The M1911 pistol has been in service of the US Army ever since its inception, taking part in many wars and conflicts around the globe, as well as times of peace. That is a testament to the ingenuity of John Browning, more than anything.

The man was a full-blooded weapons engineer, an inventor through and through, who went after projects with a passion and did not quit till they were completed to his satisfaction. He was Colt’s main man, and rightly so.

There are many pistols in production all over the world. It takes a lot to stand out sometimes, especially in a field or niche which is so old and well-established.

Nevertheless, Les Baer’s pistols are some of the most well-known and innovative 1911s on the market today, and you don’t get to be a household name without putting in some major work and constantly raising the bar.

Les Baer

Among those who manufacture 1911s, there are a few companies considered to be on the more “high-end” side of the spectrum. Most shooters will include several outfits in this subjective list. Names like Ed Brown, Wilson Combat, Les Baer, Dan Wesson, and Nighthawk are sure to come up, Cabot as well perhaps. Even those who have never fired guns manufactured by these companies will at least be aware of some of them.

Gunmaker Les Baer (Sr.) founded his company in 1991, in Illinois. Years later, in 2007, LBC moved its headquarters to Iowa, where it remains today. The move was carried out due to the ever-constricting gun laws which were being passed in IL and crippling the business. Les Baer is still effectively the president of the company.

LBC manufactures AR-style rifles, bolt-action rifles, 1911 pistols, and others.  Some of their items have been discontinued over the years, so prices vary greatly between different models.

Aside from complete pistols and rifles, LBC also provides shooters with parts and components: frames, slides, barrels, triggers, sights, grips, pins, ejectors, springs, plugs, tubes, finishings, and magazines. Also, the company has different articles of clothing, patches, and other merch, including a limited-edition miniature replica of Les’ real-life 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 (a fine companion to their Boss model pistol).

Let’s take a look at some of the 1911 models which LBC offers.

Les Baer 1911

First of all, there is no right or wrong here, there’s just what fits your hand and price range. Each shooter may have a different opinion regarding these types of guns, certainly when it comes to ones which are meant to function better than the mainstream run-of-the-mill 1911s out there.

No matter how many reviews are out there, nothing can outdo or override personal, in-your-face, hands-on experience. A full-sized 1911 just isn’t the same as a Glock 19 – they are different and many ways and offer very different pros and cons.

Les Baer’s line is state-of-the-art. All of the pistols in this category come with an accuracy guarantee of 3” at 50 yards, and that guarantee can even be increased and enhanced (to 1.5” at the same distance) for an extra charge. Honestly, I am of the opinion that if you don’t need to invest in that extra accuracy immediately, it is not a necessary purchase. Train well enough, and you can ultimately get there on your own.

Whether for duty, defense, or competition, the company’s line of 1911s includes models that will surely pique any shooter’s interest. LBC’s guns are notoriously tight, and will usually only loosen up after several hundred rounds have been through them. The company itself recommends you do NOT disassemble your gun until the break-in has been performed.

Here are a few of the models which are currently being offered.

Premier II – Considered to be the company’s “flagship pistol”, the Premier II is a match-grade weapon, available in several calibers, different finishes, 5” or 6” frame, with or without night sights.

MSRP: $2,245 – 3,028

Kenai Special (new for 2019) – An Alaskan tribute which comes in a 10mm caliber, a hard chrome finish, 5” fitted slide, and all the standard Les Baer 1911 features. Sequentially numbered as they are sold.

MSRP: $3,630

Gunsite (new for 2019) – An homage to author, lecturer, US Marine, combat veteran, and small firearms instructor Jeff Cooper, who died in 2006. This is a .45 ACP caliber weapon, with a Gunsite Raven logo on its slide and its attractive wooden grips.

MSRP: $2,255

Monolith – A steel monolith frame is at the center of this model. Available in .45 ACP, .38 Super, 9mm, and .40 S&W, it is a solid build with an extra-long dust cover. Also available are the Monolith Heavyweight (same features in a heavier-duty frame), the Monolith Commanche (smaller package, tritium night sights), and the Monolith Commanche Heavyweight.

MSRP: $2,419 – 3,032

Concept Series – Les Baer’s Concept models range from I to VIII, each with its own different take on the original full-sized model. The term “Custom Craftsmanship” can technically be applied to many (if not all) of Les Baer’s pistols, but this is a series which the company decided to single out as such.

MSRP: $2,080 – 2,415

Limited Editions – throughout the years, Les Baer has come out with all kinds of limited edition models. The most recent one is the Presentation Grade 1911, which comes out at a maximum of 40 per year. It is a Premier II pistol, specially blued, masterfully engraved by hand, with gold-inlaid “LBC” engraving on the slide, and a fine presentation box. 

Presentation Grade – MSRP: $7,354

Les Baer Custom Carry

This model deserves its own section, since it is one of the more popular designs in the company’s arsenal, available in .45 ACP, 9mm, and .38 Super. 

Technical specifications from LBC’s website:

• Baer National Match frame, slide, and barrel (5”) with stainless bushing
• Baer deluxe fixed combat sight
• Baer dovetail front sight, improved ramp style night sights
• Double serrated slide
• Baer speed trigger with crisp 4 lb pull
• Baer deluxe hammer and sear
• Baer tactical style extended ambi safety
• Beveled mag well
• Polished feed ramp and throated barrel
• Tuned extractor
• Baer extended ejector
• Baer checkered slide stop
• Lowered and flared ejection port
• High checkered front strap @30 lpi 
• Tuned for total reliability
• All corners rounded for tactical carry
• Baer Premium Checkered grips
• (2) 8-round premium magazine
• Flat serrated mainspring housing
• MSRP $2,255.00

With 1911s especially, seeing as how it’s a solid steel build, your money can go a long way if you invest it wisely. The Custom Carry by Les Baer comes highly recommended, even though cheaper models exist even within LBC’s catalog itself. Les Baer’s standards are high, and this is definitely a model worth considering.

It handles well, has zero malfunctions even after 3K rounds have been through it, and is accurate to a great degree. The 3” guarantee holds up overall, but obviously, it also depends on the shooter. You’re bound to get some fliers, but the groups are real. No gun can magically turn you into a better shooter, but some work with you better, you know? Good tension, good action, and a real feeling of extension.

Great guns cost money. There is no getting around that, I’m afraid. You don’t have to immediately go for an LBC pistol as your first 1911, though. Some shooters recommend getting a cheaper gun to begin with if you are new to 1911s, so you can see if the platform bodes well for you and fits your needs. These guns usually possess less firepower.

And if you are still scared by the prices of some of these guns, just remember: somewhere out there is a commemorative golden President Trump 1911 pistol made by Cabot Guns, with a trigger and front sight made from a 4-billion-year-old meteorite, that’s going for about $50,000 or more. Cabot also offers a 1911 named “The Sixth Commandment”, which carries beautiful work done by the master engraver Otto Carter, and which is priced at approximately $100,000.

Conclusion

When you’re in the market for a 1911, you may end up not going with one of Les Baer’s creations. Perhaps you’ll wind up with a Dan Wesson, or a less costly SIG Spartan, or maybe you’ll find that Colt’s originals are more up your alley.

Whatever you choose, remember that LBC is a viable high-end option which guarantees a superb and accurate shooting experience, whether in the field or on the shooting line. Keep it in your mind, because some of these models are seriously worth their price.

There are some disadvantages to the 1911 system: I feel the main ones are higher cost, relative limited firepower, and a lack of uniformity in manufacturing standards (though this last one can be seen as an advantage, too).

These drawbacks don’t miraculously skip over the LBC company. But you need to weigh the good against the bad, and rank your priorities appropriately.

