The HK USP (Universal Service Pistol) was created to be an ultra-reliable and durable handgun for military and law enforcement use. It has since been adopted by nations around the world and has earned a reputation as one of the toughest pistols on the planet. The .45 ACP version features a 4.41-inch polygonal rifled barrel, 12+1 capacity, a hostile environment corrosion-resistant blued finish, an ambi paddle mag release, and a reinforced polymer frame. A patented recoil reduction system not only helps cut down on felt recoil, but these guns are strong enough to safely fire .45 Super without any modifications. The end result is a DA/SA hammer fired pistol that is primed to take on the toughest of tasks, even 30 years after its initial development.
The Remington 870 is one of the most-produced and most well-proven pump-action shotguns of all time. Twin action bars ensure a non-binding, smooth pump operation, and the receiver is milled from a solid billet of steel. Built for defensive use, the tactical models feature an 18.5-inch barrel and either come with a standard 4+1 or 6+1 capacity. A variety of stocks, including wood, synthetic, and adjustable, are available so that users can find a model to suit their needs. A standard non-glare matte finish and a bead sight highlight the simplicity and ruggedness that the 870 Tactical is known for.
The Winchester SXP Defender is a great shotgun for those looking for a solid home defense or combat shotgun. A 5+1 capacity, chrome plated 18″ fixed cylinder choke barrel, and tough matte finish and synthetic furniture make this no-frills shotgun well suited for hard work. Billed as the “world’s fastest pump shotgun”, the SXP utilizes an inertia-assisted action to help speed up the process of cycling the gun. It is available in 12 or 20-gauge and can be had with either a standard stock or a pistol grip version. The speed, reliability, and toughness make this a hard gun to beat in its price range.
The Glock 43 harnesses all the world-renowned reliability that Glock is known for, all in a tiny package. Coming in just under 1 inch wide and under 14 ounces, the G42 is easy to conceal, no matter the method or environment. These guns feature an extended beavertail, textured grip, and enlarged magazine to help manage recoil and ensure smooth operation. For those looking for a reliable, concealable pistol, these single-stack 6+1 pistols are great.
The Tavor X95 is the next-generation version of the popular Tavor SAR from IWI. Having been in service with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) since 2010, the X95 has proven itself to be a rugged, reliable, compact combat rifle. New additions to the X95 over its predecessor include a lighter 5-6 pound trigger, repositioning of the ambi mag release to a more favorable spot, a Picatinny railed forearm, and better placement of the charging handle. It is available in either a 16.5 or 18.5-inch barrel, giving an overall length of either 26.1 or 28.1 inches. While it is a bit heavier at around 8 pounds, this long-stroke gas piston gun bullpup provides solid accuracy and reliability in an easy-to-maneuver package.
The CZ P-07 was the first handgun to feature CZ’s convertible Omega trigger system that allows users to switch between a traditional manual safety or a decocker configuration. Much like the older CZ 75, the P-07 features the accuracy-boosting “slide-in-frame” setup that CZ is known for. Interchangeable backstraps and a durable polymer frame make this pistol a great choice for those looking for a reliable DA/SA duty gun. The P-07 comes in at 27.7 ounces with a 3.75-inch barrel and has a standard capacity of 15+1.
The CZ Micro Scorpion features a 4.12-inch barrel, which means over three inches were trimmed from the original Scorpion barrel. It comes with the CZ PDW brace that is a combination of efforts between SB Tactical and Manticore Arms. The overall weight is 5.5 pounds, and that’s with a 13.1-ounce brace. It’s nice and light, very comfortable. Attached to the barrel is the No-Octane Faux suppressor from Silencer Co. It’s square-shaped and gives an aggressive appearance to a normally short barrel. The result is an extremely compact gun that packs a ton of capacity and is easy to shoot when used with a brace.
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 pistol brings the popular Scorpion platform down to an easy-to-handle size. This blowback-operated semi-auto pistol is chambered in 9mm and sports a short 7.72-inch barrel. Picatinny rails adorn the top, sides, and bottom of the gun, and fully ambidextrous controls make sure no user is left out. Iron sights, a rear QD sling mount, and a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle round out the feature set. The Scorpion Evo is easily accessorizable and makes for a great lightweight pistol-caliber carbine.
FN has taken their famed SCAR 17S platform and adapted it for long range shooting – the result is the SCAR 20S. A longer 20-inch chrome-lined barrel was added, along with a 2-stage Geissele match trigger, a SureFire ProComp to reduce recoil, and a stock that is fully adjustable for length-of-pull and cheek height. Still present is the standard SCAR gas-operated design, making the 20S a reliable and accurate platform for semi-automatic designated marksman work.
In the late 1970s, Sig set out to make a concealable law enforcement pistol before the era of easily concealable 9mm guns. After a long run, Sig updated the pistol in 1996, creating the P232 model. These are direct-blowback, fixed barrel, single-stack .380 ACP pistols that bear a similarity to the Walther PPK. It features a DA/SA trigger, a frame-mounted decocker, a heel magazine release, and a standard capacity of 7+1. It was available with a blued finish and aluminum frame, as well as an all stainless frame and finish version.
The P320 M18 was selected as the new standard-issue pistol for US Military. Based on the modular Sig P320 platform, the M18 comes in coyote tan, has Siglite night sights and all models are optics-ready with a 3.9-inch barrel. A manual safety is present, and each gun includes (1) 17-round magazine and (2) 21-round magazines. These pistols were built for duty and ultimately selected for their performance in that role.
The Browning A5 is a riff on Browning’s original Auto-5 shotgun. It has been modernized and now features an inertia-driven operation system rather than the original’s long-recoil operation. These shotguns retain the humpback receiver for that classic look and are threaded for Invector chokes. Also present is Browning’s Speed Load Plus system that automatically loads the shell loaded into the magazine tube instead of forcing the user to load through the ejection port. The A5 is a reliable, robust shotgun while maintaining that classic styling.
