The Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard looks like something out of a spy movie, but it really works! This has to be the most low-visibility, concealable pistol we’ve ever tested. This little peashooter puts the power of .22 LR or .22 WMR in your pocket, but it’s no larger than a cell phone. If you can live with single-shot rimfire limitations, it’s pretty darn cool.
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 Beretta 80X Cheetah is a modernized version of Beretta’s older 84 Cheetah line. Nice updates to the platform include improved ergonomics, an optics-ready slide, and an accessory rail. These guns are a bit bigger than most .380 ACP guns, and feel more substantial and easier to shoot. If you want something between a compact 9mm pistol and a pocket .380, the 80X Cheetah is that perfect in-between.
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 Kimber Next Generation 1911 series breathes fresh air into the 1911 genre with beveled slide cuts, an optics-ready system, thoughtful ergonomics, and carry-conscious lines. Available in the user’s choice of 9mm or .45 ACP, the Kimber Next Gen 1911 comes in two finishes — stainless or black matte. Our handling of it proved it to be reliable and accurate. Most importantly, it was easily carried on the go.
The Henry Axe .410 is a neat pistol grip only lever-action gun that is classified as an “other firearm,” and thus is technically not a shotgun. It is a super fun, compact plinker in a very unique and well-built package. However, its use cases are extremely limited, as are any potential upgrades.
The Heritage Settler nestles itself in a nice middle ground, offering good build quality, nice aesthetics, and solid performance – all at a very reasonable price. These make for great plinkers for adults and younger children alike, and also make for great training tools. Being chambered in .22LR also lets you be able to shoot all day without breaking the bank.
The Kel-Tec RDB Survival is an interesting 5.56 rifle that can easily fill multiple roles. Its slim and compact bullpup design makes it ideal for use as a camping gun, survival rifle, truck gun, or even a home defense tool. The downward-ejecting design and reversible charging handle also mean this rifle is a true ambidextrous gun.
Kimber scaled up their micro-compact R7 Mako and added some new features with their new Mako Carbon Compact. An aggressive trigger guard undercut, extended magwell, optics-ready slide, and improved ergonomics make this gun an outstanding entry into the ultra-thin carry gun market. Excellent reliability and accuracy help the Mako Carbon Compact further compete with guns like the Sig P365 X-Macro and the Springfield Hellcat Pro.
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.
Springfield’s latest iteration of the 1911 TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) brought some welcome upgrades to an already loved line of pistols. Exacting fitment, aggressive grip texturing, optics-ready options, and premium materials put these 1911s firmly in the “semi-custom” bracket. You are getting much of the look and feel of a custom 1911, thanks to the hand-fitting process the TRPs undergo. If you are looking for a high-end 1911 without crossing the $2,000 threshold, the 1911 TRPs are some of the better options.