Les Baer have certainly carved out a niche for themselves in the 1911 firearms market. Whether you own an LBC pistol or not, you have to at least appreciate the tenacity and dedication of such a company. The guys in the Les Baer shop are hard-working, and it shows.

Every pistol they make at that facility is a one-time creation, in some way, and I mean that in the affirmative. That’s why it takes months for your pistol to arrive, and many shooters have found their dream 1911 in a Les Baer.

As Les himself said: “We build ‘em one at a time, and we do this like it’s 1930. Everything is hand fit, hand done – draw filing, sanding, the whole bit. We don’t do mass production. Never did, never will. So we got our small niche in the market, and that’s all we want.”

The post Les Baer Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Taurus unveiled the newest pistol to join their ranks during the recent SHOT Show in Vegas – the TX22. A mid-to-full size, .22LR, striker-fired, rimfire pistol. This is an interesting combination, and it is no wonder that it caught the eye (and ear) of professionals and lay people alike.

After some years where Taurus had been the butt of some jokes and digs, they have come out with something which manages to get people engaged and talking.

Taurus has been around since the late 1930s. They hail from Brazil, and in recent years they’ve been upping their quality significantly and making better-quality firearms than before (or so it appears).

They started off with revolvers back in the 1940s, but pistols are their main thing nowadays. The company has produced various semi-automatic designs over the years, and in 1980 they even purchased Beretta’s old factory in Sao Paulo, which is why there are some similarities between their respective firearms.

In 1982, Taurus decided to open manufacturing facilities in Miami, FL, in order to better serve the needs of the U.S. market. Making the firearms locally meant that they became more accessible, less expensive, and that those who are more interested in buying products made in the USA could now own a Taurus built in the Sunshine State. 

Specs

• Model: Taurus TX22
• Caliber: .22LR
• Capacity: 16+1
• Action : Blowback
• Trigger: Pittman Trigger System
• Overall Length: 7.06 inches
• Barrel length: 4.10 inches
• Weight:  17.3 oz
• Sights – White dot, fixed front, adjustable rear
• MSRP $349

Taurus TX22 Design

When developing and constructing this weapon, the company’s goal (they said) was to take some of the advancements made in the field of centerfire pistols and “transfer” them over to a rimfire platform. Another large piece of this puzzle was ergonomics. Taurus has done everything in its power to make this full-size gun accessible to different types of hands and shooters. 

Magazine capacity was another serious consideration which they wanted to tackle, since the TX22 has many competitors, and the company wanted to stand out. Having 16+1 rounds is not too typical when it comes to .22LR pistols.

The physical presence of a rim on the .22LR cartridge makes it so a magazine would be difficult to load with more than, say, 10 or 11 rounds. The company designed a magazine which helped the gun attain a higher-than-average capacity because more firepower is always better than less.

As for the build of the weapon itself, Taurus had certain numbers and metrics that they wanted to hit. Using their knowledge, experience, and wisdom, the company’s engineers were able to produce a firearm that hits all of the “sweet spots” they set out to hit. The TX22’s development lasted a few years because of this process, but the result is a quality firearm which delivers.

The steel barrel is threaded and ready for suppression. The slide is built of 7075 aluminum, with a black hard-coat anodized finish. The frame is polymer with a black matte finish and a short Picatinny rail for optics. There is an ambidextrous magazine release, large trigger guard, a highly-ergonomic contoured, and checkered grip, plus it includes a pair of 16-round polymer magazines.

I am not exceedingly picky when it comes to triggers, but I do know which ones I dislike. The ~5 lbs trigger pull on the TX22 is one after my own heart, with a clean snap and a short set. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, perhaps, but it is always a nice surprise to find a well-made trigger on a $350 gun, right out of the box.

Takedown and maintenance was also in the minds of the Taurus engineerings, and they made sure that stripping the pistol can be done easily and quickly. The slide, frame, barrel, and spring disassemble neatly and effortlessly.

Also, Taurus thought of wear and tear on the slide, and in order to stop the slide from being worn out too quickly, they constructed it in a way where the slide engages with the steel part of the frame. A nice touch, for sure.

The TX22 has a couple of safety mechanisms – a trigger safety and firing pin block – plus the option of a manual safety lever on some models. Incidentally, I read that those with smaller hands may experience some difficulty reaching that manual safety, due to the contour of the grip. But this is just me repeating what I read elsewhere.

The best way to find out if this is the case is to actually wrap your hands cozily around that polymer frame and see for yourself. Experience is the best teacher, as always.

Taurus TX22 Performance

Now we come to the meat and taters of this review, so to speak. Like I said, in recent years Taurus have been more successful than ever in producing firearms which pique the public’s interest. I feel the TX22 has the potential to become many a shooters’ favorite plinking and smaller game handgun, and I am not alone.

When you fire this thing, you know it’s a 22LR. I mean, it’s not as if Taurus is making it out to be anything else, but I feel this is exceptionally true to the TX22. Either that, or it has been too long since I fired a 22LR. Could be!

Like other 22LR lightweight pistols, there was barely any recoil to speak of, no serious muzzle elevation, and follow-ups were a breeze to get off. The tagline for this weapon is “Competition Ready, Even if You’re Not”. I can believe that, even though I have never competed with it.

I feel that if I were standing on that shooter’s line and heard that buzzer go off, I would be able to acquire my target and fire very quickly (hopefully also hitting the target in the process!). It definitely seems like the kind of gun you want to own just to have to take to the range.

The one thing I would worry about actually has nothing to do with the gun itself, but with the polymer magazines. Even though they are well thought-out and properly constructed, there is no telling how long a polymer mag will last. You could handle it with gloves, and something might still happen which will damage its integrity.

Maybe this is because of previous bad experiences, but I tend to think of polymer mags as single-serve only magazines. I’d love it if these magazines will prove to be as great as the gun they come with, but time will tell.

Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you – this is not some cheaply-made junkyard plinker. At least it doesn’t act like one, even though the lighter weight may make you falter for a split-second and wonder if this is an actual firearm. It performs adequately and consistently, with no hangups or issues.

Obviously, your mileage may vary when handling this pistol, and as well all know, it could take time for potential issues to present themselves after the gun is released. In general, I’ve had good experiences with Taurus’ pistols and revolvers, despite their lower price tag and iffy reputation.

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised. There has been plenty of Taurus-bashing going on, and that’s fine by me. To each his own, and I am not here to judge for anyone except for myself. But I will say that even those who may have been ‘burned’ by Taurus in the past could find the TX22 to be something they can stand behind and agree with.

Unless you are a full-fledged hardcore no-polymer-allowed type of shooter, you will be able to witness the value of this gun.

Accessories

I mentioned the small accessory rail for optics and such, and that’s pretty standard. It is important to note that not everyone enjoys polymer sights. The 3-dot configuration is the very definition of standard, nothing more nothing less.

Adding tritium or fiber-optic night sights is always a good idea, regardless of this particular gun. I feel it is an investment worth making, which can serve you in the long run.

Different holsters meant for full-sized pistols will fit the Taurus TX22, but make sure before you purchase! And speaking of holsters – it is highly probable that if you add a suppressor to the barrel, you’ll be limiting your choice of available holsters.

There are holsters for the hip, ankle, shoulder, and also inside and outside of the waistband, available online and offline.

The TX22 is spanking new, and other than the magazine loader which comes with the weapon, no designated or otherwise exclusive accessories have been released as far as I can tell. This is bound to change in time, but for now, this is where things stand. I am certain that companies will be releasing steel magazines for the TX22 any day now.

Conclusion

It would appear that Taurus has hit the nail on the head with this one, and has released a gun very much worthy of the attention it is receiving.

