The Taurus TX22 is a great choice for target shooting, plinking, small game hunting, and sometimes even self-defense. Most .22 LR pistols hold 10 rounds due to concerns about rimlocking. However, Taurus seems to have figured this problem out and created an ergonomic, great-shooting rimfire pistol with a capacity of 16 rounds. The TX22 features a polymer frame with an ergonomic grip design and match-grade threaded bull barrel. Overall, the Taurus TX22 is a reliable and accurate 22LR pistol that’s ideal for a variety of uses. As with most Taurus products, it comes in at an attractive price point, and its features have put it ahead of many of the guns in its class.
The Sig P365 is an impressive micro 9mm with a great track record. This gun is a popular subcompact semi-auto pistol, designed for CCW and self defense. Some of it’s key features include a 10-round capacity, which is higher than many of its competitors, compact and modular, has XRAY3 Day/Night sights providing visibility in low light conditions, and ambi controls. We’ve tested this gun time and time again. As our writer puts it, “The rest of the industry has had a couple of years to catch up but the P365 is still an impressive micro 9mm that is super popular as a CCW option.” – Travis Pike
The FN 509 Tactical is based on the pistol FN submitted for the US Army Modular Handgun Trials. While it is very much like the standard 509, the Tactical model features an optics-ready slide that allows for the low-profile mounting of red dots. Also included are tritium night sights, with the rear sights sporting protective wings to help avoid any damage during hard use. Present is a 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged threaded barrel. Controls are fully ambidextrous and the 509 Tactical comes with one 17-round and one 24-round magazine. Like the base model the 509 Tactical shines as a full-size duty pistol.
“Daniel Defense delivers a reliable, accurate AR-15 in the DDM4 V7 with enough extras to keep 5.56 fans interested. Though the pistol grip’s ergonomics are less than ideal, this rifle more than makes up for that with QD mounts, a threaded barrel, and an improved muzzle brake.” – John C.
Daniel Defense’s Mk18 runs extremely well. It’s a blast to shoot and handled well in CQB-type training scenarios. We’ve put well over 1,000 rounds through our model, and it’s still running like it did day one. We did have a little trouble with DD proprietary mags — but that was managed by removing a couple of rounds and gently seating it into the magwell. PMAGs run great, though!
The Mk18 is a fun pistol or SBR option (depending on what you prefer). Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it offers a 10.3-inch barrel on a 28.6-inch overall length. Pistol versions sport an SB-Tactical pistol stabilizing brace (keep an eye out, though, as laws may be changing there).
Yes, it looks like an Ugg boot…now with that out of the way, the FN SCAR 17S is a nifty rifle that will make all your range mates jealous. Though it feels clunky, and there’s not a ton of aftermarket here, it brings a smooth, reliable shooting experience. Plus, it’s just fun. The folding stock makes it easy to tote to and from the range. It also has rails for optics but beware it will destroy cheap optics. Only the finest of glass here.
The FN SCAR 17S is chambered in .308 and offers a reliable rifle with a folding stock. It features a 16.25-inch barrel with 1:12 RH twist and a magazine capacity of 10 or 20 rounds, depending on your state. It’s a clunky 8 pounds, but shoots well and performs reliably.
“The Shield 9 Plus is about as small as you can go and still have an easily useable platform with ergonomic controls across a range of hand sizes…any smaller and compromises begin to occur. That said, Smith did an excellent job with this pistol, making it accurate, easy to use, and wholly concealable.” – Sean Curtis
The Galil ACE is IWI’s modern version of their original Galil ARM, which itself was a sort of the AK-47/Valmet/AR-15 mashup. The ACE uses the same mechanics as the original Galil, but in a lighter, smaller platform with a polymer lower receiver.
Considered widely to be the ultimate refinement of the AK-style platform, the Galil ACE in 7.62x39mm is a gas piston operated rifle that adds numerous improvements over its predecessors. A non-reciprocating left-side charging handle, M-LOK free float handguard, full-length Picatinny top rail, and a folding M4 style buttstock ensure that those who enjoy the 7.62x39mm cartridge have a rifle that is adapted for modern times and modern accessories.
The Beretta APX A1 was created by taking feedback from various professional and recreational shooters and applying it to their already successful APX platform. Improved ergonomics, aggressive slide serrations, and an upgraded trigger provide a better hand feel and shooting experience than its predecessor. The low bore axis helps reduce muzzle flip and recoil, improving accuracy. Additionally, it features a blacked-out rear sight and tritium front sight combo and is also optics-ready out of the box. Ambidextrous capable controls and interchangeable backstraps round out the feature set and ensure that the APX A1 is a fit for any hand.
