Congrats! You made it to the end of 2023!
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 2023 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
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Top Gun Reviews
1. Sig Sauer MCX Spear
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Though Sig Sauer’s MCX Spear is one of the pricier guns we reviewed in 2023, it stands out as one of the most popular reads for PPT fans.
This feature-rich 7.62 semi-auto rifle boasts a 20+1 capacity and adjustable gas system. In our testing, we noted that the MCX Spear offered solid ergonomics and good accuracy, all wrapped up in a modern battle rifle…if you can stomach the price.
Check out the review to learn more about what we liked (and didn’t).
2. Springfield Armory Echelon
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Springfield Armory introduced a new duty pistol in 2023, known as the Echelon. Aimed at the law enforcement market, it offers adaptability and some modularity to a variety of shooters.
Not to mention, it sports ambidextrous controls and direct optic mounting, making it user-friendly for both left and right-handed shooters.
Although a few minor drawbacks exist, the Echelon proved to be a popular review for us. To find out why, take a look for yourself.
3. Glock 47 MOS
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Even in a best of article rundown, Glock makes the list…in this case, the Glock 47 MOS.
This optics-ready 9mm pistol sports the same familiar ergonomics you’ve come to know and love (or hate, depending on your feelings towards the Austrian pistol). Of course, it runs like a Glock — meaning extremely reliably and accurately during our range testing.
If you’re curious to dive into more Glock goodness, check out the full review.
4. Palmetto State Armory Sabre
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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PSA and affordability go together like PB&J, so it’s no surprise the company delivered yet another build to budget-minded consumers.
Of course, we’re talking about the hotly discussed Sabre. Slipping in under $1K, the Sabre line of rifles brings a few calibers and barrel lengths to consumers. We tested out the 20-inch and 14.5-inch variants with much success. All in all, we appreciated the affordability paired with great accuracy, decent reliability, and solid ergonomics.
To see if this budget rifle is worthy of a spot in your gun safe, head to the review!
5. Beretta APX A1
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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While we’re on the topic of wallet-friendly guns, the Beretta APX A1 was another affordable model that topped our review list.
This 9mm semi-auto pistol proved to be a good option for price-conscious shoppers. Bringing decent ergonomics and accuracy, we dug its reliability on the range. While it lacks some customization, its value made it a standout performer.
Read up on the APX A1 and see if this budget gun is right for you.
6. Springfield Armory Hellion
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Springfield Armory earns a second spot on the list with the Hellion, a bullpup rifle with a certain fun factor.
Though the Hellion took some time to get used to, ultimately, it proved to be a fun bullpup to take to the range. It earned its keep with great reliability and decent optics, though there’s not a ton of aftermarket to be had.
To see what our final rating was, check out the Hellion review.
7. Smith & Wesson Equalizer
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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The Equalizer delivers a pistol that’s a bit easier to handle for those who need it.
This 9mm offers reduced recoil with flatter shots, so those follow-ups are a bit easier. During our testing, we saw reliable results, but the trigger was kinda meh and took some getting used to. At around $500, this model is more geared towards beginners, but with decent ergonomics, mid-level shooters might enjoy it as well.
To get the full scoop, head to…you guessed it, our full review.
8. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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We got a sneak peek of the A300 Ultima Patrol from Beretta at SHOT Show, and we liked what we saw…so much so that we knew we had to get our hands on it for testing.
This tactical-style semi-auto shotgun was chambered in 12-gauge and ready for some serious home defense tactics. With accessory mounts, oversized controls, and an enhanced loading port, it offered a nice blend of features with a decent price tag.
If you’re curious about this home defender, flock to the full review on the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol.
9. Patriot Ordnance Factory Tombstone
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Moving from a tactical shotgun to a tactical lever gun, the POF Tombstone was another hot review you guys couldn’t get enough of.
The Tombstone gave us a little trouble in the reliability and ergonomics departments, but we do have to admit it was fun to shoot. It put up some decent accuracy, and while we’re not entirely sure who this gun is for, it at least gave us some entertainment on the range.
To get our reviewer’s full thoughts, you gotta go to the review.
10. Century Arms WASR-10
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Rounding out the reviews, the WASR-10 by Century Arms brings that old-school cool of an AK to our list.
The WASR-10 we tested had some…interesting quirks, but overall, it proved reliable and relatively accurate as only an AK can. We dug how lightweight and simple it was to operate, though the ergonomics left a lot to be desired.
Does the WASR-10 hold its own? Only way to know is to go read that review.
Top Best Of Articles
In the market for some best of 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 Home Defense Tactical Shotguns
- Best Pistol Red Dot Sights
- Best Concealed Carry Guns
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, but we think they should have.
- FoldAR: Best Concealed Carry Rifle?
- Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Metal: Best All Metal 9mm?
- Canik TP9 Elite SC: Still Relevant?
- Flashbang Bra Holster: Safe for Concealed Carry?
- 80% Arms GST-9 Infinity Jig: Future-Proofing 80% Builds
- Primary Arms Classic Micro & Mini Reviews
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 2023…head to the Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical First Look for more!
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