Concealed Carry Handguns - 2015 USA

2015 SELF-DEFENSE BUYERS GUIDE
CONCEALED CARRY
HANDGUNS
TM
25
Magnum
Carry Laws
State By State
Snubbies
Pocket
Nines
Womens
Holster
Options
S&W M&P
Bodyguard
.380 ACP4
3Taurus
M85 View
.38 Special
Kimber
Compact
Defenders
Springfield
XD-S 4.0 9mm4
275+ GUNS
Pistol Round-ups
GLOCKS | SIG SAUERS | TAURUS | KAHRS | BERETTAS

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HOW TO
HIDE
FULL-SIZE
GUNS
What
Should
Be Your
Carry Gun?
30
BUDGET
GUNS
UNDER $400
SCCY CPX-24
PHO TO BY JERRY KING
TODAYS
CARRY
Find that perfect
combo of gun, ammo
and holster for you!
000
004
CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

2014
for compact guns to

a wide-range of CCW-style handguns, there is something out there for
everybody. From ultra-compact rimfires
to deep-cover big bores, there is a CCW
handgun out there (and a host of accessories) for practically any need.
One trend that has been particularly notable recently is the growth of
the single-stack 9mm handgun market.
Combining extreme concealability with the
potent power of the 9mm cartridge, these
handy little autos provide the best of both
worlds. Need a little

more firepower? Then
take a look at reviews
of double-column autopistols and big-bore .45s
in tiny packages. Want
something a little more
traditional? Then read on
about some interesting
revolver alternatives out
there for you.
Thanks to responsive
firearm and accessory
markets, there is likely a perfect combination of gun, holster ammunition and
gear out there for you. And, so you will
not have to navigate these waters on your
own, we have put together a handy guide
in the form of this magazine to help you
find what fits you best. We hope you enjoy
reading it and come away with not only
knowledge of what you need now, but
what you may want to put on your wish list
for the future!
personaldefenseworld.com
P H OT O B Y A L F R E DO RI C O
Although firearms in general seem to

possess a perpetual popularity, the
growth of the CCW firearms market in
recent years has been simply astounding. With the liberalization of concealed
carry laws throughout the bulk of the
United States, more and more people are
taking on the responsibility of protecting
themselves and those they love.
As part of this growth, there has been a
huge influx of new shooters and first-time
gun owners into the firearms community.
Hungry to learn as much as they can
about the topic, they have flooded shooting
ranges, guns store and magazine newsstands in their quest. In particular, there
has been a notable increase in female
shooters among our ranks. From competitive shooting to self-defense training and
concealed carry, more and more women
are taking their place among the ranks of
firearms enthusiasts.
To address the needs of the many new
as well as the seasoned CCW users, the
firearms market has grown to meet the
demand. From a seemingly limitless array
of concealment holsters, bags and carry
rigs to cutting-edge ammunition designed
P H OT O C O U RT ES Y G AL C O
BY MICHAEL O. HUMPHRIES
Publisher
Stanley R. Harris
Executive Publisher
Virginia Commander
Group Publisher
Shirley Steffen
Associate Publisher
Karin Levine
Managing Editor
Linas Cernauskas
Editor-At-Large
Michael O. Humphries
Junior Managing Editor
Cara Donaldson
Assistant Editor
Ryan Pasquale
Art Director
Socrates Gomez
Production Director
Spiro Maroulis
Director Digital and Mobile Publishing
Kim Shay
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Claudia Bircu
Advertising Production Manager
Danielle Correa
Advertising Representative
Leticia Henry
Advertising Coordinator
Emily Lee
Web Coordinator
Nicole Barron
On The Cover: Taurus M85 View, Springfield XD-S 4.0,
S&W M&P Bodyguard (Photos courtesy manufacturers)
Send editorial queries to
personaldefenseworld@harris-pub.com
Harris Tactical Group can be reached at:
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tactical-life.com
Comments:
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To the Readers: Be advised that there may be products
represented in this magazine as to which the sale,
possession or interstate transportation thereof may
be restricted, prohibited or subject to special licensing
requirements. Prospective purchasers should consult
the local law enforcement authorities in their area. All
of the information in this magazine is based upon the
personal experience of individuals who may be using
specific tools, products, equipment and components
under particular conditions and circumstances, some
or all of which may not be reported in the particular
article and which this magazine has not otherwise
verified. Nothing herein is intended to constitute a
manual for the use of any product or the carrying out
of any procedure or process. This magazine and its
officers and employees accept no responsibility for any
liability, injuries or damages arising out of any persons
attempt to rely upon any information contained herein.
CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS is published annually
by Harris Publications, Inc., 1115 Broadway, NYC, NY
10010. Single copy price: $9.95 USA, $10.95 Canada.
Submissions of manuscripts illustrations and/or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Copyright 2014 by Harris
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and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction
in whole or in part without written permission of the
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For Licensing and Reprints of Concealed Carry
Handguns contact Wrights Media at 877-652-5295
or email Niademarco@wrightsmedia.com
000
005
CONCEALED CARRY
08
HANDGUNS
TM
04
08
TODAYS CARRY
CHOOSING THE
RIGHT HOLSTER
By Robert Jordan
Finding one for everyday
carry is harder than you think!
14
20
26
BABY GLOCKS
By Dennis Adler
Ultra-compact, reliable backup
protectors from .380 to .45!
34
72
76
82
86
90
POLYMER .380
WARRIOR
LIVING ON THE
WAISTBAND
96
60
THE GUARDIAN
By Clair Rees
North American Arms .380
convenient, reliable, effective!
COMPACT,
CONCEALABLE,
AFFORDABLE
By Stan Trzoniec
SCCY CPX-2 is your answer for a
reliable self-defense solution!
EVERYDAY CARRY
ESSENTIALS
14
ITALIAN COMFORT
& POWER
By Dennis Adler
Beretta has you covered! Compact
and subcompact 9mm, .40 S&W
and .380 ACP!
100
By Massad Ayoob
Ten pros and cons of daily IWB
and OWB carry designs.
54
SMITH & WESSON

M&P SHIELD
By John McGregor
Customize your emergency
response with these lifesaving
gear choices!
By Andy Massimilian
Hard-hitting firepower
in small-sized packages!
48
26
CARRY COAST
TO COAST
By Massad Ayoob
Military & Police advantages
in a slim, polymer subcompact
9mm and .40!
FULL-SIZE CARRY
CARRY-FRIENDLY
SIG SAUERS
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BIG BORES
By Jeremy D. Clough
State-by-state review of U.S.
concealed carry laws.
By D.K. Pridgen
Colt Mustang XSP
a lightweight defender!
40
SNUBBY DEFENDERS
By Dennis Adler
Taurus delivers rugged snub-nose
designs perfect for covert carry!
By D.K. Pridgen
Kahr Arms polymerframed
.45 ACPs are primed for daily
pocket carry!
DOUBLE BARREL
DEFENDERS
By Zack Carlson
Optimize your everyday
concealment options!
WOMENS
CHOICE
By Megan Amselle
Concealed carry solutions
designed for the modern woman.
KIMBER LITE
By Mike Detty
Compact defenders built
to offer the ultimate in
24/7 protection!
By Robert A. Sadowski
Modern derringer designs
built for the ultimate
in deep-cover carry!
30
66
By Michael O. Humphries
Find that perfect combo of gun,
ammo and holster for you!
CONCEALED CARRY
MINDSET
By John Bianchi
Understanding the essentials of
carry for your own defense!
106
112
LEAN & MEAN
By Dennis Adler
Springfield Armorys XD-S pistols
offer concealability with a bite!
POCKET SHIELD
By Tim Chandler
Raven Concealment Systems
Moduloader keeps accessories
out of sight but in the fight!
86
+2015
BUYERS GUIDE
117
118
140
144
146
INTRODUCTION
AUTOPISTOLS
REVOLVERS
DERRINGERS & OTHERS
DIRECTORY
112
20
66
90
007
000
008

2014
Clo Ckw ise f ro m t o p lef t: Alf redo riC o pho to , GAlC o GunleAther pho to A nd Alex lAndeen pho to s
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT
HOLSTER
Finding one for
everyday carry...
its harder than
you think!
By RobeRt JoRdan
s a plainclothes federal agent, I have

been carrying a concealed weapon
almost everyday of my life for over
15 years. I have taught concealed
carry tactics to both novice shooters and experts alike. I have plastic
storage bins full of holsters I have
bought. A carry pistol needs to be
properly concealed, secure and quickly
accessible. This almost always means
using a holster. Carrying a gun without
any of these requirements invites embarrassment and tragedy. Like firearms, I
recommend trying out lots of different
holsters before you decide which one will
work best for you.
Holster Materials
Leather or molded plastic are usually your two best choices for holsters.
Leather requires a little break-in period
and will eventually stretch over time. This

stretching molds to the gun and to your
body so they become more comfortable as
they age. If it get too loose, simply dunk it
in warm water for 20 to 30 seconds and let
it dry overnight.
Many people prefer the look and feel
of leather to plastic. However, there are
lots of good thermoplastics like Kydex
and injection-molded plastics used for
holsters. Thermoplastics are molded with
heat, so leaving it on a car dash on a hot
day may cause it to warp and be ruined.
They require no break-in period and will
never stretch, but they will never conform
or get more comfortable either. If any part
of the holster (such as a belt clip) has to
flex, it may break there eventually. Plastic
holsters can grip parts of the gun such
as the triggerguard and click it into place
with friction far better than leather. Both
leather and molded plastic are excellent

material for holsters, but for completely
different reasons.
Weapon Retention
Keeping the gun in the holster is important. We have all heard stories of
someone accidentally dropping a gun in a
public place. Cops worry about someone
grabbing their gun out of their holster.
If you carry concealed, you dont need
to worry about this nearly as much as a
cop, because no one should know you
have it unless you draw down on them. An
open-top holster is fine for most people. If
you are athletic and like to do handstands
in the park with your kids, I recommend
some type of retention device like a
thumb-break snap. Just make sure you
can disengage any retention device during
your natural drawing motion.
009
CONCEALED CARRY REALITIES
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0
Elite Survival Deep Cover Ultra
BlackHawk Belt Pouch
Milt Sparks Nexus IWB
Frontier Gunleather
Auto-Quick
The Waistband Debate
Concealed carry guns are carried around

the waistband about 90 percent of the
time. Ask any cop: This is the high threat
area and typically where we search a bad
guy first. This area is quickly accessible
and relatively easy to conceal. These are
the holsters I recommend for 95 percent
of all CCW carriers. Waistband holsters
fall into two categories, inside the waistband (IWB) and outside the waistband
(OWB). The area on the waist where they
sit can be described by a clock face. The
12 oclock position is directly under your
belly button, and 6 oclock is right on top
of your spine. Descriptions are usually for
right-handed shooters, so placement is
simply the opposite side for lefties.
IWB holsters are typically worn at the
1 oclock position, and anywhere from
the 3 oclock to the 6 o clock. They offer
the maximum in concealability, but many
people find them uncomfortable. As a
000
010

2014
Blade-Tech Eclipse
Mernickle PS6 REF1
general rule, you will need to buy pants

2 inches bigger in the waist to wear an
IWB. There are a lot of great companies
making IWB holsters in both leather and
Kydex. Some IWBs can also be worn outside the pants but inside the belt. Some
even allow a shirt to be tucked into the
pants, over the holster. Gun grips tend
to be lot tougher than skin so wearing
an undershirt is a must, unless you buy
a holster that has some type of backing that prevents the gun from rubbing
against you.
OWBs are probably the most popular style of holster. These are typically
worn from the 3 oclock back to the 6 o
clock, but also can be worn from the 9
to 11 oclock as a crossdraw. Crossdraw
holsters are excellent for someone who
spends most of their time seated and
may have to draw from that position.
However, they present the gun, butt first,
toward an adversary. They are also typi-
Safariland 6378 ALS

With Paddle
cally slower to get on target than a pistol

carried on the strong side.
Most OWB holsters worn on the strong
side will come with the FBI cant, meaning that the gun is tilted slightly forward.
This is to aid in concealment. The grip
remains the toughest part of the pistol
to conceal. Canting the holster forward
slightly makes the telltale bulge under
a shirt or jacket much less obvious. This
cant also makes it easier to draw when
the gun is positioned further back on your
body, typically in the 4 oclock position,
right behind your love handle.
Pocket Carry
The worst thing about a pocket holster is

that you lose the use of that pocket for a
wallet, keys or incidentals. However, on
a hot day, when you are wearing shorts
or cant wear a belt, pocket holsters are
excellent for concealment. With a little
practice, they are easy to draw from. Most
P h o t o s C o u rt es y M a n u fa C t u r e r s
N82 Nate Squared Tactical
DeSantis Nemsis
P320
WE
DROPPED
THE HAMMER
ON THE COMPETITION.
THE NEW P320. We asked leading law enforcement professionals what

they required in a pistol. They told us they needed safe, tool-free disassembly.
A smooth, consistent trigger pull. A proper t for any hand sizenot just a
back strap. We listened. And carefully followed orders. The result is the P320.
A superior pistol in every way.
Learn more at
SIGSAUER.COM/P320
CONCEALED CARRY REALITIES
10 Common
Sense CCW Tips
sean utley Photos
Photos Courtesy ManufaCturers
Generous padding, adjustable retention,

and quality construction make this Galco
Ankle Glove an excellent ankle holster.
By RobeRt JoRdan
Matching holster and sock colors aid concealment

if the pant leg exposes the bottom of the holster.
The Galco Jackass Rig with both a variable

retention screw and a thumb break helped
set the standard for shoulder holsters.
Adjusting the height and cant of the
holster help it to disappear under a jacket.
have a little tab at the bottom on the

front or the back. That tab is supposed
to hook onto the pocket as the pistol is
drawn to keep it from coming out with
the pistol.
Shoulder Rigs
While they have the same advantages and

disadvantages as crossdraw holsters,
shoulder holsters are extremely comfortable, and are often excellent at concealment. Women who do not want a baggy
shirt or jacket concealing their waist will
often find that a shoulder holster easily
conceals a small-frame pistol when they
put a short jacket or open blouse over the
top of it.
Ankle Holsters
Ankle holsters range from super comfortable to excruciatingly painful depending on the amount of padding, whether
the gun rests on your ankle bone and
how tightly it is strapped. They can become exposed when seated as pant legs
ride up, but they make most smallerframed weapons almost disappear.
However, they are very slow to draw
from, require practice hiking the pant leg
before drawing and are generally impos-
000
012

2014
sible to get to while physically fighting

with someone. That said, they remain my
favorite type of holster if I cannot wear
one on my waist.
Hidden In Plain Sight
Women carry purses and men can

usually get away with carrying a backpack, messenger bag or attach. All
of these can be purchased with hidden
holsters built in. While they are excellent at concealment, they are also easily
snatched away by a thief, can easily be
left unattended in a shopping cart or
restaurant table, and are vulnerable to
the exploring hands of curious children.
While these holsters certainly have their
place, a lot of extra precautions and care
should be taken when using them.
Exotic CCW Methods
Exotics is the category where I put the

more unusual holsters: Belly bands,
fanny packs, thigh holsters, jackets with
hidden pockets, day planners, underwear holsters, triggerguard clips, trigger
blocks and Kleenex boxes. There are
good reasons why these types of holsters
are unusual. However, when faced with
an unusual circumstance such as partici-
1. Guns are supposed to be comforting,

not comfortable.
2. Dress around the gun.
3. A .22 LR on your hip is better than a .45
ACP sitting at home.
4. Practice drawing with what you are
wearing. Every day.
5. With weapons and holsters, you get
what you pay for. What is your life worth?
6. If you dont carry it every day, pretty
soon you wont carry it at all.
7. I wont die here. I wont die like this.
Believe that in every encounter.
8. Your goal is to survive. Running away
from bad odds isnt cowardice, it is
survival. Fighting when you can avoid it
is stupidity.
9. Mindset trumps everything else.
Mentally prepare yourself.
10. Si vis pacem, para bellum.
If you want peace, prepare for war.
pating in a wedding, going to the beach,
or simply jogging, you may need to resort
to an exotic to be able to carry without
detection. If you find you cannot carry in
your normal method, you may need to
start looking at this list.
Carry With Confidence
The biggest issue with people new to

CCW is their wardrobe. This is typically more true for women than men.
Concealing a gun means making
sacrifices. You may have to leave your
shirt untucked or wear looser clothing.
Everything in life comes with a cost. Ask
yourself what sacrifices you are willing to
make to better ensure the safety of you
and your loved ones.
Although I do not recommend the
world of CCW to all adults, I do recommend it to all adults who are responsible,
mature, willing to make sacrifices and
willing to practice. Guns are heavy, guns
are uncomfortable, and they require
commitment. However, there are a large
number of manufacturers today who
make excellent holsters to minimize the
discomfort, maximize the ease of use and
help to keep you safe in a world that that
never will be.
Kimber Solo 9mm Pistols.

Small. Powerful. Dependable.
The Solo CDP (LG) and Solo DC (top) weigh only 17 ounces. Just over
1 inch wide and with a barrel length of 2.75 inches, they establish a
new benchmark for concealed carry performance.
Solo pistols have a single action striker-red

trigger with a smooth, consistent pull that
breaks clean at 6.5-7.5 pounds for fast and
accurate shooting.
Steel sights are securely mounted in

machined dovetails. CDP and DC models
have night sights. Other versions have
sights with large white dots.
Solo pistols combine unequaled Kimber quality and 9mm power in a package
that weighs just 17 ounces. Borrowing proven 1911 ergonomics, they have a
natural pointability that improves both speed and accuracy while making them
surprisingly comfortable to shoot. Solo slides and barrels are machined from
stainless steel, and frames are cut from the finest aluminum. Five models are
offered, including 2 with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. No other micro-compact
pistol can match the performance of a Solo. Not even close. Visit a Kimber
Master Dealer and see for yourself.
A manual ambidextrous thumb safety,

checkered slide release and ambidextrous
magazine release button enable intuitive,
fast and safe operation.
T H E C H O I C E O F A M E R I C A S B E S T
kimberamerica.com
(888) 243-4522
Kimber ofers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and rifes to meet any need.
2013, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifcations are for reference only and subject to change without notice.
Ultra-compact, reliable backup

protectors from .380 to .45!
BY DENNIS ADLER
014
STRAIGHT 8 PHOTO
Baby
Glocks
Glock 42 .380 ACP
Glock 27 Gen4 .40
Glock 26 Gen4 9mm
With the addition of the Glock 42 in

.380 ACP, the celebrated Austrian
armsmaker now has concealed carry
models in every major caliber. The
groundbreaking 9mm Glock 17 design
successfully implemented the use of
a polymer frame to make carry guns
lighter in weight without compromising
strength or function. At the same time,
Glock introduced its Safe Action trigger,
which is now used by arms-makers the
world over. And while coincidental to the
model name, the G17 increased standard
cartridge capacity to 17+1. Back in 1982,
the highest capacity in 9mm was 14+1.
Glock has progressed over the past
three decades to become an innovative
leader in military, law enforcement and
civilian sidearms with cutting-edge concealed carry subcompacts complementing all its standard-size models. Why is
this important? Because every Glock,
regardless of caliber or frame size, from
standard to compact and subcompact,
is built to handle, operate and be field
stripped the same way. If you are familiar
with one Glock pistol, you are familiar
with every Glock.
This continuity of design, whether
using a subcompact with a single-stack
Glock 30S .45 ACP
magazine for better concealment or

a double-stack magazine for higher
capacity, makes Glock one of the very
first choices for concealed carry use, especially with multiple guns for carry and
backup in matching calibers. Virtually all
Glock models have an average trigger
pull of 5.5 pounds, length of travel of 0.5
inches and quick reset that hardly varies
from one gun to the next. The general
dimensions for Glock subcompacts vary
slightly by calibers and magazine capacity. The largest subcompact, chambered
in hard-hitting .45 ACP, is the Glock 30,
weighing 26.48 ounces (empty) and measuring 6.9 inches in length, 4.8 inches
in height and 1.2 inches in width with a
3.7-inch barrel. The smallest is the new
Glock 42 in .380 ACP.
Shared features on all Gen4 models
include interchangeable backstrap panels. On the Gen4 models, standard grip
size is slightly smaller than earlier models and there are two easily attachable
backstrap panels that alter grip size and
increase distance from the trigger by 2
and 4 millimeters, respectively. The panels cover the entire backstrap surface
from the top of the grip frame to the bottom of the magazine, thus increasing the
entire area of the grip, not just a portion

of the backstrap like most interchangeable backstrap panels. Glock sights are
also interchangeable to user preferences. By selecting a preferred caliber,
frame size, and magazine capacity, it is
easy to choose a Glock handgun to meet
every self-defense and concealed carry
requirement.
Subcompact Perfection
Among the most popular concealed carry

Glock subcompacts is the 9mm G26
Gen4, which offers 10-round magazine
capacity along with the smallest frame
and slide dimensions available for a
9mm Glock model. Introduced in 1995,
the G26 was the first subcompact in the
Glock lineup and remains, in its latest
form, one of the easiest subcompacts
to shoot, as the new Gen4 models use
Glocks improved dual recoil spring guide
rod design to further regulate felt recoil.
Introduced in 1995 as a companion
model to the Glock 26 but chambered
in the more powerful .40 S&W caliber,
the Glock 27 is otherwise identical. The
G27 is favored today by law enforcement,
even though in .40 S&W the magazine
only holds nine rounds versus the 9mms
015
BABY GLOCKS
Glock 36 .45 ACP
10-round capacity. Now in the Gen4

series, the Glock 27 continues to rank
among the most carried of all .40 S&W
subcompact handguns with an overall
length of 6.4 inches, height of 4.1 inches,
width of 1.1 inches and carry weight of
just 21.89 ounces (empty).
The hard-hitting 10mm subcompact
Glock 29 Gen4 was introduced in 1996
and rounds out a very popular trio of law
enforcement calibers. The latest Gen4
version of the G29 remains an all-around
carry gun with the added advantage of a
dustcover accessory rail, comparatively
short 6.8-inch overall length, moderate
height of 4.4 inches, width of 1.2 inches,
a carry weight of 26.83 ounces (empty),
and packs a full 10+1 capacity in 10mm.
The pistol is also offered in the Gen3
short-frame version, the G29 SF.
While the G30 Gen4 is not as pocketable as other Glock subcompacts, it
does pack 10 rounds of threat-stopping
.45 ACP in the magazine. It measures
6.8 inches in length, 4.8 inches in height,
1.2 inches in width and weighs a modest
26.30 ounces (empty). The Gen4 version
offers interchangeable backstrap panels,
the latest guide rod and recoil spring
upgrades and a dustcover accessory
rail. The pistol is also offered in the Gen3
short-frame version, G30 SF.
The Glock 30S is a hybrid .45 ACP
model introduced in 2012 that combines
the slide from the six-round capacity
model G36 with the larger, 10-round
capacity G30 SF frame, thereby creating
a smaller .45 design without compromising capacity, while at the same time adding a dustcover accessory rail. The new
subcompact pistol has a 3.7-inch barrel,
overall length of 6.9 inches, width of 1.2
inches, height of 4.8 inches and a carry
weight of 22.95 ounces (empty).
Back in 1997, Glock introduced the
subcompact Glock 33, the compact Glock
32 and the standard Glock 31. This was
an immediate trio of guns that allowed
law enforcement to have two primary
000
016

2014
Glock 39 .45 GAP
Glock 33 Gen4 .357 SIG
CONCEALING A GLOCK 42
BY DENNIS ADLER
ith the most anticipated .380 ACP

model ever now available in the
W
Glock 42, Glock has again proven its
design paradigm works regardless of

gun size or caliber. What separates the
Glock 42 from other Glock subcompacts are the guns dimensions, which
are smaller than any other model, and
concealed carry holster makers wasted
no time in making this subcompact .380
ACP ultra concealable.
BLACKHAWK BACKUP Pure simplicity

of design describes the BlackHawk IWB
Size 1 soft pouch for the Glock 42. This
uses a contoured, soft, synthetic pouch
with an injection-molded belt clip. The
soft, suede-like exterior rests against
your side and the entire frame and slide
are covered by the holsters trim contours, leaving only the grips exposed.
(blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
CROSSBREED COVER: Another new design comes from CrossBreed Holsters.
This version of its MiniTuck has the
Glock 42 securely retained in a triggerguard-locking, hand-formed Kydex
pouch that is riveted to a steer hide skirt
fitted with two height-adjustable steel
belt clips. The soft leather backer will
form to your body and make the holster
rig comfortable to wear while the dual
clips keep the holster rigidly in place.
The Kydex pouch has a slight forward
cant for an easier draw, and the leather
skirt has a raised panel to keep the top
of the slide from making contact with
your body. It is a very well executed
design. (crossbreedholsters.com;
888-732-5011)
DESANTIS RIGS: DeSantis Mini
Scabbard, a standard for the DeSantis
line is one of the best overall belt carry
methods suited to the new Glock. A new
DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster is also
available. While the Glock 42 is a little

wider than some .380s, it is very easy
to conceal within and draw from the
Nemesis design. DeSantis has also adopted its popular Cozy Partner IWB allleather holster to contour fit the Glock
42. This is a heavy duty, double-stitched,
pancake-style IWB with an adjustable
tension screw, forward cant and double
snap lock belt straps that keep the Cozy
Partner right where you put it. (desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
GALCO SECURITY: Galcos Stow-N-Go
IWB rig uses the same proven design as
its Pocket Protector, featuring a heavy,
double-stitched, suede-out pouch with
a rollover lip around the throat to keep
the holster opening rigid for ease of
draw and re-holstering. The rig uses
a 1.5-inch-wide, injection-molded belt
clip to secure the holster. The grips, the
upper portion of the frame and the rear
of the triggerguard are left exposed.
(galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526)
N82 TACTICAL: Nate Squared Tactical,
an American manufacturer of what
many have called one of the most
comfortable concealed carry holster,
announces the release of the Glock 42
for their Professional Series. You will
be able to carry all day with comfort and
confidence. (n82tactical.com)
SNEAKY PETE From covert to overt, the

Sneaky Pete is a concealed carry that
no one will notice. Its a well-named rig
that looks like a carry case for a smartphone or any other small electronic
device, but inside it is designed to hold
the Glock 42! Two spring steel belt clips
secure the Sneaky Pete, and the magnetic closure cover is easy to lift open
when retrieving the firearm.
(sneakypete.com)
EXTENDED MAGAZINE:
NOW SHIPPING WITH
1 FLUSH MAGAZINE
1 EXTENDED MAGAZINE
SCAN. LEARN MORE.
2 MORE ROUNDS OF
PREVENTION
1 EXTRA INCH OF GRIP SURFACE
INTRODUCING
THE BERETTA NANO:
Easy to conceal.
Easy to reveal.
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ZTVV[OZUHNMYLLWYVSLPUUV]H[P]LZHML[`MLH[\YLZWS\ZP[Z[V\NOULZZ
HUKYLSPHIPSP[`THRL[OL!556HUV[OL\S[PTH[LTPJYVJVTWHJ[JHYY`
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info.Beretta.com/CHN
NANO TECHNOLOGY:
SAFE DISASSEMBLYNO PULLING TRIGGER
COMPLETELY SNAG-FREE DESIGN
TOTALLY AMBIDEXTROUS
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TOUGH TECHNOPOLYMER FRAME
BABY GLOCKS
carry options plus a matching backup
gun all in the same new caliber. The .357
SIG. This remains mostly a law enforcement specialty even today, but the latest
Glock 33 Gen4 (as well as Gen4 versions
of the Glock 31 and 32) offer users all
of the companys latest advances in
grip design and recoil management in a
unique, high-performance caliber. The
9+1 capacity Glock 33 Gen4 measures 6.4
inches in overall length with a 3.4-inch
barrel, a short 4.17 inches in height, 1.8
inches in width and a carry weight of
21.89 ounces (empty), making it the size
equivalent of the Glock 27.
The .45 ACP Glock 36, introduced in
1999, gave up four rounds and a doublestack magazine for a single-stack, sixround capacity, but gained a grip frame
and width that was narrowed to only 1.10
inches, still the narrowest large-caliber
Glock ever. While maintaining the same
3.7-inch barrel as the Glock 30, the gun
came in slightly longer at 6.96 inches but
lighter for concealed carry at only 22.4
ounces (empty) and shorter in height at
4.7 inches. This model remains among
the smallest .45 ACP semi-automatics
ever produced.
In 2003, Ernest Durham and Gaston
Glock designed the companys own
proprietary caliber, .45 GAP Created as
an alternative to .45 ACP, the cartridge
allows for a more compact pistol design
while providing a round with equal bullet
size and velocity. This led to the Glock
37 being introduced that same year and
the subsequent compact Glock 38 and
subcompact Glock 39 versions in 2005.
The Glock 39 is narrow at 1.18 inches,
with a single-stack magazine and 6+1
capacity, very short with a height of 4.1
inches and length of 6.4 inches. With a
shorter 3.4-inch barrel and carry weight
of 24.18 ounces, the Glock 39 is one of
the smallest large-caliber models in the
Glock line.
With the debut of the Glock 42 in 2014,
we have a new subcompact with the
smallest frame, slide and barrel length
Glock has ever offered. The Glock 42
offers all the advanced features of the
armsmakers subcompact line in a small,
easily held frame size that offers every
desirable feature for a .380 ACP pocket
pistol, including dovetailed white-dot
sights and easily operated slide and
magazine releasesand the G42 slide
locks back after the last round is fired.
The new subcompact .380 ACP employs
a dual recoil spring unique to the model
and a cold-hammer-forged, 3.25-inch
barrel, providing lighter recoil. The G42
measures 5.9 inches in overall length, a
000
018

2014
Crossbreed IWB
Aker Flatsider Scabbard
very pocket friendly 0.9 inches in width,

weighs 13.7 ounces (empty) and has a
capacity of 6+1.
Compact Confidence
The slight step up in size to a compact

offers numerous advantages. All four
popular Glock compact models, beginning with the latest G19 Gen4 version,
offer dustcover accessory rails, higher
standard capacity, longer barrels and
slides for improved sight radiuses and
slightly greater weight for added recoil
management. The 9mm G19 entered the
Glock line in 1997. It was one of the earliest compact models and has continued
to evolve over the last 18 years into the
Gen4 version. It measures 7.2 inches in
overall length with a height of 4.9 inches,
a width of 1.1 inches and a carry weight
of 23.65 ounces (empty). These specs apply to all four Glock compacts for height
and width, along with a barrel length of
4 inches. The 9mm Glock 19 Gen4, and
the Glock 23 Gen4 in .40, have identical
specs with the exception of weight.
The .40 S&W models in the Glock
compact line offer standard features but
with the added power of a popular law
enforcement caliber. In the latest G23
Gen4, it is an even more manageable
round for concealed carry and self-
DeSantis Cozy Partner
Galco Stow-N-Go
defense use with the guns improved dual

recoil spring and guide rod design.
The Glock 32 Gen4 compact has the
exact same dimensions as the .40 S&W
Glock 23 through its 4-inch barrel, 13+1
capacity, overall length of 7.2 inches
and weight of 24 ounces (empty). Like
all Gen4 models, the frame surface has
Glocks new textured finish for a secure
grip with less bite. Internally, the recoil
spring assembly substantially increases
the life of the system and helps mitigate harsh recoil from the high velocity
.357 Sig round. A reversible, enlarged
magazine catch, changeable in seconds,
accommodates left- or right-handed
operators and is another standard
Gen4 feature.
The last of Glocks compact carry
models is the Glock 38 in .45 GAP.
Using a staggered column, eight-round
magazine to increase capacity by two
rounds, it was introduced in 2005. Similar
to the Glock 37 except with a shorter
4.01-inch barrel, the G38 is the heaviest
of the compacts, weighing 26.83 ounces
(empty). The G38s 8+1 capacity and the
power of the .45 GAP cartridge present
an ideal option in a model sized much
like traditional caliber Glock compacts.
For more information, visit us.glock.
com or call 770-432-1202.
FNS SERIES
TM
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Manufactured in Columbia, South Carolina with pride in craftsmanship,
the FNS Series delivers unmatched precision and exceptional ease of use.
Thats quality you can trust from a 125 year old company that understands
the importance of home-grown manufacturing.
FOR MORE PRODUCT DETAILS, VISIT:

FNHUSA.COM/FNS-SERIES
DISTINCT ADVANTAGE
KIMBER
LITE
Compact
defenders
built to offer
the ultimate in
24/7 protection!
BY MIKE DETTY
PHOTOS COURTESY
KIMBER
The year 2013 was a milestone anniver-
sary for me, it marked 20 years of gun writing for Harris

Publications. Harris bought an evaluation I did on the brand
new Kimber Classic Custom back in 1993. Back then, not
everyone had heard of Kimber either. But the companys
new Classic Custom was destined to make Kimber a powerhouse in the 1911 market. If you have a poor memory or
werent around back in the early 90s, let me tell you the
simple things Kimber did to overpower Colt and Springfield
Armory. Kimber was the very first 1911 manufacturer to
offer a production gun with a beavertail, an extended thumb
safety and low-profile combat sights. The Classic Custom
was a gun that was ready for carry or competition straight
from the box, at a cost comparable to what other companies sold their standard 1911s for. It was a business plan so
simple and so wonderfully executed it made me and most
1911 fans wonder why it had not been done years earlier.
020
The Solo
Carry is a
gun that
sacrifices
nothing for
its small size
and light weight.
021
KIMBER CARRY
The Ultra Carry CDP
hosts a number of
custom refinements.
Kimber was the

first 1911 manufacturer to offer
combat sights on
a production gun.
The Kimber
Ultra Carry
weighs just
a hair more
than a pound
and one half
thanks to its
alloy frame.
A LE X L A N DE E N P H O T O
Author found the Kimber

