Concealed Carry Handguns - June 2014

GWCC-1460-COVER 2/4/14 5:27 AM Page US_C1
FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS
MAY/JUNE 2014
www.gunworld.com
FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER
MAY/JUNE 2014
$8.99 U.S. • DISPLAY UNTIL: 5/6/14
60
0 71486 01506 2
Engaged Media By Beckett
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THE WORLD CAN BE A DANGEROUS PLACE — EQUIP ACCORDINGLY.

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CC1460-004-005-TOC.BA.JB.CX 1/30/14 10:10 PM Page 4
Do you just shoot until

the target goes down? Or
do you shoot precisely to
make the target go down?
Explore the difference
with Chuck Taylor.
What else happens when you
shrink a 1911 as much as the
Solo?
We tested Sig's P938
in many hands.
PHOTO BY JIM WEISS
PHOTO BY KIMBER
22 48
Table of Contents May/June 2014

Features
10 SHOT SHOW SPECIAL COVERAGE 48 KIMBER’S POCKET JEWEL: THE SOLO CDP
We walked more than 40 miles around the 13-acre This double action 9mm pocket gun from Kimber is
showroom floor at the Shooting, Hunting, and surprisingly small, packs a surprising punch…and
Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show at the Sands Expo departs from their usual 1911 engineering in
Center in Las Vegas to find the most innovative, most some creative places. We slip it into a pocket and
head to the range to see this unique approach to
exciting, and most useful concealed carry handguns
shrinking a 1911!
and gear for 2014. See the best of the best in our
By Zack Carlson
exclusive coverage!
Story & Photos by Dave Norman
22 THE SIG SAUER P938 PISTOL, A SMALLER 1911

Sig Sauer took a 1911, streamlined and shrank it,
chambered it in 9mm, and gave it a slide profile
evocative of their P200-series handguns. It was a
Departments
bold move, and required a lot of engineering. We 6 LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
wanted to see how well that paid off…so our law
enforcement professionals put it through a field 8 HOT GEAR FOR
review to find out if it’s street-ready! CONCEALED CARRY The Cover:
By Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis 130 LAST PAGE Photography By: Kimber,
Sig Sauer, Taurus
Design By: Eric Knagg
4 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

CC1460-004-005-TOC.BA.JB.CX 1/30/14 10:11 PM Page 5
Buyer’s Guides
Cheap, powerful, double
action...the Windicator is
hard to beat.
16 Micro Guns
30 Pocket Pistols
36 Subcompact Semi-Autos
56 Compact Semi-Autos
70 Full-Frame Semi-Autos
90 1911 Handguns
106 Compact Revolvers
106 116 Medium Revolvers

PHOTO BY EAA
122 Full-Frame Revolvers
The Mi-Bullet
breaks into three
projectiles...teth-
ered together.
PHOTO BY WINCHESTER
PHOTO BY MI BULLET
8
10
Winchester pairs training and defensive
ammunition in a new product line.
8
PHOTO BY KAHR ARMS
Kahr and Spyderco team up for

new general purpose blades.
MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 5

CC1460_006-EDITOR.JBxx.CX 1/29/14 12:09 AM Page 6
A LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR May/June 2014
PHOTO BY NICK ROFE

EDITORIAL
The 1911 Goes Group Editorial Manager: Doug Jeffrey

Editor: Dave Norman
Managing Editor: Breanna Armstrong
Art Director: John Bernikow
Undercover CONTRIBUTORS
Chuck Taylor, Brad Fitzpatrick, Mike Dickerson, Zack Carlson
ADVERTISING
Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director
By Dave Norman (714) 200-1930, GFrimmel@Beckett.com
David Beckler: Senior Account Executive
(972) 448-9173
Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive
T
he 9mm is possibly the most a completely new gun. (717) 896-8956
Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive
popular cartridge in person Which is what we find with Sig (714) 200-1939
protection, based on current Sauer’s P938, and Kimber’s Solo, Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffic Coordinator
sales volume of defensive handguns reviewed in this issue by our DIRECT MARKETING GROUP
in that caliber. The experts. Neither is John Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746
Paul Caca (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961
“happens
1911 is a perennial a full-blooded 1911, Ryan Lauro (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756
favorite platform for So what but then, each was

Mary Ann Jaca
OPERATIONS
(866) 866-5146 ext 2716
defensive pistols, and when designed to retain Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager
Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst
though polymer
framed striker fired
you bring favorite elements
of 1911 design
Amit Sharma: Business Analytics Manager
Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst
pistols and double together the while creating guns

Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager
John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer
action only designs

have seen surging
most popular unique to solving
the challenge of
EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES
22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200
sales, the old style is modern putting a comfort-

Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714) 939-9991
www.gunworld.com
a firmly established
favorite.
defensive able, utterly reliable
subcompact 9mm
www.facebook.com/concealedcarrymagazine
www.facebook.com/eembybeckett
So what happens caliber, with in your pocket.

Concealed Carry Handguns © 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights
reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in
when you bring the world’s “ Both turned out to

part is strictly prohibited.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
together the most
popular modern
most popular be excellent, and
somewhat familiar
BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
4635 Mc Ewen Road. Dallas, TX 75244
defensive caliber, model type? in experienced SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGE, RENEWALS,

MISSING OR DAMAGED COPIES
with the world’s most hands. Which one is (800) 764-6278
(239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries
popular model type? for you? You have subscriptions@beckett.com
customerservice@beckett.com
Historically, not terribly much—the to decide that for yourself.
9mm in full-size 1911s hasn’t Your next challenge will be con- BACK ISSUES
www.engagedmediamags.com
caught on to any remarkable extent, cealing it effectively, which Brad
though fine examples exist. Fitzpatrick helps out on in his article BOOKS, MERCHANDISE, REPRINTS
(239) 280-2380
But…then you shrink the platform, on deep concealment. We have
down smaller than an officer’s some new ammunition for your DEALER SALES
(239) 280-2380
model—small enough to make the carry gun in our SHOT Show
new gun a deeply concealable, jack- Special Section, and some other NEW PRODUCTS OR TO
CONTRIBUTE A STORY OR PHOTO
et-pocket gun. Now you’re talking. new-for-2014 gear throughout. It’s djeffrey@beckett.com
That’s an approach that several an exciting time to head to the gun
companies have tried, encounter- store…and never has it been more
ing large design challenges each fun to hit the range.
time—the 1911 is a marvel of engi- BECKETT MEDIA, LLC
Nick Singh: Executive Director
neering built in perfect synergy Best wishes, Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial Director
with the .45 ACP. Alter the cham-
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that
bering as drastically as going to information presented is from various sources from which there can be
no warranty or responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
the 9mm, and you’re talking about completeness or technical accuracy.
an overhaul that will leave you with GST #855116562RT001
Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
PITNEY BOWES, INC.
P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2
CC_1405_7 1/27/14 12:53 AM Page 7
Y O U S H O U L D E R T H E
300 AAC BLACKOUT – The terminal effects 338 LAPUA – Developed to match the
that you expect and reliable intermediate-barrier advancements in rifle accuracy and extended-
performance from even the shortest-barreled range optics. The Barnes 338 Lapua LRX
carbines and PDWs. Barnes 300 AAC Blackout- features a long profile and boattail design that
optimized bullets’ new, over-sized plastic tips deliver match-grade accuracy at long range
add to our existing bullet technology to keep the with an incredibly high ballistic coefficient and
weight down and the velocity terminal performance.
up, for a flatter trajectory
and optimal penetration
even at extended ranges.
AVAILABLE IN: 265 gr.

and 280 gr. LRX
components and 280 gr.
LRX VOR-TX Ammunition.
AVAILABLE IN: 110 gr.

and 120 gr. TAC-TX
components and
VOR-TX Ammunition.
www.barnesbullets.com • 1-800-574-9200
CC1460-008-009-GEAR.JB 1/28/14 5:45 AM Page 8
HOT GEAR
FOR CONCEALED CARRY KAHR—SPYDERCO KNIVES
Your choice of pocket knife says a lot about you—
as much as your choice of handgun, though it’s
the pocket knife that will see far, far more fre-
quent (and mundane) use. A sharp blade carried
legally can open boxes and mail, break down
cardboard and open obstinate packaging; it can
cut away clothing around a wound, slice rope to
length and serve in so many other capacities.
Spyderco makes blades for every day carry,
and real world use. They recently paired with
Kahr Arms, makers of fantastic defensive
handguns, to design Kahr-branded Spyderco
knives for everyday carry.
In these hot new knives, they have models
designed for tough cutting and slicing tasks that
MULTIPLE IMPACT BULLETS utilize the latest grip-enhancing Spyderco handle
design along with tough, traditional-style back-
From Mi-Bullets come “multiple impact bul- lock blade safeties and keen edges. The Delica 4’s
lets,” a new type of defense round—and newly blade is even 2.5 inches for legal carry in a great
available to handguns—that applies modern number of localities where blade length is
engineering to create “increased hit potential” restricted—even severely so—while still offering a
from a single handgun bullet that behaves full-size knife handle for comfort and control
somewhat like three different rounds. while cutting.
Citing research that finds the overwhelm-
ing amount of shots fired in high-stress, Brand: Spyderco
life-or-death situations miss their intended Model: Delica 4
targets, Mi-Bullet set out to create a multi- Website: www.kahr.com
segment, spin-stabilized round that increases MSRP: $99
your hit potential by launching a three-leaf Line: Kahr
projectile that breaks apart just inches from Blade Length: 2.5 inches
the muzzle, with each part tethered to a common hub in Overall Length: 6.75 inches
the middle to limit the total width of the flying projectile Blade Material: VG-10 Stainless
cloud to 10 inches. It achieves maximum diameter around Weight: 2.5 ounces
eight feet from the muzzle.
Does that sound like “strung buck” from
shotgun defensive rounds? We’re curious to see
if there’s a relation…and to see just how well it
works. We’re working right now to get some in for
testing, so we can bring you a field report in an
upcoming issue!
Brand: Mi-Bullet
Model: Mi3 Stopper
Type: Multi-Projectile Round
Website: www.mibullet.com
MSRP: $60 (per box for .45 ACP)
Calibers: .380 ACP, .38 SPL,
.357 MAG, 9mm, .45 COLT,
.410 Shotshell
Applications: Civilian Defense,
Law Enforcement

CC1460-008-009-GEAR.JB 1/28/14 5:45 AM Page 9
RAMRODZ
—CONVENIENT CLEANING
The designers behind the RamRodz cleaning
products must have heard the expression “fits like
a square peg in a round hole” and decided to
invent a better solution than cleaning round bores
with square patches. Their solution: a Q-Tip®-like
cotton swab on a bamboo stick, where the cotton
is just slightly oversized for a given bore diameter.
After passing copper bristle brushes through
your bore to scrape off powder and metal fouling,
you can use a
RamRodz stick to
soak up the solvents
and remove the gunk.
The bamboo handle
involved with each
one means you don’t
have to swap
between patch jags
and brushes on your
cleaning rod, and the SUPER LIGHT,
8 inch shafts cleaned SUPER “QUIK” STAND
even our longest As their name implies, Range Systems makes
handgun barrels. The target-related systems for ranges, from retrieval
bamboo doesn’t mar units to ballistic blocks that absorb rounds. Their
the metal, of course, Quik Stand is meant as a low-priced, very clever
should it contact the solution to a common problem facing their
crown or chamber customers: how to display a target, especially
during cleaning. at odd ranges or out of square, and in such a
Initial testing we’ve manner as can be quickly repositioned.
done shows the idea works, and works great. Their solution is clever: two zinc-coated (for
Commonly sold in quantities of 200, you can order weather protection) metal junctions into which
them in just about every caliber. you insert 1x1 or 1x2 furring strips (which you
provide yourself and cut to your own length).
Brand: RamRodz One strip goes front to back for feet; one strip
Type: Cleaning Swab connects the two junctions together, forming the
Website: www.ramrodz.com base of the target stand; one mounts vertically
MSRP: $10 into each junction as an upright to which you
Quantity: 200 staple your target, cardboard, etc.
Caliber: Various Thumbscrews secure the furring strips,
Material: Cotton, Bamboo creating a solid enough target frame that you
can easily drag across the ground to position
your targets however you want. It collapses
easily and takes up very, very little space for
transportation and storage.
Brand: Range Systems

Model: Quik Stand
Website: www.range-systems.com
MSRP: $29.99
Accommodates: 1x2 and 2x2 boards
Coating: Zinc
Secures With: Thumbscrews (provided)

CC1450-010-015-SHOT.JBcx 1/30/14 10:15 PM Page 10
SHOT SHOW
SPECIAL COVERAGE
Your Sneak Peek at the Hottest Gear for 2014
By Editor
IMAGE BY DAVE NORMAN
here is more gear on the market now than ever
T for law-abiding concealed carriers, from holsters

to handguns to pocket knives to fast-access
clothing that blends right into life’s background…and
we saw just about all of it on display at the massive
Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show
this year. We’re just back from touring more than 1,600
companies’ booths—that’s right, over 1,6000 different
companies together in one place at one time—to find
you some of the most fascinating, useful, and trend-
setting gear in our industry.
HAD TO USE A COMPASS

To find our way around the show, we had to actually
use a compass—to keep following magnetic North as
we navigated more than 13 acres of all indoor show-
room space at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. It
was a sea of compact handguns and synthetic holsters,
of ammunition manufacturers and boot makers and
companies selling blast-resistant shooting glasses.
And yeah—it was totally awesome.
We’ll have more products next month, and are

arranging a year full of product reviews to look behind
the hype and show you what actually performs…and
how far we can push it. This gear, though, was just too
cool to keep to ourselves.

PROJECT CHILDSAFE
A part of the National Shooting
Sports Foundation’s public out-
reach, Project ChildSafe is a
firearm safety and awareness pro-
gram that makes cable-style
firearm locks and informational
booklets on how to use them—and
safely store firearms—available for
free to individuals and law enforce-
ment agencies (so they may dis-
tribute them, free, to gun owners).
They had a big presence at
SHOT Show this year, and are
deserving of recognition for their
work in distributing millions of
child-resistant firearm locks to gun
owners…free of charge. According
to Project ChildSafe, they “provide
IMAGE BY GLOCK
responsible gun owners with the
tools and information they need to
securely store their guns away
from children, at-risk individuals
and criminals. Project ChildSafe®
has partnered with law enforce- The 42 is an interesting proposi- which particular Glock you draw in
ment agencies in 15,000 commu- tion, in that it’s now the smallest the moment. That, for many Glock
nities across the country. Since Glock you’ll find on the US mar- carriers, could be huge.
2003, 36 million firearm safety ket—the single stack six round
N
kits (including a cable-style gun
locking device, lock-installment
instructions and a safety booklet)
magazine contributes to that
greatly—in a caliber that the indus-
try is pushing this year towards
Glock
have been distributed free female shooters, new shooters, MODEL: 42
of charge to gun owners and as a deep concealment or WEBSITE: www.glock.com
through partnerships with law backup caliber. The overall size, MSRP: $475
enforcement in all 50 states and though, is larger in many respects Action: STR
five U.S. territories.” than the Ruger LCP and Smith & Caliber: .380 ACP
For more information on getting Wesson Bodyguard, only fraction- Capacity: 6+1
your locks through Project ally smaller than the Smith & Barrel Length: 3.25 inches
ChildSafe, or to support them in Wesson Shield, and virtually the Length: 5.9 inches
their quest to even further reduce same dimensions as the Width: 0.9 inches
firearms-related accidents through Springfield XDs—many of which Height: 4.1 inches
safe storage education and free come in 9mm, a more powerful Weight: 14 ounces
locks, visit them online at and much better respected defen- Features: Smallest Glock on
www.projectchildsafe.org sive cartridge than the .380 ACP. market, safety built into trigger,
The 42 has the same ergonom- white outline rear sight, very light
POCKET GLOCK ics, manual of arms, firing system,
Until the release of the 42, the etc, as the rest of Glock’s hand-
only .380 ACP Glock handguns in guns, making it a natural pairing Whatch for These
the US were restricted to law for those who train with or carry Hot .380 ACPs
enforcement sales. Now the 42 is larger Glock handguns—especially Beretta Pico . . . . . . . . . $399
on the market, bringing the caliber those who carry the 42 as a deep Glock 42 . . . . . . . . . . . $475
to civilians (and law enforcement) concealment backup to their duty Kahr P380 . . . . . . . . . . $649
in a package that is incredibly light Glock or compact Glock carry Ruger LC380 . . . . . . . . $449
and pretty compact—roughly the gun—one set of controls to memo- S&W Bodyguard . . . . . $419
same size, though with a slightly rize, one ergonomic to get used to, Sig Sauer P238 . . . . . . $515
slimmer grip, as their 26 (9mm) one manual of arms to commit to Taurus 738 TCP . . . . . . $356
and 27 (.40 SW) guns…but lighter. muscle memory, regardless of