Remember, it’s new; problems may still present themselves down the line. However, at a glance (and a quick weapon’s test), the TX22 certainly lives up to expectations, even if it doesn’t precisely match the hype that has surrounded it since SHOT Show 2019.

To me, all that means is that the company’s marketing department is doing its job. I have no problem with that.

There is this idea (or stigma?) that 22LR cartridges are seldom used as a self-defense round, and that they are not recommended for this purpose.

The fact is that many choose to carry a 22LR pistol as their every day carry, whether open or concealed. Are there better options out there, with more stopping power and often higher-capacity magazines? Yes, there are. But the TX22 offers great value, increased firepower, and the opportunity to train a lot more thanks to the relatively lower cost of 22LR cartridges.

It comes down to performance and reliability, and nothing else. Simply put, the question is the same as with all guns: will this piece of bullet-firing hardware be able to do its job properly when I need it to?

Whether you are using it for plinking, critter control, competition, or self-defense – you need a pistol which follows through on its promise. I for one feel the TX22 is up for the challenge.

The post Taurus TX22 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

After some years of research and development, Florida-based Kel-Tec recently released its newest model: the Kel-Tec CP33, a nifty 22LR competition pistol.

Back in 2010, when they introduced the PMR-30 (a pistol chambered in 22 WMR and holding 30 rounds), there was a demand for them to produce a similar weapon in the oh-so-plinky 22LR.

Apparently, there was a lot going on behind the scenes this last year, as the company managed to keep things on the down-low and out of the public eye, before going ahead with the unveiling of this model.  

As with any new handgun, time will play a part in its success or failure. No matter what the company (or online websites) may say, there is still the matter of hands-on experience. Nothing can replace that. So take this into account as we dive into this newest release by Kel-Tec.

CP33 Specs

Kel-tec worked on this gun (and on its unique magazine) for several years. Design and development began sometimes in 2012. In 2014 the company applied for – and was subsequently granted – a patent on its design of a 22LR 33-round magazine.

They recently revealed the newest addition to their lineup at SHOT Show: the CP33, which stands for Competition Pistol, 33 rounds. Obviously, this is a gun which will be the object of desire for more than just competition shooters.

• Caliber: 22LR
• Capacity: 33 rounds
• Barrel length: 5.5”
• Overall Length: 10.6”
• Weight: 1.5lbs (unloaded)
• MSRP: $475

CP33 Build

It is very reminiscent of the aforementioned PMR-30, with its steel/polymer makeup. The CP33 has a metal upper and polymer lower, a magazine release on the heel (making it ambi), checkered grip, and it includes adjustable fiber optic sights. Actually, most of the controls on this gun are ambidextrous, aside from the bolt release.

The gun boasts Picatinny railing on the top and an M-LOK attachment point on the bottom. A threaded barrel fit for suppression is standard, and the charging handle is AR-like and is non-reciprocating.

Any would-be accessories and optics could be mounted there with ease.

Like many other Kel-Tec products, the aesthetics are… well, they polarize people, that is for sure.

Some say their guns are downright ugly, and others praise their innovative look (though in either case, that would not stop people from purchasing one). There is no accounting for taste, I know, but Kel-Tec has certainly managed to put some new spins on handgun and magazine appearance. And you can choose to look at it however you want.

And speaking of spins, check this out: the CP33 is probably one of the first – if not the first – mass-produced firearms to include 3D-printed parts in its assembly.

This is likely to become more standard procedure with weapons manufacturing, but we will have to wait and see. As time goes on, people are becoming better educated on the nature of 3D-printed parts and guns.

Overall, the build is solid. It doesn’t feel like a water gun from the 80’s, though to some it may undoubtedly look like one!

CP33 Performance

How does it shoot? In a word – great. It shoots great.

Kel-Tec’s shotguns and rifles have a reputation of being finicky about ammo, and according to some who have more experience, they even have a tendency to flat-out fail or otherwise malfunction.

I enjoyed my Kel-Tec experiences, but I have never carried one full time or shot one very long term. So it’s hard for me to pass these judgments, personally. Also, I am aware that there are lemons in every field or industry where items are mass-produced.

I feel the issues which Kel-Tec’s weapons have/had can probably be attributed to the fact that these are mostly issues with first generation models. This seems to be true for other first generation weapons, made by other brands. Buying a first gen firearm is always a kind of gamble, even if it is a weapon produced by a reputable and well-known manufacturer.

It shoots flawlessly, but yes, in all likelihood it does depend on the kind of ammo you will be using. This is probably something which will not change. You need good ammo, but since this is a 22LR it is less of a problem, money-wise. You could make the argument that the gun should fire anything, but in reality there are brands which it prefers over others.

When shooting, the trigger had a nice break and a quick reset. I was pleasantly surprised, to be honest. My experiences with Kel-Tec triggers hasn’t been the best. Like I said, I haven’t carried them long-term, but the initial feel of it has told me that a replacement trigger might be in order. This was not the case with the CP33 trigger. The recoil was nothing much to speak of (22LR, remember?), which made follow-up shots easy to obtain.

A word about the magazines, since they have something to do with the weapon’s performance:

22LR cartridges tend to cause issues when they are stacked in high-capacity magazines. This is probably what is causing some people to doubt the potential ease-of-use of the CP33.

People just don’t want to spend half their time reloading the thing, whether at the range or in a competition.

The magazine which Kel-Tec designed does its job, but there are certain times when the angle and shape of a bullet may cause the mag to jam.

This is not to say that people have been experiencing this across the board. Not at all. But I feel the need to mention it, since we may be hearing of it in the future. Just a maybe.

There is always the chance that despite Kel-Tec’s best intentions, their patented magazine will prove to be problematic. I hope not.

Accessories

An accessory which is being discussed nowadays is the extended magazine. There is talk of aftermarket mags which will be made available, since Kel-Tec is currently not producing anything other than the 33-rounders that come with the gun. I saw a YouTube clip of a guy shooting a 50-round mag, though.

Of course, there is always the chance that if such an item sells well, Kel-Tec may jump on board and make an original extended mag.

Another accessory which will conceivably be made available is a brace.

“It’s a 22LR pistol, Sam, why would you even bother getting a brace?!”

I hear you cry.

And while I tend to agree that a 22LR pistol doesn’t necessarily need anything to provide it with extra stability, some shooters physically need a brace. Others just enjoy shooting with a pistol brace. Either way, this could be something which will pop up.

Because this gun comes standard with Picatinny and an M-LOK slot, you should be good to go. Simply attach any compatible optic or other sighting system, zero it in, and enjoy.

I am sure that if competitive shooters take a liking to this model, you will see aftermarket products to match their various demands, if any specific ones are made.

Again, this is a brand new model, so it is all a question of time. After all, it is the market – not a marketing department – which decides whether or not a firearm is up to par. All we can do is give it some time and see what the public makes of it, once the dust settles and the hype cloud evaporates.

Conclusion

The CP33 seems like a great option. On paper it looks good, but can you actually get your hands on one?

Kel-Tec has (or had?) a reputation of being highly innovative, but not too attainable. They are a company which does not produce a large enough quantity of its weapons.

From what I heard, they have backorders on models which are several years old. In other words, they are good at noticing a demand, but not as good at following through with an adequate supply.

It looks as though this time they did it right. They spent 2018 testing and producing CP33 units, so that when they did unveil it, they would be able to meet with the demands of their customers.

As with many Kel-Tec products, this is one which popped up and ran out fast. It is out of stock pretty much everywhere these days. The best course of action is to wait for summertime, when the CP33 will probably begin shipping out regularly to retailers.

Overall, the CP33 is a neat gun. I’d love to see it in actual competition, and I would have to spend more time with it before I decide if it is worth the asking price. I am sure that when more of these ship out in May or June – sometime this summer, anyway – the prices will become more stable, closer to the MSRP and hopefully under it. It is only then that we will be able to know what the shooting public has to say, and how Kel-Tec will answer.

