Over the years, there have been a few companies that have come out with their own version of the Glock.

Shadow Systems has made a name for itself in this market with its reimagined and heavily upgraded Combat and Elite series.

While these versions took the platform to its highest heights, the accompanying price tag may have left a few shoppers breathless.

Recently, Shadow Systems released the Foundation Series to give thrifty shooters some options.

We can agree a more reasonable price point makes a product more attractive, but do we also have to sacrifice features to achieve this lofty goal? With a whole set of Foundation Series Pistols, we headed out to the range.

So follow along as we talk about the features, specs, pros, and cons of the new Foundation Series.

Foundation Series Specs & Features

Features

• Slide serrations
• Metal sights
• Optics capable

Specs

Foundation Series Background

The Foundation Series is new, so there aren’t previous versions to compare it with.

That said, Shadow Systems sells the Combat and Elite series, each with more features and a higher price point respectively.

With the Elite Series ranging around $1,000 and the Combat Series coming in at around $800, it makes sense for Shadow Systems to create something for folks who can’t wrap their head around paying that much for a Glock clone.

This was the reason the Foundation Series was created…

Who Is It For?

As noted above, the Foundation Series is for people who want to enjoy an improved Glock-style pistol without spending close to a grand to do it.

Shadow Systems accomplished this by leaving out a few things that weren’t crucial to overall performance.

Anyone in the market for a good pistol would appreciate the Foundation Series.

Whether they are employed for home defense or concealed carry, these pistols are reliable (with one noted exception), accurate, and run really well.

Fit & Feel

While the Foundation Series is still essentially upgraded Glocks, they feel a little different in the hand. We tested all three models: the DR920 (similar to a G17), MR920 (similar to a G19), and XR920 (similar to a G19X).

The grip texture is more aggressive, with a solid medium grit. The general shape and angle are very similar to a standard Glock.

There is no extra magwell at the bottom of the grip, though there are nicely cut angles on the interior that aid with guiding magazines home.

Each gun came with two Magpul Glock magazines.

In addition, the undercut near the trigger guard allows a slightly higher grip, and I didn’t have the exposed feeling the web of my hand gets with a stock Glock. The generous beavertail covers this exceedingly well.

Another upgrade I really appreciated was found forward of the takedown pins on the frame.

On both sides, Shadow Systems installed a textured portion for indexing your trigger finger or providing a little extra support for your thumb.

Closing out the frame, there is even a textured portion on the front of the trigger guard that might assist with braced shooting. Finally, there is also an accessory rail on the front.

The slide features angled serrations — front and rear — that assist greatly with racking or simple press-checking.

In addition, metal sights are mounted, with a serrated black in the rear and a single, white-dot front post on the muzzle.

The trigger is much improved over the standard Glock, in my opinion. First, the shoe is wider and has a gentle curve that borders on flat.

Even the trigger safety is improved because it sits flush with the shoe face when depressed. Pulling back, the trigger reaches a defined wall, then travels a slight bit further before a fairly crisp breaking.

On the Lyman Digital Gauge, the trigger averaged 4 pounds and 10 ounces.

Reset was audible and tactile. The trigger is a good example of what can be accomplished with a striker-fired pistol.

How Does It Shoot?

The combination of the nicely done metal sights and excellent trigger makes these guns accurate.

Although I mounted two Classic Series red dots from Primary Arms, I kept the DR920 stock and focused on the irons.

Shooting five shots with each gun from seven yards, I was able to achieve a 1.24-inch group with the DR920, a 1.19-inch group with the MR920, and a 1.48-inch group with the XR920.

The trigger is easy to learn and provides predictable performance you can repeat.

Improved ergonomics and increased grip texture allowed me to speed up shots because I was able to establish sight picture a bit more quickly. With the two guns using red dots, I could ride the dot through recoil.

The Magpul magazines fed nicely, and both inserted and dropped easily when called upon to do so. Malfunctions are something I watch keenly for and try to diagnose whenever we’re testing firearms.

When we first went to the range with all three guns, the DR920 and MR920 ran like champs.

However, the XR920 would not feed. I tried multiple magazines, even varied ammunition, and I could not get a round to seat in the chamber.

In my mind, the slide was somehow out of spec, possibly the feed ramp, but I couldn’t be certain. I contacted Shadow Systems, and they sent me a replacement slide for the XR920.

After we mounted the new slide, there were zero malfunctions with the XR. Over the course of a couple of outings and several hundred rounds through all three guns, there were zero malfunctions.

What Sets it Apart?

There are a number of Glock clones out there, but Shadow Systems has done a great job of improving on the original by improving a number of key interfaces. First, the ergonomics are improved.

There are many improvements on the frame in general that fall under this category, but the slide serrations also help with manipulations too.

Finally, the trigger is much improved and a welcome addition to the Foundation Series.

By The Numbers

Accuracy

4/5

The trigger and ergonomics come together nicely allowing shooters to make accurate shots.

Reliability

3.5/5

This score simply reflects the first version of the XR we received. Once we replaced the slide there were zero malfunctions and notably, the DR and MR never had any malfunctions over the course of a few hundred rounds each.

Customization

5/5

Being at its base a Glock, the whole aftermarket world is open to the Foundation Series.

Ergonomics

4/5

Given the base design is still largely Glock, the ergonomics are much improved on the Foundation Series.

Value

4/5

The price for these seems to be locked in a $679 over a few online retailers I reviewed.

Overall

4/5

Upgrades for Foundation Series

Primary Arms Classic Series Mini Reflex Sight

$149 at Primary Arms

Primary Arms Classic Micro Red Dot

$149 at Primary Arms

Streamlight TLR-1 HL Tactical Flashlight

$143 at Amazon

Magpul PMAG Glock 17/34 17-Round 9mm Magazine

$12 at GunMag Warehouse

Trijicon Night Sights

$ at Rainier Arms

Final Verdict

I had never tried any Shadow Systems guns before this review and, frankly, haven’t spent a lot of time with Glock clones. I totally see the appeal now.

If you imagine what Glock has accomplished and don’t get hung up on stopping at “perfection,” you enable yourself to seek out and implement improvements.

Shadow Systems has done that without sacrificing key features that affect performance.

To my way of thinking, these firearms outperform Glocks in many ways. The only comparison left in my mind is long-time durability, and that is going to take some time to test!

Are you considering the Foundation Series? Let us know in the comments below! Need more clones? Head to the 8 Best Custom Glock Clones for more recommendations.

The post Shadow Systems Foundation Review: Best Budget Glock Clone? appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

This is the big question. Honestly, it’s a tough call to make because revolvers are just so freakin’ awesome. 

But, like any other type of gun, some designs are simply better than others…and there’s also plenty of designs that are not exactly beginner-friendly. 

But I’m here to help! If you’re new to revolvers and looking for the best ones to start with, stick with me. I think I’ve nailed down some gun models that are easy to handle and use.

So, learn from my mistakes and triumphs!

First, I want to talk about the difference in revolver types. Then we’ll cover what criteria often make for a good, easy beginner revolver.

After that, I’ll send you off with some recommendations of my favorites.

Let’s dive in!

Summary of Our Top Picks

1. 

   Best Plinker Revolver

   Ruger Wrangler

   Compact, affordable, and chambered in fun-to-shoot .22 LR. Hardly any recoil.

   $200 at Brownells Jump to Details
2. 

   Best Snub-Nose Revolver

   Ruger LCR 9mm

   This 9mm is affordable and has a great stock double-action revolver trigger.

   $656 at Kygunco Jump to Details
3. 

   Editor's Pick

   Smith & Wesson Model 686+

   Excellent trigger, great sights, and a smooth shooter.

   $949 at Palmetto State Armory Jump to Details
4. 

   Best Single-Action Revolver

   Cimarron Model P .357/.38

   The Model P is an excellent entry into the world of cowboy guns without breaking the bank.

   $555 at Gunprime Jump to Details
5. 

   BEST MEDIUM FRAME REVOLVER

   Ruger GP100

   For those wanting something substantial, this model uses a 6-shot cylinder and tackles .38 Special/.357 Mag with no issues.

   $749 at GrabAGun Jump to Details
6. 

   Best Budget Revolver

   Taurus 627 Tracker .357

   Packs a ton of features in at a competitive price.

   $506 at GrabAGun Jump to Details

Show more (1 item)

Revolver Types: Single Action, Double Action, and DAO

In short, we have three types of revolvers to consider; so, let’s break down those styles.

Single Action Revolver

A single-action revolver has to be manually cocked before each shot.  

When you pull the hammer back, the cylinder rotates and brings a live round in line with the barrel and the hammer.

After rounds have been fired, a gate, usually on the right side of the frame at the rear of the cylinder, can be opened. This allows the cylinder to rotate to line up with the ejector rod.  

From here, you can use the ejector rod to remove empty casings, then reload the cylinder and begin again!

Double-Action Revolver

A double-action revolver fires by cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger. In this fashion, you have a very short and often crisp trigger pull.  

You can also fire the handgun by pulling the trigger which will begin to rotate the cylinder, cock the hammer, release the hammer, and fire the gun. But, the trigger pull feels much longer and heavier when fired in double-action mode.  

To load and unload the double-action, the cylinder usually swings out of the gun on the left side after you depress the cylinder release latch.

Tip the gun up, with the rear of the cylinder facing down, press the ejector rod, and watch the cases fall free.

Double-Action Only

In a revolver, this most often means there’s no visible or accessible hammer spur with which to cock the revolver.

These guns are built for concealed carry and self-defense purposes and usually sport a fairly compact design.

What to Look for When Choosing a Revolver

Now that we’ve looked at three types of revolvers, let’s go over what features to look for when shopping.

Size and Weight 

One of the cool things about revolvers is that you can chamber massive and powerful cartridges in them. 

