, NH 03103603-566-1727www.defensivestrategies.org/

Defensive Strategies offers a huge array of NRA certified training,and not just handgun, or defensive skills. They also teach metallic cartridge reloading, to basic shotgun skills, NRA Hunter Education andBasic Rifle Courses. But for this review, I looked at their Concealed Carrycourses, and they offer several excellent ones. The one I focused on wastitled: USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense.

The USCCA stands for: United States Concealed Carry Association.Their website is: www.usconcealedcarry.com/about/the-uscca-story/.Topics for the class included Developing a Home Defense Plan, FirearmsBasics, Self-Defense and the Law and more. If you are interested in con-cealed carry, check them out.

Gunsite Academy2900 W. Gunsite RoadPaulden, AZ. 86334928-636-4565Fax: 928-636-1236www.gunsite.com

The oldest and still one of the best shooting schools in the country isthe Gunsite Academy in Paulden Arizona. Founded in 1976 by the fatherof the Modern Technique of the defensive pistol, Col. Jeff Cooper revolu-tionized the art and science of combat pistolcraft. Col. Cooper passedaway in 2006, but the 2000 acre facility still carries on the great tradi-tion of combat pistol shooting.

The facility also offers professional instruction in combat shotgun,carbine, and rifle courses with KD and Unknown distance ranges. Toquote their website, “Most of the target arrays move, turn, run, pop-upor appear and disappear.” They also have full gunsmithing services,along with campground facilities.

Their Instructors are some of the best in the business, and I have apersonal experience with one of them. I had a police officer friend ofmine many years who was an instructor there, and can attest to theirknowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the art and craft of de-fensive and offensive use of firearms.

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o, you’ve been considering carrying a concealed handgun?The way the world is changing—which includes muggings,

carjackings, home invasions and even terrorist attacks—it’s asmart idea. These types of incidents have many people thinking abouttheir personal safety and the safety of their loved ones.

With laws, gun options and training, there’s a lot to know. Wheredo you start? Right here.

ABCs of CCWYour Guide To Concealed Carry

By Stan Skinner

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PHOTO BY JESSE CLEMENTS

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MOMENTOUS DECISIONWhen you decide to carry a concealed handgun, you need to under-

stand the huge responsibilities, both legal and moral, that you mustface. We are talking about the application of deadly force. That’s whatthe legal system calls it, and it is a term that is right on the mark.

When you carry a sidearm, concealed or otherwise, for your protec-tion while you go about your daily activities, you are implying that

4 Top Choices for Concealed CarryStarting with the bigger options, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each.

1

This full-size semi-auto is Kimber’s least expensivemodel in their excellent line of 1911A1-type handguns.With an overall length of nearly nine inches, the Kimber Custom II sits at the high limit of size andweight and in the case of the .45 ACP, recoil for concealed carry.

You can buy a bigger, more powerful handgun, but

it would be difficult or impossible to conceal it on yourperson. A handgun this size would be best suited for ashoulder holster or an inside-the-waistband holster.

The pictured Custom II has several non-standardmodifications, including an ambidextrous safety; X-SSystem’s “Big Dot” tritium front sight and CrimsonTrace laser grip (now available as a factory option).

Kimber Custom IICaliber: .45 ACP or 9mmAction: Single actionFrame: SteelSlide: SteelBarrel length: 5 inchesOverall length: 8.7 inchesWeight (empty): 38 ouncesMagazine capacity: 8 rounds (plus one in the chamber)

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under certain circumstances, you are prepared to take someone’s life.You need to search your soul and think carefully about your decision. Ifyou feel you cannot do that in a defensive situation, you need read nofurther. Carrying a firearm concealed or not, is not for you.

If you were ever to shoot someone an assailant or even draw andpoint your firearm at someone, you will need to justify your actions tolegal authorities, and that might include facing charges in a court oflaw. For further details, consult with an attorney.

50 STATES, 50 LAWSWhat complicates things is that the U.S. is composed of 50 states,

2

Kimber Ultra CDP IICaliber: .45 ACP or 9mmAction: Single-actionFrame: Aluminum alloySlide: Stainless steelBarrel length: 3 inchesOverall length: 6.8 inchesWeight (empty): 25 ouncesMagazine capacity: 7 rounds (plus one in the chamber)

The Ultra CDP II is Kimber’s top-of-the-line compact 1911A1-type handgun. It is al-most two inches shorter, has a 1/2-inchshorter grip and is 13 ounces lighter than afull-size steel 1911A1. Magazine capacity isseven, compared to eight in a standard 1911A1.

The compact dimensions and ¾-pound

lighter weight make the Ultra CDP II a much more concealable handgun than a full-size 1911A1.

The original grips were rosewood, but havebeen replaced with a rubber Crimson Tracelaser grip. This feature is now available as afactory option.

Firearms safety andmarksmanship are anintegral part of abasic shooting course,and it pays off inpeace of mind.

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each of which has its own set of criminal codes, and among them arelaws governing whether a citizen can carry a weapon concealed. Addedto that is case law, or court precedents, establishing how each statedeals with their written laws.

I know of only two states in which a law-abiding person can carry aconcealed weapon without some sort of license or permit. Roughly 30other states have some sort of licensing or permit system in which aperson can carry legally. In the remainder, you are committing a crimeof some sort simply by putting a gun in your pocket or stuffing it in yourwaistband under a shirt or jacket.

Obviously, you must familiarize yourself with the law in your state of

3

Smith & WessonM642LSCaliber: 38 Special +PAction: Concealed hammer, double-action onlyFrame: Aluminum alloyBarrel length: 1.875 inchesOverall length: 6.31 inchesWeight (empty): 14.5 ouncesCapacity: 5 rounds

The Smith & Wesson M642LS “Ladysmith”comes with a matte silver finish and rosewoodgrips to appeal to ladies. The original grips onthe M642LS pictured here have been replacedwith a rubber Crimson Trace laser grip.

The M642LS’s petite dimensions andultra-light weight make it readily concealablein a waist holster or lady’s purse. These fea-tures also give it a sharp recoil when .38 Spe-cial +P loads are used.

When you decide to carry aconcealed handgun, youneed to understand thehuge responsibilities, bothlegal and moral, that youmust face.

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residence before you decide to carry a concealed sidearm. Then youmust comply with whatever that law states or you are no longer a law-abiding citizen, and the legal repercussions are significant. If you arefound guilty of violating carry laws, you could lose your right to carry oreven own a firearm in the future.

In most of those states that offer a license or permit to carry a con-cealed weapon, the law sets forth certain training requirements beforea license may be issued. Invariably, that includes a thorough orientationabout the legal ramifications if you ever use your sidearm against an-other person. That, of course, is a very good idea. In most cases, there isonly a cursory weapon qualification, which is a very bad idea.

4

Ruger LCPCaliber: .380 ACPAction: Double action onlyFrame: Glass-filled nylonSlide: Alloy steelBarrel length: 2.75 inchesOverall length: 5.16 inchesWeight (empty): 9.4 ouncesMagazine capacity: 6 rounds (plus one in the chamber)

If you want the most concealable hand-gun you can get, you can’t do much betterthan the Ruger LCP semi-auto. At less than10 ounces, it is hardly noticeable in a pocketholster or lady’s purse.

Of course, there is a trade off with theLCP chambered for the relatively lower

powered .380 ACP. However, advanced de-sign, expanding bullets make the .380 ACPa more viable choice than traditionalround-nose bullets.

The LCP pictured here is equipped witha Crimson Trace Laser Guard, which is now afactory option.

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Eva Subido, a certified NRA firearms instructor, teaches severaldifferent classes for women, including a concealed carry certifica-tion course. She says that most of her students have very littleshooting experience and have never had any formal training.

“I tell (my students) you have to learn how to shoot, first,”she said. “In the past, they’d come to class to learn the law and toqualify and never learn how to shoot. (The instructor) would pulla gun out of the safe, and (the student) wouldn’t know whetherit was empty or not or how to load or unload it. Then they’dshoot 10 rounds with a gun they’d never even held before.”

“So, I kind of flip that,” Subido said. “I tell them you need tolearn how to learn how to shoot first and then apply for your

concealed weapon permit.”Firearms safety and marksmanship are an integral part of a

basic shooting course, and it pays off in peace of mind even ifyou never have to draw your sidearm in response to a lethalthreat.

CHOOSING YOUR GUNYou have several decisions to make when you choose your

carry gun: Semi-auto or revolver? Large frame or compact?Heavy recoil stopping cartridge or light recoil cartridge withless power? Will you carry it on your person? In a fanny pack?Or purse?

Each of these decisions has embedded questions to con-sider that have a bearing on your ultimate choice. Space limi-tations preclude a detailed examination of all these issues. So,instead we will take a look at a few popular concealed carrychoices. Check the accompanying sidebar.

MILLIONS STRONGMore than 11 million strong. That’s approximately how many CCW holders there are

now in the United States. Statistics show that more and morelaw-abiding citizens are making the decision to carry to ensuretheir home, property and loved ones are safe.

If you’re going to add to that number, do your research, soyou’re prepared.

Stan Skinner is an author of several firearms publications


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Compact, lightweight single-action 1911 semiautoslike the Kimber, Colt, Springfield Armory and others,chambered in powerful calibers like the .45 ACP shouldbe reserved for individuals who are more experiencedand who can dedicate a significant amount of rangetime to get proficient with them.

They generate quite a bit of recoil, especially whenfiring the type of defensive loads you will use when car-rying the pistol, and controlling a lightweight pistol likethis and being able to engage targets accurately, underpressure, takes a lot of practice.

From full sized firearms like the1911, to the subcompacts. Pickinga good concealed carry firearmcomes down to finding the rightfit for you.

PHOTO BY STAN SKINNER

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he micro guns in these pagesrepresent the smallest categoryof handguns. Yet sometimes

these are perfect depending on the situation.

The summer months don’t lendthemselves to wearing sweaters or

coats that can cover the larger framedguns. As the clothing gets lighter andthinner, the guns get smaller andsmaller. Yet despite their small size,many of these guns are offered in seri-ous calibers for defensive use and willdo the job when the chips are down.

Micro Guns, Full Size Power

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

POCKET HANDGUNS

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The Smallest Guns Offer the Greatest Versatility

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Micro Handguns

WEBSITE: RohrBaughFirearms.comMSRP: $1,195Action: DAOCaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.9 inchesLength: 5.2 inchesHeight: 3.7 inchesWeight: 14 ounces

Features: Anodized aluminum, spur-stylemagazine release, double-action reliability

WEBSITE:NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $402Action: DAOCaliber: .25 NAACapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.2 inchesLength: 4.4 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 3.3 inchesWeight: 13.6 ounces

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSGUARDIAN 25 NAA

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ROHRBAUGHR9

Features: Proprietary bottle-necked cartridge,stippled grip for ease of control, improved reliability


WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $415Action: SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 5 inchesHeight: 3.75 inchesWeight: 19 ounces

Features: Interchangeable barrels, spring-loaded cammedlocking lever, extremely powerful

WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $634Action: SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 4.25 inchesLength: 6.25 inchesWeight: 23.5 ounces

Features: Interchangeable barrels, fixedsights, extremely sturdy construction


WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $410Action: DA/SACaliber: .25 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 2.4 inchesLength: 4.9 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.7 inchesWeight: 11.5 ounces

Features: Tip-up barrel, comfortablegrip, also available in .22 LR

WEBSITE: AmDerringer.comMSRP: $775Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 4.8 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.3 inchesWeight: 7.5 ounces

Features: Aluminum construction for lightweight, automatic barrel selection

AMERICAN DERRINGERM7

BERETTA21A BOBCAT

POCKET HANDGUNS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BOND ARMSCOWBOY DEFENDER

BOND ARMSRANGER


CIMARRON FIREARMSDIABLOWEBSITE:Cimarron-Firearms.comMSRP: $220Action: SACaliber: .22 MAGCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 2.4 inchesLength: 4.4 inchesWeight: 9.4 ounces

Features: Top-hinged barrel, integral sights, .22 LR barrel set included


BOND ARMSRANGER II (with trigger guard)

WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $634Action: SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 4.25 inchesLength: 6.25 inchesWeight: 23.5 ounces

Features: Interchangeable barrels, automaticextractor, retracting firing pins for safety

BOND ARMSSNAKE SLAYERWEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $489Action: SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesHeight: 4.3 inchesWeight: 22 ounces

Features: Interchangeable barrels,fixed sights, automatic extractor

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WEBSITE:CobraPistols.netMSRP: $187Action: SACaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 5.4 inchesWeight: 16 ounces

WEBSITE: ColtsMfg.comMSRP: $599Action: SACaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.75 inchesLength: 5.5Weight: 12.5

Features: Lowered ejectionport, commander-stylehammer, 1911 design in verytiny package

WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $185Action: SACaliber: .22 LRCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 2.4 inchesLength: 4 inchesWeight: 9.5 ounces

Features: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, available inmany colors

WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $187Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 2.75 inchesLength: 4.7 inchesWeight: 14 ounces

Features: Top-hinged barrel,integral sights, available in anarray of colors

COBRA FIREARMSC22

COBRA FIREARMSCB9

COBRA FIREARMSCB38

COLT.380 MUSTANGPOCKETLITE

POCKET HANDGUNS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Features: Top-hinged barrel, integral sights,available in many colors



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WEBSITE:NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $209Action: SACaliber: .22 ShortCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.13inchesLength: 3.6 inchesWidth: 0.81 inchesHeight: 2.4 inchesWeight: 4 ounces

Features: Contouredgrip, amazingly light, extraordinarily small

BOND ARMSBONDMINI 45WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $395Action: SACaliber: .45 ColtCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesLength: 4.5 inchesHeight: 3.75 inchesWeight: 19 ounces

Features: Crossbolt safety, retractingfiring pins, extremely powerful

WEBSITE:KeltecWeapons.comMSRP: $318Action: DAOCaliber: .32 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 2.7 inchesLength: 5.1 inchesWidth: 0.75 inchesHeight: 3.5 inchesWeight: 6.6 ounces

WEBSITE:NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $284Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.63inchesLength: 5.25 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 2.9 inchesWeight: 6.2 ounces

Features: Grip foldsunder pistol, accepts .22LR cartridges, doesn’t“print” as a gun

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSMAGNUM

NORTH AMERICAN ARMS22S

KEL-TECP32

Features: Locked breech,light trigger, light weight

1 5/8-INCH BARREL WITHCONVERSION CYLINDER & HOLSTER GRIP



WEBSITE:NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $314Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 4 inchesLength: 7.9 inchesWidth: 1 inchHeight: 3.7 inchesWeight: 10.7 ounces

Features: Adjustable target sights, vented toprib, surprisingly long barrel

WEBSITE: NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $334Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1 inchLength: 4.5 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 2.75 inchesWeight: 6.4 ounces

Features: Tritium night sights, powerful.22 cartridge, extremely compact revolver

WEBSITE: NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $449Action: DAOCaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesLength: 4.8 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 3.5 inchesWeight: 19 ounces

Features: Stippled grip for control,very short height, 2.5-inch barrel forimproved velocity

WEBSITE: NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $219Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.1 inchesLength: 4.75 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 2.9 inchesWeight: 5.9 ounces

Features: Extremely short forcaliber, reloads by removing thecylinder, exceedingly compact

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSMAG 1 1/8-INCH BARREL

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSMINI MASTER MAGNUM WITH ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS

POCKET HANDGUNS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

NORTH AMERICAN ARMS380 ACP GUARDIAN

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSPUG-T


Includes Finger Grip Extension Floorplate

Dovetailed, High-Visibility 3-Dot Sight System with Windage Adjustable Rear Sight and Fixed Front Sight

Striker-Fired with Short, Light, Crisp Trigger Pull

Trigger Pull Comparison

DISTANCE (IN.)

TRIGGER PULL

FORC

E (L

B.)

1211109876543210

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

LC9®

LC9s®

Smooth, Double-ActionOnly Trigger

Short, Light,Crisp Trigger

©2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 112014RUGER.COM/LC9S

Just Slightly Larger (Less than 1'' Taller

and 1'' Longer) than the Popular and

Incredibly Compact LCP ®

Includes Soft Case and One 7-Round Magazine

The all new, striker-fired Ruger ® LC9s® features a short, light,

crisp trigger pull for faster shooting and improved accuracy.

The LC9s ® provides slim, lightweight and compact personal

protection with a blued, alloy steel slide, a high-performance, glass-filled

nylon grip frame, aggressive checkering and an easily acquired 3-dot sight

system. The LC9s ® uses all LC9 ® accessories and holsters and is just slightly

larger ( less than 1'' taller and 1'' longer ) than the popular and incredibly compact LCP ®.

