TM 2020 defensive handgun issue

Walther Q4 SF OR 4 This smooth-running steel-framed striker-fired machine screams German detail and build quality. Dave Bahde 4 Springfield Armory XDM Elite OSP 14 The new-for-2020 suppressor/optic ready XDM Elite, 26 with its 22+1 round capacity, brings many upgrades to this time-tested platform. Dave Bahde Modern day classics 24 We test four handguns with new-production performance, but with disco-era looks, including the Nighthawk Colt Series 70, Springfield Armory Ronin Operator, Smith & Wesson Model 29 Classic and 30 OT Staff 36 Ruger 57 46 Laser-beam accurate, dead reliable and with excellent ergonomics, there’s never been a better time to buy a 5.7x28mm chambered handgun Bill Battles New defensive handgun gear 52 The latest and greatest in new ammo, holsters, triggers, sights and more. 40 OT Staff 52 SAR USA SAR9X Platinum 58 An upgraded version of one of the most rigorously tested handguns ever. Bill Battles Wilson Combat WCP320 Grip Module 66 Superior ergonomics for your SIG P320 in under a minute. Chris Mudgett 53 Gun & Gear Giveaway contest 70 66 Enter to win a Beretta Handgun and gear package, Crossbreed holster and a case of Fiocchi ammo worth over $1,500. OT Staff 70 On Our Cover: Springfield’s new XDM Elite OSP wearing a Trijicon RMR HRS optic, Silencerco Omega 9K suppressor and SureFire’s XH30 Masterfire Weaponlight, flanked by SureFire’s Masterfire Holster. Photo by Ben Battles. ontargetmagazine.com 4 EDITOR Ben Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Mackenzie Battles [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF ONLINE CONTENT Angela Battles [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING Editors Massad Ayoob, David Bahde, Guy Coursey, Mike Dickerson, Bill Battles, Chris Mudgett, 2xtreme

advertising sales Byers Media, LLC Tel.: (989) 826-3296 Fax.: (989) 826-6926

Ken Byers [email protected]

Autumn Ifland [email protected]

Ryan Palmer [email protected]

Chris Mudgett [email protected]

CIRCULATION Angela Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

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On Target is a trademark of Phoenix Publishing, Inc. Entire contents copyright ©2020 by Phoenix Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. 5 ontargetmagazine.com Walther Q4 SF This smooth-running machine screams German detail and build quality

ne of Walther’s most popular is a bit of an enigma: Oan all steel, 41.6 ounce, 5-inch match called the Q5 Match Steel Frame. Introduced in January 2019, it was a hit from the start. It was about perfect for shooting competitions; fast, accurate, smooth and optics ready. Swimming in a sea of plastic, many in the industry shook their heads at a “heavy” pistol. Most were focused on lightweight polymer or alloy frames that were more art than function, and designed to be carried often and used only if necessary, it’s seemingly all about turning your pistol into Swiss cheese in a weight-saving effort. With an entire generation of shooters never actually using an all-steel pistol, the Walther seemed odd—at least until they it. Was it heavy by comparison, sure, but it was insanely accurate, and completely controllable. It’s 5-inch barrel made carry a tad inconvenient, as it was really a competition pistol, so the

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7 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 8 Specifications: Weight: 40 Ounces (unloaded) Overall Length: 7.4 Inches Barrel Length: 4.00 Inches Frame: machined Steel Sights: Serrated Front, Adjustable Rear/Optics Ready Capacity: 15+1 Retail Price: $1,399.00 (standard) $1,499.00 (Optics Ready)

is nothing new. So why a heavy gun? Well, it’s pretty simple: all-steel pistols are easier to shoot, generally due to less and Walther muzzle rise, and for most they make accu- racy easier—that being my priority. These were fighting pistols I carried, not carry pis- Q4 SF tols I fought with if needed. This Walther clamoring for a more-compact Q4 began Q4 SF (steel frame) you’re reading about almost immediately. Walther was listening here splits the difference quite nicely. and has come through with flying colors. Walther Q4 SF 9mm Carrying Steel Machined from solid steel-billet, the My first “carry” pistol was a stainless frame and slide are strong, smooth and Colt Python used through the academy, result in a very well-balanced pistol. Typ- weighing in at 42 ounces. Like most baby ical Walther ergonomics allow the Q4 SF cops, that was all I had and could not afford to melt into your hand. The grip may be another one. A department change moved large for some, but replacing grip panels me to a S&W model 686 (about the same with slim versions solves that issue. Using weight as the Python) then a 6906, an all the same grip as the Q5 has resulted in an steel semi-auto. As time passed I suffered aftermarket for some stunning panels of through duty plastic until the policy (the varied grip texturing, many of which are one I authored) allowed for more liberal thinner. Checkering is present on the front personal carry. From that point forward my strap and guard with a contoured primary duty and carry pistol was generally and beveled magazine well. Controls match an all steel 1911 in .45 ACP, or a stainless the polymer Q4; easy to reach with either Colt Delta Elite (10mm), both of which hand, yet recessed for concealed carry. The hovered around 45 ounces fully loaded. I rear beavertail on the SF is deeper and more carried them in one form or another for pronounced than the Q4 Tactical previously close to 20 years, so carrying heavy sidearms tested, which results in a higher grip-to-bore 9 ontargetmagazine.com 1

1—Machined from solid steel-billet, the frame and slide are strong, smooth and result in a very well-balanced pistol. A full-length accessory rail allows for lights or aiming aids and the barrel is match-grade and 4.0 inches long.

2—The elongated/serrat- ed slide stop is ambidex- trous and easy to reach with the thumb of the firing hand, and oversized/ serrated magazine release button can be installed in either side of the frame. Trigger weight is approxi- mately 5.5 pounds. 2

lights or aiming aids. Trigger weight is approximately 5.5 Walther The Q4 SF trigger is very clean, pounds and consistent from shot to since the striker assembly is pre-load- shot. Internal safeties include trigger, Q4 SF ed when the pistol is charged. Trigger and disconnector. The “pull” is solely due to spring tension external trigger is a fourth. line relationship that rolls over the from the trigger and disconnector The slide includes front and rear web of your hand, locking it in place. springs. Travel is short by compar- cocking serrations. Sights on the A full-length accessory rail allows for ison, with a reset of only .10 inch. standard model are carry oriented, 11 ontargetmagazine.com 1 1—Optic plates avail- able for the Leupold Delta Point Pro (pic- tured), Trijicon RMR, and Doctor Optic cuts, allowing fitment of most red dots on the market. Mounting plates do not ship with the pistol. 2—Both versions of the Q4 SF ship with two 15-round magazines. Textured, full wrap-around grip panels paired with expertly-cut front strap checkering give excellent traction — 2 even with sweaty mitts.

longer and taller serrated front sight. market. Mounting plates do not Walther The top of the slide is serrated to cut ship with the pistol and can be hard down on glare. The barrel is match- to get right now—luckily, I still had Q4 SF grade and 4.0 inches long. the Q4 Tactical in inventory and was Optic plates available for the able to mount a Leupold Delta Point using phosphoric dots. The op- Leupold Delta Point Pro, Trijicon Pro for testing. Plates are a tad thick, tics-ready version uses an adjustable RMR, and Doctor Optic cuts, allow but they mount easily using the two rear sight with no dots and a slightly fitment of most red dots on the screws holding the sight plate in place

13 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 14 tery with or without the RDS and/ more like a custom pistol than a steel this pistol a try—it is pure joy to Performance: Velocity Group Size 1 or Surefire 300 Ultra tactical light version of a polymer counterpart. shoot. In fact, take a friend to the Remington 115-gr. +P htp 1,160 1.80 inches attached. Even on a dusty and windy Just racking the slide feels different, range that has never fired a finely Federal HST 124-gr. 1,100 1.90 inches day it just would not stop running no even from aluminum and other alloy machined made from steel Wilson Combat 124-gr. XTP +P 1,175 1.25 inches matter how fast I ran the trigger. slides. Retail is $1,399 for the stan- and watch the reaction ... it’s price- Hornady 124-gr. xtp 1,080 1.75 inches I have always found the extra dard version, while the Optics Ready less. See it at your local dealer or Black Hills 115-gr. +P 1,347 1.55 inches weight of an alloy or steel pistol ben- model adds another $100. contact Walther Arms; Tel.: (479) Doubletap 115-gr. TAC-xpd 1,300 1.50 Inches eficial when moving between targets. Will this be for everyone? Proba- 242-8500. Web: waltherarms.com Groups fired from a sand bag rest on the hood of my truck. Range was 25 yards. Three 5-shot groups It takes some getting used to but for bly not, but it is well suited to pro- were fired for comparison. Velocity in feet per second measured with a Chrony chronograph. me it is smoother with less wobble fessional work, duty or otherwise, where I stop. A tad different with ri- and will likely be a hit on the 2—Between the 40-ounce empty weight, excellent fles, but this is an excellent competi- competition range. Even ergonomics and an extended beavertail, the Q4 SF stays if it is not the one for positively planted in your hands under recoil, with measur- tion pistol for those allowing factory ably less muzzle rise and felt recoil than its polymer-frame RDS or with iron sights. you, everyone equivalent. No stoppages were experienced during testing. If you are going to carry a heavier should give pistol its really all about the holster, belt and proper placement. It will never be “as comfortable” in the 1—The best 5-shot group during long run as your latest super light testing came from Wilson Com- compact, but depending on your bat’s 124-grain XTP +P at just a build it can certainly be done. I have tad over 1.25 inches at 25 yards. Everything was under 2 inches, and known a ton of slighter built officers most were around 1.5 inches. over the years that never had an issue with a full-sized 1911.