Let us know you’re thoughts and concerns about the Kel-Tec CP33 in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

The post Kel-Tec CP33 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

I have been guilty of saying similar things regarding certain weapons and gear, but only when I have actually felt it in my guts. I have no issues with people and companies making money, and there is nothing wrong with the classics.

But there are times when I feel it is simply rehashing and reintroducing – under the pretense of innovating – rather than actually making something new or great. I feel that sometimes, firearms companies are trying to make quick money on the backs of their customers. Not the best long-term business move, in my untrained opinion.

You can pull that kind of behavior off with other industries, maybe. But certainly not with firearms. You need to work out all of the kinks and bumps before you get that product to the assembly line and out to shops and warehouses.

The H9 by Hudson Manufacturing has its pros and cons, and we will be discussing some of them in this post.

Hudson Company Background

At the time of writing this article, Hudson (Hudson Mfg) seems to be in some hot water with their customers and their distributors. Due to issues concerning their production partners and cash flow, there is a chance that the company is about to go under. It is all still up in the air, so we will have to wait and report as things develop. I hope they make it, personally. This is a company which may need time to grow.

Hudson began its journey in 2013, when Cy and Lauren Hudson thought up the H9, and proceeded to set up shop in Temple, TX. The H9 is considered their flagship product, and it went through a couple of prototype phases in 2014 and 2015. Right now, it is still the only firearm on their website.

The Hudsons put everything they had into creating their vision. I feel that – regardless of the outcome – you need to admire that. They brought in several specialists and teams to help them execute their idea, and in 2017 they debuted, right along with their H9 model, in Las Vegas.

So, let’s get more into it. What is the Hudson H9, exactly?

Hudson H9 Pistol

The Hudson Mfg H9 is a striker-fired weapon, which also resembles a 1911. It is a hybrid of sorts, weighs 37 oz, holds 15+1 rounds, and is generally more expensive than many other striker-fired pistols.

It is a different style firearm, so there is no real point in comparing it to 9mms OR 1911s. If you are in the market for a striker-fired gun, this would not necessarily be a must-check-out kind of deal. By all means, if you want a hybrid, you should get one and see how it feels in your hand.

One thing which is immediately noticeable, is the spring’s location. It is way lower than usual, and it is set in such a way that muzzle flip becomes more manageable. The main competitors of this gun are not the 9mm polymers, but the 1911s of the world.

Which seriously make me wonder why the Hudson couple went along with it to begin with. The capacity is greater than a single-stack 1911, and the grip is not too thick (for a double stack magazine), but is that enough to make it great? Is it worth the price they are asking?

Some 1911 models can cost $1500 and over. The H9 has an MSRP of about $1050, or a bit more. Incidentally, now that the company seems to be going through tough times, the prices are going down. I recently saw an H9 for something like $750 or so, online. Maybe it was closer to $800. Don’t remember.

One disadvantage of this gun – which I have heard of and not experienced personally – is that it tends to shoot low. This is crucial. The sights (of the ‘big dot’ variety) are okay, but it can be difficult to get a good sighting with an orange dot of that size. But, on the other hand, it is the perfect sight-type for a ‘point and shoot’ situation.

And, to be fair, that is pretty much what this pistol is about. It is a lot more of a self-defense gun than a competition gun or a target practice gun.

Here are some more of its attributes: there is a small rail under the muzzle, steel frame, steel slide, steel sights (tritium front sight by Trijicon). There is an ambidextrous slide lock, reversible magazine release button, and some serrations of the top.

Despite its shortcomings, it is a pistol which is built well and is sturdy, and which has a fine, short, quasi-1911 type of trigger.

The H9’s components and parts were designed to assist the shooter, but even so, this gun does take some getting used to. This can be seen as another disadvantage for some, who are looking for a more run-of-the-mill weapon which they can pick up and fire.

As you may know, I am of the opinion that you need to regularly train with your carry gun, and that this is true no matter what make or model it is.

That said, you cannot deny that some guns are more go-to than others. The Glock, for example, is known for its ability to simply be picked up and shot with satisfying results. This may not be the case with the H9. Not at first, anyway.

When you make a hybrid, you run some risks. Every manufacturer has probably dealt with this. As a hybrid, it will not be everyone’s cup of 9mm tea. And this says something about the value of the weapon.

When you get down to it, I feel there is nothing truly impressive about the H9, which justifies the price and which increases the value of the weapon for your everyday shooter. There are better striker-fired guns, there are better hammer-fired guns, and there are better 1911s. I feel Hudson kind of missed the mark, but that’s just me.

Hudson H9 For Sale

As mentioned, prices are now going down, but that could change whenever the company announces its next move. Right now, price and availability are both uncertain due to the nature of the manufacturer’s business affairs.

As for the product itself, the opinions vary greatly. It seems to be a pistol which doesn’t really malfunction, and which successfully marries the 1911 and 9mm in an all-steel package. The main issue, I feel, is the apparent lack of value or ROI for the price you are paying.

I’ll tell you one thing that people are not happy with, and that is the fact that Hudson’s customer service seems to be so unresponsive and not too forthcoming about the future. There are shooters who handed in their weapons under Hudson’s guarantee, and have not been contacted since.

I mean, even if you are going through financial straits, at least talk to your customers. Don’t just issue a statement or press release and wash your hands of it.

I don’t doubt the company’s good intentions, nor their commitment, but right now I just don’t see it in the field. Maybe when this bad business is laid to rest, they will be able to get back in the game.

Conclusion

The H9 offers a unique design, and it really does manage to bring a few of the best 1911 and 9mm traits to the surface. Still, it remains a question of price and value.

Hudson is not the first to think up and create a hybrid 1911, but they certainly did it in their own way. They had a vision, and they rolled with it.

This is a gun which feels a lot like a 1911, but it isn’t. If you are looking for a 1911, you may be disappointed. It is more comparable to something close to a steel Glock (though, to many shooters’ dismay, such a product does not exist).

The H9 has great potential, but in its current incarnation it doesn’t bring enough to the table. The firepower is adequate and the build is modern, but there is still something lacking there. There is nothing truly compelling about the weapon, and I think that is why not too many people are excited about it.

Or perhaps it really is merely a question of price.

As one YouTube put it: “it’s neat, but not $1100 neat.”

The post Hudson H9 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• About
• Type B
• Ammo
• Conclusion

While Archon Firearms is still widely unknown in the shooting world, they are on their way to building one hell of a brand. The Las Vegas-based gunmaker is currently undergoing a tremendous redesign that looks quite promising. I met up with a few representatives from Archon at the 2018 SHOT Show and got the lowdown on the mysterious company. I’m happy to share with you what I learned and what to look forward to this coming year.

Archon Firearms

While Archon is still largely anonymous, many shooters may be familiar with their original brand, Arsenal Firearms. The decision to rebrand was a bold one but they believe it will all pay off soon. The Vegas-based gunmaker was facing legal pressure due to some questionable trademark laws regarding their name. After much deliberation, they figured it was better to rebuild their brand than to go through a long and unnecessary legal battle.

Although their team is rebuilding in the states, Arsenal Firearms is still very much alive and well in Europe. In fact, they recently teamed up with RUAG – a major Swiss tech company – to create the impressive STRYK B Pistol in 9mm. This follows their underwhelming Strike One pistols built with a full-size Ergal-frame.