The most powerful production handgun is a revolver. However, these guns are often way too big for a newbie to safely shoot. 

When a gun is too big and heavy, it’s tough to shoot, grip, and safely handle.

You want a moderately sized revolver heavy enough to absorb recoil, but not so heavy you tremble trying to hold it up!

Something too heavy is simply not fun to shoot — especially when the shooter is on the younger side. 

Recoil and Caliber 

Am I going to suggest a .357 Magnum on this list? Of course! 

But am I going to suggest an Airweight .357 Magnum J-frame? 

Nah dawg, not me. That’s too much gun for a newbie to handle. It’s loud, bright, and slaps your hand. 

My choices put an appropriate caliber in an appropriate platform with safe handling in mind. The caliber needs to be proportional to the size of the gun. 

Too much recoil and muzzle flip can be dangerous so you won’t see any of the big magnums on this list either. 

Ease Of Use 

By their nature, revolvers are easy to shoot and handle. 

There isn’t much to them in terms of form and function. That said, some prove easier to use than others. 

I love the Chiappa Rhino, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a new revolver owner. 

It defies normal revolver handling, requiring a little bit more experience to handle with ease. 

My choices are all very simple guns that could be explained in mere minutes to a novice shooter.

After all, we do want them to have fun and, most importantly, be safe.

Durability 

The Colt Python is a sweet revolver. It’s one of my favorites, and honestly, it’s one of everyone’s favorites. Why? 

Because look at it…

But it didn’t make this list because it notoriously comes out of time. Do the new models do this? 

I’m not sure, but they’ve had problems too.

Guns with issues, even good guns, are frustrating. Beginners shouldn’t be frustrated about the reliability of their firearm. 

Plus, newbies might struggle to diagnose and fix a problem. 

Best Revolvers for Beginners

1. Ruger Wrangler 

The Ruger Wrangler might be the best handgun for beginners out there. 

It’s small, affordable, very light, and chambered in the teeny tiny, fun-to-shoot .22 LR. As such, it barely moves between shots and honestly hardly recoils at all. 

Ruger imitated Colt’s old single-action army revolver in its design. A single-action hammer delivers a very crisp and light trigger pull for accurate shots. 

Plus, the thin SAA grips allow shooters of all sizes to embrace and handle the Wrangler safely. 

One of the best parts of the SAA design is the simplicity. New shooters do not need a complicated revolver by any means. Loading, cocking, and firing the weapon is far from difficult. 

Admittedly, loading and ejecting one round at a time takes a little time on the reload, but you aren’t gunfighting with the Ruger Wrangler. 

It’s a plinker, and maybe a pest removal gun. Ruger’s little Wrangler delivers a ton of fun from a very cheap platform. 

It’s tough to beat as a beginner’s revolver, or as a beginner’s gun in general. I think any new shooter would be well-armed with a Ruger Wrangler and 10/22 to start their journey into the world of firearms. 

Interested? Read up on our complete review of the Wrangler!

2. Ruger LCR 9mm 

Snub noses are not good beginner guns, but the Ruger LCR 9mm is the best snub nose for beginners. 

First and foremost, it’s affordable. The Ruger LCR series in general are quite budget-friendly and deliver a lot of gun for very little money. 

On top of that, the delightful trigger has to be the best stock double-action revolver trigger on the market. It rolls back smoothly with just a little fight and doesn’t give you much resistance.

Shooting a snub nose accurately isn’t easy, but the Ruger LCR eliminates some of the skill required. 

Rarely will someone shout, “9mm!” when it comes to choosing a revolver caliber, but it makes sense. 

The 9mm round provides plenty of oomph and capability for self-defense purposes but is cheap to plink and train with as well. Well…cheaper.

Blasting away with a 9mm revolver isn’t as uncomfortable as a .357 Magnum but hits harder than a .38 Special. 

The LCR utilizes cheap moon clips for quick reloads and provides you with a good snub nose for the range and concealed carry. 

Additionally, the LCR can also be had in .357 Magnum, .22 LR, and even .327 Federal!

Take a peep at our full review of this awesome little revolver!

Have you tried the Ruger LCR? If so, rate it below!

3. Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 

Those looking for a high-quality revolver to have some fun at the range should look no further than the S&W 686 Plus.

Utilizing Smith’s medium L-Frame, the 686 Plus with its full underlug provides excellent balance while still having enough weight to mitigate recoil.

The Plus model denotes that the gun holds seven rounds instead of the standard six found on most revolvers.

Just like almost every other S&W revolver, the 686 Plus has an excellent trigger. Pair that with the nice adjustable rear sight, and you have a gun that is hard to miss with at the range.

Don’t be fooled by all the talk of range shooting though, the 686 series of guns are more than capable of flexing into concealed carry, woods gun, and home defense roles as well.

They are available in several different barrel lengths, including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 inches.

Be sure to check out our full review of the 686 Plus!

4. Cimarron Model P .357 Magnum 

If you want to step up from the Wrangler and into a cowboy gun with a little more oomph than the .22 LR, then Cimarron has you covered. 

Italians seem to love the American West almost as much as Americans do. From spaghetti westerns to replica revolvers the Italians provide us with plenty of awesome Old West stuff. 

The Cimarron Model P brings an affordable, centerfire Single Action Army design. Cimarron revolvers are very well made, especially at their price point. 

What seems like sacrilege to some is the reason I think the Model P is a great beginner’s revolver. 

The sacrilege is the .357 Magnum chambering over the .45 Colt. Yes. You read that right.

.45 Colt is the round of tradition with the cowboy guns, but .357 Magnum is better for beginners. .357 Magnum can also fire .38 Special, and that’s important. 

.38 Special is rather soft shooting, and, heck, even the .357 Magnum is rather soft from this big revolver. 

Both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds are cheaper and easier to find than .45 Colt and provide you with more than enough oomph for practical purposes. 

It’s a fun plinker, a solid woods gun, and even a half-decent hunting pistol.

Plus, it retains the easy ergonomics of the SAA designs and makes magnums an easier entry point. 

5. Ruger GP100

The GP100 from Ruger is a true workhorse.

For a true do-all, last-forever revolver, I recommend the 4.2-inch barrel model. 

Because of its all-stainless construction and full underlug, the gun is heavy — weighing in at 40 ounces. However, this also helps the GP100 tackle .38 Special and .357 Magnum with no problem

It is available in both blued and stainless steel finish, with both models sporting a fully adjustable rear sight.

The GP100 is also available in a few other calibers and barrel lengths, as well as a few different types of sight configurations.

Ruger revolvers are known for their durability, and the GP100 is no exception. I wouldn’t put it past one to survive a nuclear blast.

They are great revolvers at a reasonable price that are built to handle anything you can throw at them.

6. Taurus 627 Tracker

So you want to dip your toes into the pool and try out a .38/.357 revolver but are unsure about shelling out $700-1000?

Luckily, Taurus has you covered with the competitively priced Tracker revolver.

Coming in at $450-$550, the Tracker is notably cheaper than many of its medium-framed rivals. While the price may scream entry-level, the Tracker is packed with some quality features.

Like the 686 Plus, the .357 Magnum Tracker also has a 7-shot cylinder. You also get a fully adjustable rear sight, and the real icing on the cake…a factory ported barrel to help reduce recoil.

While Taurus admittedly had some quality control issues in the late 2000s with the metallurgy on their revolvers, that seems to have been rectified over the last several years.

They may not be quite as smooth as a Smith or as tanky as a Ruger, but they shoot well, have excellent features, and are easy on the wallet. Oh, and they are available in .44 Magnum for those looking for even more power.

7. Ruger SP101

Have we mentioned Ruger really has the whole revolver thing on lock?

Ruger’s SP101 is another solid choice for an all-stainless double-action revolver. 

Being the smaller brethren to the GP100, the SP101 is only a 5-shot revolver, but its size makes it much easier to conceal and easier to handle for those with smaller hands.

Base models feature non-adjustable sights and rubber grips. Should you choose, the grips are easily changed if you want to try something different. Models with improved sights are also available.

The SP101 I recommend comes in a very handsome and compact package — with a 2.25-inch barrel and a weight of 26 ounces.  

We have a full review of the SP101, so make sure to take a look at that below for more details!

Final Thoughts

Revolvers can be a heck of a lot of fun with that old-school charm! But there are plenty of models that perform on par with semi-autos on the market.

Not to mention, you just feel like a badass cowboy or an ‘80s vice detective with one of these in your hands. 

As always, choosing the best gun for you is a pretty personal decision, but I hope now you have an idea of what to consider, and a few guns to start your search!

What’s your favorite revolver for beginner shooters? Any to avoid? Share with us all in the comments! And if you’re looking for some .357 Magnum goodness…check out our 9 Best .357 Magnum Revolvers.

The post Best Beginner Revolvers: 7 Wheelguns For The Modern World appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

It’s an influencer in the gun realm. It’s a silly combination of words, but it seems to define a niche group of people who really love guns.

Toda, we’re going to dive into what it means to be a gunfluencer. We’ll cover what the term means and list out some of our favorite gunfluencers to follow.

Keep reading!

What is a Gunfluencer?

Influencers are typically authorities on a particular subject (IE, guns) who utilize social media to inform, educate, and entertain viewers through videos, podcasts, and photography.

Marketers typically use the term influencer because these people have the authority to influence the purchases people make.

But at the same time, the term influencer is often seen with some disdain due to some disruptive behavior by some of the more immature ‘influencers’ out there.

Gunfluencers tend to be a little different. Maybe it’s because they aren’t teenagers appealing to teenagers. Maybe it’s the fact that guns require a certain degree of seriousness when it comes to the safety aspects of firearms.

Now that we know what a gunfluencer is, I want to go over some of the best gunfluencers out there and describe why I think they are the best at what they do.