Aegis to be the most
accurate 9mm pistol he
has ever fired.
I used my Classic Custom for several years in U.S. Practical Shooting

Association (USPSA) competition even
before they had Single Stack and Limited
10 divisions. When Kimber opened its
Custom Shop in 1995, the company had
me send the pistol back for some upgrades. All these years later, that Classic
Custom is one of my most fired and
frequently carried guns. I estimate that it
has fired somewhere over 50,000 rounds
to date. Besides use in competition, I have
used that pistol for several high-speed
defense classes and it has never failed
me. It is a gun Ive always been able to
022
Kimbers
CDP includes a
stainless slide,
checkered
frontstrap and
Tritium night
sights.
count on and one that will always be a

part of my personal collection.
Ultra Carry Confidence
I didnt think there was much Kimber

could do to keep me from carrying that
full-size, steel-framed Classic Custom,
but I was wrong. Just a few short years
later it introduced the Kimber Ultra
Carrya 1911 pattern, 7+1 capacity .45
ACP with a 3-inch barrel and slide and an
alloy frame. Weighing over a half-pound
less than the steel-framed, full-size .45
ACP, the new Kimbe pistol didnt become
a favorite until I actually put hundreds
The Aegis
is outfitted with
ultra thin
Rosewood
grips.
of rounds downrange and found that

even with its abbreviated barrel length
and sight radius, I was able to shoot it as
quickly and accurately as a full-size, steel
gun. I had to ask myself, why should I
carry the bigger and heavier gun?
The following year, Kimber sent me
an Ultra Carry CDP. Like my previous
test gun, this pistol used an alloy frame
and a 3-inch barrel and slide, but it was
also given some custom touches. CDP
stands for the Custom Defense Package,
which offered this pistol a stainless slide
with tritium night sights, a checkered
frame, ambidextrous extended thumb
safeties and a carry melt treatment designed to remove sharp edges that might
cut the shooter, clothing or holsters.
I normally carried the Kimber Ultra
CDP in a lightweight Fobus paddle holster.
It was as close to prefect as I could find
in a carry gun! Lightweight, powerful and
accurate, it did everything I needed it to.
There were just a couple minor things I
would have done differently.
In 2004, Kimber invited me to design
my own pistol and have its own Custom
Shop build it. I started with a Kimber Ultra
and asked the smiths there to fit the gun
with an extended thumb safety. I had no
use for an ambidextrous thumb safety.
In fact, my experience in carrying these
little guns with extended ambidextrous
safeties was that sometimes the exposed
weak-side safety could inadvertently be
knocked off, leaving me carrying a .45
cocked and unlocked. I also ordered the
gun with a magazine well funnel to aid in
quick reloads. This part also adds about
0.25 inches to the length of the backstrap,
and this seemingly insignificant addition
makes the gun much more comfortable
to shoot. Meprolight tritium sights gave
the gun night-fighting capability, and the
fine 30-lpi checkering on the frontstrap
provides a secure shooting grip without
abrading the hand or tearing clothing.
Kimbers smiths tuned my trigger to
break at a crisp 4.5 pounds per my specifications and coated the frame and slide in
flat black KimPro II finish. At 20 yards, my
five-shot groups averaged less than 1.5
inches with any defense load I fed it. This
pistol earned a spot in my heart on our
first outing. Walking through the desert
to my shooting spot, my foot rolled over
a Mojave rattler. In an instant, the little
Kimber had separated the snake from its
head with a CorBon 165-grain PowRBall
round before it could strike me. It was
this gun that I used a couple years later
to keep me safe during Operation Wide
Receiver. Like the Classic Custom, it is a
gun that Ive always been able to count on
and it has never let me down.
Aegis Accuracy
Kimber also offers the Ultra Carry pistol

in 9mm, and I had little or no interest in
testing this gun in that caliber until I received the Aegis in 2006 for an evaluation.
Conceived by the Kimber Custom Shop,
the Aegis is built on the same platform
as the rest of the Ultra Carry pistols. For
deep concealment use, the smiths re-profiled the thumb safety, magazine release
and bobbed the hammer.
Other custom features include custom low-profile night sights, frontstrap
023
KIMBER CARRY
checkering, flat-top slide and ultra-thin
rosewood grip panels. It is a perfect gun
for those with small hands! But what
really made me a fan of the Aegis pistol
was its unbelievable accuracy. When I
tested this gun eight years ago, four out
of the five loads I used printed five-shot
groups under an inch at 20 yards! It is
the most accurate 9mm pistol I have ever
tested, never mind that it is a lightweight
subcompact with a short sight radius!
Going Solo
In 2011, without any prior announcement, Kimber introduced another 9mm

semi-auto, the Solo Carry pistol, its first
non-1911 production gun. This striker
fired, micro-compact pistol possesses
a pivoting trigger, low profile sights and
an ambidextrous thumb safety. Built on a
machined aluminum frame with a stainless steel barrel and slide, the newest
Kimber became an immediate hit with the
concealed carry crowd.
The ergonomics of the Solo Carry are
excellent. The little pistol has the same
grip angle as the 1911, and people like me
who have spent much of their life shooting that type of pistol find it to be comfortable and familiar. It also has a very low
bore axis, and this feature helps negate
the 9mms muzzle flip! Weighing just 17
ounces (empty), the Solo Carry has a 6+1
capacity. Its dimensions make it perfect
for concealed carry or deep-cover work.
With a height of just 3.9 inches, a length
of 5.5 inches and width of 1.2 inches,
the gun can easily be concealed in the
hidden breast pocket of my 5.11 Tactical
shirts without making an obvious bulge
or causing undue sagging. It is not often
that youll find me without a Solo Carry,
housed in a Galco Pocket Protector, in one
of my pockets. Its blended and smoothed
edges make it a delight to carry!
The Solo Carry is a gun that sacrifices
nothing for its small size and light weight.
Like the other guns that Ive mentioned, it
has been 100-percent reliable and affords
more accuracy than I am capable of.
Real-World Reliability
While all of the guns mentioned in this

article were sent to me for test and evaluation, all of them impressed me enough
that I purchased them for my private
collection. Based on my experience with
these guns, their reliability and awesome
accuracy, I knew Id regret it if I let go of
one of them. I carry them frequently and
know that I can rely on them to perform if
called upon. Kimber has been keeping me
safe for over 20 years! For more information, visit kimberamerica.com or call
888-243-4522.
024
Modern derringer designs built for the

ultimate in deep-cover carry! BY ROBERT A. SADOWSKI
The derringer is the original pocket pistol. When lighting a candle taper to see
at night was the only option, lawmen,
gents and outlaws hid small single- or
double-shot percussion pistols in their
vest pockets, boot tops or even up their
sleeves. In 1866, Remington introduced
a game changer in pocket pistols, the
Model 95. This new design had over/
under barrels. The Model 95 was a
single-action (SA) derringer, meaning the
hammer was cocked to fire the pistol. It
was stripped of its triggerguardit used
a spur triggerand the sights were rudimentary at best. It was also flat so it could
be tucked just about anywhere, and it was
chambered in a variety of rimfire calibers.
Doc Holliday used a .41 rimfire derringer
with lethal precision from across a card
table in the 1870s. John Dillinger also

carried one in .41 rimfire; it was tucked
into his sock when he was apprehended.
Good designs endure and doublebarrel derringers are still part of the
carry culture in the 21st century for the
same reasons they were in the 18th, 19th
and 20th centuries. Derringers are small,
flat and lightweight. They can be stored
nearly anywheregarter belt maybe,
skinny jeans, yessocks, pants pockets, too, and just about anywhere else.
Todays derringers range from replicas
of the Remington Model 95 to high-tech
variants made of light weight aluminum
and weighing less than 16 ounces. These
modern derringers are powerful defense
tools being chambered in potent centerfire calibers like .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .410,
.38 Special, .357 Magnum and a host of

other calibers from the tiny to the mighty.
Like the derringers of yesteryear,
double-barrel derringers are unique in
that the barrels pivot up from the frame.
Many designs also offer accessory barrels
that allow a user to swap out barrels of
different lengths and calibers. Heres a
look at the current double-barrel derringers being offered.
Bond Arms
Bond Arms took the old design and juiced

it up to be more powerful and reliable. By
using stainless steel, Bond Arms derringers define sturdy. They also incorporated
a push-button crossbolt safety that blocks
the hammer from contacting the firing
pins. Its designs also have a rebounding
Bond Arms
Defense
Ranger II
Girl Mini
Cowboy Defender
STEVE WOODS PHOTO
The Bond Arms Backup, with its

black-coated frame and matte stainless
steel barrels, is designed for powerful,
low-key self-defense carry.
hammer built in for safety; the trigger

needs to be fully pressed for the hammer
to move forward.
Bond Arms derringers may look like
Doc Hollidays derringer, but they are
vastly improved. The mechanism is a
SA where the hammer is cocked by the
users thumb. The Bond Arms guns are,
as are some other derringers, ambidextrous. The barrels are alternately fired
each time the hammer is cocked and the
trigger pressed. A selector cam in the
mechanism rotates to align the hammer
block to either the top or bottom barrel.
You can set the derringer to fire either the
top or bottom barrel first.
With the gun unloaded and the barrels
swung open, cock back the hammer and
note the placement of the hammer head.
Each time the hammer is cocked, the
hammer and hammer head will rise and
fall to fire the top and bottom barrels,
respectively. Hold the hammer and press
the trigger, then press the hammer forward so the hammer block contacts one
of the firing pins (note which firing pin). If
it is the top, then the bottom will fire next,
and vice versa. Shooters like to fire the
bottom barrel first since the recoil is con-
centrated straight back into the palm of

the shooters hand with minimal muzzle
flip. It allows for a fast follow-up shot.
To load the Bond Arms designs, push
the locking lever handle down and swing
the barrels away from the frame. The
locking lever handle is located on the left
side of the frame, just above the spur trigger. To reload, the barrels are swung up
and the empties are manually extracted
via the extractor, which slides toward the
rear of the barrels. Part of the versatility of the Bond Arms guns is their ability
to swap out barrels with different barrel
lengths and calibers. A small hex-head
screw is all that is removed to swap out
barrels. Barrel calibers range from .22 LR
all the way up to .45 ACP. All Bond Arms
derringers operate the same way, but the
companys designs offer a range of different features.
The original Bond Arms derringer
is the Snake Slayer. This derringer is
chambered in .410 shotshells and .45
Long Colt. Loaded with buckshot or some
of the newer personal defense .410 loads,
the Snake Slayer is powerful medicine at
close range. It comes with a removeable
triggerguard and an extended grip that
provides extra comfort when firing yet is

still very concealable.
The Texas Defender is the model
most reminiscent of the old Remington
Model 95 design. It has a 3-inch barrel,
a smaller grip and comes with the .410
shotshell/.45 Long Colt barrels.
The new Bond Arms model is the
Backup chambered in the potent .45 ACP.
Using a matte black crinkle powder coat
frame and matte stainless steel barrels,
the Backup looks all business. It features
2.5-inch barrels and weighs 19 ounces.
The Ranger II stretched the barrels to 4.25 inches for better accuracy.
Remember, these derringers, and all
derringers for that matter, are made
for close-in work. Effective range due to
the abbreviated barrels is about 20 feet.
These are short-range weapons. The
Ranger II comes with a cross-draw driving holster for fast and easy access. For
more information, visit bondarms.com or
call 817-573-4445.
American Derringer
A dead-ringer for the Remington Model

95 derringer is an apt way to describe
American Derringers Legendary Model
027
DOUBLE-BARREL DEFENDERS
American Derringer
DA 38
1 derringer. The Legendary Model 1 is

similar to what Doc Holliday might have
carried in the Old West, except the Model
1 is manufactured from stainless steel
and chambered in .45 Long Colt and .410.
It weighs only 15 ounces, is less than 5
inches long and is 1.2 inches thick. The
Model 1 is small enough to be carried
unseen. The classically styled Model 1 is
equipped with a manually operated hammer block safety that automatically disengages when the hammer is cocked. Other
caliber choices are available including .45
ACP, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, 9mm
and more. Finish choices include a highgloss stainless that looks like nickel plate
or satin stainless. American Derringer offers a fully engraved Model 1 with custom
serial numbers as well as custom grips to
fit any users personality.
028
Lady Derringer
The Model 7 Ultra Lightweight

Derringer is constructed from highstrength aircraft aluminum and weighs
a paltry 7.5 ounces. It is chambered in
.38 Special, .44 Special, .32 Magnum and
.22 LR and .22 Magnum calibers. This
tiny weapon packs a lot of punch while it
packs light for concealed carry. American
Derringer recommends the .32 Magnum
as the best caliber offering in the Model 7,
as it offers plenty of power with recoil that
is easily controllable in the lightweight
derringer. Grips are thin rosewood or
bacote panels. Gray matte is the standard
finish for these derringers.
The DA 38 is a modern take on the
stacked, double-barrel derringer design that uses a double-action trigger
mechanism. Just press the trigger to
fire the derringer. The barrel, receiver
Model 1
and internal parts are manufactured

from high-strength stainless steel and
the grip frame is made from lightweight
aluminum. At 14.5 ounces, it is light in
your pocket. Chambered in .38 Special,
.40 S&W, 9mm, .22 LR and .22 Magnum,
two quick shots are available as fast as
you can press the trigger. The DA 38 is
equipped with a hammer-lock thumb
safety for added safety and concealed
carry convenience. The standard finish is
matte stainless.
The M4 Alaskan Survival is chambered
in .45 Long Colt/.410 and features longer
4.1-inch barrels for added velocity. The
barrels are also slab sided and flat. At 6
inches in length and 16.5 ounces, it is still
compact and light weight.
For more information visit amderringer.com or call 254-799-7419.
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Mount $17.00
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Enhanced
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All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.
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concealment options!
SIZE CARRY
Many people find a full-size pistol more

alluring than the current craze of pocket
pistols. Whether it is the extra capacity offered, more heft for less recoil or
the longer sight radius, full-size pistols
offer some distinct advantages over
their smaller counterparts. Carrying
a full-size semi-automatic pistol does,
however, require some more attention to
detail in terms of staying concealed and
being comfortable to carry.
Carrying a full-size pistol really
requires the right attitude. You have to go
into it knowing that you are going to have
to make some compromises to make
it feasible. You may not get the most
comfortable setup and you may have to
change your wardrobe slightly to make
BY ZACK CARLSON
sure the full-size pistol is adequately

concealed. Carrying a small pistol is generally much easier but does not offer the
same amount of advantages as a full size.
Added-Firepower
Most people cite the extra magazine capacity and larger grip as main advantages
to a full-size pistol. It is also sometimes
true that a full-size pistol may be more
reliable than a subcompact pistol.
Taking Glock autopistols as an example, you are able to carry 17+1 rounds
of 9mm in the full-size, whereas in the
compact you get 15+1 and in the subcompact you get 10+1 (with flat baseplate).
Those extra seven rounds of capacity
nearly double your rounds in the pistol
when you decide to go full size.

The full size also has a longer barrel.
Using our Glock example, with the difference between the Glock 26s 3.42-inch
barrel and the Glock 17s 4.48-inch barrel,
you can expect an increase of velocity of
around 100 fps.
CCW Drawbacks
There are distinct disadvantages to

carrying a full-size pistol that must be
taken into account before any decision is
made. The longer grip may make it easier
to grip and shoot, but it will also be the
single factor determining concealability.
Carrying inside the waistband (IWB), the
grip is the only thing that should be exposed over the belt line. A larger grip will
031
FULL-SIZE CARRY
10 Tips For
Full-Size
Concealment
1. Use a quality, purpose-built belt.
2. Use a quality, weight-supporting
holster designed for your handgun.
3. Look for firearms that offer
snag-free designs.
4. Carry extra mags/lights on your off
side to help distribute weight.
5. Bend at the knees, instead of the hips,
to lessen printing.
6. Opt for polymer or other lightweight
frames to save weight.
7. Opt for a thin gun even if using a
full size model.
8. Choose an outside-the-waistband
(OWB) holster that rides high and tight.
9. Buy pants in the proper size.
10. Choose a proper cover garment.
need to be adequately covered by your

cover garment.
The extra slide length and extra grip
size will also produce a heavier pistol.
Weight does begin to factor in when carrying for extended periods of time. While
more weight generally helps mitigate felt
belt sold at a sporting goods store would

be sufficient. It was thicker than a normal
dress belt, but it was still lacking.
It was not until getting a proper gun
belt from CrossBreed Holsters that my
eyes were opened to a world I had, until
then, not known. Many times a gun belt
The most common and practical

forms of carry for a full-size pistol are
either outside-the-waistband (OWB),
IWB and shoulder holsters.
recoil, it also fatigues the shooter and
constantly reminds them the pistol is
along for the ride.
Gun Belt Basics
One of the biggest mistakes people

make when deciding to carry a pistol every day, regardless of the pistols size, is
not using a proper gun belt. The belts you
find at your general department store are
not made to withstand the rigors of holding up a couple extra pounds on the belt. I
even fell prey to the idea that a firemans
032
will differ from a normal belt in thickness and stiffness. The CrossBreed Gun
Belt is made from two pieces of leather
sewn together and in the end measures
nearly 0.25 inches thick. Other brands
of gun belts may use synthetic materials to achieve a similar stiffness. Many
of todays gun belts can be bought will a
polymer stiffener sewn in for extra rigidity. Some even offer integrated Velcro for
use with holsters that also use Velcro to
ensure your holster will stay where you
intend it to.
Where To Carry
The holster, along with the gun belt, will

either make your carry experience dreadful or peaceful. There is the old adage
that says carrying a gun should be comforting and not comfortable, but with the
right combination it can be both. While
smaller pistols can be easily carried in
pockets and on ankles, those forms of
carry are out of the question for full-size
semi-automatic pistols.
The most common and practical
forms of carry for a full-size pistol are
either outside the waistband (OWB), IWB
and shoulder holsters. Ive left out the
fanny pack style of carry, as it looks out of
place to me in this day and age.
Using a vest or any other outer cover
garment can make OWB a great way to
carry. It doesnt require larger pants, and
a good OWB holster can easily support
the extra weight. A good OWB holster will
suck the pistol to the body, and up high
enough that it wont require a very low
hanging cover garment.
For OWB use, I recommend full belt
loops that require the belt to thread
through and dont allow the holster to
simply clip on and off. On an IWB holster
I use and trust clips, but with OWB you
ALEX LANDEEN PHOTO
BY ZACK CARLSON
PHO TO S CO URTESY M ANUFACTURERS
Glocktech MIC
DeSantis Inside Heat
RKBA OWB
Safariland 5378 GLS
Galco N3
Safariland 7378 7TS ALS
dont have anything supporting the outside of the holster, so I prefer full loops.
Full loops do require a bit more time
to put on, but carrying a full-size does
require some sacrifice.
For OWB I recommend RKBA
Holsters. I have used their OWB Kydex
holsters many times, including in training
classes. The holster keeps the pistol high
and tight to the body, making concealment with a proper cover garment a
breeze.
IWB carry is nice because the majority
of the pistol is hidden behind your pants.
This method only requires a cover garment to cover the grip and rear of the
slide. Using a full size pistol will require
the use of a slightly more accommodating
cover due to the extra length of the grip.
To make IWB carry comfortable, I
suggest buying pants in a size larger than
normal. You want enough room in the
waistband to be able to insert the pistol
and holster comfortably.
The DeSantis Inside Heat holster is a
great leather IWB holster that uses a single metal clip. The opening is reinforced
to allow easy one handed re-holstering. It
adds minimal bulk and is lightweight.
For a minimalist approach, the MIC
holster from Glocktech fits the bill. The

MIC is a Kydex holster that only covers
the triggerguard. Instead of a clip for the
belt line, it uses a lanyard that you loop
through your belt. You can then carry
the pistol in the waistband, and when
drawn, the MIC pulls away from the pistol
and presents it ready to shoot. It is nice
because it does not add any bulk.
Shoulder holsters seem to be a lovehate holster. There are some drawbacks
to having your pistol pointed behind you
when holstered and they require a cover
garment at all times, but they do have
their place. Carrying a full-size pistol,
especially with extra ammunition, can
comfortably be accomplished with a
shoulder holster. It uniquely distributes
the weight on your upper body instead
of relying on your belt and hips to do the
work. Depending on your use case, a
shoulder holster may be your best option.
If you sit for a large portion of your day, a
shoulder holster will be more accessible
and likely more comfortable.
Cover Garments
Much of the success of carrying a fullsize pistol lies with the cover garment.
A loose-fitting button-up shirt or polo
can cover most carry options. The shirt

should be loose enough to be able to pull
up and draw the pistol when needed, yet
not be so billowy that it looks out of place.
The fact is that in this day and age
the general public is so engaged in
their own personal space they will tend
not to notice you even if your gun does
print occasionally. A full-size gun will be
harder to conceal compared to smaller
versions, but this should not discourage
you from doing it. With the right holster,
belt, clothing and attitude, you can carry
just about anything. Be cognizant of your
cover garment, bend at the knees instead
of the hips, choose the right setup and
youll be fine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

CrossBreed
888-732-5011
crossbreedholsters.com
DeSantis
800-424-1236; desantisholster.com
Glocktech
775-443-5024; glocktech.com
RKBA Holsters
rkbaholsters.com
033
Colt Mustang XSP

a lightweight defender!
POLYMER .380
WARRIOR
My first experience with a
.380 pocket pistol was in the
late 70s, when I handled and
fell in love with a miniature
1911 being imported at that
time. It seemed made for
my hands because it wore a
comfortable set of aftermarket grips. It looked like a 1911
full-size that had seen too
much hot water and dryers,

and it rode for many years
in my pocket. Of course, as
much as I liked this pocket
pistol, the one I really wanted
was the Colt 1908 Pocket
Hammerless .380, but rarity
and cost made it nearly impossible to find or afford.
I dont remember why I
got rid of the import, but in

the mid-1980s I snatched
up a Colt Government .380
that remained with me until
I replaced it with the smaller
Colt Mustang, and later an
alloy-framed Colt Mustang
Pocketlite, both in .380 ACP,
and finally a double-actiononly (DAO) Colt Pony in the
The XSP zipped out

of my left pocket
with nary a snag,
the sights went
on target and
the thumb safety
clicked solidly off
with no undue
pressure... Bang!
034
same caliber. Then Colt

ceased .380 ACP production
and the pistols were worth
more than I could pass up
with kids to feed and educate.
In 2011, Colt reintroduced
the alloy-framed Mustang
Pocketlite and the rush was
on to get one in my pocket or
my wifes purse. That never
came to fruition, but, in 2013,
when Colt offered its new
Mustang Pocketlite XSP with a
polymer frame, I revved up my
efforts. The wait is finally over
and Ill give you a spoilerit
was worth it!
More famous for largebore, single-action (SA)
revolvers, 1911 pistols and,
of course, M16/AR-15 rifles,
what could be the impetus
for Colt to step out with a
non-big-bore pocket pistol
in todays market? The same
impetus fueling so much of
the industrythe burgeoning
concealed-carry market.
One truism of the concealed-carry market is that
the majority of carriers may
start off with a larger handgun
but will eventually want a
small, easily carried and
easily fired handgun. Bigger
handguns soon lose their
cachet, and their weight and
LE FT P H OT O C O U RT E S Y D .K . PR I D GE N
BY D. K. PRIDGEN PHOTOS BY STEVE WOODS
Colt has given its venerable Mustang

.380 ACP a 21st-century makeover. The
11.8-ounce Mustang XSP features a rugged,
first-for-the-model polymer frame.
035
POLYMER .380 WARRIOR

Note the
ambi
thumb
safety.
Integrated
rail for the
attachment
of lights
and/or
lasers.
Reloading the XSP is

easy because of the
beveled mag well.
The XSP features

a 6+1 capacity.
The XSPs polymer

frame has a squaredoff triggerguard and an
integrated rail.
size become bothersome. Enter the Colt

.380 Mustang Pocketlite and its younger
brother, the .380 Mustang XSP.
Modern Mustang
Colts modern Mustangs have plenty of

traits in common. Both include stainless steel slides, high-profile rear sights,
lowered ejection ports, Commander-style
(burr) hammers, 2.75-inch stainless steel
barrels, and six-round stainless steel
magazines that fit flush with the frame.
Slides and barrels are CNC machined
from bar stock. Each model has a traditionally styled and located thumb safety
and magazine release, and both use two
springs wrapped around a polymer guide
rod, a Series 80 firing pin block system
and a black anodized, solid trigger.
Finally, the overall length for each version
is 5.5 inches with a height of 3.98 inches.
Given so many similarities, there are
still several ways the Mustangs differ,
many related to their frames. Cocking
serrations on the XSP slide are somewhat
enlarged, providing a better gripping
purchase. The XSP uses a black polymer
frame, has black diamond-like carbon
(DLC) coating on the slide, a set of ambidextrous thumb safeties and a dovetail-
036
With the majority of the XSP

being black, the gray stainless
steel thumb safeties, slide catch
lever, mag release and hammer
added a nice visual touch.
mounted front sight. The front sight, while
not huge, is a great improvement, and
since both are dovetail mounted they can
be replaced if needed.
The frames grip area fits the hand
well, aided by an undercut triggerguard
that raises the hand noticeably, and has a
dished area to improve ones reach to the
magazine release. Perhaps fits the hand
well is a bit of an understatement. Even
the custom grips on my first .380 did not
feel as good as the integral grip panels on
the XSP, and thats saying a lot!
A weight reduction of about 0.7 ounces
and a squared triggerguard are two more
features of the polymer frame. Other
polymer frame enhancements include an
abbreviated accessory rail (about 0.375
inches) with a single notch, square checkering on the front and backstraps, and
pebbling on side panels. Finishing off the
polymer frame is a beveled mag well, providing a slight shelf on both sides in front
of the thumb safety where the thumb can
rest after disengaging the safety. With the
majority of the XSP being black, the gray
stainless steel thumb safeties, slide catch
lever, mag release and hammer added a
nice visual touch.
Only on the XSPs front sight and ejection port edges did I find sharp edges.
The rest of the pistol is nicely free of any
objectionable sharpness. I dont care
one way or another about a square triggerguard, something most view as an
anachronism from several decades ago
BO T T O M CENT ER: PHO T O CO URT ESY D.K. PRIDGEN
The XSP
features a
dovetailed,
easy-toacquire
front
sight.
specifications
COLT MUSTANG XSP

Caliber
.380 ACP
Barrel
2.75 inches
OA Length
5.5 inches
Weight
11.8 ounces (EMPTY)
Grips
Polymer
Sights
High profile dovetailed
Action
Single-action
Finish
Diamond-like carbon
Capacity
6+1
MSRP
$672
when a support-hand finger rested there.

I was surprised Colt included it, but upon
retrospect I suspect the squared portion
will be used in attaching and operating
lights or lasers mounted on the diminutive equipment rail.
Downrange Results
Piddle around all you want, but until live

rounds are being used so much is just
conjecture. This is where occasionally
things my mind noticed but failed to register pop to the forefront. The positively
activated and deactivated ambidextrous
thumb safeties for instance. I already
liked them because I pocket carry my
backup pistol in my left pocket, and with
the ambis I only needed that hand to get
the XSP into action. I also like that the
thumb safety locks the hammer in the up
position but did not lock the slide. With
the hammer in the cocked position and
the safety on, the slide can be cycled to
chamber or remove a round. I do, however, wish their horizontal platforms were
slightly wider.
I began testing and was immediately
pleased. The sights were indeed small,
but surpassed any other designs using
integral front sights; they were usable at 7
yards, and in some cases beyond. The pivoting trigger did not really feel unusual,
as I had expected. It had a short, perceptible reset and a fairly crisp trigger pull,
which helped the XSP in the performance
and accuracy department. The Series 80
safety system that many love to denigrate
obviously was not detrimental to the
usability of the XSPs trigger and, in my
mind, is a bonus for a SA pocket pistol.
Between the flex inherent to the
Colt XSPs polymer frame and the great
ergonomics of the frame, the small pistol
was very pleasant to shoot. The slide did
not leave railroad-like, bloody tracks on
the web of my hand. The hammer also
037
POLYMER .380 WARRIOR

performance
COLT MUSTANG XSP .380 ACP

load
velocity accuracy
CorBon 80
DPX HP
1,000
1.25
Federal
90 HP
879
1.02
Remington
88 HP
832
1.15
bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet

per second (fps) by chronograph, and accuracy in
inches for best five-shot groups at 7 yards.
drew no blood. (Both good things!) The

thumb on my average-size hand almost
reached the slightly widened slide catch
lever without having to rotate the semiautomatic pistol in my hand.
The front sight seemed to drop back
in place quickly following each shot.
Free-hand speed strings, similar to those
occurring when panic sets in, produced
7-yard groups under 8 inches. After all
the warm-ups, I settled down at the
bench to see just how well the XSP and I
could punch paper. In a nutshell, it shot
excellently! The accuracy was well
beyond what is needed for close encounters of the unpleasant kind, and, as a
038
bonus, my testing was with self-defense

loads I would not hesitate to carry or
recommend.
Its not that the XSPs extra accuracy
will go to waste. The average altercation may take place fairly close, but why
should you handicap yourself with a
pistol offering inadequate accuracy and
not be prepared for the further distances
that went into making the average? For
a backup-type pistol, groups hovering
around 1 inch are great, allowing the
user, with practice, to extend the useful
range of the pistol.
Pocket Carry
As for carrying, a purse or pocket seem

the place a Colt XSP should be found.
I managed to find a DeSantis Nemesis
sized for another pistol that would hold
the Colt well, and did some work from the
pocket. (Holsters marketed exclusively
for the XSP are still not plentiful.) The XSP
zipped out of my left pocket with nary a
snag, the sights went on target, perhaps
a little slower than a full-size pistol, and
the thumb safety clicked solidly off with
no undue pressure. Bang! Everything
worked time after time with monotonous
regularity! Each string was fired with only
my left hand, just as it would be in the

real world. Did I mention I really like the
ambidextrous thumb safety?
Even though the Colt XSPs sights are
better than many others, they could still
be improved upon with a set of XS Sights
Big Dots. Thanks to the sights being
dovetail mounted on the slide, that should
be no problemas soon as XS offers
them. In my opinion, an aiming laser from
someone like LaserMax is also a virtual
necessity on a backup pistol.
Reliable Defense
The Colt 380 Mustang XSP is not priced to

meet everyones budget, Ill have to admit,
but unlike many it sensibly arrives with
two magazines. However, the excellent
fit, comfortable, ergonomically designed
polymer frame, nice trigger and betterthan-average sights that can be replaced,
if needed, all add value to the package.
The excellent shootability and accuracy
do as well. Dont forget the Colt name!
Besides, what price do you put on
keeping your skin whole? Are you in the
market for a SA pocket pistol chambered
in .380 ACP that is built to run reliably?
Check out the Colt Mustang XSP. (800962-2658; colt.com).
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P238 Desert
P320 Nitron
P238 Extreme
P238 Tactical
P239 Scorpion
P250 Diamond Plate
P290 RS
1911 Ultra Nitron
P227 SAS Gen2
P238 Tribal
P220 Carry Elite Stainless
P938 SAS
CARRY-FRIENDLY
040
P227 TB
P229 Scorpion
M11-A1
P320 Nitron
P224 Equinox
1911 Ultra Two-Tone
P224 Extreme
P938 AG
P238 Rainbow
P229 Equinox
P229 Scorpion TB
P250 Subcompact Ultra
Y SIGS
Hard-hitting firepower
in small-sized packages!
BY ANDY MASSIMILIAN
PHOTOS COURTESY SIG SAUER
041
CARRY-FRIENDLY SIGS
P250 Diamond Plate
For concealed carry pistols, Sig Sauer

unquestionably offers the broadest
line of any manufacturer. Pistols are
made in six different calibers that differ
mechanically and in size and are not just
shortened versions of the same design.
Defensive handguns carry a personal,
multi-faceted decision. involving considerations that go beyond the scope of this
article. However, the caliber, the action
type, the trigger type, and the size and
fit of the handgun are threshold choices.
Sights and grips are less important because they can be inexpensively changed
to suit your preferences.
Sig Sauer pistols come: .22 LR, .380
ACP, 9mm, .40, .357 Sig and .45 ACP.
Yes, the more powerful ones offer a
better chance of stopping an adversary,
assuming correct shot placement. The
guiding rule, however, is to use the most
powerful caliber you can shoot accurately
if magazine capacity between calibers is
not a factor. My advice is to start with a
manageable caliber to build your skill and
then upgrade to a more powerful caliber.
Sig Sauer does not make revolvers,
but the companys pistols have several
types of triggers: double-action (DA) with
de-cocker, double-action-only (DAO),
double-action Kellerman (DAK), singleaction (SA), and striker-fired DAO. Each
trigger type is distinctive and you will
undoubtedly prefer one design. Some DA
triggers are the Short Reset Trigger (SRT)
type, which are slightly dimensionally
different than standard triggers but also
042
P320 Nitron
have a short reset that can enhance the

speed of follow-up shots. For some police
who are required to have a longer trigger
pull that is the same for each shot, the
DAK trigger is much smoother and lighter
(6.5-7.5 pounds) than most DAO triggers.
Sig Sauer pistols are ergonomic and
some models have ambidextrous controls. Even with a right-handed design,
however, left-handed shooters can easily
when carried in holsters like the insidethe-waistband style where the pistol can
ride against the body. They lack accessory rails, have additional machining on
the frame and slide to further round the
edges and have a rounded (or at least less
angular) triggerguard. SAS pistols are DA
with decocker and have the SRT.
Defensive pistols fit into four basic categories depending on size: full, compact,
the caliber, the action type,

the trigger type, the size and fit of
the handgun are threshold choices.
operate the slide release and decocking lever. Finding the best fitting grip on
your Sig Sauer is a function of the frame
shape, trigger reach/size and grip. Sig
Sauer pistols do not have interchangeable
backstraps that adjust fit, but users can
select among different frame styles (standard, E2, Elite, etc.) and trigger (short or
standard) to get the best fit. They can also
have a different trigger installed at the Sig
Sauer Custom Shop. Aftermarket grips
can help optimize fit.
For those who are attuned to the
aesthetics of their pistol, Sig Sauer
pistols have finishes and grips that appeal to a broad audience, especially the
P238 variants. Finally, several models
carry the designation SAS, meaning Sig
Anti-Snag. Such pistols are specifically
designed for concealment and comfort
subcompact and micro. Though all sizes

can be carried concealed given the proper
clothing and holster, Ill address most of
the compact through micro models.
P320 & P250
The P250 and P320 are probably the most

flexible pistols made anywhere. The P320
is Sig Sauers new striker-fired design
while the P250 is DAO. Both are modular,
allowing the shooter to easily change
between different sized polymer grip
modules and calibers. Theres no need
to buy an additional gun when changing from a full-size .40 to a compact or
subcompact because the stainless steel
fire control group is the serialized unit
and can be switched between different
size grip modules. Calibers are 9mm,
.40, .357 Sig and .45 ACP. The P250
In 1990 a Navy SEAL was navigating a mineeld when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground,
he vowed that if he got out of there alive he would make gear the right way. Today this obsession with
quality applies to everything we do. Were constantly researching, rening and perfecting every detail
to provide gear that wont let you down. Because were not just making stuff. Were honoring a vow.
GEAR AS PREPARED
AS YOU ARE.
2013 BLACKHAWK! NORFOLK, VA U.S.A. BLACKHAWK.com
CARRY-FRIENDLY SIGS
P239 Scorpion
Subcompact also comes in .380 ACP.

