Beretta collaborated with Ernest Langdon to create the PX4 Compact Carry. This model features a 15+1 capacity, an accessory rail, a low profile slide stop, a retractable lanyard loop, and a cold hammer forged rotating barrel. Langdon has added night sights, a lightened and smoothed trigger pull, and Talon grips to the PX4 to help make this a home-run concealed carry hammer-fired pistol.
Daniel Defense’s Mk18 runs extremely well. It’s a blast to shoot and handled well in CQB-type training scenarios. We’ve put well over 1,000 rounds through our model, and it’s still running like it did day one. We did have a little trouble with DD proprietary mags — but that was managed by removing a couple of rounds and gently seating it into the magwell. PMAGs run great, though!
The Mk18 is a fun pistol or SBR option (depending on what you prefer). Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it offers a 10.3-inch barrel on a 28.6-inch overall length. Pistol versions sport an SB-Tactical pistol stabilizing brace (keep an eye out, though, as laws may be changing there).
The FNX 45T is admittedly a pretty niche gun. It really only makes sense if you plan on-duty use or range fun. Other than that, it’s too large to conceal for most and not the best suited for competition. Long story short, it’s duty-sized and heavy weighing in at 33 ounces unloaded. It features a stainless-steel slide assembly and measures 8.6-inches in total length! Furthermore, it stands 6.5-inches tall with a width of 1.5-inches. “The FNX 45 Tactical was built for duty, and it excels in just that. Whether suppressed or unsuppressed, it shoots like a 9mm with all the cool factor of .45 ACP in just as many rounds. It’s completely modern by 2021 standards, making it all the more impressive when considering it launched in 2012. If you’re looking for a full-size, heavy gun that you can run a red dot and suppressor with all in .45 ACP…this is a decent option.” – Justin Chang
The Sig P365XL has quickly established itself as one of the most popular concealed carry pistols on the market today. Excellent ergonomics, great capacity for the size, factory night sights, and an optics-ready slide make this a feature-rich gun at an affordable price point.
The Sig P238 is a 1911 inspired .380 ACP micro-compact handgun that’s lightweight and gorgeous. It’s key feature is it’s micro-compact size which makes this gun a great CCW choice. The P238 resembles a 1911, especially the Springfield 1911 in that it’s classic in design. “It’s a soft shooting .380 ACP with a nice aesthetic and reliable nature — the perfect companion when it comes to situations that require ultra-concealment.” – Jacki Billings, Editor
Yes, it looks like an Ugg boot…now with that out of the way, the FN SCAR 17S is a nifty rifle that will make all your range mates jealous. Though it feels clunky, and there’s not a ton of aftermarket here, it brings a smooth, reliable shooting experience. Plus, it’s just fun. The folding stock makes it easy to tote to and from the range. It also has rails for optics but beware it will destroy cheap optics. Only the finest of glass here.
The FN SCAR 17S is chambered in .308 and offers a reliable rifle with a folding stock. It features a 16.25-inch barrel with 1:12 RH twist and a magazine capacity of 10 or 20 rounds, depending on your state. It’s a clunky 8 pounds, but shoots well and performs reliably.
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.
The S&W M&P Sport II was long considered the best budget starter AR-15, but those days are well behind us. These are well-built and reliable guns, but a lack of updates to the furniture, barrel twist rates, and gas system length has led to other guns in the same price bracket taking the place of the Sport II.
Smith and Wesson finally decided to revisit the 10mm cartridge and adapted their M&P 2.0 platform for it. Our test gun was reliable, shot well, and had the quality ergonomics the M&P line is known for. However, there have been some reported issues with the 4-inch models, and it should be noted that this is still a relatively new gun in Smith and Wesson’s lineup.
The Staccato C2 redefines the concept of a concealed carry gun by providing full-sized accuracy, handling, and shooting characteristics in a smaller package. The match-grade bull barrel, 16-round capacity, and Recoil Master System ensure that you have everything you need to engage targets from point-blank out to 100 yards with ease. Durability and reliability are also hallmarks of the C2, as evidenced by its growing popularity with law enforcement across the country.
The Sig P226 is a longtime staple in the world of combat handguns. It is used around the world by law enforcement, militaries, government agencies, and special operations groups. The 15+1 capacity and a 4.4-inch barrel make this a true full-sized duty gun. The alloy frame and Nitron-coated stainless steel slide create a robust and durable platform that can withstand the harshest duty environments.
