The Grand Power Stribog SP9A1 is a 9mm pistol/PCC with a non-reciprocating charging handle. These guns feature an 8-inch threaded barrel and an aluminum frame. Utilizing a simple direct blowback design, these guns are rugged and incredibly reliable. Flip-up sights, 30-round magazines, and AR-style controls help make the Stribog an affordable yet feature-rich option in today’s market.
The Grand Power Stribog SP9A3S utilizes a newer non-reciprocating charging handle and roller-delayed blowback design. These guns are chambered in 9MM with a 5″ threaded barrel and an aluminum frame. The SP9A3S offers the reliability of the previous SP9A1 while reducing recoil via the roller-delayed operation, resulting in a soft-shooting and durable weapon.
The Smith & Wesson Equalizer picks up with the M&P Shield EZ left off, with a very beginner-friendly design — complete with an easy-to-rack slide. We spent a full day at the range with Equalizer and during our 500 rounds of testing, found it to be a soft recoiling option. It’s easy to disassemble and maintain, which earns it bonus points with us. Plus, it ships with three magazines! The only downside is the short grip, which will be problematic for those with larger hands.
Everybody loves the Ruger 10/22, and this is just a fun-sized version of that rifle. The Ruger 22 Charger earned high marks in our testing for value, customization potential, and fun! We experienced the usual issues associate with dirty rimfire ammo, but the 22 Charger is still one of our favorites. At 17 inches long and only 5 pounds, there’s practically no reason to leave it at home. Besides, the price is right!
The full-size CZ Shadow 2 is one of the most winning competition handguns of all time. The CZ Shadow 2 Compact takes all the shootability, ergonomics, accuracy, and performance of the larger Shadow 2 and scales it down into a package that is suitable for concealed carry. While this kind of performance doesn’t come cheap, the discerning concealed-carrier may find it worth it to spend the money to get something that shoots as well as this.
The PSA AK-47 is Palmetto State Armory’s rifle for people who want to stick to the classics. Get all the AK-47 vibes you want, but with slightly more modern furniture and a “Made in the U.S.A.” label. We shot several types of ammo using a few types of magazines, and the PSA AK-47 ate it all up with no malfunctions.
“If you want a Daniel Defense bolt rifle then we recommend the Delta 5 Pro. It’s a great rifle and it looks good to boot. It produced sub-half MOA with 3-round groups and solidly under MOA with 5-shot groups. We consider that a win. While not the elitist PRS shooter, it’s a great out of the box solution.” — David Lane
The DSA SA58 Improved Battle Rifle takes the ruggedness and reliability of the original FAL design and adds modern features. This rifle uses the B.R.S. (Battle Rifle Buttstock), which is adjustable for length-of-pull and comb, and also allows the gun to fire when folded. Also present is DSA’s extreme duty Picatinny scope mount and M-LOK front handguard. This allows you to mount all the optics and accessories you need to bring one of the most proven rifle designs in the world into the 21st century.
“The Taurus G2S isn’t innovative or new. It doesn’t offer anything a dozen other pistols don’t offer. What it does do is remain accurate, lightweight, relatively reliable, and easy to use, all at sub-$200. When you don’t have a lot of extra cash on hand and don’t live in the best area of town — a really cheap, reliable, safe, concealable handgun might be the thing you’ve been waiting for. Guns like the Taurus G2S are what make the second amendment available for all Americans.” – Travis Pike
The Century Arms Draco is built in Romania, bringing the famous AK reliability into a smaller, more compact platform. It features a 12.25-inch threaded barrel, standard AK sights, enhanced trigger group, and comes standard with one 30-round US Palm magazine. The Draco offers an AK platform that is both compact and reliable.