Bottom Line Walther’s Q4 SF screams German detail and build quality. This is a smooth-running machine that feels

Walther Q4 SF 2 and provide a very solid mounting polymer-framed Q4 Tac- platform. While you can see and use tical, you could imme- the front sight if necessary it is not diately tell the difference; co-witnessed. Both versions of the Q4 less muzzle-rise and felt SF ship with two 15-round magazines recoil, and with a firm grip in a Walther hard plastic case. and stance, the pistol barely moves when shooting practice Range Time ammunition. Running +P loads Walther didn’t just whack off from Black Hills, Wilson Combat, an inch of the barrel on the Q5 to and Doubletap Ammunition was create a shorter version. This pistol downright pleasant. The combina- was designed from the ground up in tion of the extra weight, deeper palm these days. With the Leupold Delta its steel form and it shows, with an swell and balance create a recipe Point Pro zeroed at 50 yards it put almost perfect balance. Shoot- for some pretty amazing accuracy. 10 shots of Doubletap 115 grain +P ing side-by-side with the My best group came from Wilson into a fist sized group—I’m not sure Combat’s 124-grain XTP +P at just you could make a more accurate a tad over 1.25 inches at 25 yards. 4-inch, striker-fired pistol. Everything was under 2 inches, and Reliability was excellent with ev- most were around 1.5 inches. Four erything used, including some IRTG rounds touching with a flyer was (It Runs The Gun) competition not uncommon, which is my loads. No stoppages were experienced usual with pistols and it never failed to go into bat- 15 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 16 dave bahde ben battles

aving tested Springfield Armory XD pistols since Armory has brought it all together. High-capacity, optics Htheir introduction in 2002, I’ve found them to be and suppressor ready, and with the META trigger it is the among the most comfortable-shooting pistols on the culmination of years of development and customer input. market today, commanding a very strong following among owners. Several officers purchased their own, carrying them Dots and Cans as duty pistols when I was the department armorer. They Like most long-in-the-tooth shooters (especially those were accurate, reliable, and—aside from some magazine with a police background) red-dot sights have been a slow issues very early on—served well. With the introduction of burn. Over time that has changed and I have become a the XD-M (Match) version in 2008 they only increased in pretty strong advocate of them. Maybe it’s experience, or popularity. Often seen at local action-pistol matches, they maybe age and a failing ability to get anything that resem- continued their popularity as model choices grew. As time bles “focus” on a front sight. Up close there is not much of passed several models have been added, including those an advantage for me, but at distance a red-dot sight is night accepting red-dot sights and suppressors. Testing the Elite and day, making it a regular feature on any pistol I carry OSP using a Vortex red-dot sight and Liberty suppressor consistently. Arguments still rage, just like they did for red- it was accurate, reliable and truly a blast to shoot. With dots on , but the battle is about over. Regularly seen in the introduction of the XD-M Elite series, Springfield competition and duty, even the military has adopted them

17 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 18 1—As of writing this, the new XDM Elite platform is available in five different configurations and three different slide lengths. Our test pistol was the flat-dark earth colored 4.5” OSP model with a 1/2x28 5.28- inch threaded barrel for at- taching a sound suppressor.

Specifications: Action: Striker Fired Caliber: 9mm Barrel Length: 5.28 inches OAL: 8.6 inches Weight: 30 ounces 1 MSRP: $709 for certain applications. Red-dots are here to stay. people who are sensitive to , they tend to tame Threaded pistol barrels for suppressors are still warming recoil a bit as well. I have also used them to great effect on me. Some suppressors are pretty short and you can at hunting hogs with a handgun, especially with a red-dot least fantasize about practical application. For the most sight, or even better, night vision and infrared light. Not part, they are just flat out fun, especially on rimfire pistols. much for concealment, they have their place in the tactical Zero recoil, incredibly quiet and easy to shoot, they smack world, but remain pretty rare in real world applications. of fun on the range. Attaching a suppressor to your .22 LR Pistols that accommodate both a red-dot sight and suppres- pistol is the epitome of fun plinking on the range. Move sor are starting to pop up, and Springfield Armory’s XDM- to center fire and they still have their advantages. Great for Elite OSP is one fine example. 19 ontargetmagazine.com 1

2 Springfield Armory XD-M Elite OSP 9mm The new XD-M Elite pistols are built around Springfield Armory’s META (Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly) trigger, one of the smoothest factory triggers out there on a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. A flat face provides control and speed, while the integral overtravel stop provides precision. Reset is short and it has proven reliable and predictable. Capacity with the removable magwell is a healthy 22 +1 rounds of 9mm. Remove the magwell and you still have 20+1 rounds. Er- gonomics have been improved for a solid grip and comfortable feel over long range sessions. Controls are improved, with an ambidextrous slide stop to match the ambi magazine release. Enhanced slide serrations are cut on a slide that contains a match-grade, ham- mer-forged barrel with loaded indicator. Although fitted with a 4.5-inch slide, this model includes a threaded (1/2 x 1—Slide stop and magazine release are both ambidextrous. Optic ready 28) 5.28-inch barrel to accept suppressors or (Trijicon’s 3.25 RMR HRS shown), this OSP model is equipped with taller other muzzle devices. Capping the barrel is a suppressor-height sights from the factory for a co-witness sight picture, nicely matched thread protector with grooves and includes optic-mounting plates for all of today’s popular optics. for access with gloved hands or in inclement 2— Springfield’s new Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META) is one weather. Optics ready, the Elite OSP includes of the upgrades you get when stepping up to the Elite line. Enhanced slide plates for popular red-dot sights, including serrations are another. the Trijicon RMR used for testing. The 21 ontargetmagazine.com est yard shot performance came with Performance: Velocity Group Size 1—B 25- /5- Ammo Inc’s 147-gr. FMJ load, producing a very Federal 124-gr. +P HSt 1,215 1.60 inches respectable1.40 group. Other ammunition produced Federal HST 147-gr. 1,040 1.50 inches very similar results. Hornady 135-gr. Critical Duty 1,155 1.60 inches 2—Working in conjunction with the removable Ammo Inc 147-gr. FMJ 1,015 1.40 inches flared magwell, capacity of the two included maga- Doubletap 115-gr. +P 1,295 1.55 inches zines is a healthy 22-rounds.

Groups fired from bag rest on the hood of my truck at a range of 25 yards. Three 5-shot groups for comparison. Velocity in feet per second measured with a Chrony chronograph. 1 drift-adjustable rear sight is black with serrations, and sup- pressor height to co-witness with the red-dot sight of your choice. The font sight is a red fiber-optic. Coated in a Flat Dark Earth finish, it ships with two 22-round magazines in a useful padded nylon carry case.

Range Time Every XD-M tested has been soft shooting for its respective caliber, and the Elite is no exception. Part of that is the fact this is a full-sized pistol, but its dual recoil springs are some of the best out there. My large hands enjoy full-sized pistols and it allows for some pretty impressive accuracy all around. My best group from 25 yards was four rounds clus- tered, with one ringer, that still measured just over 1.5 inches firing Federal’s 147-gr. HST. The same was true for most everything tested, but it seemed to shine with the Federals. This round is always accurate, but more often than not, the +P rounds tend to win out in the long run; not with this pis- tol, even at 50 yards. With the RMR zeroed at 50 yards it put ten rounds into a group the size of my fist, around 4.5 inches.

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23 ontargetmagazine 1—The XDM Elite ran extremely well with both the Dead Air Wolfman and Silencerco Ome- ga-K (pictured) suppressors at- tached. Every XD-M the author has tested to date has been soft shooting for its respective caliber, and the Elite was no exception.

