TM 2018 Defensive Handguns Issue SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry 6 SIG’s high-performance, upper echelon of polymer- frame/striker-fired carry pistol’s. Guy Coursey Walther PPQ Sub-Compact 16 A reliable and convertible 11- to 16-round capacity 9mm that puts 5-shots into 1-inch at 25-yards! Massad Ayoob Springfield Armory 911 26 With big gun attributes and remarkable accuracy, we test Springfield’s first-ever .380 pistol. Massad Ayoob 16 6 Wilson Combat EDC X9 34 Not your typical 1911, this new 9mm pistol blends precision and reliability with modern day capacity. Massad Ayoob New Handgun Gear & Accessories 46 The latest and greatest in new-for-2018 holsters, ammo, sights, triggers and more. OT Staff 34 26 Rock River Arms Poly 1911 50 A precise, affordable and lighter-weight model from the best kept secret in the 1911 world. Bill Battles Gun & Gear Giveaway Contest 58 Enter for your chance to win a Beretta APX Compact pistol, CrossBreed SuperTuck holster and an AR500 Armor body armor/plate carrier package worth $1,143.95. OT Staff 50 47 Dan Wesson Wraith 1911 60 A precision, suppressor-ready .45 that backs up its name with scary-good performance. Dave Bahde SIG Sauer’s 2018 Catalog 69 Get yourself up to speed on the latest and greatest offerings from one of the most innovative and all-inclusive firearm manufacturers we know today. 60 48 On Our Cover: The new-for-2018 SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry wearing a SureFire X300 Ultra weaponlight and resting on a Black Point Tactical OWB kydex light- compatible holster. 58 Photo by Ben Battles. 3 EDITOR Ben Battles Tel.: (603) 356-9762 [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Mackenzie Battles [email protected]

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CONTRIBUTING Editors Massad Ayoob, David Bahde, Guy Coursey, Frank Melloni, Tatiana Whitlock, Wayne Van Zwoll, Mike Dickerson, Bill Battles 2xtreme

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4 5 SIG’s upper echelon of polymer-frame, striker-fired carry pistols

guy coursey ben battles

66 7 7 sig sauer p320 x-carry

1—Controls, includ- ing the ambidextrous slide release and reversible magazine release button, are identical to a stan- much intrigued. I don’t own one, but got to dard P320. Not shared try an X-Five out on a few occasions. I liked is the plate holding it, but as the X-Five is a pretty big pistol and the pistol’s rear night I have fairly small hands (infer from that sight. Pop the slide off whatever you like), I stuck with my current the frame, remove the P320s. Still, I had hoped that perhaps, some- two screws holding day, if I were very good, Sig would make a the plate on, and left slightly smaller version for every day carry underneath is a cut (EDC). That happy day has now arrived. that’s ready to accept Soon after, as if by magic, a 9mm Sig X-Car- SIG’s Romeo1 red-dot ry appeared for me to play with. Sometimes reflex sight. dreams really do come true. My observations are noted here. The X-Carry shares a lot of the same char- acteristics as a standard P320 Carry model, with notable differences influenced by the Full disclosure up front–I am a major X-Five. Its almost like the X-Five and P320 Sig Sauer fan. I own many of their products. I Carry had a small child that has not quite train as often as I can at their academy. I espe- grown up yet. It also continues an industry cially like their P320 pistol line. I carry daily, trend of hybridizing EDC or general use instruct with, and often use some version of the guns with those seen in competition. One P320 in competition. So when Sig came out need look no further than the Errornet or with their X-Five competition series, I was very most gun mags to see any number of pistols 1.

8 9 8 sig sauer p320 x-carry

1—Immediate visual differ- ences between the X-Carry and standard P320 are more-vertical slide serrations for a better grip, a deeper angled cut below the barrel hood and a lightening cut in the slide to reduce recip- rocating mass. Not that there’s an abundance of play with the standard P320, but the slide-to-frame fit and barrel lockup are both noticeably-tighter on the X-Carry model. Retail cost is exactly $183 more than a standard P320 Carry model, which—considering everything you get—is a deal. 1. or rifles with parts that look as if they have undergone serious cosmetic surgery from stock to make them faster, lighter, more accurate and sexy looking. As the X-Carry goes, the frame is of similar dimensions to the P320 Carry, with the addition of a beavertail, slightly different grip geometry, and a single shallow finger grove just below the trigger guard. The improved frame alone is significant, as it gives the X-Carry a very different, more comfortable feel and allows slightly faster recovery between shots. As they are now sold separately, I intend to invest in one. Of note, the X-Carry has a normal mag well versus the enlarged mag funnel of its larger relative, which is not really something you would expect to see on your typical carry pistol anyway. Controls are all in the same places, and except for the trigger are of the same configuration, with takedown exactly as the standard P320. 2. Meanwhile the slide is about .10 inch longer than a standard Carry, but has a lightning cut on the top, and is crowned with Sig’s 2—The X-Carry features the same modular grip frame and trigger proprietary X-Ray 3 sights. These are in group as the standard P320, but with SIG’s straight X-Series trigger three-dot tritium configuration, and very instead of the standard curved trigger for increased trigger-finger much like similar versions from Trijicon or leverage. Even though the X-Carry grip frame is the same length as Meprolight with a donut around the lamp the 15-round-capacity compact model, it houses the 17-round maga- of the front sight for quicker acquisition. As zine of the full-size pistol. The grip’s profile is also more squared off I push 50 I am beginning to appreciate these than the rounded shape of the standard, which effectively creates sorts of sights more and more. For those more contact area for your firing and support hands. who want to add a red dot on their EDC, 10 11 sig sauer p320 x-carry 2-The P320 X-Carry’s 3.9- inch barrel (left) receives the added touch of 1—Both the trigger guard and a recessed slightly extended beavertail are target crown higher cut for a lower bore-axis, at the muzzle. which, consequently, helps control Like all other recoil and muzzle rise a bit more P-series SIG competently than a standard pistols with model. Side-panel grip a similar take- texturing also extends down lever, further, up past the mag field strip- release, nearly to the ping is im- top of the frame. mensely easy and quick, and does not require pull- ing of the 2. trigger.

the X-Carry slide also has a cut out and plate just ahead of the Which brings us to the final major difference between rear sight for a Romeo-1 optic, the Sig version of an RMR. the X-Carry and your average P320—the flat faced trigger. The pistol comes in the usual padded hard case with two Given the X-Carry’s pedigree and proliferation of flat 17-round magazines and instructions. The X-Carry does not faced triggers on many popular pistols and rifles out there, come with a holster as the stock P320 does. An additional particularly Glocks, M&Ps and AR-15s, this does not seem point worth noting is that due to different floor plates the at all unusual. I personally own more than one Overwatch X-Carry magazines are not compatible with a standard Carry TAC trigger for my favorite Glocks, and flat-faced Geiselle or Full-sized P320 frame. Just change them out with standard triggers along with other models for some of my well-used 1. floor plates and you are back in business for standard use. AR15s. On those platforms, in those configurations, flat-