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My latest favourite pistol 😜… … The Strike One uses AF-Speedlock! It is locked with a Y shaped part that during the recoil locks the barrel and bolt and halfway through it drops, releasing the barrel. The barrel stops its motion, the bolt continues back, ejecting the spent cartridge case and loading fresh cartridge and on its way back the Y shaped locking fork reengages and the barrel and bolt move together forward. Instead of tilting the barrel only moves in a straight line, thus increasing the accuracy. #australia #queensland #brisbane #pistol #firearm #handgun #arsenalarms #howardleight #howardleightimpactsport #girlswhoshoot #shooting #pistolrange #belmont #belmontriflerange #ssaa #ssaabrisbane #sportingshootersassociationofaustralia #accuracy #loveshooting #gunsofinstagram #gunsdaily #pistols #gunporn

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Arsenal Firearms has come a long way since their debut back in 2005 when they were manufacturing true-to-scale reproductions of famous weapons from history. In addition to the AK-47 and Tommy Gun, they’ve produced a seriously cool collection of fully-functional miniature guns. Eventually, the Arsenal team decided to get into practical semi-auto pistol development.

Nowadays, they’ve become known for creating the AF-Speedlock locking system for full-size pistols. This nifty invention can significantly boost accuracy by controlling barrel tilt by means of a fork-shaped locking block. Now it’s time we take a closer look at this updated striker-fired semi-auto.

Archon Type B

The Arsenal STRYK B and Archon Type B look great on paper and even have the performance to back it up. Besides for being a much-needed upgrade on the original model, the Type B is pretty solid double-stack 9mm in its own right. You might think that it’s just another knock-off polymer pistol, but the extremely low bore axis and innovative AF-Speedlock help it stand out from the crowd.

For starters, notice the unique grip stippling which was carefully designed to improve handling and ergonomics. Likewise, the user-friendly semi-auto was built with an integrated flared magwell for increased tactics. Furthermore, while its black polymer is pretty standard, I was excited to see they added a special coating to the steel components to increase durability and longevity.

Upon closer examination, I noticed they opted for the traditional beavertail frame but added some pretty sweet modern features. For example, I was interested to see a flat-faced trigger, rear and front slide serrations, and standard Glock dovetails. Lastly, I should mention that Archon incorporated a 3-fold safety system including a trigger bar disconnect, firing pin safety block, and a customary trigger block.

Between the effective sight system, innovative AF-Speedlock, short-reset trigger, and aggressive grip mapping, the Type B delivers a great shooting experience. Most notably, the Type B promises to be one of the best semi-auto 9mms for fast and accurate follow-up shots. It may not be a gun that I would carry on my person, but it’s something I definitely plan to add to my collection for range time.

Model: Type B
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 15+1
Barrel Length: 4.3”
Overall Length: 7.6”
Height: 5.12”
Width: 1.38”
Weight: 29.6 oz.
Finish: Black Polymer
Sights: Fiber Optic Front / Serrated Rear
MSRP: $849.95

Archon Ammo

Arsenal and Archon both recommend using GECO ammo for their Type B pistols. In fact, GECO created six different rounds specifically for use in these semi-autos, including hexagon, hollow point, and FMJ. Nevertheless, most users can’t get enough of the hexagon rounds which promise enhanced aerodynamics and accuracy. The state-of-the-art ammo gets its name from the fact that it’s designed with six separate grooves to alter the bullet’s center of gravity and overall trajectory.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it won’t be long until Archon takes off and becomes an industry favorite. Few new polymer semi-autos offer anything new and exciting these days but Archon’s Type B looks to change that trend. I recommend getting your hands on one of these and trying it for yourself – You won’t be disappointed.

The post Archon Type B Review: The Archetype of Modern Firearms appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Price
• Problems
• Holsters
• Magazines
• Conclusion

Maybe this will change in the future, but the name Remington still commands a certain respect. This is a company which has been around since 1816. While it is true that it takes more than a mere date of foundation to establish credibility, Remington has undoubtedly succeeded in doing this. Their firearms – rifles, shotguns, and handguns – have always been top-shelf quality. Heck, Guatemala even put its rifles on the national flag and coat of arms! The company itself got into some hot water in 2014, and due to a $950 million debt, it was forced to declare bankruptcy. But Remington bounced back quickly and was able to extricate itself from bankruptcy in under two months.

Unlike many of its all-metal pistols and wood/metal firearms, the RP9 is polymer-based. When this gun was released in 2016, some were surprised. But, part of being an arms manufacturer is catering to certain crowds. And people love – love – their polymer-based 9mm striker-fired pistols. Let’s go a bit further, shall we? Here are the numbers.

Remington RP9 Specs

Remington RP9 (Polymer 9)
Semi-automatic, striker-fired
Caliber: 9mm (also available in .45 ACP)
Length: 7.91”
Barrel length: 4.5”
Capacity: 18+1
Height: 5.56”
Width: 1.27”
Weight: 26.4 oz
MSRP: $418.09

Remington RP9 Build & Construction

Plainly put, it is a full-sized 9mm polymer handgun. There are many like it out there, and really, it should have come as no surprise that Remington wanted a piece of the polymer-based striker-fired action.

Its barrel is made of stainless steel, and it is coated in a substance resistant to corrosion. The slide is also protected in the same way. Thankfully, Remington decided against adding finger grooves to the grip. I dislike finger grooves in my grip. Give me checkered grips, serrated, whatever. But do not hand me a gun with finger grooves. I know, I know, it is meant to increase purchase and provide a more solid grip for a better and more accurate shot. Fine. Even when that is all said and done – I just don’t like it.

The gun comes with three interchangeable backstraps and, coupled with the lack of grooves, this means that pretty much everyone and anyone will be able to hold this gun and get a nice grip on it. And speaking of a good grip, the gun is essentially ambidextrous. The side serrations really help to unholster this thing, and everyone knows how important getting your gun out of the holster can be. Why, it can make all of the difference in the world!

The RP9 has no external safety, and it has a typical 3-dot sight. The visual design is a little meh, especially with that big R on the grip. We get it – it’s a Remington. It says so on the slide, so why add it to the grip? Ah, well, no accounting for taste. Perhaps it’s my own lack of aesthetics which prevents me from enjoying that specific design detail. Under the barrel you will find a small Picatinny rail for optics, etc.

RP9 Price

The MSRP is a bit over $400, and in shops (on and offline) you can usually find it for a price of between $300 to $400. It comes with 2 18-round magazines (metal body), 3 backstraps, cable lock, and manual. Pretty standard, really, but that does not mean it isn’t good. Especially considering the price. This is a crucial point. For those who are more price-conscious, and who are looking for a 9mm home-defense firearm, the RP9 may be precisely up their alley.

Remington RP9 Problems

Within a few months of its release, consumers began to complain about the RP9. The first issue which was discussed was that the gun exhibited issues with the slide release. It would sometimes malfunction, and the slide release would not in fact release the slide. But this isn’t really an issue, since it is a slide lock, not a slide release. As one firearms forum contributor eloquently put it: read the manual, people.

The second, and perhaps more serious, issue was that rounds would get caught in a space at the edge of the feed ramp, causing the gun to jam. Remington did not issue a recall, but it has probably addressed the complaints of individual customers. Some people out there said the magazines needed to be replaced, and that the gun itself was fine.

I don’t know the ins and outs of Remington Arms, but I feel that there were some reviewers and writers out there who were too quick to point out the faults but failed to mention the gun’s significantly lower price. You get what you pay for. The RP9 is standard. It is not anything special, nor is it a piece of junk. It is a moderately-priced 9mm handgun. No more, no less.

Some will undoubtedly call the RP9 a lemon and say that Remington should not have forayed into polymer-based 9mm striker-fired guns. Any manufacturer will encounter mistakes when the product goes to mass-production. I feel that there is a chance that Remington lowered the bar for this one, in a haste to get it done. Seems like the jam/mag issue – if it is in fact more widespread than it ought to be – is a kink that should have been ironed out in earlier stages of production.