1

Not bad using the hood of my truck fine unsuppressed, but just didn’t have normal height sights, and they can be and a bag for a rest. Even at 100 yards it enough juice with the suppressor. easily changed. This pistol out of the box was still accurate, although Doubletap’s is really set up for adding an RDS and/or 115 +P loaded with the Barnes TAC-XP Other Considerations suppressor and handles both really well. bullet was a tad tighter at this distance; Mounting the Trijicon RMR Type 2 it’s a screamer, making just under 1,300 is pretty straight forward. Like every- Bottom Line f.p.s. out of this 5.28-inch barrel. thing with this RDS, you will need the This is really the “bigger is better” I’ve never had reliability issues with Trijicon mounting kit that includes the pistol for those looking to use an RDS, any XD-M. I put a tad over 700 rounds thin metal plate and the properly sized suppressor, compensator, light or all of through this one over two days and it screws, otherwise they are just too long the above together. You can pick and never missed a beat unsuppressed. and will not mount the RMR securely. choose, but it will accommodate them Shooting suppressed, center-fire Using this kit and thread locker on the all with 23 rounds online. pistols can be an adventure. Some screws they just don’t shoot loose. Springfield Armory is one of the best suppressors seem to have fewer issues, I suppose you could carry this pistol, companies for providing what their cus- but I’ve never had a pistol/suppressor as people carry all kinds of stuff, but tomer base wants. With so many com- combination that ran everything. That that’s not its strong point. Having carried panies ignoring their base and building being said, the Dead Air Wolfman full-sized, all-steel pistols for years, I get it at the whim of social media and the used during testing is one of the best and know the drill, but this is a big pistol. loudest guru, Springfield’s approach is to date. Most shooters have a load they It’s fast, accurate and designed for use in kind of refreshing. If you are an XD-M prefer, and in this case it was those with a tactical or competition rig. Throw on a fan looking for an RDS-equipped heavier bullets. It ran the 147-grain HST light and RDS and it fits nicely in a thigh pistol that does it all you will absolutely without a hitch, as well as the 135-grain rig, even with a suppressor in the correct love the Elite. Give it a try, it just may Hornady +P Critical Duty. All of the holster. Without the RDS the sights surprise you how much fun this pistol 124-grain loads ran like crazy—the work fine, but they are tall. If you want really is to shoot! See it at your local gun only ones that would not run all the dots or glow in the dark you will need shop, or contact Springfield Armory; time were my 115-grain competition to change them. It works great with the Telephone: (800) 680-6866; Website: loads. Pretty anemic by design, they ran taller sights and no RDS but some prefer www.springfield-armory.com 25 ontargetmagazine.com NIGHTHAWK COLT SERIES 70 .45 ACP SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 RONIN colt python .357 magnum S&W MODEL 29 CLASSIC .44 MAGNUM OPERATOR .45 ACP

27 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 28 instead of the pad. Short take-up, clean break. Pull weight on our test sample averaged 3.4 pounds on our Lyman digital trigger pull gauge, and was extremely consistent shot to shot. The grip-frame is grooved on the front, and on the flat mainspring housing. The subdued checkering on the stocks and the vertical grooves didn’t bite into the hand, but also Colt Series didn’t shift in a firm grasp upon by Massad Ayoob recoil, even with +P .45 ACP. cut trigger7 guard and0 change all the This pistol’s magazine well is only ighthawk Custom CEO, Mark springs. Priced at $2,599, this retro Se- slightly beveled. Reloads were still N Stone, told me, “We do a lot of ries 70 model is for anyone who loves smooth and positive, though. custom work, Springfields and Colts a classic 1911—full-size with 5-inch The unusual beavertail grip and such. Bob Reeves, who heads barrel—and for the many purchasers safety was well adjusted out our custom department, and is an who want a Nighthawk but aren’t of the box, always ac- American Pistolsmiths Guild member, ready for the $3,100 to $4,500 cost.” noted we were seeing a lot of Colts coming in. We started doing the Trigger Time smoked nitride finish, and everyone The trigger is short, not quite as loves historical Colts, so we decided to short as a GI 1911-A1 or old-school do our own. We buy the basic Colts commercial Colt, but short enough through a distributor. Our prep and for those of us who like to press finish includes the French border atop the trigger with the distal the flats of the slide, with rear slide joint of the index finger serrations. All trigger components are replaced with fully machined, match-grade parts. The retro hammer is subcontracted, as is our retro grip safety. We found that a match-grade barrel bushing could be used with the Colt barrel and gave us excellent accuracy. We do an extra high

29 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 30 1 since the late 19th Century. (Hey, they and firing the pistol upside down. nothing to complain about. call it “Classic,” right?). Though very The Colt Series 70 owners manual MSRP is $2,599, and Nighthawk is slightly angled, that rear sight presents that comes with the gun warns that it back-ordered. A McLaren Ford costs enough of a ledge that you can use it can discharge if dropped with a live more than a regular Ford, and a Night- 1—Colt and to rack the slide off a belt or holster round in the chamber, “regardless of hawk Colt costs more than a regular Nighthawk Custom: with the muzzle off 45 degrees away the position of the hammer or any of Colt. On one 1911-centric gun forum, two great 1911 from you, if you have to work the gun the various safety devices.” To com- an observer calculated the retail cost of names conjoined one-hand-only in an emergency or an pensate, Allen White at Nighthawk a new Series 70 Colt plus custom work in one sweet .45. advanced shooting class. told us that they install a heavy-duty by Nighthawk and cross-referenced it “Classic” features Our five-person test team included firing pin spring. Nice move. with prices from other custom pistol are a blend of women and men, small to tall, and one Our lefty would have preferred shops. He determined that this Night- 1911, 1911-A1 southpaw. All liked the gun, though an ambi safety, and so would I. The hawk saved the customer $200 overall and modern day. the two females found the 19-pound stubby hammer spur made it difficult compared to buying a new Colt and Smoke nitride recoil spring made the slide a bit stiff to to cock the hammer to relieve main- having the same work done. finish adds a subtle operate. We ran hundreds of ball and spring pressure and make the slide See it at your local firearms retail- patina’d appearance 2 JHP .45 rounds through the Night- easier to rack. For self-defense use, I er, or for more information contact and looks simply hawk Colt with zero malfunctions, would prefer a trigger pull a pound or Nighthawk Custom; Tel.: (877) 268- outstanding in even when deliberately limp-wristing so heavier. Other than that, I can find 4867; Web: nighthawkcustom.com person. 2—Author liked 3 the thumb and grip safeties, but had mixed feelings about the stubbed hammer spur. Series 80 Colt firing pin safety is absent on Series 70 models, hence the Night- hawk addition of an extra-power firing-pin spring.

spur. Since most serious users carry cocked and locked, it’s not a problem and gives this particular model sort of 4 a “silhouette identity” all its own. The left-side-mounted thumb safe- ty is right-handed only, but well-ad- tivating when grasped even with light justed: easy to on- and off-safe, and 3— Shootable: Mas has three spent .45 hard- pressure and a flagged (high) thumb. positive in each direction. It is the ball casings in the air. The Nighthawk Colt has When I say unusual, I mean it’s short- style I prefer for carry, the one Colt stayed on target. The Nighthawk Colt ran with er than most, but still guides the hand developed as standard in mid twenti- 100-percent reliability through hundreds of into proper position on a quick draw, eth Century. Big enough to easily hit; rounds of ball and JHP ammunition. and did not induce hammer bite. It is not big enough to get in the way. 4— SIG V-Crown gave the best 25-yard not “hogged out” for a hammer spur; Sights are high and easy to see, with performance, printing a narrow vertical string instead, a good bit of the standard a drift adjustable, square notch rear ser- 2.25-inches high and with the “best three” Government Model hammer spur has rated to prevent glare and a Partridge (which shows its true capability in the hands of been lopped off. This leaves only three front sight with gold bead, a feature a machine rest) in a mere three-quarters of one traction grooves on the top of the American marksmen have appreciated inch. Overall, excellent performance.

31 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 32 The New

They said it couldn’t be done… but Colt DID it. by Massad Ayoob

ntroduced in 1955, the Colt Python .357 Magnum quickly became known as the Rolls Royce of .I Hand-tuned by the finest, most experienced Colt craftsmen, fitted with a full underlug barrel that their competitors would later copy, and topped with a distinctive ventilated rib, it became a “cult gun.” Pythons that sold for $125 when introduced cost thousands today. Long “out of print,” it was thought to be impossible to duplicate today due to their intensive hand-fitting. But modern CNC ma- chining and MIM technology proved us all wrong, and now we have the new 2020 Colt Python!

33 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 34 1—Available in both 4.25 and 6-inch full- lug-barreled versions, the resurrected Colt Python of 2020 comes only in stainless-steel construction, in an attractive “semi-bright” finish. 1

wouldn’t have been fair, because mine all had action jobs from Jerry Moran, Reeves Jungkind or the Colt Custom Shop. Python collector, Jeff Boss, provid- ed a classic Python for comparison; the older version had a lighter trigger. The V-shaped mainspring of the original allowed more leverage to the shooter’s thumb when cocking to single action, which Old and New is why the Colt was overwhelmingly favored To see what made the Python so in center-fire bulls-eye shooting over the special, see my three-part magnum opus S&W back in the day, but it also “stacked.” on that gun from 1977, here: http:// That is, toward the end of the double-action americanhandgunner.com/wp-content/ pull there was a point where resistance to the uploads/2019/01/AHJF77.pdf. Compar- trigger finger suddenly increased, andthat ing the new Python with my four old ones was why the consistent, straight-through pull of the Smith & Wesson won over the 2 double-action shooters in sports like PPC or action shooting. The U-shaped double leaf mainspring of the new Python takes the “step” out of the double-action pull. There is a very slight increase in pull toward the end of its trigger stroke, but it’s gradual and you can’t really feel it when shooting fast.

2—The new Python is more robust than the original, with 33-percent more steel in critical areas. We are assured that the new “guts” will stand up longer to heavy shooting than did the originals, and overall, fit and finish will leave long-time Python aficionados pleased.