Keep in mind these aren’t the only guys and gals on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook who are doing good work; just a few of my top picks.

Best Gunfluencers

1. Garand Thumb

Garand Thumb is a force of nature, and his YouTube channel is his main outlet.

He reviews firearms and talks to firearm instructors like Travis Haley, AK expert craftsman Jim Fuller, and many more. Garand Thumb mostly posts on YouTube with long-form content, but his Instagram is typically a fun place to swing by for funny posts, sweet pictures, video previews, and short videos.

Garand Thumb does some candid reviews in which he goes over the firearm in-depth complete with plenty of footage of him shooting in a rather dramatic fashion.

Honestly, he brings what’s basically movie-quality footage to his YouTube videos. We see fantastic editing, dramatic shots, high footage, and beautiful slow motion.

On top of the beautifully crafted footage, we have great information, a knowledgeable source, and honesty.

From high-end guns like the LWRC SMG 45 to the Hi-Point carbines, he highlights problems with complete honesty.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

2. Maj Toure

Black Guns Matter is a non-profit organization run by Maj Toure, an African American gun owner, enthusiast, and gun rights advocate.

He started his organization where he reaches out to the black community and provides education, gun safety training, and acts as an influencer to firearms in the black community.

In addition to his YouTube channel, he also does some excellent work on Instagram. On either platform, you’ll find plenty of educational content. Quick, short-form videos on subjects like the OODA loop, flying legally with a gun, and more.

Instagram posts include topics often overlooked, with my favorite being a video on the placement of a car first aid kit.

Additionally, Maj works as a Second Amendment advocate, so if you want to avoid political posts, this may not be the place for you.

He does a great with his outreach to communities that might not vibe with the message of GOA, the NRA, or FPC.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

3. Pat McNamara

Pat McNamara is an absolute beast. He is a former Delta Force operator, firearms instructor, podcaster, fitness guru, and hardcore gun guy.

He is also one of the most inspirational and interesting people you could follow.

Admittedly you’ll see equal parts physical fitness videos and posts alongside the gun content.

He’s like the Incredible Hulk mixed with a Renaissance man. But on the gun side, we see Pat Mac teaching class, talking fundamentals, and running some rather interesting drills—several I’ve taken into my own training and began to appreciate greatly.

Also, I appreciate that Pat doesn’t conceal his misses. He doesn’t reshoot a video just cause he fails to ring steel once or twice.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

4. Lena Miculek

Lena Miculek, daughter of famed fast fingers Jerry Miculek, is one of the premier professional shooters in the world.

She handles shotguns, handguns, and rifles with absolute ease and is always impressive.

On Instagram and Facebook, her videos and posts broach a wide variety of subjects ranging from goofy topics to professional shooting advice and concealed carry advice from a woman’s perspective. Lena keeps things light but always entertaining.

She has made some awesome videos for Sig Sauer and NSSF that incorporate training tricks, tips, and concepts. They are great, with information that is easy to understand and digest.

It’s worth the peek to learn a bit about grip, target transitions, and similar valuable information. Plus, I’m a shotgun nerd, and so is she, so we have a gospel of the gauge kinship.

Follow at: Instagram

5. Milspec_Mojo

Mojo from Milspec Mojo is a Marine veteran and police officer who operates an awesome Youtube channel and Instagram page.

You might have seen him use a P320 mag in a Glock on Garand Thumb’s channel, and he’s also popped up on many other channels.

His main claim to fame is that he can shoot very fast and very accurately. It’s absurdly fast, and guess what? He’s willing to show you how to do the same for free on Instagram and YouTube.

You may not become as fast as Mojo, but his lessons on grip and recoil are well worth checking out. Mojo is always high-energy and instructs very well.

I wish he made more content, but honestly, he’s probably a pretty busy dude. Either way, it’s worth the follow for the occasional nugget of superb content.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

6. Colion Noir

Colion Noir needs no introduction. He has a fantastic YouTube channel, makes an awesome podcast, and does some great Instagram posting on top of all of that.

As far as gunfluencers, he transcends the world of guns and makes it onto mainstream programs like the Joe Rogan podcast and Newsweek’s podcast.

Mr. Noir’s videos include political content, debunking gun control advocacy arguments, highlighting new weapons, or even older curiosities. His video presentation is always entertaining, and he’s naturally charismatic.

His videos also look stunning and show high levels of production.

He’s a lawyer by trade, and it shows as he spars with gun control advocates and presents logical arguments while using a calm and approachable tone.

On top of that, he’s pretty entertaining when he’s talking about cars, music, and other non-gun topics.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

7. Warrior Poet Society

John Lovell and his Warrior Poet Society have exploded into the mainstream. He is a former Army Ranger, a firearms instructor, a YouTuber, and an awesome gunfluencer.

He posts training tips, practical advice on home defense and concealed carry, and much, much more. Additionally, he covers political topics and focuses a lot on the Warrior Philosophy lifestyle.

The guy is a machine with the amount of content he posts, most of which is educational or informative.

Heck, he even works with manufacturers to build guns to his specs. The War Poet 9mm from Shadow Systems is a Glock-style pistol built to John’s specs.

Lovell does a ton of work, and even when I disagree with him, I can see where he arrived at his conclusion and why he believes or does certain things his way. Plus, the amount of free firearms training he passes out online is so dang valuable that I can’t believe it’s free.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

8. Sage Dynamics

Sage Dynamics is a firearm instruction company that is run by Aaron Cowan.

Cowan is a former infantryman and police officer and is now one of the most sought-after firearms instructors.

He runs a website and YouTube channel, but it’s mostly secondary to his training work. However, he might be the most practical gunfluencer.

His white paper on optically enhanced duty handguns is used by numerous police forces to justify and equip police officers with optics on their handguns and has also helped push optically enhanced handguns forward for all of us.

That’s real influence on the armed community.  

He also provides excellent content on his YouTube and Instagram pages. He does in-depth reviews of optics, guns, and accessories. His red dot tests are legendary and are used by many shooters to determine their next purchase.

Sage Dynamic’s review of the Holosun optics has helped make them the brand they are today. On top of all that, he’s an excellent source for factual information and unbiased reviews.

Follow at: YouTube, Instagram

9. Stickman

Stickman is a man of mystery…kind of. He’s prior military, full-time LEO, and a firearms instructor.

He’s not like most influencers on this list, and he qualifies as a gunfluencer because he takes absolutely gorgeous photographs of firearms.

His Instagram is full of stunning photographs of firearms. He makes me sick because I feel nothing but bad about my photos when I see his photos. They are beautiful, and it gets me every time.

Admittedly I don’t have much more to explain about Stickman. He does excellent photography, and he makes me want an MP5K even more. It influences me, so I consider him a gunfluencer.

Follow at: Instagram

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of influencers in the gun world.

We have influencers for shotguns, concealed carry, rifles, lights, lasers, night vision, and just about every category anyone could possibly think of.

And shameless plug, Pew Pew Tactical is on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, so make sure to follow us to your favorite platforms.

Let me know below who else belongs on this list in the comments below! Looking for more gun content, check out our list of the Best Gun Podcasts.

The post Best Gunfluencers: Who Should You Follow on Social Media? appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

Serving up four models total – the P.ID, P.ID HC, P.ID Plus, and P.ID Dual – the series brings a variety of features like high candela white light, visible green laser, and IR laser, to give users plenty of options to dial in what they need.

At the base level, the standard P.ID sports 1,000 lumens and 23,000 candelas, while the P.ID HC comes with 800 lumens and 42,000 candela.

Meanwhile, the P.ID Plus has a visible green laser and can be used alongside the light or independently. Finally, the P.ID Dual pairs a visible green laser function with an infrared laser.

As a whole, the series offers a 60-minute runtime with a 18350 battery. Bonus points, the battery is both removable and rechargeable – just hook it up to the included magnetic USB charging cable.

The Holosun P.ID series works with any firearms system sporting a 1913 Picatinny rail…and did we mention…it’s also compatible with popular duty holsters.

Users will also get interchangeable rail interface keys included with the light. These allow for better button positioning and compatibility with more guns.

The P.ID series is built for heavy use, with a CNC-milled 7075 anodized aluminum housing. It’s IP68 waterproof and comes with 2000g of shock resistance.

MSRP starts at $135 for the standard and heads north from there, topping out at $282 for the P.ID Dual.

As with all Holosun’s products, the P.ID series is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

You can check out more details and find out where to buy on the Holosun website.

The post (SPONSORED) Holosun P.ID. Weapon Mounted Light Series appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

We’ve built dozens of ARs and we’ll cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more.

Plus, there are individual hands-on articles for each part…so get ready to go down the rabbit hole!

Summary of Our Top Picks

1. 

   Editor's Pick Muzzle Brake

   Precision Armament M4-72

   Best at reducing recoil.

   $65 at Primary Arms Jump to Details
2. 

   Best Bang for Buck Single-Stage Trigger

   Rise Armament AR-15 Rave 140 Trigger

   Clean break and affordable price.

   $99 at AR15 Discounts Jump to Details
3. 

   Fastest Trigger

   Blackout Defense Zero Trigger

   Near zero reset distance, fastest shooting trigger we've seen.

   $224 at Blackout Defense Jump to Details
4. 

   Best Two-Strage Trigger

   Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced Trigger

   Reliable, reputable, and crisp.

   $199 at Brownells Jump to Details
5. 

   Best Free Floating Handguard

   Aero Precision ATLAS S-ONE M-LOK Handguard

   M-LOK compatible and lightweight

   $140 at Aero Precision Jump to Details
6. 

   Lightest Handguard

   Brigand Arms Carbon Fiber Handguard

   Lightweight but strong.

   $296 at Brownells Jump to Details
7. 