TRAIN & DEFEND— specifically welcoming to newer SIG’S 938—ßIN .22 LR!
DYNAMIC PAIRING shooters with straightforward, visu- If our coverage of Sig’s P938 has
You’re supposed to train exactly ally similar packaging that clearly you itching to try one, consider this:
as you intend to fight, including states the purpose of each type of you can also have it in .22 LR.
using the exact gun and ammuni- round: training or defense. Unveiled at SHOT is this amazing lit-
tion you carry. That gets really tle pocket 1911-based single action
expensive when talking about high AVAILABLE CALIBERS: pistol with frame-mounted safety,
round count training days with pre- .380 ACP three dot sights, and familiar
mium defensive ammunition rather 95 GRAINS ergonomics…but chambered in
than target loads…but target loads 950 FEET PER SECOND everybody’s favorite rimfire round.
9MM Sig fans have been clamoring for
147 GRAINS .22 LR versions of their popular
950 FEET PER SECOND handguns, and time will tell how
IMAGES BY WINCHESTER
.40 SW popular this concept becomes—it’s

180 GRAINS outwardly identical to their P938, the
925 FEET PER SECOND 9mm subcompact that has a lot of

.38 SPL people talking. So why step down in
130 GRAINS power from the 9mm to the .22 LR?
925 FEET PER SECOND Perhaps when using it as a train-
ing pistol to shoot comparatively
often differ somewhat in finer WWW.WINCHESTER.COM less expensive ammunition than the
details like recoil characteristics 9mm ammo from your regular P938.
and impact points. Perhaps as an intriguing cartridge
With their new Train & Defend line for those with extreme recoil sensi-
of ammunition, Winchester seeks to tivity, or other reasons for a seem-
rectify the situation with a 50 round
box of reasonably priced, reduced

recoil target rounds that are ballisti-
cally paired with newly formulated
reduced recoil personal defense
rounds. The target loads are full

metal jacket, and are loaded with Celebrity sightings abounded, as SHOT Show
lead-free primers—a pretty big deal attendees met actor, Marine, and Glock
spokesman R. Lee Ermey (pictured, with fan)
along with many others popular figures.
for those who train on indoor

ranges, especially where only lead-
free-primed ammunition is allowed.
The defensive rounds, understand-
ably more expensive, are hollow
point affairs designed for excellent
ballistic performance, with recoil

characteristics and point of impact
at defensive ranges very similar—if
not identical—to the training rounds.
Their approach, Winchester told
Concealed Carry Handguns, is 1911s, like the very compact yet full-power .45 ACP (above) and Sig's P938 in .22 LR (below),
remained extremely popular at this year's SHOT Show.

ingly peculiar preference for the .22 thus resting over the muzzle. quieter…while the heavy-for-caliber
LR over the 9mm. Perhaps as a In speaking with Arsenal Inc., they 45-grain bullet provides increased
1911-style-pistol trainer for those wouldn’t set an MSRP, choosing rearward energy during acceleration
with extremely small hands. instead to let dealers set their to reliably cycle most slides in
And perhaps just because it’s prices…but they reported that street semiautomatics. It’s worth a look
totally awesome. prices are upwards of $4,000. for anyone who carries a .22 LR,
Impractical? That’s in the eye of the or practices with one and values
TRUE ODDITIES beholder. Expensive? Undoubtedly. their hearing!
No SHOT Show highlight collec- But unique among modern offer-
tion would be complete without a ings and quite show-stopping? WWW.CCI-AMMUNITION.COM
quick mention of this nameless Undeniably.

piece of subversive craftsmanship,
available exclusively through Arsenal SUPPRESSOR-FRIENDLY GERBER’S DEEP CONCEALMENT
Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada. While AMMUNITION DEFENSIVE BLADE
SHOT Show featured plenty of cre- Those who practice with, or carry, The perfect pairing for your con-
ative personal defense products, .22 LR handguns are familiar with cealed handgun is a concealed knife,
including kubatons and chemical the distinctive crack of the bullets for those many times when you need
sprays, knives and handguns, breaching the sound barrier…and a good general utility blade and those
restraints and armor, nothing quite along with the cartridge discharging, surprising ones when its sudden
compared to this surgery-sharp the noise of a .22 LR from a short service can mean the difference
stainless steel blade knife with a six barreled pistol can be quite painful. between life and death—cutting seat-
shot revolver hidden inside the han- To lessen that report, while still offer- belts to free yourself from a
dle. This concept harkens back to ing a round that will cycle most destroyed vehicle, slicing ropes in a
the days of flintlock pistols being semi-automatics (even with suppres- storm, defeating zip-ties, fending off
built into cutlasses, but provides sors), CCI offers their
the modern spin of concealing the Suppressor 22 ammu-
gun entirely inside the polymer nition with a 45-grain
Showroom Spy Report
handles…and utilizing revolver hollow point projectile Hottest Handgun Style: 1911
components for multiple shots propelled at 970 feet Surprisingly Popular Caliber for 2014: .380 ACP
before reloading. per second. Any Striker Fired Love: Yes, but surprisingly
The hole over the blade is the At that subsonic tempered this year
muzzle for the .22 LR bullets, and velocity, you won’t get Ammo Trend: Lead free primers
the spike over the hole is to keep the crack of the sonic Holster Trend: Elastic anti-bounce styles
the shooter’s fingers from acciden- boom, and the overall Concealment Garments: More discrete than ever
tally wrapping over the guard and report is considerably

Cirrus Pant uses a Teflon

coating to fight moisture,
stains and dirt, and utilizes
a combination of polyester
and cotton material engi-
neered to stretch where you
The Ghoststrike from Gerber has IMAGES BY GERBER
need it for a full, free range
great defensive and general utility. of motion. The secret to
attackers until you can draw these pants: they’re cut for
(or recover) your gun… a woman’s figure, without
Gerber makes great multi- cutting any corners.
tools and pocket knives, but These Cirrus Women’s
new is their foray into deep Pants are engineered for
concealment blades like the female law enforcement offi-
Ghoststrike. With various cers and military personnel,
sheath options, you can wear tactically-oriented civilians,
it on a neck cord, in their competitive shooters, and
The Ghoststrike Ankle Sheath keeps your ankle holster, on your hip, or other females whose gar-
blade discrete beneath your pants leg. horizontally in the small of ments need to perform well
your back. beyond the design parame-
ters of department store fash-
WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM ion…all the while, providing a
fit and overall design tailored
WOMEN’S to a woman’s figure.
What’s Up With the .380 ACP? TACTICAL PANTS
Glock and Beretta both made huge deals out Designed for women, and MSRP: $74.99
of their new .380 ACP guns this year, and other designed for rough duty in WWW.511TACTICAL.COM
makers—like Taurus with their 738 TCP, Kahr hostile environments, 5.11’s
with the P380, and Sig Sauer with their P238— XDS GOES LONG
had .380 ACP pocket guns on display, too. What’s Most handguns are carried
with the sudden resurgence of marketing and vertically, with the muzzle
development behind the .380 ACP? pointing down. That means
The industry scuttlebutt follows National their big limitations for con-
Shooting Sports Foundation findings that the new cealability are height (from the
shooters entering our market are more urban bottom of the magazine to
the top of the rear sight) and
than ever, are concerned with personal and home
width (which contributes to
protection, and are particularly skittish about
how far from your body it
recoil (and fear of recoil). Readily concealable
sticks out), with length from
handguns are a driving force in the market, and rear to muzzle being an
with many established companies already deeply almost minor concern—with
invested in the Big Three—9mm, .40 SW, and that axis extending along a
.45 ACP—it was a natural to diversify offerings somewhat straight part of
into a caliber and platform that’s at home inside your body, rather than stick-
your front pants pocket and has newer-shooter- ing out from a curve in your
friendly recoil. side, you can more easily
IMAGE BY 5.11 TACTICAL
Granted, a .380 ACP polymer framed gun will conceal a long handgun than
feel snappier with defensive loads than a full-size a tall one.
9mm with practice loads…but in the grand So why not put a four inch
scheme of things, the .380 ACP is a less intimi- barrel into a subcompact?
dating cartridge for newer shooters. Add in that That was perhaps the germ
more women are getting into shooting now than The Women’s Cirrus Pant from 5.11
of inspiration behind
ever, and that on the balance they have smaller Tactical is designed for hard-use, Springfield’s 9mm XDs 4.0,
hands than men, and the .380 ACP has a large but with a degree of street-ready which features a four inch
and eager market share for whom it may solve style…and pockets that are actually barrel and consequently
several problems at once! useful—we don’t need to tell our higher velocity, longer sight
female readers how rare that is! radius, minimal 2-ounce
IMAGES BY SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

additional weight, decreased muz-
zle flip, and increased accuracy
potential…in a pistol that is other-
wise the same dimensions as their
XDs 3.3. We banged out a few
flawless runs on plate racks with
one at the range before SHOT
Show, and were impressed with
both the concept and execution!
Springfield
MODEL: XDS 9 4.0
WEBSITE:
www.springfield-armory.com
MSRP: $599
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Length: 7 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
Features: 2-dot rear sight, fiber
optic front sight, short reset trigger,
long barrel for type CC
CC1460-016-021-MICRO.JBx 1/28/14 3:06 AM Page 16
MICRO
HANDGUNS
Tiny Frames…Meet
Surprising Power!
PHOTO BY DAVE NORMAN

Why You Need One

The smallest practical, production handguns on
the market, these micro guns range from truly
tiny—like the micro revolvers from North
American Arms—to just about the smallest you
can get for their caliber (like the .45 COLT / .410
bore derringers). If you need a backup gun, look
here first. If you need a deep, deep concealment
gun, or one you can carry in creative locations, a
micro design could fit the bill unlike any other.
What’s Hot About

Micro Handguns?
• Tiny Size—They Hide Anywhere!
• Great Backup Guns
• “KISS” -Compliant—Super Simple!
• Two Full Power Cartridges…
…or 5 Shots of .22 Rimfire!
…and What’s Challenging

About Them?
• Hard to Shoot Accurately
• Lowered Velocities
• Slow to Reload
• Limited Shots

MICRO HANDGUNS
American Derringer
MODEL: DA38
WEBSITE: www.amderringer.com
MSRP: $690
Action: DA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 3.3 inches Hot Feature: This truly unique
Length: 4.7 inches derringer is double action—no
Width: 1.1 inches hammers to cock, just point
Height: 3.3 inches and squeeze!
Weight: 14.5 ounces
Features: Rather unique double-
action derringer, very concealable,
fixed sights
American Derringer
MODEL: M7
MSRP: $775
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 2
Length: 4.8 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Height: 3.3 inches
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Features: Aluminum construction for lightweight,
automatic barrel selection, very light weight
Bond Arms
MODEL: COWBOY DEFENDER
W
WEBSITE: www.bondarms.com
MSRP: $405
A
Action: SA
C
Caliber: .45 COLT / .410 Shotshell
C
Capacity: 2
Length: 5 inches
Height: 3.75 inches
W
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: Interchangeable barrels, spring-loaded
s
cammed locking lever, extremely powerful
v
Bond Arms
MODEL: SNAKE SLAYER
MSRP: $505
Action: SA
Capacity: 2
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Length: 6.25 inches
Height: 4.3 inches
Weight: 23.5 ounces
Features: Interchangeable barrels,
fixed sights, automatic extractor
Hot Feature: Bond Arms’ derringers

are built with wide barrel interchange-
ability, so you can order barrels in .22
LR through .45 COLT / .410 Shotshell
…and a lot of calibers in between!
Bond Arms
MODEL: TEXAS DEFENDER
MSRP: $415
Action: SA
Capacity: 2
Length: 5 inches
Height: 3.75 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
Features: Interchangeable barrels,
spring-loaded cammed locking lever,
extremely powerful, available in a wide
variety of calibers
MICRO HANDGUNS
Heizer
Defense North
American
MODEL: DOUBLE TAP
WEBSITE:
www.heizerfirearms.com
Arms
MODEL: BLACK WIDOW VENOM
MSRP: $499 WEBSITE:
Action: DA www.northamericanarms.com
Caliber: .45 ACP MSRP: $423
Capacity: 2 Action: SA
Barrel Length: 3 inches Caliber: .22 WMR
Length: 5.5 inches Capacity: 5
Width: 0.7 inches Barrel Length: 2 inches
Height: 3.9 inches Length: 7.9 inches
Weight: 12 ounces Hot Feature: The Double Width: 1 inch
Features: Unique double-action Tap holds two more .45 Height: 3.7 inches
design, carries two spare rounds ACP rounds on their custom Weight: 10.8 ounces
on an included speed strip in stripper clip concealed in Features: Fixed sights, Laserlyte
the grip panel the grip! under barrel laser, vented top rib,
ergonomic two-finger grip
North American Arms

MODEL: MINI MASTER magnum rimfire cartridge helps make up for
WEBSITE: the short barrel of the Black Widow Venom,
www.northamericanarms.com while the four inch barrel on the Mini Master
MSRP: $473 gets even more velocity out of the same
Action: SA magnum defensive cartridges. The addition
Caliber: .22 WMR of the Laserlyte under barrel laser, which
Capacity: 5 makes each into the “any given model” really
Barrel Length: 4 inches sets them apart from the rest of North
Length: 7.9 inches American Arms’ extensive catalog of palm-
Width: 1 inch of-your-hand revolvers…and extends their
Height: 3.7 inches utility to really help you hit what you’re aim-
Weight: 10.8 ounces ing at under duress. While the .22 WMR car-
Features: Adjustable target sights, vented tridge might not be many shooters’ idea of
top rib, surprisingly long barrel an ideal every day carry cartridge, the
North American Arms makes the most diminutive nature of these revolvers makes
popular micro revolvers on the market, them ideal for every day carry backup and
chambering them in .22 SHORT, .22 LR, extremely discrete carry where you might not
and—as these two examples of their rather otherwise be able to go lawfully armed at all
deep catalog show—even .22 WMR. The without detection.

North American Arms

MODEL: .22 MAG HOLSTER /
GRIP COMBO
WEBSITE:
www.northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $244
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 5
Length: 5.25 in or 5.75 inches
Width: 0.9 inches
Height: 2.9 inches
Weight: 6.2 ounces
Features: Grip folds under pistol,
accepts .22 LR cartridges, doesn’t
“print” as a gun
Hot Feature: That grip folds up over the gun so it doesn’t

look like a gun as it rides where your pocket knife would!
North Discover the

American World of Firearms
Arms at Your Fingertips.
MODEL: MAG 1.1 Visit our new website Today! www.gunworld.com
WEBSITE:
www.northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $219
Action: SA
Caliber: .22 WMR
Find us on
Capacity: 5
Length: 4.75 inches
Width: 0.9 inches Discover the
Height: 2.9 inches
Weight: 5.9 ounces
world of firearms at
Features: Extremely short for caliber, your fingertips.
reloads by removing the cylinder,
exceedingly compact
www.gunworld.com
CC1450-022-029-SIG.BA.JBx 1/28/14 3:26 AM Page 22
The P938 looked the part for what it was:

a miniature 1911. The rear of the grip
and the trigger itself had texture, which is
handy for controlling a small, lightweight
gun pushing out 9mm rounds.
THE SIG SAUER

P938 PISTOL,
A SMALLER 1911
By Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis
…with exclusive photos from P.J. Ryan and Jim Weiss

