Pew Pew Meter

“If you are a fan of the Glock G19, then this gun will be totally familiar to you from the get-go. However, if you’re not familiar with the G19, then this gun might come as a pleasant surprise. It doesn’t matter which camp you’re in ― the Lone Wolf LTD-9 is a gun that will put its bullets where it looks and will last a while. I think you owe it to yourself to give this Wolf a try.” – Mike Hardesty

The LTD 19 V2 is a 9mm semi-auto built on the Glock design but with elevated features like an enlarged mag release and slide stop. This optics ready pistol boasts a 15-round capacity and a total length of 7.16 inches with a 4-inch barrel.

The Springfield XD-M Elite chambered in 9mm offers up a concealed carry pistol with a 14+1 capacity. Built on the infamous XD design, the Elite takes the platform further with fiber optic sights and an optics-ready slide.

The Springfield XD-M Elite chambered in .45 ACP offers up a concealed carry pistol with a 10+1 capacity. Built on the infamous XD design, the Elite takes the platform further with fiber optic sights and an optics-ready slide.

The Springfield XD-M Elite chambered in 10mm offers up a concealed carry pistol with an 11+1 capacity. Built on the infamous XD design, the Elite takes the platform further with fiber optic sights and an optics-ready slide.

“The Toro is Taurus red dot ready version of the GX4. Not only does it run a red dot, but it has a mag extender giving a total capacity of 13+1. Its magazine release was a little shallow, but it’s billed as a carry gun, and carry guns typically include smaller controls. With practice we got used to it and the mags cleared freely when dropped. The magazine extension adds round and also makes the gun easier to handle. As far as shooting, it feels way less snappy than we anticipated. Overall, we liked it!” – Sean Curtis

Mossberg’s MC2sc is the company’s venture into the micro compact, red dot ready pistol world. Built on the MC2c platform, this 9mm offers a tiny way to carry. It sports 11+1 rounds with a standard mag and 14+1 with an extended mag.

“The CZ P-09 is an overall excellent handgun.  It’s a modern option for those who desire a polymer frame, hammer-fired, DA/SA gun.  It’s taken the CZ-75 platform and brought it into the modern era of defensive handguns. The P-09 is a great handgun, and it performs where it needs to.” – Travis Pike

“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.

The Henry Big Boy Classic is a slick-looking entry into Henry’s Big Boy series. It offers a 20-inch barrel and 10-round capacity with a lever-action design. Practically, it’s not the best for defensive situations, but its sheer fun makes up for that.

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).

“At $1,000 plus, you might be tempted to stop and weigh out your options. That’s a lot of cheddar. But the Mossberg 930 SPX Tactical is super reliable, ergonomically decent with its various models, and accurate.” – Sean Curtis