The Colt Defender has stood the test of time for a reason. This small 1911 is a workhorse on the range! It would make for a good backup gun due to its size. It can be a little particular when it comes to ammo, but once you figure out what it likes it’s pretty reliable.
“As a gun frequently touted as a defensive option where revolvers are concerned, the Taurus Judge offers up an option for those looking to work around their farm or carry while out on hikes. With a few options in terms of calibers (.410, anyone?), this revolver is a good option for when there are critters around. Its trigger pull isn’t terrible for a revolver, and its large size helps mitigate that big recoil. Downside? Those will small hands or who are petite in size might struggle with some of the heavier models and large grips. And there are not a lot of aftermarket options here.” – Aden Tate
The Beretta CX4 Storm is one of the earlier entries into the world of modern pistol-caliber carbines. Its simple direct blowback system has helped cement its status as an extremely reliable gun. Solid ergonomics make the gun feel slick and easy to point, but the gun is almost 20 years old, and it is starting to show.
Whether it’s video games, Stargate, or crazy-looking space guns, everyone can find a reason they want a PS90. FN designed the PS90 around the 5.7x28mm cartridge to create a carbine that offers a lot of firepower in a small package. While they can’t sell the original short 10.5-inch barreled model over the counter, the 16-inch PS90 is the next best thing. Although it looks strange, the gun is oddly ergonomic and is 100 percent ambidextrous — it even ejects downwards. Even though it is a direct-blowback gun, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is so light recoiling that your trigger finger will get tired running through the 50-round magazines before your shoulder does. The factory options for mounting optics leave much to be desired, but luckily the aftermarket has you covered. If you can stomach the cost of the gun and the ammo, then you will end up with a gun that is nearly unmatched in firepower for its size and weight.
“Benelli’s M4 is what we would call a good Italian auto shotgun. It’s the best combat shotgun on the market and would do phenomenal in a home defense setup or tactical arena. This autoloader looks great, runs smooth, brings that cool factor we all like from our guns. Most importantly, you can trust your life to it.” – Johnny B.
“The American firearms industry has seemingly ignored the Beretta Px4 Storm series, and that’s a shame. Beretta utilizes a rotating barrel, first pioneered with the Beretta 8000 series pistols. This rotary barrel reduces recoil and helps make the help more controllable. It works, but it’s not a revolutionary break in recoil reduction. Worth noting that the recoil reduction is prominent enough that it makes the 9mm a very soft shooting pistol. However, be warned the subcompact model doesn’t keep the rotary barrel function.” — Travis Pike
“The Benelli M3 is my favorite shotgun of all time. It might be the most capable and versatile shotgun on the market. And it’s one of the rare convertible shotguns. A convertible shotgun is one that allows the user to swap between a semi-automatic action and a pump action. The benefit of the M3’s system is that you can use any shotgun round on the market. The pump-action mode allows it to cycle low recoiling rounds that won’t cycle in a semi-auto action.” — Travis Pike
Tracing its roots back to the respected and venerable Mossberg 500, the 590A1 keeps the core of what makes the 500-series of shotguns so great and makes it even better. The U.S. military put out a request for a more durable pump-action shotgun that could stand up to the rigors of hard field use, and the 590A1 was born. Mossberg responded by adding a tough parkerized finish, all metal trigger guard, thick-walled barrel, and stronger internals. It is an intuitive and easy to use pump-gun, but it is a bit on the heavy side due to the aforementioned features. The extra weight helps tame the harsh recoil of the 12 gauge round, making the shooting experience a little more pleasant. The ambidextrous tang safety makes the gun easy for all users to operate the gun. Its wide aftermarket also allows you to tailor the gun to your specific wants and needs. While the 590A1 isn’t the smoothest or lightest shotgun out there, it is an absolute tank, and you’d be hard pressed to find any firearm that will last as long and take as much punishment.
The Colt Delta Elite was one of the first 10mm chambered 1911s to hit the market, but its simplistic yet efficient design has ensured its staying power. As a single-stack handgun, it may only hold 8 rounds, but those rounds have a lot of punch. We recommend the Delta Elite for all your handgun hunting needs!
“The venerable CZ-75 is a classic design that still serves in many militaries around the world…and it’s a great addition to any firearm collection. Chambered in 9mm, it offers an all-metal design with DA/SA operation. And its most modern version, the CZ 75B is a solid and well-built pistol with great ergonomics and a tough, dependable reputation. For that, we can’t recommend it enough.” – Travis Pike
