Beretta collaborated with Ernest Langdon to create the PX4 Compact Carry. This model features a 15+1 capacity, an accessory rail, a low profile slide stop, a retractable lanyard loop, and a cold hammer forged rotating barrel. Langdon has added night sights, a lightened and smoothed trigger pull, and Talon grips to the PX4 to help make this a home-run concealed carry hammer-fired pistol.
The DD4 RIII uphold’s Daniel Defense’s reputation for building premium rifles that deliver tack-driving accuracy and battlefield reliability. The free-floating RIS III handguard is lightweight, rigid, and offers plenty of M-LOK slots for mounting accessories. It comes in SBR and carbine variants and, while they’re all expensive, you get what you pay for in this case.
Many AR-9s are pushed to market as cheaper alternatives to more expensive pistol-caliber carbines, but not the Angstadt Arms UDP-9. Despite still being a direct-blowback firearm, these feature a much higher build quality with some excellent features like a flared magwell and last-round bolt hold open. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate PCC that has AR-like controls and uses common Glock magazines, this is a great option.
The BCM Recce-16 offers a solid set of features and improved build quality at a reasonable price point. Outstanding reliability, solid accuracy, and improved furniture make the Recce-16 a ready-to-go duty rifle right out of the box. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a step up from a $500-850 AR-15 but do not want to spend $2,000 or more on a gucci-tier rifle.
The Springfield Echelon 4.0C is a new entry into the highly competitive compact handgun market. While the Echelon 4.0C does not break any truly new ground, its features are well thought out and well executed. Notably, the universal optics mounting system allows for the direct mounting of over 30 different optics without the need for plates. Additionally, the fire control group is serialized and can be easily swapped into a different frame with a different slide configuration. These features, coupled with the ambi controls, make this gun feature-rich and very modular. The Echelon 4.0C should not be overlooked as a potential concealed-carry gun or do-it-all pistol.
The Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison is an absolute gem of a gun and one of the best value 1911s on the market. For $750 – $850, you get a 1911 with an outstanding trigger, amazing accuracy, and a beautiful hot salt blued finish. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end 1911s, it’s got looks that kill and performance to match – all at an affordable price.
“The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is a great gun for those that need a little help in the racking department. The slide rides smoothly on the rails, making it easy to load a round in the chamber. Ergonomics are pretty good, except for the slide release which is just okay. Overall, it’s a soft and smooth shooter — perfect for those with hand difficulties, new shooters, or older shooters.”
“The Ruger LCP II is a fantastic option for people looking for an easily concealed .380 ACP pistol. It is surprisingly accurate, considering its size, and plenty reliable for self-defense. One thing we’d like to see is better customization options. All in all, we really like this gun.”
Glock 19 is the most proven compact semi-automatic handgun on the market today. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Glock 19 is a versatile compact version of the standard Glock option. It’s great for use as a backup weapon, concealed carry, or service pistol. The Gen 5 in particular has made some great improvements which include an ambidextrous slide stop lever, flared mag-well, and upgraded barrel design, just to name a few. The G19 has been a favorite amongst police agencies and military units and for good reasons. This gun is simple to operate and easy to maintain, making it a great first gun, CCW, or home defense weapon.
The Canik TP9SFX is a true competition-ready pistol with a price tag that won’t break the bank. For under $600, you get a pistol that is absolutely packed with features. From its crisp trigger, its extended controls, to its ability to mount most standard micro red dots, the TP9SFX is more than willing to stand up against its higher-priced competitors. You aren’t likely to find a more accurate and easy shooting gun for the price, and if you are looking to dip your toes into competitive shooting or just want a great shooting range gun or home defense pistol, the TP9SFX might be the ticket.
“This is a very accurate and precise gun that’s consistent in its ability to hit your target. Contributing to its accuracy is the fact it’s easy to control, and you’re unlikely to flinch firing it. This gun feels excellent in the handle. The front and rear texturing is a nice touch, and the grip fits just right in the hand. The magazine release and slide lock are easy to reach and engage. All in all, it’s a little dated but still a good gun.” – Travis Pike