PG15_23 11/26/14 4:38 AM

WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $379Action: DAOCaliber: .380Capacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.75 inchesLength: 5.2 inchesWidth: 0.8 inchesHeight: 3.6 inchesWeight: 9.4 ounces

WEBSITE: SeeCamp.comMSRP: $446.25Action: DAOCaliber: .32 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 4.25 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 3.25 inchesWeight: 13.25 ounces

WEBSITE: NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $284Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 4 inchesLength: 7.75 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 3.1 inchesWeight: 9.1 ounces

Features: 1860s percussion revolverstyle, modern .22 WMR chambering,diminutive size

WEBSITE:NorthAmericanArms.comMSRP: $284Action: SACaliber: .22 WMRCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.6 inchesLength: 4.75 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 2.9 inchesWeight: 5.9 ounces

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSMAG1 1/8-INCH BARREL VENT BAR WASP

RUGERLCP


POCKET HANDGUNS ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

NORTH AMERICAN ARMSTHE EARL

Features: Powerful .22 cartridge, very lightweight, includes .22 LR conversion cylinder

Features: Snag-free design for pocket carry, low-profile sights,seven rounds total onboard, LCP available with LaserMax orCrimsonTrace lasers sights

SEECAMPLWS .32

Features: Spur-style magazine latch, exceptionally light,deep-concealment ready


WEBSITE:Beretta.comMSRP: $390Action: DA/SACaliber: .32 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 2.4inchesLength: 4.9 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.7 inchesWeight: 14.5 ounces

BONDARMSCENTURY 2000WEBSITE: BondArms.comMSRP: $435Action: SACalibers: .45 Colt / .410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWeight: 21 ounces

Features: Fixed sights, rosewood or laminatedblack ash grips, satin finished stainless steel

WEBSITE:AmDerringer.comMSRP: $690Action: DACaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3.3 inchesLength: 4.7 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.3 inchesWeight: 14.5 ounces

WEBSITE: AmDerringer.comMSRP: $705Action: SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 shotshellCapacity: 2Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 4.8 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 3.35 inchesWeight: 15 ounces

Features: Automatic barrelselection, hammer blocksafety, dual ammunition

AMERICAN DERRINGERMODEL 1

BERETTA.32 ACP TOMCAT & TOMCAT INOX

AMERICAN DERRINGERDA38

Features: Rather uniquedouble-action derringer, veryconcealable, fixed sights


PG

Micro Handguns/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

Features: Tip-up barrel, crisp trigger in single action, INOX modelmade of all-weather stainless steel


PHOTO BY TKTKTKTT


Combat Focus ShootingMethods of Carry and Presentation Drills to Get at the Top of Your Game

By Richard Crays

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ou’re the most accurate, fastest target shooter for milesaround, so you’d certainly be ready to take down a perpe-trator if you were to encounter someone who started a live

fire incident in a crowd, right? Not so fast. Unless you’ve trainedboth mentally and physically for such an event, you might not beespecially lucky, no matter how accurate your target shots are.

That’s because shooting at a target is completely different fromshooting in a dynamic critical incident, says Rob Pincus, owner ofI.C.E. Training and the developer of the Combat Focus® ShootingProgram, which teaches defensive shooting techniques.

“A dynamic critical incident is the context of our defense shoot-ing training,” Pincus says. “What we’re trying to do is get peopleready for a situation that’s surprising—they may not be in their pre-ferred position, they didn’t choose to go into the fight, it’s chaoticand you can’t predict what will happen next.”

In fact, even if you’re a seasoned competitive shooter, you mightbe unprepared for a live fire scenario.

“Competitive shooting has nothing to do with carrying a Glockin the mall and responding to an ambush while you’re shopping foryour kids’ school clothes,” Pincus says.

The key to the Combat Focus® Shooting Program is that it trainsthe shooter on efficiency, which is more of a mental art than aphysical one.

“Some other classes will teach people to shoot a fixed numberof shots, like a double tap, and evaluate the situation, but that re-quires the shooter to predict what’s going to happen. If you admitand acknowledge that active shooter situations are chaotic, youknow it’s impossible to predict what will happen in the fight, so youneed to learn how to process information during the fight. That’swhy we focus on efficiency – we have to be able to react to whatthe bad guys do.”

There is a distinct difference between shooting efficiency andeffectiveness, Pincus says. “When it comes to Combat Focus®

Shooting, the shooter learns to shoot as efficiently as possible—shooting accurately under stress to hit the mark, no matter what

Y


“ We have moments of dynamic motion and shooting, but most of the time is spent really gettingpeople’s brains out of the shooting. Learning experientially and developing skills in the momentallows them to act without cognitive involvement when they need to employ those skills.– Rob Pincus, owner of I.C.E. Training and the developer of the Combat Focus® Shooting Program.

“

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the circumstance. Learning to shoot “effectively” is different, be-cause it often means hitting the target regardless of what types ofdefensive tactics are going on at the time.

Thwart This Common ProblemWonder if you’re ready for a defensive shooting scenario? First,

ensure that you aren’t making this mistake, which is the most com-mon one that Pincus sees his students make:

“The biggest issue we see people make on the range is when theyassume things to the shooter’s benefit,” he says. “It comes back toprediction – the assumption that they’ll be able to stand in theirpreferred position, that they’ll know how many rounds they havefired, that they will be able to maintain awareness of their surround-ings in the midst of a fight, or that they might know where a secondthreat would be and would be able to quickly and easily be able todeal with that. If you’re training only in a static environment, you’reaccustomed to choreography, so you make assumptions that aren’trealistic or appropriate for an actual fight.”

Following participation in the class, Pincus and his fellow Com-bat Focus® Shooting instructors often hear students say that they

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previously overconfident in their ability to de-fend themselves before being exposed to theclass’s methods and principles. Once they learnthe psychological aspects of Combat Focus®

Shooting, they feel more confident about howthey could actually deal with a live shooter.

How does it work? During the CombatFocus® Shooting course, the instructors createcircumstances that catch students off-guard ina safe and controlled environment and causethem to process information in ways other thanmechanical shooting.

“We have moments of dynamic motion andshooting, but most of the time is spent reallygetting people’s brains out of the shooting,”Pincus says. “Learning experientially and devel-oping skills in the moment allows them to actwithout cognitive involvement when they needto employ those skills.”

Expect Deep Mental ShiftsAfter taking the class, most students realize

that they have made significant psychologicalprogress, Pincus says.

“Once they’ve practiced in realistic and con-trolled situations, students can have huge shiftsin perspective, intellectual breakthroughs andemotional breakthroughs via discussion, logic,our philosophy, and questions and answers,” hesays. “We really focus on the paradigm shift andthe understanding of the material and not justthe performance of the material, since the latteris what has to be done over time.”

For example: Pincus recently hosted a stu-dent who had a concealed carry permit buthadn’t done much shooting for about 15 years,and even then, she was shooting competitivelywith a revolver.

“She believed she didn’t have the strengthor coordination to handle a semi-automaticpistol,” Pincus says. “So she showed up at theclass with a very large competition revolverwith a red dot optic and competition holster,which is just completely inappropriate defen-sive shooting gear. She shot the first few drillswith that.”

In the 15 years since she’d stepped awayfrom shooting, the student had unfortunately

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//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////MEET THE TRAINERS

Although Rob Pincus developed the CombatFocus® Shooting Program, the system is muchbigger than just one person. His fellow instructorscome from a variety of backgrounds and are

highly trained and very talented, helping everystudent achieve their ultimate level of skill. For more information on the program or the instructors, visit combatfocusshooting.com.

Barret Kendrick, Bearco Training (LA) Deryck Poole, Echo-5 Training Group

Jeff Mullenmeister, MN Firearms Training Academy (MN)Jamie Onion (OH)

Jon Abel, Phoenix Firearms Training (AZ) Ken Crawford, American Target Sports (NV)

Alessandro Padovani, Safer Faster Defense (CA)Tyler Grant, Dynamic Training Strategies (AR)

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/////////////////////////FIND OUT

MOREWEBIceTrianing.US/

PHONE(866) 626-8273

PG15-026-033-COVER.qxp 11/26/14 4:40 AM


lost the upper body strength to even hold that revolver in the right place andcontrol it well.

“After maybe five or 10 shots, we retired that gun, got her a loaner Glock 19with a holster and magazines from the range, and taught her quickly and effi-ciently how to hold and manipulate the gun, and showed her that if she usedthe right technique, she had the ability to use it, and within about 10 minutesshe was shooting very well,” Pincus says.

That student struggled the first day with trying to keep up mentally whilerelearning the physical skills that had waned over the years, but by the secondday, everything came together for her, which is quite common, Pincus says.

“She was able to employ the physical shooting skills while still letting herbrain focus on simple math to identify the right target or identify motion onthe range in a dynamic environment. Doing that safely takes a lot of brainpower and she was still doing that while still running the gun well. By the endof day two, everyone in the class was astounded at how well she was control-ling the gun, how fast she shot, and how confident and comfortable she waswith it, considering that 30 hours before, she’d walked in believing shecouldn’t shoot a semi-automatic and she needed to be in a static position toeven hit a target. Those are the kind of breakthroughs we see.”

How You’ll Train After the ClassOnce you learn the techniques of Combat Focus® Shooting, you’ll be ready

to head home with the knowledge and train further. “As part of our final debrief, we discuss methodologies with our students

for continuing skill development,” Pincus says. “We call it front loading prac-tice, which means very quickly after you learn a skill, you should work on therepetitions and practice those skills. We tell our students to work on the skillswithin a few weeks of leaving, then once a week or every few weeks for thenext month or two, then once a month for six months, every other month for ayear, and once a quarter for the rest of their lives, which should help themmaintain the skills.”

Torrey Kim is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.

“

“

Competitive shooting has nothing to do with carrying a Glock in the mall and responding to an ambush while you’re shopping for your kids’ school clothes. — Rob Pincus, owner of I.C.E. Training and the developer of the Combat Focus® Shooting Program.

PG

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hooting defensive handguns welltakes time and dedication, butwithout the right ammunition,

you are really wasting time and money.Defensive guns need to be shot exten-sively in order to gain proficiency withthem. Most violent encounters occur at

very short range, but you still need theconfidence in your equipment.

Today there are factory loads thatmimic the recoil of practice loads sothat you can shoot hundreds ofrounds comfortably in order to gainthat proficiency.

Maximum Cartridge Engineering

Ammunition for Home, Personal Defense and Hunting

PHOTO BY HORNADY

AMMO

S

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


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Self-Defense Ammunition

FEDERAL AMMUNITIONCALIBER: 45 ACPWebsite: federalpremium.comBullet weight: 165 gr in 45 ACPBrand: Guard DogMuzzle Velocity: 1140MSRP: $39.99/45 ACP

Features: Designed specifically forhome defense. Lower velocity forclose range use.

FEDERAL AMMUNITIONCaliber: 22 LRWebsite: federalpremium.comBullet weight: 36grBrand: Fire PakMuzzle Velocity: 1100MSRP: $19.99

Features: Sealed pack of premium 22 LRammo, perfect for self defense and smallgame hunting.

FEDERAL AMMUNITIONCaliber: 9mmWebsite:federalpremium.comBullet weight: 124grBrand: HSTMuzzle Velocity: 1150MSRP: 24.99

Features: Great accuracy and feeds reliably.Excellent defense round.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////




FEDERAL AMMUNITIONCALIBER: .45ACPWEBSITE: FEDERALPREMIUM.COMMSRP: Price varies depending on bullet weightBullet Style: JSWCBullet Weight: 185 or 230 grainsBrand: Gold Metal MatchMuzzle Velocity: 850-950 fpsDesigned for: Target/Competition/Practice

Features: One of the most accurate handguncartridges on the market. It’s used by most of themilitary marksmanship units for competition.

Caliber: 9mmWebsite: hornady.comBullet weight: VariousBrand: FlexLockMuzzle Velocity: VariousMSRP: Depends on caliber

Features: Excellent round for trainingand duty. Great expansion characteristics.

HORNADYCALIBER: .40 S&W WEBSITE: Hornady.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 165 grainsBrand: Critical DefenseMuzzle Velocity: 1,175 fps

Designed for: Home Defense/Tactical

HORNADYCALIBER: Various WEBSITE: Hornady.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: Varies by caliberBrand: American GunnerMuzzle Velocity: Varies by caliber

Designed for: Practice and Home Defense. Thisammunition is loaded with the excellent HornadyXTP bullet, and is available in a wide variety ofcalibers, from 380 to 45 ACP.

AMMO //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

HORNADY



WINCHESTERCALIBER: .45 ACP PDX1 DefenderWEBSITE: Winchester.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 230 grainBrand: PDX1 Defender Muzzle Velocity: Depends on caliber

Designed for: Designed for CCWholders to provide similar ballistics outof the shorter barrels that concealablehandguns usually have.

WINCHESTERCALIBER: .380 ACP WEBSITE: Winchester.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 95 grainBrand: PDX1 DefenderMuzzle Velocity: 1000 fps

Designed for: Maximum stoppingpower for all calibers. Bonded bulletstays intact on impact.

WINCHESTERCALIBER: 40 S&W WEBSITE: Winchester.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 180 grainBrand: Train & DefendMuzzle Velocity: 925 fps

Designed for: This ammo is designed for newershooters that need a lighter recoiling cartridge formaximum effectiveness when practicing, but stillneed round with good stopping power.

Self-Defense Ammunition///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////



WINCHESTER CALIBER: .38 SplWEBSITE: Winchester.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 130 grainBrand: Train & DefendMuzzle Velocity: 900 fps

Designed for: New shooters that wantto maximize their training by using alighter recoiling round. Is a great roundfor defense and training.

FEDERAL AMMUNITIONCaliber: 410 handgunWebsite: federalpremium.comBullet weight: 7/16 ozBrand: Personal defenseMuzzle Velocity: 950fpsMSRP: $19.95

Features: Designed for handguns firing 410shotshell. delivers great patterns. Available in avariety of weights and payloads.

BARNESCALIBER: 45 Auto +PWEBSITE: Barnesbullets.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: 185 grainBrand: TAC-XPDMuzzle Velocity: 1000 fps

Designed for: Great round for personal defense.All copper bullets provides for good expansionand penetration.

CALIBER: .VARIOUS WEBSITE: Remington.comBullet Style: VariousBullet Weight: Depends on caliberBrand: Critical DefenseMuzzle Velocity: Depends on caliber

Designed for: Designed CCW holders to provide similar ballisticsout of the shorter barrels that concealable handguns usually have.

REMINGTON ULTIMATE DEFENSE COMPACT

AMMO //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////



BARNESCALIBER: VARIOUSWEBSITE: Barnesbullets.comBullet Style: JHPBullet Weight: Varies by caliberBrand: VOR-TXMuzzle Velocity: Depends on caliber

Designed for: Excellent bullet for use inhunting caliber handguns.

REMINGTONCALIBER: 38 Spl thru 44 Mag. WEBSITE: Remington.comBullet Style: HTPBullet Weight: Varies by CaliberBrand: High Terminal PerformanceMuzzle Velocity: Varies by caliber

Designed for: Excellent cartridge for small revolvers. Great expansion and low muzzle flash.

REMINGTON CALIBER: Various pistol calibers WEBSITE: Remington.comBullet Style: Flat noseBullet Weight: Varies by caliberBrand: CTFMuzzle Velocity: Varies by caliber

Designed for: Lead-free frangible bulletcompletely disintegrates on impact with nosplashback. Great for training on steel targetsespecially when shooting on an indoor range.

HORNADYCaliber: VariousWebsite: hornady.comBullet weight: VariesBrand: TrainingMuzzle Velocity: Varies by caliber

Features: Steel cased training ammunition.Very economical PG

Self-Defense Ammunition///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


t’s an issue that may never be settled.There is a great deal of debate regarding which

handgun caliber is best for self-defense and lawenforcement applications.

More and more shooters are learning what law en-forcement agencies like the FBI have understood fordecades; a handgun cartridge is only as effective as theprojectile that leaves the barrel. There have been a vari-ety of ballistics tests that demonstrate how importantproper bullet selection is when neutralizing a threat, yetproper bullet selection never seems to prompt lengthydiscussions the way that caliber selection does. Thebottom line, however, is that your handgun is only asgood as your bullet.

Increases in the number of state-issued right-to-carry licenses have prompted ammunition manufactur-ers to develop new and better defensive bullets andloads, and the good news is that all this research anddevelopment has created a new generation of defen-sive bullets that are far better at stopping a threat thananything we’ve had before.

