Top Reviews from PPT in 2024 (Best Ofs, Too!)
As is customary for this time of year, we take a look back at some of our best and brightest articles – the ones our readers really liked.
PPT Editor-in-Chief. Professional journalist 15+ years. NRA & BLS instructor. 2000+ articles
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
Congrats! You made it to the end of 2024!
As is customary for this time of year, we like to take a look back at some of our best and brightest articles – the ones that you guys seemed to really like.
So come take a tour of 2024 with us as we roll out the red carpet for the reviews and best ofs that got the most love this year (and maybe a few that didn’t, but we think you should check out!)
Table of Contents
Top Gun Reviews
1. Sig Sauer P226 XFIVE Legion
The Sig Sauer P226 XFIVE Legion topped our list as the most popular read for Pew Pew Tactical readers.
This enhanced version of Sig's P226 series has nice aesthetics and great ergonomics. Our Editor, Wyatt, said it felt great in the hand. The ability to add an optic or light is nice, and it proved to be fairly accurate.
That said, it wasn't a 10 out of 10 performance, as he did have some reservations about the pistol's overall value.
You can dig into the details in the full review of the Sig Sauer P226 XFIVE Legion.
2. CZ P10C
With the CZ P10C hitting the lowest price we've seen in awhile in 2024, we had to revisit this iconic CZ pistol.
For this review, our resident competition shooter, Preston, took the CZ P10C to the range to see just how far he could push the limits of the P10C. Impressively, this pistol accomplished first-round hits on steel at 50 yards with iron sights.
At its current price, the CZ P10C is untouchable in terms of what you get vs. the cost.
But don't let us be the only judge of that...see for yourself what it did in the full video review below or in our written review of the CZ P10C.
3. PSA Sabre AR-10
Palmetto State Armory is synonymous with bringing affordable options to gun owners, and the Sabre series is no different.
Having tried the original Sabre, we were excited to try our hand at the Sabre AR-10. PPT Content Producer Sean took on the task and put well over 500 rounds through the Sabre. While there were some minor issues (mostly fixed through swapping to PMAGs), overall, PSA seems to have delivered a robust offering to the AR-10 category.
You can read more about what we experienced with the PSA Sabre AR-10 in our review or check out more in the video below.
4. Mossberg 590 Tactical
Looking for a pump action shotgun that packs a punch but not at the expense of your shoulder? You might want to read up on the Mossberg 590 Tactical.
PPT writer Travis took this Mossberg 590 variant, chambered in 20-gauge, to the range and found it was a lightweight and low-recoiling option for those interested in scatterguns. With the classic feel and dependability of Mossberg's 590 series, this version is purpose-built for home defense/home security.
Want to learn more? Head over to the Mossberg 590 Tactical review.
5. Smith & Wesson M&P Sport III
Smith & Wesson released an updated take on its popular Sport AR series this year with the Sport III.
Again, PPT Content Producer Sean took it to the range to see how it performed. Our first test gun had some issues, so we sent it back and got a second one in to continue testing. It offered better reliability and performed how we expect a Smith & Wesson to perform.
You can see what went wrong in our full review or in our video review below.
6. Springfield Armory TRP 1911
Why test one 1911 when you can test four?? For our Springfield Armory TRP review, we took TRP 1911s out to test their accuracy and reliability on the range.
PPT Editor Wyatt, a lover of all things 1911s, tackled this review and noted how comfortable and accurate the TRP series was. Though he encountered a couple of hiccups, overall, he was pretty happy with these Springfield pistols. Noting that the CC model topped them all in terms of his favorite, Wyatt gave a thumbs up to these 1911s.
Curious to see how they did in detail? Check out the Springfield TRP 1911 review.
7. Sig Sauer P365-FUSE
Sig's P365 was a hit model a few years ago, so it's no wonder that each new iteration of P365 tends to grab attention.
The Sig Sauer P365-FUSE was a perfect example of how much the gun world loves the P365 platform. PPT Video Reviewer Preston tested out the FUSE for us and felt like the accuracy and ergonomics were good -- though he kinda hated the trigger.
The P365-FUSE ended up being a decent gun that offered a lot of customization options between holsters, mags, and red dots. Not to mention, the overall price vs. features were well-matched.
You can learn more about what gave Preston the ick and what he liked by reading the Sig Sauer P365-FUSE review or watching his video below.