12 13 sig sauer p320 x-carry 1—The X-Carry ships with two 17-round 3. magazines with base- plates that are uniquely shaped to this model, meaning standard P320 mags will not fit with- out a baseplate change. Unique to this model, a flared magwell mold- ed directly into the frame facilitates light- ning-quick reloads. Also offering some of the best, most-precise defensive- and range ammunition made today, SIG has established themselves as a liter- al one-stop-shop for the discerning con- 1. cealed-carry shooter.

faced triggers work great and I can recommend them without the trigger gauge. Take-up was minimal, as was over-travel. It hesitation. On the Sig X-Carry, however, for me it was slightly felt a tiny bit gritty, as if there was almost another stage. Still, 3—The X-Carry less enthralling. I had previous experience with the Apex it’s a good trigger, and at current pull weight almost ideal backed up its Tactical flat advanced trigger for the standard first generation for concealed carry, but for me tended to shoot low unless I custom features P320 series, and while it certainly wasn’t bad, it turned out I really concentrated. I prefer something nearer 4-4.5 lbs. on my with great per- just liked the curved one better. That happened to be the case carry gun triggers, so that could have been a factor, or I need formance at the here as well. The trigger on my X-Carry broke cleanly at an to work more on my trigger press. All that said, my research range, printing average of just under five pounds, depending on where I placed shows that others folks out there really like the flat-face and this 1.75-inch 5-shot group at 25-yards with Hor- 2—Between the deeper grip with more contact area nady’s 147-gr. and the lightened slide mass, the P320 X-Carry was XTP 9mm Load. flat-shooting and fast to put rounds on target.Reli- ability was 100-percent, which was not exactly a sur- pull weight on the Sig X-Carry trigger, ment ranges demonstrated that the prise given the author’s prior experiences with P320s. so this personal data point should be X-Carry could do its job in the intend- taken with a grain of salt. If it turns out ed role, and then some. Mags dropped you also prefer the curved trigger, swap free as if launched, and locked in place the flat one out with a standard P320 upon loading very positively. Reliability version and push merrily on. Regard- was perfect, which is not surprising giv- less, my groups and scores with the en how other P320s typically perform. X-Carry averaged in the 2.5 inch range, For those who are looking for an and I had to work for them. Most loads EDC pistol that comes with high grouped typically low and right, often quality sights, will accept a red dot, a with a called flyer opening up otherwise beavertail, and otherwise has everything decent groups shooting from a bench else you need straight from the box, at 25 yards. I noticed about midway the X-Carry could be for you. This es- through testing that the front sight pecially true if you already like or own was ever so slightly to the left, which P320s and associated gear. The X-Carry may explain the tendency to shoot stays with the Sig tradition of accuracy, right. Top honors went to the Hornady reliability and modularity we have come 147-gr. XTP loading at a group size to expect with the P320 line. While not of 1.75”, strung vertically just right the most concealable pistol out there, of center. Other ammo utilized was it still meets those requirements, and Federal 115-gr. JHP HI-Shok, Tula is ready for IDPA SSP or ESP division 115-gr. ball, Sig 124-gr. V-Crown JHP, competition if that is your cup of tea. and some nickel cased Freedom Muni- Right now they are available only in tions 147-gr. HP reman. While slightly 9mm, but I would bet that will change wider and a bit longer at the tail than in the future. MSRP is around $862, a P320 Compact or Carry, it still was which is a deal considering what you plenty concealable with your typical get. See it at your gun shop, or contact 2. concealed-carry clothing. Various drills SIG SAUER, Tel.: (603) 610-3000; Web: from concealment at typical engage- www.sigsauer.com 14 15 walther’s newPP subcompactQ An 11- to 16-round capacity concealment 9mm... reliable…and puts five JHPs into one inch at 25 yards! Read more if interested.

“Small pistol” translates in German to “kleine pistol,” which I’m told is properly pronounced “klyna pistoleh.” That kinda rhymes with “fine-a pistola” if you’re faking an Italian accent. And that’s not all the ethnic teasing you’ll get if you read on. Walther seems to be neck and neck with Heckler and Koch as leading producer of German pistols for the Amer- ican market, given that most of the SIGs you see in an American gun shop are made in On Target’s “Live Free or Die” home state of New Hampshire, and Glocks that aren’t manufactured in Smyrna, Georgia come from Austria, not Germany, dammit. In the striker-fired pistol market, Walther’s PPQ has amassed a small but loyal and growing fan base. The ergo- nomics for the most part are very good (we’ll have to talk about magazine releases, though), and the light, crisp trigger pull has endeared the PPQ to many shooters. Now comes a subcompact version geared expressly for concealed carry, with a short ten-round magazine that minimizes height for concealment purposes (and is suitable for magazine-limit states) and also with a longer, fifteen-round mag with sleeve for a full-length grasp in the shooter’s hand. Our test sample PPQ SC is chambered in 9mm Luger (9X19, 9mm NATO). At First Glance This smallest PPQ presents as a subcompact, dou- ble-stack 9mm a tiny bit longer front-to-back than the hugely popular Glock 26 against which it is apparently de- signed to compete. Features include slide grasping grooves fore and aft (but, please, don’t work it from the front and put your fingers that close to “the business end”), and with an accessory rail for light/laser attachment. Walther pioneered the concept of interchangeable grip inserts to adjust the pistol for hand fit and trigger reach something like a quarter century ago, and that feature lives on in this littlest PPQ. The gun comes with a rearward-extended am-

massad Ayoob ben battles, gail pepin 1616 1717 walther’s new ppq subcompact

was done at that distance from a Caldwell Matrix rest on a concrete bench. Each group was measured center to center, farthest shots apart, to the nearest 0.05”. The three most popular bullet weights in 9mm were represented, in as many different brands of ammunition. Each group was measured twice, once for all five shots (to replicate what the shooter could expect in perfect conditions), and again for the best bidextrous slide stop/slide release lever. Stippling is minimal three hits. The latter measurement seems to factor out unno- (as it has to be, given the short grip length) but proved very ticed human error and closely duplicate what the same gun/ functional in the hands of our various testers. ammo combo would do from a machine rest, which is not as available to our readers for their own Accuracy comparison as is bench rest testing. Anyone who tells you all a concealed carry handgun Way back when, I found the full- needs in terms of accuracy is “six inches at six feet” hasn’t size Walther PPQ didn’t much like talked to as many people as I have who’ve had to fight for 147-grain subsonic 9mm, which their lives with a pistol at much longer distances. According- seems to be a US/Canadian “thing” ly, current gun lore protocols notwithstanding, I still test all when seen in worldwide perspec- handguns at 75 feet, and compare them to the oft-quoted tive, and it shot tighter with the standard of “five shots in four inches at twenty-five yards as 124-grain and sometimes 115-grain minimal acceptable accuracy for a service pistol.” Testing loads predominant on the rest of