According to Sig Sauer: With the introduction of the P938, Sig Sauer now A firm grip should be used when firing such a lightweight pistol. A light
offers the ballistic advantage of the 9mm cartridge in a platform similar grip can cause pistol malfunction. Sergeant John Connor demonstrates.
in size to the best-selling P238 pistol.
W
ith dimensions just slightly larger than SGT. CONNOR’S REPORT
its .380ACP counterpart, the P938 Inspired by the popularity of the Sig Sauer P238 .380
ACP pistol, the company developed the Sig Sauer P938.
packs six plus one rounds of 9mm Both the P238 and P938 function like a John Browning-
into an all-metal frame. The cocked-and-locked, designed US 1911 Pistol, single action with an external
safety. The P938 also has Sig Sauer night sights.
single-action trigger gives the P938 unmatched My case included one flush-fitting, six-round maga-
accuracy in a pistol its size. That’s big news for a zine, two seven-round magazines, and a grip extension.
This grip extension feature proved to be a popular one
little gun, and there’s more. According to Sig with medium- to large-handed shooters. My gun also
Sauer, “With the introduction of the P938™, Sig included a Kydex® holster that would clip over a belt,
a trend of several gun manufacturers that I applaud.
Sauer now offers the ballistic advantage of the Right out of the box, the P938 has the aesthetics that
9mm cartridge in a platform similar in size to the one would expect from Sig Sauer. It looked the part for
what it was: a miniature 1911. The rear of the grip and
best-selling P238 pistol. A single-action-only the trigger itself had texture, which is handy for control-
trigger, coupled with full-size Siglite® Night Sights ling a small, lightweight gun pushing out 9mm defensive
rounds. The grip itself was longer from front to back,
makes the P938 handle like a much larger pistol, making it feel more like a full-sized pistol and less like
yet is still easy to carry concealed.” a compact.
The P938 fed everything I could load into it without
incident. This included Winchester and Federal 115-
FAMILIAR FEATURES grain FMJ, CCI Blazer rounds, and Speer Gold Dot
Fans of the 1911 will find the thumb safety, magazine ammunition. From 20 feet, I could consistently hit a
release and slide stop lever in familiar places. An roofing nail. From 20 yards, the groups stayed within
ambidextrous safety makes the P938 easy for left- and a 6-inch circle. With the extended seven-round maga-
right-handed shooters. An extended seven-round magazines, the weapon felt like a full-sized weapon in my
zine is available. hands, and felt very comfortable.
Our evaluations are basically law enforcement oriented The holster proved to be good quality, but it was not
and not military, so we do not bury the guns in sand or a retention-type holster.
dirt, or soak them in water before firing. Our tests are Since I own a 1911, when I first heard I would be
designed to prove, to us before you, that a gun is suit- shooting this gun, I was excited. However, the balloon
able for law enforcement (or civilian) use. So let’s see burst when I started firing. The trigger on the P938 is
how the P938 performed! rated between 7.5 pounds and 8 pounds, most likely to
CC1450-022-029-SIG.BA.JBx 1/30/14 10:19 PM Page 24
We measured the average trigger

pull at 6 pounds 10 ounces.
“ Right out of the box, the P938 has the aesthetics

“
that one would expect from Sig Sauer...
make the weapon safe for con- Defense Instructor, and a Certified
Caution cealed carry. My gun’s trigger felt Israeli Instinctive Shooting Instructor.
Over-extension of the ejector during very stiff and mechanical, which I’m He is currently involved in firearms
assembly may cause the ejector to sure would loosen up after a few development, training, and tactics.
bind, preventing shell casings from hundred rounds. But the SIG P938
ejecting during firing. wasn’t like shooting a 1911 with its ...AND HIS REVIEW
short, crisp trigger, which is the The P938 is labeled by Sig Sauer
biggest selling point to creating a as having a micro compact frame,
1911-style weapon in this evalua- being single action only, and being
Evaluation Criteria tor’s opinion. a slim and lightweight 9mm pistol.
4 Top Problems of In addition, my duty weapon and Upon opening the lockable black
Gun Malfunction the majority of my personal plastic pistol case our demo model
weapons are double action only, so had a look and feel that should
When this writing team evaluates the SIG P938 is not a gun I would appeal to micro compact pistol
any firearm, we take into account carry. Under stress in a life or death lovers who know the workings of a
that the four main problems of a situation, I don’t want to think about 1911 series pistol. Knowledge of the
malfunctioning gun are, in order: safeties or chambering a round. workings of a 1911 series pistol,
1 ammunition issues But if you are a 1911 fan, and and completely reading and under-
2 shooter error familiar with the safeties and manual standing of the P938 owners’
of arms of 1911s, this would be a manual, is highly recommended.
3 faulty magazine
great pocket gun with respectable The assembly and disassembly of
4 faulty gun firepower. With the exception of the a 1911 and P938 are different; it
If a magazine is at fault, we con- trigger, this is the high quality com- is important to follow the owner
tact the dealer or manufacturer to pact pistol one would expect from manual’s instructions.
address that issue. If the problem is Sig Sauer. According to Sig Sauer, our test
with the gun itself, we do not write P938 Extreme has a Nitron-coated,
the article, something made clear THE ARMORER... stainless slide with front and rear
ahead of time to our contact person P. J. Ryan is a retired law enforce- cocking serrations, eternal extractor,
at the manufacturer or dealer. ment officer from the Southeast. and black anodized frame. Hogue
There were no malfunctions with During his career, he was a law G-10 Piranha grips (aka “Extreme
the SIG P938 pistol that our team field enforcement firearms instructor, a Grips”) in black and grey provide a
evaluated. This is the third SIG firearm L.E. Armorer, a member of his rough and textured surface area that
that we have put to the test and none agency’s Emergency Response even the smallest hands will appre-
of them had malfunction issues. Team, a Certified Edged Weapon ciate. Adding to a good grip, the
Awareness and Spontaneous Knife same surface is found on the main-
Our P938 performed flawlessly with defensive (and

practice) loads from Federal, Winchester, and Cor-Bon.
Disassembly was straightforward, and

revealed beautifully simple mechanics.

The Winchester SXT

round in the
installed magazine
is held in perfect
alignment for reli-
able feeding.
The pistol’s diminutive frame is, not surprisingly,

accessible to those with narrower fingers and
smaller hands, extending its appeal as a pri-
“pocket
This would be a great
gun with
respectable firepower…
“
mary carry gun.
spring housing. The front strap of engaged, the P938 still permits
About John Connor — the handgrip is checkered, which the slide to move rearward for
also provides additional gripping inspection, loading, or unloading
Field Evaluator surface. That same tactical touch a round in the chamber.
Police Sergeant John Connor is a is found on the trigger in the form Sig Sauer states the single
trainer from Emerald Shield Tactical of vertical grooves. action trigger pull is anywhere
Concepts. The company prepares law Further up the handgrip is a between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds.
enforcement officers to prevail in any on small beavertail (minus the grip The well-used demo I evaluated
or off duty encounter through courses safety of the 1911 series) that was tested using a Lyman digital
and tactics using non-lethal training a person with larger hands can trigger pull gauge, and ten pulls
ammunition and live-fire scenarios. It appreciate without worrying averaged at 6 pounds 10 ounces.
focuses its training in high liability about the slide biting any part Unloaded, the test model
areas, and its instructors are sworn of the hand. weighed 17.20 ounces with its
Florida-based LE trainers who are still Ambidextrous thumb safeties standard six-round magazine.
current law enforcement officers, and are located above and to the rear When loaded with Winchester
whose backgrounds include control of both sides of the handgrip. The Ranger SXT 127grain 9mm +P+
tactics/martial arts, SWAT, use of force, thumb safety on a standard 1911 ammunition, the Sig P938 with its
and firearms certification. series pistol works in a different standard 6-round magazine (+1
fashion from the P938. for a total 7 rounds) weighs a
Sergeant Connor is a long-time mem-
Notably missing is a slide lock mere 20.25 ounces.
ber of his police department’s SWAT
notch as is found on a standard For aiming purposes, the P938
team, and has participated in various
1911 series pistol. This, when Extreme has full-size Siglite Night
competitions, most notably seven times engaged on a cocked or uncocked Sights, which gives the three-inch
at SWAT Round-Up International. hammer, completely locks any barrel a generous four-inch sight
www.emeraldshieldconcepts.com slide movement. With the hammer radius.
cocked and the thumb safety The standard six- round

Sergeant John Connor draws

the P938 from a concealed
“ The P938 Extreme has

full-size Siglite Night Sights,
which gives the three-inch
carry holster and is able to bring
it immediately to bear, thanks to
its very short overall length.
“
barrel a generous four-inch
sight radius…
magazine is made of steel, has five

witness holes on each side, and fits
flush inside the magazine well. The
seven-round extended magazine is
also made out of steel, has six witness
holes on each side, and a magazine
bumper/finger rest on the bottom which
accommodates a good grip.
If you have use for a daily carry, single
stack, 9mm, 1911 –styled micro pistol,
you should give consideration to this
latest gem from Sig Sauer. CC

Sig P938
Basics
IMAGES BY SIG SAUER

What You Need to Know
By Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis
P938 Equinox
he most compact 9mm in the Sig Sauer product SIG P938 OPERATION HIGHLIGHTS
T line, the P938 is—or will be soon—available in

at least these five configurations, with myriad
variations of each. Which one suits you?
The basic operation of the P938 should be familiar
to those with experience on the 1911 platform…it’s
just far smaller, and slightly different in minute—but
important—ways. Here’s how to make the P938
P938 EXTREME – Following in the footsteps of work for you.
other Extreme models, this P938 has a Nitron®-coat-
ed stainless slide and black anodized frame. Hogue LOADING AND FIRING
G-10 Piranha grips in black and grey provide maxi- To load the pistol, point it in a safe direction, insert a
mum traction and a distinctive look. full magazine, and ensure that it is engaged. Pull the
sidle back fully and release, allowing the slide to fly
P938 ROSEWOOD – This configuration features a forward. The thumb safety is “on” when it is up.
Nitron-coated stainless steel slide over a dark hard When firing the pistol, aim it at a safe target. Place
anodized alloy frame. Hogue® Rosewood Grips round the thumb safety “off” (safety down). Place finger on
out this package. trigger and pull back to discharge. Keep the pistol
aimed at the target and continue to fire as required.
P938 EQUINOX – Featured as part of this configu- A firm grip should be used when firing such a light-
ration are a polished Nitron two-tone slide paired with weight pistol. A light grip can cause pistol malfunction.
a black hard coat anodized frame. Tru-Glo® front and
Siglite rear sights and Hogue black Diamondwood UNLOADING
grips complete this package. To unload the pistol, remove the magazine. To com-
pletely unload it means emptying both the magazine
BLACK RUBBER GRIP – This lightweight, all-metal and any chambered cartridge.
pistol builds on the trusted P238 platform, delivering When unloading the pistol when the magazine isn’t
accuracy and reliability with duty caliber performance. empty, place the thumb safety “on” (safety up),
Features include a microcompact frame, slim and depress the magazine catch, and remove the maga-
lightweight 9mm chambering, and familiar single zine. Then pull the slide back to the rear and lock it
action only operation. open with the slide stop. Visually and manually check
the chamber to ensure the pistol is completely free of
NIGHTMARE – This SIG P938 configuration fea- ammunition.
tures a black hard coat anodized frame and Nitron To unload the pistol when the magazine is empty,
coated slide, black G-10 grips and nickel accents. retract the slide to the locked-open position (if not

“offamiliar
The basic operation
the P938 should be UNSURPASSED
CAPACITY
to those with
experience on the“
P938 Black
Rubber Grips
1911 platform…it’s
just far smaller…
CZ P-09
With 19+1 in its flush fitting
magazine, the P -09 can’t be beat
when it comes to 9mm service pistols.
P938 Extreme P938 Nightmare
there already), depress the maga-

zine catch, remove the magazine,
visually and manually check the
chamber to ensure the pistol is
completely free of ammunition, and
depress the slide stop, causing the
slide to close.
P938 Rosewood
CLEARING JAMS
When clearing a jam caused by
an unfired cartridge or fired car-
tridge case that has become
MAIN FEATURES
t*OUFSDIBOHFBCMFCBDLTUSBQT
jammed between the slide and the t$POWFSUJCMF TBGFUZPSEFDPDLFS
barrel, keep the barrel pointed in a t0NFHBUSJHHFSTZTUFN
safe direction, remove the maga- t1PMZNFSGSBNFXJUI1JDBUJOOZSBJM
zine, pull back the slide and lock it t NN 48 1
t5XPNBHB[JOFT
to the rear by pushing up the slide tZFBSXBSSBOUZ
catch lever. The jammed cartridge P938 Black
or case can now be removed by Wood Grips
shaking or picking it out.
ONLY THE BEST AMMO

Sig Sauer also warns against
and disclaims responsibility for
any damage or injury in connection
with, or as a result of, the use in
any Sig Sauer firearm of faulty,
“ A firm grip should
be used when firing
such a lightweight
non-standard, “remanufactured,” or
hand-loaded/reloaded ammunition, pistol. A light “ 1305&$5t)6/5t$0.1&5&
or cartridges other than those for grip can cause pistol
which the firearm was originally
chambered. CC
malfunction… www.cz-usa.com

CC1460-030-034-POCKET.BA.JB 1/28/14 3:32 AM Page 30
POCKET
PISTOLS
PHOTO BY JIM WEISS

Why You Need One

Pocket-sized semis usually fall outside of
the design families (mechanically similar sub-
compact, compact, and full-size models with
interchangeable magazines and parts) from the
major brands…which is a boon to those who
can’t find the “right” fit among headline-grab-
bing models but still want a trusted name in
defensive firearms. There are some specialty
makers, too, who have just about perfected
pocket guns. They fit in jacket pockets and
often in pants pockets, and quality holster
manufacturers make some clever wallet-
shaped holsters that mount to the guns so that
they “print” inconspicuously…and draw, cycle,
and fire, just fine with the holster still attached!
What’s Hot About Pocket

Semi-Automatics?
• Diminutive firepower
• Unique designs
• Streamlined function
• Low recoil
…and What’s Challenging

About Them?
• Limited round count
• Too Small for some hands
• Limited accuracy potential

POCKET PISTOLS
American
Derringer
MODEL: LM 4 Semmerling
MSRP: $3,800
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 4+1
Length: 5.2 inches
UNIQUE DESIGN: the Width: 1 inch
barrel moves forward Height: 3.7 inches
manually to eject the Weight: 24 ounces
empty cartridge and Features: Beautifully engraved
rearwards manually to grips, unique manual-repeater
load a new one, to action, unique style, extremely
keep the design powerful cartridge in small
extremely compact for package
a full-power .45 ACP
pocket gun!
Beretta
MODEL: TOMCAT
WEBSITE: www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $390
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .32 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 4.9 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Height: 3.7 inches
Weight: 14.5 ounces
Features: Tip-up barrel, crisp
trigger in single action, surprisingly
manageable recoil

MODEL: BU9 NANO

MSRP: $475
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.6 inches
Width: 0.9 inches
Height: 4.2 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
Beretta Features: Adjustable sights,
striker-fired, tiny for a 9mm
Cylinder & Slide

MODEL: 2008
WEBSITE: www.cylinder-slide.com
MSRP: $ POR
Action: SA
TRUE CUSTOM: Caliber: .45 ACP
C&S only makes 50 Capacity: 7+1
of these a year, and Barrel Length: 4 inches
they’re gone quick- Length: 6.75 inches
ly…because these Width: 1 inch
classic 1903 Pocket Weight: 24 ounces
Model-based guns Features: 1911-style grip safety, rounded
perform better than snag-free edges and design, extremely
the originals! low profile sights, distinctive hardwood
Cylinder & Slide grips
Kel-Tec
MODEL: P32
WEBSITE: www.keltecweapons.com
MSRP: $318
Action: DAO
Caliber: .32 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 5.1 inches
Width: 0.75 inches
Height: 3.5 inches
Weight: 6.6 ounces
Features: Locked breech, light
trigger, lightweight

POCKET PISTOLS
Kel-Tec
MODEL: PF9 Length: 5.9 inches
WEBSITE: Width: 0.9 inches
www.keltecweapons.com Height: 4.3 inches
MSRP: $333 Weight: 13 ounces
Action: DAO Features: Accessory rail,
Caliber: 9mm magazine includes finger
Capacity: 7+1 rest, extremely light,
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches various color choices
INEXPENSIVE POWER: This Kel-Tec beats just about

everyone for price, and power (9mm!), and diminutive size!
MODEL: GUARDIAN 380 ACP

WEBSITE: www.northamericanarms.com
MSRP: $449
Action: DAO
North Caliber: .380 ACP

Capacity: 6+1
American Barrel Length: 2.5 inches

Length: 4.8 inches
Arms Width: 0.9 inches

Height: 3.5 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: Stippled grip for control, very short
height, 2.5-inch barrel for improved velocity
Polymer frame double action

MODEL: BODYGUARD 380 only designs in .380 are de rigeur
WEBSITE: for modern pocket pistols, and
www.smith-wesson.com Smith & Wesson’s Bodyguard
MSRP: $419 380 is one of the flagships
Action: DAO embodiments of the type. With a
Caliber: .380 ACP barrel length under three inches
Capacity: 6+1 and weight at just 12 ounces,
Barrel Length: 2.75 inches this is an extremely concealable
Length: 5.25 inches handgun. The Bodyguard
Weight: 12 ounces features an integral laser that
Features: Polymer frame, greatly aids in quickly pointing
stainless steel slide, sights the pistol effectively at your tar-
Smith & similar to M&P sights, mold-
ed grip for ergonomic fit
get—even when you can’t see the
surprisingly useful (for a pocket
Wesson pistol) iron sights—propelling it
towards the head of itsCCclass.

CC_1405_35 1/28/14 12:33 AM Page 35
CC1460-036-047-SUBCOMPSEMIS.BA.JB 1/28/14 3:48 AM Page 36
SUBCOMPACT
SEMIS
Awesome Power for
Deep Concealment
What's Hot About Subcompact

Semi-automatics?
• Serious Defensive Calibers
• Serious Capacity
• Easily Concealed
• Intuitive, Useful Sights
• Includes Smallest “Family” Members
What’s Challenging
About Them?
• Heavy Recoil for Size
• No Room for Little Finger
Hot Tip
If a subcompact you like has a compact or
full-size variant, see if the larger size’s maga-
zines (in the same caliber, of course) will work
in your subcompact. Many will, offering you an
inexpensive and ready supply of “full capacity”
magazines for your subcompact gun.