Capacity of the Compact version ranges
from 9+1 to 15+1, and from 6+1 to 12+1
for the P250 Subcompact. On the P250,
two trigger lengths are offered to help fit
different size hands, while the P320 gives
the user the choice of a drop-safe trigger
with or without a spring-loaded trigger tab. The P250 Compact is 7.2 inches
long, 5.1 inches high and 1.3 inches wide,
and it weighs 26.9 ounces. The P250
Subcompact is 6.7 inches long, 4.7 inches
high and 24.9 ounces.
P229 & M11-A1
One of the most popular Sig Sauer compact is the P229, which comes in 9mm,
044
P220 Carry SAS
.40 and .357 Sig with a capacity of 12+1

to 15+1. A .22 LR model is also offered.
Eleven models of the P229 are produced,
including three frames made in either
aluminum or stainless steel.
The 9mm M11-A1 is very similar in size
and trigger to the P229 SAS, but it has
three 15-round magazines instead of two
and corrosion-resistant internal parts.
The M11-A1 comes in three variants
including one with a desert tan PVD finish
and a threaded-barrel version.
P239
Designed to fit the off-duty and backup

gun niche, the P239 has the narrow profile of a single-stack design with smooth
P227 Carry
edges and a partially bobbed hammer

for easier concealment. It is also slightly
smaller than other Sig compacts at 6.6
inches long, 5.1 inches high and 1.2
inches wide. There are several versions
including the tan PVD finish Scorpion,
Tactical with threaded barrel, and an SAS.
Three trigger options are offered and
magazine capacity is eight for 9mm and
seven for .40 and .357 Sig.
P220 Carry/Compact
& P227 Carry Nitron
For those who prefer a .45 ACP, there are

six carry models and two compact models
in the P220 Series. All P220 Series pistols
use a single-stack magazine that makes
them 1.5 inches wide. Carry and Compact

models are the same length at 7.1 inches
(7.6 inches for the Carry Elite with beavertail frame), but the Carry version is
5.5 inches high and has an eight-round
magazine. The Compact is 5 inches high
with a six-round mag.
The Compact models afford a full
finger grip, with the P220R Compact having a 1913-style rail on the dust cover. The
P220 Compact SAS Gen 2 has the Sig
Anti-Snag treatment of slide, frame and
the SRT trigger.
The six P220 Carry models run the
gamut from the two-tone Carry Equinox
to the Carry Elite, which features a
frame with a beavertail backstrap that is
comfortable and affords excellent control.
New to the line is a P220 Carry SAO with a
five-pound SA trigger.
Two recent additions to Sig Sauers
.45 ACP line-up are the P227 Carry
Nitron and P227 SAS Gen 2. These have
the same height (5.5 inches), length (7.1
inches) and width as most P220 Carry
pistols but offer 10+1 capacity because of
a new frame. Fourteen-round extended
magazines are available.
Subcompact Performance
As the name implies, subcompact pistols

are trimmed and shortened versions of
compact pistols. Because most subcompacts share the same controls of the
parent gun and accept the parent guns
magazines, they are ideal backup guns.
Subcompacts, however, often require a
three-finger rather than full-hand grip
due to their shorter height.
The P224 is based on the P290 and
comes in the same calibers (9mm, .40,
.357 Sig) and is made with DAK or DA with
de-cocker trigger. It is 6.7 inches long and
1.4 inches wide. At only 4.5 inches high,
the P224 has one of the largest magazine
capacities (10 rounds of .40 or .357 Sig, or
12 rounds of 9mm) available for its height.
The P224 comes in five variants including
an SAS and Equinox.
For those who want a compact 1911 in
.45 ACP theres the 1911 Ultra. The Ultra
has an aluminum frame, is 4.8 inches
high, 6.8 inches long and 1.4 inches wide.
In practice, it is more compact than the
length implies because about 0.5 inches
of its length is from the protruding beavertail grip safety. It has 7+1 capacity and
is SA with standard 1911-style controls. A
Two-Tone model with stainless steel slide
is also offered.
Micro Defense
Sig Sauers micro-sized pistols include

the P238, P938 and P290RS. All are small
045
CARRY-FRIENDLY SIGS
1911 Ultra Two-Tone
enough to fit into the palm of the average

mans hand at under 6 inches in length
and 4 inches in height. They are also
narrow, being no wider than 1.1 inches
at the widest point, making them highly
adaptable to different styles of clothing
and holsters.
The P238 and P938 are the smallest
and lightest Sig Sauer pistols made, with
the P238 weighing less than 1 pound
(15.2 ounces) in its aluminum-frame
version and 20.1 ounces for the stainless frame. Both are SA with a drop-safe
design that allows them to be carried
cocked and locked (i.e., hammer
cocked with the safety on) in a proper
holster. The P238 is chambered in .380
P238 Blackwood
ACP. The slightly larger P938 is a 9mm

or .22 LR. The .380 ACP and 9mm pistols
have six-round flush-fit or seven-round
extended magazines; the .22 LR model
holds 10 in flush-fit. The flush-fit mag
allows only a three-finger grip, but the
extended version has an extension piece
that gives most shooters a full-hand grip
for better control. The P238 is made in 18
versions, including one with a laser while
the P938 has 10.
The Sig Sauer P290RS comes in .380
ACP and 9mm, yet both models share
the same slide and polymer frame dimensions, which may appeal to a
husband and wife team that like this
pistols design but have different toler-
P290RS Enhanced ORB
ances for recoil. The P290RS is a DAO

with a long but very smooth trigger
pull of 9 pounds. Its trigger travel and
weight obviate the need for a manual
safety lever just like a DA revolver.
Moreover, its rounded edges and hammer, which are shrouded by the slide,
make it snag free and comfortable to
carry even in IWB holsters. Capacity is
6+1 in 9mm and 7+1 for the .380Auto.
Add a round to each if you use the
extended magazine. The P290RS is 5.5
inches long, 3.9 inches high, 0.9 inches
wide and is offered in six variants including one with a laser.
For more information, visit sigsauer.
com or call 866-345-6744.
LIVING ON THE
Ten pros and
cons of daily
IWB and OWB
carry designs.
BY MASSAD AYOOB
PHOTOS BY ALEX LANDEEN
Most law-abiding people who carry

handguns regularly, particularly handguns of serious fighting size, tend to
carry them in hip holsters. Of the vast
myriad of holster designs, one primary
breakdown is between holsters that carry
the handgun inside the waistband (IWB)
and those that carry it outside the waistband (OWB).
I began carrying a gun at the age of 12
in my dads jewelry store, which was legal
at that time and place. That was more
than half a century ago. Ive learned a few
048
things along the way as a full-time instructor in firearms and self-defense, and
would like to share them with you now in
the matter of inside the waistband (IWB)
vis--vis outside the waistband (OWB).
Lets look at the attributes of the IWB, and
then those of the OWB, and then a couple
of similarities they share.
Being inside the trousers, the IWB holster has much less of a profile to print,
or reveal the shape of the holstered gun
beneath the concealing garment. Try on
the best IWB and OWB holsters by the
same makers with the same guns and
then stand in front of a mirror at different
angles. Youll see for yourself.
1. IWB Carry Prints Less
2. IWB Conceals
Better Than OWB
IWB breaks up the outline better,

particularly with tighter fitting concealment garments.
IWB lets the concealing garment ride

higher without revealing the holster.
E WAISTBAND
When holster and gun are inside the

waistband, their exposure stops at the
bottom of the belt and the holster attachments (loops or clips) on that belt.
When the gun is holstered outside the
waistband, the bottom edge of the holster
protrudes considerably beyond that.
Simply put, if you have to reach for a high
shelf or perform some other movement that pulls the concealing garment
upward, an outisde the waistband is more
likely to be revealed to view than an inside
the waistband. Why are we carrying the
gun concealed in the first place? Because

we dont want to reveal it. Revealing it
gives someone who has targeted us,
but not yet appeared on our own radar
screen, to have a deadly advantage over
us. Revealing it may frighten innocent
people we have no right or reason to
scare. Maybe were someplace where
only concealed carry as opposed to open
carry is legal. Whatever the reason du jour
for concealment, inisde the waistband
unarguably conceals better than outside
the waistband.
3. IWB Allows For

Un-Tucked Shirts
IWB works way better than OWB under

un-tucked shirts. If the weather is warm
and a jacket or vest isnt in the cards, carrying under an un-tucked shirt is a proven
option. Since even un-tucked shirts, if
their fronts are closed, will hug the body
tighter than jackets, vests or open untucked shirts, IWB is clearly the way to go.
What if the shirt has to be tucked in
and the wearer cant have an outer garment on? Thats when you want the gun in
049
This (OWB) Aker

Flatsider XR-12
conceals a Glock
quite well.
An OWB is fast,
as seen here
with a Yaqui Slide.
a belly band that or a tuck-able holster,

which rides inside the shirt but outside
the underwear. The original tuck-able
was designed by Dave Workman and
first produced by Mitch Rosen, who appropriately called it The Workman. And,
obviously, were in the inisde the waistband territory with this type of carry. (If
you ever find or develop a holster that can
be concealed under a tucked-in shirt but
rides outside the waistband, be sure to let
the rest of us know.)
4. IWB Requires
Oversized Clothing
Inisde the waistband, for 24-7/365

days of comfort, wants you to wear
pants with larger waistbands. There is
no simpler way to put it than this: When
you bought the pants (or skirt, or kilt
or whatever) that you are wearing, you
bought it with a waistband sized to fit
you. Now that waistband must encompass you and a holstered handgun, and
maybe even a spare magazine pouch,
too. No one should be surprised when
they find things getting pretty tight
around the midline.
Those of us who regularly carry inside
the waistband learn over the years to
buy our lower garments with waistbands
about an inch to 2 inches larger than
normal. The belt also has to be larger.
The shooter with a 32-inch waist wants
trousers with 34-inch waistbands and
34-inch belts.
One advantage of this is that it keeps
you honest about carrying a gun all the
time to protect yourself and your loved
ones. If you have pants two inches too
big and dont hook up that holstered gun
inside the waistband, youll feel it and be
immediately reminded.
050
5. OWB Is More
Comfortable
Why is OWB more comfortable for

most people? See Point Four, immediately above. With OWB, you can use the
wardrobe you already have, with no real
discomfort. You just need an OWB holster
that pulls the gun snugly against your
lower torso, so it doesnt lean out and
reveal itself and its contents. The best
OWB holsters have belt loops fore and
aft, not just a loop behind the gun. This
will keep the gun from tilting outward.
Thank Roy Baker and his Pancake holster
design, one of the most widely copied in
the holster industry, which goes back to
the late 1960s and early 1970s. It should
be noted here that fore and aft holster
loops are pretty darn effective with IWB
designs, too.
6. OWB Offers
Quicker Access
Why does IWB conceal better than OWB?

For one thing, the belt pulls the gun tighter into the body than OWB. Particularly
with a flat-sided pistol, that means your
fingers have to dig a little harder between
gun and torso to get a grasp as you begin
your draw, and this can slow you down a
bit. How much? With a good holster, the
difference is very smallbut its there.
In International Defensive Pistol
Association (IDPA), the concealed
carry sport, Ive won matches drawing
from concealment out of IWB holsters
and seen others do the same. At the
stratospheric level of the IDPA National
Championships, though, Ive never seen
the title won by anyone who was using anything but OWB. The difference is
small, but it can be meaningful, and that
difference in drawing speed.
IWB vs. OWB

BY MASSAD AYOOB
1. IWB breaks up the guns outline

better, particularly under tighterfitting garments.
2. IWB lets the concealing garment ride
higher without revealing the holster.
3. IWB works much better beneath
un-tucked shirts.
4. For 24-7 comfort, IWB needs
larger waistbands.
5. OWB is more comfortable for most
people who carry concealed.
6. OWB offers a slightly faster draw time.
7. OWB is generally easier to re-holster
the gun into.
8. OWB is more readily available, and
in broader style choices, than IWB.
9. Neither IWB nor OWB is at its best for
concealment or comfort if worn at the
point of the hip or the middle of the back.
10. You probably want both IWB and OWB
in your holster wardrobe.
7. OWB Re-Holsters
With Ease
After a self-defense shooting, local law

enforcement will be on the way. Theyre
expecting a dangerous person with a
gun. Youve just had to shoot a criminal
to save innocent human life: You are the
person with a gun. It may have just
become very important to your survival to get that gun put away swiftly and
smoothly, ad without problems.
T O P LEF T: PHO T O CO URTESY AKER
LIVING ON THE WAISTBAND
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Extremly soft shooting and easy to control, the powerful and accurate
Beretta Pico is confidence you can carry.
Thinnest .380 ever made for super concealment
Hammer-fired operation for reliability
Exceptionally smooth trigger for greatest control
For information on gun safety and concealed carry visit info.Beretta.com/CCP
LIVING ON THE WAISTBAND

The IWB holster, with the gun
having been drawn out of it, is under
pressure from the surrounding belt.
This compresses the holster and will
make it slower and more awkward for
you to get the gun muzzle back into the
holster mouth and return the weapon to
its scabbard. A steel-reinforced holster
mouth is therefore imperative in IWB
design, and a Kydex IWB may be even
better in this respect. But, unquestionably, since the OWB is not being pulled
shut by belt pressure, it will be the easiest of all to quickly and safely re-holster.
Obviously, this element presumes that
you are not carrying in a floppy holster
thats made out of chicken hide or some
shapeless nylon thing that should
probably carry a Fruit of the Loom
brand tag.
8. OWB Offers More

Design Choices
Look at the catalogs of holster companies

who produce both styles. From Fobus
and BlackHawk at the lower price end,
to Blade-Tech to Safariland and beyond
into the custom boutique holster-makers,
and youll simply find a wider selection of
OWB designs than IWB. Choice is good!
052
9. Carry Position Matters
Neither IWB nor OWB is at its best for

concealment or comfort if worn at the
point of the hip or the middle of the back.
Worn just behind the point of the hip, the
concealing garment drapes down from
the latissimus dorsi and tends to hide
the gun holstered there. At the point of
the hip, the most protuberant part of the
skeletal support structure at that part of
the human body, the holster will stick out
like the proverbial sore thumb. It will also
chafe painfully against the ileac crest of
the pelvis. Its true of the OWB holster,
and even more true of the IWB, which is
being pulled inward against that bone
structure by the belt. Its the same for
the center of the back, which is also hard
to defend against a snatch attempt, and
can exacerbate back injuries if you fall to
a supine position. Placement just behind
(or ahead of) the hip works better.
10. Give Yourself Options
Im on the road more than Im home as

a traveling instructor, and my wardrobe
varies from tailored suits for court to the
loose casual wear I prefer on my own
time. Most of us often find our weight
fluctuating, and our waist sizes expand-
ing and contracting accordingly. Some of

our clothes might be sized with enlarged
waistbands for IWB carry, but some not.
For those reasons, my luggage contains
both IWB and OWB holsters for whatever
primary handgun Ive chosen for the trip.
If thats important to someone who lives
out of suitcases with space at a premium,
its certainly also important to someone
with a stable home life and plenty of
places to store holsters and hang clothes.
Adapt To Your
Surroundings
For those who lawfully carry concealed

handguns 24/7, its not so much IWB or
OWB as it is IWB and OWB. We adapt our
clothing to the weather, the dress code
where were going to be on a given day,
our weight and body size at the given
time. The draw technique from IWB
versus OWB is not significantly different,
and will be more dependent on concealing garment choice (closed-front versus
open-front clothing) than it will be on
holster choice.
Look at it from every dimension, and
pick whats best for you and your particular needs on any given day. Good luck,
and stay safe.
THE GUA
054
ARDIAN
North American Arms .380 ACP
convenient, reliable, effective!
BY CLAIR REES PHOTOS BY JOHN REES
andguns come in all different

sizes, beginning with gargantuan
Desert Eagle pistols and .500 Mag
revolvers. These guns were not
designed with concealment as a
consideration. At the other end of
the size scale are the .32 ACP and
.380 ACP pocket pistols primarily
designed for concealment. The .22
LR and .25 ACP mouse guns are
even smaller but arent serious
options for self-defense.
True pocket pistols fit handily
inside a pants pocket, making them
a great choice for hiding them out
of sight. The burgeoning interest in concealed
carry has made compact pistols a hot item.
If youre in law enforcement and carry a
larger 9mm or .40 S&W as your regular duty
gun, packing a pocket pistol in an ankle rig
or somewhere else on your person is good
insurance if you ever need a hideaway gun.
If a large, big-bore handgun seems like an
onerous burden to lug around on an everyday
basis, a good pocket pistol might fill your
needs. Small .380 ACP pistols provide less
punch than larger-caliber handguns do.
However, the .380 ACP is no pussycat. It has
long been standard issue with many European
police agencies. Whats more, recent advances in .380 ACP lethality have made this round
even more potent. Loads specially designed
for self-defense have proliferated in the last
few years, giving .380 ACP owners considerably more choice than they once enjoyed.
The hottest .380 ACP still isnt as potent as
9mm or .40 S&W rounds, but it has closed the
performance gap.
Concealed Steel
The sturdiest pocket pistol on the market

these days is the .380 ACP Guardian made
in Provo, Utah, by North American Arms
(NAA). At a solid 18.7 ounces, the Guardian
weighs twice as much as other Lilliputian
pistols like the Kel-Tec P-3AT and Ruger
LCP. The difference is stainless steel versus
polymer construction. Polymer doesnt weigh
your pocket down, but the more substantial
heft of stainless steel helps minimize recoil
and makes targets easier to hit. I suspect it
also contributes to the guns longevity. Its a
tradeoff, but the Guardian feels a lot more
substantial in my hand.
Like many pocket pistols, the Guardian
fires double-action-only (DAO). Theres no
manual safetypulling the trigger (it weighs
in at approximately 10 poundsmy trigger scale doesnt measure that high) cocks
the action and then releases the external
hammer. Incidentally, the hammer cant be
manually cocked. It remains flush with the
rear of the slide until the trigger is pulled. The
spurless hammer cant hang up when you
draw the Guardian from your pocket. The gun
has second-strike capabilityif the gun misfires, simply pull the trigger again. This gun
also has no magazine safety; if the magazine
is removed and a round remains chambered,
pulling the trigger will fire it.
The trigger must be pulled all the way to
the rear for the gun to fire, then allowed to
move fully forward to reset for the next shot.
Failing to do this will short-stroke the action,
preventing the next round in the magazine
from entering the chamber.
Pressing the magazine-release button
055
NAA GUARDIAN
pops the magazine clear of the gun.
However, you must shift your grip to
reach the button and activate the release.
I used two different .380 Guardians
for this review. The first Ive had for
several years, and I have fired it enough
to smooth the trigger. Once Id put 300
rounds through this gun, then field
stripped it and gave it a good cleaning,
it fed and fired with excellent reliability.
I now carry this gun with confidence;
it functions very reliably. In spite of its
pocket-friendly size, it carries enough
heft to let you know its there.
Break-In
The fresh out of the box version proved

balky at first. I experienced nine malfunctions in the first 100 roundsa couple
of these could be attributed to limp
wristing, as the gun must be held very
tightly to ensure reliable feeding. If you
dont hold the gun in a firm grip youll
likely have problems. I experienced only
five failures as I burned through the

next 100 rounds. By this time, my trigger finger was sore enough to stop the
proceedings, so I cleaned the gun and
returned to the range a few days later.
After another 100 rounds, the gun settled
down and began to perform as expected.
The trigger seemed noticeably smoother.
My experience with the other Guardian
checking to be sure the gun isnt loaded,

depress and hold the slide release button
embedded in the grip panel on the right
side, immediately below the serrations in
the slide. Now pull the slide a half-inch
rearward, then lift upward until the slide
clears the frame. Allow the slide to move
forward approximately 0.5 inches, and
then separate it from the frame. Thats
One advantage the Guardian offers is its

versatile hideability. For effective concealed
carry, it doesnt get much better than this.
tells me a 300-round break-in period
is needed to smooth out the action and
improve reliability enough to trust the
gun for personal self-defense. I wouldnt
carry any pistol until repeated firing has
broken it in.
Incidentally, the Guardian can be
field stripped easily without tools. After
it! The recoil spring assembly can now be

removed. Its not difficult to keep this little
gun clean.
My two .380 Guardians are equipped
with vestigial front and rear sights, which
are appropriate for these point and
shoot belly guns. The new Guardian
came complete with an optional Crimson
CUSTOMIZABLE GUN CASES

By Jorge Amselle
uns aint cheap. And while I dont

have illusions about preserving
my working guns in pristine, museumgrade condition, I also do try and keep
them from getting banged up, overly
scratched or otherwise damaged. This is
of course a danger any time you transport your guns from point A to point B,
and if you are taking several pistols for
a nice drive to the range, then Common
Sense Cases has what you need.
The company offers a wide selection
of hard-sided cases with an array of designs to proclaim everything from your
affinity for the south to your favorite
branch of the military to your hatred of
zombies. Of course, plain black is also
an option for the unaffiliated. Their newest cases are the Stratum, Pursuer and
Contender, all of which are packed with
handy features.
Each of these cases are fully lined
in thick, customizable foam that is
slightly precut into half-inch squares.
This makes adapting the interior to any
shape you need very easy. The foam the
Stratum comes in two layers so you can
store guns safely stacked with a foam
layer in between. To maximize the usable space, however, the cases are tall
Stratum
Contender
enough to allow for vertical storage. The

Stratum will hold up to four full-sized
handguns in this manner, while the
Pursuer adds extra room to store your
spare magazines (in case of zombies
and such). The largest of the three, the
Contender, has room for eight full-sized
handguns and plenty of spare magazines, a tiny fraction of my collection.
All three cases feature premium,
black-textured ABS construction with
steel-reinforced edges and corners for
strength and durability, as well as a
three-digit combination lock for security. Extra security for the belt-and-suspenders crowd can be achieved through
the steel latches that secure the case
closed. These latches can be padlocked
as well. A soft-rubber luggage handle
makes transport easy and comfortable,
and there are convenient loops as well
for the optional shoulder strap.
Common Sense Cases is also kind
enough to include fully detailed product
instructions with each case. To wit1)
Open case, 2) Put things inside, 3) Enjoy!
It doesnt get any more common sense
than that. To view the full product line,
visit commonsensecases.com or call
866-405-8811.
Pursuer
056
Crimson Trace offers Lasergrips designed for the NAA Guardian lineup.
specifications
NAA GUARDIAN
Caliber:
.380 ACP
Barrel:
2.49 inches
OA Length:
4.75 inches
Weight:
18.7 ounces
Grips:
Rubber
Sights:
Fixed
Action:
DAO
Finish:
Stainless
Capacity:
6+1
MSRP:
$449
Trace Lasergrip sight designed specifically for the gun. The sight is adjustable
for both windage and elevation. Simply
squeeze the grip and a bright red dot appears downrange. This makes fast aiming
easier, and I recommend it. The laser
sight is ideally suited for close-range
encounters, particularly in low-light
situations. You dont need to aim with the
small iron sightssimply dab the red
dot where you want the bullet to go and
squeeze the trigger. Exerting the slightest
amount of pressure on the grip automatically activates the laser.
Pocket Firepower
When I fired the new Guardian for accuracy, I was pleasantly surprised with the
results. While recoil is definitely on the
snappy side, the gun punched respect-
057
NAA GUARDIAN
Fired offhand from seven yards, groups

averaged four inches in diameter.
performance
NAA GUARDIAN .380 ACP

load
velocity accuracy
Federal 90
Personal Defense
934
4.20
Hornady 90 HP XTP
906
4.00
PMC 95 Starfire
890
4.90
Speer 90 Gold Dot
867
5.10
Winchester 95 STX
870
4.60

058
able five-shot groups when fired off-hand

from 7 yards. Groups ranged from 3.8 to
5.3 inches across. The best accuracy was
delivered by Hornady 90-grain XTP ammunition. Group size averaged an even 4
inches with these loads.
Im using two holsters with these
guns. The first is a black sharkskin
pocket holster that prevents imprinting
when the gun is carried in a pocket. I
also have a leather DeSantis belt holster
with thumb-break retention snap. The
one-piece sharkskin holster was designed to hold your Guardian invisibly in
a pocket, then release the gun when you
needed it.
It took a fair amount of breaking in before I could smoothly draw the gun sans
holster, but the rig eventually loosened
its death grip on the Guardian. Once I
was confident that I could draw the gun
without the holster coming with it, I began
to appreciate the holsters practical
design. It keeps the guns silhouette hidden whether you carry it in a hip or front
pocket, and you barely know its there.
In addition to giving you several carry
options, a pocket holster prevents wear
and tear on pocket linings while offering
good protection for the gun. The Guardian
is an ideal choice for pocket carry.

The DeSantis belt holster I also have
has its own advantages. This strong-side
rig positions the gun exactly where I want
it when a hurried draw is needed. Also,
there are no worries that the holster will
travel with the gun. The thumb-break
retention strap offers comforting security,
too. The gun rides high enough in this
holster that its easily covered by a jacket
or loose shirttail. I like the solid feel of
wearing it on my hip.
One advantage the Guardian offers
is its versatile hideability. It works
great tucked away in a pocket, holstered
on your belt (at your hip or behind your
back), or worn in an ankle holster. For
effective concealed carry, it doesnt get
much better than this.
This is a solid piece of shooting
equipment with comfortingly steady
heft. Like any small pistol firing an effective, man-stopping round, the .380 ACP
Guardian produces noticeable recoil.
Once youre accustomed to the way it
slaps your hand, good close-quarters
accuracy is easily attainable if you put in
the necessary practice. For more information, visit northamericanarms.com or
call 800-821-5783.
COMPACT,
CONCEALABLE,
AFFORDABLE
SCCY CPX-2 9mm is your answer
for a reliable self-defense solution!
BY STAN TRZONIEC
W
When you look at the history of the icons
in the gun industry, SCCY is a relative
newcomer. With its first pistol introduced in 2005, many folks who know
guns can be skeptical on a new, start-up
company. After all, weve all seen them
before; they come and go, materials
are shoddy, and even with the heavy
demand for defensive handguns, they
never seem to make it to the forefront of
the knowledgeable gun enthusiast.
This new generation of handguns
made by SCCY (known as sky) may
be one of the best of the new breed of
concealable weapons. Chambered for
the 9mm, in the hand, the gun takes up a
little more space than the 4x5-inch color
transparencies I used to use for my commercial photography clients years back.
More and more of these guns are rising
to the top of the market, and with some
of the problems we have in the States its
no small wonder. They are handy to shoot
and fit into a coat pocket or purse. With
060
that kind of confidence, more people feel

comfortable going out at night, especially
to a strange place.
The gun was born to the right circumstances of events. In 1998, Joe Roebuck
got the idea of a small, dependable and
affordable gun mostly due to the climate
in this country and its attitude against
the influx in conceal-and-carry permits.
Before that, Joe was in the manufacturing business for 39 years, most of that
as a mechanical design engineer with
a background as a tool-and-die-maker.
Today, the plant has moved to a new
21,000-square-foot facility in Daytona
Beach, Florida, where he is proud to
say that from the time he founded the
company over 150,000 firearms have
been produced right here in the good
ole United States. With his line-up of
new CNC machines in house, SCCY is in
position to design, produce and market
additional handguns to fit the lifestyles of
knowledgeable shooters.
Lightweight Design
In overall appearance, the gun has that

modern look with rounded corners in
two distinct models. One is completely
shadowy from its polymer frame to its
darkened stainless steel, nitride-colored
slide. The other model of the CPX-2 has
the same dark frame, but with a lighter
slide in a more natural stainless shade
that is finished by a ceramic abrasion process, resulting in a non-reflective finish.
If I were to purchase this gun, this model
would be my choice, as even in dim light
the sights still seem to pop out for quick
acquisition of my target.
Looking at the gun closer, we find that,
without ammunition, the weight of the
piece is under a pound (15 ounces), which
is still proportioned to the size and recoil
of the 9mm cartridge. Working our way
down, the top of the slide has more than
ample sights with the rear sight harboring a set of white dots on each side of its
very clear cut rear sight assembly. At the
STEVE WOODS PHOTO
SCCYs new generation

of handguns is one of the
best new breeds of
concealable weapons.
061
SCCY CPX-2
specifications
At the rear, the

hammer is concealed
within the slide.
SCCY CPX-2
The oversized
triggerguard
is part of the
molded grip frame.
The front sight
features a
white dot.
062
The barrel is just over 3 inches long

and is tapered to act as a bushing.
Caliber:
9mm
Barrel:
3.1 inches
OA Length:
5.7 inches
Weight:
15 ounces (empty)
Grips:
Polymer
Sights:
3-dot
Action:
DAO
Finish:
Stainless or black nitrate
Capacity:
10+1
MSRP:
$299-339
top of the slide, a narrow, flat surface

would lead the eye naturally to the front
sight and the target. Near the muzzle, the
front sight has a single white dot. Placing
all three in a horizontal position gives you
a great sight picture. Personally, when
in a tense situation, I dont think you will
line up the sights target-shooting style,
but they are certainly there for deliberate
shooting. In any event, depending upon
the loading you favor, the rear sight is
dovetailed into the slide and held in place
Its so easy to take the gun apart

for maintenance that, after a short
period, you will be proficient.
For strength and durability

machined from 7075-T6
aircraft-grade, heat-treated
aluminum, all made
from bar stock.
with a setscrew. Considering the type of
weapon the CPX-2 is, I dont think there
is much room for here for target accuracy on center mass. But if you do have
to move the rear sight for windage only,
loosen the screw and carefully drift the
sight left or right.
Construction
From the muzzle back past the ejection

port, the slide is relieved to offer less resistance to using leather gear or drawing
from a more concealed position on ones
body. For strength and durability, the
receiver (internally on the polymer frame)
is machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade,
heat-treated aluminum, all made from
bar stock. The receiver is a very integral
part of the gun as it houses the trigger,
plunger, trigger cam, ejector, hammer
and hammer spring, just to mention a few
of the parts needed for the gun to function
properly. On the rear of the slide, rakish
cocking serrations fill this area; forward
is an extractor aptly suited to pulling out
the most stubborn spent cartridge. Within
the ejection port and to the rear is the
mechanical ejector sturdy enough to send
those spent cartridges on their way.
The barrel is just a tad over 3 inches
long, measuring 0.5 inches wide for most
of its entire length until it expands slightly
at the muzzle (to .525 inches) to act as

a barrel bushing, locking the barrel to
the slide on closing. Like most parts of
this gun, it is machined from bar stock
with seven lands and grooves, producing a 1-in-16-inch right-hand twist. The
feed ramp shows some human polishing,
which added to the excellent functioning
of the weapon with a variety of factory
ammo. To make all this work, the recoil
spring assembly located below the barrel
is all steel, and is fully integrated to make
disassembly and reassembly a snap.
When you consider the purchase of
such a concealable weapon, size naturally enters into the equation. The CPX-2
has been designed to fit into the average
hand, and I found it very comfortable to
hold and shoot. The grip frame has finger
grooves molded into the Zytel frame, a
material that appeared in the Remington
XP-100 back in 1963. Impervious to just
about anything Mother Nature could
dish out, this space-age plastic seems to
go on and on without any bad results of
abuse, weather or age. Though complete
with the addition of a finger extension,
its naturally still a little short, but not
enough to lose sleep over. On the rear
of the grip are what SCCY calls a recoil
cushion on the backstrap, but, to me, its
there for effect only. Since the Zytel does
063
SCCY CPX-2
performance
From any angle,

this gun is made for
concealment.
SCCY CPX-2 9mm

load
velocity accuracy
Barnes 115
TAC-XPD +P
999
2.00
Hornady 115 XTP
963
3.00
Remington 124 FMJ
974
2.75
STEVE WOODS PHOTO

not give, the only thing I can figure out is

that it allows the air to escape from within
during shooting (and compression of the
grip in your hand), giving you less of an
apparent recoil effect while shooting.
Trigger
The CPX-2 is set up for double-actiononly (DAO). On my sample, the effort to

pull the trigger back registered at 10
pounds with the usual stacking as the
064
mechanism reached its most rearward

position. It was very smooth, and I found
that pulling the trigger back many, many
times resulted in a very consistent pull.
The trigger guard has a reverse curve up
front as to allow the weak hand to brace
the weapon in a now common Weaver
stance. I also found there is enough room
to shoot the gun with winter gloves on,
although I would use only the lightestweight gear I could find.
At 7 yards with
Barnes ammo,
the best group
was only 2 inches
with five shots.
Above the rear is the slide release