For years the most basic bullet types have been fullmetal jackets, lead (including wadcutter and semi-wadcutter target bullets) and jacketed hollow points.The hollow-point design was favored because it pro-vided expansion (usually via a soft lead core) that wascontrolled by a copper jacket of varying thicknesses.Bonding, a process by which the lead core and copper

PHOTO BY TKTKTKTT

I


9mm SHOOTOUTTo Determine Which Is Best for Self-Defense, 6 Leading

Defensive 9mm Handgun Loads Are Tested and EvaluatedBy Brad Fitzpatrick

The six 9mm defensive loads tested were (from left to right): Barnes’ 115grain TAC-XPD, Federal’s HST 124 grain, Hornady’s 115 grain Critical Defense,Hornady’s 135 grain Critical Duty, SIG Sauer’s 124 grain Elite Performance,and Winchester’s 124 grain Supreme Elite PDX-1.

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jacket are electrochemically fused, helps alleviate the problem ofjacket and core separation and has helped improve defensive bul-let performance. Today’s defensive bullets benefit from moderntechnology and advanced machining practices and are better thanany bullets that have come before them.

And we put some to the test.

TEST PARAMETERSThe FBI and various law enforcement agencies run a variety of

tests on different bullets to determine their effectiveness as a self-defense round. The test that I used is one of my own creation, but itworks very well for testing defensive bullets on a variety of barriers.

For this test, two five-gallon buckets of water are placed at a

Barnes’ all-copper TAC-XPD has a deep nose cavity and six petals that expandreliably when they strike a target. The bullet profile makes it a cartridge thatfeeds reliably, and accuracy was excellent in this test.

Federal’s HST is a popular choice for personal defense, and with goodreason. It is designed to expand reliably and produces plenty of energyfor self-defense work.

Hornady’s defensive tandem, the Critical Defense and Critical DUTY loads, bothuse the company’s innovative FlexTip design, which allows it to penetrate throughbarriers like clothing as a pointed bullet would and then expand properly.

Sauer’s new Elite Performance ammunition utilizes a “V-Crown” design, whichisn’t as deep as some of the other bullets tested here. It took SIG Sauer a whileto get into the ammo game, but this loading is truly exceptional.

For the most part, defensive bullets are hollow points that are designed to ex-pand reliably and produce high levels of hydrostatic shock. The Hornady bul-lets (left) use a polymer tip to insure that the bullet penetrates as it should.The SIG Sauer Performance Elite ammunition utilizes a shallower V-Crown de-sign that penetrates extremely well.

The Barnes all-copper TAC-XPD after passing through six barriers. The bulletperforms as advertised, and the six petals opened to create a large woundchannel for improved stopping power.

… a handgun cartridge is only as effective as the projectile that leaves the barrel.“

“

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distance of 20 feet, and a three-inch layer of heavy clothing isplaced between the buckets. This provides seven separate medi-ums; the hard plastic wall of the first bucket, 10 inches of water,another layer of hard plastic, dense clothing, a third layer of plas-tic, more water and a final plastic layer. That’s seven separatelayers that represent different barriers, the same thing you canexpect when a defensive bullet is fired into an attacker.

In addition to penetration tests, bullets were also evaluatedon accuracy from a fixed rest at 25 yards. A Glock 19 was used asthe test gun, and velocity figures were collected 12 feet from themuzzle. At the end of the test, all the data was collected and ex-amined to determine how each bullet performed in relation tothe test and factory claims.

THE PLAYERSBarnes 115 Grain TAC-XPD

Barnes is a company that built its reputation on designing all-copper hunting bullets, and the TAC-XPD is the company’slead-free version of a hollow point defensive bullet. It’s a 9mm+P load, one of two in the test, and it features a deep nose cavityfor wide expansion and a low-flash powder, good for shooting inlow-light conditions.

The Barnes’ deep nose cavity and all-copper design allows for the controlled expansion of six copper petals that are designed to transfer maximum energy while maintainingstraight-line penetration

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////WHAT IS ROTATIONAL SPEED

AND IS IT IMPORTANT?You hear a lot about a bullet’s speed and diameter, butone aspect of terminal ballistics that is rarely discussed isrotational speed.

Rotational speed effects bullet performance, accuracyand energy transfer. Calculating RS requires knowing thebullet’s muzzle velocity and barrel rate twist. For example,a .45 ACP bullet traveling at 890 fps from a standard 1:16twist barrel has a rotational speed of just over 40,000RPMs. By contrast, a 9mm bullet traveling at 1,120 fpsfrom a 1:10 twist rate barrel has a rotational speed of over67,000 RPMs.

This rotational speed produces something known as ro-tational kinetic energy, a force that is rarely consideredwhen selecting a bullet. Rotational kinetic energy createshydrostatic shock, thus increasing the lethality of a bullet.In the case above, the 9mm Luger has a faster rotational ve-locity and produces a higher level of rotational kinetic en-ergy, a calculation rarely taken into consideration whenselecting a bullet for self-defense. This means that in termsof damage done by hydrostatic shock as a result of rota-tional speed, the 9mm has an advantage over the .45 ACP.

Federal’s HST bullet actually deneted the seventh barrier and came to rest inthe water after almost doubling in diameter and producing 27 inches ofstraight-line penetration. If you’re faced with a deadly situation, that’s thetype of capabilities you want in a bullet.

Hornady’s Critical Defense bullet after being recovered from thetest medium. Bullet performance was excellent, and the CriticalDefense ammo had no problem traveling through layers of hardplastic, water and clothing before it came to rest.

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Federal 124 Grain HSTFederal’s HST bullet features a hollow-point

design that has been designed to penetratethrough a variety of barriers without over-pene-trating. The HST loads use Federal’s uniqueprimer system and nickel-plated cases for opti-mum reliability and ease of feeding. In addition,the bullet’s nose profile was designed to facili-tate feeding and reduce the risk of jams andmalfunctions.

Hornady 115 Grain Critical Defense

Hornady’s Critical Defense ammunition uti-lizes the company’s Flex-Tip design, a polymertip that is inserted into the bullet’s nose cavity.The tip is designed to create the effect of apointed bullet, helping penetrate through barri-ers like clothing before expansion begins so thatmaximum energy is transferred to the target.The Critical Defense load uses a light 115-grainbullet at a moderate velocity, so it doesn’t gen-erate a high level of muzzle flip or recoil, an ex-cellent choice for compact handguns.

Hornady 135 Grain Critical DUTYThe Critical DUTY bullet was designed with

law enforcement in mind and featuresFLEXLOCK technology, which included the Flex-Tip as well as an Interlock band that secures the core to the jacket to prevent separation. The cannelured bullet and crimpedcase insure no “bullet setback” during firing, an a high-antimony lead core helps improvepenetration. Like the Critical Defense loads, the Critical DUTY ammunition features nickel-plated cases for reliable feeding.

SIG Sauer 124 Grain Elite Performance Ammunition

SIG is best known for their line of high-performance rifles and handguns, but thebrand also offers their new line of Elite Performance Ammunition in five calibers.

The SIG bullets feature a V-Crown designwith a shallow V-shaped nose design and a proprietary lead-alloy core. This design provides dependable, controlled expansion throughevery type of FBI protocol barrier and consistent

The best group of the day was a bit over1 inch in diameter and came courtesy ofthe SIG Sauer ammo at 25 yards. Thatlevel of accuracy is extremely good for apersonal defense hand.

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performance. The cases are treated with a special lubricat-ing agent that helps insure easy feeding.

Winchester 124 Grain Supreme Elite PDX-1 Defender

The Winchester load is the other +P ammunition in thetest, and the bullet features a hollow-point design with anotched jacket to insure that the bullet expands properly. Inaddition, Winchester uses a proprietary bonding process toinsure that the bullet’s jacket and core do not separate. TheDefender line is available in a variety of pistol and revolvercalibers ranging from .380 Auto to .45 Colt.

THE RESULTSThe first test conducted was the barrier test, and

although it wasn’t as sophisticated as the FBI protocol test,it offered some insight into the penetrating abilities of eachof the bullets. How deep a bullet penetrates depends uponbullet design, energy, velocity and medium, and while manylaw enforcement agencies demand a bullet that penetratesthrough multiple barriers like plywood and sheet rock, civil-ian defense bullets generally don’t require the same level ofpenetration because in self-defense situations the odds ofshooting through barriers are rare.

In this test, the medium measured just at 27 inches from one end to the other, and bullets were recovered (ornot recovered) in different layers of the test material. Threebullets (The Hornady Critical Duty, SIG Elite and WinchesterPDX-1) penetrating the full length of the seven layers, exiting the rear of the last bucket. Buckets were replacedwith each test if they were damaged, so each bullet had the same test medium.

The results are shown below, with all six bullets penetrating through the first bucket and the clothing. Boththe Hornady Critical Defense and the Barnes TAC-XPD pene-trated to the water in the second bucket (the sixth layer of

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////CRIMSON TRACE’S LASERGRIPS

This year, I had a chance to tour the Crimson Trace facility outsideof Portland, Oregon, and on that trip I shot a Glock equipped witha green laser in their low-light indoor range.

The first thing I noticed was that iron sights quickly failed indim light, and the second lesson I took away from that shootingsession was that the shooter with the laser sight has a huge advantage. There are some detractors that say a laser will giveaway your position to an attacker, but let’s remember that youhave your gun drawn and aimed at an attacker, so the Hollywoodnotion of “not giving away” your position is bunk.

In fact, the laser lesson impressed me so much that I now havea green Lasergrip on my Glock 19 (see photo). The unit is light-weight and very easy to install, and it actually widens the grip a bitand feels more comfortable in my hand than the original Gen 3grip. It’s lightweight, polymer design doesn’t add much heft anddoesn’t require you to buy a new holster, and the rear activation isso intuitive that the laser will be on when the gun is drawn. In addition, there’s a manual shotoff switch at the rear of the unit.

It’s nice having the peace of mind that comes with knowingyou can light up the fight when the sun goes down. MSRP: $329.For more info, go to CrimsonTrace.com.

The test gun was a Glock 19, so chosen becausethe 4-inch barrel balances between compactsemiautos and duty/competition guns.

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medium). The Federal HST actually dented the rear portion of thelast bucket, meaning it very nearly passed completely through thetest medium. The other bullets penetrated all the layers.

The recovered bullets all performed extremely well. The Barnesopened up with six copper petals just as advertised, and the Fed-eral HST provided textbook performance that matched the com-pany claims regarding expansion. Both the Barnes and Federalbullet retained very close to their original weight. The Hornady bul-let performed well too, retaining 98 grains of bullet weight.

For the accuracy test, each ammunition was fired from a fixedrest at 25 yards. SIG’s Elite ammunition was the most accurate,grouping at 1.73 inches from that range. Barnes was not far behindat 1.94 inches, and everything else measured between two andthree inches from that range.

Velocity averages varied from 987 feet per second for the 135-grain Critical DUTY and 1,013 feet per second for the Barnesbullet to 1,210 for the Winchester 124 grain +P load. The chartsbelow outline how each bullet performed in all three tests (barrier,accuracy, velocity).

JOB WELL DONEI’ve completed this test with other bullets, from soft lead

projectiles to FMJS and hollow points, and one look at the perform-ance of these six bullets makes it clear that they are far superior totarget bullets for home defense. Today’s modern bullets hold upunder pressure, perform reliably and transfer energy effectively, thecritical element for stopping an attacker.

I’d give all six of these bullets a good rating with regard to theirperformance as a self-defense round, and it’s safe to say that anyof these rounds is more effective and reliable than the standardall-lead ammunition that many people carry in their self-defenseguns.

It’s also important to note that many of these cartridges utilizesome sort of agent to increase lubricity and help insure properfeeding. Throughout the entire test there were no failures to feed,and that’s another critical aspect when selecting ammunition, formany people who believe that their gun “always jams” are placingthe blame in the wrong spot. Bad ammo yields poor results.

If you’re in the market for a defensive round, these six are agood place to start. All of them penetrated well, and they

provided good accuracy outof a standard production pis-tol with a four-inch barrel. Ifyou’re serious about self-defense,the good news is that thereare plenty of outstandingchoices on the market.

Brad Fitzpatrick contributes to a number of Beckett Mediapublications, includingFirepower and Gun World.


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////FIELD DATA

Barnes TAC-XPD 115 1,013 6 Excellent 1.94

Federal HST 124 1,056 6/7 Excellent 2.02

Hornady Critical Defense 115 1,032 6 Excellent 2.34

Hornady Critical DUTY 135 987 7 NA 2.68

SIG Sauer Elite Performance 124 1,156 7 NA 1.73

Winchester PDX-1 Defender 124 1,210 7 NA 2.75

The Winchester Supreme Elite PDX-1 ammunition had the highest velocity andsubsequent muzzle energy of any bullet tested. It drove straight through all sevenbarriers with ease and maintained straight-line penetration.

Bullet Weight(Grains)

AverageVelocity(12 feet)

Number of Barriers

Penetrated

BulletPerformance

Average Accuracy(inches)

PG

Hornady’s Critical Defense is accurate and deadly. This group wasproduced at 25 yards, and the Critical Defense ammo proved veryeffective on the barrier test.

PG

PG15-040-044-TEST.qxp 11/26/14 4:49 AM

his category of handguns is probablythe most popular for people whopossess a concealed carry permit

because they are available in a wide vari-ety of calibers and configurations. Theycan be single-action autoloaders like the1911A1 in either Commander or Officer’s

length, or DA and DAO autopistols fromjust about every major manufacturer.

In addition, they are chambered forcalibers from the .380 ACP up throughthe 45 ACP, so you can probably find agun/cartridge combination that worksbest for your situation.

Carry FriendlyCompact Carry but Full-Size Power

PHOTO BY TKTKTKTT

COMPACT HANDGUNS

T

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


PG15-046-055-BGCOMPACT.PS.qxp 11/30/14 11:28 PM

Concealable Handguns

WEBSITE: Kimber.comMSRP: VARIES BASED ON MODELAction: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 3.0 inchesLength: 8.5 inchesWeight: 41 ounces

Features: Crimson trace grips, match-gradebarrel, super accurate and easy to carry. Low-profile fixed sights

COLTDEFENDER SERIESWEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $914Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 3.0 inchesLength: 8.5 inchesWeight: 24 ounces

Features: Colt’s Officer’s model with Novak Low-Mountsights, beavertail grip safety, and 3-hole trigger andwraparound grips. Great little carry gun in 45 ACP

WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $1,015Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.75 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesWeight: 25 ounces

Features: Novak low-mount carry sights, largecapacity for size, 9mm caliber in a 1911-type frame

COLTDEFENDER 7002D

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


KIMBERMASTER CARRY SERIES

PG15-046-055-BGCOMPACT.qxp 11/26/14 4:54 AM

WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,223Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.7 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWeight: 17 ounces

Features: Match-grade barrel, snag-freesights, Crimson Trace Lasergrips standard


WEBSITE:KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,612Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.8 inchesWeight: 25 ounces

Features: G-10 thin grips, satinsilver frame, tritium tacticalwedge-style dot sights

Features: Low-profile white dot sights, three-dot combatsights, aluminum grip frame, 9mm in a 1911-inspired design

KIMBERSOLO CARRY

KIMBERSAPPHIRE ULTRA II

KIMBERSOLO CDP

KIMBERULTRA CRIMSON CARRY II

COMPACT HANDGUNS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $747Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.7inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWidth: 1 inchWeight: 17 ounces

Features: Rosewood Crimson Trace Lasergrips, Kim Pro II frame,ambidextrous thumb safety and mag release, satin stainless slide

WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $1,206Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.8 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.75 inchesWeight: 25 ounces


SPRINGFIELDEMPWEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $1,345Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 9+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.8 inchesWeight: 28 ounces

Features: Diamond-pattern cocobolo grips, largecapacity for type, tritium night sights


PARA USASTEALTHWEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,339Action: DAOCaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWidth: 1.4 inchesWeight: 24 ounces

Features: Combat-stylesights, beavertail grip safety,unique-to-style DAO trigger

PARA USAWARTHOGWEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $999Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 10+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.5 inchesWeight: 24 ounces

Concealable Handguns///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

Features: Fiber optic front sight, extended beavertail grip safety,10-round magazine capable, flush-fitting lower-round-countmags for discrete carry



WEBSITE: StiGuns.comMSRP: $1,843Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 9+1Barrel Length: 3.24 inchesLength: 7 inchesWeight: 22.4 ounces

Features: Fixed and recessed tritium night sights, rampedand fully supported barrel, Recoilmaster guide rod

WEBSITE:Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $1,247Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 4 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 5.0 inchesWeight: 26 ounces

WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: None givenAction: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 4.2 inchesLength: 7.7 inchesWeight: 38.8 ounces

Features: This is Sig’s nickel-coated 1911. Makes for a greatall-weather tactical and carrygun. Lo-Mount sight andcheckered front strap

SPRINGFIELDRANGE OFFICER’S COMPACT

SIG SAUER1911R-COMPACT NICKEL

STIOFF DUTY

STITOTAL ECLIPSE

Features: Three-dot adjustable combat sights,checkered cocobolo grip panels, ramped bull barrel