35 ontargetmagazine.com 1 1— Test gun had deep, dead-center firing pin hits on hard CCI primers, and 100% ignition and function.

On the Range The old Colt earned a rep for being slightly more accurate than competitive brands, in large part because its “second cylinder hand” mechanism locked the cylin- der dead in line with the barrel before the hammer struck home, and because Colt’s 1:14” rifling twist rate stabilized most bullets better than the 1:18.75” twist of the Smith or the Ruger. Those features were wisely kept in the 2020 Py- thon, and from the 25-yard bench rest ours showed 0.80” grouping potential with the ammo it liked best. We are assured that the new “guts” will stand up longer to heavy shooting than did the originals, but we didn’t have the many thousands of rounds for torture-testing to find out. The new Python, chambered in .357 Magnum/ .38 Spe- cial, is configured to fit the grips and speedloaders of the old ones. The front sight is easily interchangeable, unlike the old. The rear adjustable sight was my least favorite feature on the new model; click adjustments were mushy, and you have to work with a set screw. The front sight came with a red ramp insert. Frankly, the original Pythons came with an Accro adjustable sight that wasn’t terribly precise, and those The longer trigger stroke of the Colt allowed a lighter of us who shot Pythons in competition usually ordered pull than the competition’s, and when the new Python them with the much better factory-optional Elliason sights. was introduced reviewers marveled at its light travel. Clones are available from www.stores.kensight.com However, there were reports of misfires with hard-primer, foreign-made ammo, and apparently Colt had increased Summary mainspring strength by the time our test gun, serial number At $1,499 MSRP (for both barrel lengths), the new PY004004, left the factory. Single-action pull was a surpris- Python is way cheaper than the old ones are now, but ingly heavy 6.6 pounds average, measured from the center of distinctly more expensive than the S&W 686 or Ruger the grooved trigger, but the double-action pull-weight was GP100 with which it competes as a “shooter” as opposed a more manageable 9.325 pounds. Early Pythons had loose to a collector piece. For perspective, though, a Timex keeps screws, too-tight cylinder release latches, and cylinders that about the same time as a Rolex, and telling time isn’t what wouldn’t rotate. Colt has apparently solved those issues if folks buy Rolexes for. The Python is kind of a Rolex of the On Target’s test sample typifies current production. gun world. All I can say is, I’m a long time Python aficiona- Python connoisseurs won’t mistake new ones for old by sight. do, and I sent a check to Colt for the test sample. See it at The new Python is made entirely from stainless steel; the frame your local gun shop, or contact Colt Manufacturing Co., LLC: is a bit thicker at the top; cylinder bolt cuts are longer because Tel.: (800) 962-COLT; Web: www.colt.com of the new internals; the hammer and trigger have slightly different configurations; and the shorter one has a 4.25” barrel for compliance with Canadian law instead of the 4-inch barrel of the original (it’s also offered with a 6-inch full-lug barrel), and the muzzle is crowned, but differently. The stocks look slightly different, too. The distinctive Colt Royal Blue finish is replaced by what Colt calls a “semi-bright” finish, a much nicer polish than brushed stainless and almost as nice as the “bright stainless” that came late in the original Python’s run.

2—4.25-inch barreled new Python, Federal 125-grain .357 Magnum, 25- yard bench rest. 2 37 ontargetmagazine.com adjustment, two white dots and a serrat- ed rear face to reduce glare). Night sights are damned handy in low light encoun- ters where you can still see your target, and if they fall into your “must have” category, you can add them later. Most will appreciate the cost savings. Next up is an uncheckered front strap (the main spring housing out back is, however, Ronin Operator nicely machine checkered). In sweaty or Classic-looking iron meets .45 acp bloody hands, a checkered front strap can 1911 markedly improve grip traction, espe- state-of-the-art performance. standard just to produce a “price point” cially with +P loads. Again, the feature- pistol. In fact, there is nothing about to-price ratio is so good that this can be the Ronin Operator that falls into the easily overlooked. by bill battles category of “price point.” In the “I could care less” category At first appearance, nothing would is the absence of an equipment he Ronin Operator is available in seem to have been left out to achieve an rail machined into the two chamberings: 9mm Luger and .45 affordable price, but on closer examina- dust cover. Being a TACP, both priced at $849—one of life’s tion a few popular features have been true bargains considering what you get eliminated—some I care about in a 1911, for the money. Built on a forged-steel and others I could care less about. In foundation — with a carbon-steel slide the “I care” category is the absence of a and stainless-steel frame — and a 5-inch fully adjustable rear night sight (it is, hammer-forged barrel with a tradition- however drift adjustable in its al recoil spring assembly and barrel dovetail for windage, and has bushing, there were no corners cut with a set screw to maintain this pistol. Our evaluation model was the .45 ACP, but except for caliber and slide weight, both pistols offer identical features. Forged frames and slides are the hallmark of all Springfield Armory 1911s, and it’s nice to see that they didn’t compromise that

39 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 40 1 nated wood grips with the Springfield grip panels, make it look like it should the 1.75-inch mark. That’s outstand- Armory “crossed ” logo and cost at least twice its sticker price. ing performance for a $3K-plus hand- stainless steel grip screws, front and Now, we’ve always had great luck built 1911 from one of the boutique rear slide grasping grooves, standard with Springfield 1911s in the perfor- manufacturers, let alone one that 1—Up front you’ll 1911 controls mounted on the left mance department, but to say you’re comes in at well under $1K. find a 5-inch ham- side of the frame, including a serrated getting greater performance than you Empty weight is 40 oz. with maga- mer-forged match- stainless-steel mag release button, slide bargained for (or paid for, for that zine (41 oz. for the 9mm), capacity is grade barrel, a tra- stop and extended manual safety. The matter) with the Ronin would be a 8+1 rounds (9 +1 for the 9mm), overall ditional-style barrel manual safety bears further comment. gross understatement; this thing is length is 8.6 inches and height is 5.5 bushing and recoil It’s perfect: it moves easily to the on or damned-near laser-beam accurate, inches for both. Every Ronin Opera- system, red fiber-optic off positions, but not so easily as to be and ran absolutely everything we fed tor comes with one Mec-Gar stainless front sight and front inadvertently swept off safe or present a it without stumble. From the 25-yard steel magazine with polymer drop pad. cocking serrations. safety hazard of any kind. line, our tightest 5-shot group was Kudos to Springfield Armory for pro- The hot-salt-blued In the looks department, the Ronin produced using Black Hills’ 185-gr. ducing such an outstanding 1911 that carbon steel slide and Operator’s brushed stainless-steel frame Barnes Tac-XP +P load, with a nice maintains so much of the heritage of stainless-steel frame and controls, and its hot salt blued tight cluster measuring 1.14-inches. the original article at such an affordable — both being forged 2 carbon steel slide with polished sides The three other loads tested — with price. For more information contact — give a classic and and matte top and dust cover, combined grain weights ranging from 185 to 230 Springfield Armory; Tel.: (800) 680- high-end look. with its nicely figured and finished wood — all produced best-group sizes under 6866; Web: springfield-armory.com 2—Single-sided controls all operated 3 smoothly, the Gen 2 Speed Trigger proved outstanding, and the “Tactical Rack” ledged rear sight adds impro- vised slide-racking ca- pability. The .45 ACP Ronin packs a capacity of 8+1, while the 9mm version is 9+1.

tag. They include a Match Grade barrel rifled at a 1:16” twist rate, a machined stainless steel barrel bushing just like John Moses Browning intended, a really sweet Gen 2 Speed Trigger with skeletonized metal trigger shoe with front serrations and 1911 traditionalist—I own an original about 1/16th inch of effortless, built-in 4 Colt 1911 made in 1916—I’ve never take-up to let you know you’re “on the liked the looks of the rails. And when sear” (trigger pull weight was just under you add a weapon light or light/laser five pounds on our sample gun, which will 3—There was zero drama with the Ronin during combination it trashes the 1911’s perfect probably lighten somewhat with use, with testing, with no malfunctions to record — even balance, making it decidedly muzzle absolutely no additional take-up, creep, with some very aggressive hollowpoint loads. The heavy. Also absent are ambidextrous con- stacking or over-travel). lack of front-strap checkering became noticeable trols, which are nothing but a waste of Other nice features of the Ronin with sweaty hands, but for the $849 sticker weight and money for a righty like me. Operator include dovetailed sights, price, there’s likely money still left in the budget In the “more good stuff” category, the serrated Commander style hammer, en- for a nice set of gloves! Ronin Operator has everything I want in a hanced Beavertail grip safety with raised 4—Near-one-inch 25 yard/5-shot performance 1911, plus some unexpectedly nice features “memory bump” for fail-safe disengage- in a sub-$900 pistol isn’t something we’re accus- I wouldn’t have expected at its $849 price ment, half checkered/half plain lami- tomed to. The Ronin has effectively raised the bar.