(they call it the slide hold lever), which
allows the slide to move forward with a
slight downward motion. This release was
well designed as far as placement, as I
can push it down to release the slide without changing the position of my shooting hand. The magazine release is right
behind the trigger; pushing it allows the
magazine to drop with much enthusiasm.
Every pistol shipped, two 10-round magazines, complete with flat and extension
basepads. On the other side of the coin,
the gun will fire without a magazine in the
gun, which is something to consider when
you are putting the gun away for storage.
With a magazine inserted, the slide will
stay back after the last round is fired, so
that alone is a good indication the gun is
empty. But, again, safety first, so check
before you store.
With safety in mind, on their other
variation (the CPX-1) there is an outside
manual safety lever. On this updated
CPX-2 there is no manual safety, however
the hammer is well concealed within the
slide/frame and has an inertial firing pin
to prevent an accidental discharge if it
falls to the ground. Even before we get
to the range testing, all this and more
comes with a defensive handgun that is
currently listing for $299-339, depending
of course on your friendly dealer and his
attitude towards the current gun shortage. Oh yes, one more thing that will
make this purchase easierthe gun has a
lifetime warranty that stays with the gun,
not with the original owner.
Range Time
At the range, I was pleasantly surprised

on shooting this gun. The current crop
of 9mm ammunition has gone through
a lot of research and development with
some loads hotter than others, which
is a good thing as it allows you to pick a
loading with a comfort level equal to your
abilities in any given situation. Since I
consider the CPX-2 a practical defense
gun, I set up targets at 7 yards and fired
away. Even though the gun is small by
some standards, it was easy to fire and
comfortable on the recoil effect.
In the end, I really enjoyed reviewing
and shooting this gun. It is made right
from the beginning, using a clean slate
when it came to its design parameters. It
is accurate enough for any close encounter, but, most of all, that added bit of confidence of protection in your pocket could
mean the difference between getting
home safe or not getting home at all.
Think about it. For more information,
visit sccy.com or call 866-729-7599.
065
womens
choice
Concealed carry solutions
designed for the modern woman.
BY MEGAN AMSELLE PHOTO BY SEAN UTLEY
Concealed carry for women used to

mean getting by with mens products
even though these were often too large,
didnt fit well and were unappealing
to many women. Today, however, the
droves of new female gun owners who
are interested in concealed carry will
instead find that a dizzying array of options greet them. On-body or off-body,
business or casual, waist, shoulder,
pocket, purse or shirtwomen can now
find a carry system that fits their needs
and their style. The womens concealed
carry market is continually improving and
expanding in response to the growing
demand. Here are some of this years new
and improved designs for concealed carry
guns, holsters and clothing designed to
fit women comfortably.
Everyday Defense
There are many models that are appropriate for concealed carry, but a few new
designs are worth a look even if you already have a gun that you like. Remington
has come out with a new subcompact
pistol, the R51. It fires 9mm and can
handle +P loads, making it an excellent
066
defensive weapon with a capacity for

7+1 rounds. It is currently available with
optional Crimson Trace laser sights. The
design makes the slide easier to retract
and lessens the recoil significantly, both
advantages for women shooters.
The Ruger LC380 is another gun
specifically designed for easier slide
manipulation and reduced recoil, and
it is available with either a Crimson
Trace Laserguard or a LaserMax
CenterFire mounted on the triggerguard.
The LC380 is a subcompact with 7+1
round capacity, but it shoots .380 ACP
rather than the 9mm used by its predecessor, the LC9. It also features a checkered grip and a finger grip extension on
the bottom of the magazine.
Revolver fans should definitely check
out the latest offering from Taurus, the
85VTA View model. It holds five rounds
of .38 Special and is ultra lightweight at
only 9 ounces, which makes it very comfortable to carry, although it kicks hard
when fired. The frame is available in silver
or pink, but its the clear Lexan sideplate that makes this gun unique. This
transparent window allows you to see the
action mechanism within, a fascinating

sight for beginner and expert shooters
alike. The contoured grip is another nice
touch; it reduces printing through clothes
and makes any visible lump look less like
a concealed handgun.
Hideaway Holsters
Once youve chosen your weapon, you

must find a convenient way to carry it. A
holster thats uncomfortable or awkward
will most likely end up left at home, so its
important to find one that fits your body
and lifestyle.
One of the most innovative new products on the market is the Sneaky Petes
Belt Clip Holster. This holster is a square,
leather case that you would assume held
some kind of smartphone. The cover closes with a magnet and the back attaches to
your belt via clips or belt loops. Available
in custom fits for 21 different brands of
firearms, your preferred carry gun is
most likely included already. Sneaky Pete
has options for accommodating lefties,
laser grips, and magazine pinky extenders too, so you can truly get exactly what
you need.
Galco Miami Classic II

shoulder holster rig
is quick to access and
easily concealable
with a jacket.
OUT OF SIGHT STYLE
Top 10 Womens
Concealed Carry Items
By Megan Amselle
Sticky Holsters
Guard-Her Belt
Using this thigh band allows user to
adapt any of Stick Holsters non-slip
holsters for thigh carry.
Uncle Mikes
IWB Tuckable Holster
These versatile inside-the-waistband
holsters come in a range of popular
sizes for customized carry and offer
an ambidextrous configuration for
right- or left-handed users.
Crossfire Pulse Holster
A soft, clip-on holster that works
inside the waistband, outside the
waistband or in a purse.
Galco iDefense
A fine leather iPad case that also has
a hidden conceal carry compartment
with holster.
Crossfire Pulse
Inside the waistband (IWB) is another

popular carry option, since it tends to be
less visible than an outside the waistband (OWB) holster (although you might
be forced to buy a larger pants size).
Uncle Mikes now offers its IWB Tuckable
Holsters. They come in four sizes that can
accommodate 85 percent of handguns.
These ambidextrous holsters can be
clipped to any position on the waistside,
back, crossdraw, wherever is most comfortable for youand allow you to tuck
your shirt in around the holster.
Aker Leather also has a new IWB holster, the IWB 76 Patriot, which comes in
forms that will fit most guns. Made from
your choice of brown or black premium
068
Rivers West Womens

Conceal Carry Jacket
Available in black or crimson, this
warm jacket offers two interior cargo
pockets and a crossdraw holster
welded into its interior.
UnderTech Undercover
Concealment Tank Top
A silky tank top that has holster
pockets on both sides of the chest for
all-day carry and comfort.
Deep Conceal Lotus Holster
Available in black or white, this
adjustable shoulder holster is now
available in womens sizes and
features moisture-wicking material
in the holster pocket to keep the user
comfortable all day long.
UnderTech
Undercover4
PH O TO S CO URT ESY M ANUFACT URERS
Deep Conceal Brat Holster

Worn in front of a bra, this unique
holster offers on-body CCW carry
through a retention strap and a stabilizing chest strap.
Crossfire Rebel Holster

A soft holster for comfortable
pocket carry.
Sneaky Pete Belt Clip Holster
This leather holster resembles a
smartphone case but is custom fit to
hold many handgun models.
Uncle Mikes Tuckable
leather, this holster is almost too beautiful to conceal.

Crossfire has developed a completely
new line of holsters for women, designed
to be slim and low profile with a minimum
amount of bulk. The most versatile is the
Luxe model, a soft clip-on holster that
can fit any subcompact handgun. It can
be clipped anywhere youd like to carry
your gun: inside the waistband, outside
the waistband, in your purse, etc. This
may well be the only holster you need
to be able to mesh a gun with any outfit.
Crossfire also introduces its Rebel holster, a soft pouch holster that slips easily
into a pocket or waistband and can fit any
subcompact gun. The holster is held in
place by the friction of a rubberized outer

surface. There are no hard clips to poke
at you, making this a most comfortable
carry option.
Moving up to the torso, many women
find that a holster that hangs under the
arm or under the bust is more comfortable and flattering than one at the waist.
Deep Conceal has a couple of new products that will appeal to these ladies. The
famous Lotus shoulder holster is now
available in smaller sizes. Your size is
determined by measuring around your rib
cage (rather like ordering a bra), but the
shoulder straps are fully adjustable for
a comfy fit. The soft holster can hold any
gun up to 7 inches long, while a pouch on
the other side can hold a spare magazine.
Having the weight of the gun distributed
over your shoulders makes everyday
carry easier.
Deep Conceal also recently introduced
its new Brat holster, which holds the gun
suspended underneath the bust. The holster hooks onto the bra and is stabilized
by an adjustable elastic strap that goes
around the ribs. This extra stabilization
is extremely useful if theres any chance
you might need to run or jump around
at any point during your day. For further
security, the holster also has a retention

strap to make sure the gun doesnt ever
slide out. The gun is accessed by reaching
up under the front of the shirt. Smaller
than the Lotus, it will hold a small gun in
the 3.5- to 4.5-inch range.
Dresses and skirts present a challenge for concealed carry; there are no
sturdy waistbands and often no pockets
either. However, they do allow a unique
optionthe thigh holster. Sticky Holsters
has come out with a new model, the
Guard-Her Belt, which secures snugly to
the wearers thigh. Any of the companys
soft holsters (17 different sizes) will be
held to the belt by their non-slip surface.
Remington R51
Taurus View
Ruger LC380
On-The-Go
Concealment apparel with a built-in holster can often be more comfortable than
carrying a separate holster. Since the
guns pocket is integral to the garment,
its weight is dispersed and its outline is
shielded. UnderTech Undercover makes
a popular Concealment Tank Top, and
theyve expanded the line with more
options to fit your style. Now available in
black, white or nude, the camisole will
blend well with any outfit. Whether you
choose the full-length or the midrifflength tank, the silky, stretchy fabric is
perfectly comfortable for all-day wear.
Each tank has a holster pocket on either
side for ambidextrous use.
For colder weather, Rivers West has
come out with a Womens Conceal Carry
Jacket. Better than a small-sized mens
coat, this jacket is designed specifically to
fit and flatter women. The holster pocket
is on the lower left side (crossdraw if
youre right-handed) and there are several other pockets to hold any other gear
youd like to carry. The holster is soft with
a retention strap and can accommodate a
full-size handgun. The jacket is rated for
temperatures down to 45 degrees F.
Off-body carry continues to be extremely popular and can be very stylish,
although this method of carry requires
the user to be extra mindful against theft
or loss. Concealed Carrie is a new concealment bag company with a fresh assortment of satchels, totes, clutches and
laptop cases to tempt those in the market
for a bag. All its designs have a separate
compartment for the holster, to prevent
firearms getting entangled with whatever
jumble occupies the rest of the purse.
This dedicated compartment contains a
Velcro pad to which the holster can be
attached in the position and angle of your
choice to make the gun as easily accessible as possible. Concealed Carries totes
and laptop cases are capable of conceal-
070
Aker IWB 76 Patriot
ing full-size handguns, while the smaller

bags are suited to compact weapons.
Galco, the best-known manufacturer
of concealment bags, continues its excellent tradition with a very contemporary
design: the iDefense, a combination iPad
case and concealed holster.
CrossBreed Holsters Purse Defender
is the latest addition to their modular
style holsters. The velcro lined Kydex
panel fits securely in your purse or
other bag, and keeps the gun and purse
stabilized. This means that it will not spill
out. The Purse Defender system comes
complete with the L-Shaped panel,
a CrossBreed Handcrafted Modular
Holster. It is available in left or right hand
and for a wide variety of small to medium
sized handguns.
Customized Gear
As you can see, womens options for

concealed carry are better and more
numerous than ever. No longer limited to
large holsters designed for mens thick
belts or to trying to squash a gun into
whatever pocket is available, women now
have holsters and concealment garments
designed just for them. More choices
make it easier to integrate a gun into any
activity, which means youre more likely
to have it when you need it. Pick a few
different options and try them out to determine which method of carry best suits
your style.
CrossBreed Purse Defender

Aker Leather
800-645-2537; akerleather.com
Blade-Tech
877-331-5793; blade-tech.com
Concealed Carrie
844-522-7743; concealedcarrie.com
CrossBreed
888-732-5011;
crossbreedholsters.com
Crossfire
208-461-8888; crossfiregear.com
Deep Conceal
877-443-3486; deepconceal.com
DeSantis Gunhide
800-424-1236; desantisholster.com
Galco Gunleather
800-874-2526; galcogunleather.com
Kramer Leather
800-510-2666; kramerleather.com
Rivers West
800-683-0887; riverswest.com
Sneaky Pete Holsters

sneakypete.com
Sticky Holsters
239-434-1844; stickyholsters.com
Uncle Mikes Holsters

800-423-3537; unclemikes.com
UnderTech Undercover
800-601-8273;
undertechundercover.com
PHO T O S CO URTESY M ANUFACTURERS
OUT OF SIGHT STYLE
SNUBBY DE
Taurus delivers rugged snub-nose

There is a certain familiarity with
Taurus snub-nose revolvers, and well
there should be, as most of the companys earliest (and now classic) five-shot,
short-barrel wheelguns were based
on S&W J-Frame models produced in
the 1950s, beginning with the Chiefs
Special (later the Model 36), various
Airweight models and the distinctive,
hammerless DAO Model 42. All of these
can still be found among the dozens of
snub-nose models available today from
Taurus, but the legendary armsmaker
has had more than a few memorable
ideas of its own, including polymerframed revolvers like the Model 605
in .357 Mag, the Model 85 polymer .38
Special +P, the Taurus 380 Mini Revolver
072
in .380 ACP, the Model 905 chambered

in 9mm and the 2.5-inch-barreled
Judge Public Defender in both steel
and polymer-framed .45/.410 models.
These are truly compact powerhouses
for concealed carry use. And there is the
new Taurus Model 85 View, the smallest
.38 Special ever with a 1.4-inch barrel, a
scant 9-ounce carry weight and an alloy
frame with a translucent Lexan sideplate
exposing the internal workings of the
hammer and trigger mechanisms.
With choices of traditional steel, titanium or alloy (Ultra-Lite) frames, and options of .38 Special +P or .357 Mag chamberings, all Taurus snub-nose revolvers
employ a transfer bar internal safety that
prevents the hammer from striking the
firing pin unless the trigger is pulled. In

addition, Taurus revolvers have a Security
System, a keyed lock at the base of the
hammer that, when engaged by inserting the key (gun must be unloaded) and
rotating it one quarter turn clockwise,
prevents the hammer from being cocked
and the trigger from being pulled until
the system is manually unlocked with the
key. Cosmetically, this is less obtrusive
than other locking systems used today for
double-action/single-action (DA/SA) and
double-action-only (DAO) revolvers.
Get-A-Grip
Taurus snub-nose models have a

rounded butt configuration. They are fitted with energy-absorbing rubber grips
Judge Public
Defender .45/.410
380 Mini
605 PLY
85 PFS
85 UL Gray
85 Ultra-Lite
DEFENDERS
designs perfect for covert carry!
BY DENNIS ADLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAURUS
that have a pebble grain finish on the

sides and combat-style finger grooves
in the frontstrap for a more secure hold.
Almost all snub-nose models have a
traditional rear sight channel in the top
of the frame and a ramped blade front,
while a few offer a fixed or windageadjustable rear sight. All models feature
a large, angled cylinder release with a
checkered surface. Hammer guns have
a checkered thumbpiece, and all models
(except the View) have shrouded ejectors.
It is old and new technology in harmony,
creating an entire series of snub-noses
that fit the average hand, easy to operate,
accurate at average combat distances
and easy to carry concealed in a shoulder, belt, IWB, ankle or pocket holster.
Taurus build quality, innovation and

caliber diversity make its snub-nose
revolvers among the most trusted in
the world today, and its classic early
20th-century designs round out an entire
line of snub-nose revolvers suitable for
concealed carry in any century.
The Taurus Model 85 and Model
605 both offer a unique combination of
calibers in a small-frame, five-shot concealed carry design that features a fully
shrouded ejector, oversized rubber grips
with a finger-grooved frontstrap and a
ramped front sight. The Model 85 has the
classic lines of the S&W Chiefs Special
and is offered in .38 Special +P. The
Model 605 chambers .38 Special +P or
.357 Magnum calibers and is also avail-
able in 9mm, making it an ideal backup to

a 9mm semi-auto. These SA/DA revolvers
are available in blue or stainless finishes.
Ultra-Lite Models
Taurus Ultra-Lite models use an aluminum alloy frame to reduce carry weight
and are available with all of the same
features as other Model 85 revolvers
chambered in .38 Special +P. There are
two principal versions in blue or matte
stainless finishes, and carry weight is
reduced from the standard Model 85s 21
ounces to a very modest 17 ounces. All
models are double-action/single-action
and have an overall length of 6.5 inches.
An Ultra-Lite version of the Model 850
CIA hammerless is also available.
855 Ultra-Lite
856B
856HL
605 B2
905SS
605 PLY +P
073
SNUBBY DEFENDERS
85 View
850B Hammerless
View To Thrill
The new Taurus View resets the standard

for small concealed carry .38 Special
revolvers. The ultra-lightweight View
tips the scale at a remarkable 9 ounces
(empty). Reminiscent of cutaway display
guns, the Views alloy frame has a clear
Lexan right sideplate that reveals the
operation of the trigger and hammer
mechanisms. Although limited strictly
to .38 Special (no +P rating), this is the
smallest five-shot .38 Special revolver on
the market with an overall length of 5.67
inches, 1.35 inches in width (cylinder)
and 3.5 inches in height. With a 1.41-inch
barrel (measured from the front of the
cylinder, the actual exterior barrel length
is just 1 inch), shaved hammer and cutdown grips, this is the most pocketable
.38 revolver ever. Its available in standard
matte alloy finish or a rose-colored alloy.
Model 380 Mini Revolver
Available in blued and matte stainless

steel Ultra-Lite models, the Taurus Mini
Revolver in .380 ACP delivers Taurus
exclusive five-shot cylinder, soft rubber
grips, a low-profile, windage-adjustable
raised rear sight and a ramped/serrated
front. Its small size and light weight
frame make it a perfect choice for law
enforcement professionals or for concealed carry use.
This DAO revolver comes with five
stellar moon clips to allow loading .380
rimless cartridges. With a fully shrouded
barrel and ejector measuring just 1.75
inches in length, and a carry weight
074
(empty) of only 15.5 ounces, this is one of

the smallest revolvers available.
Judge Public Defender
The Judge Public Defender snub nose

is a 2.5-inch-barreled revolver on a
platform evolved from the Model 85. It
has an elongated frame and cylinder
built to chamber .45 Colt defensive ammunition (like Hornady Critical Defense
185-grain FTX) or 2.5-inch .410 gauge
000 shotshells. With an overall length of
9.5 inches, a height of 4.5 inches, a carry
weight of 28.2 ounces and a rounded/
shaved hammer, the gun is relatively
easy to carry concealed in a belt holster
worn at the 4 oclock position. The Public
Defender has excellent close-quarters
stopping power with 000 buckshot or .45
Colt defensive loads, and any combination can be used. The Judge Public
Defender uses impact-absorbing rubber
grips and is highly manageable, even with
high-velocity ammo. It is available in a
blued finish or matte stainless.
Polymer-Framed Precision
Taurus is a pioneer in polymer-framed

revolvers. The Model 605 PLY series
is more than a just revolver with an
injection-molded frame; the polymer is
an integral part of the gun that is bonded
to an all-metal skeleton underneath.
To build the guns, Taurus places a full
steel frame into a special mold and the
polymer compound is injected around
the frame and bonded to the metal. The
subframe is the gun and could actually be
fired without any polymer around it! It is

a delicate manufacturing operation done
under great pressure, but you end up with
a polymer frame over a steel skeleton
that are one. This level of durability allows Taurus to build polymer-framed
revolvers capable of withstanding +P
ammunition pressures and large-caliber
loads up to .45 Colt/.410. There are two
.38 Special +P/.357 Magnum models, all
with 2-inch barrels. The standard is blue
with polymer frame, and the optional is a
matte stainless cylinder and ejector with
a polymer frame. Polymer Model 605s
have an overall length of 6.7 inches and
a carry weight of 19.75 ounces. There is
also a .38 Special +P Model 85 version
with an overall length of 6.5 inches and
weight of 18.2 ounces.
.45/.410 Versatility
The Taurus Judge models have been

one of the companys great success stories over the years with various models
chambered for the potent .45/.410 gauge
combinations. The standard 2.5-inchbarreled Judge Public Defender has an
overall length of 7.5 inches and a carry
weight (empty) of 28.2 ounces. The Judge
Polymer cuts overall carry weight by 5.2
ounces, to 23 ounces. The gun also has
a full-size hammer for easier SA use.
Although the gun is lighter in weight,
recoil management is not reduced, and
the gun is actually a little easier to handle
due to its unique frame configuration.
For more information, visit taurususa.
com or call 800-327-3776.
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Customers and Experts Agree

Harbor Freight WINS in QUALITY and PRICE
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BIG BORES
Kahr Arms polymer-framed .45 ACPs

are primed for daily pocket carry!
BY D.K. PRIDGEN
076
of Kahr pistols is the barrel; its offset

feed ramp is a major factor in the Kahr
design. The offset barrel positions the
trigger mechanism beside the barrel lug,
raising the shooters hand closer to the
bore axis, reducing barrel flip. Barrels
arrive at the Kahr factory from Lothar
Walther as drilled and rifled billets.
Premium Series pistols have polygonal rifling while the Value Series has
traditional rifling. Kahrs CNC machining
completes the barrel.
Kahrs striker-fired pistols have a DAO
trigger system, with the striker reset
after each shot by the slides movement.
(Pulling the smooth-faced trigger will
not make the striker fall again.) There
is no manual safety because the trigger
system ensures a round cannot be fired
unless the trigger is pulled.
The Kahr design contains a number
of other notable features, including a 416
stainless steel slidethe slimmest in the
industrythats CNC machined from bar
stock, heat-treated and tempered. In the
slide is a self-cleaning extractor. The
slide stop is made of super-tough proprietary steel. Magazines are 400 Series
stainless steel that is heat-treated and
plasma welded.
When all is said and done, Six U.S.

Patents cover Kahrs unique locking,
firing, and extraction systems. The grip
angle is excellent on every Kahr I have
handled, and the trigger moves smoothly
to the rear without hitches.
Polymer .45s
One of my favorite calibers is the .45 ACP.

Not because its a magic, zombie-stomping round, but because I have shot it in
a variety of pistols since childhood. And,
its nice that even if the bullet does not
expand, there would still be a 0.45-inchdiameter bullet. I had always hoped Kahr
would move into the .45 ACP, and it did!
When Kahr came out with its first
.45 ACP pistols, I jumped in line to write
about it. As with all Kahr pistols, the .45
ACP versions feel great in the hand. With
the polymer frames, these pistols are
definitely on the light side.
The four basic .45 ACP models built
on a polymer frame include: the TP45,
which, with 7+1 capacity, is the largest
pistol in the line; the P45, the full-size
version; the CW45, sized like the P45 with
enough changes to make it the value
model; and the PM45, which is about as
compact as Kahr can get with a .45 ACP
P H OT O B Y I C H I R O N A GATA
Since its modest one-pistol beginning,

Kahr Arms has been known for innovation and quality. The companys first
pistol, still part of its lineup, was the
K9, a 9mm double-action-only (DAO)
compact. The solid-steel, compact
pistol looked and felt great in the hand,
but some felt it had a single drawbackweight. Not that the K9 was really
heavy, but its 9mm chambering and size
seemed to beg for a polymer frame,
dropping the weight by 8 ounces and
making carriers happy. Years after the
K9s introduction at a 1995 industry trade
show, Kahr started popping out polymer
frames to satisfy the clamor.
I was impressed enough by the polymer versions that I bought the compact
PM9, a perfect pocket gun, and put it in
my pocket where it now rides every day.
Carrying is where polymer frames shine!
By 2013, Kahr had expanded its line
to include .380 ACP, 9mm, .40, and .45
ACP chamberings. The polymer lineup
included pistols smaller and larger than
the original K9 model in every caliber.
When the .40 was introduced, I discovered the extra weight of a steel frame
was a handling boon.
One of the defining characteristics
With the polymer frames,

these pistols are definitely
on the light side of most
.45 ACP pistols their size.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE BIG BORES
PHO TO BY ICHIRO NAGATA
For law enforcement backup,

concealed carry or security at
home, it would be hard to beat this
trio of .45 ACP Kahrs.
Left to right: P45, PM45 and CW45.
specifications
specifications
specifications
KAHR ARMS P45
KAHR ARMS PM45
KAHR ARMS CW45
Caliber
.45 ACP
Caliber:
.45 ACP
Caliber
.45 ACP
Barrel
3.54 inches
Barrel:
3.24 inches
Barrel
3.64 inches
OA Length
6.07 inches
OA Length:
5.79 inches
OA Length
6.32 inches
Weight
18.5 ounces (EMPTY)
Weight:
17.3 ounces (EMPTY)
Weight
19.7 ounces
Grip
Textured polymer
Grip:
Textured polymer
Grip
Textured polymer
Sights
Adjustable white
bar-dot rear
Sights:
Adjustable white bar-dot
Sights
Action
DAO
Action:
DAO
Adjustable white bar-dot

rear, pinned front
DAO
Satin stainless slide,

matte black frame

matte black frame
Action
Finish
Finish:
Finish
Capacity
6+1
Capacity:
5+1

matte black frame
6+1
$805
$855
Capacity
MSRP
MSRP:
MSRP
$449
chambering. Premium Series pistols ship

with three mags, a polymer case and optional night sights and blackening on the
metal parts. The Value Series pistols ship
with one mag and in a cardboard box.
The polymer frames for each .45 ACP
Kahr model share all the same traits
except size. The exterior of the frame, except grip area, has fine pebbling. A more
aggressive pebbling is used on the grip
panel area. Front and rear straps have
effective checkeringgrabbing the hand
securely but not snagging clothing.
078
The slight swell on the backstrap

adds to the frames ergonomics. As much
material as possible is trimmed from the
top of the backstrap where it meets the
slide, raising the shooters hand closer
to the bore axis. Generously sized, the
triggerguard is slightly undercut for the
same reason. A small stainless steel
plate embedded in the dust cover wears
the serial number.
Kahrs, in general, have trim, comfortable frames because of their single-column magazine design. Those on the .45
ACP models are no exception, measuring

0.99-inches in the grip area. The widest
parts of these .45 ACP pistols are the
slide lock (1.14 inches) and the extended
magazine release (1.11 inches).
The slides have rear cocking serrations only, and the muzzle is gently
beveled, easing the pistols insertion in a
holster. About halfway up the side, slides
are machined to narrow them more,
resulting in a transverse demarcation
line that adds visual appeal. The top of
the slide is flat with dovetailed front and
P H OT O S C OU RTE SY A L I EN GEAR HO LST ERS
CLOAK
TUCK 2.0
Alien Gear Holsters recently launch

their newest product, the Cloak
Tuck 2.0. This neoprene composite holster is one of Alien Gear
Holsters most comfortable and
stable holsters. The IWB hybrid
holster features a light weight design with a soft neoprene body-side
layer that forms perfectly to your
hip and provides more comfort than
youve ever felt in a holster.
The companys president
Thomas Tedder explains, The
secret to its improved stability
and sturdiness is the inner ABS
polymer core. It readily flexes with
your body, but wont sag down with
the weight of a handgun (even the
heavy ones). This new material is completely waterproof, so
concealed carry handgun owners
never have to worry about corrosive sweat reaching their pistol.
It also includes a fully swappable handgun shell for versatility.
The Cloak Tuck 2.0 holster comes
equipped with standard nylon clips,
designed for 1- to 1-inch belts,
or steel clips that fit belts up to 1
inches. For enhanced conceal-ability nylon C and J clips are available as add-on items. (aliengearholsters.com; 208-215-2046)
079
HIGH-PERFORMANCE BIG BORES

rear sights. The name Kahr and the
model designation are laser etched on
the pistols slide.
Kahr P45/PM45
The largest in our group, wearing a