Features: “High-hand” beavertail grip safety, subcompactdesign, steel frame

WEBSITE: StiGuns.comMSRP: $1,243Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 3.24inchesLength: 7 inchesWeight: 30.4 ounces




AMERICAN CLASSICOFFICER’S MODELWEBSITE: AmericanClassic1911.comMSRP: $684Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 7.25 inchesWeight: 32.45 ounces

Features: Novak-style rear combatsight, super-compact officer-size design,lowered and flared ejection port

WILSON COMBATULTRALIGHT CARRYCOMPACTWEBSITE: WilsonCombat.comMSRP: $3,650Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 4 inchesLength: 7.6 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.9 inchesWeight: 26.5 ounces

Features: Combat-style sights,fiber optic front sight insert,“Armor Tuff” finish



WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $1,225Action: DACaliber: 9mm & 45 ACPCapacity: 18+1Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWeight: 30 ounces

WEBSITE: Para-USA.comMSRP: $949Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWeight: 30 ounces

WEBSITE: Colt.comMSRP: $944Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 4.25 inchesLength: 7.75 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 34 ounces

Features: Adjustable trigger, extended and ambidextrous frame-mounted safety, extendedbeavertail safety with palm swell

WEBSITE: LesBaer.comMSRP: $1,920Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 4.25 inchesLength: 7.75 inches

LES BAERCONCEPT VII

PARA-USALDA OfficerCrimson Trace

COLTXSE SERIES MODEL O

PARA-USAELITE Officer’s


Features: Combat-style tritium-illuminated night sights,LBC speed trigger, throated barrel, guaranteed to shootthree-inch groups at 50 yards

Features: Stainless steel frame and slide, full-length guide rod,Crimson Trace Lasergrips. Makes an excellent concealed carry gun

Features: 2-dot rear sight, fiber optic front sight, front strapcheckered, ambi-thumb safety. 8 shot 45 ACP. Outstandingpistol for carry or competition




Features: Accessory rail, short-recoil linkless lockingsystem, striker fired, ambidextrous controls, polymerframe with interchangeable grips and backstraps

WEBSITE:Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $1,539Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 8+1Barrel Length: 4.25 inchesLength: 8 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 30 ounces

Features: Relieved slide, fishscale serrations, bobbed tail forincreased concealability

Features: Commander-length barrel and full-size maga-zine, this is a great pistol for all around use such as generalcarry and home defense. Features a fully supported rampedbull barrel, integral accessory rail, and beavertail safety andNovak Lo-Mount 3-dot tritium sights

SPRINGFIELD ARMORYCHAMPION OPERATOR LIGHTWEIGHT45 ACP

SMITH & WESSONSW1911 BOBTAIL CARRY

HECKLER & KOCHUSP COMPACT

HECKLER & KOCHVP9

WEBSITE:Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $949Action: SACaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 4.0 inchesLength: 8.5 inchesWeight: 31 ounces

Features: Accessory rail, interchangeable backstraps,easily engaged controls, scaled-down HK USP design

WEBSITE: HK-USA.comMSRP: $719Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 15+1Barrel Length: 4.09inchesLength: 7.34 inchesWidth: 1.32 inchesHeight: 5.41 inchesWeight: 1.66 pounds


WEBSITE:Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $697Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 19+1Barrel Length: 3.8 inchesLength: 6.75 inchesHeight: 5.75 inchesWeight: 1.81 pounds

WEBSITE: Glock.comMSRP: $649Action: STRCaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 13+1Barrel Length: 4.6 inchesLength: 8 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 1.87 pounds

SIG SAUERP226WEBSITE: Sig-Sauer.comMSRP: $1,015Action: DA/SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 15+1Barrel Length: 4.4 inchesLength: 7.7 inchesWidth: 1.5 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 2.13 pounds

Features: Decocking lever, ergonomic controls for one-handoperation, steel construction, wide range of custom features

WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $569Action: STRCaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 15+1Barrel Length: 4.25Length: 7.6 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 1.5 pounds

SMITH & WESSONM&P .40

SPRINGFIELD ARMORYXD(M) 3.8 FULL-SIZE 9MM


Features: Interchangeable backstraps, largecapacity for caliber, low-profile tactical sights

GLOCKG21

Features: White outline rear sight, polymer frame forlight weight, combat trigger guard, double-stack maga-zine relieved backstrap to fit smaller hands

Features: Grip safety, triggersafety, fiber optic front sight,outstanding capacity, snag-freerear combat sight



WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $529Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 17+1Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 6.9 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.6 inchesWeight: 1.46 pounds

Features: Accessory rail, front slideserrations, amazing capacity for size,various finishes for slide2

CZP-06WEBSITE: CZ-USA.comMSRP: $680Action: DA/SACaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 10+1Barrel Length: 3.9 inchesLength: 7.2 inchesWidth: 1.4 inchesHeight: 5.3 inchesWeight: 1.82 pounds


PG

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PG15-046-055-BGCOMPACT 11/30/14 11:33 PM

hen I was asked to review the Springfield Armory XD9mm subcompact for this initial issue of Pocket Gunsmagazine, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only am I a

huge fan of the category of subcompact and compact handguns,but I really wanted to see if the gun would match up with otherpolymer pistols in the same category as far as features, ergonom-ics, accuracy and reliability.

FIRST LOOKThe gun, as shipped, came in a foam-lined hard case with two

magazines, one of which was a hi-capacity, holding 16 rounds,

which Springfield calls their X-Tension magazine. The other was aflush-fitting version, holding the more standard 13 rounds. The highcapacity mag has a longer floorplate, which adds length to the bot-tom of the frame for a more hand-filling grip which I liked. Thestandard magazine is great if I was looking for a deep concealmentoption, the downside to that is the bottom of my palm hangs offthe lower portion of frame. It’s a trade off as to which magazine touse, higher capacity but less concealable, or less capacity and moreconcealable? It’s nice having both options available in one gun.Someone with smaller hands may feel the standard magazine is aperfect blend of capacity and concealment.

Hot PerformerThe Springfield Armory XD Provides

Accuracy, Performance

W


Factory shot of the XD with the 13 rounds, flush-fit magazine installed.

PG15-056-063-SPRINGFIELD.PS.qxp 12/1/14 12:33 AM


The gun itself is a striker-fired, recoil-operated semiauto with a3-inch barrel. The gun weighs 26 ounces with an empty magazine.It also features a full-length recoil spring guide rod and dual recoilsprings. The trigger is set from the factory at between 5.5 and 7.7pounds, and my sample broke at a consistent 6.5 pounds. The trig-ger is a little heavy for my taste, but it was crisp, with a fair amountof overtravel (which is not bad). This trigger would definitely fallinto the “serviceable” category, and I would rather have a trigger alittle on the heavy side than the light side for this class of gun.Heavy triggers generally feel much lighter in direct correlation asthe shooter’s stress level goes up.

The sights are conventional 3-white-dot, fixed steel sights in across dovetail mount. The dovetail mount makes it easy for a gun-smith to replace the sights with one of the various aftermarketsights that are available from different manufacturers, and if thegun were mine, I would probably opt for a set of fiber optic or tri-tium sights.

The gun features a grip safety and a trigger-mounted safety(which is part of the Ultra Safety Assurance Trigger Action System).This system also incorporates a firing pin block safety, which pro-vides another layer of safety to the gun. Firing pin block safetieswork by locking the forward movement of the firing pin (in this

This shot shows how the red laser can beuseful in low light. This was shot in my two-car garage with just the light from a single60-watt bulb 10 feet behind and off to theside of my right shoulder.

For this shot (from the same location), I’m using just the LED light. Itshows how much the primary beam illuminates the target, and howmuch the peripheral light illuminates the entire garage door. There is noother light on in the garage. The target is a standard IDPA target.

This shot shows howthe LED primary beam,the peripheral beamand the laser all cometogether.

PG15-056-063-SPRINGFIELD.qxp 11/26/14 5:14 AM


case the striker) when the trigger and trig-ger system is at rest, but move out of theway and allow the forward movement ofthe firing pin when pressure is applied tothe trigger.

This gun also features a slide-mountedloaded chamber indicator. The indicator isflush to the top of the slide when thechamber is empty and is raised up slightlywhen there is a round in the chamber. Thegun does not have a hammer, per se, but isstriker-fired. This striker, when the firearm is“cocked” will protrude from the rear of theslide and acts as a striker status indicator.In this way, the shooter can tell if the gun is cocked.

Both the striker and the loaded cham-ber indicator can be used both visually andby feel. This is great if things go bump in thenight and you find yourself reaching for thegun in the nightstand, and you need tocheck the readiness of the gun, in the dark,while keeping silent. You can easily andvery quickly tell if the gun is loaded andready to fire. Of course, if it’s your gun you

Beauty shot of the XD with Hornady ammo

Shot of the XD with the Streamlight attached. Thiswas a very effective combination, and would make anexcellent concealed carry handgun with either 9mmor possibly 40 S&W.



should already know this, but it’snice to be able to check quickly ifyou need to.

The handgun also featuresan ambidextrous magazine re-lease button, and does not havea thumb safety. The disassemblylatch rotates 90 degrees and thepistol breaks down for cleaningvery easily. The frame has re-cesses on both sides of the grip,which makes it comfortable forme when shooting strong- orweak-hand-only stages in IDPAor IPSC matches as my thumbtends to rest in those grooves.The frame also has texturedpanels on the sides and coarsecheckering on the front- andbackstrap of the frame, whichgive a good grip on the pistoleven with gloves or wet hands.

The recoil spring housing alsohas grooves on both sides for at-tachment of your favorite acces-

sory, and for this test I selectedthe Streamlight TRL-4, which Iwill get to later.

Inspecting the gun out of thebox, I found the grip angle isidentical to my beloved 1911’s, sothe pistol, for me, pointed verynaturally. I did not happen tohave a holster for this gun, so Iused the holster and magazinepouch shipped with the pistol,and performed some presenta-tions, reloads and malfunctiondrills using dummy ammo and asmall black dot I have on theconcrete wall in my basement. Ikeep dummy ammo in most cal-ibers on hand for such drills in mygarage. One drill I like to do whenI want to see if the gun pointsnaturally is to assume a firingstance and make sure I’m cen-tered on the target, close myeyes, and point to where I thinkthe target should be, then open

It’s a trade off as to which magazine to use, higher capacity but less concealable, or less capacity and moreconcealable? It’s nice having both options available in one gun.

“

“Here I am shooting the XD and doing some two-shotdrills from the Springfield holster. My RO is using theSurefire Shot Timer app for the iPhone.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////HOLSTER CHOICES

If you’ve made the decision to purchase aSpringfield Armory XD, look at some of the holsteroptions available for it. Whether you preferleather, or newer synthetic Kydex, any qualityhandgun without good leather is like a race carwith street tires.



my eyes, the sights should be prettymuch aligned, and pretty much cen-tered on the target. If not, then I needto make adjustments and figure outwhy: is it me or the gun?

THE RANGEFor this evaluation, I chose to test

the Hornady 115-grain FTX “Critical De-fense” load. I’ve had excellent resultswith this load through my Glock 17, and

The pointer shows the loaded chamber indicator in the up position, meaning there isa round in the chamber. The indicator is easy to see and feel.

The XD disassembles very easily.

Testing the XD by shooting offhand groups at12 yards produced excellent results.

The Oehler 35P is invaluable in testing the velocity andconsistency of factory- or hand-loaded ammunition.



wanted to see how the load would do inthe accuracy and velocity realm given theshorter 3-foot barrel of the subcompactXD. The Hornady people list this load at1,140 feet-per-second at 330 feet-per-pound of energy from a 4-inch test barrel.

I set my Oehler 35P Chronograph upwith the skyscreens set at 10 feet from themuzzle and fired a five-shot series for av-erage. The 35P recorded a high of 1,074and a low of 1,059, with an extreme

spread of 15 FPS, a mean of 1,069 FPS anda standard deviation of 6 FPS. Let me saythat again…an SD of 6FPS! This was not afluke, either. This load and this particularammunition lot number is some of themost consistent 9mm ammo I’ve shot in awhile. If I could, I would buy a case of it.The mean (average) velocity of 1,069 tellsme that I lost 71 FPS from the shorter 3-inch barrel, which is about normal. Thiswill not matter a bit in either accuracy nor

This shows the striker status ndicator. This shows that the status is cockedand ready to fire.

The Ultra Safety Assurance Action Trigger System works very similarly to otherguns in the class.

The disassembly latch works by locking the slide to the rear, rotating theslide 90 degrees upward, releasing the slide release and removing the slide.

The XD features a grip safety that works similarly to the 1911, in that the gun willnot fire unless the safety is depressed.

All in all, the Springfield XD subcompact in 9mm, whenpaired with excellent ammunition and a superb tactical light, is a very toughcombination to beat.

“

“



bullet expansion. In fact, I soon plan ondoing expansion and accuracy tests withthis load using ballistic gelatin and myRansom Rest out of my accurized Glock 17.Group size shot with this ammo was con-sistent with the velocity readings as thegroups were just a shade over an inch. Ifired three five-round groups off of sand-bags at 12 yards, and shot an average ofabout 1.250 for the three groups. No flyers

were noted, and the groups were nice andround. As I mentioned, this was very con-sistent ammunition.

I was shipped out a Streamlight TLR-4rail-mounted tactical light with inte-grated red laser. The light weighs just 2.81ounces, and is easy to attach just by usinga small coin. It will run for one and a halfhours with the 125 lumens-rated LED andlaser. It will run 11 hours with laser only.

////////////////////////////////////////////////ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSBluegrass Sportsman’s League2500 Handy’s Bend Road Wilmore, KY40390-8029bgslinc.com

Brownell’s Inc. 200 South Front St. Montezuma, IA 50171brownells.com

Hornady Manufacturing Company3625 West Old Potash HwyGrand Island, NE 68803hornady.com

Oehler Research, IncPh: [email protected]/model35.html

Springfield Armory®

420 West Main StreetGeneseo, IL 61254springfield-armory.com

Streamlight®, Inc.30 Eagleville RoadEagleville, Pa. 19403 streamlight.com

The Springfield XD in 9mm shot three five-shot groups that averaged1.257 at 12 yards, and chronographed right at 1,069 FPS. The bestgroup shot was 1.148. This was excellent tactical accuracy from ashort-barreled pistol with factory ammunition and a factory barrel.

The Springfield XD wasshipped in a hard plasticfoam-lined case, withtwo magazines, a Kydexholster, a double-maga-zine pouch, cleaning rodand a magazine loader.

PG15-056-063-SPRINGFIELD 11/27/14 6:23 AM


PG

The laser is easily zeroed with two smalladjustment screws, and the fill and spotproperties of the LED light are amazing.The beam is very concentrated in thecenter, but also gives excellent periph-eral illumination. The light itself is verycompact and throws an intense beam ofLED light. There is a small three-positionselector switch in the rear to enable ei-ther the LED by itself, only the laser orthe LED and laser together. The activa-tion switch for the unit itself is easy tomanipulate with gloves on, (I tried) andcan be set for momentary use, or con-stant on. The LED light is great for close-in work, and the red laser is very usefulfor distance targeting in a hurry.

GOOD CHOICEAll in all, the Springfield XD

subcompact in 9mm, when paired with excellent ammunition and a superb tactical light, is a very toughcombination to beat.

Steve Sieberts is the editor of Pocket Guns.

The Streamlight TLR-4 momentary/constant activation on/off switch is ambidextrous and works very easily with or without gloves.

PG15-056-063-SPRINGFIELD 11/27/14 6:23 AM

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he subcompact category ofhandgun is a firearm thattypically won’t get shot

much, but it really should be. These are guns that, if you are

going to carry one, you need tomake sure it works every time.These guns are small by nature,but are chambered for calibers

that are suitable for defensive use. You, as a CCW holder, should

be practicing with these guns morethan just about any other class ofconcealed carry guns. They aremore challenging to shoot well,and if you find yourself in a defen-sive situation, accuracy will be keyto success.