Why You Need One

It’s easy to find a 9mm subcompact from
many of the top brands in defensive handguns,
and without changing any external dimension,
you can usually find the same model in a .40
SW variant—that means this size is the smallest
you can go and reliably find established,
accepted defensive calibers. You’ll also find
many models for which there are finger-scoop
baseplates that give your little finger a place
to rest, and high capacity magazines that
extend the grip (and your firepower) should
you need to reload. You can expect these
robust, yet diminutive, guns to stand up to
practice, training, recreational shooting, and
daily carry…for years.
PHOTO BY KAHR

SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
Beretta
MODEL: PX4 STORM SUBCOMPACT
MSRP: $575
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.2 inches
Also Check Out: Beretta’s Width: 1.4 inches
complete Px4 storm Height: 4.8 inches
line…from subcompact to Weight: 26 ounces
full size and even a carbine! Features: Accessory rail, ambidextrous
safety/decocker, smallest Storm
Bersa
MODEL: THUNDER 380 CC
WEBSITE: www.bersa.com
MSRP: $323
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6 inches
Width: 1 inch
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 16.4 ounces
Features: Drift-adjustable rear
sight, sculpted grip, bobbed
low-profile hammer

Boberg Arms
MODEL: XR9-S
WEBSITE: www.bobergarms.com
MSRP: $995
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 5.1 inches
Width: 0.96 inches
Remember Our Review: In the Height: 4.2 inches
fall issue we found the XR9-S to Weight: 17.5 ounces
be shockingly accurate…and a Features: Truly unique operation,
lot of fun to shoot! very compact for barrel-length,
rotating locking barrel
Colt
MODEL: NEW AGENT
WEBSITE: www.coltsmfg.com
MSRP: $885
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.75 inches
Weight: 22.5 ounces
Features: Slim-fit double diamond
grips, trench-style no-snag sight squeeze the double action only
milled into frame, extremely stream- trigger without ever having to worry
lined design about thumbing off a safety or other-
Colt’s New Agent almost belongs wise rendering it ready to fire from its
in the 1911 Buyer’s Guide, but is more carry condition. The lack of sights
at home here with the plethora of takes a bit of getting used to, but for
deep concealment double action only the ranges at which this pistol is
handguns. It happens, though, to be a intended to be used—contact out to
direct descendant of the 1911 design just a few feet—you likely won’t have
while also sharing the modern touch- either the time or the need for them
es and design enhancements that anyway. The slide release, magazine
help it truly excel as a subcompact. release, and general appearance are
The frame mounted and grip safeties faithful to the 1911…but most impor-
are gone, as are the sights. When you tantly, it’s faithful to its forebear’s
need to make the New Agent fire, just caliber: .45 ACP!

CC_1405_40 1/27/14 10:49 PM Page 40
CC_1405_41 1/27/14 10:51 PM Page 41
SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: G27
WEBSITE: www.glock.com
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 9+1
Glock Barrel Length: 3.43 inches

Length: 6.5 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 4.2 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
The G27 accepts other Glock Features: White outline rear
.40 SW magazines…including sight, polymer frame for light-
those for the extended-slide weight, combat trigger guard,
Practical/Tactical G35! double stack magazine
e
g.
er
Glock
MODEL: G39
MSRP: $614
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 GAP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.5 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 4.2 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
Features: White outline rear
sight, polymer frame for light-
weight, combat trigger guard,
double stack magazine

MODEL: CM9
WEBSITE: www.kahr.com
MSRP: $517
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.5 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 4.2 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: Polymer frame for
Kahr Arms weight reduction, very narrow,

stippled grips for control
MODEL: P380
MSRP: $649
Action: DAO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Kahr Length: 4.9 inches

Width: 0.75 inches
Arms Height: 3.9 inches

Weight: 11 ounces
Features: Textured polymer grip, very
compact design, optional Crimson
Trace laser, optional night sights
Kimber
MODEL: SOLO CARRY
WEBSITE: www.kimberamerica.com
MSRP: $747
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5 inches
Width: 1 inch
Weight: 17 ounces
Features: Low profile white dot
Check out Zack Carlson’s sights, 1911-inspired design in
review of the Solo on page striker-fired configuration, three-dot
48 on this issue! combat sights, aluminum frame

SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: SR40C
WEBSITE: www.ruger.com
MSRP: $529
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 6.9 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Ruger Height: 4.6 inches

Weight: 23.4 ounces
Features: Interchangeable
backstrap, polymer frame to
save weight, ambidextrous
mag release, optional 15+1
extended magazine
MODEL: LC9 here to show the small end of

MSRP: $449
the subcompact spectrum—a
7+1 round 9mm with a barrel Ruger
Action: DAO just over 3 inches long and a
Caliber: 9mm total unloaded weight of only
Capacity: 7+1 17 ounces. Modern subcom-
Barrel Length: 3.12 inches pact semi-autos are designed
Length: 6.0 inches for snag-free presentation,
Width: 0.9 inches with attention to rounded
Height: 4.5 inches edges, straightforward opera-
Weight: 17 ounces tion (like striker-fired and
Features: Snag-free double action only designs),
ergonomic design, low profile and the LC9 fits these
adjustable sights, accessory descriptions perfectly. You
rail, smooth trigger pull can even have yours outfitted
Ruger’s LC9 is tempting to at the factory with Crimson
include with the pocket pis- Trace Lasergrips (as pictured
tols for its extremely compact for your excitement), so that it
dimensions and single stack arrives ready for action
magazine, but we combined it straight out of the box!
MODEL: P224
WEBSITE: www.sigsauer.com
MSRP: $1,125
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 6.7 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 25.4 ounces
Sig Sauer Features: Palm swell, double stack

magazine, snag-free sights, miniscule
package for a Sig design

Sig Sauer
MODEL: P238
MSRP: $693
Action: SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 5.5 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Height: 3.9 inches
Weight: 15 ounces
Features: Cocked-and-locked single
Check out the full field review of
action carry, 1911-style in a subcom-
the P238 in this issue, on page 22!
pact, many finishes/colors available
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: SHIELD
WEBSITE: www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $449
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.1 inches
Width: 0.95 inches
Height: 4.6 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: Frame-mounted safety, low-profile
combat sights, polymer frame for incredible
lightness, frame-mounted safety
Hot Lineage: The smallest M&P model, the Shield positions on the magazine release, slide release,
weighs only 19 ounces and is just barely over 6 and takedown lever, and the same style of grips as
inches long! on the larger M&P models…just truncated in length
Smith & Wesson’s modern lineup of powerhouse and height, with the concomitant reduction in
personal defense arms starts on the tiny end with weight that helps make the Shield an ideal deep
their Bodyguard 380, an extremely compact .380 concealment or backup gun. Plus, it’s chambered
ACP semi-auto with a laser sight. Next up in terms of in the 9mm, a very common caliber among all sizes
size is this M&P Shield, a 9mm that is directly in the of defensive guns—meaning that if you standardize
M&P family of firearms—visually, ergonomically, and on the 9mm, you can easily bring a Shield into
conceptually. You’ll find the same sights, the same your fold.

SUBCOMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: XD(M) 3.8 9MM
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $697
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 19+1
Length: 7 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Grip safety, trigger
Springfield safety, fiber optic front sight,

outstanding capacity, snag-free
rear combat sight
MODEL: XDS 9
WEBSITE: www.springfield-armory.com
MSRP: $549
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 6.25 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 4.75 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
Springfield Features: 3-Dot drift-adjustable & inter-

changeable rear sight, accepts full-size XD
magazines, compact length
Capacity: 5+1
Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 21.5 ounces
Features: 2-dot rear sight, fiber optic front sight, short
reset trigger, available in 9mm (7+1)
Springfield’s XD line starts at the large end with
their XD Tactical handguns (in .45 ACP, .40 SW, and
9mm) and includes four sizes as they descend in
dimensions down to the diminutive—and incredibly
popular right now—XDs. The XDs is the smallest XD
Springfield model currently in production, and utilizes a single

stack magazine and 3.3-inch barrel (in .45 ACP, or 3-
inch barrel in 9mm) to keep dimensions down to only
6.3 inches long and 21.5 ounces (26 ounces for the
MODEL: XDS 45 9mm). The ergonomics feel like a scaled-down version
WEBSITE: www.springfield-armory.com of the full size XD, which makes the grip—especially
MSRP: $599 when used with extended magazines that feature grip
Action: DAO extension sleeves—a very appealing size for shooters
Caliber: .45 ACP with medium to petite hands.

Taurus
MODEL: 709 SLIM
WEBSITE:
www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $349
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: Low profile fixed
sights, ergonomic design,
snag-free controls
Dillon Leather
Walther
MODEL: PPK
by Mitch Rosen!
WEBSITE: www.waltheramerica.com
MSRP: $626 5JR-DL $75
Action: DA/SA A full-length belt slide that offers all-day
comfort and superior concealment for an
outside-the-pants belt holster.
Caliber: .380 ACP
Beretta 92 K01-18817
Capacity: 6+1 Colt Government Model K01-18810
Colt Commander K01-18811
Barrel Length: 3.4 inches Colt Officers K01-18812
Length: 6.1 inches CZ-75 K01-18823
Glock 17, 22, 31 K01-18813
Width: 1.0 inches Glock 19, 23, 32 K01-18814
Glock 26, 27, 33 K01-18815
Height: 3.9 inches Glock 20, 21 K01-18816
Makarov K01-18819
Weight: 22.4 ounces SIG P220, P226 K01-18818
Features: James Bond’s original SIG P228, P229 K01-18827
S&W M&P 9mm/.40 K01-19011
defensive pistol, sleek profile, S&W M&P .45 ACP K01-19012
S&W 2” J-Frame Revolver K01-18820
snag-free design, decocking lever CC S&W 4” K-Frame Revolver K01-18821
S&W 4” Lugged Bbl. L-Fr. Rev. K01-18822
S&W 4” Light Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18824
Cool History: James Bond’s original S&W 4” Lugged Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18826
S&W 5” Lugged Bbl. N-Fr. Rev. K01-18894
sidearm was a Beretta .25 ACP, but Springfield Armory XD 4” K01-18825
Springfield Armory XD 5” K01-18874
in 1958’s “Dr. No” he was issued his Ruger 2.25” SP-101 Revolver K01-18828
iconic Walther PPK—the iconic
sidearm that would stick with him www.dillonprecision.com
for many more adventures! FREE Catalog K01-14690, Call 800-762-3845

CC1450-048-055-SOLO.BA.JBcx 1/30/14 10:56 PM Page 48
POCKET
JEWEL
Kimber’s Solo CDP: 6+1
Rounds of 9mm in a Tiny
—1911 Style—Package
By Zack Carlson
With its extremely smooth, snag-free exterior, the Solo draws from cover without a hiccup…so you can focus on more important aspects of your defense.
REPUTATION
Kimber is known around the world for their quality
1911s, and with their Solo took some of the strengths
of the 1911 and molded them into a 6+1 capacity 9mm
pocket pistol.
I got my hands on a Solo CDP, which is a custom
shop pistol fitted with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. I’d
been carrying Kahr 9mm pistols for a long time and
never gave the Kimber much thought until I held the
Solo. I was instantly hooked. I had to delve deeper into
this pocket jewel.
A low finger resting position (with your trigger finger on the side of the
trigger guard rather than on the slide) leaves the Lasergrips unobstructed.

“sights
The 3-dot tritium
are…some of
the best sights on a
pocket pistol I have “
seen to date.
SLEEK DESIGN
The Solo feels great in the hand.
The 30 lines per inch checkering on
the front and rear of the frame assure
a steady grip. The activation switch
for the Lasergrips is perfectly situated
The manual frame-mounted safety is 1911-style, though there is no grip safety that 1911
where your middle finger naturally
fans may expect.
rests on the front strap. Gripping the
gun normally will activate the laser. If
you prefer not to use the laser, there
is a convenient master switch on the
lower left grip panel. The stainless
steel magazine is extremely smooth
and has easy to read capacity mark-
ings along the left side.
The magazine fits flush to the bot-
tom of the grips. The frame has a
small bevel on the bottom of the front
strap that creates a small lip so you
can extract the magazine with force if
needed. There are no real snag
points on this pistol. Kimber went to
great lengths to make this gun con-
cealed carry friendly by making all
the corners rounded and smooth.
The 3-dot tritium sights are securely
dovetailed into the stainless steel
slide and are some of the best sights
on a pocket pistol I have seen to
date. They feature a wide enough The Solo is a line of exceedingly compact 9mm 1911-inspired defensive pistols that
includes models from $815 to $1,223, like the author’s Solo CDP pictured here.
rear notch to allow daylight to be
seen on both sides of the front sight
blade, which aids in acquiring a sight picture quickly.
The frame features an ambidextrous snag-free safe- ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
ty lever, which is easy to operate despite its low pro- With all the positives I have talked about, you may
file. The trigger is considered a single action striker think its all sunshine and rainbows, but there are a
fired mechanism. While it is not a trigger some 1911 few things I would change on the Solo. When the
users are used to, it is still a very serviceable carry safety is engaged I prefer the trigger to be firmly held
gun trigger. The curve of the trigger face fits my finger in place or disengaged where there’s hardly any
perfectly, which takes the guesswork out of where resistance on the trigger. Engaging the Solo’s safety
proper finger placement should land. Kimber specs still allows the trigger to move rearward nearly
the trigger out at seven pounds, and my informal test- halfway before stopping. If you forget to disengage
ing with a Lyman digital trigger pull gauge gave me a the safety and try to fire there is a delay from when
pull weight of five pounds 13 ounces. The pull is you decide to fire and when you realize the safety is
smooth and it breaks clean enough for most users. still engaged. If the trigger were held more firmly with

The master on/off switch located near the base of the left grip panel A fun range gun, the Solo handles better than you would expect for such
overrides the laser when you don’t want to use it (but do need to be able a compact firearm.
to squeeze the button on the front of the grip).
“ Activating the laser

while the gun is still
near your torso allows
the safety engaged the delay would
be much shorter and give the per-
son a more tactile feedback they
did not disengage the safety. In a
which gives instant visual feedback
the gun is in an un-fireable condi-
tion. The Solo does not provide this
feedback but it is not really a nega-
you to shoot from the “ high-stress lethal force situation

there is more of a chance to forget
tive, just something to be aware of
if you are used to Glocks.
hip with accuracy. about the safety and the delay Oddly enough, the adjustment
could be perilous. Allen screws that allow adjustment
Then there is the magazine of the laser have a very small head.
release. From the time the gun was This size Allen wrench is not includ-
Contact Kimber new the magazine release has been ed in the standard tool sets most
MAIL stiff to push from either side. As the people own. It would be nice to
Kimber Mfg. Inc. gun has been shot it has gotten have the screws use the .050-inch
555 Taxter Road, Suite 235 easier to release but still too stiff for Allen wrench to be a tool that’s
Elmsford, NY 10523 my taste (though, the fact the included in almost all Allen wrench
PHONE release is ambidextrous is a big sets sold, rather than the smaller
(888) 243-4522 plus). I handed the Solo to my girl- size (which comes with the gun).
friend and asked her to release the Lastly an improvement I would
WEB magazine. The pressure required welcome would be forward cocking
www.kimberamerica.com was too much for her to do it with- serrations. After becoming accus-
out using both thumbs at the same tomed to them on some of my other
time. For a gun that a woman could pistols, I have come to really appre-
likely choose as her carry gun, this ciate the location of cocking serra-
Tech Specs is unacceptable. tions not dictating where I can
Model: Solo CDP The magazine release could have grasp the slide without slipping.
MSRP: $1,223 been moved farther back and
Caliber: 9mm enlarged. The grip panels are cham- LIVE FIRE!
Capacity: 6+1 rounds fered to blend into the magazine Holding the diminutive Solo in
Height: 3.9 inches release, but there’s a large gap your hand makes you anticipate an
Length: 5.5 inches between the grip panel and release unpleasant shooting experience.
Width: .995 inches (not including button. I would think they could From the first trigger pull you will
safety) make the button larger to close that realize those fears were unfounded.
gap and make releasing the maga- The gun shoots great, and the
Weight (w/empty mag): 17 ounces
zine easier. recoil is very manageable. The
When the trigger is pulled on the short grip of the Solo will likely
Solo a spring pulls it back into its require you to tuck your pinky
forward state. This movement is in finger under the magazine instead
contrast to a Glock-like trigger of around the grip. Once you are
where the trigger remains rearward accustomed to this style of grip
CC_1405_51 1/27/14 12:58 AM Page 51
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The high-visibility 3-dot sights leave

enough open space on each side of
the front blade to make front sight
acquisition and positioning a breeze.
“ … potential buyers can find a Solo “

to match their price range.
it becomes second nature. be the winner for this testing.