3.5-inch barrel, is the P45, though it is
still not gargantuan by any means. It
weighs in at 18.5 ounces sans magazine,
with a slide a mere 1.01 inches wide and
a 6+1 capacity. Length and height are
6.07 inches and 4.8 inches, respectively.
Black metal front and rear sights, standard in white bar-dot configuration, can
be drifted for windage.
For its size, the P45 has a lot going
for it. It has excellent pointability. The
sights go to point of aim easily, neither
up nor down more than a fraction, and
the extended magazine release with
its thin frame (which is even narrowed
around the release) allows my averagesize hand to drop the magazine without
changing grips. The beveled muzzle also
made it easier to holster the pistol while
keeping my head and eyes up.
However, compact as it may be, the
P45 is not a pocket pistol with all clothing. I can slip it into the pocket of one
brand of cargo/tactical pants but find the
back of the butt peaking out in another.
In dress slacks or blue jeans forget about
it. As light as the P45 is, dropping it in a
jacket pocket will change the hang of the
jacket. With winter coats, however, hang
is not really affected. Because of this,
I think the P45 is more at home in an
inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster.
If youre looking for a pocket pistol,
the PM45 might work better. The Kahr
PM45 is to the P45 what the PM9 in
my pocket is to the P9miniaturized!
Length and height are 5.79 inches and
4.49 inches, respectively. The PM45s
empty weight is 17.3 ounces. The slides
reduction drops the barrel down to 3.24
inches. To save you finding a calculator,
the dimension reduction is: 0.3 inches
on the barrel, 0.28 inches in length,
0.31 inches in height and 1.2 ounces
in weight. Capacity also drops from six
rounds to five in the magazine.
Laying the P45 and PM45 pistols side
by side, the PM45 looks like a hacksaw
had its way with bigger brother. Luckily,
the hacksaw bobbed the P45 in just the
right ways. The full-size pistol has excellent balance, and, despite the amputations, the PM45 retains that balance and
its pointability.
In a pocket or bag, or on the waist,
these reductions improve things for the
concealed carrier. Worn in an ousidethe-waistband (OWB) holster, the
080
shorter slide will let less snout protrude

below a covering garment. This also
means less will protrude into the pants
in an IWB rig. The PM45 uses shorter
magazines but works with those from
any other Kahr .45 ACP.
CW45
The Kahr CW45, and the Value Series

in general, is billed as a more affordable option. Kahrs CW45 is (almost) the
spitting image of the P45. The general
outline looks identical until you look
closely at the slide. Kahr increased the
traditionally rifled barrels length by 0.1
inches, which then translates to an overall length increase of 0.25 inches and a
1.2-ounce increase in the pistols weight.
Other visually identifiable modifications include the absence of the extra
machining on the slide (no transverse
line or reduction in the upper slides
width), no dovetailed front sight and the
name and model being rolled on the
slide rather than laser engraved. While
the CW45s muzzle is tapered to aid
when holstering, it has a different angle.
Not visually identifiable is the typical
metal front sights replacement with a
polymer version.
The CW45s slide stop lever is metalinjection-molded (MIM) not machined, a
common practice in the industry. Kahr
ships the CW45 with a single magazine
in a cardboard box, not their signature
plastic one. That completes the modifications Kahr made to reduce the pistols
price. All modifications add up to a $322
reduction in price, with a magazine holding the same number of rounds as the
P45. I could buy quite a bit of ammunition
and magazines for that!
Fire In The Hole!
At the range I found the Kahr pistols

handled as easily as I remembered.
Triggers for the P45, CW45, and PM45
pistols (6, 7.25 and 5.25 pounds, respectively) were nicely smooth with a long
reset. While not as smooth as a welltuned revolver, theyre definitely some of
the best in the industry.
Running through a few drills I found,
as I had predicted, that the Kahr pistols
left little to be desired. They were fast
from the holster and fast between targets. If I did my part, the accuracy was
there. These Kahr 45 pistols also rode
well on the belt.
For law enforcement backup,
concealed carry or security at home, it
would be hard to beat this trio of .45 ACP
Kahrs! For more information, visit kahr.
com or call 508-795-3919.
081
CARRY COAST TO COAST
State-by-state review of
U.S. concealed carry laws.
While concealed carry is now legal in

all 50 states, the laws that govern it
vary dramatically from state to state.
What follows is a general overview of
each states laws on issuing permits,
as well as whether or not they issue
out-of-state permits to non-residents,
and if they recognize permits from
other states. While reciprocity is a
term of art, Ive used it here in the more
general sense of whether or not they
will recognize another states permit.
Just because they recognize some other
permits, however, doesnt mean they
recognize one from your state, so youll
need to check that, as well as any other
limitationssuch as ammunition or
magazine capacity laws as well as the law
of self-defense for that statethat could
affect you while youre there. Included are
links to official sources in each state, as
well as the citation for their CCW statute,
to serve as starting points for the additional research you should do to make
sure you obey the law.
What follows is not legal advice.
For that, you must contact an attorney
082
BIG ST O CK PHO T O
BY Jeremy D. Clough
licensed in that state who specializes in

this area of law. The goal isnt to answer
all the questions you may have, but to tell
you where to look for the answers you
might need.
Be aware, though, that laws change
frequently and often become effective at
unpredictable times. Many states have
changed their CCW laws in the past year
(youll notes on some of these changes
and when they will become effective),
and theres no guarantee that they wont
or any other unofficial source. Verify all

information prior to traveling, and if you
have any doubt at all about carrying,
dont do it. Others may give bolder advice,
but remember its your freedom theyre
risking, not theirs: They wont be paying
your legal billswhich will be substantial,
even if you winor doing your jail time.
Carrying a concealed weapon is all
about taking responsibility for yourself,
and an important part of that is the
responsibility to know and obey the law
Be aware...that laws change

frequently and often become
effective at unpredictable times.
change again by the time this gets to
press and into your hands. Further
complicating things, available information
even from state agencies may be conflicting. While the information in this article
came from state government sources
(including directly from the most recently
published statutes), do not rely on this
when you do it. Self-defense, at its core,

is about maintaining the status quo of
your life, without allowing anyone else to
degrade it. If you break the law, you may
not lose your life, but you very well may
lose your freedom, including your right to
ever own a firearm again. By any account,
thats a loss.4
ALABAMA
Website: www.ago.alabama.gov/Page-Gun-ReprocityLaw%20
Statute: Code of Ala. 13A-11-75
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff
Cost: Varies by jurisdiction and length of time for which
permit is issued
Length: 1-5 years
Terms of Issuance: Shall issue
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: No
Note: Law rewritten extensively, effective August 1,
2013. While Alabama used to only recognize those
states that reciprocally recognize their permit, they now
recognize any carry permit.
ALASKA
Website: www.dps.state.ak.us/Statewide/
PermitsLicensing/concealedhandguns.aspx
Statute: Alaska Statutes 18.65.700
Issuing Authority: Department of Public Safety,
apply at State Trooper office
Cost: up to $99.00 initial/$30 renewal
Length: Up to 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: While a permit is available, none is required to
carry concealed in Alaska.
ARIZONA
Website: www.azdps.gov/Services/
Concealed_Weapons/
Statute: A.R.S. 13-3102, 13-3112
Concealed Weapons Permits Unit
Cost: $60 initial/$43 renewal
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Yes
Note: While a permit is available, none is required to
carry a weapon in Arizona. Consult Arizona laws on
where and how weapons may be carried.
ARKANSAS
Website: www.asp.arkansas.gov/services-andprograms/detail/concealed-handgun-licensing
Statute: A.C.A. 5-73-309
Issuing Authority: Department of State Police
Cost: $100 plus other costs if under 65 years of
age, $50 plus other costs if over 65. Renewals
are $35 plus other costs, with no difference based
on age.
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: On August 16, 2013, reciprocity statute
was rewritten to recognize any valid permit from
another state.
CALIFORNIA
Website: www.oag.ca.gov/firearms
Statute: Cal Pen Code 26150, 26155
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff or Chief of Police
Cost: Varies
Length: 2 years max for civilian permit
Terms of Issuance: May issue
Reciprocity: Not provided for
Out of State Permits: Code appears to allow
county sheriff to grant a permit to one not residing in
their county if their primary place of business is there,
but it is not clear.
COLORADO
Website: www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPSCBIMain/CBON/1251622199820
Statute: C.R.S. 18-12-203
Cost: No more than $100 initial, $50 renewal, plus
other fees
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes

Note: Effective July 1, 2013, Colorado banned the
acquisition of magazines that contain over 15 rounds.
Unlike the nationwide ban in 1994, when magazines
manufactured prior to the ban were still regularly sold
after it went into effect, in Colorado, magazines manufactured before the ban appear to be grandfathered in
only if you actually possessed them prior to the ban
and maintained continuous possession of them since
that time.
CONNECTICUT
Website: www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.
asp?a=4213&q=494614&desppNav_GID=2080
Statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. 29-28
Issuing Authority: Chief of Police, Warden, or First
Selectman for temporary permit, Commissioner of
Emergency Services and Public Protection (State
Police) for state permit and for non-residents
Cost: $140 initial plus other fees, $70 renewal.
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: No
Out of State Permits: Yes, but statute appears to
require that non-residents already be permitted by
another jurisdiction.
Note: Must apply for a temporary (local) permit prior to
eligibility for state permit. Out of state applicants should
apply directly to Commissioner of Emergency Services
and Public Protection. On April 5, 2013, new restrictions
took effect on certain firearms designated assault
weapons, as well as magazines containing more than
ten cartridges.
DELAWARE
Website: www.courts.delaware.gov/Superior/
weapons.stm
Statute: 11 Del. C. 1441
Issuing Authority: Prothonotary of Superior Court
Cost: $65 initial/renewal
Length: 2 years initial/3 upon renewal
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Attorney General has authority to issue a short-term permit to non-resident under
very limited circumstances
Note: Statute allows three-year initial permit/five-year
renewal, but procedural rules only allow two- and threeyear options, respectively.
FLORIDA
Website: www.freshfromflorida.com/#ConcealedWeapons
Statute: Fla. Stat. 790.06
Issuing Authority: Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
Cost: $112 initial, $60 renewal ($102 if non-resident)
Length: 7 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Reciprocity appears to apply only to those with
permits issued by their state of residence.
GEORGIA
Website: www.dps.georgia.gov/georgias-firearmpermit-reciprocity (reciprocity information only)
Statute: O.C.G.A. 16-11-129
Issuing Authority: Judge of County Probate Court
Cost: $30 initial/renewal plus additional fees that vary
by county, $1 for temporary renewal permit
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Georgia passed a sweeping concealed carry
reform bill that became law in April 2014. It primarily
affected where permit holders could carry, which had
long been a grey area in Georgia law, and allowed places
like churches and bars to allow concealed carry if they
choose. Bill citation is 2014 Ga. ALS 604.
HAWAII
Website: www.honolulupd.org/information/index.
php?page=gunmain
Statute: HRS 134-9

Issuing Authority: Chief of Police
Cost: $10
Length: 1 year
Terms of Issuance: May issue in an exceptional
case
Reciprocity: No
Out of State Permits: Doubtful
Note: Permits appear to be limited to carrying in the
counties in which they are issued. While out-of-state
permits are not specifically provided for, the statute
authorizes permits for certain foreign nationals.
IDAHO
Website: www.ag.idaho.gov/concealedWeapons/
concealedWeapons_index.html
Statute: Idaho Code 18-3302, 18-3302K
(enhanced permit)
Cost: $20 initial, $15 renewal plus additional fees.
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Effective July 1, 2013, an enhanced permit
became available, which is issued to residents or nonresidents who already have a permit in their state of residence.
ILLINOIS
Website: www.ccl4illinois.com/ccw/public/home.aspx
Statute: 430 ILCS 66/10
Issuing Authority: Department of State Police
Cost: $150 for resident, $300 for non-resident
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: No
Note: Concealed carry passed in Illinois in July of 2013,
with some minor changes to the law in December 2013.
Non-residents who have permits from another state
are not prohibited from transporting a concealed firearm
within their vehicle in Illinois, but may not remove the gun
from their vehicle and may not leave it unsecured if they
get out.
INDIANA
Website: www.in.gov/isp/2828.htm
Statute: Indiana Code 35-47-2-3
Issuing Authority: Superintendent of State Police
through local chief law enforcement officer (Chief of
Police/Sheriff)
Cost: $40-$125 (for unlimited license; qualified license
is only for hunting and target shooting)
Length: 4 years or lifetime
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Out-of-state permits appear to only be issued to
those with a regular place of business in Indiana. Some
minor elements of law changed effective July 1, 2014
IOWA
Website: www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/weapon_permits.
shtml
Statute: Iowa Code 724.11
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff, Commissioner of
Public Safety for out of state applicants.
Length: 5 year non-professional, 1 year professional,
duration of employment for some LE professional permits.
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Yes, but professional permit
only
Note: Contact Commissioner of Public Safety for outof-state and some professional permits.
KANSAS
Website: www.ag.ks.gov/public-safety/concealedcarry
Statute: K.S.A. 75-7c05
Issuing Authority: Attorney General through County
Sheriff
Cost: $132.50 initial/$25 renewal
083
CARRY COAST TO COAST

Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Some minor changes took effect in 2013,
including rules on concealed carry in certain
government buildings.
KENTUCKY
Website: www.kentuckystatepolice.org/conceal.htm
Statute: KRS 237.110
Issuing Authority: State Police through County
Sheriff
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Does not appear to be provided for
Note: A bill changing some elements of the statute
became law in April 2014, including a provision that
allowed those moving into the state with permits from
their prior states of residence to carry for 120 days after
becoming a Kentucky resident.
LOUISIANA
Website: www.lsp.org/handguns.html
Statute: La. R.S. 40:1379.3
Issuing Authority: Deputy Secretary of Department
of Public Safety and Corrections
Cost: $25 per year initial/renewal, with possible additional fees for initial, including a one-time $50 for those
who have not resided in the state for the 15 years prior to
application. Annual cost reduced by half for those 65
and older. Lifetime license requires 20-year prepayment
for under 65, 10 years for those over 65.
Length: 5 years or lifetime, with statutory provision for
less than 5 years, and proof of training required every 5
years for lifetime.
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Some elements of the law changed January 1,
2014. A provision reducing fees for service members
and veterans goes into effect July 4, 2014.
MAINE
Website: www.maine.gov/dps/msp/licenses/weapons_
permits.html
Statute: 25 M.R.S. 2003
Issuing Authority: Varies by area of residence
(Mayor/Municipal Authority or Chief of State Police)
Cost: $35 initial/$20 renewal ($60 initial/renewal for
non-residents)
Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: Yes
MARYLAND
Website: www.mdsp.org/Organization/
SupportServicesBureau/LicensingDivision/
MainLicensingPage/LicensingandRegistration/
Firearms/WearandCarryPermit.aspx
Statute: Md. Public Safety Code Ann. 5-306
Issuing Authority: Secretary of State Police
Cost: $75 initial/$50 renewal, plus other fees
Length: 2 years initial/3 years renewal
Terms of Issuance: Statute reads shall issue, but
requires a good and substantial reason
Reciprocity: None provided for
Out of State Permits: Appears to be provided for
Note: Certain training requirements for new permits and
renewals took effect in October 2013.
MASSACHUSETTS
Website: www.mass.gov/eopss/firearms-reg-andlaws/
Statute: ALM GL ch. 140, 131
Issuing Authority: Local Licensing Authority or
Colonel of State Police
Cost: $100
Length: 5-6 years
084
Reciprocity: No
MICHIGAN
Website: www.michigan.gov/msp/
0,4643,7-123-1591_3503_4654-10953-00.html
Statute: MCLS 28.422
Issuing Authority: County Concealed Weapon
Licensing Board
Cost: $105 initial and renewal
Length: 4-5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Reciprocity does not appear to be extended to
non-resident permits.
MINNESOTA
Website: www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.714
Statute: Minn. Stat. 624.714
Cost: $100 or less initial/$75 or less renewal
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
MISSISSIPPI
Website: www.dps.state.ms.us/firearms/firearms-permit-unit/
Statute: Miss. Code Ann. 45-9-101
Issuing Authority: Department of Public Safety
Cost: $138 initial/$82 renewal (renewal fee is $25 for
residents over 65, with possibility of other fees)
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Yes (statute allows residency
requirement to be waived; DPS website, however, says
they do not issue non-resident permits)
Note: Effective July 1, 2014, disabled veterans are
exempt from application and renewal fees.
MISSOURI
Website: www.ago.mo.gov/Concealed-Weapons/
Statute: 571.101 R.S.Mo.
Issuing Authority: County or City Sheriff (or designee)
Cost: $100 or less initial/$50 or less renewal
Length: 3 years if issued prior to August 28, 2013, 5
years if later.
Reciprocity: Yes
MONTANA
Website: www.doj.mt.gov/enforcement/concealedweapons/
Statute: Mont. Code Anno., 45-8-321
Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: Yes
NEBRASKA
Website: www.statepatrol.nebraska.gov/
ConcealedCarry.aspx
Statute: R.R.S. Neb. 69-2433
Issuing Authority: State Patrol
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
NEVADA
Website: www.lvmpd.com/Permits/
ConcealedFirearms.aspx/ www.nvrepository.state.nv.us/
ccw_changes.shtml (reciprocity only)
Statute: Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. 202.3657
Cost: $60.00 initial/$25.00 renewal,
plus additional fees.

Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Website: www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/nhsp/ssb/permitslicensing/plupr.html
Statute: RSA 159:6
Issuing Authority: Local policing agency for residents, State Police for non-residents
Cost: $10 resident/$100 non-resident
Length: Not less than 4 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Reciprocity not extended to permits issued by a
state in which the permit holder does not reside.
NEW JERSEY
Website: www.state.nj.us/njsp/about/fire_ag2.html
Statute: N.J. Stat. 2C:58-4, N.J.A.C. 13:54-2.1
Issuing Authority: Apply to Chief Police Officer/
Superintendent of State Police, but issued by Superior
Court
Cost: $20
Length: 2 years
Reciprocity: No
Note: While the statute says that Superior Court shall
issue a permit, it says it will do so only ifsatisfied that
the applicanthas a justifiable need to carry.
NEW MEXICO
Website: www.dps.state.nm.us/index.php/nm-concealed-carry/
Statute: N.M. Stat. Ann. 29-19-4
Cost: Not more than $100, plus fingerprint fee initial/$75 renewal
Length: 4 years, with refresher course required at 2
years.
Reciprocity: Yes
NEW YORK
Website: www.troopers.ny.gov/Firearms/
Statute: NY CLS Penal 400.00
Issuing Authority: Varies
Cost: Varies by geographic location
Length: Varies by geographic location, but all permits
must be recertified to the division of State Police every
five years.
Reciprocity: Statute does not appear to provide for it
Out of State Permits: Unclear, but appears so
Note: Some changes to the concealed carry law were
made in 2013, including provisions keeping certain
records from public disclosure. In January 2013, as a
knee-jerk reaction to the murders at Sandy Hook
Elementary School, New York State quickly passed an
extensive gun control law that includes a ban on magazines holding more than seven rounds, a poorly-thoughtout measure that effectively criminalized even law
enforcement officers who possessed such magazines
with a higher then seven round count. Since that time,
portions of the statute have been suspended. The state
of the law, however, is very fluid, and if you plan on passing through any part of New York state, it would be wise
to contact an attorney for legal advice.
NORTH CAROLINA
Website: www.ncdoj.gov/about-doj/law-enforcementtraining-and-standards/law-enforcement-liason/concealed-weapon-reciprocity.aspx
Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-415.12
Cost: $80 initial, plus up to $10 for fingerprints /
$75 renewal
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
NORTH DAKOTA
Website: www.ag.nd.gov/BCI/CW/CW.htm
Statute: N.D. Cent. Code, 62.1-04-03
Issuing Authority: Bureau of Criminal Investigation/
Attorney General
Cost: $60 initial, plus fingerprints and $50 testing fee
/$60 renewal, plus additional testing fees for Class 1
license.
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Several changes went into effect on August 1,
2013, including, per the Attorney Generals office, that all
North Dakota licenses issued to residents of non-reciprocal states are now invalid.
OHIO
Website: www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/
ConcealedCarry.aspx/?from=nav
Statute: ORC Ann. 2923.125
Cost: $67 initial, plus other possible fees/$50 renewal,
plus other possible fees
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Certain minor changes to the law, which
appear to relate to mental health issues, were made
in June 2014.
OKLAHOMA
Website: www.ok.gov/osbi/Concealed_Weapons_
Licensing/
Statute: 21 Okl. St. 1290.12
Issuing Authority: State Bureau of Investigation
Cost: $100 initial for 5 years/$85 renewal, plus no
more than $25 for fingerprints; $200 initial for 10
years/$170 renewal
Length: 5 years or 10 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Temporary permits are available for those who
have been given a domestic abuse protective order. The
law was updated in 2014 to allow payment of application
fees via electronic funds transfer, along with minor
changes to the renewal rules.
OREGON
Website: www.licenseinfo.oregon.gov/index.
cfm?fuseaction=license_seng&link_item_id=14705
Statute: ORS 166.291
Cost: $65 for initial/$50 renewal
Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: No
Note: Some minor elements of the law will change
January 2, 2016. In March 2014, some changes were
approved that affect eligibility for those with prior marijuana arrests.
PENNSYLVANIA
Website: www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open
=512&objID=4451&&PageID=462424&level=2&css=L2
&mode=2
Statute: 18 Pa.C.S. 6109
Issuing Authority: County Sheriff/Chief of Police
Cost: $20 (statute has an additional $5 fee that was
set to expire in 2010)
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Yes (must have permit in state
of residence, if available)
RHODE ISLAND
Website: www.riag.ri.gov/documents/bci/pistols.pdf
Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws 11-47-11, 18
Issuing Authority: Attorney General, or local authorities including board of police commissioners/chief or
superintendent of police, town clerk, etc.
Cost: $40
Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: No (limited reciprocity extended to those
passing through the state without delay, and appears to
only apply to firearms in the vehicle)
Note: While the Attorney General may issue a permit
based on a proper showing of need under 11-47-18,
11-47-11 provides that local licensing authorities shall
issue a permit to a qualified applicant with a good or
proper reason.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Website: www.sled.sc.gov/cwp.aspx?MenuID=CWP
Statute: S.C. Code Ann. 23-31-215
Issuing Authority: South Carolina Law Enforcement
Division
Cost: $50 initial plus up to $5 for fingerprints, or
renewal
Length: 4 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Only if applicant owns real
property in South Carolina.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Website: www.sdsos.gov/services-for-individuals/concealed-pistol-permits/default.aspx
Statute: S.D. Codified Laws 23-7-7
Issuing Authority: Secretary of State through County
Sheriff
Cost: $10
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
TENNESSEE
Website: www.tn.gov/safety/handgunmain.shtml
Statute: Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-1351
Issuing Authority: Tennessee Department of Safety/
Highway Patrol
Cost: $115 initial plus $5 or less for fingerprints/$50
renewal
Length: 4 years; changing to 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Out-of-state permits appear to only be provided
to those who are regularly employed in the state.
Pursuant to a change in the law approved in May 2014,
the length of the permit will change to five years, and
other changes in the length of the permit are authorized
so that permit and drivers license renewal will coincide
in the same year. Tennessee has until 2016 to be fully
implemented.
TEXAS
Website: www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_
records/chl/chlsindex.htm
Statute: Tex. Govt Code 411.172
Cost: $140 initial/$70 renewal, with some possible discounts, depending upon which county
Length: 4 years initial, 5 for renewal
Reciprocity: Yes
UTAH
Website: www.publicsafety.utah.gov/bci/concealedfirearms.html
Statute: Utah Code Ann. 53-5-704
Bureau of Criminal Identification
Cost: $41 initial ($51 for out of state)/$15 renewal (all)

Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Effective July 1, 2014, the application fee for residents dropped from $46 to $41.
VERMONT
Website: www.atg.state.vt.us/issues/gun-laws.php
Statute: 13 V.S.A. 4003
Issuing Authority: No permit required
Cost: N/A
Length: N/A
Terms of Issuance: N/A
Reciprocity: N/A
Out of State Permits: N/A
Note: No permit required for concealed carry.
VIRGINIA
Website: www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm
Statute: Va. Code Ann. 18.2-308.02
Issuing Authority: Circuit Court
Cost: $50 or less, $100 for out of state
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Out of State Permits: Yes (apply to State Police)
WASHINGTON
Website: www.atg.wa.gov/ConcealedWeapons.aspx
Statute: Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) 9.41.070
Issuing Authority: Chief of Police/Sheriff
Cost: $36 initial with additional fees/$32 renewal
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
WEST VIRGINIA
Website: www.wvago.gov/gunrecep.cfm
Statute: W. Va. Code 61-7-4
Cost: $75 plus $25 in fees
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
WISCONSIN
Website: www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/conceal-carry/
concealed-carry
Statute: Wis. Stat. 175.60
Issuing Authority: Department of Justice
Cost: Initial less than $37 plus cost of background
check (currently $40 total)/ renewal less than $12 plus
cost of background check (currently $22 total).
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Certain minor changes to the statute became
effective in March and April of 2014.
WYOMING
Website: www.wyomingdci.wyo.gov/dci-criminal-justice-information-systems-section/concealed-firearmspermits
Statute: Wyo. Stat. 6-8-104
Issuing Authority: Attorney General through the
County Sheriff
Cost: $74 for initial plus possible other fees/$50
renewal
Length: 5 years
Reciprocity: Yes
Note: Though one is available, no permit is required to
carry concealed in Wyoming as long as eligibility requirements are met.
085
SMITH & WESSON
M&P
SHIELD
Military & Police

advantages
in a slim polymer
sub-compact
9mm and .40!
BY MASSAD AYOOB
PHOTOS BY STEVE WOODS
The Shield variation of Smith &

Wessons Military & Police (M&P) series
was introduced in early 2012. I first
had one in my hand at the NRA Annual
Meeting in the spring of that year, in St.
Louis. It was placed there by a company
executive. I was impressed with it then,
and after seeing and shooting several,
Im still impressed.
This gun fits the profile of what Ive
come to call a slim-ninea thin, flat
pistol with a single-stack magazine thats
chambered for the full-power 9mm
cartridge. This one is even offered for the
potent .40 S&W round of the same length.
The first thing I noticed was that the trigger pull was nicerless mushy in both
break and resetthan the standard-size
M&P it so strongly resembles. The S&W
executive in question confirmed that it
was, and that regular M&P triggers were
going to be nicer than before, too.
Reliable Design
The Smith 7 Wesson M&P Shield is under

an inch in thickness0.95 inches to be
exact. This allows it to ride easier on
the hip or in the purse, and particularly
086
inside the waistband. Overall length is 6.1

inches, the barrel length is 3.1 inches,
the height is 4.6 inches and the weight is
19 ounces unloaded.
My 9mm M&P Shield came with a
seven-round magazine and an eightrounder with a longer floorplate, each
of course allowing one more round to
be safely carried in the chamber. My .40
M&P Shield also had two magazines,
a short six-rounder and a longer one
that held seven. Its true that the M&P
Shield is a bit large for a pocket pistol,
particularly when you compare it to, for
instance, S&Ws own diminutive little
Bodyguard 380. But it just cries out to be
holstered inside your waistband.
The manual safety on these guns
is left side only, clearly geared for the
right-handed shooter. It is set farther
back than Id like, and unless you have
very short thumbs (in which case it might
be ideal for you), this puts the skin in the
web of your hand against the lever instead of the solid median joint or the pad
of the thumb. As a result, poor leverage
is afforded for operating the safety.
Our two test guns differed as to the
pressure required to operate the thumb

safety. On the .40, it was extremely stiff
going up to the safe position; it required
a shifting of the hand to achieve that operation. It was stiff coming down, enough
to be uncomfortable to that web of the
thumb area. On the 9mm, however,
while turning on the safety was difficult,
it was nowhere near as difficult as the .40
sample, and swiping the safety down into
the fire position was relatively easy.
It should be noted here that S&W
gives a tacit impression that use of the
manual safety is optional on this pistol.
After all, the M&P Shield is a close cousin
to the same companys popular Military
& Police semi-automatic, which has been
out for a decade now. While a manual
safety is optional, 70% (or more) of M&Ps
thus far have been produced without that
feature. I know a lot of people who own
one or more M&P Shields and simply
carry them with the manual safety off.
On the Lyman digital scale, the 9mm
sample M&P Shield averaged 7.89
pounds of pull weight, and the .40 caliber
sample offered 7.72 pounds. Pull characteristics were, not surprisingly, quite
...the M&P Shield is a

close cousin to the same
companys popular
Military & Police
semi-automatic...
similar, and, with eyes closed, it was not

possible for me to tell which was which
unless I was manipulating the thumb
safety, which was markedly tougher on
the .40. Theres a relatively long, light
trigger take-up, a tiny scrape and then
a short, smooth roll back to break point
and discharge.
Shooting Impressions
The first M&P Shield I brought to the 25yard bench was the .40 S&W. The original
.40 S&W round, and still the most popular, is a subsonic 180-grain load. I used a
plain-Jane generic target/training load:
the 180-grain flat nose full metal jacket
(FMJ) under the Remington UMC brand.
It shot way high, centering a good 5
inches above the aiming marker. The very
first shot wound up dramatically low left
of the four that followed. Because of that
first hit, the total group measured 5.2
inches. The other four had come much
closer to one another, forming a 2.05inch group in two distinct sub-clusters,
including a double. The best three hits
measurement was 1.65 inches.
Next up was a middleweight that
has earned great street cred, the

Winchester Ranger SXT, with a 165-grain
bullet rated for 1,140 feet per second
(fps) from a 4-inch barrel, though it
would run a bit below that from the M&P
Shield. These shots centered at point of
aim (POA), but once again, the very first
shot didnt want to be with its friends.
This brought the five-shot group to a
still-respectable 3.35 inches, while the
remaining four were 2.95 inches. The
best three of those were 2 inches even.
Finally, we shot the Federal HST with
a 155-grain bullet that I would expect to
get 1,200 fps from when using a full-size
duty pistol. The 180-grain .40 HST is reported to be quite dynamic in the field,
and great results have been documented
with the HST in some other calibers.
With this load, the very first shot went
dramatically high, creating a whopping
5.4-inch group. Without that first shot included, the next four went under 2 inches
(1.85 inches) and the best three were an
outstanding 0.85 inches.
With the 9mm Shield, the heavyweight load was Winchesters WinClean
147-grain jacketed truncated cone. Its
the most accurate low-lead 9mm round

Ive shot yet, and Ive had it be the most
accurate in other 9mm tests more than
once. Not this time, though; it strung
a 5.25-inch group that centered 4 to 5
inches above the aiming marker. The
first shot was the lowest of that vertical
string. The best three shots were in less
than half the total group, 2.1 inches. If
the first shot of the five was ignored, the
remaining group would have been 3.65
inches, center-to-center.
For a 124-grain load, the choice
was Remington Golden Saber Bonded
+P, rated for about 1,250 fps, though it
would lose a bit out of the M&P Shields
short barrel. For the most part, it shot
very close to POA. The very first handchambered shot went way low and left,
and the result was a 4.35-inch, five-shot
group from 25 yards, which isnt really
awful when you consider that 4 inches
at that distance is generally considered
acceptable service pistol accuracy for
even a full-size 9mm pistol, let alone
one this small. However, I cant help but
notice that shots two through five landed
a mere 1.65 inches apart, and the best
087
M&P ARMOR
The Shields lineage
from the original S&W
M&P is obvious.
specifications
SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD

Caliber:
9mm, .40 S&W
Barrel:
3.1 inches
OA Length:
6.1 inches
Weight:
19 ounces
Grips:
Polymer
Sights:
Three-dot
Action:
Striker-fired
Finish:
Matte black
Capacity:
6+1/7+1
MSRP:
$449
three were only 1.2 inches apart. Some

four-plus-one syndrome? Ya think?
The last load was the one with the
lightest bullet. Federals old Classic
line 9BP has for many years been my
benchmark load for testing 9mm pistol
accuracy. It didnt fail me this time. It put
all five of the 115-grain jacketed hollow
points (JHPs) into 1.70 inches, and the
best three into a very tight 0.85 inches.
No stray first shot this time! The Federal
round was hands-down the most accurate of the test in terms of precision, but
its group clustered a bit high and left of
the aiming marker.
Recoil was soft with both pistols.
Everyone on the test team remarked that
the .40 M&P Shield kicked much less
than they thought it would.
Shield In The Field
Ive had several students go through

my classes with M&P Shields. Only one
had any sort of functioning problems. I
checked her 9mm M&P Shield and it was
absolutely bone-dry. Proper lubrication was applied and the pistol ran 100
percent from then on. We experienced no
malfunctions with the two tested.
088
Author liked Shields sights,

but didnt care for how the
thumb safety worked.
These slim-gripped semi-automatic

pistols offer a relatively short reach to the
trigger, making them particularly suitable for shooters with shorter fingers. In
my own average-size adult male hand,
this allows me to get my index finger on
the trigger at the distal joint, which gives
more leverage for controlling a heavy
trigger pull, while the barrel is still in line
with the long bones of the forearm. This
affords maximum control.
The balance between shootability and
concealability hits a sweet spot for pistolpackers who regularly test and maintain
their shooting skill. A significant number
of the men and women among the training staff I work with have put the M&P
Shield in their carry rotation, and a number of them have made the M&P Shield
their everyday carry. Bruce McKinstry
taught a class with me recently with his
.40-caliber M&P Shield worn in a Kydex
cross-draw holster that he found particularly comfortable for the long drive to and
from Phoenix, where we held the class.
David Rodgers is a big, solid guy who
has no problem concealing a Glock 34
or Glock 35 with 5.3-inch barrel and NY1
trigger, but lately he has found his 9mm
NEW M&P BODYGUARDS

PHO TO S CO URTESY SM ITH & W ESSO N
Infused with Crimson Trace laser performance!