Deep Pocket FirepowerEasy to Carry, Serious Shooters

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

SUBCOMPACT HANDGUNS

T

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PG15-066-075-BGSUBCOMP.qxp 11/26/14 5:22 AM

Super Concealable Handguns

WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $445Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 5.6 inchesWidth: 0.9 inchesHeight: 4.2 inchesWeight: 1.25 pounds

Features: Adjustablesights, striker-fired, tinyfor a 9mm

WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $575Action: DA/SACaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 12+1Barrel Length: 3.2 inchesLength: 7.6 inchesWidth: 1.4 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 1.73 pounds

Features: Interchange-able backstraps, accessoryrail, full-finger grip, concealable dimensions

WEBSITE: Beretta.comMSRP: $575Action: DA/SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 13+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.2 inchesWidth: 1.4 inchesHeight: 4.8 inchesWeight: 1.63 pounds

Features: Accessory rail, ambidextroussafety/decocker, smallest Storm model

BERETTA BERETTA

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

PX4 STORMCOMPACT

PX4 STORMSUBCOMPACT

BERETTABU9 NANO



KAHR ARMSCW45WEBSITE: Kahr.comMSRP: $449Action: DAOCaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3.6 inchesLength: 6.32 inchesWidth: 1 inchHeight: 4.8 inchesWeight: 1.38 pounds

Features: .45 ACP with dimensions of a 9mm-frame gun, lawenforcement-friendly DAO action, very narrow width

KAHR ARMSP380WEBSITE: Kahr.comMSRP: $649Action: DAOCaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesLength: 4.9 inchesWidth: 0.75 inchesHeight: 3.9 inchesWeight: .69 pounds

Features: Textured polymer grip, very compact design,optional Crimson Trace laser, optional night sights


SUBCOMPACT HANDGUNS /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

EAAG42WEBSITE: Glock.comMSRP: $469Action: STRCaliber: .380 AutoCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3.25 inchesLength: 5.94 inchesWidth: .94 inchesHeight: 4.13 inchesWeight: .87 pounds

Features: Smallest Glock ever produced, super-concealable,white outline rear sight, polymer frame for light weight, combat trigger guard, double-stack magazine

KAHR ARMSCM9WEBSITE: Kahr.comMSRP: $460Action: DAOCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 5.42 inchesWidth: .9 inchesHeight: 4 inchesWeight: 1 pound

Features: Polymer frame for weight reduction, verynarrow, stippled grips for control


WEBSITE: KimberAmerica.comMSRP: $815Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.7 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWidth: 1 inchWeight: 1.06 pounds

Features: Low-profile white-dotsights, 1911-inspired design instriker-fired configuration, three-dot combat sights, aluminum frame


Super Concealable Handguns ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

KAHR ARMSP40WEBSITE: Kahr.comMSRP: $739Action: DAOCaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3.6 inchesLength: 6.1 inchesWidth: 0.94 inchesHeight: 4.6 inchesWeight: 1.19 pounds

Features: Bar-dot-style combat sights,incredibly slim and light, stainless slidefor longevity

KAHR ARMSPM45WEBSITE: Kahr.comMSRP: $855Action: DAOCaliber: .45 ACPCapacity: 5+1Barrel Length: 3.24 inchesLength: 5.8 inchesWidth: 1 inchHeight: 4.5 inchesWeight: 1.19 pounds

Features: White bar-dot enhanced sights, full-fingergrip for many hands, very slim for a .45 ACP, availablewith stainless slide as the CM45

KIMBERSOLO CARRY


SIG SAUERP29 RS TWO-TONE LASERWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $599Action: DAOCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.9 inchesLength: 5.5 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.9 inchesWeight: 1.28 pounds

Features: Integral laser, optional Siglite nightsights, extremely compact design

MAGNUM RESEARCHMICRO DESERT EAGLEWEBSITE: MagnumResearch.comMSRP: $467Action: DAOCaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.2 inchesLength: 4.5 inchesWeight: .88 pounds

Features: Slight palm swell, no-snagsights milled into frame, very uniqueaesthetics

RUGERSR40CWEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $529Action: STRCaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 15+1Barrel Length: 3.5 inchesLength: 6.9 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.6 inchesWeight: 1.46 pounds

Features: Interchangeable backstrap,large capacity for size, polymer frame tosave weight, ambidextrous mag release




WEBSITE: Sig-Sauer.comMSRP: $1,015Action: DA/SACaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 12+1Barrel Length: 3.9 inchesLength: 7.1 inchesWidth: 1.5 inchesHeight: 5.4 inchesWeight: 2 pounds

Features: Snap-on modular grips,optimized for concealed and discreetcarry, safety/decocking lever

Glock G42Website: us.glock.comMSRP: $466.00Caliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3.25 in.Length: 5.94 in.Width: .94 in

Features: SmallestGlock pistol made. Ultrareliable, single stack forsuper concealability.

SIG SAUERM11-A1WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $1,149Action: DA/SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 15+1Barrel Length: 3.9 inchesLength: 7.1 inchesWidth: 1.5 inchesHeight: 5.4 inchesWeight: 2 pounds

Features: Siglite night sights, decocker, civilianversion of Navy issue sidearm, steel construction

SIG SAUERP229



PG15-066-075-BGSUBCOMP.PS.qxp 12/1/14 12:46 AM



SIG SAUERP938WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $838Action: SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 5.9 inchesWidth: 1.1 inchesHeight: 3.9 inchesWeight: 1 pound

Features: Siglite night sights, snag-free bodydesign, single action cocked-and-locked capable

SMITH & WESSONM&P 40cWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $569Action: STRCaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 10+1Barrel Length: 3.5Length: 6.7 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 4.3 inchesWeight: 1.38 pounds

Features: Steel Novak Lo-Mount carry sights, smallest.40 SW in the M&P line, snag-free design

SIG SAUERP232WEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $809Action: DA/SACaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3.6 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 4.7 inchesWeight: 1.19 ounces

Features: Siglite night sights optional,ergonomic style, non-slip grips

SIG SAUERP239 DAKWEBSITE: SigSauer.comMSRP: $993Action: DAOCaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3.6 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 5.1 inchesWeight: 1.84 pounds

Features: Double-strike capable for hard primers, Nitron finishon slide for durability, DAO trigger is law-enforcement friendly




SMITH & WESSONSHIELDWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $449Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3.1 inchesLength: 6.1 inchesWidth: 0.95 inchesHeight: 4.6 inchesWeight: 1.19 pounds

Features: Frame-mounted safety, low-profilecombat sights, polymer frame for incrediblelightness, frame-mounted safety

PG15-066-075-BGSUBCOMP.PS 12/3/14 2:55 AM

TAURUS709 SLIMWEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $403Action: DA/SACaliber: 9mmCapacity: 7+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6 inchesWeight: 1.19 pounds

Features: Low-profile fixed sights,ergonomic design, snag-free controls

SPRINGFIELD ARMORYXD SUBCOMPACTWEBSITE: Springfield-Armory.comMSRP: $549Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 13+1Barrel Length: 3 inchesLength: 6.25 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 4.75 inchesWeight: 1.63 pounds

Features: Three-dot drift-adjustable andinterchangeable rear sight, accepts full-sizeXD magazines, compact length

STEYRC-A1WEBSITE: SteyrArms.comMSRP: $649Action: DAOCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 17+1Barrel Length: 3.6 inchesLength: 6.7 inchesWidth: 1.2 inchesHeight: 5.1 inchesWeight: 1.6 pounds

Features: Adjustable three-dotsights, low barrel axis, integralaccessory rail, trigger safety




WEBSITE: WaltherAmerica.comMSRP: $629Action: DA/SACaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 3.4 inchesLength: 6.1 inchesWidth: 1 inchHeight: 3.8 inchesWeight: 1.4 pounds

Features: James Bond’s originaldefensive pistol, sleek profile,snag-free design, decocking lever

TAURUS738BWEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $356Action: DAOCaliber: .380 ACPCapacity: 6+1Barrel Length: 2.84 inchesWeight: .63 pounds

Features: Extremely light weight, low-profilesnag-free sights, straightforward operation,extremely compact

TAURUSPT 24/7 G2WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $528Action: STRCaliber: 9mmCapacity: 17+1Barrel Length: 4.2 inchesLength: 7.3 inchesWeight: 1.75 pounds

Features: Adjustable sights, accessory rail,extremely high capacity, ergonomic design

WALTHERPPK



PG


arrying the concealed pocket pistol isn’t the same asbeing proficient at using the pocket pistol. If you aregoing to carry it, you’d better practice with it, so you’re at

the top your game.In addition to looking at the different methods of carry, we’ll

also provide drills that will allow you to sharpen your skills.

BEFORE THE DRILLSBefore we begin, there are several topics to address. Let’s

start with the cardinal rule of all firearms: “Keep your finger offthe trigger until you are on the threat and ready to fire” Every drillin this article works off that premise, so don’t be careless and

touch the trigger before you get the muzzle to the threat. Safetyis paramount anytime we are dealing with firearms.

Next, things happen, and they can happen anywhere. So, consider the following questions:

What threat will you most likely face? Will you need twoshots, five shots or nine shots? Will the threat be an inexperi-enced criminal who is likely to be intimidated when confrontedwith a firearm, a hardened felon or even a trained terrorist? Will you need to shoot from a seated position, like your car, orstanding in an alley?

Let’s now move into the different holsters and carry positions/locations

PHOTO BY TKTKTKTT

C


Carry with ConfidenceMethods of Carry and Presentation Drills to Get at the Top of Your Game

By Richard Crays

PG15-076-080-TRAIN.qxp 11/26/14 5:29 AM


METHODS OF CARRY1 Appendix Carry

This method allows you to carry strong side front or reactiveside front if you favor a cross draw.

To access the grip one handed, use the strong thumb to indexthe cover garment up and out of the way as you set your grip. Thepistol will roll a bit as you draw. This is where you are most likely tolet the muzzle cover your pelvis or stomach, so keep your finger offthe trigger. If you use any handgun with an external thumb safety,keep the safety on until you are on threat and ready to fire.

If you are going to shoot one-handed, then include strong- andweak-hand drills into your practice regime. This would be a great

option for those with a trim stomach and a penchant for sweat-shirts or Hawaiian style shirts.

Using a cross-draw holster in an appendix carry is great for anticipating a carjacking scenario as this shortens the time to getthe muzzle from the holster to the threat.

2 Inside the WaistbandIf you routinely carry a weapon here for duty or hunting, it is your

best bet for a night on the town. Why have to think about where itis in a crisis if you have already practiced a thousand times fromthis strong side, straight down the seam of your pants location?

Pick a gun that works similar, if not exactly, like your big gun.

In the Pull up technique the thumb is pulling up overthe top of the grip as the heel of the hand pressesagainst the body to hold the coat out of the way

Cross arm pull-up; Reactive hand pulls the coat upand the strong hand goes for the grip

Sweep; The strong hand with heel pressure againstthe body, sweeps the coat out of the way

Putting weight in the strong side pocket (extramagazine or speed loader) will help the hook orsweep technique get the jacket out of the way

A cross draw from the car; an excellent anti-carjacking for your pocket pistol

Carrying or drawing a gunin a hurry from anythingother than a well-built,quality holster is a recipefor disaster.

“

“

/////////////////////////////////////////////PISTOLS USED

IN TESTINGWalther PPKS .380Glock 42 .380Glock 26 9mmSmith and Wesson 642 .38Smith and Wesson 649 .357

PG15-076-080-TRAIN.qxp 11/26/14 5:29 AM


This will also save time in the fight when you need it most. Foryears, I carried a Colt Combat Government four to six days a weekat work in a duty belt and a Colt Mustang in an ankle holster. On mydays off I carried the Mustang inside the waistband in the same lo-cation I carried the .45 Monday through Friday. Same operatingsystem, same location.

With this drill you should consider a strong hand sweeping ofthe garment with a weighted hem or pocket. I took my jean jacketto the tailor and had him sew a decoy weight into the hem. As Ipushed the jacket to the side, the weight swung the jacket clearand allowed open air between my gun muzzle and the threat. Anoption to the weight would be putting your speed loader or extramagazine in that strong side pocket.

Start by putting the heel of your hand in the center of yourchest. The palm is open and ready to receive the grip on the gun.Pull the hand tight against your body as you push the garmentout of the way in a sweeping motion as the hand goes down tothe pistol. The jacket should swing clear and the presentation of the weapon takes place before the jacket/shirt falls back into place.

3 Wallet or Pocket HolsterHow many of you remember the AMT .380? I had a leather-

smith make me the perfect wallet holster for that little power-house of a pocket pistol. If you are comfortable with the weight ofa gun in your hip pocket all day, this is a great option.

The downsides? 1) It is tricky to wear it with dress pants as it sags something fiercely. 2) You don’t get to aim, only point and shoot, as the sights areboxed in by leather. 3) Most importantly, practice really trashes the wallet fast!

This is a straight forward drill, but practice a distraction technique with it. If you are going to be reaching behind you, thethreat may act on your movement. Raising your support hand in asurrender gesture, pointing over his shoulder, or saying, “Here, takemy wallet” are those I train often in my concealed carry class.

It takes a bit to get all this working: Distract, draw, point (allsights are covered by the wallet) and shoot. You should use about ahundred dry repetitions to master it before you shoot through thewallet. If you are using a pocket holster designed to stay in thepocket as you draw, this will allow you to have use of the sights.

S&W 649 with HornadyCritical Defense

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This is very popular, but it is important to get one that really does stay in the pocket. I have tested several that don’t have enoughtexture to stay in the pocket, and it winds up coming out with the gun.This forces you to grab the holster with your free hand … and hopingthat the hand is free and not full of some bad guy’s shirt!

4 PouchThis looks like a cellphone carrier, but it holds five to seven rounds

of “dispute resolution.” If you carry your cellphone in a pocket, this isa great option, so long as you are not in a hurry to deploy the gun. Itworks great if you have good “situational awareness” and about fourseconds to pop the snap or rip the Velcro and set your grip. This isgood for summer wear if you favor Polo shirts and shorts. The down-side is that there isn’t anything clandestine about the draw. Onceyou start the draw, everyone can see the gun.

When practicing this dry, start over carpet or lay some paddingdown, as you may drop the gun a dozen times getting used to thepresentation. Using the strong thumb works best to “break” the retention, followed by a smooth “setting” of the grip.

Most of these pouches have the gun canted slightly forward, but I

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////AMMMUNITION RECOMMENDED

F0R SELF-DEFENSE

Two pocket pistols, when mated with quality defensiveammunition, makes for a great combination.

Most newer handguns can stomach a light diet of+P ammunition, but practice ammo is suggested acheaper alternative.

To be sure your gun will cycle the “hot stuff,’ shootat least 20 rounds before using the higher poweredammo for carry purposes. Change out the loads everysix months to insure the integrity of the primers.

• Hornady Critical Defense• G2 Research• Speer Gold Dot• Remington Ultimate

Home Defense• Remington High Terminal

Performance

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have tested two that allow the pistol to lay al-most horizontal, which makes it very hard to setyour grip. If the holster doesn’t fit the gun, take itback and get one that does. Like shoes, if it isn’tcomfortable, you won’t wear it.

5 The PocketCarrying or drawing a gun in a hurry from any-

thing other than a well-built, quality holster isrisky. The gun will move, turn upside down andcause trouble if left alone in a pocket. If you aredead set on carrying it without a holster, pick thegun and clothes carefully. The pocket you chooseshould restrict the gun to a position that willallow access when you need it without move-ment. A revolver with shrouded or bobbed ham-mer would be my choice, as autoloaders with asafety will get switched to fire and the trigger pull on a revolver is much heavier.

PRACTICE AND PRACTICERemember these little guns are for self-

defense. Like associate Clint Smith told me inabout 1988, “We carry a pistol so we havesomething to fight our way back to the rifle,which is what you should have brought if youknew you were going to be in a fight!”

So, self-defense means about 10 yards is themaximum distance you should practice andpractice until you never miss. If you are not will-ing to practice, go get a can of OC and leavethat gun in the nightstand.

During the last 32 years, in addition to being aSWAT sniper, Richard Crays has been a motorcy-cle officer, a firearms/defensive tactics/EVO instructor, chief of investigations and chief of police.

PG

/////////////////////////////////////CHECKLIST

1 Get the best holster youcan afford. Cheap is a good

way to get yourself shot.

2 Make sure you are 100 percent perfect on dry

presentations before ever firing a live round.

3 Think about getting a holster you can pull off

and leave in the car if you needto do so, like a paddle, wallet orclip. You don’t want someoneseeing you messing with your belt or pants in public,particularly if the cops show up and you are messing with a gun.

4 If the hammer keepssnagging your clothes

on the draw, see a qualifiedgunsmith. If the semi-auto issnagging, you are not pullingthe garment out of the way farenough. See instruction #2 orget a smaller pocket pistol.

/////////////////////////////////////WEIGHTING

THE JACKET FORA SWEEP

You could put a speedloader, speed strip or extramagazine in the strong sidepocket. This will give the coatthe weight it needs to swingfree of the draw zone.

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PG15_81 11/26/14 5:16 AM

ne of the biggest mistakes ashooter can make is to spendtime and money on a new

firearm, conducting research intobrands, models, calibers, and thenonce the decision is made, buy thefirst holster for it that catches the eye.I feel that as much time, or more, that

was spent of the decision-makingprocess for the gun should go into theholsters, especially with all of the options in materials such as syntheticand leather, as well as carry positionsthat are available. Spend as muchtime on the holster decision as wentinto the gun selection.