41 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 42 Classic Model Harry Callahan’s right hand by bill battles 29 know what you “ shots or only five?’’re thinkingWell, to tell you the truth, in : ‘Did he fire Iall this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. si x But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most pow- erful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one ques- tion: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?” So spoke Clint Eastwood, as San Francisco Police Inspector “Dirty Harry” Callahan, in the 1971 classic filmDirty Harry. The .44 magnum revolver Harry was pointing at a wounded bank robber as he spoke these immortal words was a Smith & Wesson Model 29. Introduced in 1957, the Model 29 was, in fact, the most powerful production handgun in the world in 1971. While numbers manufactured remain a closely guarded factory secret, it is common knowledge among collectors and FFL dealers that new Model 29s with a 6.5-inch barrel were literally impossible to obtain for nearly a dozen years after the debut of Dirty Harry, as retailers had waiting lists of salivating customers ready to buy. Replaced by the stainless-steel Model 629, Harry’s Model 29 has not been available to shooters for a number of years. That’s changed with the introduction of the Model 29 in Smith & Wes- son’s Classics line ($1,180). The Model 29 Smith & Wesson Classic is a breathtak- ingly beautiful revolver. Made entirely from carbon steel, and fitted with a 6.5-inch, half-lug barrel, it has the high-polished, bright-blue finish of the original gun. The Model 29 went through a variety of enhancements throughout its produc- tion life, all of which are incorporated into the Model 29 Classic, including Smith &

43 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 44 1

1—Smith and Wesson did an outstanding job of maintain- ing the classic looks of the original Mo. 29, with one of the biggest giveaways that it’s not actually an original being with vertical serrations. Both are color case the proprietary key locking hardened, although the “colors” are limited system and transfer bar to shades of black and gray. safety — the latter of which Trigger reach was perfect for my aver- permits safe carry of a fully age-size adult male hands, with the joint of loaded cylinder (six rounds). the distal phalanx of my trigger finger falling 2—Just like Sargent Harry directly over the center of the trigger—right Callahan’s sidearm, the Mo. Wesson’s proprietary key locking system where it should be. The double-action 29 Classic is fitted with and transfer bar safety, which permits safe trigger mechanism is typical Smith and a 6.50-inch, partial-lug carry of a fully loaded cylinder (six rounds). Wesson. The double-action pull is long and barrel and wears a beautiful Sights consist of a pinned orange heavy, and pull weight was in excess of the high-polish blued finish. It ramp front and fully adjustable rear with 12-pound limit of our Lyman trigger-pull ships in a blue-velvet-lined white-outlined, U-notch sight blade, both gauge. Even though it’s heavy and long, maple presentation case with of which are serrated to reduce glare. The it’s smooth and consistent throughout the polished brass hardware and hammer spur is huge, with deeply cut diag- stroke, with no creep or stacking. It’s easy— engraved Smith & Wesson 2 onal serrations, and the trigger shoe is wide with a little practice— to stage the trigger to name and logo.

45 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 46 1

1— Shooting the Mo. 29 is a blast, but when shooting loads on the hotter end of the spectrum, the walnut grips offer zero cushion and very little traction. Aftermarket rubber grips come highly recommended if you’re using this revolver for more than just a showpiece. 2—The Mo. 29 Classic gave us great results with SIG’s Elite Performance 240-gr. V-Crown, giving us a best-of-test, 25-yard/5-shot group measur- ing 1.47-inches. All loads tested produced best group’s under the 2-inch mark. 2

cylinder lock, leaving a relatively short the Model 29 Classic is very happy to was produced using SIG’s outstanding additional pull to hammer fall. The also fire the much milder .44 Special (we’ve always had exemplary results single-action pull is nearly flawless, with . Vital statistics on the Model with this load) Elite Performance 240- just a subtle suggestion of take-up, at an 29 Classic are an overall length of 12.0 gr. V-Crown, measuring 1.47-inches. average pull weight of 4.8 pounds. inches, overall height of 6.25 inches Other loads, ranging from Black Hill’s The 2-piece, dark walnut grips are and an empty weight of 47.7 oz. 160-gr. HoneyBadger to some pretty machine checkered, with the grip screw If you’re a nostalgic big-bore fan, hot 240-gr. pills — all produced best centered in an unchecked diamond, shooting the Model 29 is a ton of fun. groups under the 2-inch mark. and inlaid brass Smith & Wesson me- Like any 44 Magnum, however, felt The Model 29 Classic comes with an dallions at the top on both sides. The recoil can be quite stout, and the old- aluminum cleaning rod, hollow-ground exposed backstrap is vertically serrated school-shaped wooden grips offer zero screwdriver, two locking keys, brass bore to enhance grip traction. Even though cushion, and with sweaty hands, next brush, wool bore mop and two cases: a the .44 Magnum cartridge has been to zero traction. If you’ll be shooting lockable plastic hard case, and a maple eclipsed by a number of more powerful the Mo. 29 on the regular, we highly presentation case with polished brass handgun cartridges, it’s still not for suggest a set of quality rubber grips — hardware, blue-velvet lined cut-out inte- the weak at heart. Perceived recoil is like a set of Pachayr Decelerators — to rior and the Smith & Wesson name and substantial, and a firm 2-handed grip tame this beast. logo laser engraved in black on the cover. is necessary for accurate shooting and From the 25-yard line, our test sam- See it at your firearms retailer, or contact effective recoil control. Thankfully for ple Model 29 faired well in the accura- Smith & Wesson; Tel.: (800) 331-0852; shooters of lesser stature or fewer years, cy department. It’s best 5-shot group Web: www.smith-wesson.com 47 ontargetmagazine.com restricts the sale of this round to military and law enforcement only. The 5.7×28mm looks like a tiny bottle- necked cartridge with a rebated rim. pistol in response to a NATO request for is a Case length of a loaded round measured cartridge FN 5.7×28mm a replacement for the 9x19mm Parabel- 1.136” and 0.312” in diameter along he lum cartridge that would penetrate body small-caliber, high-velocity, centerfire the untapered body. The slightly rebated T armor. When fired from the P90’s 16-inch rim measured 0.305” in diameter, with a cartridge designed for handgun and person- barrel, the 5.7×28mm loaded with FN’s al defense weapon (PDW) uses. It’s similar ttles SS190 steel penetrator round will penetrate ttles ben ba in length to the .22 WMR (Winchester both NATO CRISAT and NIJ Level IIIA bill ba Magnum Rimfire). Unlike most new car- Kevlar vests at a range of 200 meters. Un- tridges, it has no parent case—the complete fortunately—or perhaps fortunately—FN package was developed from scratch by FN 49 ontargetmagazine.com for their FN P90 PDW and FN Five-seveN ontargetmagazine.com 50 Ruger 57 pistol is a better looking—as in “more American”—alternative to the FN Five-seven. Priced at $799—just over half the cost of an FN Five-seveN—the Ruger 57 should go a long way toward populariz- ing this cartridge. shoulder angle is 35 degrees It fires a .224” Starting at the top, the Ruger 57 offers diameter bullet. Current commercial load- a fully adjustable, serrated rear sight and a ings from FN, Speer and Federal American green fiber optic front sight, both dovetailed Eagle (the most affordable of the bunch) into the slide. The through-hardened billet include 27- to 40-gr. bullets of various types steel alloy slide with lightening cuts and (FMJ, HP, polymer tip) at published muzzle grasping groves front and rear is drilled and velocities ranging from 1,655 to 2,150 f.p.s. tapped for easy mounting of a red-dot sight None of the manufacturers, however, stated with an optional adapter plate available at test barrel lengths, so we don’t know if these ShopRuger.com. A window machined into velocities apply to the 4.8-inch barreled the rear face of the ejection port, just to the Five-seveN pistol or the 16-inch barreled left of the external extractor/ejector, serves P90 PDW. Guess you’ll just have to chrono- as a loaded chamber indicator by permitting graph some out of your new Ruger 57 pistol the shooter to see the head of a cartridge if (our chronograph, unfortunately bit the dust one is present in the chamber. The 4.94- while testing this pistol.) inch, bushingless barrel is machined from Announced last December, and intro- alloy steel and 8-grove rifled at a 1:9-inch duced at the 2020 SHOT Show, the new RH twist rate. Like the slide, sights and all metal controls, it is fin- Specifications: ished in black phosphate. 1—The Ruger-57’s sighting system leaves zero to com- Action: Striker Fired Moving down, the am- plain about — the front being a bright fiber-optic and bidextrous manual safety is the rear being fully adjustable with a half-serrated face. Caliber: 5.7x28mm Optic-mounting plates are available separately for most Capacity: 20+1 or 10+1 popular red-dot sight platforms, as are holsters and a Barrel Length: 4.94 inches slew of other accessories on Ruger’s website. OAL: 8.65 inches Weight: 24.50 ounces 1. MSRP: $799