   Editor's Pick Mil-Spec BCG

   Bravo Company Mil-Spec BCG

   Mil-Spec. Perfect for duty and self-defense.

   $174 at Primary Arms Jump to Details
8. 

   Best Charging Handle

   BCM Gunfighter Mod 4B

   Easy to use and durable.

   $59 at Primary Arms Jump to Details
9. 

   Best Ambidextrous Charging Handle

   Radian Raptor

   Ambi design for lefties.

   $94 at Brownells Jump to Details
10. 

    Best AR-15 Barrel

    Faxon 16" Gunner, 5.56 NATO, Mid-Length

    Accurate and affordable.

    $159 at Brownells Jump to Details
11. 

    Best Adjustable Gas Block

    Seekins' Adjustable Gas Block

    Set screw locks in adjustments.

    $58 at Brownells Jump to Details
12. 

    Best Ambi Safety

    Seekins Ambi Safety

    Eye catching and easy to use.

    $47 at Brownells Jump to Details
13. 

    Best AR-15 Suppressor

    Silencer Central Banish 30

    Easy to maintain and simple buying process.

    $999 at Silencer Central Jump to Details

Show more (8 items)

Why Upgrade the AR-15?

After you get some time with a more basic AR, you’ll likely start to realize could be improved to meet your specific purpose. And the AR-15 modular system makes upgrading a breeze for most components.

We’ll start off first with possible upgrades to the upper receiver group followed by the lower receiver group and furniture. We’ll also provide examples of what we think are the best in class for each type of upgrade.

Don’t have an AR yet? Check out our Buyer’s Guide to the AR-15 first.

Let’s get started!

Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes & Compensators

Brakes, compensators, and their hybrids are a super easy upgrade to help you reduce felt recoil and minimize vertical movement of your gun.

We cover a bunch of the best and most popular ones in our Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes article…but here are our favorites.

Starting with…our Editor’s Pick.

Precision Armament M4-72

The Precision Armament M4-72 Severe Duty is one of the best recoil-reducing brakes…plus it had the least reticle movement after firing.

It barely moves! But beware…it is really loud and will annoy people next to you. Still…it’s the most effective.

VG6 Gamma

The Best Hybrid Brake/Compensator goes to the VG6 Gamma.

It’s less punishing to your range friends but is also great at recoil reduction and limiting reticle movement.

Strike Industries J-Comp V2

And our Goldilocks Muzzle Device goes to the Strike Industries J-Comp V2.

It’s great at recoil reduction…might have some flash-hiding capabilities…and definitely has very little reticle movement.

Oh…and it’s around $30-40 only.

Again…see the rest of all the tests (along with more videos of side blasts and live fire) at Best AR-15 Muzzle Brakes.

Best AR-15 Triggers

In our original How to Choose Your AR article, we recommended sticking with the stock Mil-Spec (military specification) trigger and letting it smooth out with use. We still advise that with critical use ARs such as home/self-defense.

As you go with “better” triggers, you’re skirting the line between performance and reliability.

And with some guns, you want to make sure they will always go bang. For others, such as range plinking, competition, or precision shooting rigs, you care more about the crispness and lower trigger pull weight.

We’ll cover three varieties of aftermarket triggers: upgraded mil-spec, single-stage, and two-stage.

But also check out our complete Best AR-15 Triggers article for all our tested ones.

Upgraded Mil-Spec Triggers

These still maintain the same geometry as mil-spec stock triggers but are polished for a better feel. They maintain the same reliability with slightly better pull weight and crispness.

• ALG Defense Trigger QMS: The go-to brand for mil-spec reliability with some refinement at a 6.5 lbs trigger pull.

• ALG Defense Trigger ACT: The slightly crisper version at 6 lbs.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 6 lb 15 oz
• Split Time: .20 sec
• Summary: Polished and coated mil-spec trigger that gives a much better feeling with less creep and a cleaner break…but maintains reliability.

This is one of our favorite (and easiest upgrades). What do you think of an upgraded AR trigger? Let us know below!

Single-Stage Triggers

These are very crisp triggers that move back in one movement with a lighter trigger pull.

• Rise Armament RAVE 140: The best bang-for-the-buck upgrade at under $100 for a drop-in single-stage trigger that dramatically makes your AR-15 feel so much better.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb 2 oz
• Split Time: .16 sec even with my stutter
• Summary: Most affordable drop-in trigger with a lighter than mil-spec trigger pull, small take-up, clean break, and good reset

• Timney Competition Trigger: A huge name in the AR-15 trigger world is Timney. And I love their Competition Trigger, which comes in at 3.5 lbs of crisp goodness.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 5 oz
• Split Time: .205 sec, which is decent
• Summary: Love the almost non-existent pre-travel combined with a clean break.

• Timney Calvin Elite: If you want the absolute lightest trigger…you get the Calvin Elite which comes in at an astonishingly low 1.5 lbs. Truly a hair trigger for you competition shooters out there.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 1 lb 9 oz (lightest)
• Split Time: .115 sec (fastest)
• Summary: The lightest and fastest shooting for me…plus the most adjustable. I would make sure to Loctite all the adjustment screws since there’s a lot of potential for things to become loose.

We liked our Timney Triggers so much that we even made a YouTube video on the two:

Want the fastest shooting trigger with near-zero reset distance? It’s all about the Blackout Defense Zero.

It comes in 3 and 4.5-lb models for both the AR-15 and AR-10. Check it out in action:

Still with us? Let’s move on to two-stage triggers!

Two-Stage Triggers

While single-stage triggers require all the force to engage, these two-stage triggers allow you to take up most of the slack in the first stage before requiring just a little more pressure to fire on the second (about 1 pound).

Thus, two-stage triggers are normally reserved for precision rifles but, when pressed quickly, act just like single-stage triggers.

You can choose varying combinations of force required to “set” the trigger and the final force to “release.”

• Geissele SSA-E Trigger: Geissele is a well-known name in the competition trigger world, especially for their two-stage triggers. Good choice of types of triggers and different weights. Also, check out their budget model, the G2S ($140).

• PSA Two Stage Trigger: For the more budget conscious…the PSA version is very similar to the Geissele and comes in at half the price.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb 7 oz (listed is 3 lb 8 oz total)
• Split Time: Not timed, but seemed respectable
• Summary: Great deal in the realm of 2-stage triggers if you don’t want to spring for the TriggerTech or a Geissele. I pair this up with my PSA AR-10 precision builds.

• TriggerTech Adaptable AR Trigger: A drop-in two-stage trigger that’s weight adjustable and silky smooth.

• Trigger Pull Weight: 3 lb 3 oz to 7 lb 2 oz (listed is 2.5 to 5.o lb)
• Split Time: .24 sec, but 2-stage triggers are mostly for precision work
• Summary: Very nice first stage that’s reminiscent of 1911s that leads to a clean light break and minimal over-travel. Good reset to the end of the first stage if you’re shooting slowly.

Again…see all the triggers we tested in our Best AR-15 Triggers article…complete with videos of us firing and split times.

To test your trigger pull weight, check out our recommendations for the Best Trigger Pull Gauges.

Best AR-15 Drop-In Handguards

We’ll focus on two types of handguards, drop-in and free float. We cover this in much more depth in our Best AR-15 Handguards section. But here are our top selections.

Drop-in handguards are when you have a delta ring on the receiver and a fixed front sight base.

You’re limited in the established length from the receiver to the FSB. Drop-in handguards are also in two pieces so they can fit without removing the barrel, delta ring, or FSB.

You also have to make sure you get the proper length for your gas system.

Magpul MOE Handguards

• Price: $27
• Length: 9.2″ (Mid-Length)
• Total Weight: 8.7 oz

Probably the most ubiquitous drop-in handguard due to its weight, affordability, and looks. Comes in several colors and all the normal gas lengths: carbine, mid-length, & rifle.

Midwest Industries Two-Piece Drop-In Handguards

• Price: $130
• Length: 9″ (Mid-Length)
• Total Weight: 6.6 oz

Aluminum rail options for the different gas lengths. Pricier but from a reputable company. We run multiple versions of their free-float handguards.

Troy Industries Drop-In Quad Rail

If you’re looking for a quad rail system, here it is. Comes in a variety of gas system lengths.

• Price: $160
• Length: 9″ (Mid-Length)
• Total Weight: — oz

Best AR-15 Free-Floating Handguards

Free-floating handguards connect only to the receiver and do not touch the barrel. This increases accuracy since there’s nothing interfering with the barrel, such as the stock, grip, or accessories.

You can also choose the length of your handguard to be much longer to accommodate an extended grip and hang extra accessories. Just be sure to measure your barrel + muzzle device so you order the right length handguard.

My personal recommendation is for a 12″ or 13″ handguard, which will give you enough space for almost any arm position. Plus, I prefer M-LOK over KeyMod. Looks like US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) agrees too.

The trend is moving towards just Picatinny rails on the top instead of quad rails (all around) to reduce weight. And then just adding on rails where needed for flashlights, grips, etc.

Again, here are a few of our top choices. For more, see our Best AR-15 Handguards article.

Aero Precision ATLAS

• Price: $140
• Length: 12″
• Handguard Weight: 7.0 oz
• Barrel Nut Weight: 4.7 oz
• Total Weight: 11.7 oz

One of my favorites due to the weight savings from the removal of the top Picatinny rails. Plus, the front taper perfectly fits my thumbs.

Note that since it’s curved, you will not be able to run a pressure switch for your lights/lasers.

Here it is on an Aero upper I love (full review).

They now also have a version that has the entire top rail if you need more space.

STNGR VYPR

My current favorite for the price is the STNGR VYPR.

It’s missing vowels but it makes it up for great fit/finish/color…and price.

I also like the aggressive design but was initially wary since the top cuts seemed a little too large.

But after multiple mags (and other shooters)…my fear was mitigated.