Holsters

Being a full size, nobody should make the mistake of thinking this is anything but a full-size handgun. I don’t like hearing complaints about how full-sized guns are not too concealable… really? Look, if you want to conceal your weapon, don’t buy a full size. Or buy it, but don’t complain that it is cumbersome or that the concealed holsters don’t do much concealing. There is only so much a holster will be able to conceal with a full-sized 9mm pistol.

Here are a couple of holsters which fit the RP9 well enough. There aren’t many out there which are made for the RP9, but there are many full-size 9mm holsters which could get the job done for you. Holsters, much like the weapons themselves, are a highly subjective matter. It has to do with what you wear, where you are, your personal preference/convenience, and let’s not forget the weight and size issue which crops up when you add gear to a handgun. And yes, there are other factors.

Azula Holsters has a hand-made, inside-the-waistband, concealed carry holster, made from leather and designed specifically for the RP9. Another one is by Bama Belts and Leathers, which is made of black nylon. It clips onto your belt and is ambisextrous with a built-in magazine holder. Also, it is adjustable.

RP9 Magazines

First of all, there are the magazines which Remington themselves produce and distribute for the RP9. Choose from 18 or 10 round mags, with blued steel and a black matte finish. The spring may take some breaking in, but overall the magazine is a solid piece of work. As mentioned, you get 2 18-round magazines with your purchase of a new RP9, but whether at the range or at home – it never hurts to have more firepower. And being as how these are high-quality factory magazines, the chances they will fail are much lower.

Conclusion

Is the RP9 is the gun of your dreams? Probably not. Is it an affordable and viable piece of weaponry? Absolutely. I feel Remington made the right move with the RP9, simply because they could not stay away from the 9mm polymer game any longer. There are indeed better guns than the RP9, but – once again – consider the price point. The RP9 was never meant to compete or be compared to other 9mm handguns like Sig or Glock or M&P, even though the specifications are practically begging for the comparison to be made by the shooter.

That said, even though they made the right move heading into 9mm, polymer-based, striker-fired territory, I still think they could have upped the price a little bit and invested more in the earlier stages of production. There are those who never experienced a failure to feed or any other sort of jam, nor anything close to that. Some people bought their RP9 handgun and never had to face a single issue. Remington’s customer service has always been helpful, but honestly – for a company with such a proud history and reputable name – I would expect more of them.

We hope you enjoyed this Gunivore Review!

You may also like our features of the R51, 1911 R1, & Model 770

The post Remington RP9 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Grips
• Performance
• Holster
• Accessories
• Conclusion

In all honesty, the Rex Zero is the kind of gun you walk past and don’t even look back. In fact, this is what happened to me at the 2017 SHOT Show. I was guilty of judging it by a 5-second glance. All I knew at that point was that it was an import gun from a country I knew nothing about and seemed like a knockoff of the Sig P226. Although I couldn’t tell you one thing about Slovenia and I don’t know anyone who owns one of these pistols, I recently got the chance to get my hands on one and I wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

Even though the REX zero 1 is Arex’s first firearm, the Slovenian company has been designing and manufacturing defense products and weapons for years. If I’ve learned one thing from reviewing guns, it’s that you can never judge a book by its cover. I’ve handled too many budget guns that blew me away and fired too many luxury weapons that failed to impress. As a result, I took the Rex Zero out to the range with a few hundred rounds and gave it the attention it deserves.

Rex Zero Specs

• Model: Rex Zero Compact
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1
• Barrel Length: 3.85”
• Overall Length: 7.1”
• Height: 5.1”
• Width: 1.1”
• Weight: 25 oz. (Unloaded)
• Price: Approximately $600

Arex Rex Zero 1 Build

The Rex Zero wasn’t made to win any competitions or revolutionize the industry, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a superb firearm. Because Arex doesn’t have any real ties to major gun manufacturers, they were able to take what they liked from popular firearms and tweak the details to produce a weapon that is truly their own.

The Rex Zero is available in 4 variations, each offering a slight advantage for its intended purpose. For instance, the Compact model was modified for ideal carrying while the Tactical edition offers increased accuracy and handling.

Although they are often described as budget guns, the Rex Zero pistols are far from shoddy. The Slovenian arms company built their proprietary shooters with solid materials that provide plenty of durability. They began with a cold hammer-forged, precision machined steel barrel and surrounded it with some seriously high-quality metal components. In addition to its aircraft grade aluminum alloy frame, the Rex features a pretty strong slide crafted from solid bar stock. Furthermore, Arex gave the slide and barrel a corrosion-resistant and Nitrocarburized finish that is designed to last a lifetime. Similarly, they opted for a hard anodized frame to provide users with the necessary confidence to rely on these pistols. Although I only handled the Rex for a short time, its strength and durability seemed on par with its Sig Sauer cousin. In fact, it supposedly complies with several strict military standards for dependability, durability, and longevity.

Like many traditional 1911s, the Rex Zero was equipped with an ultra-reliable internal extractor. Besides for adding much-needed dependability, this also allows for fewer components and a closed slide design. While longevity and rigidity were clearly a major focus for them, Arex also made sure to make their pistol as user-friendly as they could. For starters, they gave the Rex Zero an ambidextrous manual safety and mag release. Likewise, they kept the external hammer small enough to carry well yet big enough so it’s still easy to handle. They also added some pretty deep front cocking serrations to make things easier.

In terms of safety features, the Rex handgun is no joke. In addition to a convenient loaded chamber indicator, the 9mm also has a few independent safety features to ensure a safe shooting experience. For example, Arex states that the Zero 1 has a firing pin safety catch that “acts as a main drop safety catch which is disengaged only when the trigger is fully depressed. The hammer can be lowered safely by a dual-purpose lever located on the left side of the frame in front of the ambidextrous manual safety catch. The safety catch can be engaged with the hammer in either a cocked or decocked position. When put on ‘safe’ it disconnects the trigger bar from the sear.”

Going back to the user-friendliness, the Rex Zero 1 features some of the best iron sights you can ask for. While you may think that they’re just iron sights, the contrast of the bright white dots offer surprisingly good accuracy and follow-up shots. Additionally, they threw on a nicely sized trigger guard that’s perfect for shooting with gloves. Likewise, Arex gave their promising pistol simple tool-less takedown and an extended Picatinny rail.

Arex Rex Zero 1 Grips

If there was one thing I would change about the Rex Zero, it would be the grips. Although they’re not horrible, they’re definitely the least inspiring component on the entire firearm. With that being said, I’d head on over to Hogue and get yourself a better grip system. Hogue offers a nice variety of grips specially designed for the Rex Zero Series, most of which are made from their unique G10 high-pressure thermoset plastic laminate. If you want to update your grips but want something maybe a little different or inexpensive, check out their sweet selection of HANDALL Universal Grips.

Arex Rex Zero 1 Performance & Shooting

I like shooting 9mm so I’m always excited to try my hand at something new. Knowing the Rex was built eerily similar to the Sig P226, I had some pretty big expectations. Without getting into the mechanics too much, the Slovenian pistol provides shooters with Single- and Double-action, hammer fired operation that should never hiccup. I started with single action so I could get a true feel for the gun and I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the crisp trigger pull, which I measured to be just under 5.5 lbs. While it offers a decently short reset, I was pretty quick with it, partially thanks to the serrated hammer.

After going through a few mags with single-action, I moved on to the serious double-action trigger pull. The long deliberate 13 lb. pull was okay but could have been smoother. I think Arex designed it this way on purpose as an added safety measure, but I can’t confirm that.