51 ontargetmagazine.com 1. 3—With the only ammunition we had on hand (which also represents the most-af- fordable 5.7x28mm load available), our test gun drilled a best-of-testing 0.98-inch 5-shot/25-yard group using the 40-grain Federal American Eagle target/training load. 4—If your plan is to put the Ruger-57 to work as a defensive firearm, 5.7x28mm enthu- siasts now have a legitimate self-defense round in the Speer 40-grain Gold Dot hollowpoint round, optimized for use in handguns. 3. simple and require no tools or trigger we had on hand for testing. Anything pull to accomplish. The Ruger 57 over 1.50-inches meant we weren’t comes with two 20-round, drop-free paying attention and threw a shot or steel magazines. Dimensions are 8.65” two — downrange precision was simply L x 1.20” W x 5.60” H, and empty not a problem. Also not a problem was weight is a very light 24.5 oz. reliability; the Ruger 57 digested all Given the ‘57s light weight (even 250 rounds we had on hand for testing fully loaded), low felt-recoil and over- without a single hiccup. all-excellent ergonomics, this proved to While ammunition costs are still be an extremely-fun pistol to shoot for higher than your typical 9mm, Federal anyone who picked it up — no matter has brought the 5.7 cartridge into the what their stature was. Part of the fun realm of reasonability price-wise with factor weighed heavily on the fact that their American Eagle load — much our Ruger-57 test gun was laser-beam like Ruger has done with the pistol accurate, and if the shooter was doing itself — and has added a legitimate his part behind the trigger, odds were self-defense option with the brand-new in his favor. From the 25-yard line, our Speer Gold Dot load. In short, there’s one of the best we’ve encountered. It’s long, trigger with -like safety blade. We did wound up liking the Ruger 57 drilled a centered 0.98-inch never been a better time to purchase slim and perfectly placed for putting the pis- find the flush magazine release button to overall pull. 5-shot group using the 40-grain Federal a 5.7×28mm chambered handgun. tol on- or off-safe without breaking the firing be awkward to reach and depress without The frame is made from American Eagle target/training load, Contact Sturm, Ruger & Co., Tel.: (336) grip. Safety manipulation in either direction breaking the firing grip. Mercifully, there’s high-performance, glass-filled nylon with a which also happened to be the only load 949-5200; Web: www.ruger.com 4. is perfect—not so tight as to require any no magazine drop safety. 5-slot Picatinny rail molded into the dust cov- real effort to engage or disengage, but tight The trigger wasn’t half bad. The safety blade er for attachment of white light illuminators 5. enough to prevent inadvertently sweeping it depresses with virtually no effort, then there’s or lasers. The operating system is Ruger’s safe, off-safe. Another nice feature is a big red dot about 1/4-inch of take-up at a pull weight of reliable, and proven Secure Action fire-con- visible through the slide’s safety notch when about a pound to a semi-hard wall, a signal trol system with protected internal hammer. the safety lever is down, indicating that the that “you’re getting there.” From the semi-hard Like a striker-fired pistol, there is no re-strike gun is off-safe. Unfortunately for lefties, there wall to the break there’s another 1/4-inch or so capability. Ergonomics are excellent, with an is no safety notch on the right-hand side of of travel with a tad of very light stacking at an easy trigger reach without the need for inter- the slide, so there’s no red dot to be seen. average pull weight of about five pounds. It’s changeable backstraps, comfortable molded checkering on the front and back straps and Other external controls include a slide a fairly long pull, but smooth and predictable 5—No matter the catch/release lever, take-down lever, easily with no overtravel, and despite its unusual the sides of the grip frame and an oversize, shooter’s stature, reversible magazine release button and qualities we quickly got used to it and actually square-front trigger guard. Disassembly and reassembly are quick, everyone had a blast shooting the Ruger 2. 57. Recoil and muzzle 1—The Ruger 57 ships with two rise were minimal, and 20-round steel magazines, or 10-round- even though it’s a fairly ers for those not lucky enough to live large gun, it weighs in a free state. Grip texturing and grip only 24.50 ounces. ergonomics are both better than the Ruger’s competition. The almost-5-inch long barrel is bushingless and a Picatinny rail allows attachment of a white-light illuminator or laser (or both in the case of the SureFire X400 Ultra pictured.) 2—The ‘57s ambi thumb safety operat- ed very smoothly in both directions and was perfectly positioned to manipulate without breaking grip. Flush fit magazine release button is reversible for south- paws but slide stop is not. 53 ontargetmagazine.com New For 2020 leupold performance eyewear 9mm ammo N8 tactical ot2 micro iwb holster sig sauer p365 bb pistol

DEFENSIVE Federal Punch 9mm Ammo The latest addition to Federal’s innovative, Handgun reasonably priced new Punch line of self-defense ammo is a 124-gr. 9mm. The Punch bullet is a Gear & Accessories jacketed hollow-point design with a skived jacket By On Target Staff and soft lead core to produce a balanced mix of effective penetration and expansion that out-per- forms comparably priced competitor rounds. Punch N8 Tactical OT2 Micro IWB Holster ammo is loaded in low-friction, nickel-plated cases N8 Tactical, a sister company of CrossBreed with sealed primers to deliver the reliable feeding Holsters, has introduced their new OT2 Micro and ignition you can rely on in a defensive scenario. IWB Holster, available for most small-frame The new 9mm load features a 124-gr. Punch bullet pistols and revolvers ($39.95). It features a pat- at a muzzle velocity of 1,150 f.p.s., and is priced at ented Tuckable design with Multi-Fit pocket and $15.99 for a box of 20 rounds. Punch ammo is also patented 3-layer backer. The backer’s exterior offered in .380 ACP (85-gr./1,000 f.p.s.) .38 Spe- layer is made from black leather that will not mar cial (120-gr./1,070 f.p.s.), .40 S&W (165-gr./1,130 your firearm but provides a clean and smooth f.p.s.) and .45 ACP (230-gr./890 f.p.s.). For more draw; the middle layer features a moisture-proof information contact Federal Ammunition through neoprene core that both protects your firearm their website at www.federalpremium.com from sweat and offers a compression cushion to eliminate the gun from pushing into your SIG SAUER P365 BB Pistol body; the inside layer is made from silky smooth, The same size, weight and profile as SIG’s ultra-comfortable suede. Other features include award-winning 9mm P365, the new P365 BB a “Two Week, Try It Free Guarantee”, lifetime pistol is designed as a functional training aid for repair/replacement warranty and a patent-pend- P365 users. Based on a CO2-powered, semi-auto, Leupold Performance Eyewear ing Lockdown Clip to achieve your desired cant operating system, its detachable magazine The new Performance Eyewear from Leupold angle. Contact N8 Tactical; Tel.: (888) 732-5011; holds twelve 4.5mm steel BBs plus one 12-gram is offered in five different frame styles in tan, Web: www.n8tactical.com CO2 cartridge. BBs are propelled at a muzzle veloc- matte gray, matte black, matte tortoise or a ity of up to 295 f.p.s. Built combo of the latter two depending on model, on a polymer frame with providing shooters with both style and superior a SIG RAIL accessory rail eye protection. Features and prices ($129.99 incorporated into the dust to $189.99) vary from model to model, but cover, it has a metal slide include Daylight Max UV protection, shatter- fitted with fixed, green, proof ANSI Z87.1+ high velocity ballistic rated high visibility, 3-dot front lenses with Diamondcoat scratch resist coat- and rear sights and an am- ings, no-slip, soft-touch rubber bridge pads, bidextrous manual safety. in-fused polarized lenses to eliminate glare, Other controls consist of a Guard-ion hydrophobic coating that sheds takedown lever, slide stop dirt and water for a clear, crisp image, and and triangular magazine re- interchangeable and prescription lenses in the lease button, all located on Tracer model only. Six- and 8-base curvature the left side of the frame. It frames are made from TR90 and TR90 NZZ, comes with one magazine, the most resilient non-metal frame materials has an overall length of 5.75 on the market. TR90 and TR90 NZZ frames inches and weighs 13.0 are rugged, lightweight, flexible, maintain their oz. empty and without the structure under stress and can withstand the magazine installed. It comes harshest weather conditions. In our opinion, with one magazine. Contact Leupold absolutely nailed it with the styling SIG SAUER, Tel.: (603) 610- and features. Contact Leupold; Tel,: (800) LE- 3000; Web: sigsauer.com UPOLD; Web: www.leupold.com 55 ontargetmagazine.com 56 New For 2020 DEFENSIVE truglo glock red-dot drop-in 1911 trigger Handgun Gear & Accessories