The prominent 3-dot sights Well after many drills from
provide a very clear sight picture. different positions, including
My only range time flubs were from concealment, low-ready,
due to forgetting to disengage and engaging multiple sized steel
A high grip helps control recoil during one handed and
the safety before firing—the Solo targets at different ranges, the
rapid fire practice.
is the only gun in my stable that Kimber performed stunningly
has an actual safety. The manual well. I was very surprised that
of arms of passive safety pistols the Kimber, which I had only
T
has made me forget to think fired 100 rounds or so, could f
about a manual safety. This can beat my beloved Kahr CM9 in
be overcome with training for speed drills. You would think
any shooter. with it being faster in speed drills
I set up a tripod to hold my I would be carrying a Kimber
iPhone 5 and launched every day instead of my Kahr.
SureFire’s shot timer app. I Unfortunately speed isn’t the
arranged an informal testing of only thing to consider in choos-
the Kimber Solo versus my daily ing your carry gun. I still carry
A Kimber Custom Shop creation, the Solo CDP is full of carry gun, which is a Kahr CM9. my Kahr every day due to its
fine details like the subtle grip-enhancing checkering Owning the CM9 for a couple slightly lighter weight, much
on the slide release. years I felt it was easily going to cheaper cost, and my extensive

The ambidextrous magazine release is opera-

ble from either side of the frame, though is
stiffer than some may prefer (a nod to positive
magazine retention, perhaps).
The slight scallop at the front of the base of the magwell helps shooters The gorgeous grips and two-tone design make for a very attractive firearm,
force a magazine out in the off chance it becomes stuck in place. though the all-black-metal models may have a slight advantage for visually
discrete carry.
collection of holsters for it already this pistol that may be of use to under the magazine for optimal grip.
on hand. If money were no object, readers who own similar guns as Getting your hand up as high as you
or I was buying my first daily carry well as the outstanding Solo. When can on the frame helps with achiev-
gun, the Kimber would be on my drawing the gun from concealment, ing a good firing grip.
belt every day. it is more critical to get a firing grip Using a high trigger finger rest on
first compared to a larger gun the frame will cause the laser to be
FINE TECHNIQUES because the room for error is much blocked. I suggest putting your fin-
During my range and dry fire time, slimmer. The short frame requires ger straight forward on the outside
I have learned some things about your pinky finger to be tucked in of the trigger guard to be able to see

The starboard-mounted Crimson Trace

Lasergrips help with target acquisition
when activated via a button discretely
located on the forward grip housing.
“recoilTheisgunveryshoots
In Your Sights great, and the “
Other Guns in this Range manageable.
Kahr CM9 ............ MSRP: $517
the laser while not having your MSRP of $815 for the standard
Kahr PM9 ............. MSRP: $786 finger on the trigger. Solo Carry, potential buyers can
Beretta Nano ........ MSRP: $445 A huge benefit of having a laser find a Solo to match their price
on this firearm is for non-standard range. I think the ideal model for
Sig Sauer P-938 ... MSRP: $823 shooting positions, such as having many shooters would be the Solo
Rohrbaugh R9 ...... MSRP: $1,195 to fire before the gun comes up to Carry DC, with its MSRP of $904.
a normal stance. Activating the The Carry DC does not have the
laser while the gun is still near your Crimson Trace grips, which add
torso allows you to shoot from the significant cost but which can be
3 Features at a Glance hip, or other positions, with accu- added at a later date when funds
racy. The trigger reset on the Solo allow. The Carry DC is coated with
1 30 lines per inch checkering on is nearly the whole way out so I a black DLC coating on the whole
the front and rear of the frame found it not very helpful to try to pistol, and I think an all black pistol
assure a steady grip. “ride the reset” between shots. I is the ideal color for a concealed
just let my trigger finger come carry pistol for less visibility.
2 The activation switch for the forward with the trigger and not There are more than a few top
Lasergrips is situated where really worry about achieving the contenders for small 9mm pistols
your middle finger rests on short reset like you might on so my suggestion is to head to a
the front strap. some other guns. range that rents pistols and try
them all before buying. You may
3 The stainless steel magazine is
CREAM OF THE CROP find that another pistol fits your
smooth and has easy to read
With an MSRP of $1,223 for the needs better. For the target market
capacity markings. Solo CDP LG version, which is the Kimber is going after, though, the
highest priced Solo, and a starting Solo is the cream of the crop. CC
The sleek Solo CDP is suitable

for street carry, hiking carry,
car carry…a wide variety of
defensive settings!
A in the hand is worth...

®
...a LOT more than ANYTHING that’s not at hand when you need it. Your large, powerful,
heavy, difficult to carry (fill in the blank) is of absolutely no use when you’ve left it at home,
in the car, etc...
Regardless of your location, your dress or the season, NO gun is easier to carry or conceal
than a North American Arms mini-revolver. Is it an effective deterrent? Would you want to be
shot with one?
Join the millions who “don’t leave home without one”!
Remember Rule #1: Have a gun!

North American Arms Inc.• 2150 S. 950 E.• Provo, UT 84606-6285
www.NorthAmericanArms.com

CC1460-056-069-COMPSEMIS.JB 1/28/14 4:26 AM Page 56
COMPACT
SEMISThe Concealed
Carry Standard

What’s Hot About

Compact Semi-Automatics?
• Big Power
• Concealable Size
• Easy Handling
• Intuitive Pointing
• Ergonomic Grip
About Them?
• Heavy Recoil Possible
• Lighter Models Exist
Why You Need One

The scaled-down variants of full-size and
duty handguns, compact semi-autos offer a
more concealable package with a minimum loss
of round count in the magazine and a minimum
loss of velocity and accuracy potential (func-
tions of the shorter barrel and shorter sight
radius, respectively). Though you’ll feel the
recoil impulse more than with a full-size, full-
weight gun, they can be quite controllable…and
full-size, production-style sights greatly
enhance your accuracy potential.
PHOTO BY KIMBER

COMPACT SEMIS
MODEL: AR-24 COMPACT

WEBSITE: www.armalite.com
MSRP: $550
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Armalite Length: 7.5 inches

Weight: 25.6 ounces
Features: External frame-mounted safety, all-
steel construction, illuminated sights
Beretta
MODEL: CHEETAH 85FS
MSRP: $770
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .380 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.8 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 4.8 inches
Weight: 23.3 ounces
Features: Cocked-and-locked
capable, safety/decocker, scaled-
down cousin of the 92FS/M9

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Beretta
MODEL: PX4 STORM COMPACT PROPECIA, STAXYN AND MORE MEDICATIONS
MSRP: $550
Action: DA/SA t'%""QQSPWFE.FEJDBUJPOT t4BGF4FDVSF0SEFSJOH
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12+1 t640XOFE0QFSBUFE4JODF t641IZTJDJBOT1IBSNBDJFT
Length: 7.6 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 27.7 ounces
Features: Interchangeable back-
straps, accessory rail, full-finger
HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
WWW.VIAMEDIC.COM
grip, concealable dimensions
800-467-0693
MAY/JUNE CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 59
COMPACT SEMIS
Bersa
MODEL: THUNDER PRO
WEBSITE: www.bersa.com
MSRP: $495
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 13+1
On the Smaller Side:
Length: 8 inches
Look into Bersa’s Thunder
Width: 1.5 inches
line for models in 9mm
Height: 5.5 inches
and .380 ACP!
Weight: 31 ounces
Features: Cocked-and-
locked-capable, large-capacity
of serious defensive caliber
Caracal
MODEL: CARACAL C
WEBSITE: www.caracal-usa.com
MSRP: $499
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 6.57 inches
Width: 1.1 inches
Height: 4.8 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
Features: Ambidextrous maga-
zine release, extremely low-bore
axis, unique sighting options

CZ
MODEL: 75 D PCR COMPACT
WEBSITE: www.cz-usa.com
MSRP: $582
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 7.24 inches
Width: 1.38 inches
Height: 5.03 inches
Weight: 27.4 ounces
Features: Forged aluminum
alloy frame, decocking lever,
forged aluminum alloy frame,
lightweight
Glock
MODEL: G23
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7.4 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 5 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
Features: White outline rear sight,
polymer frame for lightweight, Extra Firepower: 14
combat trigger guard, double rounds of .40 SW!
stack magazine

COMPACT SEMIS
Glock
MODEL: G30SF
MSRP: $687
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.9 inches
Width: 1.3 inches ACP)—that they’ve found the most suc-
Height: 4.9 inches cess among concealed carriers. These
Weight: 20 ounces models are generally slightly shorter in
Features: White outline rear sight, poly- length and height and are slightly lighter in
mer frame for lightweight, combat trigger weight, resulting in a more easily con-
guard,, double stack magazine cealed handgun in each of the major
Glock heralded their takeover of the defensive calibers. The G30 is a particular-
lightweight concealed carry and duty ly interesting model, in that it weighs only
carry market with their G17, but it’s with 20 ounces (empty) and disappears under
their dedicated compact models—like the a concealment layer while providing 10+1
G19 (9mm), G23 (.40 SW), and G30 (.45 shots of full power .45 ACP!
Heckler
& Koch
MODEL: P2000SK
WEBSITE: www.hk-usa.com
MSRP: $992
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.4 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
Features: Three-dot sights,
interchangeable backstraps,
integral accessory rail, multiple
trigger/control types

Heckler & Koch

MODEL: HK 45 COMPACT
WEBSITE: www.hk-usa.com
MSRP: $1,193
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 7.2 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Accessory rail, inter-
changeable backstraps, easily
engaged controls, scaled-
down HK USP design
Kahr Arms
MODEL: CW40
MSRP:: $549
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.4 inches
Width: 0.94 inches
Height: 4.6 inches
Weight: 18.7 ounces
Features: White bar-dot sights,
very slim, full-finger grip for Hot Feature: Super-skinny
many hands 0.94” width!

COMPACT SEMIS
Kahr Arms
MODEL: K40
MSRP:: $855
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 6+1
Length: 6.1 inches
Width: 0.94 inches
Height: 4.55 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
Features: White bar-dot
sights, full-finger grip for
many hands, very narrow,
tight tolerances for accuracy
Kahr Arms
MODEL: PM45
MSRP: $855
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 5+1
Length: 5.8 inches
Width: 1 inch
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
Features: White bar-dot enhanced sights,
full-finger grip for many hands, very slim for cover garments…and their single stack
a .45 ACP CW40 is among the slimmest .40 SW
Kahr has established themselves as a pistols you’ll find anywhere. Their specialty
premier brand of primarily DAO defensive is designing single stack handguns whose
handguns for the concealed carry market, grips fit the middle range of shooters
with models of their own design in all man- perfectly—those with average sized hands,
ner of sizes and calibers. The diminutive petite sized hands, and the smaller end of
PM45 is extremely light, extremely slim, and “large” sized hands. Consequently, no mat-
despite being a .45 ACP (with 5+1 capacity) ter your hand size, their models disappear
it disappears very easily under the barest of very easily when carrying concealed!

Magnum Research
MODEL: BABY DESERT EAGLE II
WEBSITE: www.magnumresearch.com
MSRP: $630
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Famous Family:
Capacity: 10+1
Direct descendent of
the Desert Eagle!
Length: 8.25 inches
Weight: 38.6 ounces-
Features: Three dot sights, integral
accessory rail, firing pin block safety,
carbon steel slide
Ruger
MODEL: SR9C
MSRP: $525
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.9 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.6 inches
Weight: 23.4 ounces
Features: Accessory rail,
front slide serrations, various
finishes for slide, optional
17+1 extended magazine

COMPACT SEMIS
SCCY
MODEL: CPX-1
WEBSITE: www.sccy.com
MSRP: $299
ACTION: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 5.7 inches
Width: 1 inch
Weight: 15 ounces
Features: Snag-free design,
lever-style slide release,
all-internal hammer
Sig Sauer
MODEL: M11A1
MSRP: $1,125
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.1 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Height: 5.4 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
Features: Siglite night sights,
decocker, civilian version of Navy
issue sidearm, steel construction

Sig Sauer
MODEL: P239 DAK
MSRP: $835
Action: DAO
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.6 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 5.1 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Features: Double-strike capable for hard primers,
Nitron finish on slide for durability, DAO trigger is law-
enforcement friendly
Sig Sauer has a tremendous line of concealed carry
pistols, including the P938 reviewed in this issue, the
military’s new compact concealable duty pistol the
M11A1, and the diminutive P239 DAK in hard-hitting .40
SW. While the P938 follows the 1911’s famous lines, the
rest of their defensive pistols follow Sig’s unique style,
and many include their safety/decocking lever. Look for
slight weight reductions by way of the uniquely milled
slides that visually identify these carry pistols as Sigs,
and the finger rest magazine base plate that helps the
M11A1 and P239 to accommodate a full-finger grip
despite their diminutive, concealment-ready size.

COMPACT SEMIS
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: M&P 40C
MSRP: $569
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 10+1 Hot Lineage: M&P models
Barrel Length: 3.5 are available in 9mm, .40
Length: 6.7 inches SW, and .45 ACP…and
Width: 1.2 inches sizes from subcompact
Height: 4.3 inches to tactical!
Weight: 22 ounces
Features: Steel Novak Lo-Mount
carry sights, smallest .40 SW in the
M&P line, snag-free design
Stoeger
MODEL: COUGAR COMPACT
WEBSITE:
www.stoegerindustries.com
MSRP: $469
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7 inches
Hot Feature: Rotating Width: 1.3 inches
barrel for positive lockup, Weight: 32 ounces
increased accuracy, and Features: Ambidextrous
greater velocity! safety/decocking lever, rotating
barrel, shortened grip frame with
fingerplate magazine

Taurus
MODEL: DT 40
WEBSITE: www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $589
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 6.3 inches
Width: 1.15 inches
Height: 5 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
Features: Adjustable sights,
safety integral to trigger, polymer
frame to save weight CC

CC1460-070-081-FULLSEMI.JB 1/28/14 4:44 AM Page 70
FULL FRAME
SEMISFull Power — Full Size
What’s Hot About
Full Size Semi-Autos?
• Maximum firepower
• Maximum capacity
• Maximum accuracy potential
• Long service life
• Ease of use
About Them?
• Difficult to conceal
• Heavy, especially loaded
• Bulky
• Limited carry options
Why You Need One

Full size semi-automatics combine the best
elements of firepower, controllability, and accu-
racy potential into firearms that are designed
for rugged use and reliable defense. These mod-
els include those issued to the U.S. military, fed-
eral and local law enforcement officers, and pri-
vate security personnel.
At the upper end of the spectrum for reason-
able defensive carry handguns, they’re hard to
conceal. However, if you can manage it (or if you
can open carry legally), they’ll excel in ways
that smaller handguns just can’t.
Hot Tip
Stay true to a family of handguns: buy a full-
sized version of your more compact carry gun so
you can carry, practice or even compete, with
either gun interchangeably!

“ Full size semi-automatics

combine the best elements
“
of firepower, controllability,
and accuracy potential …
PHOTO COURTESY OF OTIS TECHNOLOGIES

FULL FRAME SEMIS
Armalite
MODEL: AR-24
TACTICAL CUSTOM
WEBSITE: www.armalite.com
MSRP: $631
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
extensive grip checkering,
hammer spur
Beretta
MODEL: M9A1
MSRP: $745
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
“full
Length: 8.5 inches
… with its Width: 1.5 inches
size comes Height: 5.4 inches
some serious, “ Weight: 34 ounces
Features: Accessory rail,
military-proven safety/decocker, internal recoil
firepower. buffer, military specification duty
handgun, distinctive relieved
“open-top” slide
Did You Know?

You can carry the same handgun that rides on the hips of U.S. military
personnel and bring to bear its 15+1 capacity in protecting your home front.
Beretta updated its original M9 design with an accessory rail milled into
the dustcover. As an everyday carry pistol, you may really appreciate its
beveled mag well for faster, fumble-free magazine insertion (especially
under duress) and the more aggressive front and backstrap checkering for
a sure grip despite sweat, rain or other fluids, even during rapid fire.
It’s no small gun, but with its full size comes some serious, military-
proven firepower.

Beretta
MODEL: PX4 STORM
m MSRP: $575
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 14+1
Length: 7.6 ounces
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Rotating barrel, interchangeable
backstraps, designed for defensive work
CZ
MODEL: 85 COMBAT DUAL TONE
MSRP: $641
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 16+1
Length: 8.11 inch
Weight: 35.36 ounces
Features: Ambidextrous version of
CZ75, reversible magazine release,
improved trigger pull
Browning
MODEL: HI-POWER MK III
WEBSITE: www.browning.com
MSRP: $1,059
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 13+1
Features: Ambidextrous safety,
integral thumb rests, John
Browning’s last 1911-style design

FULL FRAME SEMIS
CZ
MODEL: P-07 DUTY
MSRP: $487
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 16+1
Length: 7.3 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Height: 5.1 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
Features: Safety/decocker inter-
changeable with standard safety,
high capacity, designed to meet
police defensive requirements
FN Herstal
MODEL: FNP 45
WEBSITE: www.fnherstal.com
MSRP: $795
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.5 in
Length: 7.9 in
Weight: 32 ounces
Special Features: Deep-notch rear sight,
accessory rail, interchangeable backstraps
MODEL: FIVE-SEVEN
WEBSITE: www.fnherstal.com
MSRP: $1,250
Action: SA
Caliber: 5.7 x 28mm
Capacity: 20+1
Length: 8.2 inches
FN Herstal Weight: 20.8 ounces
Special Features: Unique high-velocity
caliber, accessory rail, adjustable sights,
interchangeable backstraps
$1,250
Most Expensive Gun in this
Section (FN’s Five-seveN)
Find us on
Not Your Standard Pistol
The Five-seveN is probably FN’s most intriguing
full-size carry gun, largely for its novel chambering
and the possibilities that the 5.7 x 28mm round holds.
It relies less on mass and much more on velocity,
achieving roughly 1,650 feet per second velocity for a
40-grain projectile, which translates to 242 foot
pounds of energy, with massive penetration potential.
The big advantages of the Five-seveN include its Discover the
massive capacity, as it manages 20+1 rounds onboard
when fully loaded, and it fires each of them with world of firearms at
shockingly low recoil and minimal muzzle flip. your fingertips.
The Five-seveN is ideal for recoil averse shooters
who nonetheless can manage a comfortable grip
around the slightly—but only slightly—oversized grip
frame. It’s not your standard pistol, and in its non-
standard caliber, capacity and characteristics might www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine
be the edge you need.