BY MICHAEL O. HUMPHRIES
S&W M&P
BODYGUARD 38
Newly introduced as part

of the M&P line of firearms, the M&P 38 and 380
Bodyguards from Smith &
Wesson feature integrated
red laser sight units from
Crimson Trace to make
for a highly capable selfdefense and deep-cover
combo. The laser units
from Crimson Trace are
integrated into the frames
of the handguns and offer intuitive activation,
longer battery life and an
enhanced tactile feel.
The M&P Bodyguard
380 is a .380 ACP pistol
with extremely compact
dimensions. It features a
2-inch stainless steel

barrel housed within a
blackened stainless steel
slide and a lightweight
polymer frame. It weighs
only 12.3 ounces unloaded, measures 5 inches in
overall length and packs
in a 6+1 capacity.
The M&P Bodyguard
38 is a small-framed
.38 Special +P revolver
that features a five-shot
capacity. The concealedhammer revolver is
extremely lightweight
through its use of a polymer and aluminum frame
design, and the short
1.9-inch barrel makes for
S&W M&P
BODYGUARD
380
a very concealable carry

gun. The overall shape
of the 14.4-ounce M&P
Bodyguard features a
snag-free shape, and the
simple notch rear/ramp
front sights are easy to
acquire. An ambi cylinder
release is located on the
top rear of the frame.
With the addition of
the Crimson Trace units to
the M&P line of handguns,
the new Bodyguards from
Smith & Wesson offer concealed carry enthusiasts
and backup gun aficionados two great options to
consider. (crimsontrace.
com; 800-442-2406)
M&P Shield particularly comfortable for

IWB carry day in and day out.
Female gun carriers have curves and,
particularly for wear inside the waistband, a slim pistol is even more important for all-day comfort than it is for their
brothers. Jodi Sadler has gone with an
M&P Shield 9mm for carry most days,
and cites comfort as her reason why.
Kate Krueger isnt tall, but she tells me
that because of body shape reasons, her
M&P Shield 9mm has become the first
pistol she is comfortable carrying IWB.
Wrap Up
Since the M&P Shield came out, most

gun dealers havent been able to keep
them in stock. We see above the good
reasons why. I wish the thumb safety
was more ergonomic and that my M&P
Shields werent subject to 4+1 syndrome in grouping. But the M&P Shield
is still a capable defensive pistol, and
for concealed carry comfort and discretion it strikes a very responsive chord
among both male and female holders of
concealed carry permits. A very reasonable manufacturer suggested retail price
of $449 certainly doesnt hurt, either.
(smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
089
Always be
prepared and
ready by planning
your everyday
carry gear.
Customize
your emergency
response with
these lifesaving
gear choices!
BY JOHN Mc GREGOR
S T R A I G H T 8 P H OT O
EVERYDAY
CARRY
ESSENTIALS
090
P
People choose to carry concealed weapons for various reasons, but one common thread is that these people want
to be prepared to handle an emergency
situation, and protect themselves and
others. A firearm is a great tool for this
in certain circumstances, but it is not the
only tool a person may need. We cant fix
every problem with a handgun, but by
choosing our everyday carry items carefully, we can become better prepared to
handle a multitude of problems that life
may throw at us.
It should come as no surprise that I
am going to suggest a reliable handgun
be part of your everyday carry gear. Find a
quality holster that is made for your handgun of choice that retains the handgun
securely and keeps the trigger covered.
Clockwise from the top: Tactical Tailor Backpack,

DeSantis G42 holster, SureFire flashlight,
spare G42 mag, Glock 42, Krypteia Deimos Knife,
Diamondback Tactical Med bag, and Cat tourniquet.
A spare source of ammunition should

be carried as well. A quality magazine
or speed loader holder will keep your
ammunition in a consistent location for
ease when reloading. If you are required
to have a permit to carry a concealed
firearm, get one and carry that also.
Carrying The Load
Lets discuss some other items that will

help us be self-sufficient when things go
wrong. I have found that a component of
a concealed carry firearm system that
is sometimes not given enough consideration is the belt. The width of the belt
should match the width of any mounting
slots on your holster, and the belt should
be firm enough to prevent the weight of
the firearm from pulling the grip away
from the body. This will keep the firearm

from moving on the belt and rubbing
against the user. An uncomfortable holster will lead to the user reaching down
and adjusting it regularly. This indicator
can communicate to others that you have
a concealed firearm. My current belt is
the Ares Gear Enhanced Aegis Belt. The
belt consists of same 1-inch proprietary
scuba webbing, but it doesnt look out of
place with jeans, tactical pants or a suit.
This solid platform will help carry some of
the other gear we will be discussing.
First Aid Fixes
The importance of having some type of

emergency medical kit on your person
cannot be under estimated. As a firearms
trainer for law enforcement and respon-
091
EVERYDAY CARRY ESSENTIALS
1. SureFire E1D LED

Defender flashlight.
2. Ares Gear
Enhanced Aegis Belt.
3. Thyrm SwitchBack.
4. Pocket Dark.
5. Zero Tolerance
0350 folding knife.
6. First Spear
Comm Packs.
092
PHO T O S CO URT ESY M ANUFACTURERS
sible citizens, I have run across a few

people who have had to use a firearm to
protect themselves or others. However, I
have run across far more people who have
encountered some type of traumatic event
traveling on the road, at a childs sporting
event or even around their own home. My
current daily carry kit is the Dark Angel
Medical Pocket Kit. It mounts directly on
your belt or can be carried in a pocket.
It is purpose built to have the supplies
you need to survive a traumatic injury
without the extra stuff that you dont need.
Simplicity under stress is the Dark
Angel Medical motto.
Communication Is Key
Most everyone carries a cellular phone

these days. Keep yours on your person,
and as highly charged as possible. If
you have to draw your firearm to protect
yourself, whether you have to fire or not,
one of the first things you should do is
report that you are the victim of a crime.
If you draw your firearm and the bad guy
flees the scene, he may decide to call
and report to the police that you are the
criminal. Additionally, the phone can be
used to summon medical aid and can help
law enforcement with navigation in some
circumstances if needed.
Maintain Your Edge
A knife is the most basic of tools and one

that we should have on our person any
093
EVERYDAY CARRY ESSENTIALS

time it is legal to do so. Besides the obvious application of being a weapon capable
of inflicting deadly force that never runs
out of ammunition, a good blade can
handle a multitude of mundane tasks like
opening boxes, cutting para cord or even
removing a splinter. For my preferences,
Zero Tolerance is the right brand for me.
This company makes quality knives that
are not the cheapest on the market, but
...a quality
flashlight
should be part
of your daily
carry gear. You
may need it to
identify a threat
or evacuate a
building.
they also do not come with a price tag that
encourages you to keep it in a collectors
case. My daily carry is a Zero Tolerance
0350 with a partiallyw serrated blade.
The knife comes with a clip that can be
configured to be carried tip up or tip down
on either side of the blade. This is a great
feature if you want to carry the knife to
be accessed with your support hand for
weapon retention purposes.
Lighting The Way
If you are interested in self-protection,

a quality flashlight should be part of
your daily carry gear. You may need it to
identify a threat or evacuate a building. A
flashlight can also make a great improvised weapon in areas where firearms
are not allowed, such as when you are
flying commercial airlines. My daily carry
flashlight is a SureFire EB1 Backup. At
under 4.5 inches in length, this LED light
can produce 200 lumens if I need a lot
of light to reach out and light-up someone, or 5 lumens of light if I just need to
navigate through my living room during
a power outage. To further increase this
lights utility, I added a Thyrm SwitchBack
Backup to my light. The SwitchBack is
a ring that mounts on the rear of some
models of flashlights that allows the user
to hold a firearm in a standard two-hand
grip while being able to control the function of the flashlight. For those users who
prefer crenellated bezels on their lights,
094
check out the new SureFire E1D LED

Defender flashlight.
Tactical Travel
Sometimes I am forced to dress in a manner that makes it difficult to conceal all

the gear I want to have available to me.
For those times I have set up an everyday
carry pack in order to have the additional
gear I desire close by. The company 5.11
Tactical makes a couple of packs ideally suited to this purpose. The Rush 12
Backpack is large enough to carry what
you need to get to work and back, but not
so large that you end up carrying more
than you need. If you want a pack that
looks less tactical, try the 5.11 Tactical
Covrt 18. This pack is slightly larger but
made to not appear to be tactical at all,
with a total lack of visible MOLLE straps
or Velcro fields.
Another example of a pack that is designed to blend into an urban environment
is the FirstSpear Comm Pack. This packs
urban appearance helps to prevent others
from guessing that you are a concealed
carry holder. Anytime I cant carry the
above listed items on my person, I make
sure I have them in my everyday carry
pack. Other items I include in my pack
are the cables I need to charge my phone,
as well as a portable charger to recharge
my phone when power is not available. I
always have a water bottle on board and a
pouch with more medical gear, including
routine things like prescription and nonprescription medications, spare contact
lenses, a multi-tool and other small gear.
Concealed carry holders like to be prepared. With a little planning your everyday
carry gear can help you be prepared for
all of what life can throw at you.

5.11 Tactical
866-451-1726; 511tactical.com
Ares Gear
518-966-2737; aresgear.com
Dark Angel Medical
720-836-7150;
darkangelmedical.com
DeSantis Holsters
631-841-6300
desantisholster.com
FirstSpear
636-349-4820; first-spear.com
SureFire
800-828-8809; surefire.com
Thyrm
408-444-5734; thyrm.com
Zero Tolerance
800-325-2891; zt.kaiusaltd.com
095
Italian
Comfort
& Power
Beretta has
you covered!
Compact and
subcompact
9mm,
.40 S&W,
.380 ACP.
BY DENNIS ADLER
Storms Fury
The PX4 Storm SubCompact is among the

smallest hi-capacity 9mm and .40 S&W
polymer framed handguns in the world
with 13+1 and 10+1 capacity.
Beretta is the oldest active armsmaker

in the world, established nearly half
a millennium ago in 1525, but when it
comes to semi-automatic pistols, the
historic Italian gunmaker waited until
the early 20th century before building its first self-loading model in 1915.
Berettas first small-caliber pocket model
was introduced four years later as the
Model 1920 and chambered in 6.35mm
(.25 ACP), a cartridge developed by John
Browning in 1905 for his FN Model 1905.
In 1936, Beretta developed the Model 318,
followed by the vaunted Model 418 a year
later, a pistol, which was to become one
of the most popular small-caliber semi-
B
096
automatics of the World War II era.

In the post-war era, Beretta continued
to develop new pocket model semiautomaticss in .25 ACP and .22 rimfire,
including the single-action (SA) Models
950 and 950B in the 1950s, predecessors to the most famous of all post-WWII
pocket models, the double-action (DA)
tip-up barrel Models 20, Model 21 and
21A, the latter more popularly known
today as the Beretta Bobcat and .32 ACP
Tomcat. The Bobcat is chambered in .25
ACP or .22 rimfire. All three are still produced by Beretta and remain among the
most popular small-caliber pocket carry
pistols on the market.
Concealed carry is no stranger to Beretta

with its fabled World War II history, but
todays demands for more firepower from
smaller pistols led the Italian armsmaker
to venture into uncharted waters back in
2005 with their introduction of the first
Px4 Storm. Available today in standard,
compact and subcompact variations, the
Px4 Storm SubCompact has become one
of the most acknowledged of all current
Beretta carry models in both 9mm and
.40 S&W calibers.
The Px4 Storm Type F SubCompact
offers a 13+1 capacity in 9mm and 10+1
in .40 S&W. Styling is a hallmark of
Beretta which favors distinctive lines,
slide contours and grip profiles, and like
all Beretta pistols the Storm is unmistakable for any other. By using a polymer
frame, the Px4 becomes one of the most
manageable subcompact 9mm and .40
S&W pistols on the market. It is adaptable
to right- and left-handed users, has three
interchangeable backstraps, a reversible
magazine release button and an ambidextrous manual safety lever/decocker
positioned on both sides of the slide. In
the safe position, these also present additional gripping surface for drawing the
very short side to the rear.
Personally, I favor a semi-auto regardless of size with the Storms combination
of features, particularly for concealed
carry. First and foremost, the SA/DA hammer-fired Px4 SubCompact offers multiple advantages for CCW use. The Storms
decocker allows the pistol to be safely
carried with a chambered round and the
hammer down. When brought into action,
The author shows a concealed carry draw with the Beretta Px4 Storm SubCompact being carried in an Uncle Mikes size 16 inside the
pant (IWB) holster. Despite the handguns 1.4-inch width it carried comfortably and well out of sight at the four oclock position.
you have two immediate options: DA fire

for the first round or manually cock the
serrated, skeletonized hammer to fire SA.
The DA trigger also allows second-strike
capability in the unlikely event of a failed
primer. The ambidextrous safety/decocker levers are large and easily manipulated
on the draw with the thumb, and when
the safety is engaged the trigger system
is inoperative and the gun automatically
decocked. For chambering the first round
and reloading, the slide release is trim
and elongated for easy operation and the
magazine release, though firmly tensioned, can be operated with moderate
pressure from the strong-hand thumb.
With these features as a starting point,
the Px4 Storm SubCompact only grows in
strengths as you use it.
In spite of its diminutive size, just 6.2
inches in length, 4.8 inches in height and
a slightly chubby 1.4 inches in width, the
Px4 Storm SubCompact was engineered
to make recoil management better than
most handguns in this size, weight and
caliber class. The carry weight is a modest 26.1 ounces (empty). The polymerframed semi-auto uses a tilt-breech
system designed to work in concert with
the frame to dissipate both felt recoil and
muzzle rise. It is also unique in its use
of the tilting barrel; all other Px4 Storm
models, including the Compact, utilize
Berettas rotating barrel design to minimize recoil and speed up cycling action.
Smooth Operator
Beretta put a great deal of thought into

making a high-capacity subcompact that
is truly designed for the rigors of tactical
use. One of the most prominent features

is an oversized triggerguard and a wide,
crescent-shaped pivoting trigger. While
the pronounced triggerguard makes
holsters limited only to those designed
for this model, there is plenty of room in
there, even when wearing gloves.
sured 2 inches with Federal, 1.95 inches

with Speer and 2.55 inches with Sig Sauer.
All shots struck in center body mass and
were fired at one-second intervals using a
Weaver stance and a two-handed hold.
Overall, for a 10+1 capacity subcompact in .40 S&W, the Beretta Px4 Storm is
Beretta favors distinctive lines,

slide contours, and grip profiles.
The Px4 Storm is unmistakable
for any other handgun.
On the test range it became quickly
apparent that recoil with hard-hitting
.40 S&W rounds feels considerably less
than anticipated, and target acquisition
was remarkably quick with the Berettas
dovetailed white-dot tactical sights.
Trigger pull in SA averaged 5.6 pounds
and 9.3 pounds in DA operation, which is
incredibly smooth despite trigger travel
in DA being a lengthy 1-inch. Of course,
after the first round, its all SA unless you
decock the gun. In SA, the trigger automatically moves back 0.5 inches, which
cuts trigger pull and reset by half.
The gun test was done from a distance
of 15 yards using new Sig Sauer Elite
Performance 165-grain JHP, which
clocked 970 feet per second (fps) from
the Px4s 3-inch stainless steel barrel.
Federal Premium 180-grain Hydra-Shok
JHP traveled downrange at 915 fps, and
Speed Gold Dot GDHP at 900 fps. The
best five-round groups on a full-size
Speedwell B-27 silhouette target mea-
one of the best polymer-framed semiautos available for concealed carry and
backup tactical use.
Px4 Storm Compact
With the Px4 Storm Compact pistol,

Beretta has a higher capacity model still
ideally suited for concealed carry use.
Though it is completely concealable,
the Compact offers a full grip for most
shooters. The Compact offers full 15+1
capacity (12+1 in .40 S&W), an accessory rail, ambidextrous slide stop, a new
integral and retractable lanyard loop and
a cold-hammer-forged barrel for ultimate
precision. The Compact also houses the
Px4 familys rotary barrel system. This
system allows for in-line feeding for
unparalleled reliability and leads to radial
dissipation of recoil energy, resulting in a
significant reduction in felt recoil and fast
follow-up shots. Features also include
three-dot sight system, a reversible
magazine release, Commander-style
097
ITALIAN COMFORT & STYLE
Nano
hammer, interchangeable backstraps,

ambidextrous safety and a non-reflective,
black Bruniton finish.
92 Compact
The Beretta Model 92, or M9 as it is

known by the U.S. Armed Forces, has
been our countrys standard issue sidearm since 1985. Regarded as one of the
most iconic battle pistols in the world,
the Model 92FS is offered in a Compact
version with a Mil-Std-1913 dustcover
rail. Combining some of the best features
of the distinctively designed open slide
semi-auto, the 92 Compact is an excellent off-duty carry gun with a standard
capacity of 13+1, overall length of 7.75
inches with a 4.25-inch barrel, height of
5.25 inches, width of 1.5 inches and, with
its aluminum alloy frame, a carry weight
of 31.6 ounces (empty). Compared to its
full-size counterpart, the Compact is a
full 0.75 inches shorter and 2.3-ounces
lighter, making it even more comfortable
for all-day carry.
Also, its shorter trigger-reach will
make it simple to shoot for users with
smaller hands, even for that first DA
pull. The magazine well is beveled,
for lightning-quick tactical magazine
changes without taking your eyes off the
target. The combat triggerguard facilitates the use of the handgun while wearing gloves and provides secure placement
for the off-hand. The front and backstrap
are checkered to ensure a positive and
consistent grip. While large by todays
concealed carry designs, the Model 92
Compact with Rail is an easy handgun to
handle and shoot accurately.
Pocket-Friendly 9mm
Beretta has been making medium-frame

DA 9mm and .380 ACP semi-automatic
pistols for decades, but scaling down a
9mm was a first for Beretta in the 21st
century to meet the demands for concealed carry pistols in larger calibers.
The Nano is smaller than any 9mm
ever manufactured by Beretta, a mere
5.63 inches in length, 4.17 inches in
098
Beretta Model 92 Compact
height and 0.90 inches in width. For a

6+1 capacity 9mm, those are close
tolerances. To put that in perspective, a
.32 ACP Beretta Tomcat measures 5.4
inches in overall length, 3.6 inches in
height and 1-inch in width. The Nano is
also light at 19.8 ounces (empty) because
the frame is polymer. The gun utilizes a
one-piece molded technopolymer frame
surrounding an independent stainless
steel fire control sub-chassis containing frame rails, trigger and striker firing
system. This sub-chassis is removable
and serial numbered, allowing owners to
switch outer frames for different colors
and options such as a LaserMax laser or
a tactical light built into the interchangeable frame.
Because of the separate exterior
shell, the Nano is not as small as it could
have been compared to other subcompact 9mm pistols. What the Nano does
offer, without making any compromises,
is the most foolproof and easiest-tohandle semi-auto design on the market.
As uncomplicated as possible, it has no
external (manual) safety or even a slide
release lever. All it takes to strip the first
round from a magazine on the reload is
pulling the slide slightly to the rear and
letting go, which basically makes it ambidextrous. There is an easily depressed
magazine release that is reversible, and
the Nano has no magazine disconnect,
so it can fire a chambered round with the
magazine removed.
A large, curved triggerguard makes
getting to work quick business even when
wearing a glove, and there is still ample
room for a two-handed hold with plenty of
clearance behind the muzzle of the 3-inch
barrel. Aside from its unique fire control
sub-chassis, the Nano is otherwise quite
conventional, employing a striker-fired,
short-recoil system combined with a
blade trigger safety and automatic striker
block. To help mitigate harsh recoil from
the lightweight 9mm, Beretta uses a double recoil spring. As a defensive sidearm
for concealed carry, the Nano couldnt be
any easier to use without being a revolver.
Pico
Pico Power
Since the Pico followed the Beretta

Nano, the name implies something
even smaller: a nano is one-billionth
of any measurement, a pico is onetrillionth. The name gets the point
acrossthis is one very small concealed
carry .380.
The Pico has the same basic
construction as the Nano with an interchangeable, one-piece, molded technopolymer frame surrounding a separate
and removable stainless steel fire control
sub-chassis. The Pico frame can also be
changed for frames of a different color
or those with built-in accessories like a
LaserMax laser or tactical light. The little
6+1 capacity .380 even has interchangeable, dovetailed white-dot sights. That
feature alone sets it apart from most of
the competition in this size and caliber.
The gun also shares another Nano
feature, a remarkably simple takedown
procedure. There are no levers or pins,
no alignment points, no tools required;
theres just one large slotted screw on
the right side of the frame, which,
with a quarter turn counter-clockwise
(using the edge of a shell casing), allows
the slide, barrel, recoil spring and guide
rod assembly to be pulled forward off
the subframe. The screw even automatically rests to the locked position when
the assembly is slipped back onto the
frame rails. It doesnt get much easier.
The Pico uses an internal, hammerfired, short-recoil system. It is a doubleaction-only (DAO) design and has no
manual/external safety. When it gets
down to length and height, the Pico
again deserves its name, as it measures
a mere 5.1 inches in length, a scant 0.72
inches in width and weighs 11.5 ounces
(empty). From the top of the white-dot
rear sight to the base of the magazine
well, the measurement is 3.875 inches.
How small is the Pico? One could hide
the Beretta in the shadow cast by a
Ruger LCP. Now thats really small! For
more information, visit berettausa.com or
call 800-929-2901.
BUILT ONE AT A TIME.

PROVEN EVERY ROUND.
The Mustang has been a favorite of customers for years. Updated with
21st century technology, the Mustang XSP is sure to become a popular
option for concealed carry. But the most important stories belong to the
men and women who have owned and relied on Colt through the decades.
Make your story include a Colt.
COLT.COM
800.962.COLT
FACEBOOK.COM/COLTFIREARMS
@COLTFIREARMS
CONCEALED CA
Understanding and practicing the essentials of
During the past 55 years I have read and

seen more nonsense regarding guns,
holsters and concealed carry than I care
to remember. I hope that this simple
overview based on more than half a century of experience can help everyone to
understand not only the methods behind
concealed carry, but the essential
mindset that must go hand-in-hand with
a CCW effort. Thus, it is not the intent
of this article to review every style and
choice of holster system, but to focus
more on the philosophy and psychodynamics of gun carry.
This is important business. Forget the
old wives tales about gun carry and personal defense carry methods, especially
what you see on TV and in the movies.
Theatrics and reality rarely share the
same stage. Most of the police rigs and
other romanticized holsters seen in films
are made for the studios to create an

image and were never intended to carry
a pistol with live ammo on a day-to-day
basis. Certainly there are films and television shows that use real production holsters, but they are few and far between.
Here, then, are the facts on concealed
carry gleaned from more than 50 years in
the business, and producing millions of
holsters for civilians, police, military and
sportsmen worldwide.
Mindset Essentials
Concealed carry is a commitment. First,

develop a positive mindset through visualization, then you must select the proper
pistol for your intended purpose. Lets expeditiously narrow that down to personal
defense. History and experience have
taught us that caliber selection starts at
an absolute minimum of .380 ACP (sorry,
Gun concealment
is more a state of
mind than anything else. Author
has demonstrated
this fact often.
100
nothing smaller), and in terms of .380,

only the latest high-performance rounds
like Hornady Critical Defense and Federal
Premium Hydra-Shok, for example, no
FMJ rounds. Stopping power is critical.
I am reminded of an accurate assumption regarding personal defense calibers
postulated by my old friend and former
police department partner Rick Baratta.
Rick is an international police and military
tactical firearms instructor, known for the
Baratta Method of close-quarter pistol
craft. This method of training is based
on the time tested Fairbairn-Applegate
Method of defensive shooting, which was
developed by our old friend, Colonel Rex
Applegate, who set the stage for all we
know now about modern personal handgun defense dating back to the 1930s.
To quote Rick, Small calibers are
fine if youre shooting small threats. It
His record
number of
concealed
handguns at
one time is a
staggering 32.
ARRY MINDSET
concealment for your own defense!
is important to note that, according to
FBI statistics unchanged for many years,
most shootings occur in dim light at ranges of 11 to 20 feet, with approximately
three-plus shots fired in a few very short
seconds. Tailor your practice sessions to
take these factors into consideration.
Over the many years I have carried a
concealed pistol, I have experienced trial
and error with many different handguns
ranging from nothing smaller than a
.380 ACP Walther PPK to a full-size 1911
autopistol. I experimented with both autos
and revolvers, and once I settled on the
correct pistol that met my personal needs
and carry method, I locked in on my
personal choice. From that point on there
was no guesswork. I knew instinctively
what pistol and in what mode I was carrying! There is no time for second guessing
in a crisis.
Whatever your carry choice, from a

small .380 ACP or .38 Special revolver
to a full-size Government Model 1911,
the holster you use must allow you to
effectively apply your master grip. This is
a critical element in the whole concealedcarry process. The master grip ensures
that your initial grasp is correct, firm and
secure. No hand or finger adjustment,
however slight, should be necessary
when drawing and firing!
Bianchis Law
Develop self-confidence with your equipment. Stay calm under pressure. Keep
cool. Practice instinctive shooting under
dim light and close-quarter conditions.
And keep the whole process simple. Know
exactly what your immediate course of
action is before, during and after the
fact. You cant consider gun concealment
BY JOHN BIANCHI
out of context with other vital elements.

Hence Bianchis Law: Be mentally prepared with the right gun for the right purpose in the right holster. The integration
of the foregoing factors will produce the
appropriate psycho-dynamic effectiveness. Survival, thats what its all about!
Forget fast draw. Appropriate speed will
result from your evolving proficiency
without you ever thinking about it!
Theres an old story about Wild Bill
Hickok being calm under fire and always
taking his time. He knew his guns well
and practiced with them. And he carried
the same guns the same way for most of
his career, even though they were outdated in the estimation of some. He wasnt
always the fastest gun, either, but he was
determined to prevail. He had the proper
mindset as well as the skills to back them
up. You will know when you have achieved
All it takes is
practice, determination and
imagination.
All accomplished
while formally
dressed in a white
dinner jacket.
The guns ranged

from .22 Derringers up to fullsized .45 ACPs.
101
CONCEALED CARRY MINDSET
Aselectionofbasicholstersdesignedbytheauthorthathavestoodthetestoftime.
Carrymethodsandlocationsbeenusedaroundtheworldforgenerations,somemorepracticalandeffectivethanothers.Keep
tryinguntilitworkswellforyou.Aboveall,keepitsimple.(Lefttoright)Shoulder,IWB,OWBandpocketcarry.
the right combination of vital elements

as well when your pistol grasp feels like
the handshake from an old friend, an
extension of your persona, and you can
wear it confidently and securely all day.
Then, and only then, will you be prepared
for success!
Handgun Selection
The handgun that you select for personal

concealment must fit your body configuration, but also consider your height,
weight, body mass and age. Speaking
from the viewpoint of a senior citizen,
I can tell you that the ageing process
limits your physical range and motion.
Even though you may be an expert shot
with a 1911 .45 ACP, it may be too big to
carry and conceal if you are female or of
diminutive stature. Once again, at the risk
of redundancy, I advise you to keep the
whole process simple and let common
sense prevail. Simply stated, do not try to
put a square peg in a round hole.
As I began to write this I was overcome with flashbacks of all the old-time
gun industry legends that I knew and
worked with during the better part of the
last century. Some I knew better than
others, some were close friends, and all
were gentlemen! Their actions spoke
louder than words. I have fond memories
102
of some of the all-time greats that are

now gone but not forgotten. Names like
Rex Applegate, Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan,
Colonel Charles Askins, Skeeter Skelton,
Jeff Cooper, Texas Ranger Captain Clint
Peoples and others.
Each relationship resulted in greater
knowledge and experience in the field of
personal handgun carry, all from these
gentlemen who learned their lessons the
hard way. The no nonsense way! The oldfashioned way. Trial and error.
From those relationships, and my
own hands-on experience in law enforcement and military service, I was able, if
not inspired, to create a whole new world
of handgun holsters and carry methods
that for half a century has influenced the
design and carry method of virtually every
holster made today. One enduring lesson
they all sharedKeep it simple. Master
the handgun that you are prepared to
stake your life on and the lives of others.
Mastering Concealment
Gun concealment is more a state of mind

than anything else. I have demonstrated
this fact often. My record number of
concealed handguns at one time is a
staggering 32. The guns ranged from
.22 Derringers up to .45 ACPs, all accomplished while formally dressed in a
white dinner jacket. Yes, its possible. All

it takes is practice, determination and
imagination. Incidentally, this feat broke
my earlier record of 27 guns in 1983.
The most important lesson I learned
about personal defense handgun carry,
not only from my own experience but
from what I learned from interviewing
hundreds of law enforcement survivors
following shooting incidents involving
products that I designed and manufactured, was this: Master and carry one gun
so that when you are suddenly confronted
with a critical challenge and reach for
your pistol it is the same instinctive grasp
from the same holster every time. You
never want to be surprised or confused
to find that the pistol your hand grasps is
not the same pistol and holster that your
instinctive memory bank holds. This isnt
always easy, but it is essential.
My rule of thumb for concealed carry
is to select the most simple, compact holster mounted as close to the body as possible. I have always favored an inside the
waistband (IWB) holster for my personal
carry method. Avoid trendy, fashionable,
needlessly bulky or complex styles.
The importance of a proper waist belt
when carrying a hip holster or IWB cannot
be overemphasized. A stout, heavy-duty
belt no less than 1 inches wide is of crit-
7 Common
Sense Carry
Guidelines
By John Bianchi
1. The legal carrying of a concealed

pistol is a trust given by society. This
calls for individual exercise of courtesy,
safety, proficiency and common sense.
2. The bearer of arms is legally, if
not morally, required to know under
what narrow circumstances he or she
may use a firearm (or any other deadly
weapon, for that matter). Generally,
those circumstances include the protection of your person, family, employees
or other persons whose safety may
be your responsibility against acts of
extreme violence or the commission
of a felony where the life and safety of
someone is in immediate danger.
3. Arms may be used for protection
of property of considerable value that
is under your control. This requires a
quick judgment on the part of the individual. If the assailant is armed, there is
little question about using deadly force.
4. Once you know the circumstances
under which a gun may be used, you
have a responsibility to learn to be
proficient with it. This is not limited to
licensed, concealed guns, but refers to
all firearms.
5. A concealed gun is a very personal
thing. No one beyond your family and,
perhaps, fellow workers should know
you are armed or should see you carrying a gun. Licensed civilians should
carry their guns only when actually
needed, never at a PTA or other school
function or any social event where you
and others are consuming alcohol.
6. A concealed pistol should be just
thatconcealed. It should be properly
holstered in a scabbard that fits not
only the gun, but the wearer as well. It
should not be allowed to protrude from
under clothing. Dress appropriately.
7. There is one exception to the concealed at all times rule. Businessmen
and shopkeepers, especially those
in jewelry stores, pawn shops, liquor
stores, gun shops and other high-risk
establishments, may carry a handgun
exposed when a jacket is not appropriate. Remember, in most cities, no
license is required to carry a gun
openly in your home or business if you
are otherwise legally permitted to own
a firearm. Let common sense prevail.
If in doubt, check with your attorney
or local police department.
103
CONCEALED CARRY MINDSET

ical importance. A 1-inch-wide belt is
preferred and will fit through most trouser belt loops. The difference between a
1-inch and a 1-inch belt amounts to
an extra 10 square inches on a 40-inch
hip size trouser belt! This allows a greater
distribution of weight and provides a more
substantial support for pistol comfort and
security. Your holster should fit snug on
your belt to prevent slippage during the
drawing motion.
Of all the true professional pistoleros
I have known all over the world, very few
favored shoulder holsters. I offer this fact
with complete candor, having designed
and manufactured millions of otherwise
very successful products. Remember this
if you remember nothing else!
Keep It Consistent
The problem that I see today is the fact

that people own many pistols, in different
calibers and different carry rigs but fail
to master even one! I am reminded of an
old, very wise adageBeware of the man
(or woman) with only one gun, because he
probably knows how to use it. You never
want to hesitate to determine which gun,
exactly, you are carrying that day, or if it
is cocked, locked and with round in the
104
chamber or what? Remember that your

first grasp must be positive!
The mere possession of a highperformance handgun does not equate
to competence. There are so many guns,
yet so few are mastered. Most people with
CCW permits are not fully qualified. They
merely know the mechanics of their pistol
and how to carry and conceal it. Thats
just the tip of the iceberg. There is so
much more to consider!
Purses seem to be the most popular
and convenient carry method for women.
For women who do so, they must never
let their purse leave their body. Never
leave it in a shopping cart, or on a counter
top or desk. Never allow your pistol to
co-mingle with a purse full of womens
miscellanea. Most specially designed
purses have special quick-access pockets
specifically for your pistolready for easy
grasp, no fumbling, no confusion.
Concealed Carry Ethics
Concealment should be treated discreetly

and in good taste, like a well-kept secret.
Once it is hidden, forget the gun until it is
needed. Never compromise your personal
security and competitive edge by revealing your gun to potential threats.
Whatever your carry method, keep

it confidential. Once friends or coworkers know that you have a CCW and are
armed, the social, interpersonal dynamics will change dramatically, and not in
your best interests. Once revealed, the
topic of conversation will focus entirely on
you and the whole spectrum of personal
defense and CCW. Never draw attention
by allowing this to occur. Its the mark of a
professional.
Throughout this gun carry discourse
the handling of all firearms under all conditions requires that you never point any
firearm at any person, place or thing that
you do not intend to destroy. Always anticipate the possibility of an unintentional
discharge by controlling your muzzle
direction in a safe manner at all times.
The probability of experiencing an
accidental discharge increases substantially with the amount of gun handling
and exposure to firearms an individual
experiences. Example: law enforcement,
military, firearms industry and shooting range personnel are at a statistically
greater risk. Remember this: Familiarity
lessens safety awareness.
Safety is a mindset, it cant be bought
or sold!
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AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE AGI
LEAN +
Springfield Armorys
XD-S pistols offer
concealability with a bite!
BY DENNIS ADLER
The new 4.0 has the same lightweight,

ultra compact polymer frame as the
XD-S-45 combined with the XD Service
Models 4-inch barrel and a longer slide.
As much as I hate to use a software

metaphor to describe a handgun, this
version of the brilliantly designed
Springfield Armory XD-S series is
called the 4.0 and it is literally an
upgrade to the 3.3 series. If it were a
computer program, you would definitely
want it!
The new 4.0 XD-S .45 ACP has the
same lightweight, ultra-compact polymer
frame as the groundbreaking 3.3 XD-S
.45 ACP and XD-S 9mm series, combined
with the XD Service Models 4-inch barrel
and a longer slide. What you end up with
is the best possible combination to extend
sight radius and increase accuracy, and a
little more weight out front (2 ounces) to
reduce muzzle rise, all without compromising the XD-S subcompacts shorter
grip frame.
106
Next-Gen Pocket Pistols
The XD-S 3.3 .45 ACP (introduced in 2012)

pretty much rewrote the book on what
defines large-caliber pocket pistols by
becoming the smallest .45 ACP semi-auto
ever produced. With a polymer frame and
modest weight of 21.5 ounces (empty), a
5+1 capacity, a 3.3-inch barrel, an overall
length of 6.3 inches, height of 4.4 inches,
and slide width of just 0.9 inches, the
XD-S 3.3 .45 ACP immediately fit into
multiple concealed carry categories, from
subcompact to pocket pistol. Springfield
Armory followed that overnight success
with a 9mm version on the same platform and 7+1 capacity. Now we have the
slightly longer 4.0 models that add 0.7
inches to the barrel length. The 4.0s slide
measures 6.75 inches in length, almost
half an inch longer than the 3.3, but oth-
erwise the guns retain the same exterior

dimensions. When you say 0.7 inches it
doesnt sound like a lot, but in the world
of handgun design a 4-inch barrel moves
the Springfield XD-S one step up in size,
and that usually means greater dimensions overall. The Springfield XD-S 4.0
models bridge that traditional gap by only
growing in one direction.
Weigh In
The XD-S 4.0 models include the recent

upgrades to the XD-S trigger and internal safety operation, which is signified
by a small roll pin added to the grip
safety. Earlier XD-S models returned
to Springfield for the upgrades (recommended by Springfield Armory) also bear
this exterior change, so eventually all
XD-S models will be indistinguishable.
+ MEAN
...XD-S 3.3 .45 ACP
pretty much rewrote
the book on what
defines large-caliber
pocket pistols...
The 4.0 XD-S models might feel a

little nose heavy, but they have excellent
balance in the hand, particularly when
using a two-handed hold since there is a
little more slide out front. The extended
length also means more room ahead
of the dust cover rail for a tactical light
or light/laser combination. In all other
respects the 4.0 XD-S models maintain
standard XD-S features, including the
Ultra Safety Assurance blade trigger
safety and the secondary 1911-type grip
safety. To discharge any XD-S model both
safeties must be engaged simultaneously.
This makes it an excellent choice for
concealed carry.
Another advantage is the absence of
a magazine disconnect, thus the gun will
fire a chambered round with the magazine removed. Most individuals who rely
on a firearm for personal defense (as opposed to target shooting or hunting) favor
semi-autos that can operate if a situation
arises where the magazine cannot be reloaded in sufficient time or has been lost
or damaged. Granted, its an uncommon
scenario, but knowing that the gun can
fire even if the magazine is gone has to go
into the plus column in my book.
Like all XD-S models, the 4.0 models
use a striker-fired system fine tuned to
reduce trigger take-up and provide a
short reset. Including engaging the blade
trigger safety, there is about 0.5 inches of
travel, and the trigger pull remains crisp
and consistent from shot to shot. Average
pull on the test gun was a nominal 7.3
pounds on the 9mm and an even 8 pounds
on the .45 ACP.
Being a striker-fired design, there is
The original XD-S