Nighthawk Drop-in 1911 Trigger A common improvement sought in a 1911 pis- tol is a high-quality, gunsmith trigger job, with a crisp, clean break. Exit gunsmith. With Nighthawk Custom’s new Drop-In Trigger System (DTS) for 1911s you can do it yourself. An all-in-one unit, it re- places your existing hammer, hammer strut, sear, disconnector, and sear spring. Your existing sear pin and hammer pin will be retained. It features a steel housing and fully machined, stainless TRUGLO Glock Red-Dot Sight Mount steel internal components. The traditional three- Installing an optic on a semi-auto handgun pronged sear spring is gone as the springs for the used to require sending the slide out to be ma- disconnector and sear are built into the unit. A chined to accept the optic—a costly operation single-leg grip safety spring replaces the existing that permanently altered the gun’s slide. Now sear spring. Installation is simple enough that there’s TRUGLO’s new Pistol Red-Dot Sight with minor gunsmithing skills, the DTS will Mount ($54.99). This mount takes advantage give your current 1911 a high-quality trigger job of the dovetail slot to add an optic mounting in about 15 minutes. Available with stainless or base. Made from CNC-machined billet steel, black nitride hammer, it’s priced at $299.99. with lightening cuts to reduce weight, it’s treat- Contact Nighthawk Custom; Tel.: (877) 268- ed with a nitride FORTRESS•FINISH to resist 4867; Web: www.nighthawkcustom.com corrosion and match the finish of popular pistol slides. It is available for all double-stack Glock models and Ruger (Mark II to Mark IV rimfire target pistols). Two model configurations are designed to fit the TRU- GLO TRU•TEC Micro, Vortex Viper, Trijicon RMR, and many other optics that share similar mount footprints. On the Glock models, the mount presses into the rear-sight dovetail. The Ruger model replaces the factory Picatinny rail. Contact TRUGLO; Tel.: (888-8-TRUGLO); Web: www.truglo.com 57 ontargetmagazine.com New For 2020 DEFENSIVE fiocchi blue guardian 9mm ammunition hi viz lightwave h3 sights Desantis dual angle hunter hybrid holster mtm tactical pistol cases Handgun Gear & Accessories Fiocchi Blue Guardian 9mm Ammunition Developed for personal defense and specialized law enforcement uses, Fiocchi has just added a 9mm loading to its reduced ricochet Blue Guardian line of ammu- nition. All Blue Guardian ammo is loaded with lead- free, reduced ricochet, hollow-point (RRHP) bullets engineered to disintegrate on surfaces harder than the specifically engineered . They are ideal for dynamic handgun training as well as providing maxi- mum terminal performance on soft targets with greatly reduced ricochet potential—sort of like a “killer frangi- ble” bullet. Their heavy-metal-free primers offer addi- tional safety for use in enclosed environments. The new MTM Tactical Pistol Cases DeSantis Dual Angle Hunter Hybrid Holster 100-gr. 9mm load (1,280 f.p.s.) joins the existing MTM Case-Gard has introduced two new DeSantis’ new Dual Angle Hunter Hybrid Blue Guardian line-up, which includes a .380 grab-and-go tactical carry cases for auto-pis- ($44.99) is the latest iteration of their popu- ACP (75-gr./1,040 f.p.s.), a .40 S&W tols. The TPC1S offers outside dimensions of lar original Hunter from the 1970s. Built from (125-gr./1,215 f.p.s.) and a .45 ACP 11.3” L X 5” W X 7.2” D and is designed for 1060 Denier Senior ballistic nylon it features a (155-gr./1,160 f.p.s.). See it at you local compact and full-size pistols, plus two extra smooth pack cloth lining with a core of protective firearms retailer or more information magazines. The TPC1C is for sub-compact pis- closed cell foam. The upper section is made from contact Fiocchi of America; Tel.: (417) tols plus two extra magazines, and has outside premium saddle leather, and is ambidextrous 725-4118; Web: www.fiocchiusa.com dimensions of 8.5” X 4.5” X 6.9” D. They are without any adjustments for hand preference. precision molded from impact resistant poly- The Hunter Hybrid is available in four sizes that mer right here in the USA. The interior block will fit most 4- and 6-inch revolvers, including HI VIZ Lightwave H3 Sights of precut military-spec foam holds the pistol the Colt Python 4”; Ruger GP100 4”; Smith in a ready to draw position, and the magazines & Wesson L Frame 4”; Colt Python, Trooper The new Lightwave H3 day/night sights from Hi Viz feature all steel construction vertically for quick extraction. The hinged top and Cobra 6”; Ruger GP100 and Security-6 6”; for the roughest use—personal defense, law enforcement or military. Employing a com- with heavy-duty latching system is fitted with a Smith & Wesson L Frame, 586 and 686 6”; Colt bination of ultra-bright encapsulated Tritium with fiber optic light pipes, they offer sight water-resistant O-ring seal for dry storage, and Anaconda 4”; Dan Wesson 44VH 4”; RUGER visibility in all lighting conditions, fit standard holsters and maintain factory sight heights. has a comfortable carry handle and two pad- Redhawk 4”; Smith & Wesson N Frame 4” and Priced at $135 per front/rear non-adjustable set, they are available for the HK VP9, VP40, lock tabs. Both cases are available in dark gray. Classic Hunter; Smith & Wesson N Frame 6” HK45 and P30; S&W 9EZ Shield, EZ 380, M&P and M&P Shield; all generation Glock Pricing was not available at press time. See them and 6-1/2”; Dan Wesson 41VH and 44VH 6”; models chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, 357 Sig, 10mm and .45 ACP, plus Glock models at your local firearms retailer or for more 6” and Smith & Wesson Classic 42/43 (pictured); Kimber 1911s; and Springfield Armory XD. Fixed front sights ($55) are information contact MTM Case-Gard; Hunter 6-1/2”. For more information contact offered for the Ruger GP100 model with spring plunger retained front sight and adjust- Tel.: (937) 890-7461; Web: DeSantis Gunhide; Tel.: (800)GUNHIDE; able rear sight; and S&W revolvers with DX type spring plunger retained front www.mtmcase-gard.com Web: www.desantisholster.com sight. For more information contact HI VIZ; Tel.: (800) 589-4315; Web: www.hivizsights.com

59 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 60 The most rigorously-tested pistol You may never have heard about he new SAR9X Platinum 9mm It received excellent reviews from the pistol is made in Turkey by Sarsilmaz, gun press, and one writer went so far Twhich has been producing firearms since as to call it “What the Glock platform 1880. The company is the exclusive sup- should have been.” As luck would have plier of pistols to the Turkish National it, SAR USA initially sent us a basic Police and the Turkish armed forces, SAR9, followed shortly by a SAR9X which has the second largest army in the Platinum, so we had both models to NATO alliance. Sarsilmaz pistols are evaluate side by side. The SAR9X Plati- imported into the USA by the company’s num is the same pistol as the SAR9, but American subsidiary, SAR USA, located with a number of embellishments and in Auburn, Alabama. additional included accessories. Since the SAR USA introduced the original two models are functionally identical, SAR9 pistol at the 2018 SHOT SHOW. this review will focus on the SAR9X

bill battles ben battles

61 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 62 Platinum. The SAR9X Platinum ($555.54) is a polymer-framed, SAR9X Platinum from a Glock. striker-fired pistol which closely Externally, there are also similar- follows the Glock design. In fact, ities to the Glock platform, like it takes down in the same fashion the trigger-blade safety and the as a Glock, albeit the takedown interchangeable backstraps and latch is much larger and easier to side-panel grip inserts, and dust manipulate. It incorporates the cover equipment rail found on best features of the Glock, and some Glock models, but the overall when the slide is removed and the profile is much different looking. innards are examined one would Compared to a Glock 17, the be hard pressed to differentiate the SAR9X looks taller, narrower and has a more rounded grip frame . . . Specifications: not to mention its platinum-col- Action: Striker Fired ored frame and slide. on and the windage-adjustable rear Caliber 9mm Notable features include 3-dot dovetailed into the slide; slide light- Barrel Length 4.4 inches sights, with the front being staked ening cuts aft of the front sight; OAL: 7.6 inches Weight: 27.5 ounces 1—A common feature found on both the standard SAR9 and the MSRP $555.54 SAR9X Platinum are different-sized interchangeable backstraps and side-panel inserts, which allow fine-tuning of grip dimensions. 1

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2 1—The pistol shares the same dimensions and 4.4-inch barrel length as the standard SAR9, but vented front slide serrations and an included weaponlight (along with a paddle holster and dual mag- azine pouch) are unique to the “X” model. 2—Controls — in- cluding the ambi thumb safety, and single-sided magazine release and slide catch — all op- erated smoothly during testing. The bright-red triangle toward the top of the trigger serves as a striker-status indicator. front and rear slide serrations; external extractor/ejector; and a the right. A 3-slot Picatinny equipment rail is molded into the slide top drilled and tapped for optional mounts for most popular underside of the dust cover. red-dot and holographic pistol optics. The slide is finished in Frame-mounted controls consist of an ambidextrous manual platinum (silver) Cerakote, and the 4.5-inch, hammer-forged safety, left-side mounted slide catch/release, non-reversible magazine barrel has a recessed muzzle crown for enhanced accuracy. release, ambidextrous take-down latch and safety-blade trigger with a The frame is made from platinum-colored polymer which red dot visible at the rear when the striker is cocked. Empty weight is perfectly matches the slide. It comes with three sets of inter- 27.5 oz. and overall length is 7.6 inches. changeable back straps and grip side panels, insuring that it We found the manual safety to be just right to take off-safe can be configured to fit any hand. The front strap has three full without breaking the firing grip, but somewhat stiff to put on-safe finger grooves, and all grip surfaces are lightly stippled for both (our standard SAR9 was easy to put on-safe, so we expect this comfort and good grip traction. Molded finger groves on both condition will remedy itself with use). The slide catch/release is sides nicely fit the thumb on the left and the trigger finger on raised and was much easier to operate than the Glock’s flush itera- 65 ontargetmagazine.com 3—The SAR9X Platinum is supplied with one 17-round and one extend- ed-floorplate 19-round magazine. Both functioned flawlessly when 1 loaded to full capacity. 4—Using Black Hills’ 125-gr. HoneyBadger ammunition, which uses precisely-machined solid-copper bul- lets, gave us the best 25-yard/5-shot performance during testing with this 1.68-inch group. The shape and size of the impacts from this bullet look positively devastating. 3