FULL FRAME SEMIS
Glock
MODEL: G17
MSRP: $690
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Length: 8 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 5.4 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
Features: White outline rear sight, polymer
frame for light weight, combat trigger guard,
double stack magazine
Glock
MODEL: G22
MSRP: $641
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 8.0 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
Height: 5.4 inches
Weight: 23 ounces
Features: White-outline rear sight, polymer frame for light
weight, combat trigger guard, double-stack magazine
MODEL: P1 MK7
WEBSITE: www.centuryarms.biz
MSRP: $449
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.4 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.3 inches
Grand Power Weight: 24 ounces
Features: Four interchangeable
backstraps, completely
ambidextrous controls,
integral accessory rail

Hi-Point
MODEL: JCP 40
WEBSITE: www.hi-pointfirearms.com
MSRP: $199
Action: SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 10+1
$199
Length: 7.75 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
Least Expensive Gun in this Features: Three-dot adjustable sights,
Section (Hi-Point JCP 40) thumb safety, rear aperture sight option
Price Offers Options

The least expensive pistol in guns in your home, office and
our Full Size Semi-Automatics vehicle, as standard arms
section, this offering from Hi- between different family mem-
Check These Numbers Point occupies a certain niche bers, so that you have ammuni-
among the significantly higher- tion, magazines, accessories
$199
priced models: it’s an inexpen- and a manual of arms in com-
sive, full-size means of launch- mon between all of the guns.
ing +P defensive rounds in It’s every bit as niche to the
MSRP defense of your life. lower-cost firearms realm as
At this price point, you can the extremely high-cost guns
0
acquire multiple Hi-Point JCP are to their strata, and it offers
40 pistols for the same as one a functional option for those
of many other models, and then who need a defensive arm that
The number of guns you can standardize them goes bang for less than $200
in this section that cost less throughout your life—as hideout out the door.
Kahr Arms
MODEL: TP45
MSRP: $697
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.6 inches
Width: 1 inch
Height: 5.3 inches
Weight: 23 ounces
Features: Bar-dot-style combat
sights, single-stack design for easy
concealability, beneficial sight radius

FULL FRAME SEMIS
Magnum Research
MODEL: MR9
WEBSITE: www.magnumresearch.com
MSRP: $559
Action: STR
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.1 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.3 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Decocking button, interchangeable
backstraps, fully adjustable rear sight,
replaceable front sight
MODEL: SR40
MSRP: $529
Action: STR
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.55 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.52 inches
Ruger
Weight: 27 ounces
Features: Interchangeable backstrap,
polymer frame to save weight,
ambidextrous mag release, prominent
sights, unobtrusive accessory rail,
frame-mounted ambidextrous safety
MODEL: P226 MK25

WEBSITE: www.sig-sauer.com
MSRP: $1,142
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Length: 7.7 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Sig Sauer Weight: 34 ounces

Features: Decocking lever, anti-
corrosion coatings on controls, anchor
engraving, SIGLITE night sights

Sig Sauer
MODEL: P229 EXTREME
“P229
MSRP: $1,213
Action: DA/SA Sig Sauer’s
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 15+1
Extreme is
Barrel Length: 3.9 inches a lot of gun for your
Length: 7.6 inches money in terms of “
Weight: 32 ounces
Features: Siglite night sights, Hogue G-10
performance, features
grips, short-reset trigger, accessory rail and quality...
A Lot of Gun - Sig Sauer’s P229

Sig Sauer’s P229 Extreme is a lot of gun for your strikes—by virtue of simply pulling the trigger again—
money in terms of performance, features and quality. on primers that fail to ignite.
It is also a fit for the home, in your outside-the-waist- You can decock the P229 Extreme safely with its
band holster or tucked into the waistband of your manual decocking lever and drift/adjust or easily
more generous pants. replace the rear (and front) sight. The Extreme fea-
It puts 15+1 rounds of 9mm in your hand to keep up tures are very attractive, such as the somewhat radi-
with the capacity of other full-size 9mm handguns, cally sculpted grip panels, along with an accessory rail
and it lets you launch that lead with its double- milled into the dustcover forward of the squared-off
action/single-action operation that allows repeated combat-style trigger guard.
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: M&P45
MSRP: $599
Action: STR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 7.5 inches Hot Modern Feature:
Width: 1.3 inches
Interchangeable Backstraps
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 28 ounces –they help adapt the
Features: Interchangeable same pistol to different
backstraps, white-dot low-profile shooters with very
tactical sights, designed for duty different hand sizes!
and defensive carry

FULL FRAME SEMIS

Argue This Bad Guys
Springfield’s outstanding XD
line starts with the miniscule XDs
in .45 ACP (and .40 SW and
9mm too) and works up through
carry-ready models to the full-
size Tactical 5-inch, which is so
Springfield named for the five-inch long bar-
rel inside its extended slide. This
MODEL: XD TACTICAL 5” .45ACP model is most at home outside
WEBSITE: www.springfield-armory.com your pants on a hip holster,
MSRP: $562 (street) where you can access it quickly in
Action: STR competitions, while on duty or
Caliber: .45 ACP otherwise where a handy gun
Capacity: 13+1 with a huge capacity of powerful
Barrel Length: 5 inches rounds will help. You get 13+1
Length: 8.3 inches capacity of full-power .45 ACP
Height: 5.8 inches ammunition with the XD Tactical
Weight: 32 ounces 5-inch, and that’s not the kind of
Features: Grip safety, trigger safety, out- thing any bad guy can argue suc-
standing capacity, snag-free rear sight cessfully against!
MODEL: C9-A1
WEBSITE: www.steyrarms.com
MSRP: $560
Action: DAO
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Length: 6.7 inches
Steyr Weight: 25.6 ounces

Features: Adjustable 3-dot sights,
low-barrel axis, integral accessory
rail, trigger safety
MODEL: COUGAR
WEBSITE:
www.stoegerindustries.com
MSRP: $469
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 11+1
Length: 7 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Stoeger Weight: 32 ounces

Features: Ambidextrous
safety/decocking lever, rotating barrel,
available as well in 9mm and .45 ACP

Taurus
MODEL: M92
MSRP: $641
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1
Barrel Length: 5 inches Massive Firepower:
Length: 8.5 inches 4 Guns with 17+1 Capacity!
Width: 1.6 inches
Weight: 34 ounces
Features: Improved capacity (17+1),
combat-style trigger guard, multi-
position frame-mounted
safety/decocker
Walther
MODEL: P99
WEBSITE: www.waltherarms.com
MSRP: $679
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .40 SW
Capacity: 12+1
Length: 7.2 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.3 inches
Weight: 26 ounces
Features: Safety/decocker button,
ambidextrous mag release built into
trigger guard, three-dot adjustable
combat sights CC

CC1450-083-089-DEEP.JBcx 1/30/14 10:21 PM Page 82
DEEPCOVER
TACTICS When Your Second Gun
Becomes Your Only Option
By Brad Fitzpatrick
The kneeling-draw position allows

the shooter to push off forward or
backward, right or left, but this
requires plenty of practice.
PHOTO COURTESY GALCO GUNLEATHER

CC1450-083-089-DEEP.JBx 1/28/14 5:01 AM Page 83
PHOTO BY BRAD FITZPATRICK

Work on lowering your body into position, lifting your pant leg and drawing the gun … then lunging in an unexpected
direction away from the incoming threat!
I n the magazine world, there’s no shortage of ink devoted to the

best methods for carry.
In most cases, that means a semi- professionals, it may be a necessity.
automatic holstered on the hip or Deep cover carry is very different
beneath the shoulder. But there are than primary carry. Many times this
certain occasions when it makes gun is your plan B weapon, a gun
sense to keep a gun even further out upon which you will rely in the
of sight (and reach), especially for law absolute worst situations. For effec-
enforcement professionals. tive deep cover carry, you need to
While there has been a great deal understand why you are carrying that
of discussion on the best methods for gun and what you’ll do if the need for
primary carry, deep cover guns are serious backup arrives.
often overlooked. There are, however,
advantages to deep cover carry of A CASE FOR DEEP CARRY
your primary gun or even a backup. There are two primary reasons that
In the case of law enforcement deep carry is a good option.

You should be able to draw your deep concealment
“
gun with either hand, but off-hand shooting is
unnatural for many shooters. Spending time learn- That can be a huge advantage—an “
ing to draw and fire with either hand may save advantage that may save your life …
your life someday, so it’s worth practicing.
First, it keeps the gun out of the that is now easily accessible to
attacker’s hands. A gun worn on anyone standing beside or behind
2 Reasons for the hip or small of the back is rela- you. In this case, you have lost the
Deep Carry tively exposed in a violent physical ability to use the gun, as reaching
1 It keeps the gun out of the confrontation, and in the worst sit- around with your weak hand to
attacker’s hands. uations it can be taken away by an draw is virtually impossible.
assailant. Deep cover guns are different. If
2 Deep cover carry guns are Second, deep cover carry guns they are accessible with either
less likely to be seen while are less likely to be seen (if proper- hand in any position, you have the
offering backup in the event ly placed) while offering backup in opportunity to reach the gun in all
that your primary gun is lost the event that your primary gun is but the worst circumstances, and
or malfunctions. lost or malfunctions. If you have a oftentimes it is much more difficult
single primary firearm carried for an attacker to take that gun
strong-side, you are limited to the away. In addition, deep cover carry
Deep Carry Location use of your strong arm to draw and permits you to wear a wider variety
fire the weapon. of clothing.
What Is Best? In worst-case scenarios, you In an ankle holster, for instance,
The most common carry method may be injured or unlawfully most types of pants will cover and
is on the ankle where the gun is detained. When you are carrying keep hidden from view your sub-
holstered on the inside of the strong side only, if your strong side compact semi-automatic or
lower leg that is opposite of the arm is detained (grabbed by an revolver, and most attackers won’t
strong hand. assailant, for instance), then you be expecting that method of carry
have lost your ability to draw a gun because most firearms are kept on

Falling on your back will prevent you from drawing a gun that is
kept in the small of the back, but with an ankle holster you can still
draw the gun and fire with either hand.
The Galco Ankle Glove fits
comfortably on the leg and is
held in place with nylon straps.
the belt. That can be a huge The gun is securely fastened to
advantage—an advantage that the leg and is accessible with
may save your life. either hand, which is critical in
dangerous situations.
CARRY METHODS, STRATEGIES
The most common carry method
for deep concealment is on the
ankle where the gun is holstered
on the inside of the lower leg that
is opposite of your strong hand.
Part of the reason that this is so
popular is that it is a highly effec-
tive manner of carry, allowing you
to keep the gun hidden and pro-
tected while offering access with
either hand even when you are on
the ground. If an attacker manages PHOTO COURTESY GALCO GUNLEATHER
to knock you down and you are

carrying in a traditional hip holster,
you have limited access to the carry makes it easy to access the and firing from an ankle holster
firearm. With an ankle holster, such firearm with either hand, even when requires practice. Most trainers
is oftentimes not the case. you are flat on your back. suggest dropping onto a knee with
Additionally, the inside-the-leg ankle As with your primary gun, drawing your non-carry leg to draw the
The Ankle Glove holds a

small semi-automatic or
revolver and can easily be
concealed from view.
Ankle holsters are one of
the most popular choices
for deep carry because
this is a secure position
that allows you to draw
with either hand.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FEDERAL PREMIUM AMMUNITION
Get on the
Right Track
The Ammo Factor
Most deep concealment guns are
small, and many of them are cham-
bered for 9mm, .38 Special, or .380
ACP. It is equally important to select
the proper load to shoot in that gun
as it is to select the right gun;
therefore, do some homework and
spend the extra time and money
selecting a load that is designed for
defense … and that you prove
works reliably (and controllably) in PHOTO COURTESY GALCO GUNLEATHER
your carry gun. You’re likely to fire

this gun in a life-or-death situation,
so you need to select ammo that firearm, which works well if you From the lowered position, remain
has a track record of performance. have practiced enough to be profi- flat-footed and use your holster
Several choices stand out from cient in this movement. leg to push yourself in the direction
the crowd. Hornady’s Critical Your primary source of cover of cover. Learning to draw the
Defense and Critical Duty line is clothing is your pant leg, which you gun and move is critical, so you
highly effective, as is Federal’s will need to elevate with your non- should be ready to leverage your
outstanding HST ammunition. shooting hand so that you can body or, if need be, fire from a
Winchester’s PDX-1 Defender, draw the gun. From this position, kneeling position.
Remington Golden Saber, and you will still have plenty of freedom Selecting an ankle holster that is
Nosler’s new Defense line are all of movement; you can move left or comfortable and fits your leg well
good options, too. Function-test to right, forward or backward once is crucial. There are a variety of
be sure that the ammunition cycles the gun is drawn to move out of different options, but most ankle
reliably in your firearm! the line of fire and take cover. This holsters wrap around the lower leg
requires practice and some degree and have a nylon strap that attach-
of flexibility, so you’ll need to go es to an additional stabilizing strap
Federal’s Guard Dog ammunition is an through the process again and higher on the leg. Another option
excellent choice for a primary gun or a again so that it becomes as routine is a nylon ankle belt that works
backup weapon. Its full metal jacket as drawing your primary weapon. similar to a belly band. Fit and
actually expands to create a large Work on dropping to your knee, comfort are crucial as you’re
wound channel. lifting the pants and drawing the going to wear the rig virtually every
gun and then moving immediately. day. Wearing tall socks increases

The original Flashbang holster

attached to the bra, an ingenious Designed for Extra Gear
PHOTO COURTESY LOOPER BRAND/FLASHBANG
idea caught on and it became a Galco’s Cop Ankle Safe

viable option for deep concealment.
Besides offering ankle holsters, Galco
also offers the Cop Ankle Safe, which fits
securely on the inside of the leg with a
nylon strap and which is secured by
Velcro. The Ankle Safe was designed
specifically for extra gear that you don’t
want to have in your pockets, and it is a
good place to carry a badge, a backup
flashlight or other accessories. It’s also a
good option for carrying a spare magazine
if you have a semi-automatic.
The small size of the Ankle Safe keeps
these items concealed and out of the way.
The nylon lining is comfortable and
expands to fit your leg, and the rig is
light enough that you’ll likely forget you’re
carrying it unless the need to access its
contents arises. It’s the perfect comple-
“remain
From the lowered position,
flat-footed and use your
“
holster leg to push yourself in
ment to the company’s Ankle Glove
holster, which can be worn on the other
leg, and it provides an additional carrying
point for your gear when you are in deep
cover. For both civilians and law enforce-
the direction of cover… ment officers, this is a good buy.
Numbers & Letters

comfort, but be sure that the and what you’re most comfort-
The MSRP $39.95
ankle holster doesn’t rub able with. I recently did a speed
WEB www.galcogunleather.com
against your leg or jab you test with revolvers versus semi-
during day-to-day activities. automatics, and I found that one The Ankle Safe is an
There are other options for thing was very clear—you place ingenious way to carry
deep carry as well such as the accurate shots most quickly your gear on your ankle
popular Flashbang bra holsters, with a gun that you are comfort- opposite your favorite
which have become popular able with. deep cover gun.
among female shooters who In real-world scenarios if you
want a carry manner that is are a revolver shooter who
very easy to conceal. The princi- practices with a revolver and
ples of ankle carry apply to all primarily carry a revolver, then
deep-cover holsters, so however you’ll shoot faster and more
you choose to carry you should accurately with that gun (than
feel comfortable and confident a semi-automatic) when it
that you can access the firearm really matters. Thus, carry what
in a hurry when needed … and you practice most with, and I
the firearm is accessible with recommend that your backup
PHOTO COURTESY OF GALCO GUNLEATHER
either hand. gun is the same style gun as

your primary gun.
SELECTING A DEEP For most shooters, having
COVER GUN this style in common promotes
There are a number of good a natural awareness of the
options for a deep cover gun, controls and understanding
but which one you need of how the gun handles. There
depends on how you’ll carry is a tendency to consider a

Contact Information
Galco Gunleather
www.galcogunleather.com
(800) 874-2526
Kimber America high-capacity semi-automatic as a SR40 and the SR40 Compact,
www.kimberamerica.com standard carry gun and a revolver the Springfield XD and XD Sub-
(888) 243-4522 as a backup, and that certainly Compact, Smith and Wesson’s full
Springfield Armory works just fine so long as you are size M&P and M&P Compact, and
www.springfield-armory.com proficient with both guns. To my the SIG P226 and P224. These
(800) 680-6866 way of thinking, a backup gun guns will function and feel like the
should mimic your service gun or gun you normally carry, accept the
Sturm, Ruger & Co. your regular carry gun, while being same ammo, and are going to be
www.ruger.com compact enough to fit in a deep familiar to you as a carry gun. For a
(928) 541-8892 concealment rig. few model pairings, the larger
Smith and Wesson The good news is that there are a gun’s magazine also works flaw-
www.smith-wesson.com number of standard size guns and lessly in the smaller gun (though it
(800) 331-0852 deep concealment guns that mimic will protrude) so you can carry one
one another or are of the same type of spare magazine that will
SIG Sauer
type. If you carry a full-size 1911, work in either gun.
www.sigsauer.com
consider a small pocket version In some instances, such as when
(603) 610-3000
with a 3-inch barrel. using the Flashbang, you’ll be limit-
Colt Another great combo is the ed by the size of the holster, and
www.colt.com Glock 17 as a carry gun and the there are plenty of good subcom-
(800) 962-2658 Glock 26 as a deep cover gun. pacts that will serve—such as the
Other great combos are the Ruger Ruger LCP. Whatever you carry, be
“ongunsWhile there has been a great deal of discussion

“
the best methods for primary carry, deep cover
are often overlooked...
From the low position, draw the gun from your ankle holster while
keeping your eyes on the target … and practice drawing the gun
while simultaneously rotating the barrel toward the target.
sure that you know how to use it Glock, which doesn’t have a manual
when you pull the gun. safety, and I don’t want to have to Expert’s
If you’re perfectly comfortable try to remember to disengage the Recommendation
with your full size M&P as a safety on my deep cover gun. I
Primary vs. Backup
carry/duty gun and love your simply want to draw, aim and fire.
Airweight .38 Smith and Wesson WHAT
revolver and practice with it often, DEEP CARRY INVESTMENTS Your backup gun should be
that combo will work for you. I dedi- Deep cover guns are typically the same style gun as your
cate most of my range time and at viewed as a firearm that will only primary gun.
least a couple of hours of practice serve in an emergency situation,
every week to my Glock 19, so the but that doesn’t mean you should- WHY
G26 is a natural fit for me. The n’t be ready to draw and accurately You will have a natural aware-
choice is ultimately yours. fire that gun at any time. If you’re ness of the controls and under-
I prefer that my backup gun does- going to carry a deep cover gun, standing of how the gun handles.
n’t have a manual safety because you need to spend time learning to
that’s one more problem that can draw and fire that gun whenever
occur if I need my gun in a hurry the need arises. functions, and, most importantly,
and I need to shoot quickly, espe- Find a gun that is compact and find a deep concealment rig that
cially if you are limited by your body that you are willing to shoot at the you are comfortable with. Investing
position or the use of only one range, spend some time insuring time practicing with that rig with
hand. As I said, I typically shoot a that you are accustomed to how it both hands may save your life! CC
CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 90
1911
PISTOLS
What Makes a Classic 1911?

