The DD4 RIII uphold’s Daniel Defense’s reputation for building premium rifles that deliver tack-driving accuracy and battlefield reliability. The free-floating RIS III handguard is lightweight, rigid, and offers plenty of M-LOK slots for mounting accessories. It comes in SBR and carbine variants and, while they’re all expensive, you get what you pay for in this case.
Many AR-9s are pushed to market as cheaper alternatives to more expensive pistol-caliber carbines, but not the Angstadt Arms UDP-9. Despite still being a direct-blowback firearm, these feature a much higher build quality with some excellent features like a flared magwell and last-round bolt hold open. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate PCC that has AR-like controls and uses common Glock magazines, this is a great option.
The BCM Recce-16 offers a solid set of features and improved build quality at a reasonable price point. Outstanding reliability, solid accuracy, and improved furniture make the Recce-16 a ready-to-go duty rifle right out of the box. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a step up from a $500-850 AR-15 but do not want to spend $2,000 or more on a gucci-tier rifle.
The AR-9 platform is a great way to save money by shooting 9mm ammo instead of 5.56 NATO. Palmetto State Armory’s PX-9 PCC is affordable to buy, as well, making it a fantastic bargain. While the fit and finish can’t compete with premium PCCs, we were impressed with how well the PX-9 shot. It’s reliable, accurate, and offers a ton of value for the money.
The PSA AK-103 pays tribute to one of the most mass-produced rifles in existence, with a few upgraded features. The Barrel comes from FN, the rifle comes with a lifetime warranty, and you don’t have to go through a black market arms dealer to get one. Throw in a great price, and that’s a win in our book.
The Polymer80 PFC9 was one of the first mainstream Gen 3 Glock clones, and it remains a solid option for people who want Glock compatibility with improved features. Updated ergonomics and grip texture mean you no longer have to stipple your Glock yourself or send it off, and a full Picatinny rail allows for better accessory mounting. These guns are good as-is, but are great bases for anyone looking to get into the Glock modding scene.
The Springfield Echelon 4.0C is a new entry into the highly competitive compact handgun market. While the Echelon 4.0C does not break any truly new ground, its features are well thought out and well executed. Notably, the universal optics mounting system allows for the direct mounting of over 30 different optics without the need for plates. Additionally, the fire control group is serialized and can be easily swapped into a different frame with a different slide configuration. These features, coupled with the ambi controls, make this gun feature-rich and very modular. The Echelon 4.0C should not be overlooked as a potential concealed-carry gun or do-it-all pistol.
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is an absolute gem of a gun and one of the best value 1911s on the market. For $750 – $850, you get a 1911 with an outstanding trigger, amazing accuracy, and a beautiful hot salt blued finish. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end 1911s, it’s got looks that kill and performance to match – all at an affordable price.
“The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is a great gun for those that need a little help in the racking department. The slide rides smoothly on the rails, making it easy to load a round in the chamber. Ergonomics are pretty good, except for the slide release which is just okay. Overall, it’s a soft and smooth shooter — perfect for those with hand difficulties, new shooters, or older shooters.”
“The Ruger LCP II is a fantastic option for people looking for an easily concealed .380 ACP pistol. It is surprisingly accurate, considering its size, and plenty reliable for self-defense. One thing we’d like to see is better customization options. All in all, we really like this gun.”
Glock 19 is the most proven compact semi-automatic handgun on the market today. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Glock 19 is a versatile compact version of the standard Glock option. It’s great for use as a backup weapon, concealed carry, or service pistol. The Gen 5 in particular has made some great improvements which include an ambidextrous slide stop lever, flared mag-well, and upgraded barrel design, just to name a few. The G19 has been a favorite amongst police agencies and military units and for good reasons. This gun is simple to operate and easy to maintain, making it a great first gun, CCW, or home defense weapon.
