The Beretta 80X Cheetah is a modernized version of Beretta’s older 84 Cheetah line. Nice updates to the platform include improved ergonomics, an optics-ready slide, and an accessory rail. These guns are a bit bigger than most .380 ACP guns, and feel more substantial and easier to shoot. If you want something between a compact 9mm pistol and a pocket .380, the 80X Cheetah is that perfect in-between.
The full-size CZ Shadow 2 is one of the most winning competition handguns of all time. The CZ Shadow 2 Compact takes all the shootability, ergonomics, accuracy, and performance of the larger Shadow 2 and scales it down into a package that is suitable for concealed carry. While this kind of performance doesn’t come cheap, the discerning concealed-carrier may find it worth it to spend the money to get something that shoots as well as this.
The Kel-Tec RDB Survival is an interesting 5.56 rifle that can easily fill multiple roles. Its slim and compact bullpup design makes it ideal for use as a camping gun, survival rifle, truck gun, or even a home defense tool. The downward-ejecting design and reversible charging handle also mean this rifle is a true ambidextrous gun.
Kimber scaled up their micro-compact R7 Mako and added some new features with their new Mako Carbon Compact. An aggressive trigger guard undercut, extended magwell, optics-ready slide, and improved ergonomics make this gun an outstanding entry into the ultra-thin carry gun market. Excellent reliability and accuracy help the Mako Carbon Compact further compete with guns like the Sig P365 X-Macro and the Springfield Hellcat Pro.
The PSA AK-47 is Palmetto State Armory’s rifle for people who want to stick to the classics. Get all the AK-47 vibes you want, but with slightly more modern furniture and a “Made in the U.S.A.” label. We shot several types of ammo using a few types of magazines, and the PSA AK-47 ate it all up with no malfunctions.
Springfield’s latest iteration of the 1911 TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) brought some welcome upgrades to an already loved line of pistols. Exacting fitment, aggressive grip texturing, optics-ready options, and premium materials put these 1911s firmly in the “semi-custom” bracket. You are getting much of the look and feel of a custom 1911, thanks to the hand-fitting process the TRPs undergo. If you are looking for a high-end 1911 without crossing the $2,000 threshold, the 1911 TRPs are some of the better options.
Weighing in at just 6.6 ounces and measuring 0.75 inches wide, the KelTec P32 is the smallest semi-automatic centerfire handgun on the market. Despite its diminutive size, the P32 still offers an impressive 7+1 capacity and uses a short-recoil operating system. A 5-pound double-action-only trigger pull rounds the features out. Designed for deep concealment, the P32 is ideal for a variety of carry situations and styles.
“The Glock 26 is affectionately known as the “baby Glock.” This 6.41-inch long sub-compact handgun is the smallest of Glock’s 9mm models. And while it’s a great concealed carry gun, the G26’s small size makes the handgun difficult to handle for people with large hands. The G26 didn’t get the nickname “baby Glock” for no reason – it’s tiny.
When Glock released the G26 Gen 4, they added two great features — adjustable backstraps and a magazine-release button that’s easier to access. While these modifications helped make the handgun easier to handle, the gun’s small size may take some getting used to.
Like with other Glock products, the “baby Glock” is designed to be just as durable and accurate as its predecessors. It comes with a 10-round magazine, so you don’t get as much firepower as you would with bigger 9mm Glocks. Don’t let the size fool you though, the G26 is just as strong as full-sized 9mms.
The G26 is designed for one primary purpose: concealed carry. If you’re looking for a gun that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and easy to lug around, you won’t find a better match. Its small size makes the G26 the best gun for shooters who need compactness over versatility.” – Brandon Harville
The DSA SA58 Improved Battle Rifle takes the ruggedness and reliability of the original FAL design and adds modern features. This rifle uses the B.R.S. (Battle Rifle Buttstock), which is adjustable for length-of-pull and comb, and also allows the gun to fire when folded. Also present is DSA’s extreme duty Picatinny scope mount and M-LOK front handguard. This allows you to mount all the optics and accessories you need to bring one of the most proven rifle designs in the world into the 21st century.
The SD9VE was Smith & Wesson’s first major success in the striker-fired, polymer pistol market. Modeled off of their previous Sigma lineup, the SD9VE set out to provide a reliable, robust, but affordable alternative to competitors like Glock. These guns feature a 4-inch stainless steel barrel, 16-round magazine capacity, three-dot sights, a Picatinny rail, and sport a distinctive two-tone finish.