Plus, they also have packages with comfy and cool-looking rail covers.

The reduced-rail VLCN has also become the basis of our night vision build…so that’s pretty much the best rec I can give!

• Price: $139
• Length: 15″
• Total Weight: 11.5 oz

Yankee Hill Machine Quad Rail

• Price: $119
• Length: 12.58″
• Total Weight: 15.2 oz

If you’re still looking for a quad rail…YHM has got you covered. A little heavier, but you get tons of real estate to put anything your heart desires.

Brigand Arms Carbon Fiber

• Price: $296
• Length: 12.4″
• Handguard Weight: 2.9 oz
• Barrel Nut Weight: 1.4 oz
• Total Weight: 4.3 oz

Literally, the lightest I’ve ever felt…and still plenty strong. But you gotta pay to play. This was the winner of the Lightest Handguard roundup.

Best AR-15 Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG)

If Whatever BCG came with your rifle has run fine, it will likely continue to run fine.

But if you’re dead set on fixing something that isn’t broken, or if you’re building a new rifle…check out Best AR-15 BCGs.

You can take a look at new coatings or lighter-weight profiles for BCGs.

Here are a couple of our favorites.

BCM M16 BCG

The go-to for mil-spec that will always go bang. If it’s a duty or self-defense rifle, I suggest going with a BCM.

WMD Guns Nickel Boron BCG

Want something slicker and easier to clean? Check out this Nickel Boron coated BCG from WMD. Plus, the silver looks cool showing through your upper.

PSA BCG

This is what I’d use for a budget build. They are available in both phosphate and nitride coatings. The phosphate coatings are a little bumpy but they’ve always gone bang.

Brownells Lightweight BCG in Titanium Nitride

This one is a double threat.

Lightweight to go with an adjustable gas system for less recoil..remember the BCG is a big hunk of metal moving in your gun.

And if you’re upgrading…might as well go with a different coating.

Rubber City Armory Titanium BCG

Want the same BCG profile but still the weight savings? I use the RCA Titanium BCG in my race gun for reduced recoil.

Check out the rest of the BCGs we love in Best AR-15 BCGs…or go straight to Best Lightweight BCGs for the competition shooters out there.

Best AR-15 Charging Handles

One of those upgrades that you were fine without…but now that you’ve experienced it…you wonder how you could have ever done without it.

Every one of my serious rifles has an upgraded charging handle for easier and more robust bolt manipulation. See the whole batch in Best AR-15 Charging Handles.

BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle

The OG and one that goes on every one of our competition/defensive rifles. Makes it much easier to rack the charging handle without worrying about flex or premature wear.

We’ve tried the cheaper options of just switching out the latch, but it just doesn’t feel as robust. We go for the medium-size Mod 4 for the balance of ease of use and potential to snag.

Radian Raptor (Ambidextrous)

The most robust and smoothest ambi charging handle out there. But it will cost you.

Now let’s move on to upgrades you can do to the AR-15 lower…

Radian Raptor LT (Ambidextrous)

A newer kid on the block…this is the “light version” of the ambidextrous Raptor. More affordable and lighter.

Especially useful if you’re a lefty or like to use your right hand to brass check. Only a couple of bones more than the BCM, and you upgrade to ambidextrous controls.

We cover a bunch more charging handles for affordability and even for suppressed use in Best AR-15 Charging Handles.

Overwhelmed yet? We’re almost done!

Best AR-15 Barrel Upgrades

You might consider a barrel upgrade if you’ve worn out your barrel or if your current profile/length isn’t up to par for your purpose. Or you’re doing a new build!

For more accuracy-related tasks, you might consider a heavier contour which makes the barrel stiffer and more resistant to accuracy drop-offs due to heat and barrel whip.

If you’re wanting to reach out farther, you might consider a longer 18″ or 20″ barrel for that extra boost in velocity. Stainless steel barrels are also known for being more accurate but at the expense of a shorter life (and more expense).

Or if you’re looking to cut back on weight and looking at sub-300 yard distances, you could go for a lightweight profile and drop to the standard 16″ or even 14.5″ with a pinned muzzle device.

And for critical use rifles, we would suggest both MP/HP tested barrels for that extra margin of safety.

For those looking for a softer shooting AR-15, you could look for a longer gas length, such as moving up to mid-length from a carbine. The extra length gives more space/time for gas pressures to lower before cycling back.

Recommended AR-15 Barrels & Manufacturers

We cover all of our favorite manufacturers and specific barrels in Best AR-15 Barrels…but here’s the gist:

• Faxon Firearms: My go-to barrel manufacturer. These are accurate, affordable, and have a specific Gunner profile. Made in-house with their aerospace manufacturing background. Great across the board for 16″, precision, short, and other calibers.

• Ballistic Advantage: Another in-house manufacturer that has a proprietary Hanson profile that reduces barrel whip. I currently have one in my competition rifle. Also great for other calibers.

• White Oak Armament: No frills here…just plain accuracy and build quality.

• BSF: Did someone say carbon fiber?

Again, for a lowdown on everything barrel…check out our Best AR-15 Barrels Guide.

Best AR-15 Gas Blocks

Having a low-profile gas block allows you to put on a free-floating handguard which unlocks better accuracy and more rail space for your grip and accessories.

Some gas blocks will also be adjustable so you can tune your rifle to your specific ammo to create a softer shooting AR.

Be sure to match up the diameter of the gas block to your barrel profile. Light profile is .625″, normal is .750″, and heavy profile is .936″. Also, make sure to have the appropriate length gas tube if you are not reusing your old one.

If you have a front sight base barrel, it is extremely difficult to remove and can result in a bent barrel if done improperly. We recommend taking it to a gunsmith or just shaving it down yourself to have a makeshift low-profile gas block.

Recommended AR-15 Low Profile Gas Blocks

• Daniel Defense: They do what they are supposed to do and stay on.

• Bravo Company Low Profile Gas Block: Another heavy-duty low-profile gas block for pencil and regular barrels.

• Seekins Low Profile .750 Adjustable Gas Block:  We love that it has a set screw to lock in the adjustments ($56). Hard to keep in stock, here are other adjustable gas blocks.

• Superlative Arms Adjustable Gas Block: My new favorite because you can easily adjust without taking off your handguard plus it bleeds the excess gas forward instead of all over the place like other adjustable blocks.

You can check out our full review here.

Best AR-15 Ambidextrous Safeties

For the lefties out there or for poor Californians running “featureless” AR-15s who need to be able to flick their safety on the right side.

Battle Arms Ambi Safety

Lower profile safety lever on the right side that won’t interfere with right-handed shooting. What we run in our competition guns.

Seekins Ambi Safety

Or if you’re looking for some flair and quality. Plus, these work best with Featureless AR Builds.

Best AR-15 Suppressors

We’ve got an entire article dedicated to Best AR-15 Suppressors since it’s way too much info for an overview article.

But if we had to choose one…it’d be the Silencer Central Banish 30. It’s titanium, multi-caliber, and user-serviceable.

Plus blowback is way less than other suppressors…and it’s super quiet.

Again…check out all our picks in Best AR-15 Suppressors, which will walk through how they work and how to buy one.

Miscellaneous AR-15 Upgrades

Law Tactical Gen 3 Folding Stock Adapter

Want to make your AR carbine or pistol the tiniest it can be?

You’ll want the Law Tactical Gen 3 Side Folder Adapter, which lets you fold the buffer tube & stock over to the side…then quickly flip it back into place when you need to shoot.

For this…the best explanation is with a short clip:

There are other companies that make something like it but Law Tactical is our current favorite. Just be sure not to fire with it folded back.

Magpul B.A.D. Lever

We love the B.A.D. Lever since you can manipulate the bolt release using your right hand and not resort to hitting the paddle with your left hand. Also great to easily lock your bolt back during cease-fires at the range. Great for competitions and what we have on all our AR-15s. 

Plus, they are super easy to install.

OuterImpact Adjustable Co-Witnessing Red Dot Adapter Mount

While the name is a mouthful, what this product does is pretty simple. OuterImpact has a few products that are all about giving you options.

This red dot mount is essentially a riser that includes their super-adaptable plate. It allows you to mount up a wide array of optics to your rifle.

They didn’t stop there. OuterImpact designed the riser to be adjustable in height, offering co-witness, lower 1/3, and multiple points between. Shooters can set it how they like.

Final Thoughts

That should get you through most of the major upgrades for the AR-15. But there are still tons of things to upgrade!

• Best AR-15 Accessories & Furniture
• Best AR-15 Optics

• Best Lights for AR-15s

• Best Lasers for AR-15s

• Best AR-15 Ammo for Plinking & Self-Defense

What are your fave upgrades? Let us know in the comments below. If you’re planning on upgrading a lot…you might be better off building your own. Check out how with our AR-15 Resources Page.

The post Best AR-15 Upgrades: Triggers, Brakes, Handguards, BCGs & More appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

But can it be better?

Absolutely.

One of the most obvious improvements would be an upgraded trigger system. There are roughly a million different upgrades for the trigger out there…so how do you choose?

That’s where we come in…we’ve bought, used, and tested the most popular triggers over thousands of rounds.

Obligatory disclaimer that you should have a qualified gunsmith install and test all this stuff.

Summary of Our Top Picks

1. 

   Best Bang-For-The-Buck

   Apex Glock Trigger

   Self-contained system with a trigger, trigger bar, and disconnector.

   $85 at Brownells Jump to Details
2. 

   Runner-Up

   Velocity Glock Triggers

   Longer pull after the initial stop and a nice click.

   $115 at OpticsPlanet Jump to Details
3. 

   Lightest Trigger

   Overwatch Precision TAC Trigger

   Light trigger pull throughout

   $122 at OpticsPlanet Jump to Details
4. 