1—Controls are fully ambidextrous, includ- 1 ing the elongated/ serrated slide stop and large-serrated magazine release button that can be swapped to either side. Interchangeable back- straps tailor the grip size to the hand size; overall ergonomics are excellent. The SC also features the fa- mously light Quick-De- fense striker-fired trigger of its larger PPQ counterparts. 18 19 walther’s new ppq subcompact

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1—The missing link in Walther’s PPQ line to date the planet. This proved true with our test sample PPQ SC. Win- has been a sub-compact model to fill the con- chester 147-grain FMJ training loads, which I’ve seen win matches cealed-carry void. For the growing legion of in other guns, did only 3.20” for all five, and 1.85” for best three. PPQ fans, the wait is now over. Shown next to the Now, that’s nothing to sneeze at from what most would consider a fullsize PPQ Q5 TAC model, the SC is truncated ac- close-range “pocket pistol.” However… cordingly at both grip and barrel-ends to aid in Federal’s 115-grain JHP from their Classic line, product code concealment and every-day-carry comfort. 9BP, bettered that with a 2.70” group for all five shots, and 1.00” even for the best three. Back in the day, when 115-grain loads at 2—With each PPQ SC comes one 10-round flush-fit- standard pressure were the most popular in U.S. police service, this ting magazine, and one 15-round extended mag- was the one round in that category of which I never heard com- azine with a grip sleeve to fill the gap. The latter plaints about “stopping power” from cops in the field. of which increases grip length and payload The triumphant load, though was SIG brand 124-grain capacity to that of its fullsize counterparts. V-Crown jacketed hollow point. The five hits nested in exactly one inch center to center, with the best three 0.40” apart! A single .40 caliber bullet hole in the right 2 place would have touched the edges of all three holes, which included a tight “double.” That, my friends, is nothing less than phenomenal for a pistol of this size. Trigger Pull It is the famously easy trigger pull of the PPQ that seems be the top selling point of these pistols. “Glock-ish,” it has a trigger blade safety feature, with a long, light take-up before it “hits the wall” of firm resistance. From there, you feel a very short roll to the break of the shot. Our test sample had no real “creep,” that is, no drag or “glitch-iness.” The release felt crisp. Re-set of the trigger was reasonably short and very palpable, at least in conditions of calmness. In reality, when you are shooting as fast as you can, you’ll rarely even feel the re-set on any trigger. Pull weight, on a Lyman digital gauge, aver- 20 21 1— As is the case with the other PPQ’s, a Tenifer coating on the slide and barrel aged 4.87 pounds at the toe, or bottom edge, of the trigger. creates a durable, corrosion-resistant This is the point at which such measurements are usually taken. However, in the real world the shooter’s firing finger is usually walther’s new ppq subcompact surface finish. Like most striker-fired pis- tols, field-stripping for routine clean- at the center of the pivoting trigger, where there is less leverage, ing and maintenance is fast and easy. and measured there average pull weight went up to 6.01 pounds. That’s still not a lot. 2—Not all sub-compact pistols come with an accessory rail. The PPQ SC does. Shown Other Handling and Shooting Characteristics is the new, compact Streamlight TLR-8 Trigger reach is roughly the same as on a Glock. I for one weaponlight/laser combo, which you can was very fond of the HK-like ambidextrous paddle release at the read about elsewhere in this issue. bottom of the trigger guard of the original Walther PPQ, but most of the American market disagreed so Walther went with a conventional push-button mag release 2 for the PPQ M2, and that carries into this new little subcompact. I found it hard to get the mag to actually release with a thumb press, particularly when the longer mag was in place and its grip- girth-size sleeve was making contact with the heel of the hand. I had to almost open my whole hand to get the empty to drop cleanly away. (The good news here: the magazine damn sure isn’t going to release unintentionally when you need it to stay in!) The Walther people apparently saw this coming and allowed for it. The pistol comes with an additional “left handed” magazine release that goes on the right side of the frame, and the owner’s manual explains in detail how to install it yourself. (You’ll need a 1/16th inch punch and a small screwdriver. The part will be marked “R” for right-handed side of frame.) This allows even a 1 “righty” to switch the button to the starboard side

22 23 walther’s new ppq subcompact

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to allow the index finger, which will probably have more lever- 1—Shown at the height of recoil, Mas found the age, to dump a spent magazine. It will also keep the right-hand- PPQ SC extremely controllable—especially for ed shooter’s trigger finger out of the trigger guard during that a pistol of sub-compact dimensions. Through process, which is always A Good Thing. several shooters and several hundred rounds One more complaint: for me, this pistol shot about 3” high of assorted ammunition the Walther proved from point of aim at 25 yards. It could benefit from a slightly 100-percent reliable. taller front sight. 2—A one-inch, five-shot hole the PPQ SC drilled at 25 yards using SIG’s V-Crown 124-grain JHP The PPQ SC In Concealed Carry load—awesome accuracy from a pistol of any You can’t test a pistol designed for concealed carry without, size, let alone this size! well, carrying it concealed. I did so with this one for about a week. New pistols always seem to come before new holsters, but the height between the bottom edge 2 of the trigger guard and the top of the PPQ SC’s slide was such that it fit just fine in an Aker Flatsider leather outside-the-waistband scabbard for a Glock 30. In those days of concealed carry, it felt and concealed about like a slimmer Glock .45 auto, which means everything went just fine. (Big surprise, huh?) Bottom Line At $649, the Walther PPQ SC is a tad toward the high side of the subcompact polymer pistol price range, but it also gave me a one-inch group for five shots from 25 yards, and in this reviewer’s eye that adds a lot to its value for the dollar. Several shooters put several hundred rounds of assorted ammo through it and couldn’t make it jam. Put together, that earns a big thumbs-up for the Walther PPQ SC 9mm pistol. Contact Walther Arms, Tel.: (479) 242- 8500; Web: www.waltherarms.com 24 25 springfield armory .380 911We test Springfield Armory’s first .380 – user friendly, and remarkably accurate with the loads it likes best.