• Design based closely on John Browning’s
famous military handgun
• .45 ACP caliber
• Semi-automatic
• Single action
• Single-stack magazine
• Grip safety
• Manual frame-mounted safety

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 91
What Makes a Modern 1911?

• Caliber in 9mm, .40 SW, .38 SUPER, etc.
• Double-action trigger
• Much smaller than even a Commander Series
• Double-stack magazine
• Accessory rail, night sights, etc.
Why You Need One

Browning’s design has stood the test of time
with dignity and stellar service.
The grip is designed to fit average-to-large
hands, and the knockdown power of the origi-
nal caliber—.45 ACP—is impossible to argue
against. The controls are intuitive, and you can
learn how to effectively shoot, strip, clean and
reassemble the gun in a matter of hours.
True mastery of combat marksmanship will
take you years of practice, and a good 1911 will
last that whole time (and many years to come).
PHOTO BY KIMBER

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 92
1911 PISTOLS
American
Classic
MODEL: CLASSIC COMMANDER
WEBSITE: www.americanclassic1911.com
MSRP: $600
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.5 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
Features: Extended beavertail grip safety,
skeletonized trigger and hammer, custom
features standard
American
Classic
MODEL: OFFICER’S MODEL
WEBSITE:
www.americanclassic1911.com
MSRP: $684
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.25 inches
Features: Novak-style rear combat
sight, super-compact officer-size
design, lowered and flared ejection port

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 93
Armscor
MODEL: M1911A1 TACTICAL
WEBSITE: www.armscorusa.com
MSRP: $460
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.56 ounces
Features: Three-dot low profile
night sights, integral accessory rail,
ambidextrous safety
Citadel
MODEL: M-1911 A1 COMPACT
WEBSITE: www.legacysports.com
MSRP: $639
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 34 ounces
Features: Hogue grips, skeletonized trigger
and hammer, ambidextrous safety

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 94
1911 PISTOLS
Colt
MODEL: 38 SUPER AUTO
MSRP: $837
Action: SA
Caliber: .38 Super
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 8.5 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 38 ounces
Features: Adjustable target
sights, classic styling, .38 Super
caliber for competition and use
in countries that ban military
calibers for civilian use
Did You Know?

The .38 Super has some awesome ballistics, with perform-
ance approaching that of the .357 Magnum but fired from a
9+1 shot 1911. The cartridge’s diameter—a fair bit less than the
.45 ACP round—accounts for the extra two shots (compared
to seven-round magazines) of .38 Super you get in a standard
magazine for this Colt, meaning additional shots before run-
ning dry. The .38 Super is of particular interest to competitors,
who can achieve “major” power factors without the capacity
limitations of compensator-related challenges of the .45 ACP
cartridge, and this is of huge interest to readers in countries
where military calibers (such as the .45 ACP and 9mm) are
prohibited for civilian use. For those readers, a .38 Super cal-
iber Colt Super Auto could be just the ticket for defense and
practice alike!

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 95
Colt
MODEL: DEFENDER 7002D
MSRP: $1,015
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.75 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
Features: Novak low-mount carry
sights, large capacity for size, 9mm
caliber in a 1911-type frame
Colt
MODEL: GOVERNMENT DOUBLE ACTION
MSRP: $1,017
Action: DAO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 27 ounces
Features: Aluminum frame, steel slide, lowered/flared
ejection port, unique (to 1911s) DAO action

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:14 AM Page 96
1911 PISTOLS
Colt
MODEL: RAIL GUN XSE
MSRP: $1,087
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 36.5 ounces
Features: Novak three-dot combat sights, accessory
rail, forged steel frame, National Match barrel
Cylinder
& Slide
MODEL: TRIDENT Width: 1.4 inches
WEBSITE: Height: 5.5 inches
www.cylinder-slide.com Weight: 39 ounces
MSRP: $3,500 Features: Fail Zero
Action: SA no-lube-needed finish,
Caliber: .45 ACP Heinie “Ledge” rear sight,
Capacity: 7+1 custom fitting, begins as
Barrel Length: 5 inches a Springfield 1911A1 that
Length: 8.5 inches is custom tuned
Merit of the Trident

Though we shy away from offering custom models in our buyer’s guides—largely
because custom shops normally start with one of the existing models we feature
and generally build them into one-of-a-kind models rather than new “factory con-
figurations”—we need to include a few based on merit … like Cylinder & Slide’s
amazing Trident.
Starting life as a Springfield 1911A1 full-size, mil-spec pistol, the Trident is created
by sending the parts out for Fail Zero coating, the installation of a Heinie “Ledge”
rear sight and custom hand refitting. Then it’s further tweaked, function fired, and
finally, sent back as something of a completely new, completely reliable pistol
that—amazingly—needs no (and wants no) lubrication. Ever. That makes it ideal for
transitioning between climates and temperatures, which makes it ideal for those
who travel, hunt or work in changing or highly variable climates.

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:15 AM Page 97
Dan Wesson
MODEL: VALOR
MSRP: $2,012
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.8 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 38 ounces
Features: Heinie straight eight
adjustable night sights, match-grade
barrel, undercut trigger guard for comfort
Dan Wesson
MODEL: V-BOB
MSRP: $2,077
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8 inches
Width: 1.45 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 35.2 ounces
Features: Ceramic-base finish,
no-snag combat-style sights,
designed for concealability

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:15 AM Page 98
1911 PISTOLS
MODEL: CCO
WEBSITE:
www.guncrafterindustries.com
MSRP: $2,795
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 8 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Guncrafter
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 33 ounces
Features: Tritium snag-free
Industries night sights, enlarged beavertail
grip safety, custom fit & finish
MODEL: 50GI M3
WEBSITE:
www.guncrafterindustries.com
MSRP: $3,185
Action: SA
Guncrafter Caliber: .50 GI

Capacity: 7+1
Industries Barrel Length: 4.25 inches

Weight: 35 ounces
Features: Heine Slant Pro
tritium night sights,
super-custom textured grips,
round-butt forged frame
Flying Buzz Saws
The .50 GI cartridge, developed by Guncrafter for their awesome custom 1911s, is
engineered for optimum performance in the 1911-pattern pistol.
From its recoil characteristics, to its overall length and diameter, Guncrafter has
made this half-inch diameter round work in a slightly tweaked version of
Browning’s masterpiece. Those who love this classic platform, and have a yen for
calibers that offer different—and in certain aspects superior—performance to the
.45 ACP, can find a lot to get excited about with regards to the .50 GI round. You can
stuff seven of them in the magazine, and with an eighth in the chamber, have the
same capacity as most 1911s.
When you pull the trigger, you will send downrange a 185-grain all-copper pro-
jectile that expands to the diameter of a quarter. They call them “flying buzz saws”
for a reason!

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:15 AM Page 99
Kimber
MODEL: MASTER CARRY PRO
MSRP: $1,568
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 7.7 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.25 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Crimson Trace Master
Series Lasergrips, bobbed grip
frame for concealment, aluminum
match-grade trigger
Kimber
MODEL: SAPPHIRE ULTRA II
MSRP: $1,612
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 6.8 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
Features: G-10 thin grips, satin silver
frame, tritium tactical wedge-style
dot sights
CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:15 AM Page 100
1911 PISTOLS
Kimber
MODEL: ULTRA CRIMSON CARRY II
MSRP: $1,206
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 6.8 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.75 inches
Weight: 25 ounces
Features: Match-grade barrel, snag-free
sights, Crimson Trace Lasergrips standard
Lightweight and Tactical

The 3-inch match-grade barrel and including ending up on your back or
shortened 4.75-inch overall height help needing to fire your shots without being
make this outstanding little 1911 a modern able to present the pistol in a normal
lightweight wonder at only 25 ounces Weaver or isosceles stance. That’s where
(unloaded). Meanwhile, the Crimson Trace the laser comes in.
Lasergrips offer a true tactical advantage. Automatically turned on when you grip
You shouldn’t expect to shoot a 3-inch the pistol normally, it shows you right
barreled 1911 beyond 25 yards … or really where that round is going to strike even
much beyond about 10 yards. As a deep when you can’t see the sights (or pay any
carry gun, a stunning backup gun or even a visual attention to the gun at all). Point,
primary carry gun, you can reasonably place the dot on center mass and squeeze
expect to use the Ultra Crimson Carry II the trigger until the threat stops. It’s that
when absolutely everything has gone easy … when you have no margin for error
wrong with your personal security, or time to aim.

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:16 AM Page 101
Les Baer
MODEL: CUSTOM CARRY
WEBSITE: www.lesbaer.com
MSRP: $1,920
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 36 ounces
Features: National Match barrel,
dovetailed sights, ramp-style combat
rear sight, ambidextrous frame safety,
beveled mag well, tuned extractor
Les Baer
MODEL: STINGER SS
WEBSITE: www.lesbaer.com
MSRP: $1,990
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 7.75 inches
Features: 4-pound skeletonized speed trigger,
lowered and flared ejection port, rounded
edges for snag-free concealed carry

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:16 AM Page 102
1911 PISTOLS
Nighthawk
MODEL: T3 STAINLESS
WEBSITE:
www.nighthawkcustom.com
MSRP: $3,400
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Weight: 40 ounces
Features: Also available in
9mm and .40 SW, Heinie
Straight-Eight Pro Night sights,
G-10 grips, extended mag well
Para USA
MODEL: WARTHOG
WEBSITE: www.para-usa.com
MSRP: $999
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 10+1
Length: 6.5 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 24 ounces
Features: Fiber optic front sight, extended
beavertail grip safety, 10-round magazine
capable, flush-fitting lower-round-count
mags for discrete carry

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:16 AM Page 103
MODEL: 1911 CARRY SCORPION

MSRP: $1,213
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 7.7 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Sig Sauer Height: 5.5 inches

Weight: 35 ounces
Features: Low profile night sights,
Hogue grips, Hogue G-10 grips,
ambidextrous safety, accessory rail
Sig Sauer
MODEL: 1911 TRADITIONAL RTSS
MSRP: $949
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8.7 inches
Width: 1.4 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 42 ounces
Features: Trijicon adjustable night sights,
extended ergonomic controls, attractive style
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: SW1911 BOBTAIL CARRY
MSRP: $1,539
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8+1
Length: 8 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Features: Relieved slide, fish scale serrations,
bobbed tail for increased concealability

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:16 AM Page 104
1911 PISTOLS
MODEL: SW1911 SC E-SERIES
WEBSITE:
www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $1,369
Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1
Length: 8 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.5 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Smith &
Features: Scandium alloy
frame, round butt, S&W Custom
Wesson
Shop fit and finish
MODEL: EMP
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $1,345
Action: SA
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 9+1
Length: 6.6 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.8 inches
Springfield Weight: 28 ounces
Features: Diamond-pattern
cocobolo grips, large capacity
for type, tritium night sights
Plenty of Power
An exciting development in extremely while still managing to hold nine rounds
compact, extremely concealable 1911s, per magazine.
the EMP is true in most ways to the origi- Decades of service to police, militaries
nal Browning design but adapted for the and civilians around the world have
21st century with some really interesting proven that the 9mm—while no .45
engineering by Springfield. ACP—is plenty powerful for serious per-
The EMP is a 1911 shortened to just sonal defense. As with reducing the size
less than five inches tall, just less than and weight to a more concealable pack-
seven inches long and only 28 ounces. age, the reduction in cartridge to the
Plus, it is chambered for a similarly 9mm is no slight; rather, it creates a very
downsized cartridge: the 9mm. It has different handgun that retains the 1911’s
lower recoil and much lower weight than ergonomics, design, safeties and manual
.45 ACP models of similar dimensions, of arms for proper operation.

CC1460-090-105-1911.JB 1/28/14 5:16 AM Page 105
STI STI
MODEL: ESCORT MODEL: OFF DUTY
WEBSITE: www.stiguns.com WEBSITE: www.stiguns.com
MSRP: $1,233 MSRP: $1,243
Action: SA Action: SA
Caliber: .45 ACP Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7+1 Capacity: 8+1
Barrel Length: 3.24 inches Barrel Length: 3.24 inches
Length: 7 inches Length: 7 inches
Weight: 22.7 ounces Weight: 30.4 ounces
Features: High rise beavertail safety, Features: 3-dot adjustable combat
skeletonized trigger, adjustable combat sights, checkered cocobolo grip
sights, also available in .40 SW and 9mm panels, ramped bull barrel CC
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CC1460-106-114-COMPREV.JB 1/28/14 6:01 AM Page 106

COMPACT
REVOLVERS
Discreet. Reliable.
Powerful.
What’s Hot About

Compact Revolvers?
• Smallest .357 & .38 Revolvers
• Consistent Trigger Pull
• No-Snag Designs Available
• Lightweight
• Fits in Many Pockets
About Them?
• Heavy Recoil
• Limited Accuracy Potential
• Often Rudimentary Sights
Why You Need One

These revolvers were the standard for detec-
tives and police chiefs for decades—Smith &
Wesson even has models reflecting this service
in their name! They offer just about the most
straightforward operation available, and many
models have bobbed no-snag, or completely
concealed, hammers…so you can draw them
from a pocket or deep, deep concealment hol-
ster without getting it hung up.
Hot Tip
Technically, though we don’t recommend it,
you can fire all five shots—without any mal-
function—from inside your coat pocket without
even having to draw the gun…which you can’t
do with a semi-auto!