Decisions, DecisionsTop Holster Options On the Market

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

HOLSTERS

O

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


PG15-082-087-BGHOLSTERS.qxp 11/26/14 5:33 AM

[LEATHER]

CLIPPER-DLDILLON PRECISIONBelt Clip Pocket HolsterMSRP: $65.00Website: dillonprecision.comDescription: Clip-on, inside thewaistband holster.Features: this is a steel reinforcedholster that rides comfortably insidethe pants for all day carry. Made formany Glock, Colt Officers, and S&WM&P models.

“Great holster to carry small guns for long periods at a time in deep concealment.”

Holsters for Concealed Carry/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


[KYDEX]

BLADE-TECHEclipse OWB Straight Drop Ambidextrous HolsterMSRP: $79.99Website: blade-tech.comDescription: This Blade-Techholster was designed with comfort and concealing in mind.

“The Blade-Tech Eclipseshows the versatility of synthetic holsters.”

[LEATHER]

DESANTISMini ScabbardMSRP: $59.99Website: desantisholster.comDescription: This unique holster has been reduced tothe barest of essentials, yet offers a secure grip on thehandgun thanks to exactmolding and adjustable tension device.

“The friction retentionkeeps things simple and offers quick access.”

[LEATHER]

DESANTISThumb Break Mini SideMSRP: $69.99Website: desantisholster.comDescription: Premium saddle leather, doubleseams and a highly detailed molded fit makethis exposed-muzzle, tight-fitting, two-slotholster a great choice for your favorite pistol.It features an adjustable-tension device.

“Comfort and concealment are combinedin a leather holster.”

[LEATHER]

EL-RATONDILLON PRECISIONIWB Pocket HolsterMSRP: $50.00Website: dillonprecision.comDescription: Inside the waistband pocket holster.

Features: This holster carriesthe S&W j-framed revolvers in avery secure and concealablepouch that won’t come outwhen the pistol is drawn.


[LEATHER]

CROSSBREED HOLSTERSPurse DefenderMSRP: From $52/95Website: crossbreedholsters.comDescription: Purse holster

Features: This purse is a great way for womento carry a variety of handguns. It can be config-ured in many ways, and a second holster andmagazine carrier can also be added.

[KYDEX]

GALCOTriton Kydex IWB Holster MSRP: $54.95Website: galcogunleather.comDescription: Constructed of durable, virtuallymaintenance-free Kydex, the Triton is fast, thinand easy to conceal. The belt clip offers quick onand off capability, while the sweat guard protectsboth gun and gun carrier. The firm holster body al-lows a smooth and easy return to the holster afterthe draw, while the raised sweat guard protects thepistol from corrosive perspiration, and also protects your skin from hard steel.

“The Triton proves you can conceal a full-sized weapon comfortably.”

[LEATHER]

GALCOSSS Side Snap Scabbard (Gen 2)

MSRP: $124.95Website: galcogunleather.comDescription: Constructed of premium steerhide, the Side SnapScabbard retains the quick on-off snap loops that fit belts up to1.5 inches. The open-top design remains the same, with the addi-tion of a reinforced mouth for smooth and easy one-handed re-turn to the holster. New to the SSS is a slight butt-forward cant, incontrast to the steeper angle of the earlier version. It keeps theadjustable tension unit and the comfortable, highly concealableforward-molded design of its predecessor, while adding a raisedsweat guard to protect both the firearm and the gun carrier.

“Quick removal and adjustable tension keeps your weaponsecure until the moment of need.”


HOLSTERS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////



[LEATHER & KYDEX]

CROSSBREED HOLSTERSMini-tuckMSRP: From $67.75Website: crossbreedholsters.com

Description: Crossbreed has come out with thefirst IWB holster for the Ruger LCP. This holstercombines comfort and concealment.

Holsters for Concealed Carry/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

[LEATHER & KYDEX]

CROSSBREED HOLSTERSAppendix carryMSRP: From $62.50Website: crossbreedholsters.com

Description: One of the company’s bestsellers and for good reason. Available fordozens of handguns, this holster puts thesmallest handguns in a very concealable lo-cation, for super concealment. Excellentholster for the Glock 42.

[LEATHER & KYDEX]

CROSSBREED HOLSTERSPocket RocketMSRP: From $32.95Website:crossbreedholsters.com

Description: Great holster for the very popular micro pistols.This holster is designed to be worn inside a rear pants pocket.Very concealable and very convenient.


FOBUS HOLSTERSJ357MSRP: From $31.99Website: fobusholsters.com

Description: Super concealable paddle holster for the 5-shot, S&W J-frame revolvers, and the Rossi M88.


HOLSTERS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

[LEATHER & KYDEX]

CROSSBREED HOLSTERSSuperTuck DeluxeMSRP: From $69.75Website: crossbreedholsters.com

Description: One of the company’s best sellers and for good reason. Super comfortable IWB holster.

MSRP: From $32.95Website:fobusholsters.com

Description: Very comfortable paddle-typeholster.

[KYDEX]

FOBUS HOLSTERSGL 26 Paddle Holster



PG

Holsters for Concealed Carry////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

FOBUS HOLSTERSJ357MSRP: From$44.99Website: fobusholsters.com

Description: ThisIWB holster providesconcealability forhandguns like the S-A XD and S&WM&P series. This holster uses a J-hook to retain the holster whendrawing.

SAFARILANDHOLSTERSBianchi® 135 Suppression™

Inside WaistbandMSRP: From $78.99Website: safariland.com

Description: This holster has a leather outer covering witha foam padded synthetic liner for long life. Designed fordeep concealment especially if the shirt has to be tucked in.

SAFARILAND HOLSTERSSafariland® 5378 GLS™ Concealment Paddle & Belt Loop ComboMSRP: From $53.00Website: safariland.com

Description: This holster comes with theSafariland GLS Grip Lock System which provides for excellent retention and is finger-deactivated when drawing. Availablein a wide variety of belt slot openings andcan be adjusted for cant or crossdraw.

SAFARILAND HOLSTERSSafariland® 27 Inside-the-Pants Concealment HolsterMSRP: From $52.00Website: safariland.com

Description: Safarilaminate construction for an inside-the-pantsdesign. Made for undercover use with an open top for quick access. Fully adjustable cant and J-hook belt-mount attachment.Polymer insert ensures the holster stays open.


ust any holster isn’t up to the task. When choosing a concealed carry handgun, there are im-

portant considerations regarding the whole package. Sup-port gear, ammunition and the holster are important. Carrying ahandgun in relative comfort with a balance of speed and retentionrequires thought and practice.

So where do you start? The following story will put you on theright path.

THE BEGINNINGNever go cheap at the expense of your life. Inexpensive holsters

might actually allow the handgun to creep up and out and fall on the ground. A floppy fabric holster will never offer sufficient retention and draw speed for viable personal defense. A holsterthat relies completely upon body compression to hold the pistolsecure is never a good choice.

A quality defensive holster should retain the handgun by design. The holster must be secure during daily movement andpredictable tactical movement. The balance between speed andretention must be respected, and access by the shooter is always a consideration. Many quality holsters are surprisingly affordableand do a professional job.

PHOTO BY BOB CAMPBELL

J


If you wish to executea sharp draw holsterselection is critical.

24/7 Your Holster Must Meet Your NeedsAt Any Time; Here’s What To Look ForBy Bob Campbell

PG15-088-091-SELECT.qxp 11/26/14 5:39 AM


A trained shooter—one that keeps up his or her practice—shouldbe able to smoothly and sharply present the handgun from con-cealed carry. There are two notions that generally exist amongfirst-time concealed carry handgun permit holders. The first notionattempts to find a holster that will work with their favored dressand their likely daily routine. The pocket holster is usually popularwith these types. The other will choose their garments around anefficient carry mode. The latter course is the more preferable. An in-dividual should carry the handgun every minute they are legallyable. To be situationally armed simply makes no sense. Packing theiron only when making a night deposit at the bank or when rushing

to the stop and rob for bread and milk isn’t the best idea. Criminals,conversely, are most often situationally armed and only arm them-selves when they are about to perpetrate a crime. We do not havethat option. In order to be in a position to thwart a lethal attack, wemust be constantly armed and vigilant.

HOLSTER TYPES

On the Belt HolsterSome holsters appear better for certain situations than

others. The on-the-belt holster is a great choice for winter under

When drawing from a pocket holsterblade the hand into the pocket.

If you wish to execute a sharpdraw holster selection is critical.

The Wright Leatherworks pocketholster features excellent stitching.

The Wright Leatherworkspocket holster rides in tightpockets with good results.This is a compact holster.

The Jason Winnie pocket holsterfeatures a foot that stabilizes theholster as the handgun is drawn.

Clover Rinehart has heavilystitched this pocket holster toretain the Kahr 9mm platform.

This is a very attractive andworkmanlike pocket holsterfrom Rinehart Leather.

This Rinehart Leatherholster offers a relativelymodest cross section.

PG15-088-091-SELECT.qxp 11/26/14 5:39 AM


a heavy coat. The elbow shoots to the rear, and we scoop the handgun out of the holster carried on the strong side.

The balance of speed and retention is excellent with such a hol-ster. The problem is those of us living in a true four-season climateor a sultry part of the country simply cannot conceal a strong sidebelt holster most of the year. Some individuals are able to concealsuch a holster under a long pulled out Hawaiian shirt or such, butmost of us cannot.

Pocket HolsterThe pocket holster has much appeal when carrying the snub-

nose .38 or ultra-compact 9mm or the newer 380 subcompacthandguns. Consider your trousers: Jeans usually have top loadingpockets while Khakis may have side-loading pockets. A subtle dif-ference in design is profitable for each type. I have used a pocketholster from Wright Leatherworks with good results. This holsterkeeps the handgun secure with excellent molding, and features awraparound welt for retention. It needs a modest break-in.

The Jason Winnie pocket holster is made of supple leather and features a foot that snags the pocket as the handgun is tiltedand drawn. This is a classic design with much merit, well-suited

to the Ruger LCP and others. Another maker with good ideas is Clover Rinehart. The primary

retention of these holsters is accomplished by the length of theholster. Some are more complicated than others, depending upon the mission. The holster intended for the Kahr 9mm, as an example, features a strong spine and excellent stitching.

Some pocket holsters are ambidextrous. Others feature a flatbacking that hides the handgun’s outline. There are things thatmay be done in Kydex that cannot be done in leather. PJ Holstersoffers a design in Kydex that covers the handgun, provides good re-tention in the pocket, but offers a sharp draw.

When drawing from the pocket holster, you cannot reach in thepocket and affirm the grip. The hand must blade in and blade out.If you make a fist in the pocket you will not be able to draw the pis-tol sharply, perhaps not at all.

Inside the Waistband Holster (IWB)This is an ideal carry option for many of us. The IWB buries the

handgun between the body and the trousers. Only a light coveringgarment is needed to conceal the handgun. Even a light sport shirtor T-shirt will work with the proper drape. Some find the IWB more

“Embellishment is a staple of theRinehart Leather shop.

Simple, well designed and function,the P J Holster pocket holster is agood buy as well.

With a compactpistol and a highride holster, theOWB works forconcealed carry.(Jason Winnie)

The Jason Winnie IWB exhibitsexcellent stitching, a holsteringwelt and a spring steel belt clip.

This is the body side of the JasonWinnie IWB. Note excellent finish.

For larger handguns this dual loopholster from Jason Winnie is agood choice.

The Jeremiah 2011 hybrid offers concealedcarry comfort.

PG15-088-091-SELECT.qxp 11/26/14 5:40 AM


comfortable than others. The acclimationperiod is worthwhile.

I have used quality leather IWB hol-sters for most of my life, so I gravitate tosuch a holster when using the Glock 42.The Jason Winnie leather IWB with rein-forced holstering welt and strong steelbelt clip solves a lot of problems. Thereare other designs as well. As an example,the popular Hybrid type of a Kydex hol-ster for rigidity attached to leather back-ing for comfort works well in concealedcarry. Holsters of these types from com-panies like Crossbreed do a very good job.The Jeremiah 2011 IWB is well-made ofgood material and should last for manyyears. There are also options that allowthe IWB to be tucked under the shirt. Thetuckable is a viable option with compactcarry guns.

Appendix position carry offers access

when seated, good retention and goodconcealment. ZZZ Custom holsters offersa Kydex IWB that may be ordered for appendix carry. I did so and found theangle and cant is ideal. A strong belt clipoffers excellent retention. However, themaker has added an important touch: Forcomfort in carrying the holster close to atender part of the body Martin addedgoat skin covering. It is amazing how wellthis works in practice.

WHICH ONE?Which holster is best? Only the

individual may decide. It is likely thatmore than one holster will be required to meet your needs on a 24/7 basis.

Bob Campbell is a freelance writer who contributes to a number of Beckett publications.

Never go cheap at the expense of your life.“

“

PG

Jeremiah 2011’s holsteroffers a tuckable optionand good adjustment.

The ZZZ holster’s belt cliptakes a big bite out of thebelt for retention.

The rear of the ZZZ holster is covered in supple goat skin.

The goat skin covering for the ZZZ holster is a recommended option.

If you are carrying a Kydex holster close to the skin, ZZZ’sappendix holster works well.

Note the rigid andadjustable belt clipfor the ZZZ holster.

///////////////////////////////////FOR MORE INFOWrightLeatherWorks.comJeremiahHolsters.com ZZZCustomHolsters.comJasonWinnie.comRinehartLeather.comPJHolster.com

PG15-088-091-SELECT.qxp 11/26/14 5:40 AM

oncealable revolvers offerthe best of both worlds.

They are easy to conceal,yet offer the great stopping powerof their full-sized counterparts. Asa further benefit, they are usuallyvery snag-free, with roundededges, which make them easy to carry in a wide variety of deepholster/purse combinations.

Also, they are very reliable witha variety of ammunition, from lighttarget loads to full power +Prounds. This makes practicing withthem easy and comfortable. Theyhave been used as backup guns in ankle holsters for generations of law enforcement and still maintain a place of respect as primary carry guns.

Deep Cover CarryCompact Revolvers Offer Deep Concealment

PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK

COMPACT REVOLVERS

C

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PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:12 AM

Revolvers for Concealed Carry

WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $1,030Action: DA/SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 ShotshellCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 6.5 inchesLength: 1.17 feetWeight: 4.54 pounds

Features: 3-inch chambers, soft rubber grips with cushionedinsert. Extremely versatile andpowerful revolver.

TAURUS617WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $560Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 7Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWidth: 1.5 inchesHeight: 5.1 inchesWeight: 1.75 pounds

Features: 7-round capacity, soft, cushioned grips.Integral rear sight machined into frame.