8. Ruger RXM
The Ruger RXM grabbed a top spot on our list, despite having been a mid-December launch. What made this 9mm so special?
It's a Glock clone...without a lot of the Glock bleh people don't enjoy it. (Sorry, not sorry). The RXM is a collab between Ruger and Magpul. If you know Magpul, you know you can expect some cool features, and the RXM didn't disappoint.
Sean thought its upgraded sights, triggers and magwell as well as direct optics mounting made it a pretty decent option for those wanting a clone. Not to mention, it has a serialized insert that allows you to move it from frame to frame (similar to what Sig is doing with its FCU).
That said, Sean rated the RXM 3.5 out of 5. What kept him from giving it the full thumbs-up? Well, you'll have to read the review to find out.
Check out the specifics in our Ruger RXM review.
9. CZ Shadow 2 Compact
CZ is like Sig Sauer (wait...don't throw your knives at me yet) in that the two companies have devoted followings.
So, it's no surprise that CZ made our list twice. The CZ Shadow 2 Compact proved to be a hot pistol in 2024. To be honest, it's not all that shocking. CZ took a solid base (the Shadow) and built on some really cool, upgraded features.
Sean tackled this review earlier this year and noted that the Shadow 2 Compact is built like its predecessor -- ready to hit the races as soon as it comes out of the box. That said, its price point isn't too out of reach, especially with what you get.
Interested in this compact pistol? Check out the CZ Shadow 2 Compact review, or watch the video below.
10. Aero Precision Solus
While pistols and AR-15s tend to be plentiful around PPT, a long-range bolt gun did snag our attention. We're talking about the Aero Precision Solus.
Not only did PPT Content Producer Sean take this bad boy to the range to test it based on our testing protocols, but he also packed it up and headed to a week-long long-range training event.
Here, he engaged static targets out to 1,000 yards and moving targets at 400 yards...all with 29 MPH winds. The Solus performed fantastically despite the weather conditions, and Sean reported this affordable bolt gun was "a grand slam."
You can read about what knocked it out of the park in our Aero Precision Review or, you know, watch the video below.
Top Best Of Articles
Are you in the market for some guides to help you on your gun journey? We have our most popular ones listed below!
From ARs to handguns to red dots, peruse our favorite products all in one place….
- Best AR-15s: Ultimate Hands-On Guide
- Best Handguns for Beginners & Home Defense
- Best Pistol Red Dot Sights
- Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns
- Best .22LR Pistols
- Best Concealed Carry Guns
- Best Shooting Ear Protection
- Best AR-10s
- Best Micro Compact 9mm Handguns
- Best AR-15 Flashlights
Second Chances
While we appreciate all the love you’ve given to the above articles, there are a few that might have escaped your purview.
For that, we’re giving a little attention to our second chances…that is, the articles that didn’t get a lot of reads initially but we think should have.
- Canik SFx Rival Review: Best Affordable Competition?
- Smith & Wesson 432 UC Review
- Daniel Defense H9 Review & Video
- Hammerli Force B1 [Hands-On Review]: Best New .22 LR Rifle?
- Sig Sauer P365 Rose Review: Just Another Pink Gun?
- PSA Micro Dagger Review & Video: Glock 43X Rival or Wannabe?
- Aero Precision Solus Review & Video: Best Budget Precision Rifle
PPT Staff & Authors
Have you found a particular staff member or author you really like? We don't blame you — our team is pretty fantastic!
You can read more about your favorite authors (and see all the articles they've written on Pew Pew Tactical) by visiting their author pages. We've linked some of our most popular and active writers and editors below!
- Eric Hung
- Jacki Billings
- Sean Curtis
- Jonny Villanueva
- Wyatt Sloan
- Scott Murdock
- Travis Pike
- Preston Hughes
- Paul Yen
- Elizabeth Bienas
- Todd Gimian
Final Thoughts
Thanks for taking a look back at the past year, and, most importantly, thank you for being a Pew Pew Tactical reader!
On behalf of the entire editorial staff of PPT, we are truly grateful for your readership and can’t wait to bring you even better content as we roll into the new year!
Cheers to 2024!
What was your favorite article from us this year? Let us know in the comments below! Curious to read our very first gun review of 2024…head to the Harrington & Richardson 723 Style Carbine Review for more!
Latest Updates
December 2024: Rewritten based on top reviews and best of data for 2024.