Yeah, I know: I’m the guy who said “friends don’t let friends carry mouse guns,” and here I am testing a .380 pocket pistol. Testing a .380 makes me feel like Ralph Nader driving a Corvair (millennials can Google that reference). I sometimes think Editor Ben Battles has a cruel sense of humor, and needs to be reminded that being mean to old people is a hate crime. But, what the hell, here goes. Some people can’t carry more than a .380. Physical size is a factor. So is physical shape, in the sense of both configuration and condition. Wardrobe required for work or chosen for daily life may be a factor. Sometimes, while it’s strictly legal to carry at work, it’s against company policy and a hazard to continued employment to do so, making minimum size mandatory. I get it. The .380 ACP, created by John Moses Browning more than a century ago, is also known colloquially as the 9mm Short. It tends to come up short in wound ballistics as well. This means that if you’re going to carry one, you want one that allows you to deliver accurate shot placement very rapidly. Springfield Armory knew that when they came up with their new 911 pistol in .380. First Look The Colt Pocket Model of 1908, the .380 version of the Browning-designed Colt .32 of 1903, was hugely pop- ular “back in the day.” It was flat, slim, and easy to shoot straight in spite of its tiny sights. Colt resurrected that con- cept with their Government .380 and Mustang series. At the risk of oversimplification, these were partly resurrected 1903/1908 models, and partly scaled-down 1911 models. Colt still lists the Mustang in their catalog, and today the concept is increasingly popular. SIG’s version, the P238, is one of their best sellers and, in some sectors, their very best selling pistol. Others have more or less copied it, notably Browning Arms. Springfield Armory now joins that wave with the 911 model, our sample .380 being serial number CC050505 (hey – that number has a rhythm to it). With a frame that‘s short front to back, and a relatively short trigger, the “trigger reach” on this pistol places the “go button” right under the distal joint of the index finger of a lot of folks who have trouble with trigger reach, and on the pad (the center of the whorl of the fingerprint) if you have very short fingers. The pistol has G10 grips, which are rough enough to give an excellent grasp with wet hands in rapid fire, and just thick enough that my own thumb massad Ayoob 2extreme, gail pepin doesn’t either block the trigger finger or hit the magazine release button inadvertently when that digit is curled down.

26 27 springfield armory 911 .380

1—The 911 has excellent sights, which help the shooter achieve the pre- cision accuracy a low- er-powered pistol most needs. Author also liked these features: (1) visible and palpable loaded chamber indicator, (2) additional visible load- ed chamber viewing port, and (3) perfectly shaped and adjusted ambidex- trous thumb safety.

1 very light recoil spring makes it very easy to rack the slide of the Springfield 911. Trigger Pull Depending which expert you listen to, .380 Auto “stopping power” is either at the very bottom limit of “minimum acceptable,” or sub-par. Ability to shoot accurately is thus critical, and trigger pull characteristics are thus critical as well. Our test sample averaged 8.73 pounds, very consistently, on a Lyman digital trigger pull scale. That’s the science part. Now, let’s talk about the human factors part. All of the (Why curl down the thumb? Because with testers, each of them award-winning shooters the .380’s mild power, a high thumb making with vast trigger-pulling experience, estimated inadvertent contact with the slide could slow this gun’s pull weight at much less than that down the cycle enough to jam the pistol.) when they tried it! At least one estimated less Having discussed the bad news with the than half. Personally, I’d have put it in the .380’s power level and slide cycling, let’s dis- six-pound range. cuss the good news. For those who don’t have Explanation: the short trigger reach “gets strong hands (which could be any of us if we more finger onto the trigger.” This in turn are injured in the course of a fight) once the gives more leverage. More leverage equals less hammer is cocked rearward to eliminate main- effort to press that trigger to the point of the spring resistance against the slide, the .380’s shot. Dry fire a Springfield Armory 911 in the

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2— Cocked and locked for safe, fast response, the 911 is if anything smaller than striker-fired equivalent, and more streamlined at rear of slide for faster clearing in pocket draw. 3— The lightweight 7075 T6 alu- minum frame houses large and easy-to-manipulate mag-release and slide-stop controls. Combined with the grippy G10 thin-line grip panels, Springfield’s Octo-Grip front- and rear-strap texturing treatment keeps the pistol planted under recoil. The 911’s trigger reach proved VERY suitable for short fingers. 28 29 springfield armory 911 .380

1—The 911 comes with two magazines, a 7-rounder with a flange for the little finger, and a short, flush-fit 6-round con- cealment magazine, which works best in shooting if pinkie fin- ger is tucked tightly under the gun butt. Springfield also ships the gun in a pretty nice padded-cordura soft case.

gun shop and see for yourself. You’ll say, “No WAY that’s almost nine pounds.” Then put the trigger on a scale…. It’s something I’ve seen with 1 other 1911-style pistols with very small frames, such as the Kimber Micro 9. Our test 911 .380’s trigger had a very short take-up, and gave a clean, even break for every shot. 2 Accuracy Protocol: 25 yards from a solid two-hand hold on a Caldwell Matrix rest on a concrete bench. 5-shot groups measured (shows potential for experienced shooter from most solid possible position in calm conditions) and also best 3 hits, which decades have taught me will about equal the same gun/ammo performance for all five shots from a Ransom machine rest. One major police department tried a high-tech load when they approved .380 for off duty and backup, then said the hell with it and switched to Speer Lawman .380 FMJ. That ammo in this gun gave us a dismal 6.53” group for all five shots, with the best three in 3.95”. For perspective, the

“gun magazine rule of thumb” is that “4 inches at 25 yards for 5 shots is acceptable accuracy from a service pistol.” Tiny pocket guns like this one get cut a lot more slack. Unfor- tunately, bad guys don’t cut you slack for being farther than belly-to-belly distance when you have to return fire at them. My preferred load when I have to carry a .380 is the Hornady XTP 90-grain, which gives more or less adequate penetration with at least some expansion. In the Springfield Armory 911, it gave me 3.80” for all five shots, with four in 2.50” and the best three in a much more pleasing 1.45”, though the group was about three inches low with post-in- notch sight picture. Winchester’s relatively new PDX-1 95-grain hollow point, however, was the star of the show! It put all five shots into exactly 2.00” at 25 yards, and the best three in 0.40”, two of the hits connected and one in closer-than-air-kiss distance. These were, however, a little more than two and a half inches low from post in notch sight picture at point of aim. 3 I tried aiming with the dot of the front night sight

2—The six-round “concealment” .380 magazine isn’t much bigger than a Bic lighter. No excuse for not carrying a spare! 3—Springfield includes a tacky and ambidextrous pocket holster with each 911, which worked great in author’s testing; the pistol’s snag-free profile lends itself well to this method of carry. 3030 31 springfield armory 911 .380

1— Mas admits it’s a cliché, but says 1 this .380 kicks like a loud .22 (some don’t). With a casing in the air, the muzzle is back on target and the trig- ger coming back for the next shot.