   Editor's Choice

   Zev Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger

   Breaks the cleanest without a lot of pre-travel and no mushiness

   $250 at Brownells Jump to Details
5. 

   Aesthetic Mod

   Tyrant I.T.T.S Glock Trigger

   Different color combos, makes things look flashier

   $74 at Tyrant CNC Jump to Details
6. 

   Looks & Performance

   Timney Alpha Glock 5

   Challenging installation, but looks and feels great.

   $129 at Primary Arms Jump to Details

Show more (1 item)

Stock Glock with 25 Cent Trigger Job & 3.5 lb Connector

Let’s establish a baseline trigger.

Many will say to get a better Glock trigger, you just have to shoot it. And they are right.

Thousands and thousands of rounds (or dry-fire) will polish up the internals and make the trigger much better. Not custom 1911 level…but better than when you bought it.

We cover how to do the infamous Glock 25 Cent Trigger Job with some polishing compound and Dremel.

Another affordable upgrade I do is upgrading the stock 5 lb connector with a Lone Wolf or Ghost 3.5 lb connector. If you built a Polymer80 Glock with a Lone Wolf frame kit…you already have the 3.5 lb connector.

Doing both in my G19 brings the trigger pull down from around 6 lb 6 oz to 5 lb 4 oz and makes it much crisper and with a smoother reset. Perfect for general purpose and maintaining the stock safeties.

Here’s a quick video on the first pull and reset so we have a baseline for the others.

Perfectly manageable, but still room for improvement!

 Best Glock Triggers

1. Apex Tactical Glock Enhancement Trigger

Apex is well known for improving the turd of a trigger that comes on Smith and Wesson M&Ps, especially the first models that hit the streets. Obviously, they’ve expanded, or they wouldn’t be on this list.

Apex’s Glock Enhancement Trigger came out a few years ago and is one of the most affordable drop-in trigger systems.

When I say drop-in trigger…I mean it.

It’s a self-contained system with a trigger, trigger bar, and disconnector all built together. You remove your standard Glock guts and fill in the blank. It’s a very simple installation process and very convenient.

The Apex trigger gives you a quick stop initially, so you know when to ease and squeeze the trigger. There’s some minor pull before a clean break.

Also, a much shorter reset that’s followed by a similar pull and clean break again.

Red not doing it for you…they have purple and black too.

One big difference is the flat-faced trigger that still maintains the safety features of the standard Glock. I definitely like flat-faced triggers after using the Apex a bunch. It’s also a little meatier than the other triggers, which I like.

You can combine upgrades with the Zev Competition Spring kit, which I heavily recommend. With it and a polish job…my trigger pull is 5 lb 7 oz and much smoother.

However, I found with mine that I got light primer strikes with the use of the reduced weight striker spring. So be sure to test.

If that happens to you…you might need the Zev Skeletonized Striker ($79) to take full advantage of the springs.

The Apex Glock trigger is my pick for best bang-for-the-buck since it looks cool, is reliable, improves upon the stock trigger, and is priced right.

What’s your take on the Apex trigger? Rate it below.

2. Velocity Trigger

This Velocity Trigger I got sent for testing, and I put it in a new Polymer 80 build with a SeeAll Sight and matching gold Faxon Barrel.

It’s much thinner than the Apex or stock Glock trigger. The flat-faced trigger is also ridged for your finger’s pleasure with a lower-activating safety.

With stock springs and only a 3.5 connector, I was getting 4 lb 12 oz. With the competition spring kit…it should go down some more.

However…one big thing I didn’t like was that in my P80 build and my style of pressing the trigger (pretty high up with thin fingers)…many times, the “safe-action” trigger wouldn’t engage. And I’d be left with no PEW.

Whatever at the range…annoying at a competition…but potentially deadly in a real-life encounter. Not that I would recommend having anything modified on your gun for self-defense.

Otherwise, the trigger was great…longer pull after the initial stop and a nice click.

I would recommend for competition/range if you’re finger placement is usually on the lower half of the trigger or if you have thicker fingers than I do.

3. Overwatch Precision Trigger

The Overwatch Precision is from another P80 build. It also has the competition spring kit.

With everything…I get a super soft 2 lb 12 oz trigger pull. However…it’s pretty spongy when compared to the other triggers. Nice reset, though.

But…runs into the same safety reset problem as with the Velocity (so make sure you press lower or have thicker fingers).

My pick if you really want a light trigger pull throughout. I personally prefer less spongy (even at the expense of pull-weight), so this is my least favorite trigger out of all the series.

4. Zev Fulcrum Ultimate Trigger

My favorite trigger that lives in my G34 for competition shooting. What I’ve shot the most besides stock Glock triggers.

It breaks the cleanest without a lot of pre-travel and no mushiness. Combined with a little 25-cent trigger job polishing and the lightest springs…it comes in at under 3 lb 10 oz.

It’s not much to look at when installed…but the kit comes with an entirely new trigger assembly, lightened springs, and lightened striker (or else sometimes, when you only change springs, you get light primer strikes).

Plus…adjustable pre-travel and over-travel to get YOUR perfect trigger pull. This all comes at a price, though!

5. Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger

Want a nicer-looking trigger but don’t want to change your trigger pull?

You can check out the Tyrant CNC ITTS Trigger, which replaces the trigger shoe with something purrty.

Easy enough to install with instructions right here.

It keeps your original trigger pull for safety reasons but makes your Glock look a whole lot better!

And while it doesn’t change the performance of the pull, that machined aluminum sure does feel nice. They come in different color combinations too!

6. Timney Alpha Glock 5

First off, I like the Gen 5 Glock trigger and consider it to be a significant improvement over previous generations.

Pressing back on the trigger, it travels back a few millimeters with minor resistance before stopping at a pretty well-defined wall. Pushing beyond this, the trigger breaks crisply at an average of around 4 pounds on my Lyman Digital Gauge.

Reset occurs after a slight release and is both audible and tactile. It’s a great trigger for a striker-fired gun, and I have definitely gotten used to it. 

Given Timney’s overall reputation in triggers, I was excited to try the Alpha Glock 5. So I cracked open the package and started putting it in.

Installation was a little challenging due to the small parts, but the instructions were detailed and included good photos. Then, the trigger return spring has to be compressed on the inside of the locking block while installing the locking block.

After installing, I noticed the surface of the all-aluminum trigger shoe was smoother, and the interface with the safety bar in the trigger was also smoother.

The pull weight felt lighter, and I confirmed this on the gauge at an average of 2.5 pounds.

During press, the previously defined wall before break felt softer. And finally, trigger reset felt a bit longer to reach but was still audible and tactile.

Out at the range, the trigger truly shines with a performance you soon become accustomed to and can repeat easily. It’s a great upgrade for around $150.

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of Glock triggers. Here are some honorable mentions:

• Agency Arms ($160): Pretty good as well…but I’d still take the Apex with the spring kit. Personal preference, though…tons of people love it.
• Lone Wolf Adjustable ($75): The P80 kit trigger is actually pretty good…and this adjustable upgrade is not too shabby either.
• CMC Trigger ($170): Another popular one, but was meh to me when I tried it.

Final Thoughts

We can all agree that sometimes swapping out a Glock factory trigger for something a little nicer can make all the difference when it comes to shooting.

And hopefully, we’ve given you some options to kick your Glock up a notch.

How did we do…what other triggers did we miss that we can test for the next update? Let us know. For a perfect trigger tune-up, make sure to grab a trigger pull gauge. We have our recommendations here!

The post Best Glock Triggers [Hands-On Tested] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

Today’s the day and we’ll be updating through Monday so keep checking back for more.

Ammo In Stock

Let’s start it off with ammo that’s in stock.

Palmetto State Armory

HUGE sales happening at PSA, take a look at some of these…

PSA Complete Stealth Lower for $129 and free shipping

PSA 16″ Mid-Length Rifle Kit for $469 (free shipping and see our review)

Blem PSA 16″ M4 Carbine Kit for $319

PSA Nitride BCG for $59…perfect for any build.

Sylvan Arms Gen 3 AR Folding Stock Adapter for $119

Magpul PMAG 30-Rounders for $8.99 with code PMAG. Free shipping on 5+.

PSA AR-15 Stripped Lower with US Flag for $59…perfect for a patriotic build

Blem PSAK-47 GF3 in ODG for $599 (free shipping and see our review)

PSA PA-10 Gen 3 18″ Mid-Length .308 Win for $879 (free shipping and see our review)

Rise Armament 3.5lb AR Trigger with Betsy Ross Flag for $99…one of our fav triggers, now more patriotic

Geissele SSA-E for $149 (usually $240)…one of our fav triggers and used by SOCOM

$100 off EOTech XPS2-0 with code XPS2…makes it $499

Or the EOTech 512 with code “512” to $399

Blem PSA Dagger Compact Frame (free shipping) for $59

Franklin Armory BFSII AR-C1 Binary AR Trigger for $304

Vortex Venom 3MOA Pistol Red Dot for $169 with code VENOM

PSA 36″ Single Gun Case & 7 PMAGs for $99

These just barely skim the surface…take a look at ALL of the PSA deals!

Brownells

Brownells has an awesome 20% off off $200+ with code MDAY20 that’s valid for Memorial Day only.

Otherwise…they have all their Memorial Deals here. Here’s some of our favs (prices are before coupons):

Sig Romeo5 for $109…our favorite red dot under $200

CMMG AR-15 .22LR Bravo Conversion Kit for $164

Primers are (somewhat) back! Check out CCI Rifle and also CCI Pistol ones.

How about the BRN-180 now in 7.62×39 and 16″?

Brownells M16 Lightweight Nickel Boron BCG for $105

Law Tactical Folding AR Adapter for $183 with the code MDAY20…lowest we’ve ever seen! Make sure to update the coupon code at checkout otherwise LAW25 will autofill.

