“The PPK/s is an iconic pistol that has grown in popularity since its introduction in 1929. The Bond novels and films have certainly helped that, but all the positive publicity in the world wouldn’t matter if the gun itself wasn’t a well-built shooter.” – Mike Hardesty
The Walther CCP M2 is the first polymer pistol to use a gas-delayed operating system in the form of Walther’s Soft-Coil technology. This system both reduces the felt recoil and makes the slide easier to rack. Also present is Walther’s trademark great ergonomics, which further help make the CCP comfortable to shoot for anyone. Tool-less takedown and a fixed barrel allow for easy maintenance as well. These single-stack pistols are great for anyone, but especially those with reduced hand strength.
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.
In the late 1970s, Sig set out to make a concealable law enforcement pistol before the era of easily concealable 9mm guns. After a long run, Sig updated the pistol in 1996, creating the P232 model. These are direct-blowback, fixed barrel, single-stack .380 ACP pistols that bear a similarity to the Walther PPK. It features a DA/SA trigger, a frame-mounted decocker, a heel magazine release, and a standard capacity of 7+1. It was available with a blued finish and aluminum frame, as well as an all stainless frame and finish version.
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.
Whether it’s video games, Stargate, or crazy-looking space guns, everyone can find a reason they want a PS90. FN designed the PS90 around the 5.7x28mm cartridge to create a carbine that offers a lot of firepower in a small package. While they can’t sell the original short 10.5-inch barreled model over the counter, the 16-inch PS90 is the next best thing. Although it looks strange, the gun is oddly ergonomic and is 100 percent ambidextrous — it even ejects downwards. Even though it is a direct-blowback gun, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is so light recoiling that your trigger finger will get tired running through the 50-round magazines before your shoulder does. The factory options for mounting optics leave much to be desired, but luckily the aftermarket has you covered. If you can stomach the cost of the gun and the ammo, then you will end up with a gun that is nearly unmatched in firepower for its size and weight.
The FNX 45T is admittedly a pretty niche gun. It really only makes sense if you plan on-duty use or range fun. Other than that, it’s too large to conceal for most and not the best suited for competition. Long story short, it’s duty-sized and heavy weighing in at 33 ounces unloaded. It features a stainless-steel slide assembly and measures 8.6-inches in total length! Furthermore, it stands 6.5-inches tall with a width of 1.5-inches. “The FNX 45 Tactical was built for duty, and it excels in just that. Whether suppressed or unsuppressed, it shoots like a 9mm with all the cool factor of .45 ACP in just as many rounds. It’s completely modern by 2021 standards, making it all the more impressive when considering it launched in 2012. If you’re looking for a full-size, heavy gun that you can run a red dot and suppressor with all in .45 ACP…this is a decent option.” – Justin Chang
The Beretta APX Centurion is a continuation of the APX pistol series from Beretta. It comes in two models — a 9mm or .40 S&W — both striker-fired. Overall length measures 6.97 inches with a 3.7-inch barrel. Though no longer in production, the Centurion can still be found in the used market. It’s a decent CCW option for those that like a good mid-size gun.
The Stoeger STR-9C is an extremely affordable entry into the world of optics-ready striker-fired polymer handguns. A 13+1 capacity, sub 5-lb crisp trigger, optics-ready slide, accessory rail, and interchangeable backstraps ensure that the STR-9C isn’t lagging behind the competition. At under $350, this compact pistol is tough to beat when it comes to performance per dollar.
The Ruger MKIV 22/45 is the latest iteration of an excellent target and plinking pistol design that has been around for decades. Exceptional ergonomics and great reliability are complimented by modern features such as a rail for mounting optics, a threaded barrel, and a simplified takedown method. These guns feature a standard 10+1 capacity of .22 LR, and all have cold hammer-forged barrels to ensure that the gun will last for years to come.
The P320 M18 was selected as the new standard-issue pistol for US Military. Based on the modular Sig P320 platform, the M18 comes in coyote tan, has Siglite night sights and all models are optics-ready with a 3.9-inch barrel. A manual safety is present, and each gun includes (1) 17-round magazine and (2) 21-round magazines. These pistols were built for duty and ultimately selected for their performance in that role.