so the new 911 .380 was right in the ballpark with my familiar Glock 42 in the same caliber. Perks and Quirks I liked the pocket holster that came with the 911, a concept Ruger appears to have brought to the market last year with their LCP-II. The 911 carried flat against the thigh, and in pocket carry I found the ambi thumb safety reassuring. The twin levers are the optimum size, and adjusted perfectly for positive but easy on- and-off. With the hammer cocked and locked, the upper rear of the slide is much less pronounced and square than on striker fired guns, which don’t clear the pocket for me nearly as smoothly and surely as this 911. instead of the top edge of the post in notch silhouette, which Some small .380s can have a nasty kick. This one didn’t. It generally brings hits up higher. It did, but still not quite to point sounds like a cliché, but it really did feel as if I was shooting a of aim/point of impact. Even at seven yards, hits were a bit low. .22. The sights didn’t really seem to move on recoil. Still, at seven yards, the 911 put a full mag of .380 ball into a bit Loved those big, easy to see sights; they’re what you want for over an inch from two-hands standing. the surgical accuracy you need with .380. The front sight on ours needed to be a tad shorter, though. Reliability? In hundreds of 911 on the Clock rounds with multiple shooters from big to small, we only had one To see how the ergonomics worked under time pressure, I problem. There was an incompatibility I couldn’t diagnose be- took the 911 to the Action Target Bianchi Plates on my range. tween Remington-UMC 95-grain ball, the load I shoot in Pocket It’s a bank of six eight-inch steel discs. In Glock matches you Glock GSSF matches because it is the most accurate I’ve found shoot those four times in the Pocket Glock division, each time in my Glock 42, and the longer seven-round 911 mag. When I with no more than seven rounds in your pistol. With only one was shooting the plates, I had repeated stoppages, all 12 o’clock make-up shot allowed and a ten-second penalty for any plate not misfeeds. When I tried assorted other ammo in that mag, the gun hit, you want “all deliberate speed.” This also gave me a chance to worked fine, and when I ran the Remington-UMC through the compare the “shootability” of the 911 with the stubby concealed gun with the short 911 mag, that ran fine too. Can’t put my finger magazine versus the longer extended one. on it. It’s a good example, though, of why we must always test our With my pinky finger curled under the butt of the 911’s ammo in that particular gun and those particular magazines before short magazine, times were 4.04 seconds, 6.03 (needed the sev- using them for anything serious. Overall, the test crew and I liked enth shot, dammit), 5.41, and 4.79 for a total of 20.27 seconds. the little 911 pistol. If you’re in the market for an easy to run, easy The longer magazine ran a total tally of 20.87 seconds (needed to shoot, easy to conceal .380, you definitely want to look at this the seventh shot again at one point). In the ten days prior I had one. Pro-Glo night sights, grippy G10 stocks, only 12.5 ounces shot Pocket Glock matches in Montgomery, Alabama and Tal- unloaded, and all for only $599 MSRP. Contact Springfield Armory, lahassee, Florida scoring 20.50 and 19.79 seconds respectively, Tel.: (800) 680-6866; Web: www.springfield-armory.com

2

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2—While a bit low from point-of-aim, the best 25-yard accuracy was achieved with Winchester’s PDX-1 95-grain hollowpoint, drilling a 5-shot group that measured an impressive two-inches on the dot. 3—At 7 yards, full magazine of Remington-UMC ball ammo, aimed at head of target. The 911 not only proved exceedingly precise for a pocket-pistol, but also quick and very shootable. 32 33 wilson combat x9 edcThis new pistol blends 1911 design with “wonder-nine” capacity and prestige-level quality.

Picture the 1911 pistol in one of its most classic formats, the short- ened-barrel, lightweight configu- ration defined by the Colt Com- mander in 1950. Picture it with a grip-frame that feels more like a Beretta 92 Compact, housing a 15-round 9mm magazine much like that of the Walther PPQ, and G10 stocks from VZ in the grippy, distinctive pattern Wilson calls “starburst.” Visualize a slide cross-hatched with high traction grasping grooves, and a fluted and deeply crowned barrel. That, my friends, is the EDC (Every-Day Carry) X9 pistol from Wilson Combat.

Trigger Ask seasoned 1911 fans why they cleave to this ancient design and the most common answer you’ll get is, “The trigger.” Short and crisp, with rapid re-set, a 1911’s trigger lends itself to good shooting which is why it has so long dominated high level compe- tition from traditional bulls-eye to USPSA action shooting. Bill Wil- son is famous for the quality of his triggers, and the EDC X9 lives up to the expectation. There’s a very short, light take-up followed by a very short “roll,” and then a massad Ayoob ben battles, gail pepin 34 35 Wilson Combat edc x9 1—In an effort to further reduce sight-picture glare, the unique and edgy-looking Tri-Top slide profile has been serrated along its entire top surface, save for the tasteful Wilson Combat logo inscribed just forward of the front sight.

Bill Wilson likes the Series 70 style triggers, and to make it drop safe, he fits the EDC with a lightweight firing pin and a Wolff XXP firing pin spring. He finds this combination lights off the toughest primers and still passes a 48” drop test. This is important in a carry gun which may get dropped in the course of a fight, or when respond- ing police officers who don’t know you see you holding a felon at gunpoint, and your choice is to drop the gun crisp, clean “break” of the shot. Pull weight? On my Lyman dig- right now or get shot. ital scale, On Target’s test sample, serial number WCX2409, av- eraged 4.39 pounds. I’m comfortable with that on a street 1911, where what the courts call “the common custom and practice” of 1911 trigger adjustment for a duty gun as opposed to a dedicated target pistol seems to have stabilized at about 4.0 pounds mini- mum. The pull on the EDC X9 is very consistent, not only shot to shot but gun to gun; the one I tested for American Handgunner averaged 4.4 pounds. 1

36 37 Wilson Combat edc x9

1—Either a left side, right side or ambidextrous thumb safety can be spec’d when you place your order for an EDX X9. Both the rear of the slide and adjust- able, U-notch rear sight are cut with 40-LPI checkering to reduce sight-pic- 1 ture glare.

Off the Bench In keeping with my usual theme of testing the three most popular bullet weights in the given caliber, I chose Wilson Combat’s own brand for 115- and 124-grain, and plain vanilla American Eagle for 147-grain subsonic. Using a Caldwell Matrix approximate what all five would have done from Rest on a concrete bench at 25 yards, I measured a machine rest. each group twice. Measurement One is all five The 147-grain American Eagle full metal jacket shots, to give an idea what the pistol can do in truncated cone bullets delivered a 5-shot group experienced hands under perfect conditions. measuring 3.70”, with the best three in 2.05”. (All Measurement Two encompasses the best three measurements were to the nearest 0.05”.) hits, which over the decades has proven to closely Our Wilson pistol was true to its brand and shot better with ammo that wore the same stamp as its own. 115-grain Wil- son Combat TAC XP, marked 2 “+P” on the cartridge headstamps

2—Compared to a standard 1911, the trigger guard is extended forward by one-tenth of an inch for additional clearance with gloved hands. Between the aggressive starburst checkering pattern on the grips and the X-TAC treatment on the front and rear straps, the EDC X9 does a great job of locking-in your firing grip under recoil. Extended slide stop and magazine release are standard, and trigger is available in either short, medium or long lengths during the time of order.