Again, check out all the Memorial Deals here.

Primary Arms

Another solid Memorial Day sale from PA and this time they made it much easier to digest.

There’s some Category Sales you can look through and also daily deals. Here’s a few of our favs:

Primary Arms SLx MD-25 Rotary Red Dot for $99

Of course our perennial favorite in the best bang-for-the-buck 1-6x scope is their SLx 1-6x Gen 3 with ACSS Reticle. Get a free scope mount ($59 value) in the drop-down.

See our full review of the SLx 1-6x.

Also our still favorite pistol red dot is their collab with Holosun…enter the HS507c-X2 with ACSS.

See our full review of the Holosun 507C X2 with Vulcan ACSS.

There’s also the new SLx 1x Cyclops Gen 2 with ACSS. Perfect for an etched glass prism optic that’s day-light bright. And for those with astigmatism!

Check our our full review of the Cyclops here. However you’ll have to wait for June for delivery since it’s such a hot optic.

See all of the Primary Arms deals!

AR15Discounts

Check out all their Memorial Day Deals here.

They are doing a rotating batch of deals every day so check back often. Here’s some of what they had for the most current update:

Rise Armament RAVE 140 AR Trigger for $99 (see our review)

Anderson Stripped Lower No Logo for $35

Aero Assembled Upper Receiver for $69

NBS AR-15 Armorer’s Wrench for $16

Check out the latest Memorial Day Deals here.

Aero Precision

Another great sitewide deal with 15% off!

Lots of receiver sets in different cerakote colors.

And also some of their awesome handguards that we love.

And of course some smaller build items like lower parts kits, BCGs, gas blocks, and more.

Check out all their Memorial Day deals here.

Guns.com

Check out all their Memorial Day Sales here including 10% off all Certified Used Guns.

Bereli

The place with free shipping on everything doesn’t have a dedicated sale just yet.

But they have 10% off Daniel Defense with code 10OFFDD. Check out our review on the DDM4V7.

GrabAGun

Kel-Tec Sub2000 9mm Glock 17 Compatible for $349 after rebate

Tokarev USA TBP12 Bullpup 12ga Shotgun for $269

USCCA

Do you carry and haven’t gotten USCCA yet? You’re missing out on their instructional library that’s great and also added personal insurance benefits* all members get.

Plus, for May there’s some sweet signup bonuses.

Check out my full review of the USCCA here.

Kygunco

No specific Memorial deals but here’s some of their best-sellers!

Radical Firearms RPR .300 BLK Complete AR for $399

Ruger Charger .22LR for $299 (see our review)

Ruger SFAR 7.62 NATO 20″ (an AR-10 in an AR-15 size) for $994

Anderson AM-15 16″ Complete AR for $399

Tyrant CNC

Makes of some of our favorite glock and AR (and now P365) upgrades has a nice Memorial Day Sale.

Check out some of our builds…

TriStar Trading

We’re partnered with Tri Star Trading to print and deliver our Pew Pew Tactical T-Shirts.

And all colors (including Black Multicam) are back for our Pew Pew Tactical Slings. Just the right amount of padding and an easy-to-use length tab.

AXIL Ear Protection

Axil has quickly become our go-to ear pro for both muffs and in-ear solutions.

The electronic ear-muffs called TRACKRs are 2 for $99.

Check how they stack up vs others in our Best Shooting Ear Protection article.

We also love their in-ear option…the GS Extreme 2.0 which are 1 for $129 or 2 for $199.

They do require more fitment which we go over in our in-depth review.

Amazon

We’ve been fans of GuardTech’s all-in-one gun cleaning kit for while.

But now they’ve released their AR-15 specific one that comes with a surprisingly nice brass cleaning rod that spins so you don’t lose your jags.

Hidden Hybrid Holsters

Our fav hybrid holsters – Amish leather backer with Kydex shell are back at it again with 15% off with code HONOR15.

Check out our full review.

Optics Planet

One of our fav places for optics…Optics Planet has 10% off almost everything with code MEMDAY10…including ammo!

Especially be on the lookout for their TRYBE Defense products which are on closeout sale and up to 75% off.

Ballistic Advantage

One of our favorite bang-for-the-buck barrel manufacturers, Ballistic Advantage has an awesome tiered savings system.

Their claim to fame is their shoulder-less Hanson barrel…check out our full review.

Gun Mag Warehouse

Check out all of GMW’s Memorial Day Deals.

Looking for Gen 3 Magpul PMAGs?

GMW has them for $11.99 and the windowed version for $13.49

Or how about ETS Gen 2 Glock 9mm 32-Rounders for $6.99

Holosun HS507C X2 Pistol Red Dot for $309 with additional 10% off with code HOLO10

See the rest of all their Memorial Day Deals here.

Walker Defense

Walker Defense is having 15% off with code PEWPEW15.

We love their 3D printed Nero muzzle brake that we show in Best AR-15 Brakes & Comps.

And their titanium BCGs.

Capitol Armory

One of the largest NFA suppressor dealers on the web (that can now ship to your doorstep in most states)…Capitol Armory has a few coupon codes:

-Buy 2 or more NFA items or suppressors and take 10% off with code BUY2PLUS

-Spend $800 or more and get a $100 gift card with code 100CARD

-10% off accessories with code MEM10.

Need ideas of what to get? Check out our Best AR-15 Suppressors and Best 9mm Suppressors.

MyMedic

For the most part…having an IFAK (individual first aid kit) might be more important than a CCW.

MyMedic is having 20% off their Trauma supplies (no code needed).

Check out our full review on their three sizes.

Shoot Steel

WOOOO, now this is a SALE with items up to 50% off plus free shipping on orders over $350.

We love their Armadillo targets that are a cinch to set up and angle down splatter so you can shoot closer.

Sounds like it’s time to get that speed rack you’ve always wanted!

One of our favorites (that you see in our new videos) is their standing IPSC target.

SecureIt Gun Storage

We love SecureIt, and for Memorial Day Week, see savings up to 25%!

And now…30% off their Agile 52 Pro.

Unlike other safes which are a hassle to install…the Agile 52 comes flat-packed (so you can get it into your room/upstairs) and all assembly is internal.

One of our favorites from our Best Gun Safes article…and we have a comprehensive review too.

80% Arms

Nothing has officially started yet but word on the street is that 80% Arms will be running a 20% off sale through Monday with code MD20.

Check out our review of their AR-15 Jigs & 80% Lowers.

As well as their GST-9 Handgun & reusable Infinity Jig.

Rounded Gear

Formerly Concealment Express, we love Rounded Gear for get-er-done all Kydex holsters. And they have 15% off sitewide with code 15OFF100.

Check out our full review.

MIRA Safety

Nothing yet but they usually have a pop-up for 10% off.

Check out our review of MIRA and other gas masks!

They also came up top in our latest Review of Ceramic & UHMWPE Armor…so snag that Level IV armor you’ve been eyeing too!

Savior Equipment

Get 15% off with code “PEWPEW15” at Savior Equipment…our current favorite manufacturer for everything gun bag related.

Our fav is their Urban Warfare bag series which is semi-discrete and looks great without a bunch of dump pouches.

We’re also digging their collapsible rifle stand (in both regular and shorty boi) models for when you’re going to a competition or range that doesn’t have tables.

See more in our 17 Best Gun Cases article.

TriStar Trading

Want to help us out and rep some Pew Pew? Check out our official merch partner, TriStar Trading.

Right now we’re having a 20% off sale with code SAVE20 on our shirts, hats, and patches.

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Lots of goodies over at Sportsman’s from camping to guns/ammo and even some summer BBQ.

Home Security Superstore

Looking for some non-lethal protection? HSS has 15% off storewide!

Check out some of our favorite tested picks from Best Pepper Spray…

To Best Stun Guns…

The post Memorial Day Gun Deals [2023]: Updates Through Monday appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

John Moses Browning’s tried and true design hasn’t changed much over the years, but now there are some new features and more calibers, opening this pistol up to even more shooters.

But where do you start?

There are so many different types of 1911s on the market that almost no one knows where to start. The good news is that there’s a perfect 1911 for you at your preferred budget.

Whether you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel to put enough cash together so you can join the club, or you’re looking to spend your tax refund on a high-end 1911, we’ve got you covered!

Summary of Our Top Picks

1. 

   Best Budget 1911

   Rock Island Armory 1911 Standard FS

   Rock Island is the go-to manufacturer for affordable, reliable 1911 pistols.

   $471 at Kygunco Jump to Details
2. 

   Best Bang For Your Buck

   Fusion Firearms Freedom Reaction

   While not as well-known as other manufacturers, Fusion offers high-end features at mid-range prices.

   $722 at Kygunco Jump to Details
3. 

   Editor's Pick

   Springfield Garrison 1911 .45 ACP

   The Garrison is a beatiful, accurate, well-fitted pistol that won't break the bank.

   $771 at GrabAGun Jump to Details
4. 

   Best 1911 for Concealed Carry

   Smith & Wesson SW1911SC E-Series

   This commander length 1911 is packed with features that make it great for concealed carry without sacrificing shootability.

   $1461 at Kygunco Jump to Details
5. 

   Best High-End 1911

   Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE

   Wilson is sitting at or near the top of the heap depending on who you ask. Their 1911s are some of, if not the best, that money can buy.

   $2199 at Guns.com Jump to Details
6. 

   Best Concealed Carry 2011

   Staccato C2 DPO Carry

   If you want to step into the world of double stacks, the C2 DPO is essentially a pocket sniper rifle.

   $2299 at Staccato Jump to Details
7. 

   Best Competition 2011

   Staccato XC

   For those looking to for the pinnacle of speed, accuracy, and shootability, this gun has you covered.