ered by one CR123A battery (included), magazine loader and an oversized red polymer, lockable case with cut-foam interior to accommodate every accessory. Testing the SAR9X was drama-free; it fed, fired, extracted and ejected everything we fed it without a single malfunction. Also, of no small note, the SAR9X is — arguably — more comfortable, controllable and flat-shooting under recoil than the Austrian pistol its features resemble. From the 25-yard line, Black Hills’ devastating 125-gr. HoneyBadger ammunition, which uses precisely-machined solid-copper bullets, gave us the best 5-shot-group perfor- mance during testing, with a centered cluster measuring 1.68-inches. The five other factory loads used — varying in grain weight from 115 to 147, and in both hollowpoint and FMJ — gave best-group sizes ranging between 1.85 to 3.46. All-in-all, more than acceptable precision when compared side-by-side to its closest competitors. 1—Due to the low bore-axis and overall great ergonomics, The storied “Glock Killer” has yet to appear, but given its ergonomics, the SAR9X is, arguably, more comfortable, controllable and accuracy, reliability, host of useful accessories and rock-bottom sticker price, we flat-shooting under recoil than the Austrian pistol its features consider the SAR9X Platinum to be a real contender. See it at your gun shop, or 4 resemble. No malfunctions were recorded during testing. contact SAR USA; Tel.: (833-727-4867; Web: www.sarusa.com

tion. The rectangular magazine release 2 button is too flush to the frame (not 5—The platform from which the SAR9X Platinum was derived — the SAR9 (shown) — underwent a factory sufficiently raised) to eject a magazine test that had it enduring 130-degree baking to simulate desert conditions, -50 degree for the arctic, salt fog, without breaking the firing grip. The high altitude, 24-hours of rain, solar radiation, fouling, drop tests and 150,000 rounds of live fire. Later, takedown latch is a huge improvement NATO conducted their own 90-thousand round endurance test against comparable Austrian and US-manu- over the Glock’s tiny latch. It’s wide, factured polymer-framed pistols, with the SAR9 walking away the winner. stippled and easy to manipulate. And then there’s the trigger. About 5 3/16ths of an inch of take-up at an average pull weight of about 1.5 lbs. brings you to a semi-hard (meaning “fairly soft”) wall. From that point to the break requires an additional 1/4- inch+ of trigger travel with some no- ticeable creep at an average pull weigh of 5.1 pounds—the same overall pull weight as a factory Glock trigger. Not great, but I could certainly live with it after some practice, especially because it’s such a bargain. Further solidifying its outstand- ing value are its package contents. The SAR9X Platinum comes with one 17-round and one 19-round, drop-free, steel magazines, a molded 2—Field stripping procedure for the SAR9 platform is identical to a Kydex pancake-style belt holster with Glock — that is to say quick and easy. Slide and polymer frame are both retention latch, a pancake-style double coated in a durable (and great looking) platinum-colored Cerakote. magazine pouch with adjustable reten- tion, a rail-mount weapon light pow- 67 ontargetmagazine.com chris mudgett ben battles

ince its 2014 debut, SIG Sauer’s P320- arm—a crowning achievement solidifying the Superior S series pistol has been rapidly gaining P320’s place as king of the polymer-framed, steam, rolling over its competition in the ci- striker-fired pistols. If you don’t see it now, vilian shooting, competition and law enforce- it will be clear in a few short years when the ergonomics ment markets; severely disrupting, or dare we aftermarket finally catches up to the sweeping say turning on its head, a market seemingly popularity of the pistol, overtaking the pistol in under satisfied with the then-status quo service pistol that rhymes with “lock.” availability. If that weren’t enough, it was If we sound like fan boys—well, we kind a mintue! adopted by the U.S. Military as its official side- of are, with a few exceptions. Overall, SIG 69 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 70 pattern on the grip sides, while aggressive benefits, what’s the WCP320 frame going texturing can be found on the front and to set you back? A cool $64.95, which 1 back straps where it is needed most. is a steal given the improvements that it Frame reference serrations are located provides. And you know it’s quality given just forward of the takedown lever—an Wilson’s heritage. To put the price into per- ideal location to place your support-hand spective, SIG’s mediocre X-series grips retail thumb or index finger when it’s not for $59, while the X-Five module sets you working the trigger. If you’re an X-Five back a spendy $119. It’s not all lollipops fan and the benefits the tungsten weights and rainbows though. Word has gotten out, the factory X-series module offered, you’ll and as such, the WCP320s are in very high appreciate the fact that Wilson thought demand, which means they’re going to be of you as well, integrating internal slots tough to find in stock anywhere for a while. for rod-style tungsten weights that are They are available in black or FDE. Contact available separately. Wilson Combat; Tel.: (800) 955-4856; Web: So, with all these added features and www.wilsoncombat.com

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1—For long-time P320 shooters, the increased grip trac- tion and ability to mitigate muzzle rise will be immediately apparent after swapping out your OE grip frame for the WCP320. At $64.95, it’s likely the best bang- for-your-buck upgrade for the P320 platform. 3—With the top edge of the frames lined up with each other, it’s easy to see the high-cut 1911-style beavertail and undercut/radiused trigger guard of the WCP320 grip module, as compared to the factory SIG frame. Wilson’s signature starburst texturing is a vast improvement over the grip mod 2 off to reengineer the frame so it would OE - complement the rest the platform. After ule. WCP320s come in both full size and carry sizes, with or without manu- the smoke cleared, Wilson had created al safety cuts and in either black or tan colors. Sauer has done an outstanding job with an optimized frame that checks all the 4—Not only is there a much enhanced, beveled magwell on the WCP320, the base P320. It is reliable, has a great boxes. The WCP320 offers significant the lip on the bottom-front edge serves to securely lock the grip of your trigger and is completely modular, allow- improvements in shape, texture and firing hand in. Front- and rear-strap texturing is noticeably more aggressive ing the user to go from a sub-compact overall ergonomics. The frame will than the factory grip model and present in all the right places. all the way to a long-slide competition make your P320 feel like an expertly pistol—and everything in between—in sculpted custom gun, all thanks to a under a minute, without tools. We love simple grip change. that virtually all components can also be Due to the P320s removable fire exchanged with customized parts to suit control unit, the pistol has a higher than unique tastes. We’re particularly thankful average , which results in slightly that the grip modules can be swapped more muzzle flip than some of its compe- out, because the current ones from tition. The WCP320 module helps even SIG kinda suck, except the XCompact that playing field by offering a high-cut module, which was finally done right. 1911-style beavertail, undercut front Speaking of done right, that brings us strap and reshaped, sloping trigger guard to Wilson Combat, which rarely does that together offer the highest grip possi- anything wrong. ble, allowing for greater control over the Bill Wilson is used to fixing other pistol, and sight tracking during recoil. 2—Thanks to the P320s drop-in trigger module, even blindfolded, with one manufacturers half-assed attempts at An enlarged, flared magazine well is broken hand and a splitting headache, swapping out the grip module of your making pistols and components, and molded into the frame offering far faster, P320 should not take you any more than 60 seconds … no tools necessary. has done the same here . . . in spades. precision reloads and is compatible with WCP320 grip modules come 100-percent complete, with a factory SIG maga- Wilson and his team also identified that the latest generation of SIG Sauer X-series 4 zine release button pre-installed. the P320’s shortfall was the ergonomics base pads. Grip traction is also enhanced of the factory grip module(s) and set thanks to Wilson’s unique starburst grip 71 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 72 gun Gear giveaway BERETTA 92X compact 9mm pistol + beretta gear package • 400-rounds of fiocchi blue guardian 100-gr. rrhp 9mm ammo • crossbreed supertuck iwb holster

The prizes in this issue’s Gun Giveaway Contest are a BERETTA 92X Beretta 92X Compact 9mm pistol, a Beretta shooting-gear COMPACT package, 400-rounds of Fiocchi Blue Guardian 100-gr. RRHP 9MM PISTOL 9mm ammunition and a Crossbreed SuperTuck IWB holster ($800.00) with a combined retail value of nearly $1,600. www.BERETTA.com baretta gear package crossbreed supertuck ($343.00) iwb holster www.beretta.com ($52.29) www.crossbreedholsters.com

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400-rounds of fiocchi blue guardian 100-gr. rrhp 9mm ammunition ($340.00) www.black-hills.com Beretta Tactical Range Bag Beretta Pistol Case Beretta Trident Patch enter for free at... ONTARGETMAGAZINE.COM 73 ontargetmagazine.com ontargetmagazine.com 74 75 ontargetmagazine.com