38 39 Wilson Combat edc x9

1—At the business end is a deeply-crowned muzzle and fiber-optic front sight with a serrat- ed face. The slide assembly is the same one used for Wilson’s single-stack EDC 9 pistol, and features the same deeply-cut X-TAC front and rear grasping grooves. The pistol is available either with or without a Picat- inny accessory rail, and Wilson carries a large selection of high-end leather-holster options to accommodate both. 1

but not the box, comprises an all-copper hol- 3.8-inch barrel. low point rated for 1,200 feet per second from The piece de resistance in the accuracy test a five-inch service pistol barrel. It punched five turned out to be another Wilson Combat round, holes into a group of 1.95”, and the best three the 124-grain XTP +P, also rated for 1,200 in three-quarters of foot-seconds from a five-inch tube. All five hits an inch. That’s darn were in 1.85”, but the best-three cluster was sim- good for a compact ply awesome. The target presented with two 9mm pistol with a holes and one misshapen one that measured half an inch from outer edge to outer edge and wasn’t 2 confirmed as a three-shot group until the exit side of the target revealed three distinct radii. Center to center, near as I could tell, that trio of hits were barely more than a quarter inch apart. There are a lot of rifles that can’t

2—Instead of reworking the 45 ACP 1911 platform, Bill Wilson and his engineers designed the EDC X9 from the ground up to reliably feed the 9mm cartridge. A redesigned extractor, reduc- tion in barrel-lockup points and shortening of the slide rails can be thanked in large part for this pistol’s unwavering reliability. The bar- rel fluting carved into the bushingless bull-barrel not only looks outstanding but also gives channels for dirt, mud and grime to fall into to help keep the gun running in less-than-ideal conditions.

40 41 Wilson Combat edc x9 1

1—The Wilson Combat EDX X9 weighs just a few ounc- es more than a Glock 19, but for those few ounces band beneath a tails-out shirt, wear an under- you get drastically-improved ergonomics, measur- shirt. Ask me how I know. ably-better recoil mitigation, a night/day better Another Wilson Combat signature feature trigger, much greater downrange precision, and is the BattleSights with a big U-notch rear and some might even argue, a higher level of reliabili- bright green fiber optic front. Loved ‘em. So ty. Something that can’t be argued? This pistol is a game-changer in the world of 9mm 1911s. did everyone else on the test team. Our testers liked the gun overall. Gail Pepin, state and re- gional combat shooting champion: “It had very stack three hits like that at 25 yards. Needless to little felt recoil. It didn’t point well for me but say, I was impressed with both the accuracy of those that may be because I’m habituated to Glocks. 124-grain Hornady bullets loaded under the Wilson The EDC had a perfect trigger.” Steve Denney, brand, and that of the pistol from which they were retired SWAT cop and current instructor: “Re- fired. My compliments to the chefs. ally, really ‘shootable.’ I liked a high capacity 1911 that didn’t have a humongous grip. I’ve And in the Field seen enough finicky 1911s that I really appreci- G10 grips with a unique and ingenious attachment ate one that works 100% out of the box. It shot design are a signature feature of the EDC pistol. great for me, but it pointed low.” It should be Trust me, they do not allow movement inside your noted that Gail is barely five feet tall and Steve grasp no matter how fast you are shooting. On the stands six feet, but neither had any problem Wilson EDC X9, most shooters will be able to get with the trigger reach despite the width of the the rear of their support hand on the rear edge of double stack magazine. the grip to apply forward pressure, an advanced For my part, I’ve found that the EDC points technique that has been attributed to champion low for me too. This, I have to add, is highly shooters Mike Seeklander and Ron Avery. These subjective. As a purchaser of Wilson Combat grips are rough against bare skin in deep conceal- 1911s and Wilson Combat Berettas, both of ment, though. If you’re carrying inside the waist- which I’ve been eminently satisfied with, the 42 43 Wilson Combat edc x9

1

1—Two 15-round (10-rounders are also of- fered) magazines—designed in conjunction with Mec Gar—come with each pistol, and gave flawless function- ing during testing. The starburst-texture-pattern VZ/Wilson Combat G10 grip panels do not rely on grip screws and bushings to be held in place, which not only eliminates the possibility of said screws loosening up, but also effectively reduces the grip circumfer- ence. Instead, they are solidly locked into place via the removable-aluminum, grip-safe- ty-less backstrap, which is also available in small and large sizes. 4

2 3

4—Wilson Combat offers their own 9mm ammunition, from a 95-grain solid Barnes TAC-XP load all the way to a subsonic 147-grain hollowpoint. The two Wilson loads used during testing were the 115- and 124-grain offerings, which, as no big surprise, also provided the best results from the bench. Each EDC X9 ships in a very nice and extremely well-laid-out padded cordura soft case.

EDC X9 feels to me like a cross between the Karl Rehn (krtraining.com) in Texas. That two. The Wilson Combat 1911s, despite their first gun gave me a perfect 300 out of 300 different dimensions, both point well for me score shooting a demonstration qualification and the EDC just doesn’t. But as noted, this in front of our students, with all sixty shots is an extremely individual thing, and if you in a sub-five-inch group, shooting under time have any problem with pointing it will show and including one-hand-only strings with each up when you carefully, with the shopkeeper’s hand. It’s hard to ask for better performance permission, dry-fire the EDC at the gun shop than that under pressure. before you lay down your cash or card. With several hundred rounds through this This is my second Wilson EDC test gun, particular specimen of the EDC X9, it has yet the first having been run at a class I taught for to experience its first malfunction. Comfortable carry, accuracy and reliability, and the cachet of 2—Yes, this is five hits with Wilson Combat 124 grain +P shot-recovery time is nothing short of impressive its famous name—it’s no wonder that Wilson XTP ammo at 25 yards. To see it better, this photo was shot with this pistol. Reliability was also 100-percent Combat is selling all of these they can make, of the exit holes on opposite side of target to reveal the through hundreds of rounds of the author’s despite their $2,895 MSRP. For more informa- 3 distinct radii in the 3-shot cluster.3—The EDC X9 lets testing, as well as an equal amount back at On tion contact Wilson Combat; Tel.: (800) 955- Mas stay on target amidst a stream of rapid-fired brass; Target headquarters. 4856; Web: www.wilsoncombat.com