COMPACT REVOLVERS
Charter
Arms
MODEL: BULLDOG PUG
WEBSITE:
www.charterfirearms.com
MSRP: $414
Action: DAO
Caliber: .44 SPL
Capacity: 5
Weight: 21 ounces
Features: Bobbed hammer
design, snag-free receiver design,
serious defensive caliber
Charter
Arms
MODEL: MAG PUG STANDARD
WEBSITE: www.charterfirearms.com
MSRP: $400
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Weight: 23 ounces
Features: Rubber grips, easily con-
cealable design, smooth trigger

Charter
Arms
MODEL: SOUTHPAW
WEBSITE: www.charterfirearms.com
MSRP: $428
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Weight: 12 ounces
Features: Dedicated left hand model,
aluminum frame for lightweight,
available in two-tone pink finish
Attention Lefthanders: Here’s a left handed revolver just your thumb wants to find it. Right-handed shooters should
for you! Chambered in standard-for-size .38 Special and also consider this gun, not least of all as a backup gun
able to handle +P defensive loads, Charter engineered the intended for their left hand should something bad happen
Southpaw’s cylinder to swing to the right, with the cylinder to their right hand or arm during an accident or the alterca-
release catch on the right side of the frame—just where tion leading to needing to draw the gun.
Chiappa
Firearms
MODEL: 200DS
WEBSITE:
www.chiappafirearms.com
MSRP: $749
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
Features: Extremely low-bore axis,
fiber optic front sight, powerful
defensive cartridge

COMPACT REVOLVERS
EAA
MODEL: WINDICATOR 2 INCH
WEBSITE: www.eaacorp.com
MSRP: $343
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Length: 7 inches
Weight: 30 ounces
Features: Sculpted and cushioned
grips, prominent hammer spur,
made in Germany
Rossi
MODEL: 462
WEBSITE: www.rossiusa.com
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Weight: 26 ounces
Features: Low profile fixed sights,
scalloped grips, solid firepower

Rossi
MODEL: 35202
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Weight: 24 ounces
sweat-resistant stainless steel, hammer
spur for single-action shooting
Rossi
MODEL: 46202
MSRP: $454
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Weight: 26 ounces
scalloped grips, solid firepower

COMPACT REVOLVERS
MODEL: LCR
MSRP: $879 (w/ crimson trace lasergrip)
Action: DAO
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Ruger Length: 6.5 inches

Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 4.5 inches
Weight: 16.6 ounces
Features: Hammerless design, some polymer
components, custom Crimson Trace LaserGrips
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: 640
MSRP: $729
Action: DAO
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 23 ounces
Features: Fully shrouded hammer, snag-free
design, powerful cartridge
MODEL: BODYGUARD 38 weighs a mere 14.3 ounces

WEBSITE: (unloaded) with a diminutive
www.smith-wesson.com 6.6inches in overall length
MSRP: $509 (thanks in part to its sub-two-
Action: DAO inch barrel)…and the ham-
Caliber: .38 SPL merless design makes for a
Capacity: 5 snag-free presentation from
Barrel Length: 1.9 inches under clothes, within pockets,
Length: 6.6 inches or deep concealment rigs.
Weight: 14.3 ounces The big win, though, other
Features: Hammerless than its amazingly light
design, laser sight, integral unloaded weight, is the inclu-
metallic sights sion of an integral laser sight-
While Smith & Wesson’s ing unit that projects a dot
best known “snub nosed thir- onto your target for positive
Smith & ty eight” is their classic

Chief’s Special, the
aiming even when you can’t
bring the pistol up to bear for
Wesson Bodyguard 38 is making a

very strong contemporary
name for itself. Chambered
traditional sighting. Just put
the dot where the bullet
needs to go, and squeeze the
for five rounds of .38 SPL smooth double action trigger
defensive ammunition, it until the threat has passed!
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 36 CHIEFS SPECIAL
MSRP: $729
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 5
Length: 7 inches
Weight: 19.5 ounces
Features: Walnut grips, hammer spur,
classic detective’s handgun
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 351
MSRP: $689
Action: DAO
Caliber: .22 WMR
Capacity: 7
Length: 6.2 inches
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Features: Hammerless design, high
capacity for size, suitable for the
recoil-sensitive
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: 360
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $649
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 13.3 ounces
Features: Scandium alloy,
exposed hammer, very
compact and light

COMPACT REVOLVERS
Taurus
MODEL: 731 ULTRA LITE
MSRP: $514
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .32 H&R MAG
Capacity: 6
Length: 6.5 inches
Height: 4.3 inches
Weight: 17 ounces
Features: Lightweight design, powerful
specialty caliber, compact overall package
Taurus
MODEL: 850B2UL
MSRP: $474
Action: DAO
Caliber: .38 SPL +P
Capacity: 5
Length: 6.5 inches
Height: 4.3 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
Features: Concealed no-snag
hammer, rubber grips, very light
MODEL: 850SS2UL featuring two inch long
Taurus WEBSITE:
www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $514
barrels, and weight under
20 ounces…but the big
wins with the 850 models
Action: DAO (the SS2 in Stainless,
Caliber: .38 SPL +P which is no longer made
Capacity: 5 but still available on the
Barrel Length: 2 inches market, and the B2 with
Length: 6.5 inches standard blued finish) are
Height: 4.3 inches their concealed no-snag
Weight: 18 ounces hammers and their
Features: Concealed no- extremely light weight.
snag hammer, rubber Even loaded, these
grips, very light revolvers are noticeably
Taurus’s “Ultra-Lite” lighter than other hand-
revolvers follow the com- guns of their size…and few
pact revolver pattern to a handguns around this
T, offering .38 SPL cham- weight offer the power of
bers rated to handle +P those five rounds of .38
defensive ammunition, SPL +P! CC
CC_1405_115 1/27/14 11:01 PM Page 115
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training and the hottest new guns on the market.
Download the FREE APP and get a 1-year subscription (6 issues) for only
$15.99 and save 70% off newsstands!
You can also purchase single issues for only $3.99.
For questions on downloading this app contact 800-764-6278

CC1460-116-121-MEDREV.JBx 1/28/14 10:12 PM Page 116
MEDIUM-FRAME
REVOLVERS
Power.
Reliability.
Size.
Balanced.
What’s Hot About

Medium-Size Revolvers?
• Balanced Power and Size
• Potent Calibers
• Select Rimless Offerings
• Extremely Easy Operation
• Concealable
About Them?
• Bulky
• Limited Comparative Capacity

Why You Need One

These revolvers are ready for outside-the-
waistband carry, and some models will even
disappear inside your pants when needed. They
generally put six shots of .357 Magnum (or .38
Special for practice and some applications) in
your hand, and are easily reloadable with a
speed loader…which helps, to an extent, over-
come their lower round count compared to
semi-autos. Enjoy the target-style sights, and

the high velocities from the longer barrels in
this class (than compact revolvers). If you can
conceal one, you can get some impressive bal-
listics out of these revolvers!

MEDIUM-FRAME REVOLVERS
MODEL: RHINO 40DS Barrel Length: 4 inches
WEBSITE: Length: 8.5 inches
www.chiappafirearms.com Weight: 30 ounces
MSRP: $775 Features: Fires from bottom
Action: DA/SA cylinder, concealed hammer,
Caliber: .357 MAG extremely low bore axis
Capacity: 6
Chiappa Cool Design: Chiappa’s Rhino revolvers fire

from the bottom cylinder…to lower the bore
axis for better recoil management.
EMF
MODEL: CALIFORNIAN
WEBSITE: www.emf-company.com
MSRP: $520
Action: SA
Caliber: .44/40
Capacity: 6
Length: 11 inches
Weight: 36 ounces functional ergonomics, and prac-
Features: Virtually identical construction to Colt Single tical accuracy. It weighs less than
Action Army, classic single action, large front sight, many 1911s, and while you may
available in .45 COLT and .357 MAG as well not find many inside the waist-
No list of carry-type revolvers would be complete band holsters, this revolver is
without at least one single action “Western” style, and ready to ride on your hip in your
our choice for this issue is EMF’s faithful reproduction of choice of plenty outside the
the Colt Single Action Army. It’s suitable for modern waistband holsters…where savvy civilians in open carry
defensive use for the same virtues that made it formida- states may notice that a Western style revolver draws
ble in the Old West: it comes chambered in powerful cal- a lot less negative attention than a modern “tactical”
ibers like .45 COLT and .44/40 (and the modern .357 looking handgun. Image is important for open carry, and
MAG), offers unbeatable reliability, distinctive style, a classic single action revolver plays a distinctive role.
Rossi
MODEL: R971
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Weight: 32 ounces
Features: Adjustable sights, molded
grips, great sight radius

CC_1405_119 1/28/14 11:55 PM Page 119
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100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton * Black Shirt with Gold and Grey Screen Print
MEDIUM-FRAME REVOLVERS
Rossi
MODEL: 98104
MSRP: $408
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 8
Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 29 ounces
Features: Ventilated rib atop barrel, adjustable sights, handle the recoil of a .22 LR—
supremely comfortable grips making it far better than nothing,
Why would a .22 LR make it onto our list of defen- especially when that lower recoil
sive handguns? That caliber holds several intriguing point means that they’ll be more
characteristics, including its extreme general utility (for likely to both practice and be able
target practice, small game hunting, general plinking, to hit the portion of their target
etc), the extreme low (relative) cost of ammunition, they need to hit when it matters!
the accessibility of ammunition even in magnum This particular model fills the
velocities, and most intriguingly for our purposes: its hand without being burdensome in weight or size, and
low recoil and large capacity. Many folks can’t handle has a generous 8 shot capacity that recommends it
the recoil of even a mild .38 SPL load, but can easily over six-shooter .22 LR pistols for self defense!
Ruger
MODEL: GP100
MSRP: $759
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .327 MAG
Capacity: 7
Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
palm swell grip, extra shot by
virtue of unique chambering

MODEL: 586
WEBSITE:
MSRP: $809
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Smith & Capacity: 6
Wesson Length: 9.25 inches
Weight: 41 ounces
Features: Red ramp
front sight, comfortable
grip, fantastic accuracy
potential
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: GOVERNOR
MSRP: $769
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 6 Unique Size: The Governor is
Barrel Length: 2.75 inches the .45 COLT / .410 Shotshell
Length: 8.5 inches version of a snub nosed
Width: 1.75 inches revolver with a full-frame width
Height: 5.5 inches and the range and accuracy
Weight: 30 ounces (with solid projectiles) of a
Features: Accepts .410 shotshells, medium-frame gun.
.45 Colt, and .45 ACP, features
integral sights, rifled barrel
Taurus
MODEL: 4510
MSRP: $587
Action: DA/SA
Capacity: 5
Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 37 ounces
Your Choice: Load either .45 COLT Features: 3-inch chambers,
cartridges or .410 bore shotshells! integral sights, shoots both
.45 Colt cartridges and .410
shotshells interchangeably CC

CC1460-122-128-FULLREV.JB 1/28/14 10:27 PM Page 122
FULL-FRAME
REVOLVERS
Maximum
Defense
What’s Hot About

Full-Size Revolvers?
• Maximum Firepower
• Great Accuracy
• Lifetime of Service
• Easy Operation
• Consistent Trigger Pull
About Them?
• Difficult to Conceal
• Potentially Heavy Recoil
• Heavy
Why You Need One

When you want several cartridges of the
most powerful rounds available in your hand,
ready at the press of a consistent trigger, you’ll
need to take a look at full size revolvers. With
calibers spanning common defensive rounds,
like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, a little
digging will reveal calibers in .454 Casull…and
larger. Manually cock the hammer for a crisp
single-action trigger pull, or rely on a smooth,
consistent double action pull every time you
squeeze the trigger—without safeties to
disengage, or any hassle whatsoever.

PHOTO BY JIM WEISS & MICKEY DAVISIS

FULL REVOLVERS
Chiappa
MODEL: RHINO 60DS Barrel Length: 6 inches
WEBSITE: www.chiap- Length: 10.5 inches
pafirearms.com Weight: 41.6 ounces
MSRP: $1,095 Features: Also available in
Action: DA/SA .40 SW and 9mm, wooden
Caliber: .357 MAG grips, fires from bottom
Capacity: 6 cylinder for low bore axis
Comanche
MODEL: COMANCHE II-A
WEBSITE: www.comanchepistols.com
MSRP: $205
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .38 SPL
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 3
Length: 8 inches
Weight: 33 ounces
Features: Extremely inexpensive, adjustable
rear sight, contoured rubber grip
BUDGET BUDDY: The Comanche II-A is only

$205, and often less in stores. Buy three!

ROSSI
MODEL: R971
MSRP: $465
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 6
Weight: 32 ounces
Features: Adjustable sights, molded grips,
great sight radius
This 132-Page Magazine is the Ultimate Guide to Concealed and Carry
+ROVWHU3RVLWLRQV
7UHQGVLQ&RQFHDOHG&DUU\
3RSXODU&DOLEHUVIRU&RQFHDOHG&DUU\
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7KHODWHVW&RPEDW7DFWLFV
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8 99 CALL 800-764-6278
OR VISIT US ON-LINE AT
WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAMAGS.COM
Allow 5-7 days for delivery of your issue. Outside US, prepay yearly postage in US funds only.

FULL REVOLVERS
Ruger MODEL: SP101

MSRP: $699
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .357 MAG
Capacity: 5
Length: 9.12 inches
Weight: 29.5 ounces
On the Smaller Side: The
Features: Fiber optic front
SP101 is only 9.12 inches
sight, adjustable rear sight,
long total and weighs under
3-inch barrel for improved
30 ounces!
velocity
MODEL: M29
MSRP: $1,129
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .44 MAG
Smith & Capacity: 6
Wesson Length: 10.5 inches

Weight: 48.5 ounces
Features: Target sights, classic
wooden grip, orange front sight insert,
carbon steel frame and cylinder
Smith & Wesson

MODEL: 625 JM respected revolver shooters and
WEBSITE: www.smith-wesson.com firearm competitors. The revolver is
MSRP: $979 rather unique in being chambered for
Action: DA/SA .45 ACP cartridges, which are not tra-
Caliber: .45 ACP ditionally used in revolvers…but
Capacity: 6 which chambering makes this
Barrel Length: 4 inches revolver a natural pair for shooters
Length: 9.4 inches who own a semi-automatic .45 ACP
Weight: 40 ounces and wish to standardize ammunition
Features: Adjustable rear sight, gold even as they diversify their firearm
bead “partridge” front sight, custom types. The tuned action provides
wooden grips, tuned action, large incredibly smooth and reliable func-
exposed hammer tion, and the adjustable sights give it
This factory-custom revolver was a clear advantage for those who
designed with input from Jerry handload practice rounds or desire
Miculek, one of the world’s most the utmost flexibility when choosing
accomplished and most widely factory defensive ammunition.
CC_1405_127 1/28/14 11:58 PM Page 127
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FULL REVOLVERS
Smith &
Wesson
MODEL: 629 Barrel Length: 5 inches
WEBSITE: Length: 10.5 inches
www.smith-wesson.com Weight: 44 ounces
MSRP: $989 Features: Adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA sight, orange insert front
Caliber: .44 MAG ramp sight, oversized and
Capacity: 6 contoured grips
Smooth Access to .44 MAG!

The M629 is polished to a nice glisten, and comes with
tastefully contrasting black grips, adjustable rear sight,
front ramp sight (with orange insert) and oversized grips—a
nice visual balance for a gun you can tuck away, but more
likely wear outside your belt. The .44 MAG chambers add to
the width of this imposing handgun, and contribute to its
classification-leading power…and the smooth double action
trigger pull means you can fire it one handed should you
need when your other hand is required for other aspects of
your immediate self defense.
TAURUS
MODEL: 44SS6
MSRP: $742
Action: DA/SA
Caliber: .44 MAG
Capacity: 6
HOT PARTNER: The Taurus Length: 11.6 inches
608 is the .357 MAG version Weight: 52 ounces
of this revolver, and features Features: Tuned porting, vent rib
an eight-shot cylinder! barrel, molded recoil-absorbing
grips, adjustable sights CC

CC_1405_129 1/27/14 11:30 PM Page 129
CC1460-130-LAST.JB 1/28/14 10:36 PM Page 130
LAST
PAGE
Tools to
Survive
:
o Handg
un
o Conce
Holsteralment
o Spare
Magazin
o Laser e
o Trainin
g
o Minds
et
o Will To
Survive
Are you
prepare
d?
PHOTO BY ZACK CARLSON
Advertiser Page Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. ..........69

Barnes Bullets Inc ...............................7 L.A.G. Tactical ....................................51
Crimson Trace Corp............................3 Mec-Gar ...............................................15
CZ-USA ...............................................29 North American Arms, Inc..............55
Dillon Precision. ................................47 Old Faithful Holsters......................132
Double Tap Defense, LLC................27 Rock River Arms ...............................35
DoubleTap Ammunition.................131 Secure Medical .................................59
Galco International...........................19 Sturm, Ruger & Company ........40-41
Glock Store ...........................................2 World Skin Institute..........................81
CC_1405_C3 1/27/14 1:00 AM Page C3
CC_1405_C4 1/27/14 1:02 AM Page C4

Concealed Carry Handguns - June 2014

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GWCC-1460-COVER 2/4/14 5:27 AM Page US_C1

FROM THE EDITORS OF WORLD OF FIREPOWER

THE WORLD CAN BE A DANGEROUS PLACE — EQUIP ACCORDINGLY.

Do you just shoot until

Table of Contents May/June 2014

22 THE SIG SAUER P938 PISTOL, A SMALLER 1911

4 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

106 116 Medium Revolvers

122 Full-Frame Revolvers

Kahr and Spyderco team up for

MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 5

A LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR May/June 2014

PHOTO BY NICK ROFE

The 1911 Goes Group Editorial Manager: Doug Jeffrey

favorite platform for So what but then, each was

pistols and double together the while creating guns

action only designs

sales, the old style is modern putting a comfort-

So what happens caliber, with in your pocket.

when you bring the world’s “ Both turned out to

defensive caliber, model type? in experienced SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADDRESS CHANGE, RENEWALS,

Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608

AVAILABLE IN: 265 gr.

AVAILABLE IN: 110 gr.

8 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

Brand: Range Systems

MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 9

IMAGE BY DAVE NORMAN

here is more gear on the market now than ever

T for law-abiding concealed carriers, from holsters

HAD TO USE A COMPASS

We’ll have more products next month, and are

10 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 11

.40 SW popular this concept becomes—it’s

IMAGE BY DAVE NORMAN

box of reasonably priced, reduced

IMAGE BY DAVE NORMAN

for those who train on indoor

ballistic performance, with recoil

12 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

IMAGE BY DAVE NORMAN

quick mention of this nameless Undeniably.

MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 13

Cirrus Pant uses a Teflon

IMAGES BY SPRINGFIELD ARMORY

16 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

Why You Need One

What’s Hot About

…and What’s Challenging

MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 17

Hot Feature: Bond Arms’ derringers

North American Arms

20 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

North American Arms

Hot Feature: That grip folds up over the gun so it doesn’t

North Discover the

The P938 looked the part for what it was:

THE SIG SAUER

22 MAY/JUNE 2014 CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS

We measured the average trigger

“ Right out of the box, the P938 has the aesthetics

Our P938 performed flawlessly with defensive (and