WEBSITE: CharterFirearms.comMSRP: $415Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesWeight: 12 ounces

Features: Dedicated left-handmodel, aluminum frame for lightweight, available in two-tonepink finish

CHARTER ARMSSOUTHPAW

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TAURUSRAGING JUDGE MAGNUM


PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:12 AM

COMANCHECOMANCHE II-AWEBSITE: ComanchePistols.comMSRP: $220Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 3Length: 8 inchesWeight: 2.06 pounds

Features: Inexpensive, ad-justable rear sight, con-toured rubber grip, 4-inchbarrel model also available

ROSSI462WEBSITE: RossiUSA.comMSRP: $465Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWeight: 1.63 pounds

Features: Low-profilefixed sights, scallopedgrips, solid firepower


COMPACT REVOLVERS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

UNDERCOVER LITE BLACK STDWEBSITE: CharterFirearms.comMSRP: $410Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesWeight: 12 ounces

Features: Aluminum frame with steel,spurred hammer, integral sights

WEBSITE: CobraPistols.netMSRP: $425Action: DAOCaliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.9 inchesLength: 6.4 inchesWeight: 15 ounces

Features: Hammerless design, wide range of customcolors, integral sights

COBRAFIREARMSSHADOW

CHARTER ARMS

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:13 AM

CHARTERARMSBULLDOG BLUESTANDARDWEBSITE: Charter-Firearms.comMSRP: $405Action: DAOCaliber: .44 SPLCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesWeight: 1.31 pounds

Features: Bobbed hammerdesign, snag-free receiverdesign, serious defensivecaliber


Revolvers for Concealed Carry//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

ROSSI35202WEBSITE: RossiUSA.comMSRP: $455Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWeight: 1.5 pounds

Features: Low-profile fixed sights,sweat-resistant stainless steel, hammerspur for single-action shooting

WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $759Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 7Barrel Length: 4.2 inchesLength: 9.5 inchesWeight: 2.5 pounds

Features: Adjustablesights, palm-swell grip,extra shot by virtue ofunique chambering, 4-inch barrel model also available

RUGERGP100

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:13 AM


COMPACT REVOLVERS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $699Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 4.2 inchesLength: 9.12 inchesWeight: 1.84 pounds

Features: Fiber optic frontsight, adjustable rear sight, 3-inch barrel for improved velocity

WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $1,079Action: DA/SACaliber: .44 MAGCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesLength: 7.6 inchesWeight: 2.81 pounds

Features: Adjustable rear sight,large capacity for caliber, widegrip for recoil mitigation

WEBSITE: CharterFirearms.comMSRP: $421Action: DAOCaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesWeight: 12 ounces

Features: Bright pink cast-aluminum frame,extreme light weight, very simple operation

WEBSITE: Ruger.comMSRP: $879 (with CrimsonTrace laser grip)Action: DAOCaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.9 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWidth: 1.3 inchesHeight: 4.5 inchesWeight: 1.04 pounds

CHARTER ARMSPINK LADY OFF DUTY

Features: Hammerless design, some polymer components,custom Crimson Trace laser grips

RUGERLCR

RUGERSP101

RUGERSUPER REDHAWKALASKAN

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:13 AM

SMITH & WESSON351CWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $689Action: DAOCaliber: .22 MAGCapacity: 7Barrel Length: 1.9 inchesLength: 6.2 inchesWeight: 11 ounces

Features: Hammerless design, high capacityfor size, suitable for the recoil-sensitive

SMITH & WESSON60WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $729Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAG/.38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.1 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWeight: 1.41 pounds

Features: Ergonomic grip, stainless steel fordurability, designed for discreet carry

SMITH & WESSON60 LS LADYSMITHWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $759Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAG/.38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.1 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWeight: 1.31 pounds

Features: Walnut full-finger grips, fits easilyin a purse or discreet holster, integral sights


Revolvers for Concealed Carry///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:13 AM



SMITH & WESSON640WEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $839Action: DAOCaliber: .357 MAG/.38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.1 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWeight: 1.44 pounds

Features: Fully shrouded hammer,snag-free design, powerful cartridge

WEBSITE:Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $829Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAG/.38SPL +PCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 2.5inchesLength: 7.5 inchesWeight: 2.17 pounds

Features: Adjustablesights with white outline,orange insert front sight,comfortable grip

SMITH & WESSON686

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:13 AM



WEBSITE:Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $539Action: DAOCaliber: .38 SPLCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 1.9 inchesLength: 6.6 inchesWeight: 14.3 ounces

Features: Hammerless design,laser sight, integral metallic sights

SMITH & WESSONGOVERNORWEBSITE: Smith-Wesson.comMSRP: $869Action: DA/SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 ShotshellCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 2.75 inchesLength: 8.5 inchesWidth: 1.75 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 1.88 pounds

Features: Accepts .410 shotshells, .45 Colt and.45 ACP, features integral sights, rifled barrel

SMITH & WESSONBODYGUARD 38

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:14 AM



TAURUS65WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $489Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 4 inchesLength: 10.5 inchesWidth: 1.5 inchesHeight: 5.5 inchesWeight: 2.38 pounds

Features: Full-size stip-pled grip, integral sights,smooth action

TAURUS85WEBSITE:TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $398Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.25 inchesHeight: 4.3 inchesWeight: 1.31 pounds

Features: Compact dimensions,rated for powerful +P loads,straightforward operation

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:14 AM


TAURUS85PLYSS2WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $398Action: DA/SACaliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.5 inchesHeight: 4.4 inchesWeight: 1.13 pounds

Features: Extremely lightweight,rated for powerful +P loads, slightlylonger barrel for higher velocities

WEBSITE:TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $523Action: DACaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inches

Features: Ribbed grip, designed for rimless .40 SWrounds, short overall length

TAURUS405SS2


PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:14 AM


WEBSITE:CharterFirearms.comMSRP: $484Action: DA/SACaliber: .40 SWCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.3inchesWeight: 1.25 pounds

Features: Chambered for.40 SW, integral sights,short cylinder reducesbulk and weight

TAURUS731 ULTRA LITEWEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $514Action: DA/SACaliber: .32 H&R MAGCapacity: 6Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.5 inchesWeight: 1.06 pounds

Features: Lightweight design, powerfulspecialty caliber, compact overall package

CHARTER ARMSPIT BULL .40


PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 6:14 AM


WEBSITE: CharterFirearms.comMSRP: $390Action: DA/SACaliber: .357 MAGCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2.2 inchesWeight: 1.44 pounds

Features: Rubber grips, easily concealabledesign, smooth trigger

TAURUS850B2ULWEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $474Caliber: .38 SPL +PCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 2 inchesLength: 6.5 inches

Features: Concealed no-snaghammer, rubber grips, very light

TAURUS4510WEBSITE: TaurusUSA.comMSRP: $608Action: DA/SACaliber: .45 Colt/.410 ShotshellCapacity: 5Barrel Length: 3 inchesWeight: 1.81 pounds

Features: 3-inch chambers, integralsights. Fires .45 Colt cartridges and.410 shotshells interchangeably

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

PG

CHARTER ARMSMAG PUG STANDARD

Designed and Developed in the USA with over 40 years of CCW experience

FOR SALES AND INFORMATION GO TO:www.CovertCarrier.com or

Call: (702)245-6302

Carry a handgun IWB without a holster, case or pouch. CovertCarrier

is the GOLD STANDARD for Total Weapons Concealment!

If you carry a concealed handgun for self-defense, or for a living, the CovertCarrier

will give you a tactical advantage©CovertCarrier Inc. 2014

PG15-092-103-BGCOMPREV 11/26/14 10:00 PM

he Glock series of handguns has been wildly popular sincethe first Model 17 came out over 25 years ago. I purchasedone shortly after I attended the Glock Factory Armorer’s

Course in 1991. During that course I became acutely aware of thesimplicity, robustness, reliability and of the great features of thegun that continue today.

I still have and shoot that original G17 today at my local IDPAmatches, and it’s still as reliable as the day I bought it. The onlyparts I’ve replaced are the addition of Trijicon tritium night sights,and I also installed a Bar-Sto Match barrel.

PHOTOS BY STEVE SIEBERTS AND KYLE SIEBERTS

T


Little GiantFor Overall Performance, the Glock G42

Is an Outstanding ChoiceBy Steve Sieberts

Beauty shot of the G42 and theRemington Golden Sabre.

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM


“ The G42 is virtually a scaled-down version of my trusty G17 …

“So when I was given the opportunity to review

the G42 for Pocket Guns magazine, I jumped atthe chance. I have friends that are die-hard Glockfans that swear by the little gun, and I wanted tofind out for myself.

THE GUNMy sample arrived in a hard plastic case,

with two magazines and a . The first thing I noticed is that the pistol is too small for an accessory rail, and because I like tactical lights, I also secured a SureFire wrist light. But moreabout that item later.

The G42 is virtually a scaled-down version ofmy trusty G17, and I’m sure there have been manycomments since it was introduced about it being a

Mini-Me of its big brother, the G17. This iteration of the pistol sports carries over

the same short-recoil operating system, and isstriker-fired with the Safe-Action Trigger. The pis-tol, chambered in 380 ACP, has a 6+1 magazinecapacity in a single stack persuasion.

The gun is a little over 4 inches high and a littleless than 8 inches long. It’s a shade under an inchwide, which is one reason it makes such a greatsubcompact. The barrel is 3.25 inches.

As stated, the gun incorporates the tried andtrue Safe-Action trigger mechanism, and the trig-ger pull is listed on the factory website as 5.5 lbs.The trigger on my sample broke at a shade over 6lbs. I did notice that the trigger, while a littleheavy, is much crisper than the trigger on my old

The Surefire 2211 WristLight would be a great addition with any smallsubcompact tactical light, and worked great with the G42.

The Glock shot excellent groups at 12 yards off sandbags. This group wasaround an inch with a called flyer opening up the group to just over two inches,still excellent accuracy for a subcompact pistol.

Author found the G42 a very comfortable and fun gun to shoot. The G42 with the Remington Golden Sabre shot very consistent groups overthe Oehler 35P chronograph.

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM


Another shot of the G42 over the Oehler 35P The Crossbreed OWB holster was very comfortable and concealable with the G42.

My Lyman trigger pull gauge tested the G42’s trigger pull at about6.1 lbs from an average of three pulls.

The Crossbreed OWB holster rides very well, is concealable and is comfortable enoughto wear all day.

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM


G17. The original triggers were a littlespongy, but this trigger is much better, despite being slightly on the heavy side. Idon’t mind a heavy trigger on a carry gun.Adrenaline can make a 6-pound triggerfeel like it’s about two pounds, so a 6 lb.trigger is a good safety margin.

The extractor, as with other new modelGlocks, also serves as a loaded chamberindicator, which is a good thing to have ona gun that may be in a nightstand or bed-side safe. When things go bump in thenight, it’s nice to be able to check the sta-tus of the gun in a hurry, quietly.

The frame has a textured patternmolded into the front, sides and the back-strap, which works very well when shoot-ing and doesn’t hang up on the clotheswhen drawing from concealment.

The frame, being much smaller and

narrower than the traditional double stackmagazine Glock should be perfect forsmaller shooters and those of the femalepersuasion. I tested this theory on my wifeand teenage daughter, and they both likedthe feel and heft of the gun.

Disassembly of the pistol is identical toother Glocks. Make sure the pistol is un-loaded, and the trigger is to the rear. Pullthe slide back slightly with one hand and,with the other hand, pull the slide releasetabs downward. Let the slide go forwardand it will come off the frame. Pull out thecaptive recoil spring out of the slide, andtilt the barrel up from the rear and removeto the rear. That’s really all you need to dofor simple cleaning and maintenance.Overall fit and finish of the pistol is up to the usual Glock standards, which is tosay, outstanding.

The G42 in the Crossbreed holster made a great pairing.

//////////////////////////////////////////////ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSGlock, Inc.6000 Highlands ParkwaySmyrna, GA 30082Glock.com

Bluegrass Sportsman’s League2500 Handy’s Bend Road Wilmore, KY 40390-8029BGSLInc.com

CrossBreed® Holsters, LLC6955 West Carnahan StreetSpringfield, Missouri 65802(888) [email protected]

Remington ArmsIlion Firearms Plant & Custom Shop14 Hoefler AvenueIlion, NY 13357Remington.com/

Surefire, LLC18300 Mount Baldy CircleFountain Valley, CA 92708SureFire.com

“ The frame has a textured pattern molded into thefront, sides and the backstrap … and doesn’t hang upon the clothes when drawing from concealment.

“

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM


The sights on the gun are the familiarGlock sights used on all of their otherpistols: a white u-shaped bar and a white front dot. I would like to see tritium night sights available as an option on this gun, since it’s too small for a tactical light or really, any otherweapon-mounted accessories.

I have some dummy rounds in 380ACP, so I ran a few of them through thegun just to check that there were no is-sues with either the gun or the magazinesbefore heading to the range.

For this round of testing, I chose theexcellent Remington Golden Sabre 102grain HPJ cartridge. I set up my Oehler 35Pchronograph with the start screen set to10 feet and went to work.

Remington’s website lists this load at940 fps at the muzzle from a 4-inch bar-rel with 200 ft/lbs of muzzle whump, sothe velocity lost with the ¾ inch barrel ofthe G42 translates to only about a 60 fpsloss from what I obtained, which was an

878 mean average and an SD of 51 for fiveshots. Not enough to really make a differ-ence at the target. I believe that roundwould still give excellent expansion char-acteristics, and I plan to perform someadditional testing in ballistic gelatin withthis cartridge in subsequent issues.

What skewed the data on this five-round group was that I had one roundwhich clocked in at 788 fps. Subsequentreadings were more in line with the aver-age, with velocity readings in the 890-910 range and an SD in the 15 fps rangefor subsequent five-round groups.Speaking of groups, the little power-house turned in some excellent five-shotgroups at 12 yards over sandbags of justover 2 inches with one called flyer, andmost five-shot groups coming in ataround 1.5 inches, which is excellent ac-curacy from a factory gun using factoryammo, especially from a subcompactgun with a 3.25-inch barrel.

I put around 100 rounds through the

/////////////////////////////////////FIELD DATA

Ammunition: RemingtonGolden Sabre 102 grain HPJVelocity: 878 fps (Mean)Muzzle Energy: 200 ft/lbsSD-51 fpsAccuracy: Averaged 1.23inches@12 yards off sandbags.5-Shot groups

The front sight is held in by a set screw, and can be replaced with a properGlock nut driver.

Beauty shot of the Glock and the Crossbreed holster and magazine pouch.This was an excellent combination.

During the rest, the author said the G42 performed exceptionally well.

The G42 disassembly latch worksjust like other Glock models.

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM


PG

gun and experienced no malfunctions ofany kind. Even when I tried to induce amalfunction by limp-wristing it one-handed, the gun still kept functioningflawlessly. Two shot drills were fun, and Iused a new SureFire Shot Timer app forthe iPhone, which worked really well. I useit all the time at the range. Hey, it’s freeand it works, and you can’t beat that!

Because this gun is designed for con-cealed carry, I wanted to pair it up with aquality holster and chose the excellentCrossbreed holster. They sent me oneeach of their IWB and OWB holster andmagazine pouch. I really liked the OWB,but a pistol this small and slim reallyshould be carried in an IWB holster. Theoverall fit and finish of these holsters isexcellent, and the gun fits perfectly insidethe waistband of my pants. Drawing wassmooth and the holster stayed put.

The last item I wanted to use with thisevaluation was a tactical light. Since thegun is so small, there really isn’t a practi-

cal way to attach a light, so the folks atSureFire came to the rescue with their ex-cellent Model 2211 WristLight. With a vari-able output lamp, with Low at 15 lumens,Medium at 60 lumens and High settingsat 200 lumens, a tactical runtime of onehour and a max lumens of 200.0, this lit-tle light, paired up with the G42, made agreat combination. I ran some low lightand no-light tests in my two-car garage,and the 2211WristLight really lit up thespace. Even at low light setting, there wasstill more than enough to identify thethreat. SureFire also makes this modelwith an integral Luminex timepiece.

QUALITY All in all, the G42 in 380 ACP, when

paired with excellent ammunition and aquality holster, is an excellent choice foranyone considering a subcompact gun inthis caliber for concealed carry.

Steve Sieberts is editor of Pocket Guns.

“ Even when I tried toinduce a malfunctionby limp-wristing itone-handed, the gunstill kept functioningflawlessly.

“The SureFire WristLight worked great in the low light of my garage. This is the lightat low setting.

The Glock G42 and the Remington Golden Sabre ammunitionworked perfectly and turned in great groups.

The G42 was easy to draw from using the IWB Crossbreed Holster.

The slide rides on hardened steel inserts,which contributes to the gun’s long lifeand reliability when dirty.

PG15-104-109-GLOCK.qxp 11/26/14 5:27 AM

he accessory market for virtually any firearm has exploded over the last few years.

There are many ways to customize thegun to make it even more effective withitems like tactical lights, lasers, customgrips and night sights. The accessory marketalso extends into tools to make shooting

safer and more fun with items like gunsafes,electronic hearing protection, new and bet-ter shooting glasses, and cleaning gear. Ifyou reload, the accessory market is evengreater.

The accessory market is huge and onlygoing to get bigger and better. Look over theaccessories we have put together for you.

Hot ExtrasPersonalize Your Handgun & Drive Your Confidence Up

PHOTO BY BROWNELL'S, INC.

HOT ACCESSORIES

T

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PG15-110-115-BGACCESS.PS.qxp 12/1/14 1:08 AM

Firearm Accessories//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


MEPROLIGHTNOVAK NIGHT SIGHTSWEBSITE: MeproLight.comMSRP: $164.00Mount: DovetailFits: 1911s from Colt, Taurus Springfield

Features: Tritium sight inserts, snag-free low-slung design, retention screw

Night sights are a prerequisite for most defensive handgunsand those from Meprolight feature very bright illumination. Designed in the Novak combat sight style that is frequentlyfound on 1911s and higher-end defensive pistols, these sights are snag-free and should mount to any slide with a 1911-style rear sight dovetail, including the Taurus 24/7 pistols.

DILLON PRECISIOND-Terminator ScaleWEBSITE: dillonprecision.comMSRP: $139.00

Features: Super precise electronic powder measuring scaleElectronic scales make the job of weighing powder simple,

fast and accurate. The unit comes with a check weight to ensurecalibration and consistent results. Accurate to within .1 of a grain.

REVISIONHELLFLYWEBSITE: RevisionMilitary.comMSRP: $99.99Function: Ballistic EyewearWeight: 1.25 ouncesImpact Rating: Mil-SpecUV Rating: Full Protection

Features: Elastic headband, multiple spare lenses, padded carrying case

These glasses are rated to stop a 17-grain steel projectile atmore than 900 feet per second. In Gun World field testing, theyhave kept our shooter’s eyes safe from bullet splash on the rangeand a great number of airborne hazards around the workshop.