44 45 NEW FOR 2018 SIG SAUER 365 V-Crown Ammunition SIG SAUER has intro- duced a new, high-per- formance SIG 365 Elite Performance Ammuni- DEFENSIVE tion load in 115-gr. 9mm in their SIG V-Crown and SIG FMJ lines. De- signed for optimal per- formance in short barrel, concealed-carry pistols, SIG 365 ammunition uses low-flash, clean burning powders for maximum performance and shoot- HANDGUN ablity. Training the way you carry is paramount, and SIG FMJ GEAR & ACCESSORIES Lyman Speedloaders ammunition is engineered to shoot like SIG V-Crown JHP per- Streamlight PolyTac X USB Rechargeable Flashlight Lyman’s Pachmayr division has entered the revolver sonal defense loads—same recoil, same velocity and same point by on target staff speedloader market with its new all-aluminum Com- of impact to ensure a seamless transition from training ammo Streamlight has just introduced its new PolyTac X USB recharge- petition Speedloaders. Pachmayr says that it’s “new to carry ammunition. Both are loaded on the same machines, able flashlight (pricing was not available at press time). It will run on its revolver Speedloaders will set the standard for qual- use the same brass and are loaded to the same pressures. They 18650 USB rechargeable lithium battery or on two non-rechargeable ity and performance.” Unlike competitive models, use the same clean-burning powder that CR123A lithium batteries. The PolyTac X USB is a complete, recharge- which are made of plastic, Pachmayr’s Speed- is fully consumed before the projectile able system that comes with a charging cord and one 18650 button top loaders are precision CNC machined from leaves the barrel. The proprietary battery that features an integrated micro-USB charge port. The PolyTac solid aluminum. The Speedloader bodies are SIG V-Crown stacked hollow X features Streamlight’s award-winning C4 LED technology, which is cut in a polygon shape, hard anodized in Royal point bullet is especially effec- impervious to shock and has a 50,000 hour lifetime. TEN-TAP pro- Blue, which produces the smallest possible tive for personal defense gramming provides a choice of four operating modes—high, medium, outside dimensions and allows them to easily delivering exceptional low and strobe—and solid state power regulation for maximum light fit compact revolvers. The Speedloaders are also on-target energy output throughout battery life. Made from super-tough nylon polymer equipped with a rattle eliminating O-ring which with maximum for exceptional durability and a sure grip, it is ideal as a law enforce- contacts the cartridge bases and firmly holds the weight retention ment backup light or home defense illuminator. It puts out 600 lumens rounds in place. Cartridges are released with a and expansion. Both (11,485 candela) of bright white light, with a runtime of 3.5 hours on simple twist of the large knurled aluminum knob. provide superior high and 36 hours on low using the 18650 USB rechargeable battery, Pachmayr Speedloaders are available for the S&W corrosion resistance, and offers a beam distance of 205 meters. Available in black, coyote or “J” frame, S&W “K” frame and S&W “L” frame and reliable feed- yellow, it’s it’s 5.46 inches long and weighs 4.9 oz. Contact Streamlight, revolvers, was well as the Ruger LCR, chambered in ing and extraction. Tel.: (610) 631-0600; Web: www.streamlight.com .38/357 Magnum, and other popular models. Priced Muzzle velocity for at $19.98, they weigh only two ounces. See them at both 365 9mm 115-gr. V-Crown New Black Hills HoneyBadger Loads your local firearms retailer, or for more information and FMJ loads is 1,050 fps from the a 3.1-inch contact Lyman Products Corp., Tel.: (800) 225- barrel with muzzle energy of 282 ft.-lbs. Contact Black Hills has added two new loads to its super-performing Hon- 9626; Web: www.lymanproducts.com SIG SAUER, Tel.: (603) 610-3000; Website: www.sigsauer.com eyBadger line of defensive handgun cartridges, including a 100-gr. 9mm Blackhawk Premium Leather Holster and a 125.-gr. .44 Special. Both are loaded with solid copper, non-de- The new Premium Leather Holster from Blackhawk! forming, non-fragmenting bullets with wide, sharp flutes. Think ballistic Apex Tactical Action Enhancement Kit for S&W SVDE ($99.99) is a 3-slot pancake design made from premium broadheads that cut through barriers that cause standard hollow-points The new Tactical Action Enhancement Kit for S&W SVDE cowhide with antiqued finish. It features a high inner to fail. When striking the target, HoneyBadger bullets reliably penetrate body that provides a moisture barrier and protects the to consistent depths, while out performing conventional hollow-points pistols from Apex Tactical Specialties ($54.95) replaces the stan- body from sharp edges. Retention is provided by a in depth of penetration and width of the wound cavity. The 100-gr. dard trigger group. The SVDE is one of the most reasonably priced quick-break, snap-over strap. It’s available in right- and 9mm HoneyBadger bullet exist the muzzle at 1,300 f.p.s. and produces ($389) defensive pistols on the market. It’s available in 9mm or .40 left-handed models for the FNH FNS/FNX 9 and 40, a wound cavity over three inches wide and over 15 inches deep. The S&W in a variety of finishes. The Action Enhancement Kit for the Glock 42, most 3-inch 1911s, Ruger LC9/LC 380, 125.-gr. .44 Special has a muzzle velocity of 1,275 f.p.s., penetrates over SDVE combines the Apex Action Enhancement Trigger and Apex Spring Kit into one Ruger LCR, Ruger SR9c and SR40c, Smith & Wesson 17 inches and produces a wound cavity over 2.75 inches in diameter. convenient package, that when installed produces a smoother, lighter trigger pull with Bodyguard .38 and Bodyguard .380, Smith & Wesson Also available in the HoneyBadger line is a 60-gr. .380 ACP at 1,150 less pre-travel and over-travel and a M&P 9/40 (4-inch barrel), Smith & Wesson M&P f.p.s., a .38 Special at 1,275 f.p.s., a 125-gr. 9mm at 1,050 f.p.s., a 160- much shorter trigger reset. This kit is a 9/40 Compact, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, SIG gr. .44 Mag. at 1,800 f.p.s. and a 135-gr. .45 ACP at 1,325 f.p.s. This significant improvement over the stock factory trigger, yet SAUER P250/P320, SIG SAUER P290 and Taurus stuff will save your bacon! Contact Black Hills Ammunition, Tel.: (605) is still ideal for duty, carry and personal protection purpos- 24/7 G2. If you’re in the market for a knock-down-dead 348-5150; Web: www.black-hills.com es. It reduces trigger pull weight by approximately 2.0 lbs. looking pancake-style holster, this one should be at the from factory, reduces pre-travel by 20%, reduces over-travel top of your list. We expect Blackhawk! to expand their by 10%, smooths the trigger pull, shortens and improves reset, Premium Leather Holster line to include more makes and its center mounted pivoting trigger safety maintains factory and models in the future, so check their website if your safety standards. It’s available for the S&W SD & SDVE Series semi-auto handgun isn’t included. Contact Blackhawk!, Tel.: pistols (SD9, SD40, SD9VE & SD40VE). Contact Apex Tactical Specialties, (800) 379-1732; Web: www.blackhawk.com Tel.: (623) 322-0200; Web: www.apextactical.com 46 47 Aguila Hollow-Point Centerfire Ammunition Texas Armament & Technology, the North American distributor for Aguila Ammunition, has just announced a new line of Aguilla centerfire ammunition loaded with hollow-point bullets. Aguila is adding 9mm, .380 ACP, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and .38 Special caliber rounds loaded with semi-jacketed hollow-point bullets. Aguila Ammunition, founded in 1961, is manufactured in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico by Industrias Tecnos, S.A. de C.V. and is one of the largest rimfire ammu- nition manufacturers in the world. The new semi-jacketed, hollow-point centerfire-fire ammunition, however, will be manufactured exclusively at Texas Armament & Technology’s new manufacturing facility located in Conroe, Texas. Go USA! According to John Domolky, Director of Sales for Texas Armament & Technology/Aguila Ammunition, “Bringing production to the United States is something we’ve been working on for the past two years. We now have manufacturing capabilities to produce our ammo in Conroe, TX and we’re thrilled to be kicking off the new production facility with hollow-point, center-fire offerings.” Aguila offers a complete range of products for the self-defense, sport shooting, hunting, law enforcement and military markets, including short-format shotshells loaded with slugs or buckshot that greatly increase magazine capacity. For more information, contact Texas Armament & Technology, Tel.: (888) 452-4019; Web: www.aguilaammo.com