As I previously mentioned, I really enjoyed how user-friendly this gun was. In fact, the Rex had way more to offer than I expected from a gun typically labeled as a “budget import”. Even outside of the plenty of bonus features, the 9mm simply feel intuitive and is a pleasure to shoot. I had a pretty good time shooting this guy and was even kind of impressed by the accuracy it offers. The Zero 1 provides decent control and handling, even with those tough follow-up shots. As an added bonus, it is able to fire all commercial SAAMI Spec +P ammo.

Arex Rex Zero 1 Compact Holster

When it comes to holsters, it’s crucial to find a brand that you can trust, one that offers comfort, reliability, and maybe even aesthetics. With that being said, I always focus my attention on AlienGear, CrossBreed, & DeSantis. However, because AlienGear is the only one of the three which currently manufactures a holster for Arex pistols, I gotta recommend you check out these guys – You won’t be disappointed.

Arex Rex Zero 1 Accessories

Although these handguns come with a full-size integrated Picatinny rail, many Arex owners stick with the factory defaults. Nevertheless, there are plenty of aftermarket options to consider, especially tactical flashlights and laser sights. If you’re in the market for the ultimate tactical accessory, it’s hard not to recommend the Lasermax Spartan Adjustable Fit Laser/Light Combo ($145). But if you’re looking for a more straightforward and simple tac-light attachment, I’d check out the SureFire X300B Ultra LED Weaponlight.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, I’m surprised it took me this long to get my hands on one of these pistols. The Arex 9mm was a huge surprise for me, especially considering its next-to-nothing reputation. Regardless, I had a great time out on the range with the Rex Zero Compact and could see myself carrying one. Overall, I think I would recommend these to people who know they like Sig Sauers but are in search of a more affordable alternative.

Stay tuned for more reviews of the hottest products on the market!

The post Arex Rex Zero 1 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Magazines
• Performance
• TP9 SFX
• Conclusion

The Canik TP9 Series of semi-auto pistols is one of the most underrated handguns in the industry. These nifty little shooters are imported into the U.S. by Century Arms International from Turkey. Canik made big news this year at SHOT Show when they unveiled new variants of the TP9 in addition to a pretty sweet 9mm AK. Although people may think of the TP9 as a budget firearm, these pistols are actually beloved by military and law enforcement around the world.

Canik TP9 Specs

• Model: TP9SF
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 18+1
• Barrel Length: 4.46”
• Overall Length: 7.5”
• Height: 5.7”
• Width: 1.4”
• Weight: 1.8 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Finish: Black Cerakote
• Sights: 3-Dot Steel
• MSRP: $399.99

Canik TP9 Build

The Canik TP9 is straight up gorgeous. These full-size polymer frame pistols are built the way you’d expect from a gun twice the price. Between its contoured design, ergonomic grip system, and heavy-duty Cerakote finish, you ought to give the TP9 a try.

Starting with the TP9’s overall design, it’s hard not to love the elongated tactical trigger guard. Moving on, whether you opt for the DA/SA or SAO trigger, you’re sure to love the smooth and speedy follow-up shots and intuitive feel. When I first saw the TP9 I couldn’t help but notice the aggressive stippling on the Canik’s grip system. To make their flagship firearm even better, they outfitted conveniently interchangeable backstraps to give shooters the personalized comfort and feel of a custom handgun.

Nevertheless, sometimes it’s what gets overlooked that is most impressive. Canik built their premier semi-auto to be field-stripped easily and safely. Furthermore, it’s surprising to see a “budget gun” like this, outfitted with a cold-hammer-forged barrel, but the TP9 is full of surprises.

Many folks in the industry like to compare the TP9 to the Glock G17, which makes sense considering how similar they’re designed. That being said, there are several features which lead me to prefer the Canik, especially when you consider its price tag. Lastly, although the TP9 was built with a three-slot accessory rail, I don’t advise adding any attachments.

Canik TP9 Magazine

Believe it or not, the best part about the TP9 is its high-capacity, 18-round magazine. Oh, and did I mention that Canik ships each firearm with two mags and additional Mec-Gar mags retail for just $25. Furthermore, the TP9’s texturized mag is easily reversible for left-hand use.

Canik TP9 Performance

After inspecting the Canik TP9 up close, I figured it would definitely perform and deliver outstanding results. After picking it up and loading a mag with Remington 115 grain JHP rounds, I really liked the feel of the 9mm semi-auto. Shooting the TP9 feels a lot like the G17 or even the Sig P320, yet still nothing to rave about. Overall, the recoil and muzzle rise are pretty standard for a 9mm and are relatively easy to get used to.

In terms of its accuracy, the TP9 was just okay, maybe even a little disappointing. Although the trigger was particularly solid (loved the reset!), I think it’s the sight system which really detracts from the shooting experience. The 3-dot sights aren’t properly aligned which is definitely annoying, albeit easily fixable. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the height on the bore axis, but I wouldn’t call it a deal breaker.

For a price-point firearm, it’s hard not to be at least a little bit impressed by the TP9. While not truly ambidextrous, it’s nice to see that they made a reversible mag release. Even still, the left-side-only slide release is surprisingly well-designed. Canik also threw on a loaded chamber indicator which is always nice. Lastly, there’s really not much to complain about, especially when you consider how dependable these pistols really are. I’ve fired dozens of mags through a TP9 and interviewed several Canik-owners, and their reliability is downright flawless.

Canik TP9 SFX

• Model: TP9SFX
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 20+1
• Barrel Length: 5.2”
• Overall Length: 8.27”
• Height: 6.2″
• Width: 1.37″
• Weight: 1.83 lbs. (Unloaded)
• Finish: Black Cerakote
• Sights: Warren Tactical Sights
• MSRP: $460

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Canik TP9 is worth looking into. For a pistol that rivals the Glock and closely resembles the Sig P320, yet markets for under $400, the TP9 is a smart buy. This isn’t the gun that I’d use for my EDC or for home-defense, but as a backup or truck gun, it’s more than capable.

You may also be interested in our Diamondback DB9 & SCCY CPX Reviews

The post Canik TP9 Review appeared first on Gunivore.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Performance
• Accessories
• Conclusion

Colt has been a staple in the firearm industry forever but has recently seen a sort of reemergence. The American icon has lately released a modern Cobra revolver and a line of impressive tactical AR-15s, effectively putting them back on the map. Nevertheless, it’s their Combat Commander 1911 that people are talking about. This semi-auto is basically a completely reimagined and modernized version of the classic 1911 with the Colt reputation to back it up.

Colt Combat Commander Specs

• Model: Colt Combat Commander
• Caliber: .45 ACP (9mm Also Available)
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 4.25”
• Overall Length: 7.75”
• Height: 5.5”
• Width: 1.25”
• Weight (Unloaded): 33 oz.
• Finish: Blued Carbon Steel
• Sights: Novak White-Dot Front, Novak Low Mount Carry Rear
• MSRP: $999

Colt Combat Commander Build

There’s not much about the Colt Combat Commander that would surprise you. It is an essence just a standard 1911, just modernized and more attractive. Colt designed their popular 1911 variant just like the original Browning model but added a few small modifications. 1911s were infamous for being unwieldy, yet some people still swear by them. Colt originally developed the Combat Commander Post-World War II to address the countless complaints of the classic firearm. First and foremost, Colt made headlines when they announced that their redesigned 1911 was going to be available in the NATO standard 9mm cartridge.

It’s actually kind of funny how much Colt stresses the addition of Novak sights on these guys, as if it mitigates the fact that it’s still a 1911. They also try to convince potential buyers that the Commander is perfect for home-defense and as a CCW, but that’s hard for me to believe. That being said, I was a fan of what they did with the trigger guard. Colt remodeled this component and undercut it to offer a better grip angle and more control. Similarly, they did a pretty good job with adding the black anodized aluminum alloy frame to save weight and maintain strong durability.

