The Steyr L9-A2 MF is the second generation of Steyr’s M-series of striker-fired, polymer-framed handguns. These pistols have a 17+1 capacity, a 4.5-inch barrel, and a fairly crisp trigger that breaks at around 4.5 pounds. Shooters will enjoy a very high grip and an extremely low bore axis thanks to the aggressive ergonomic choices and grip angle of the L9-A2. Trapezoidal sights, adjustable backstraps, adjustable palm swell panels, and a flared magwell are among the other features found on these guns. All of these features make for a very flat-shooting and soft-recoiling pistol that rides securely in the hand.
Walther took their renowned PPQ design and combined it with the classic American .45 ACP caliber to produce an accurate pistol with minimal recoil and excellent ergonomics. The PPQ 45 has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds and also features Walther’s famous quick defense trigger. An ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release ensure it is a great fit for both lefties and righties. The result is a user-friendly, reliable handgun with top-notch accuracy and reliability.
The TP9 Elite SC was the first sub-compact version of the TP9 series from Canik. The Elite SC has the same features as the full-size models while being designed to be snag free and concealable. These features include 12 and 15-round double-stack magazines, front serrations, and day and night sight options with co-witness capability. Each Elite SC is optics-ready and accepts RMS/RMSc pattern optics, making this gun ready to go out of the box.
The Arex Delta Gen 2 M offers great features at a great price. This striker-fired pistol features fully ambidextrous controls out of the box that require no swapping, four backstraps, and a standard Picatinny accessory rail. Great ergonomics, an optics-ready slide, and a short reset trigger round things out. While it may seem similar to much of the competition, Arex is offering all of this at a price that beats many of its peers.
The Glock 48 takes the universal standard Glock 19 and slims it down into a more concealable but still easy-to-shoot platform. A barrel length of 4.17 inches, a standard capacity of 10 rounds, and an overall width of only 1.1 inches. An overall weight of 20.7 ounces helps keep things relatively light, further improving the ease of carry. Although the trigger is the standard mediocre 5.5-pound Glock affair and the capacity is lower than some of the competition, it makes up for that in reliability and aftermarket.
The Glock 19X has served as Glock’s first “crossover” pistol. It combines the grip length of the G17 with the frame and slide length of the G19, creating a pistol that can flex into multiple duty roles. It comes with a coyote brown frame and nPVD corrosion-resistant slide coating, ambidextrous slide stop levers, a lanyard loop, the Glock Marskman Barrel, and a flared magazine well. Those features, combined with a standard set of night sights and 3 magazines, make this Glock ready to go right out of the box.
The Glock 43 harnesses all the world-renowned reliability that Glock is known for, all in a tiny package. Coming in just under 1 inch wide and under 14 ounces, the G42 is easy to conceal, no matter the method or environment. These guns feature an extended beavertail, textured grip, and enlarged magazine to help manage recoil and ensure smooth operation. For those looking for a reliable, concealable pistol, these single-stack 6+1 pistols are great.
The PSA 5.7 Rock brings improved capacity and ergonomics to the world of 5.7x28mm handguns, all while beating out similar guns in price.
“I was impressed with 5.7 Rock. The overall product displays attention to detail and refinement. PSA took their time with this gun, and it shows. Most importantly, it performed very well during our somewhat limited testing.” – Sean Curtis