   $4299 at Staccato Jump to Details

Show more (2 items)

Quick Background

History of M1911

But first…a little history of the century-old design, and then I promise this will shine some light on how to choose the best 1911 for yourself.

Genius firearms inventor John Moses Browning sought to give the military a more potent handgun round.

He was in direct competition with other gun makers like Smith & Wesson and Savage, but in March 1911, his auto-loading pistol was officially adopted by the US Military as their sidearm of choice.

The 1911 stood up to a 6,000-round torture test, being submerged in mud and acid, shooting deformed cartridges, and other tests.

Not only did Browning’s design (to be produced by Colt) pass with flying colors, it was the only gun to pass all stages of this grueling test.

.45 ACP

The military needed a deadlier handgun round than the .38 Long Colt being used at the turn of the century and wanted it to utilize a .45 caliber bullet. The Army had a long history with .45 caliber cartridges, with the Single Action Army revolver (SAA) being used for many years.

The ultimate replacement would be John Browning’s 1911 chambered in .45 Automatic (AKA .45 ACP, .45 Auto, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol).  

This .45 Auto contained a 230-grain projectile capable of reaching speeds of about 850 feet per second and was much more capable as a self-defense round than the .38 Long Colt was.

Learn more about calibers in our Basic Bullet Guide.

Other 1911 Manufacturers

Many purists decry other brands of 1911s (or calibers) as fakes and unworthy to bear the name.

One thing that many people don’t realize, however, is that the demand for them was so high during the war that Colt contracted out to other companies to help keep production numbers up.

Some very well-known companies helped, to include Remington Rand, Ithaca, Springfield Armory, many foreign companies, and even the Singer sewing machine company.

In fact, the pistols from these other companies can command a very high price when sold. Some of the Singer pistols can be worth up to $30,000 to the right buyer because so few were made.

Modern Uses

The 1911 style is still in service in a few select military units and some police and is a widely accepted pistol for self-defense, regardless of the maker or size of the cartridge.

If you glance in the gun cabinet of many gun enthusiasts, you’ll likely see at least one 1911 pistol. Many people own more than one because, as far as pistols go, they are accurate, ergonomic, and easy on the eyes.

Many major shooting sports also allow a class for shooting 1911-style pistols because, even though the original design is well over 100 years old, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, if you look at one of Colt’s current 70-Series offerings, it is exceedingly close to the original M1911A1.

Best 1911 Pistols

First, let me start by saying that this is not an easy list to narrow down because there are so many excellent pistols being made by many different companies. 

Next, this list of firearms is chosen by me. You obviously have your own opinion, which we want to hear too.

Finally, this list features a wide variety of guns currently on the market and not just those made by Colt.

We are also looking at 1911s chambered in other calibers, too, not just .45 ACP.

$500-$700 Range

The guns here won’t look like slick hand-fitted showpieces but rather ones that will do the job. These have the ability to get better with a minimal amount of work. If you want a 1911 but can’t afford to go out and buy an uber-expensive 1911, this is your price range.

1. Rock Island Armory 1911

I shot my first Rock Island Armory pistol during SHOT 2017. I’ve always known them but never had a chance to try any out.

And try out a lot I did. My favorite was their long slide 1911, but their standard 1911 was great too.

Sure, it needs some loving if you’re a little spoiled by other makers, but it went bang every time, and when I did my part, it hit all the plates. They are designed by Armscor and manufactured in the Philippines.  

You can read our full review of the GI model here.

They have plenty of other models with great price points if you’re looking for something more tactical.

This is the most popular section of guns. People save up for these over time in order to get a gun that doesn’t need any work but can still be customized into a beauty.

2. Springfield Armory Mil-Spec

Springfield Armory makes excellent guns, even though many people believe they could do less stamping on them (looking at you, Grip Zone).

The Mil-Spec doesn’t have any extra words on it and is a gorgeous firearm with a 5-inch barrel that’s available in stainless steel or with a parkerized finish.

The fit feels excellent, and the finish looks well done without any extra slag or burrs on the slide or frame that would cause hangups.

$700-$900 Range

3. Fusion Freedom Reaction

Fusion Firearms was founded by the former president of Dan Wesson and has been producing frames, barrels, and parts for 1911 builders for a while.

They have recently expanded their line of production guns, and that includes the excellent Freedom Reaction.

These pistols come extremely well-fitted and feature aggressive front strap checkering, front cocking serrations target crowned muzzles, excellent triggers, and other features found on guns twice the price.

4. Springfield Garrison

A relatively new entry into Springfield’s lineup, the Garrison has quickly become one of the best-value 1911s on the market today.

The Garrison features either a stainless or gorgeous hot salt-blued finish, a 5-inch match-grade barrel, low profile 3-dot sights, backstrap checkering, and an excellent trigger.

When you pick up a Garrison, you feel like you are picking up a $1500 1911, not a $750 one. They are available in 9mm and .45 ACP.

If you are looking for a beautiful pistol that won’t break the bank with the shooting chops to match, this is the one.

$1,000-$1,500 Range

At this point, the guns are as close to flawless as you can get before spending a fortune on a handcrafted 1911.  

The guns run fantastically and need nothing to make them perform better. People still opt to do trigger work at this price, but it isn’t because the stock trigger is bad.

5. Springfield Armory EMP 3″ in 9mm

I own a Springfield EMP 9mm 1911 and have shot a lot through it.

As far as reliability goes, there is almost none better. Since I’ve had it in my possession, I’ve not had a single malfunction with it…which is more than I can say for many other guns.

And, accuracy out of the 3-inch officer-sized barrel groups well at distances out to 15 yards, even when rapidly fired.

Check out our full review video review below.

6. Kimber Warrior

A lot of times, when you see something like “WARRIOR” or “TACTICAL” in a firearm’s name, you should get an uneasy feeling that the boys in marketing went a little too far.

But in this case, Kimber’s name lives up to the expectation. This isn’t just a 1911 that could serve as a duty gun; it did serve as Sean’s duty weapon for years as a deputy sheriff.

That said, like many 1911 pistols, the Kimber Warrior does need to be fed a diet of ammo and magazines it likes. But with good ammo and good magazines, this gun is ready to rock and roll when you need it.

Maybe best of all, the accuracy is outstanding, considering this isn’t a match 1911.

Make sure to take a look at Sean’s complete accounting of his many years of owning the Kimber Warrior!

7. Colt Delta Elite (10mm)

If you live in an area where four-legged creatures are a threat, enjoy hunting with a handgun, or just like the 10mm cartridge for self-defense, Colt’s freshly revised Delta Elite may be what you’re looking for.

The venerable 10mm outperforms most other self-defense cartridges for semi-automatic weapons. While it is a bit more expensive to shoot, it is quite versatile if you reload your own ammo.

Please keep in mind that if the .45 ACP or .40 S&W recoil bothers you, you’ll need to stay away from 10mm, because it’s even snappier.

For $200 more, you can get a Delta Elite with a Picatinny rail that allows you to mount a light or laser below the 5-inch barrel.

Want more 1911s in 10mm? Check out our separate article.

8. Smith & Wesson SW1911SC E-Series

For those looking for an excellent mid-sized carry 1911, check out the 4.25-inch commander S&W 1911SC E-Series.

The E-Series 1911s depart from your standard steel or aluminum frame in favor of a lighter scandium alloy frame.

Other great features include tritium night sights, unique fish scale front and rear slide serrations, checkered front and backstraps, ambidextrous thumb safety, and a rounded butt for added concealability.

These features, combined with the commander-length barrel, make this one of our top picks for those serious about using a 1911 as an everyday carry gun.

9. Dan Wesson Vigil

Even though the Vigil is the entry-level 1911 in the Dan Wesson lineup, it is still nicer than just about any other option in the same price range.

Dan Wesson is well-known in the 1911 community for making some of the best pistols out of the box without having to spend for a true custom gun.

A crisp trigger, tritium front sight, extended beaver tail, checkered front and backstraps, forged aluminum frame, and forged steel slide ensures that the Vigil has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

10. Sig Sauer STX

If you need a great 1911 for something like duty carry, you can’t go wrong with a Sig. They offer a few 1911 models, but the one to make this list is the STX.

A wide mag well, Nitron stainless steel slide, adjustable combat night sights, ambidextrous safety, and custom burled maple grips complete the package.

$1,500+

There are many 1911s that fall into this price range, with some costing several thousands of dollars. This is where custom makers begin to enter the market with absolutely gorgeous firearms with all the bells and whistles.

11. Wilson Combat CQB with Rail

If you have the coin and want the absolute best, go with the Wilson CQB Tactical LE.

Wilson Combat is synonymous with 1911s and high-quality parts. Many people seeking to upgrade their guns, or just have quality magazines, turn to Wilson.

I’ve built a couple of 1911s and always fall back to Wilson parts. Every time I didn’t, I ended up junking that part and bought Wilson.

For me, the CQB has it all…the Wilson quality, rails, aggressive grips, and fiber optic sights.

And now I finally have one! Full review coming soon…

12. Vickers Tactical Master Class 1911

Brought to you by Wilson Combat, Larry Vickers, and Springfield Armory — this is a badass gun. Period.

The Vickers Master Class is most certainly a gun designed with a mission. From the sights to the trigger and beyond, the gun is modernized and perfected for combat.

Where this gun differs from your plain old 1911 is in the combat-oriented features.

Wilson Combat has several upgrades in this gun that most people have to install after they buy a gun, but here it comes standard.

The trigger, the hammer, and more are upgraded over what you would normally get — we love that!

The sights are one of the best upgrades, with the rear sight being a Vickers Elite blacked-out rear sight, and the front is a high visibility day and night sight. They are quick to acquire and easy to get on target. 

There is a lot more to say about the Vickers Master Class, so check out our hands-on review of it.

Bottom line — if you’re ready to spend this kind of cash, this needs to be on your shortlist.