On the other hand, I really hated the safety system on this gun. Seriously. The thumb safety was incredibly difficult to manage, so much so that my father (who has minor arthritis) couldn’t do it without using both thumbs. Furthermore, they’ve effectively made fieldstripping more difficult by adding an unnecessary full-length guide rod.

Colt Combat Commander Performance & Shooting

The Colt Combat Commander shoots like any good colt: Flawlessly. I fired one mag each of five different cartridges, and they all fired without any hiccups. I wanted to try a wide-variety of rounds so I shot everything from 230 Grain Federal American Eagle FMJ to 185 Grain FTX Hornady Critical Defense. Colt did a pretty solid job with managing the Combat Commander’s recoil and overall handling.

In addition to opting for lighter materials and components, they added their popular Dual Spring Recoil System which is supposed to noticeably boost accuracy. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s one the smoothest shooting 1911 I’ve ever fired, but that’s still not saying much. Nevertheless, I wasn’t a huge fan of the overall single-action shooting experience offered by the “new and improved” Colt 1911.

Accessories for the Combat Commander

1911s are the most customized guns on the market so you can be sure there are plenty of aftermarket options out there. For starters, you can’t go wrong with hooking up a new set of grips and replacing the standard G10 black cherry factory-installed ones. I’ve always loved Hogue for grips and they have an endless supply to choose from. They even had rubber models with an integrated laser sight. Although I wouldn’t recommend carrying the Colt Combat, there are a few solid options to check out. I’d look at AlienGear or Craft Holsters first.

Conclusion

The Colt Combat Commander may have been revolutionary when it was first introduced in 1950, but it’s not something that I’d recommend nowadays. For starters, the price is way too high and it’s still a 1911. Colts are trustworthy and that counts for a lot, but the 1911 is still just a 1911.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore – You may also enjoy our reviews of the S&W 1911 E-Series, Rem 1911 R1, & Sig 1911. 

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Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Mags
• Performance
• Holster
• Vs. P-07

The CZ-75 is one of the most successful handguns in modern history but it wasn’t easy to get to the top. CZ is one of the top firearms producers in Europe and has been for nearly 100 years. The Czech arms manufacturer was established post-World War II but never saw international success until the fall of the Soviet Union. In fact, this handgun wasn’t even available in the U.S. until several years into its production. Similarly, the Iron Curtain was tremendously detrimental to the CZ-75’s success thanks to the strict limits imposed by the Warsaw Pact.

The CZ-75 is surprisingly one of the most widely-circulated and trusted semi-automatic pistols in the world. Despite its basic appearance and classic features, the Czech handgun is used by more militaries and law enforcement than any other gun in its class. As a matter of fact, with well over 1 million units produced, the CZ-75 is surpassed only by legendary pistols such as the Glock 17 and Beretta 92.

CZ-75 Specs

• Model: CZ-75
• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 18+1
• Barrel Length: 4.6”
• Overall Length: 8.15”
• Weight: 40.5 oz.
• Finish: Black Polycoat
• MSRP: $679.99

CZ-75 Build & Construction

Although the CZ-75 may look standard, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The most notable feature of the Czech 9mm pistol is its highly-durable all-steel construction. Like traditional Sig Sauer firearms, the CZ is a heavyweight that can sure as hell take a beating. I would venture to say they are even among the longest lasting pistols on the market.

CZ’s extraordinary team of engineers searched around the world to find the best of the best when they were designing their flagship weapon. They researched and copied from so many other guns that you could probably call the CZ-75 a “Frankenstein” pistol. At the end of the day, their efforts proved to be incredibly worthwhile.

However, due to communist-era laws and regulations, there was little to no patent protection. As a result, several worldwide companies were able to copy and clone the CZ-75 and market their own version of the Czech pistol. While none are as popular as the CZ, big name brands such as Armscor and Springfield manufacture their own proprietary models.

The short-recoil operated, locked breech semi-auto just doesn’t make sense. A pistol this old and heavy is just not supposed to be this ergonomic and dependable. I’m not sure whether it was their lack of resources and research capabilities or what, but the then-Soviet gunmaker employed some pretty interesting features and components. For instance, the CZ-75 was built around John Browning’s linkless cam locking system, most commonly found in the Browning Hi-Power.

The CZ-75 is not just extremely common, it’s also insanely highly-rated. Fans of the 9mm love its multiple safety and action configurations that they just can’t get enough. CZ designed most of their models with both single- and double-action capabilities plus frame-mounted manual safeties. Even better, many of the newer 75’s come with decocking levers and/or firing pin blocks. Altogether, the CZ-75 is one of the safest carry pistols on the market without sacrificing any readiness to fire.

Case in point, the Czech firearm is often carried with the manual safety on, hammer cocked, and a round in the chamber. This method of carrying, referred to as “condition 1” only requires a simple switch of the safety and it’s ready to shoot. Furthermore, the CZ-75’s which aren’t DAO offer a half-cocked option which enables the shooter to manually and safely decock the gun.

To make the 75 even more unique, CZ incorporated the slide into the frame rails. While this may not seem like a game-changer, this unique construction technique offers a better barrel lock-up and tighter fit between the frame and the slide, ultimately boosting accuracy.

For an all-steel firearm, the CZ-75 is surprisingly regarded as an ergonomic pistol. While there’s nothing extraordinary about the 75’s grip system, it does have a pretty sweet trigger grouping. Although some users complain about the curvature of the trigger, most shooters agree that the semi-auto has a great pull. The smooth as silk trigger is unbelievably consistent and intuitive that you’ll be a natural in no time.

CZ-75 Magazines

The CZ-75’s magazines and capacities might actually be its most innovative qualities. For starters, the semi-auto was one of the first of its kind to utilize a staggered-column magazine and feature a high-capacity mag while also providing a manual safety. Keep in mind that some CZ-75 models can carry up to 26 rounds while many comparable pistols could only handle around 10 at the time.

CZ-75 Performance & Operation

A gun is only as good as it shoots and the CZ-75 shoots great. In fact, the 9mm is extremely popular among competitive and sport shooters, especially in the Czech Republic. Oddly enough, competitive shooting is actually one of the top sports in the Eastern European country. So much so that they do surprisingly well in the Olympics and other international shooting tournaments.

I could keep telling you more about how accurate and consistent the CZ-75 is, but I think its sheer numbers do it justice. At the end of the day, there’s a reason why it’s universally trusted by militaries, law enforcement, and competitive shooters alike.

Nevertheless, there have been nearly three dozen variants made by CZ alone, so it’s crucial to know what’s out there and what to look for. For example, while the original CZ-75’s were outfitted with front blade and rear square notch sights, some newer models feature tritium, low-profile, fully-adjustable, and night sights. Lastly, I can’t forget to mention how impressive the CZ-75’s handling is!

Holster for the CZ-75

A gun as classy, reliable, and heavy as the CZ-75 requires a holster to match. That being the case, there are countless options to choose from for the super-popular firearm. The first place I always look is AlienGear Holsters and their sweet collection of ultra-functional and affordable holsters. On the other hand, you can’t go wrong with something like the Bianchi 5 Black Widow if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated.

CZ-75 Vs. CZ P-07

The American-Czech gun enterprise recently unveiled the P-07 Duty, a modern take on the classic CZ-75. Although the new and improved 9mm is based on the original model 75, it’s way different than you’d expect. Besides for its compact design and revamped trigger grouping, the P-07 is also polymer-framed *GASP*. Additionally, CZ included the ability to switch the decocking lever to a manual safety (and vice versa) and also markets a .40 S&W version to add some much-needed versatility.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore! Stay tuned for more in-depth reviews of CZ Firearms.

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