PELTORPeltor Tactical 6-SWEBSITE: 3m.comMSRP: $170.00Function: Noise cancelling headset

Features: offers noise cancelling headset but also allows normalconversation, and also has input for radios and cellphones

PG15-110-115-BGACCESS.qxp 11/26/14 5:05 AM


HOT ACCESSORIES //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WILEY XTwisted ballistic eyewearWEBSITE: wileyx.comMSRP: $80.00Function: Ballistic shooting glasses

Features: Includes leash cord and case, with a very comfortable fit. Great design and made to mil-spec standards. Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003+ SAFETY standards.From their Black Ops collection.

BROWNELLSAction Lube plusWEBSITE: brownells.comMSRP: $14.99Function: Synthetic firearms lubricant

Features: Excellent lubricant for all firearms. Exceeds mil-std specification of military grade moly grease. Used on high friction areas. Not a petroleum-based grease. Outstanding on match grade firearms with well fitted parts.

HORNADYLock-N-LoadWEBSITE: hornady.comMSRP: $317.21Function: Electronic powder measure

Features: This electronic powder dispenser meters powder.This measure offers precision and safety. Has an easy to usekeypad to enter the exact powder charge.

BURRISFast FireWEBSITE: burrisoptics.comMSRP: $372.21Function: Red dot sight

Features: This reflex sight fits several models of concealablehandguns, including the Springfield XD, Glock, Sig and S&WM&P series. 3 or 8MOA dot provides very fast target acquisition.Battery powered with fast and accurate windage and elevationadjustments.




WILLIAMSTaurus Fiber Optic SightsWEBSITE: williamsgunsight.comMSRP: $49.95 (depends on model)Function: Fiber optic sights

Features: Offers excellent day/night visibility for a wide rangeof handguns. Easy to install, and nothing to wear out. Somemodels the fiber optic element can be interchanged with othercolors to match shooting conditions.

RADIANSEnhance Ear WEBSITE: radians.comMSRP: Does not sell from their siteFunction: Electronic ear plugs

Features: For shooters that do not like outside the ear hearingprotection. These electronic ear plugs fit snugly, yet are smalland very effective at cancelling out loud noises such as gunfire,but allows normal conversation.

WEBSITE: seahorse.netMSRP: Does not list MSRPFunction: Hard pistol cases

Features: Waterproof lightweight hard cases can transport up to four handguns. Has a tongue and groove, and relief valvefor pressure release. Excellent way to transport firearms whentravelling. Meets TSA Checked baggage guidelines.

BROWNELLSMODEL: Handgun dummyWEBSITE: brownells.comtMSRP: $56.42 9 (depending on caliber)Function: Action proving dummy cartidges

Features: Centerfire action proving dummy cartridges are anexcellent way to isolate firearms that are not function properlyor firearms that the hobbyist has been working on to ensureproper and safe functioning. Also a works as a great training aidwhen taking new shooters to the range.

SEAHORSE HANDGUN CASESSE-540fp4



HOT ACCESSORIES //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

OTIS CLEANING SYSTEMDeluxe LE Cleaning SystemWEBSITE: czub.czMSRP: $59.99Function: Pistol cleaning kit

Features: Portable cleaning system is great for taking it on thego. Toss it in your range bag or backpack and you always have away to clean your firearms.

CZ 75 CONVERSION KITCZ 75 KADET WEBSITE: czub.czMSRP: (Retail Price not Available)Function: 22 Conversion kit

Features: Converts the centerfire CZ 75 to a 22 caliberpistol for training and plinking purposes. Allows for muchgreater practice of the shooting fundamentals at a muchlower ammunition cost.

REPLACEMENT GRIPS1911 exotic wood grips WEBSITE: Brownells.comMSRP: $49.99 (depends on style, configuration)Function: replacement grips for 1911 style pistols

Features: These grips replace the standard walnut grips,with exotic wood such as Rosewood, and Cocobolo. Comeseither smooth or checkered.




PROGRESSIVE RELOADERRL550bWEBSITE: Dillon.comMSRP: $439.99 (depends on style, configuration)Function: Progressive reloading machine

Features: Can reload up to 500 rounds per hour, and makes itvery economical to get in a larger amount of shooting, plus theshooter can load specific ammunition for specific needs.

GUN SAFEBulldog BD1050WEBSITE: bulldogcases.comMSRP: $103.99 Function: pistol vault

Features: 10x13x10 pistol vault offers excellent security forstoring personal items such as firearms and other valuables.12 digit keypad, 2 ¾” steel locking bolts on door.

GUN CLEANERBlast and CleanWEBSITE: hoppes.comMSRP: $7.95

Features: Firearms cleanerand degreaser

Features: Aerosol cleanerthat blows out carbon foulingand grime then evaporates in seconds. Nozzle extender allows cleaner to get intosmall spaces.

PG


ocket guns, and by extension, the en-tire class of small concealable hand-guns, are by nature, compact. In

many instances, it’s very difficult to attachany type of accessory to them; however,they are the very types of handguns thatwould most benefit from some type of accessory, such as a light or laser-aiming

device, as they are more likely to be used inan armed confrontation, many of whichtake place at night.

In this section, we have compiled a listof some of the best tactical lights, some ofwhich can be attached to the gun, whileothers are handheld and can be employedin conjunction with a firearm.

Light Up the NightTop Lights for Your Handgun

PHOTO BY SUREFIRE

TACTICAL LIGHTS

P

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PG15-116-121-BGLIGHTS.PS.qxp 12/1/14 1:11 AM

Tactical Handgun Lights/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


SUREFIREX300V Tactical lightWEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $389.00

Features: The X300V mounts to any Universal or MIL-STD-1913(Picatinny) Rail and provides 150 lumens of white light, andwith the twist of the rear knob, can switch over to IR (Infrared)mode. No IR filter is required.

SUREFIREX300 ULTRA Tactical lightWEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $299.00

Features: The X300 ULTRA delivers 500 Lumens of light which is 2 ½ times the power of the original X300. Tightly focused spot beam and wide peripheral illumination make it a great choice. Can be equipped for rail-less firearms by using the SureFire MR adapter.

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SUREFIREX300-U - ULTRATactical light - TANWEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $299.00

Features: The X300 ULTRA intan coloring delivers the same500 Lumens of light as theBlack Ultra. Can be purchasedwith optional DG remote switch.Can be equipped for rail-lessfirearms by using the SureFireMR adapter.


TACTICAL LIGHTS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

SUREFIREPX3 FuryWEBSITE: www.sure-fire.comMSRP: $250.00

Features: The PX3 Furyis a high powered dualoutput LED handheldflashlight that provides1000 lumens of whitelight, in high mode, and 15lumens of white lightwhen bright light isn’tneeded or the operatordoesn’t want to compro-mise dark-adapted vision.

SUREFIREP1R Peacekeeper &Peacekeeper TacticalWEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $250.00

Features: Single output Peacekeeper Tactical puts out600 lumens of white light. Dualoutput Peacekeeper provides 15 lumens. Tailcap activation.

PG15-116-121-BGLIGHTS.qxp 11/26/14 4:59 AM

WEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $245.00

SUREFIREE1D Defender Ultra

Features: Similar to theE2DL. The E1D offers dualoutput high intensitybeam of 300 lumens,and the same bezel andtailcap which can be usedfor striking an aggressorin high stress situations.Two way clip for attach-ing to brim of a cap forhands free use.


//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////



SUREFIREEB1Backup with Click-switch

SUREFIREE2D Defender Ultra

Features: Compact dual output self-defense flashlight that delivers 500 lumensof white light, and 5 lumens for general use. The light has tailcap activation andfeatures a crenellated strike bezel and scalloped tailcap, which can be used as aself-defense tool in an emergency situation.

Features: Dual output LED light in an extremely compact Mil-Spec aluminum body.Tailcap activation with 200 lumens of white light. Low beam delivers 5 lumens oflight. Two-way clip provides heads up or heads down attachment to the brim of capsfor hands-free use.

With 19+1 in its flush fitting magazine, the P -09 can’t be beat

when it comes to 9mm service pistols.

MAIN FEATURES

CZ P-09

www.cz-usa.com

UNSURPASSEDCAPACITY

PG15-116-121-BGLIGHTS 11/26/14 10:06 PM

TACTICAL LIGHTS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

SUREFIRE2211 WristLightWEBSITE: www.surefire.comMSRP: $495.00

Features: Two versions of this popularlight. The standard 2211 which featuresa three-way output 200 lumen beam,and a 15 lumen option. Reversing the ac-tivation switch can also enable 15, 60 or200 lumen output. The 2211 Luminoxversion includes a Swiss-made Luminoxwristwatch. Luminox version MSRP is$795.00.

WEBSITE: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $80-100.00 (Depending on configuration)

Features: This light delivers 70 lumens of whitelight, which is a shade over 6 inches long. The mainfeature is that it can be recharged via a USB port of300 times before the battery needs to be replaced.

WEBSITE: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $120.00

Features: This dual-output light delivers 600lumens on high, and 33 on low setting, with aruntime of 15 minutes and 18 hours, respec-tively. The unit also features a programmableswitch which offers 3 modes, including astrobe capability.

STREAMLIGHT CORP.Stylus Pro USB

STREAMLIGHT CORP.Scorpion HL




PG

Tactical Handgun Lights////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

STREAMLIGHT CORP.ProTac HL® 3WEBSITE: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $120.00

Features: This dual-output light delivers1100 lumens of white light on high settingand 35 on low. Features programmablethree position setting, (low/strobe/high),with a beam distance of 69 meters onhigh setting. Runtime is 2 hours onhigh/strobe, and 43 hours on low.

STREAMLIGHT CORP.PolyTac Consol and PolyTac HPWEBSITE: www.streamlight.comMSRP: PolyTac is $66.00 the PolyTac HP is $77.25

Features: The PolyTac is designed to offer down-range illumination. The HP on high setting provides illumination out to 275 meters. The PolyTac features aglass lens, while the PolyTac HP features an unbreak-able polycarbonate lens that is scratch-resistant.

STREAMLIGHT CORP.Clipmate USBWEBSITE: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $55.00

Features: While not a tactical light, the clipmate USB is a handy light tohave in camp or in the car. Water resistant and rechargeable via USB.


aser sighting devices, whether theyare visible or IR, have become verypopular over the years.

Take a look at the following outstandingchoices. For a defensive gun—especially

where shots are up close, lighting is poorand speed really is paramount—activelasers have found a home, as they makesure the shot is applied in a critical area ofthe target very quickly.

Pointing the WayTop Lasers for Your Handgun

PHOTO BY SUREFIRE

LASERS

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PG15-122-128-BGLASERS.qxp 11/26/14 4:41 AM

CRIMSON TRACELG-494Website: www.crimsontrace.comMSRP: $229.00

Features: After a shaky launch, Remington’s new R51 pistol hasreturned to gun store shelves. In some retailers, buyers have thechoice of purchasing an R51 with a Crimson Trace Laserguardlaser sight pre-installed.

The innovative LG-494—with a red laser diode—is the resultof Crimson Trace and Remington working together during thehandgun’s development stage.

Handgun Lasers//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////


CRIMSON TRACELG-639 (red) and LG-639G (green)Website: www.crimsontrace.comMSRP: $329 (LG-639G) and $249 (LG-639).

Features: Both feature instinctive activation on the rear of thegrip and include a master on/off switch to give shooters the op-tion to use their pistols with—or without—engaging the laser.

Each unit is also easily adjusted for windage and elevationand can be installed without the use of special gunsmithingtools. These products are specifically designed to fit securelyonto Glock Third Generation pistol models 19, 23, 25, 32 and 38.These compact Glock handguns are favored for concealed carry.


STREAMLIGHTMODEL: TLR4-GWebsite: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $400.00

Features: The TLR4-G tacticallight offers 115 lumens, and threerun modes, light, laser and lightplus laser. This unit operates in extreme environments and temperature ranges of -20 to 120+degrees, and uses a green laser. The green is a great choice for daylight hours, since the color green is more visible to the humaneye in daylight than other colors.

CRIMSON TRACECMR-205 (red) and CMR-204 (green)Website: www.crimsontrace.comMSRP: $229.00

Features: After a shaky launch, Remington’s new R51 pistol hasreturned to gun store shelves. In some retailers, buyers have thechoice of purchasing an R51 with a Crimson Trace Laserguardlaser sight pre-installed.

The innovative LG-494—with a red laser diode—is the resultof Crimson Trace and Remington working together during thehandgun’s development stage.


LASERS 119119////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////



Handgun Lasers/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

STREAMLIGHTTLR2-GWebsite: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $550.00

Features: The TLR2-G tactical light offers200 lumens, and three run modes, light, laserand light plus laser. This unit also has a strobefunction The green is a great choice for day-light hours, since the color green is more visibleto the human eye in daylight than other colors

AD INDEXCAMPCO ...........................................................81

COLT'S MANUFACTURING COMPANY ..............C2

CROSSBREED HOLSTERS.................................23

MAJOR SURPLUS & SURVIVAL ..........................7

OLD FAITHFUL HOLSTERS...............................C3

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY..................................129

STURM, RUGER & COMPANY, INC....................C4

COVERT CARRIER INC ....................................103

CZ-USA ............................................................119

SECURE MEDICAL ............................................63

TITAN SECURITY PRODUCTS...........................55


STREAMLIGHTTLR2-HLWebsite: www.streamlight.comMSRP: $550.00

Features: The TLR2-HL tacticallight offers 200 lumens, and threerun modes, light, laser and lightplus laser. This unit also has astrobe function. The unit has apowerful 640-660nm integratedred laser for long range aiming.


LASERS /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

SUREFIREX400 Ultra (Green)Website: www.surefire.comMSRP: $790.00

Features: This light/lasercombination features a 500lumen white light and a 5 mWgreen laser which can be ze-roed for the gun/ammunition.Ambi push/toggle switchingprovides one-finger activation.Also has optional pressure padfor long guns and DG switchesfor handguns.


SUREFIREX400 V® IRc Website: www.surefire.comMSRP: $875.00

Features: This light/lasercombination features a ClassI infrared laser. The bezel’sself-locking lever switchesfrom 150 lumens white lightto 120 mW of infrared laserlight for use with NV goggles,no filter required.


Handgun Lasers//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// /////////////

SUREFIREX400 Ultra (Red)Website: www.surefire.comMSRP: $595.00

Features: This light/laser combination features a 500 lumenwhite light and a 5 mW red laser which can be zeroed for thegun/ammunition. Less expensive version of the X400 Ultra Green.


LASERLYTECK-SWWebsite:www.laserlyte.comMSRP: $149.95

Features: This model isideal for shooters thatwant a small powerfullaser for the compact J-frame revolvers. This laserhas 5 hours of battery life inconstant on mode, and 10hours in pulse mode.

LASERLYTECM-MK4Website:www.laserlyte.comMSRP: $149.95

Features: Ideal for smallconcealable guns that havea short, (.70 inch) Mount-ing rail. The laser projects aring of 8 red dots with a reddot in the center. The circlegrows at 1 inch per yard.


PG

LASERS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

PG15-122-128-BGLASERS 11/26/14 5:18 AM

PG15_129 11/26/14 4:33 AM

130 POCKET GUNS • SPRING 2015 PHOT

O BY

JESS

E CL

EMEN

TS

LAST LOOK /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

For consistency, if you carry a gunoutside the home, it makes sense foryou to use the same gun (or the same

type) for defense inside the home.— Rob Pincus

“

”

PG15-130-LAST.qxp 11/26/14 4:36 AM

Proudly Made InThe USA

LearnMoreAboutNewHolster

See our wide selection of holsters for Pocket Guns at AlienGearHolsters.com

We’ve Got The Famous “Iron-Clad Triple Guarantee”!30 Day Test Drive Free Shell Trades For Life Forever Warranty

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Packed with the latest technological advances and features

required by today’s most demanding shooters, the Ruger ®

LCR ® is the evolution of the revolver. The Ruger ® LCR ® is a

lightweight, small-frame revolver with a uniquely smooth trigger and

highly manageable recoil. Available in nine models and five calibers, there is an

LCR ® for every need – from personal protection to low cost practice at the range.

©2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 112014RUGER.COM/LCR

Hogue® Tamer ™ Monogrip ®

High-Strength Stainless Steel Cylinder

External Hammer for Single or Double- Action Use (LCRx ™ – Model 5430 only)

Patented Ruger ® Friction Reducing Cam

Smooth, Manageable Trigger with Non-Stacking Trigger Pull

Trigger Pull Comparison

• 9MM LUGER

• 38 SPL +P

• 22 LR

• 22 WMR

• 357 MAG

Smooth, Manageable Trigger with Non-Stacking Trigger Pull

THE RUGER LCR

PG15_C4 11/26/14 4:40 AM Page C4

pocket guns • spring 2015

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