Classic lines, cheap ammo, and an affordable rifle are all calling cards of the Henry Golden Boy .22 LR. For those looking for some western-style lever-action fun, it is hard to pass up the 6.75 lb brass and walnut beauty of the Golden Boy. Its low weight, adjustable buckhorn sights, and good balance help make this rifle easy to shoot offhand and fun to plink with. A good trigger, a smooth lever action, and the low recoil of .22 LR will be sure to put a smile on your face for hours on end.
The Staccato C is a 9mm pistol that, while pricey, is worth every penny. Its upgraded features, like an optics-ready slide, 4-inch bull barrel, crisp trigger, and sleek ergonomics, make it a worthy contender for defensive, competition, and even concealed carry purposes. It is accurate and reliable, proving itself on the range during our testing. The only real drawbacks are the price tag and a mag release that might be tough to reach for smaller-handedd shooters.
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.
“Swinging for the fences at $392 MSRP, the 9mm Taurus is designed specifically for those that want to concealed carry but also don’t need a tricked-out Gucci Glock to do it. Ergonomically, it’s okay. It feels good in the hand, but its diminutive size is both a good and bad thing. As far as controls are concerned, everything is more or less where you expect it – all within reach and easy to manipulate. The magazine release might be a tad too shallow for my liking, but it’s billed as a carry gun, and carry guns typically carry smaller controls. Also, the grip is short…our bigger-handed reviewers had to adjust their grip not to blow their fingers off…So watch out for that.” – Johnny B.
The Tavor X95 is the next-generation version of the popular Tavor SAR from IWI. Having been in service with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) since 2010, the X95 has proven itself to be a rugged, reliable, compact combat rifle. New additions to the X95 over its predecessor include a lighter 5-6 pound trigger, repositioning of the ambi mag release to a more favorable spot, a Picatinny railed forearm, and better placement of the charging handle. It is available in either a 16.5 or 18.5-inch barrel, giving an overall length of either 26.1 or 28.1 inches. While it is a bit heavier at around 8 pounds, this long-stroke gas piston gun bullpup provides solid accuracy and reliability in an easy-to-maneuver package.
The Glock 30 is a .45 ACP that punches above its class when it comes to concealed carry. While it still features those Glock ergonomics, which you either love or hate, it shoots well and is extremely reliable. A shorter grip area might prove difficult for some shooters to get a full firing grip. If you can deal with a loose pinky, though, it’s a soft shooting .45 ACP that is perfect for those who want to CCW something other than 9mm.
