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 M1 Garand was the first standard-issue self-loading rifle adopted by the US. A simple but elegant design, the Garand uses a long-stroke gas piston that operates a rotating bolt. It is fed by an 8-round en-bloc clip that makes the distinctive “ping” sound once the clip is automatically ejected after all the rounds are spent. Chambered in the powerful 30-06 cartridge, the semi-automatic Garand gave US soldiers a huge edge over enemies and allies alike who were still using slower bolt-action rifles.
The Ruger P90 is an upscaled version of Ruger’s solid P89 platform but chambered in .45 ACP. It utilizes a SIG P220-style locking system with a 1911-style tilting barrel. Features include an ambidextrous decocker/safety combo, a 4.5-inch stainless steel barrel, and a 7 or 8+1 standard capacity. The frame is investment cast aluminum, with most of the internal parts being constructed from stainless or carbon steel. Ruger set out to produce an affordable, rugged service gun, and the P90 accomplishes that.
In the late 1970s, Sig set out to make a concealable law enforcement pistol before the era of easily concealable 9mm guns. After a long run, Sig updated the pistol in 1996, creating the P232 model. These are direct-blowback, fixed barrel, single-stack .380 ACP pistols that bear a similarity to the Walther PPK. It features a DA/SA trigger, a frame-mounted decocker, a heel magazine release, and a standard capacity of 7+1. It was available with a blued finish and aluminum frame, as well as an all stainless frame and finish version.
The Arex Delta Gen 2 M offers great features at a great price. This striker-fired pistol features fully ambidextrous controls out of the box that require no swapping, four backstraps, and a standard Picatinny accessory rail. Great ergonomics, an optics-ready slide, and a short reset trigger round things out. While it may seem similar to much of the competition, Arex is offering all of this at a price that beats many of its peers.
While known for their muzzleloaders, CVA set out to make a feature-rich, affordable bolt action rifle. A threaded barrel, detachable box magazine, and generously textured stock ensure that you won’t be lacking out of the box. With an affordable price of around $500, the Cascade is a strong contender for people looking for a solid hunting-rifle on a budget.
Springfield Armory’s Hellion is a fresh take on the bullpup configuration, where the action is located behind the trigger. It features an overall length of just 28.25 inches while maintaining a 16” barrel. The Hellion also sports completely ambidextrous controls and a reversible case ejection system. The result is a 5.56 rifle that combines portability, performance, and user adjustability.
The TP9 Elite SC was the first sub-compact version of the TP9 series from Canik. The Elite SC has the same features as the full-size models while being designed to be snag free and concealable. These features include 12 and 15-round double-stack magazines, front serrations, and day and night sight options with co-witness capability. Each Elite SC is optics-ready and accepts RMS/RMSc pattern optics, making this gun ready to go out of the box.
The FN 15 Patrol Carbine has the same features as the standard FN 15 Carbine model but with a 16” button-broached chrome-lined barrel, Samson flip-up rear sight, and a Midwest Industries carbine-length quad rail hand guard. Equipped with the standard A2 furniture and an A2 front sight block, the FN 15 Patrol Carbine is a basic, no-frills, reliable carbine that is well suited to patrol and hard-duty use.
The RIA VR80 is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12ga shotgun that offers familiar AR-15 ergonomics and controls for comfort. It is magazine-fed with a standard capacity of 5+1 and fires 2-3/4” and 3” shells. An M-LOK rail allows for easy mounting of accessories, making it the VR80 a versatile shotgun at a very reasonable price.
Walther took their renowned PPQ design and combined it with the classic American .45 ACP caliber to produce an accurate pistol with minimal recoil and excellent ergonomics. The PPQ 45 has a magazine capacity of 12 rounds and also features Walther’s famous quick defense trigger. An ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release ensure it is a great fit for both lefties and righties. The result is a user-friendly, reliable handgun with top-notch accuracy and reliability.