3.3 is the smallest
production .45 ACP
on the market.
no second-strike capability. However,

the quick-reset trigger mechanism only
requires the slide be pulled back a mere
0.25 inches to re-enable the action. Along
with maintaining the same standard
capacity, the 4.0 models inherit the 3.3s
reduced recoil through Springfields own
recoil spring and plunger design, which
is built to mitigate the significant degree
of felt recoil typical of polymer-framed
handguns. With an extra two ounces
out front, the 4.0 XD-S models are even
quicker to get back on target and easier
to handle, particularly with heavy hitting
personal defense and law enforcement
ammunition.
All XD-S models, past and present,
have a clean, uncluttered profile with a
slightly raised and protected slide release
that has a molded-in lip surrounding the
107
LEAN & MEAN
The Bianchi 101 Foldaway (size 16) is

actually half a holster, your belt becomes the back half after running it
through the 101s loops. It keeps the
gun well concealed and close to the
body. Below, the DeSantis Nemesis
Pocket Holster and Springfield
PH1 paddle holster.
underside and a progressively beveled

takedown lever. Both are on the left side
of the frame. Absent are any edges likely
to catch on clothing or impede your draw
or re-holstering. The XD-S ambidextrous
magazine releases are angled for easier
use. There is also a loaded-chamber indicator that rises upward 0.03 inches from
the top of the slide (just under your line
of sight) whenever a round is chambered.
And in the event a visual inspection isnt
possible, it is easy to feel by running a
finger over the top of the slide.
108
specifications
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
XD-S 3.3
Caliber:
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel:
3.3 inches
OA Length:
6.3 inches
Weight:
21.5-23 ounces (empty)
Grips:
Polymer
Sights:
Fiber-optic front,
white-dot rear
Action:
Striker-fired
Finish:
Matte black
Capacity:
5+1/7+1
MSRP:
$599-$669
specifications
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
XD-S 4.0
Caliber:
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel:
4 inches
OA Length:
7 inches
Weight:
23.5-25 ounces (empty)
Grips:
Polymer
Sights:
Fiber-optic front,
white-dot rear
Action:
Striker-fired
Finish:
Matte black
Capacity:
5+1/7+1
MSRP:
$599-$669
Everyday Carry
Springfield supplies its guns with a complete set of accessories, including an XD

Gear PH1 injection-molded thermoplastic
retention paddle holster thats form-fit to
the gun. The paddle rig is easy to position
around the waist for a comfortable fit and
maximum concealment. It has a slight
forward cant for ease of carry and draw,
but since the injection-molded rig is not
adjustable for cant, it will not work as
a crossdraw. It is also only available in
a right-handed version at present. The
same holster works with 3.3 and 4.0
XD-S models.
One of my favorite methods of carry,
with either the 3.3 or 4.0 models, is the
Bianchi Model 101 Foldaway holster
(size 16 for the Springfield XD-S). It is an
open-top design built to accommodate a
variety of larger firearms, including the
Springfield XD-S series. It is almost no
holster at all, as the 101 provides only
the outer half of the holster pouch, with
the wearers belt providing the back
portion. The shape and cut of the 101
(roughly equivalent to a Yaqui or JAK
109
LEAN & MEAN

performance
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
XD-S 4.0
9mm
velocity accuracy
Federal 124
Hydra-Shok JHP
1,097
2.00
Hornady 115 FTX
1,199
1.87
Speer 115 GDHP
1,154
1.75
.45 acP
velocity accuracy
Federal 230
Hydra-Shok JHP
838
1.85
Hornady 185 FTX
950
1.95
Speer 185 GDHP
950
1.50

per second (fps) by chronograph and accuracy in
inches for three five-shot groups at 7 yards.
Slide profile) covers a considerable part

of the upper frame, the slide and the
entire triggerguard, leaving only the grips
exposed. This ensures that the gun is
held securely and very close to the body,
actually as close as your belt. One reason
the Foldaway works so well with the XD-S
series is because the guns protected
slide release and beveled takedown lever
wont catch on the edge of your belt, so
any draw is clean and unimpeded. I would
recommend a heavy duty 1-inch-wide
leather holster belt, and I like this combo
worn at the 4 oclock position for best
concealment. If you need to enter a building where concealed carry is not permitted, simply remove the gun and press the
101 flush to your belt. No gun, no holster.
This is simplicity defined. Its less than
twenty dollars and also comes in a 101
two-pack with one tan and one black
Foldaway for thirty-five dollars.
Lead Downrange
The XD-S 4.0 models feels more substantial in the hand than expected. They still
have a good-sized grip frame, with the
little finger tucked easily under the base
of the standard magazine floorplate. (The
optional extended-capacity magazines
add two rounds and 1 inch of additional
length for a full-hand grasp). The grip
safety engages easily and the center of
balance shifts only slightly forward with
the longer barrel and slide. There is also
the undercut triggerguard that allows the
middle finger to rest higher up when gripping the guns.
For the range test of the 9mm, the
target was set out at a combat distance
of 7 yards. Ammo selection was Federal
Premium Law Enforcement 124-grain
Hydra-Shok, Hornady Critical Defense
115-grain FTX, and Speer Gold Dot
110
115-grain GDHP. Federal cleared the

ProChrono chronographs traps at an
average of 1,097 feet per second (fps),
Hornady at 1,199 fps and Speer at 1,225
fps. Hornady Critical Defense 115-grain
FTX, one of the most accurate rounds
in subcompacts, did not disappoint,
with a best five-round group measuring
1.8 inches in the 8, 9, and 10 rings at 3
oclock. The heavy hitter in the test was
another self-defense favorite, the Federal
Premium Hydra-Shok, with a best fiveround group measuring 2 inches in the 9,
10 and X rings. Federal and Hornady hit
within 0.5 inches of point of aim (POA).
Speer Gold Dot grouped five rounds at
1.75 inches in the 10 ring. The temperature was 41 degrees with a prevailing
crosswind averaging 15 mph. All rounds
were fired in rapid succession using a
Weaver stance and a two-handed hold.
With the longer barrel, I wanted to
chronograph the XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP with
the same ammunition used when I
reviewed the 3.3 model, and at the same
range of 15 yards. Ammo selection was
Federal Premium Law Enforcement
230-grain Hydra-Shok JHP, Hornady
Critical Defense 185-grain FTX and Speer
Gold Dot 185-grain GDHP. The heavy
hitting Federal 230-grain cleared the
ProChrono chronograph at an average
of 838 fps, which was 38 fps faster; the
185-grain Hornady measured 950 fps,
an increase of 10 fps; and the Speer
185-grain matched the results from the
original test, which was 938 fps with the
XD-S 3.3 .45 ACP.
The best five-round group measured
1.5 inches with the Speer load. The
Federal Hydra-Shok returned a slightly
wider spread measuring 1.85 inches
center-to-center, with two overlapping,
and Hornady came in just a fraction under
2 inches. Overall, from 15 yards, the .45
ACP XD-S 4.0 put all its rounds inside the
center body mass of the B-27, and thats
what a defensive subcompact handgun is
meant to do.
Street-Ready
As a defensive handgun, the XD-S 4.0

models extra barrel and slide length
take little away from the 9mm or .45
ACP versions in regards to concealment. The added length does, however,
provide improved handling and better
accuracy. Given the modest weight of the
4.0 models, an overall length of 7 inches
and the same height and width as the 3.3
versions, the new Springfield XD-S 4.0
models provide another tactical advantage with an already proven design.
For more information, visit springfieldarmory.com or call 800-680-6866.
111
POCKET
SHIELD
Raven Concealment Systems

Moduloader keeps accessories
out of sight but in the fight! BY TIM CHANDLER
The decision to carry a concealed

handgun for self-defense brings along
with it a number of practical and logistical concerns that arent immediately
obvious to the uninitiated. Effectively
concealing a suitable sidearm and the
related support equipment on a daily
basis is quite a tall order, especially if
one must contend with radically different dress requirements for different
environments.
Concealed carry becomes especially
difficult in what is commonly termed the
non-permissive environment (a place
where carrying a weapon can bring unpleasant social or career consequences).
A stranger at the local market might not
notice the pocket clip of a folding knife or
the slight bulge at your waist from a spare
magazine, but Dianne the nosy co-worker
who is locked in a meeting room with you
for two hours during an interminable HR
presentation might get curious. Police officers working plainclothes or undercover
assignments as well as security professionals who provide executive protection
have the same need for ready access to
a defensive instrument (or other useful
gear) without looking like they are carrying something dangerous.
In an attempt to improve the situation,
Chris Fry of MDTS Training and some of
the Kydex wizards at Raven Concealment
Systems collaborated to produce the
Moduloader Pocket Shield. The idea of
the Pocket Shield is to have a Kydex chassis to which you can attach the clips for
knives or lights, knife sheaths, holsters
or various holders for spare ammunition that will conceal the outline of the
item in your pocket, prevent the collapse
of that pocket and hold the items in a
112
The Moduloader works well

with clipped items...
consistent orientation for ready access.

The Pocket Shield is made thin enough to
flex and conform to the contours of your
pocket, but it is still strong enough to hold
together when pulling an item attached to
it in a hurry.
Quick Covert Access
The two wing tips at the top effectively

anchor the Pocket Shield in the pocket so
you dont end up pulling the whole thing
out when trying to draw your flashlight,
knife or spare magazine. The Pocket
Shield tends to curve slightly when carried, creating enough air space to allow
you to get a secure grip on the implement youre pulling, which, thanks to the
Pocket Shield, is exactly where you expect
it to be. If youre reaching for something
like a small fixed-blade knife or a reload,
time is of the essence. You may need to
access them from awkward or disadvantaged mid-fight positions, which is easier
if the items remain in consistent locations
and orientations in the pocket.
Ive been hearing allusions to the
Pocket Shield for quite some time, and
the guys doing the extensive field-testing
seemed to think it was the best thing
since sliced bread. After playing with it a
bit myself and seeing how others are us-
The Moduloader disguises the

outline of critical tools in the
pocket while providing a
consistent index for them.
...and also allows for easy attachment of sheaths and holsters.
ing it, (attaching everything from holsters

to epi-pens to it) Ive found it to be a pretty
useful bit of kit. My favorite application
so far is putting it in the left pocket of my
gym shorts with my SureFire E2E and a
knife attached. Prior to the Pocket Shield,
I just carried the light and was forced to
fish around in my pocket to get a hold on
it. Now I can easily index the light and I
can get my hands on my knife as well.
When I discussed the Pocket Shield
with Chris, he warned me that it might
not work in all pants pockets, especially
the pockets of some types of jeans. I did
indeed find that it didnt work well in a
couple pairs of my pants, but it worked
splendidly in the vast majority of clothing options for my lower half. The outline
of items attached to the Pocket Shield is
obscured by the shape of the chassis so
that when sitting you dont have any sort
of hint at whats in the pocket, and when
standing its nearly impossible to tell that
theres anything in the pocket at all.
Odds are youre the sort of person
who is always on the lookout for gear that
makes carry easier or more effective. If
so, the Moduloader Pocket Shield from
Raven Concealment Systems is worth a
look. For more information, visit
rcsgear.com.
CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS CLASSIFIEDS
114
115
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2015
HANDGUNS
CONCEALED CARRY
TM
BUYERS GUIDE
Discover your next concealed carry gun within these 28 pages.

Do you need a full-size, compact, subcompact or pocket pistol? How many rounds?
Revolver, semi-auto, or derringer? What sort of action? Which caliber?
Steel or polymer construction? What price point? Find your answers here.
Remember, in todays unpredictable world, concealed carry is not just a right, but a necessity!
Autopistols
Revolvers
...........................................................................
...............................................................................
Derringers & Others

Directory
118
140
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144
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146
117
HANDGUNS4AUTOLOADERS
4AMERICAN TACTICAL FX45

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.18,
4.25, 4.75, 5
Weight: 38.449.6 ounces
Grips: Mahogany
Sights: Fixed, fixed front,
adjustable rear
Features: Single-action
Finish: Matte black,
blued or stainless
Capacity: 7/8-shot mag
MSRP: $499.95-899.95
4AMERICAN
TACTICAL FATBOY
LIGHTWEIGHT
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.22
Weight: 36 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed front,
adjustable rear
Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $699.95
4AUTO ORDNANCE 1911

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 39 ounces
Grips: Polymer, wood
Sights: Blade front,
drift-adjustable rear
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 7-shot mag
MSRP: $637-662
21 BOBCAT/
4BERETTA
3032 TOMCAT
Caliber: .22 LR, .32 ACP
Barrel: 2.4
Weight: 11.8-14.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer,
walnut (87 Target)
Sights: Blade front, notch rear
Features: Double-action/
single-action
Finish: Black, Inox
MSRP: $310
118
84FS/
4BERETTA
85FS CHEETAH
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 3.8
Weight: 23.3 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed blade front,
dovetailed rear
single-action
Finish: Black, nickel
Capacity: 8/10/13-shot
MSRP: $770-830
4BERETTA
M9/92FS/96A1
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4.9
Weight: 32.5-34.4
ounces
Grips: Polymer,
Technopolymer
Sights: Three-dot
single-action
Finish: Bruniton
Capacity: 10/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $650-795
4BERETTA NANO
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3
Weight: 19.8 ounces
Grips: Technopolymer
Sights: Three-dot, low-profile
Features: Striker-fired
Finish: Black nitride
MSRP: $475
4BERETTA PICO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.7
Weight: 11.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Dovetail
Features: Double-action-only
Finish: Inox
MSRP: $399
4BERETTA
Px4 STORM
Caliber: 9mm, .40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 3.2, 4, 4.6
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
single-action
Finish: Black, dark earth
Capacity: 9/10/12/13/
14/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $550-1,035
BPCC
4BERSA
CONCEALED
CARRY
Caliber: .380 ACP,

9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.3
Weight: 21.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
with short reset
Finish: Matte black, olive drab
or duotone
MSRP: $475-485
4BERSA THUNDER SERIES

Barrel: 3.25
Weight: 20.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer,
rubber wraparound
Sights: Fixed
single-action
Finish: Matte, satin nickel
or duo-tone
MSRP: $349-442
4BERSA THUNDER PRO SERIES

Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W,
.45 ACP (UC)
Barrel: 3.25,
3.6, 4.25
Weight:
23-30.7 ounces
Grips: Checkered black polymer
Sights: Interchangeable
Features: Double-action/single-action
Finish: Duotone or matte black
MSRP: $536-558
4BOBERG XR
Caliber: 9mm, .45 ACP, .45 Super
Barrel: 3.35, 3.75, 4.2, 4.6
Grips: Zytel Polymer
Sights: Low Profile,
Dovetail Windage
Finish: Standard, onyx, platy
Capacity: 7+1/6+1
MSRP: $1,049-1,399
4CANIK TP-9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4
Weight: 26.4 ounces
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Click adjustable 3-dot
Features: Striker-fored
Finish: Black
Capacity: 18 rounds
MSRP: $389.95
(from Century Arms)
CERAKOTE
4CITADEL
M-1911
Caliber: 9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.5, 5
Grips: Hogue Wrap Around,
Hogue Dymondwood, wood
Sights: Novak Style Sights
Finish: Cerakote
MSRP: $741
4CIMARRON M1911
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 40 ounces
Grips: Wood
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Parkerized,
blued, nickel
MSRP: $580-650
119
4COLT 1991
Caliber: .38 Super,
.45 ACP
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips: Rubber composite, rosewood
Sights: White-dot, high-profile
Finish: Stainless or blued
Capacity: 9(.38)/7(.45)-shot mag
MSRP: $974-1,377
4COLT DEFENDER
Barrel: 3
Weight: 24-25 ounces
Grips: Hogue wraparound
Sights: Novak Low-Mount
Carry with dots
Finish: Cerakote, stainless
Capacity: 7(.45)/8(9mm)-shot mag
MSRP: $1,098
4COLT GOLD CUP

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 37 ounces
Grips: Rubber
wraparound, walnut w/ gold medallions
Sights: BoMar-style, adjustable
MSRP: $1,217-1,239
4COLT MUSTANG
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.75
Grips: Composite
Sights: High-profile,
dovetailed
Finish: Brushed stainless
or matte black
MSRP: $672-698
120
4COLT NEW AGENT

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3
Weight: 22.5-23 ounces
Grips: Slim fit Rosewood,
CrimsonTrace Lasergrips
Sights: Trench-style
Finish: Blued
MSRP: $1,078-1,366
4COLT XSE
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips: Rosewood
Sights: Novak
Low-Mount Carry with dots
MSRP: $1,104-1,284
4CZ 75/85
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4.6
Weight: 35.2 ounces
Grips: Plastic, rubber
Sights: Fixed
single-action
Finish: Black Polycoat,
matte stainless, polished stainless
MSRP: $544-783
4CZ 97
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.53
Weight: 40.6 ounces
Grips: Aluminum
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black Polycoat, glossy blue
MSRP: $707-816
4CZ 2075 RAMI

Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 2.9
Weight: 24.5 ounces
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Fixed/fixed night sights
Finish: Black Polycoat
Capacity: 9/7(.40)-,14/10(9mm)
-shot mag
MSRP: $614-680
4CZ P-01/ P-06/ P-07/P-09

Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.7-4.53
Weight: 27.2-29.1
ounces
Grips: Rubber
(P-01, P-06),
Polymer stippling,
interchangeable backstraps
(P-07, P-09)
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black Polycoat, Black (P-07), FDE (P-09)
Capacity: 10(.40)/14(9mm)-shot mag,
12/15-shot mag (P-07), 15/19-shot mag (P-09)
MSRP: $510-680
4CZ SP-01
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4.61
Weight:
38.4 ounces
Grips: Rubber
Sights:
Fixed, fixed tritium
Features:
Double-action/
single-action
Finish: Black Polycoat
MSRP: $680-759
TACTICAL
4CZ
SPORT
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 5.4
Weight: 45.3 ounces
Grips: Wood
Sights: Fixed Target
Finish: Dual-tone
MSRP: $1,310
4DAN WESSON 1911

Caliber: .38 Super, 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.5, 4.25, 5
Grips: Stipple shadow,
cocobolo, G10
Sights: Novak Low-Mount Night,
tactical ledge sight, adjustable, fixed
Finish: Black Duty
MSRP: $1,298-2,077
4DIAMONDBACK
DB FS NINE
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.75
Weight: 21.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Ameriglo 3-dot fixed
Finish: Black Melonited
MSRP: $483.34
4DIAMONDBACK
DB380/DB9
Caliber: .380 ACP, 9mm
Barrel: 2.8, 3
Grips: Polymer
Sights: 3-dot fixed
Features: Striker-fire
Finish: Black or silver
MSRP: N/A
4FN FIVE-SEVEN
Caliber: 5.7x28mm
Barrel: 4.8
Weight: 23 ounces
Grips: Textured polymer
Sights: Adjustable three-dot
Finish: Black
MSRP: $1,329
121
4FNS
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4, 5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot or
three-dot night
Features: Doubleaction-only
Finish: Black or stainless
Capacity: 10/14/17shot mag
MSRP: $599-749
4FNX
Barrel: 4, 4.5, 5.3
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed three-dot
combat with deep-V rear
notch, high-profile night
sights w/ optional electronic
red-dots
single-action
Finish: Black,
stainless steel,
FDE (Flat Dark Earth)
Capacity: 10/14/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $699-1,399
4GLOCK 17/22
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4.48
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Features: Safe Action,
Gen4 option available
Finish: Black
MSRP: $599-696
4GLOCK 19/23
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4.01
Weight: 23.65 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $599-696
122
4GLOCK 20/21
Barrel: 4.6
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $637-734
4GLOCK 17L/24
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 6.02
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Adjustable
Features: Safe Action
Finish: Black
MSRP: $750
4GLOCK 26/27
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.42
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $599-696
4GLOCK 29/30/36
Barrel: 3.77
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $637-734
4GLOCK 31/32/33
Caliber: .357 SIG
Barrel: 3.42, 4.01, 4.48
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $599-696
4GLOCK 34/35
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 5.31
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Adjustable
Finish: Black
Capacity:
15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $679-729
4GLOCK 37/38/39
Caliber: .45 GAP
Barrel: 3.42,
4.01, 4.48
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $614-711
4GLOCK 41
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5.31
Weight: 27 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Black
MSRP: $640
4GLOCK 42
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 3.25
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Features: Safe Action
Finish: Black
MSRP: $480
& KOCH
4HECKLER
HK45
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.94, 4.53
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
single-action or
double-action-only
Finish: Black
MSRP: $1,193-1,260
& KOCH
4HECKLER
P30
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.86, 4.44
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
single-action or
double-action-only
Finish: Black
MSRP: $1054-1,108
& KOCH
4HECKLER
P2000
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.26, 3.66
Weight: 24 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot
(optional tritium)
single-action or
double-action-only
Finish: Black
MSRP: $941-983
123
& KOCH
4HECKLER
USP/USP COMPACT
Barrel: 3.58 to 5.09
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed or adjustable
single-action or double-action-only
Finish: Black
Capacity: 8/10/12/13/15-shot mag
MSRP: $902-1,325
4HECKLER & KOCH VP9

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.09
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed or adjutsble
Finish: Black
MSRP: $719
4KAHR CM/CW SERIES

Caliber: .380 ACP,
9mm, .40, .45 ACP
Barrel:
3, 3.1, 3.5, 3.6
Weight: 14-19.7 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Drift-adjustable,
white-bar-dot combat rear
Finish: Black frame,
matte stainless slide
MSRP: $419-517
4KAHR K SERIES
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3, 3.46, 3.5
Grips: Polymer
(optional tritium)
Finish: Matte black, matte stainless
MSRP: $855-1,054
124
4KAHR MK SERIES
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3, 3.1
Grips: Hard nylon
(optional tritium)
Finish: Matte stainless
MSRP: $855-1,054
4KAHR P SERIES
Caliber: .380 ACP, 9mm,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 2.53, 3.54, 3.56,
3.6, 3.64
Grips: Polymer
white-bar-dot combat rear (optional tritium)
Finish: Matte black, two-tone
MSRP: $649-973
4KAHR PM SERIES
Barrel: 3.1, 3.24
Grips: Polymer
(optional tritium or CT laser)
Finish: Matte black, two-tone
MSRP: $786-1,049
4KAHR T/TP SERIES

Barrel: 3.96, 4, 4.04
Grips: Hogue Pau
Ferro wood, polymer
(optional Novak tritium)
Finish: Matte stainless, two-tone
MSRP: $697-968
4KEL-TEC
PF-9/P-11
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Blued, parkerized,
hard chrome
MSRP: $333-390
4KEL-TEC
P-32/P-3AT
Caliber: .32 ACP, .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.7
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Integrated
Finish: Blued, parkerized,
hard chrome
MSRP: $318-377
4KEL-TEC
PMR-30
Caliber: .22 Mag
Barrel: 4.3
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fiber-optic,
dovetailed aluminum front
Finish: Black
MSRP: $415
4KIMBER AEGIS II
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Rosewood
Sights: Fixed Tactical
Wedge tritium
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,331
4KIMBER CDP II
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Rosewood,
Crimson Trace Lasergrips
Sights: Fixed three-dot tritium
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,331-1,631
4KIMBER
CLASSIC
CARRY PRO
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4
Weight: 35 ounces
Grips: Bone
Sights: Fixed low-profile
three-dot night sights
Finish: Charcoal blue
MSRP: $2,056
COMPACT II/
4KIMBER
PRO CARRY II
Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 4
Grips: Synthetic
Finish: Satin silver,
matte black
MSRP: $919-1,128
4KIMBER COVERT II
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Digital camo,
Wedge tritium
Finish: Dark earth frame,
matte black slide
MSRP: $1,657
125
4KIMBER
CRIMSON CARRY II
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Rosewood,
Crimson Trace
Lasergrips
(red or green laser)
Finish: Satin silver frame,
matte black slide
MSRP: $1,206-1,293
4KIMBER CUSTOM II
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5
Weight: 38 ounces
Grips: Synthetic,
bone, walnut
Sights: Fixed lowprofile, Kimber adjustable
charcoal blue, satin silver
Finish: 7/8/9-shot mag
MSRP: $871-2,020
4KIMBER
CUSTOM SHOP
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 5
Grips: Rosewood,
Micarta, bone
Sights: Sighting trough,
tritium, Kimber adjustable
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,351-2,405
4KIMBER ECLIPSE II
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Laminated
Sights: Fixed
three-dot tritium
Finish: Brushed stainless
MSRP: $1,289-1,393
126
4KIMBER
GOLD MATCH II
Barrel: 5
Weight: 38 ounces
Grips: Rosewood,
laminated
Sights: Kimber
adjustable
Finish: Blued,
stainless, satin silver
MSRP: $1,393-1,882
4KIMBER MICRO
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.7
Weight: 38 ounces
Grips: Synthetic, Rosewood,
Crimson Trace Laser Grips
Sights: Fixed low-profile,
3-dot Tritium
Finish: Various
MSRP: $651-1,406
4KIMBER
RAPTOR II
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Zebra wood,
rosewood
Wedge tritium, adjustable
Finish: Various
MSRP: $1,295-1,657
4KIMBER RIMFIRE
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 5
Weight: 23 ounces
Grips: Synthetic,
rosewood
Sights: Fixed,
adjustable
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $871-1,220
4KIMBER SOLO
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.7
Weight: 17 ounces
Grips: Synthetic, G10,
Sights: Fixed low-profile,
three-dot tritium
striker fired
Finish: Various
MSRP: $815-1,223
4KIMBER
SUPER CARRY
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Micarta/
laminated wood, G10
Sights: Tritium
Features: Single-action,
round heel frame
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,596-1,699
4KIMBER
TACTICAL II
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Laminated
Sights: Fixed three-dot tritium
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,317-1,490
4KIMBER ULTRA CARRY II

Barrel: 3
Weight: 25 ounces
Grips: Synthetic,
double-diamond
Finish: Matte black
or satin silver
MSRP: $919-1,066.
4KIMBER WARRIOR
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 39 ounces
Grips: Kimber
G10 tactical
Sights: Fixed
Tactical Wedge tritium
tactical rail
Finish: KimPro II
MSRP: $1,512-1,665
4KRISS SPHINX SDP

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1, 3.7, 4.5
Grips: Polymer with
Rubberized Overmold
Sights: Front and rear Iron
single-action
Finish: PVD coating
mag rounds
MSRP: $795-1295
RESEARCH
4MAGNUM
BABY DESERT EAGLE II
Barrel: 3.64, 3.93, 4.52
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed white
three-dot combat
single-action
Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $616-630
RESEARCH
4MAGNUM
DESERT EAGLE 1911
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.33, 5.05
Grips: Wood
Sights: High-profile
sculptured rear, pinned-in blade front
Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $874
127
4METRO ARMS
Caliber:
.38 Super, 9mm,
.40 S&W, .45 ACP
Barrel:
3.5, 4.25, 5, 6
Weight: 32.45 46.91 oz.
Grips: Wood, aluminum
Finish: Matte blue, deep blue,
hard or black chrome, and duotone
Capacity: 7/8/9/12/14/15/16/21-shot mag
MSRP: $589-2,450
4NAA GUARDIAN
Caliber: .25 NAA, .32 ACP,
.32 NAA, .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.18, 2.49
Weight:
13.5-18.7 ounces
Grips:
Pebble finish Hogue
Sights:
Fixed low-profile
Features:
Double-action-only
Finish: Stainless
Capacity:
6-shot mag
MSRP: $402-479
4NIGHTHAWK
ENFORCER
Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5
Weight: 39-40
ounces
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights: Adjustable
night sights
Finish: Nitride
MSRP: $3,250
4NIGHTHAWK GRP
Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips: Gator Back Grips,
CTC Lasergrips
Sights: Nighthawk
3-dot night sights
Finish: Perma Kote
MSRP: $2,895-3,095
128
4NIGHTHAWK
RICHARD HEINIE
Barrel: 4.25, 5, 6
Grips: Cocobolo, G10,
Alumagrips
Sights: Heinie Straight
8 Slant Pro Night
MSRP: $3,395
4NIGHTHAWK T3/T4
Caliber: : 9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.8, 4.25
Grips: G10, VZ Aliens
Sights: Heinie Straight Eight
MSRP: $2,699-3,550
TALON/
4NIGHTHAWK
PREDATOR
Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.6, 4.25, 5
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights: Nighthawk 3-dot
night sights, Heinie Straight 8
Slant Pro Night
MSRP: $3,095-3,295
4PARA USA BLACK OPS

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.25, 5, 5.5
Grips: VZ G10
Sights: Trijicon 3-dot night,
high-profile on
threaded barrel model
Finish: Black Ionbond
MSRP: $1,257-1,325
USA CARRY/
4PARA
WARTHOG
Barrel: 3
Grips: VZ Gator, cocobolo,
G10, polymer
Sights: Trijicon, fiber optic
front and fixed rear
Features: Single-action or
LDA (double-action)
Finish: Black Ionbond,
stainless, black nitride
MSRP: $849-1,399
4PARA USA ELITE/EXPERT

Barrel: 3, 3.5, 4.25, 5, 6
Grips: VZ Operator II,
VZ Para G10, cocobolo,
polymer
Sights: Fiber optic front,
adjustable target or fixed rear,
Trijicon night
Finish: Satin stainless,
two-tone, black Ionbond
Capacity: 7/8/9/10/14
-shot mag
MSRP: $663-1,299
USA PRO
4PARA
CUSTOM
Barrel: 5
Grips: VZ G10
Sights: Fiber optic
front, adjustable rear
Finish: Black Ionbond
Capacity: 10/14/
16/18-shot mag
MSRP: $1,299-2,149
4REMINGTON 1911 R1
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Grips: Walnut,
wood laminate
Finish: Satin black oxide, stainless
MSRP: $729-1,299
4REMINGTON R51
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.25
Weight: 20 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Satin black oxide
MSRP: $420
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY 22 TCM
Caliber: .22 TCM
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips:
VZ Operator II, polymer
snag-free front, adjustable rear
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: N/A
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY 1911
TACTICAL
Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.5, 5
wood, polymer
adjustable rear, low profile
Finish: Parkerized, nickel, two-tone
MSRP: N/A
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY 2011
TACTICAL
Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5
wood, polymer
adjustable rear, low profile, Meprolight
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: N/A
129
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY GI/MATCH
Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.5,
4.25, 5
Grips: Wood, polymer
Sights: Fixed, fiber optic front,
adjustable LPA rear (Match)
Finish: Nickel, parkerized, two-tone
MSRP: N/A
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY MAP/MAPP
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Weight:
29.3-40.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed front, snag free rear
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: N/A
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY XT 22
Caliber:
.22 LR/.45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight:
35.2-35.5 ounces
Grips: Wood
Sights: Low profile snag free
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: N/A
RIVER
4ROCK
ARMS 1911 POLY
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Dovetailed
Finish: Black parkerized
steel, polymer in black,
tan, OD green
MSRP: Approximately
$800
130
4RUGER 22/45
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 4, 4.4, 4.5, 5.5
Grips: Polymer, laminate
adjustable or fixed rear
Finish: Black annodize,
black oxide, cobalt annodize
MSRP: $359-499
LC380/
4RUGER
LC9/LC9s
Barrel: 3.12
Grips: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Adjustable three-dot
(optional Crimson Trace
or LaserMax laser)
Features: Double-action-only,
striker fired
Finish: Blued
MSRP: $449-629
4RUGER LCP
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.75
Grips: Glass-filled nylon
Sights: Fixed (Crimson Trace
or LaserMax laser)
Finish: Blued
MSRP: $379-559
4RUGER MARK III

Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 4.75, 5.5,
6, 6.88
Grips: Polymer, laminate
Finish: Blued,
satin stainless
MSRP: $389-729
4RUGER SR1911
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips: Hardwood
Sights: Fixed
Novak three-dot
Finish: Low-glare
stainless
MSRP: $829
4RUGER SR/9E
Caliber: .22 LR, 9mm,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.5, 4.14, 4.5
Weight:
17.5-30.2 ounces
Grips:
Glass-filled nylon
Sights:
Adjustable three-dot
Features:
Double-action-only
Finish:
Black nitride or stainless
Capacity:
9/10/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $399-529
4SCCY CPX
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1
Weight: 15 ounces
Grips: Textured polymer
Sights: Adjustable rear
Features: Double-actiononly, with or without
external safety
Finish: Black or two-tone
MSRP: $314-334
4SIG SAUER 1911

Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm, .357 Sig,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.3, 4.2, 5
Grips: Wood,
Ergo XT, Hogue, G10
Sights: Low-profile,
SIGLITE night, adjustable
Finish: Nitron , stainless, two-tone, FDE
MSRP: $1,050-1,715
4SIG SAUER M11-A1

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.9, 4.4
Grips: Polymer
Sights: SIGLITE
single-action
Finish: Black Nitron,
Flat Dark Earth Coating
MSRP: $1,149-1,239
SAUER
4SIG
MOSQUITO
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 3.9, 4.9
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Windage adjustable
Finish: Nitron, two-tone, FDE, Orb,
pink, purple
MSRP: $408-502
4SIG SAUER P210

Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.7
Weight: 37.4 ounces
Grips: Wood
Sights: Post and notch,
adjustable target
Finish: Black Nitron
MSRP: $2,428-2,642
4SIG SAUER P220

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.9, 4.4, 5
Grips: Polymer, wood,
aluminum, Hogue, G10
Sights: Contrast, SIGLITE,
TruGlo, adjustable
double-action/single-action
or double-action-Kellerman
Finish: Nitron
MSRP: $626-1,375
131
4SIG SAUER P224

Caliber: 9mm,
.357 SIG, .40
Barrel: 3.5
Weight: 25.4 ounces
Grips: Polymer,
Hogue G10
Sights: SIGLITE night
single-action or
double-action-Kellerman
Finish: Nitron
MSRP: $1,108-1,2438
4SIG SAUER P226

Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG, .40
Barrel: 4.4, 5, 6
Ergo, aluminum, Hogue,
G10, Nill
Sights: SIGLITE, TruGlo,
contrast, adjustable
Finish: Nitron, FDE, stainless steel
Capacity: 10/12/14/15/17/19/20-shot mag
MSRP: $636-1,402
4SIG SAUER P227

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.9, 4.4, 4.9
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Contrast, SIGLITE
Finish: Nitron
MSRP: $1,015-1,228
4SIG SAUER P229

Barrel: 3.9, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Grips: Polymer, wood, Ergo,
aluminum, Hogue, G10
Sights: SIGLITE, TruGlo,
contrast, adjustable
double-action/single-action,
double-action-Kellerman
Finish: Nitron
MSRP: $626-1,368
132
4SIG SAUER P232

Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 3.6
Grips: Hogue rubber
Sights: Contrast, SIGLITE night
Finish: Nitron, stainless steel
MSRP: $736-839
4SIG SAUER P238

Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.7
aluminum, G10, Hogue rubber
Sights: SIGLITE night, TruGlo, contrast
Finish: Nitron, Rainbow, FDE
MSRP: $723-782
4SIG SAUER P239

Barrel: 3.6, 4
Weight: 29.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Contrast, SIGLITE
single-action or double-action-Kellerman
Finish: Nitron, FDE
MSRP: $1,015-1,220
4SIG SAUER P250

Caliber: .380 ACP, 9mm,
.357 SIG, .40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.6, 3.9, 4.7
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Contrast, SIGLITE night
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 6/9/10/12/13/14/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $466-650
4SIG SAUER P290/P290RS

Barrel: 2.9
Grips: Polymer, G10
Sights: SIGLITE night, contrast
Finish: Nitron, two-tone, Rainbow, Orb
MSRP: $433-599
4SIG SAUER P320

Caliber: 9mm, .40, .357 SIG
Barrel: 3.9, 4.7
Weight:
26.5-29.4 ounces
Grips: Interchangeable
polymer grip module
Sights: SIGLITE night
sights,contrast
Features: Striker fire
operating system
Finish: Nitron
Capacity: 9mm: 10/15/17shot mag; .40: 10/13/14-sbot mag
MSRP: $628-713
4SIG SAUER P938

Caliber: .22 LR, 9mm
Barrel: 3, 3.3
Weight: 16 ounces
Grips: Wood, Hogue G10,
Rosewood
Sights: SIGLITE,
TruGlo adjustable
Finish: Nitron, FDE
MSRP: $656-965
4SIG SAUER SP2022

Caliber: 9mm,
.357 SIG, .40
Barrel: 3.9
Weight: 29 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Contrast,
SIGLITE night
Finish: Black Nitron, FDE
MSRP: $513-712
& WESSON
4SMITH
BODYGUARD
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.75
Weight: 12.3ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fixed front, adjustable rear,
integrated Crimosn Trace laser
Finish: Matte black
MSRP: $379-419
& WESSON
4SMITH
M&P
Caliber: 9mm,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.5, 4,
4.25, 4.5, 5
Grips: Polymer,
Finish: Corrosion Resistant
Capacity: 6/7/8/10/12/15/17-shot mag
MSRP: $449-829
& WESSON
4SMITH
M&P SHIELD
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.1
Weight: 19 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: White three-dot
Finish: Black Melonite
MSRP: $449-469
& WESSON
4SMITH
PERFORMANCE CENTER
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4.25, 5
Grips: G10 custom
Sights: Post front,
adjustable rear
Finish: Stainless steel
MSRP: $1,589
133
4SMITH & WESSON PRO

Barrel: 3, 4.25, 5
Grips:
Polymer, synthetic, wood
Sights: Dovetail front,
adjustable rear, Novak,
white three-dot, slide cut
to accept red dot optics on C.O.R.E
Features: Single-action or double-action-only
Finish: Corrosion Resistant
MSRP: $769-1609
& WESSON
4SMITH
RIMFIRE
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 4.1, 5.5, 7
Grips: Polymer, Soft Touch, wood
Sights: Adjustable, Patridge front
Finish: Black, blued, two-tone
or real tree APG HD
MSRP: $329-1,619
4SMITH & WESSON SD VE

Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4
Weight: 22.7 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Finish: Two-tone
MSRP: $389-409
4SPRINGFIELD EMP
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3
Grips: Cocobolo, G10
Sights: Tritium three-dot
Finish: Black frame, stainless slide
MSRP: $1,345-1,424
134
4SPRINGFIELD LOADED
Barrel: 5
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights: Varies by model
Finish: Parkerized, stainless
MSRP: $999-1,398
4SPRINGFIELD MIL-SPEC
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 39 ounces
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights:
Fixed combat three-dot
Finish: Parkerized, stainless
MSRP: $785-889
4SPRINGFIELD
PROFESSIONAL MODEL
CUSTOM
Caliber: .45 ACP

Barrel: 5
Weight: 41 ounces
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights: Tritium three-dot
Finish: Black T
MSRP: $2,647-2,748
4SPRINGFIELD
RANGE OFFICER
Caliber:
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 4, 5
Grips: Cocobolo
Finish: Parkerized
MSRP: $977
4SPRINGFIELD
TROPHY MATCH/TRP
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Grips: Cocobolo, G10
Finish: Black AK, stainless
MSRP: $1,605-1,867
4SPRINGFIELD XD
Caliber: 9mm, .357 SIG,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot, dovetail
(optional tritium)
Features: Ultra Safety
Assurance (USA) trigger
Finish: Black, bi-tone,
OD green
Capacity: 9/10/12/13/16shot mag
MSRP: $549-726
4SPRINGFIELD XDM
Caliber:
9mm, .40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3.8,
4.5, 5.25
Weight:
27-32 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Three-dot,
dovetail, adjustable
Finish: Black, bi-tone, OD green
MSRP: $697-896
4SPRINGFIELD XD-S
Barrel: 3.3, 4
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Fiber-optic front,
dovetail rear
Finish: Black, bi-tone
MSRP: $599-669
ARMS
4STEYR
C-A1/S-A1
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.6
Weight: 25.6 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Triangular/
trapezoid or three-dot
Features: Reset Action System
Finish: Mannox
MSRP: $560
ARMS
4STEYR
L-A1/M-A1
Barrel: 4, 4.5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Triangular/trapezoid
Features: Reset Action System
Finish: Mannox
MSRP: $560
DOUBLE
4STI
STACK
Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm, .357 SIG, .40,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.9, 4.15, 5, 6
Grips: Polymer
Finish: Black, blued, stainless,
hard chrome or two-tone
Capacity: Depends upon caliber
MSRP: $1,649-3,655
4STI LAWMAN
Barrel: 3.24, 4.26, 5.11
Grips: G10 Micarta
Sights: STI ramp front,
Tactical adjustable rear
Finish: Blued
MSRP: $1,455
135
4STI SINGLE STACK

Caliber: 9mm,
.40, .45 ACP
Barrel: 3, 4, 5
Grips: G10
Finish: Blued, optional hard chrome
Capacity: Depends upon caliber
MSRP: $1,940
4STOEGER COUGAR
Barrel: 3.6
Grips: Synthetic
single-action
MSRP: $469-509
4TAURUS
24/7 G2
Barrel: 3.5, 4.2
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Adjustable rear
single-action
Finish: Blued or matte stainless
MSRP: $498-539
4TAURUS 700
Caliber: .380 ACP, 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.2, 3.3
Grips: Polymer
Finish: Blued, matte stainless
MSRP: $199-498
136
4TAURUS 800
Barrel: 3.5, 4
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Novak fixed three-dot
single-action
Finish: Black Tenifer,
blued, matte stainless
MSRP: $623-686
4TAURUS 1911
Barrel: 5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Novak
Finish: Blued, matte
stainless or two-tone
MSRP: $712-947
4TAURUS
LARGE FRAME
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 5
Weight: 34 ounces
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Blued or matte stainless
MSRP: $483-938
4TAURUS MILLENNIUM G2
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.25
Weight: 22 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Adjustable rear,
fixed front
single-action
Finish: Blue, matte stainless
Capacity: 12+1
MSRP: $434
4TAURUS
MILLENNIUM PRO
Barrel: 3.25
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Heinie Straight Eight
MSRP: $467-498
4TAURUS
SMALL FRAME
Barrel: 2.75
Weight: 12.3 ounces
Grips: Synthetic,
rosewood, wood
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Blued, matte stainless,
nickel or two-tone
MSRP: $266-539
4TAYLORS TACTICAL 1911

Caliber: 9mm,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.6, 5
Weight:
39-42 ounces
Grips: Walnut, G10
Sights: Green Fiber Optic
Front Sight
Finish: Parkerized, blued,
black rock, gun metal grey,
dark earth, OD green/black, coyote tan
MSRP: $570-799
4THOMPSON CUSTOM 1911

Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight:
31.5-39 ounces
Grips:
Laminate with medallion
Sights: Low-profile iron
Finish: Stainless
MSRP: $813
4WALTHER CCP
Caliber: : 9mm Luger
Barrel: 3.5
Weight: 22.3 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Interchangeable front
with white dot, adjustable rear
Features: Single Action
Finish: Stainless,
Stainless/Cerakote
MSRP: $469-489
4WALTHER P99
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.5, 4, 4.1
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
3-dot combat
single-action
Finish: Tenifer
MSRP: $599
4WALTHER PPK
Caliber: .380 ACP
Barrel: 3.3
Weight: 21.1 ounces
Grips: Checkered panels
Sights: Fixed steel
Finish: Blued, stainless
MSRP: $699
4WALTHER PPK/S
Caliber: .22 LR
Barrel: 3.3
Weight: 20 ounces
Grips: Checkered panels
Sights: Fixed steel
Finish: Blued, nickel
MSRP: $399
137
4WALTHER PPS
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.2
Weight: 21.5 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
3-dot combat
Finish: Tenifer
MSRP: $629
4WALTHER PPQ M2
Caliber: 9mm, .40, .22 LR
Barrel: 4-5
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
3-dot combat
Features: Quick Defense T
rigger (9mm and .40)
Finish: Tenifer (9mm/.40),
Black (.22 LR)
(9mm/.40), 12 rounds (.22 LR)
MSRP: $429-749
4WALTHER PPX
Caliber: 9mm, .40
Barrel: 4, 4.6
Weight: 27.2 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Low profile
3-dot combat
Finish: Tenifer, stainless
MSRP: $449-499
COMBAT
4WILSON
BILL WILSON CARRY
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4
Weight: 35 ounces
Grips: G10 Starburst
battlesight rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
138
COMBAT
4WILSON
CLASSIC
.40, .45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5
Grips: Cocobolo
Sights: Ramp front,
Lo-Mount adjustable rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
4WILSON COMBAT CQB

.40, .45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 4, 5
or diagonal
battlesight rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT
4WILSON
HACKATHORN
SPECIAL
Caliber: 9mm,
.38 Super, .45 ACP
Barrel: 5
Weight: 35.6 ounces
Grips: Black G10 Starburst
Sights: Battlesight with
Fiber Optic Front
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT
4WILSON
PROFESSIONAL
Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm, .45 ACP
Barrel: 4
Sights: Fiber-optic
or tritium front, battlesight rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT SENTINEL/
4WILSON
SUPER SENTINEL
Caliber: 9mm/.38 Super
Barrel: 3.6
Grips: G10 slimline,
cocobolo Starburst
(Sentinel)
Sights: Battlesight
with Fiber Optic Front
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT
4WILSON
SPEC-OPS 9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.5
Weight: 29.6 ounces
Grips: Starburst
Sights: Dovetail
fiber-optic front,
spec-ops low-profile rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT
4WILSON
TACTICAL SUPERGRADE
.40, .45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 5
Sights: Fiber-optic
or tritium front,
battlesight rear
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT
4WILSON
ULTRALIGHT CARRY
Caliber: .38 Super,
9mm,.45 ACP
Barrel: 3.6, 4
Weight: 25.2-26.5
ounces
Sights: Battlesight
with Fiber Optic Front
Finish: Black
MSRP: N/A
COMBAT X-TAC/
4WILSON
X-TAC COMPACT
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel: 4-5
Sights: Battlesight with
Fiber Optic Front
Finish: Armor-Tuff
MSRP: N/A
PAVONA
4WITNESS
COMPACT POLYMER
Caliber: .380 ACP,
9mm, .40
Barrel: 3.6
Weight: 30 ounces
Grips: Polymer
Sights: Windage Adjustable
Features: SA/DA, Sparkle Frame,
Reduced Recoil System
Finish: Black, Imperial, Sapphire,
Charcoal, Fandango
Capacity: 13+1, 9+1
MSRP: $476-$528
(from European American Armory Corp)
4WITNESS POLYMER
Caliber: 9mm, .40,
.45 ACP, 10mm
Barrel: 3.6, 4.5
Grips: Integral polymer
Sights: Low-profile,
adjustable
single-action
Finish: Blue, wonder
Capacity: 8/10/12/13/15/17shot mag
MSRP: $571-691
4WITNESS STEEL FULL SIZE

.40, .45 ACP, 10mm,
.45/.22 LR
Barrel: 4.5
Weight: 33 ounces
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Fixed Blade Front,
Rear Windage Adjustable
single-action
Finish: Wonder finish,
blued (combo)
MSRP: $607
139
HANDGUNS4REVOLVERS
ARMS PITBULL/
4CHARTER
BULLDOG/MAG PUG
Caliber: 9mm, .40,
.357 Mag, .44 Special
Barrel: 2.2, 2.3,
2.5, 4, 5
Grips: Neoprene,
Crimson Trace
notch rear or adjustable rear
Finish: Various
Capacity: 5/6-shot
MSRP: $396-696
ISLAND
4ROCK
ARMORY M200/M206
Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel: 2, 4
Weight:
25.4-28.2 ounces
Grips: Wood, polymer
Sights: Fixed
Features:
Double-action/single-action
Finish: Parkerized
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: N/A
ARMS UNDERCOVER/
4CHARTER
4ROSSI R352/R461
UNDERCOVER LITE/
UNDERCOVERETTE
Caliber: .32 H&R, .38 Special
Barrel: 2, 4.2, 5
Grips: Neoprene,
Crimson Trace
Sights: Blade front, notch rear
Finish: Various
Capacity: 5/6-shot
MSRP: $319-$669
MSRP: $396-696
4CHIAPPA RHINO
Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Mag, .40
Barrel: 2, 4, 5, 6
Grips: Wood, rubber
adjustable rear
Finish: Black,
electroless nickel
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $750-950
4EAA WINDICATOR
Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Mag
Barrel: 2, 4
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Fixed low profile
single-action
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $325-422
140
Caliber: .38 Special, 357 Mag

Barrel: 2
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Fixed
Features:
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 5/6-shot
MSRP: $389-452
4ROSSI R851/R971
Caliber: .38 Special +P,
.357 Mag
Barrel: 4
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Ramp front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Finish: Dark blue carbon
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $389-508
4RUGER GP100
Caliber: .357 Mag
Barrel: 3, 4.2, 6
Grips: Hogue rubber or
Hogue hardwood
Sights: Fixed, adjustable
single-action
Finish: Blued,
satin stainless
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $699-899
4RUGER LCR/LCRx
Caliber: .22 LR, .22 Mag,
.38 Special +P, .357 Mag
Barrel: 1.88
Grips: Hogue,
Sights: Pinned ramp,
U-notch rear
Ionbond Diamond
black cylinder
MSRP: $529-879
4RUGER REDHAWK
Caliber: .44 Mag, .45 Colt
Barrel: 4.2, 5.5, 7.5
Grips: Hogue, hardwood
Sights: Ramp front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Finish: Satin
stainless
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $999-1,049
4RUGER SP101
Caliber: .22 LR, ..38 Special +P,
.357 Mag
Barrel: 2.25, 3.06, 4.20
Grips: Rubber with
synthetic or hardwood insert
Sights: Black ramp or
fiber optic front, fixed
or adjustable rear
single-action or
double-action-only
Finish: Satin stainless
Capacity: 5/8(.22)-shot
MSRP: $659-699
SUPER
4RUGER
REDHAWK
Caliber: .44 Mag, .454 Casull,
.480 Ruger
Barrel: 2.5, 7.5, 9.5
Grips: Hogue
Sights: Ramp front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $1,049-1,079
& WESSON
4SMITH
BODYGUARD
Barrel: 1.9
Weight: 14.4 ounces
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Black ramp front,
integral rear,
integrated Crimosn Trace laser
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $539
& WESSON
4SMITH
CLASSIC
.38 Spl, .357 Mag, .41 Mag,
.44 Mag, .45 LC
Barrel: 1.88, 4, 6, 6.5
Grips: Wood
Features:
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 5/6-shot
MSRP: $739-1,169
& WESSON
4SMITH
GOVERNOR
Caliber: .45 LC,
.45 ACP, .410
Barrel: 2.75
Weight: 29.6 ounces
Grips: Synthetic,
Sights: Dovetailed
tritium front, fixed rear
single-action
Finish: Matte black, matte silver
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $809-1,119
& WESSON
4SMITH
J-FRAME
Caliber: .22 LR,
.38 Special +P, .357 Mag
(Model 66),
Barrel: 4, 6
Grips: Synthetic
Capacity: 6/10-shot
MSRP: $689-849
141
HANDGUNS4REVOLVERS
& WESSON
4SMITH
K-FRAME
Caliber: .22 LR, .38 Special +P,
.357 Mag (Model 66),
Barrel: 4, 6
Grips: Synthetic
Sights:
Fixed or adjustable
Features:
Double-action/
single-action
Capacity: 6/10-shot
MSRP: $689-849
& WESSON
4SMITH
L-FRAME
Caliber: .38 Special +P,
.357 Mag, .44 Mag (Model 69)
Barrel: 2.5, 3, 4, 6
Weight:
34.1-44.9 ounces
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Red ramp front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Capacity: 6/7-shot
MSRP: $829-849
& WESSON
4SMITH
M&P REVOLVERS
Caliber: .38 Special +P, .357 Mag
Barrel: 1.88, 5
Grips: Synthetic,
Sights: XS tritium, Patridge,
integral front, integral
or adjustable rear
single-action
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 5/8-shot
MSRP: $869-1,329
4SMITH & WESSON N-FRAME

Caliber: ..38 Special, .357 Mag,
.44 Special, .44 Mag, .45 ACP
Barrel: 2, 4, 5, 6, 6.5
Grips: Wood, synthetic
Sights: Hi-Viz, red ramp
or Patridge front,
adjustable rear
Features:
Double-action/
single-action
satin stainless,
matte stainless
Capacity: 6-shot
MSRP: $949-1,159
142
& WESSON
4SMITH
PERFORMANCE CENTER
Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Mag,
.44 Special, .44 Mag, .45 ACP
Barrel: 1.87-7.5
Grips: Synthetic, wood
Sights: Adjustable front, integral,
red ramp, interchangeable front,
fixed or adjustable rear
single-action
satin stainless, matte silver
Capacity: 5/6/8-shot capacity
MSRP: $1,049-1,519
& WESSON
4SMITH
PRO
Barrel: 1.88, 2.13
Grips: Wood, synthetic
Sights: Integral, tritium night,
interchangeable front, fixed,
tritium night, adjustable rear
single-action, double-action-only
Finish: Satin stainless,
matte stainless, matte black
MSRP: $689-1,609
& WESSON
4SMITH
X-FRAME
Caliber: .460 Mag, .500 Mag
Barrel: 3.5, 4, 5, 6.5, 8.38
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Interchangeable front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $1,299-1,369
4TAURUS JUDGE
Caliber: .45 LC, .410 (2- or 3-inch chamber)
Barrel: 3, 6.5
Weight:
22.4-36.8 ounces
Grips: Ribber
Sights: Fiber optic
single-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $546-648
4TAURUS
LARGE FRAME
4TAURUS
RAGING JUDGE MAGNUM
Caliber: .357 Mag,

.44 Mag
Barrel:
4, 6.5, 8
Weight:
44-57 ounces
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Adjustable
single-action
Capacity: 6/8-shot
MSRP: $640-780
Caliber: .45 LC,

.454 Casull, .410
Barrel: 3, 6.5
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Fixed
single-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $983-1,030
4TAURUS
MEDIUM FRAME
4TAURUS
SMALL FRAME

Barrel: 4, 6
Grips: Rubber
single-action
Finish: Blued,
matte stainless
Capacity: 6/7-shot
MSRP: $441-541
4TAURUS PROTECTOR
Caliber: .38 Special,
.357 Mag
Barrel: 2
Grips: Rubber
(Ultra Light only)
single-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $433-615
4TAURUS
RAGING BULL
Caliber: .44 Mag, .454 Casull
Barrel: 2.25, 5,
6.5, 8.4
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Adjustable
single-action
Capacity: 5/6-shot
MSRP: $641-992

.38 Special, .357 Mag, 9mm
Barrel: 2, 3, 4, 5
Grips: Rubber, rosewood,
mother of pearl
Finish: Blued, matte stainless, duo-tone
Capacity: 5/6/8/9-shot
MSRP: $439-584
4TAURUS TRACKER
Caliber: .17 HMR, .22 LR,
.22 Mag, .357 Mag,
.40, .41 Mag, .44 Mag
Barrel: 2.5, 4, 6.5
Weight:
28.8-45.6 ounces
Grips: Ribber
Sights: Fixed ramp front,
adjustable rear
single-action
Finish: Blued,
matte stainless
MSRP: $477-600
4TAURUS ULTRA-LITE
Barrel: 2
Grips: Ribber
Sights: Fixed
single-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $666-747
143
HANDGUNS4DERRINGERS & OTHERS

DERRINGER
4AMERICAN
ALASKAN
Caliber: .45 Colt, .410
Barrels: 4.1
Weight: 16.5 ounces
Grips: Rosewood
Sights: Fixed post front
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $870-960
4AMERICAN DERRINGER DA-38

.38 Special, 9mm, .40
Barrel: 3
Weight: 14.5 ounces
Grips: Rosewood, walnut
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $690-740
DERRINGER
4AMERICAN
LADY DERRINGER
Caliber: .32 Mag, .38 Special
Barrel: 3
Weight: 15.5 ounces
Grips: Rosewood, walnut
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $835
DERRINGER LM4
4AMERICAN
SIMMERLING
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrels: 2
Weight: 24 ounces
Grips: Black plastic, wood
Sights: Fixed iron sights
Features: Double-action
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $4,250
144
4BOND ARMS MINI

Caliber: .45 Colt, .45 ACP,
.38/.357, 9mm,
interchangeable barrels
Barrels: 2.5
Weight: 19 ounces
Grips: Rosewood, Pink
Sights: Blade front, fixed rear
Finish: Satin stainless steel
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $389
ARMS
4BOND
RANGER II
Caliber: .45/.410 (3 chambers)
interchangeable barrels
Barrels: 4.25
Weight: 23.5 ounces
Grips: Black ash
with silver star inlaid
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $634 (includes holster)
ARMS
4BOND
SNAKE SLAYER
Caliber: Over 20 Calibers
from .22 LR to .45 LC
and .410 interchangeable barrels
Barrels: 3.5, 4.25
Grips: Rosewood
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $470-500
ARMS
4BOND
TEXAS DEFENDER
Caliber: Over 20 calibers
from .22 LR to .45 LC
and .410 interchangeable barrels
Barrels: 3
Grips: Rosewood
Capacity: 2-shot
MSRP: $399-415
4NAA 1860
Caliber: .22 LR .22 Mag
Barrel: 2.5, 3, 4, 6
Grips: Rosewood, laminate,
Sights: Fixed
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $284-331
4NAA .22
Caliber: .22 Short, .22 LR,
Barrel: 1.13, 1.63
Weight: 4 ounces
synthetic pearl, rubber, holster-grip
Sights: Blade front, notched rear
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $209-284
4NAA .22 MAGNUM

Caliber: .22 Mag
Barrel: 1.13, 1.63
notched rear
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $209-284
BLACK
4NAA
WIDOW
Caliber: .22 LR, .22 Mag
Barrel: 2
Grips: Rubber
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $274-334
4NAA EARL
Barrel: 2.5, 3, 4, 6
Grips: Rosewood
Sights: Bead front, fixed rear
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $284-331
4NAA MINI-MASTER
Barrel: 4
Grips: Rubber
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $284-349
4NAA PUG
Caliber: .22 LR,
Barrel: 1
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Grips: Rubber
Sights: Tritium
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $314-334
4NAA SIDEWINDER
Barrel: 1.5
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Grips: Rosewood laminate,
Sights: Stainless steel post
Features: Attached swing-out cylinder
Finish: Stainless Steel
Capacity: 5-shot
MSRP: $349-$419
145
2015
HANDGUNS DIRECTORY
CONCEALED CARRY
TM
American Derringer Corp

254.799.9111
amderringer.com
Glock
770.432.1202
glock.com
Rock River Arms

866.980.7625
rockriverarms.com
American Tactical Imports

800.290.0065
americantactical.us
Heckler & Koch

706.568.1906
hk-usa.com
Rossi USA
305.474.0401
rossiusa.com
Kahr Arms
508.795.3919
kahr.com
SCCY
866.729.7599
sccy.com
Auto-Ordnance
508.795.3919
auto-ordnance.com
Beretta USA
800.929.2901
berettausa.com
Bersa
732.493.0333
bersa.com
Boberg Arms
651.287.0617
bobergarms.com
Bond Arms
817.573.4445
bondarms.com
Century International Arms
800.527.1252
centuryarms.com
Charter Arms
203.922.1652
charterarms.com
Chiappa Firearms
937.835.5000
chiappafirearms.com
Colts Mfg.
800.962.2658
colt.com
CZ-USA/Dan Wesson
800.955.4486
cz-usa.com
Kimber
888.243.4522
kimberamerica.com
KRISS USA
855.574.7787
kriss-usa.com
Legacy Sports International
775.828.0555
legacysports.com
Magnum Research
800.772.6168
magnumresearch.com
Metro Arms
732.493.0333
metroarms.com
Nighthawk Custom
877.268.4867
nighthawkcustom.com
North American Arms
800.821.5783
northamericanarms.com
Sig Sauer
866.345.6744
sigsauer.com
Smith & Wesson
800.331.0852
smith-wesson.com
Springfield Armory
800.680.6866
springfield-armory.com
Steyr Arms
205.417.8644
steyrarms.com
STI International
512.819.0656
stiguns.com
Stoeger Industries
800.264.4962
stoegerindustries.com
Sturm, Ruger & Company
ruger.com
Taurus USA
305.624.3776
taurususa.com
Taylors & Company
540.722.2017
taylorsfirearms.com
Para USA
704.930.7600
para-usa.com
Thompson
508.795.3919
tommygun.com
European American Armory

321.639.4842
eaacorp.com
Remington
800.243.9700
remington.com
Walther
479.242.8500
waltherarms.com
FN USA
703.288.3500
fnhusa.com
Rock Island Armory

775.537.1444
us.armscor.com
Wilson Combat
800.955.4856
wilsoncombat.com
Diamondback Firearms
877.997.6774
diamondbackfirearms.com
146
Kel-Tec
321.631.0068
kel-tec-cnc.com
Super Carry Pistols.

Unequaled Quality. Unmatched Performance.
The Super Carry Ultra+ .45 ACP has a 3-inch barrel for easy concealment
and a full-length grip with round heel for additional control and comfortable
carry. It weighs just 27 ounces.
All Super Carry pistols have custom

features like night sights with cocking
shoulder, ambidextrous thumb safety and
rounded/blended edges that will not snag.
The Super Carry Pro .45 ACP is one

of four models with a light weight
aluminum frame for easier carry. It has a
4-inch barrel and weighs only 28 ounces.
Super Carry .45 ACP pistols establish a new benchmark for concealed carry
and personal defense. Built in the Kimber Custom Shop, no aspect of
usability, dependability or performance was compromised. Round heel
frames are easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry. Barrels,
chambers and triggers are machined to critical match grade dimensions for
superior accuracy. Directionally-engaging serrations guarantee fast, positive
operation. The KimPro II finish is self-lubricating and extremely resistant
to both moisture and salt. Quality and performance are everything in a
carry pistol and Super Carry models deliver both to an unequaled degree.
Visit the nearest Kimber Master Dealer and see for yourself.
The Super Carry Pro HD .45 ACP is one

of three HD models with a stainless steel
frame for hard use. It has a 4-inch barrel
and weighs 35 ounces.
T H E C H O I C E O F A M E R I C A S B E S T
kimberamerica.com
(888) 243-4522
Kimber ofers nearly 200 purpose-built pistols and rifes to meet any need.
2012, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifcations are for reference only and subject to change without notice.

Concealed Carry Handguns - 2015 USA

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2015 SELF-DEFENSE BUYERS GUIDE

GLOCKS | SIG SAUERS | TAURUS | KAHRS | BERETTAS

PHO TO BY JERRY KING

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

for compact guns to

worlds. Need a little

Although firearms in general seem to

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2014

SMITH & WESSON

LEAN & MEAN

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

s a plainclothes federal agent, I have

and will eventually stretch over time. This

leather and molded plastic are excellent

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

CONCEALED CARRY REALITIES

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0

Elite Survival Deep Cover Ultra

BlackHawk Belt Pouch

Milt Sparks Nexus IWB

The Waistband Debate

Concealed carry guns are carried around

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

Mernickle PS6 REF1

general rule, you will need to buy pants

Safariland 6378 ALS

cally slower to get on target than a pistol

The worst thing about a pocket holster is

N82 Nate Squared Tactical

THE NEW P320. We asked leading law enforcement professionals what

CONCEALED CARRY REALITIES

Photos Courtesy ManufaCturers

Generous padding, adjustable retention,

Matching holster and sock colors aid concealment

The Galco Jackass Rig with both a variable

have a little tab at the bottom on the

While they have the same advantages and

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

sible to get to while physically fighting

Hidden In Plain Sight

Women carry purses and men can

Exotic CCW Methods

Exotics is the category where I put the

1. Guns are supposed to be comforting,

Carry With Confidence

The biggest issue with people new to

Kimber Solo 9mm Pistols.

Solo pistols have a single action striker-red

Steel sights are securely mounted in

A manual ambidextrous thumb safety,

Ultra-compact, reliable backup

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

Glock 42 .380 ACP

Glock 27 Gen4 .40

Glock 26 Gen4 9mm

With the addition of the Glock 42 in

Glock 30S .45 ACP

magazine for better concealment or

entire area of the grip, not just a portion

Among the most popular concealed carry

CONCEALED CARRY HANDGUNS 2015

Glock 36 .45 ACP

10-round capacity. Now in the Gen4