TRUGLO TFX Pro Tritium-Fiber-Optic Day/Night Sights The majority of defensive gunfights occur at night, so if you want to walk away from the encounter in one piece your carry pistol has to be able to do two things for you: illuminate your target so you can see it, and illuminate your sights so you can put them on the target. The first requirement is the job of a white-light illuminator attached to your equipment rail that will show you the aggressor, and the second requirement is a set of night sights so you can hit the aggressor. TRUGLO created the original TFO day/night Tritium/fiber-optic sight, then made it virtually indestructible with their hermetically-sealed TFX sights. Now, they have taken TFX technology to the next level with their new TFX Pro Tritium-Fiber-Optic Day/Night Sights. They feature a contrasting colored front sight ring for faster daylight focus and a quick and accurate U-notch, angled rear sight edge for emergency one-hand operation. The bright fiber-optic component makes daylight shooting fast and easy, while the Tritium capsules glow with just the right brightness at night to see your sights. The combination of a white light illuminator and TRUGLO TFX Pro Tritium-Fiber-Optic Day/Night Sights will make you a survivor, day or night. Contact TRUGLO, Tel.: (888) 8-TRUGLO: Web: www.truglo.com

Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep 9mm Ammo The Hydra-Shok bullet has been Federal Premium’s top-performing hollowpoint defensive bullet since its introduction 1989. But time moves on. The new Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested platform of the original Hydra-Shok, with design improvements that better meet modern performance measurements. The new bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok bullet and competitor loads. It penetrates 15-inches in bare ballistics gelatin, the optimal depth according to the FBI protocols, which is 50 percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok bullet, and achieves a 70 percent improvement in FBI protocol score. Its iconic center post design has been improved for better, more consistent expansion through FBI standard barriers. Hydra-Shok Deep employs a consistent, specially formulated propellant for the ultimate in repeatable precision, and features an extremely reliable Federal primer. Hydra-Shok Deep is initially available in 135-grain 9mm with nickel-plated cases, but look for it in other defensive cartridges soon. Contact Federal Premium, Tel.: (763) 323-3862: Website: www.federalpremium.com

48 49 rock riverarms 1911 pBuilt foroly work, a precise, affordable and lighter-weight Government model from the folks that manufacture some of the best kept secrets in the 1911 world Back in the day—as in 2002 when we started this magazine— Rock River Arms was well on its way to earning the reputation it enjoys today as one of the finest AR and 1911 makers in the country. Then, a few years later, and for reasons unknown to us, RRA stopped manufacturing 1911 pis- tols and focused exclusively on their ever-growing line of ARs. A few years ago they decided to get back into the 1911 business—the pistol platform that the company was originally founded on—and now offer eight models of semi-cus- tom and true custom 1911s priced from $1,650 to $3,600 . . . plus, now, one

bill battles ben battles 51 50 51 rock river arms poly 1911

1

from steel or aluminum. A machined steel sub-frame that extends a full inch down into the polymer fame greatly increases the rigidity and strength of the lower half. It contains all of the frame’s fire control components and includes a more: their entry-level 1911 Poly that highly polished feed ramp and full-length retails for $925. machined steel slide rails. The RRA 1911 Poly was designed for One of the first things I do is com- the average Joe who wanted a top-quality, pletely field strip any pistol before starting accurate and reliable 5-inch, .45 ACP to run my mouth, and in this case I was 1911 for less than the price of a good truly amazed at the tolerances RRA main- used car. RRA went to great lengths in tains in the 1911 Poly. For example, the 1—The magazine release, slide stop and single-sided thumb safety controls the design of the 1911 Poly to ensure that barrel bushing proved to be a very tight are all of the mil-spec variety. The trigger is typical RRA—very good. Rear faces it would be every bit as strong and accu- fit during dissasembly—not so tight as of both front and rear sights have been serrated to help kill glare. The Parker- rate as an all-steel pistol. Only the frame to create pre-break-in reliability issues, or ized finish on the metal components closely matches the tone of the polymer and main spring housing are made from the need to have gorilla arms to rack the frame, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at a glance. polymer—everything else is machined slide, but the type of tight that a hand-fit-

52 53 rock river arms poly 1911 ting by a competent ‘smith typically yields. Pulling the slide entry-level 1911. 3—Between the back I also noticed that the outside diameter of the barrel is The slide is pretty basic, with a lowered and flared rubber-over- stepped up a few thousandths for 3/8 of an inch back from ejection port, plain black dovetailed sights (the rear is drift mold grip the muzzle—sort of like a flared, bushingless barrel except adjustable for windage with a set screw to lock it in place) panels and the raised checker- straight not flared—where the barrel locks up onto the bush- and rear-only slide serrations. The rear faces of both the ing molded into ing when in battery. front and rear sights and serrated to break up glare and the front strap With the pistol completely field stripped and the barrel, reflections. All of the slide internals are standard, Mil-Spec and mainspring recoil spring and guide rod removed to ensure there would components, including the internal extractor, firing pin, housing of the be nothing to tension the slide, I slid the slide back onto the firing pin spring and firing pin stop. The slide, as well as polymer frame, full-length frame rails and found a surprisingly tight frame- the take-down pin, slide stop, non-reversible mag release the Poly 1911 to-slide fit. Wobble was barely palpable—not typical for an button and left-side mounted thumb safety all have a gives up noth- matte black Parkerized finish ing to its steel that matches the matte counterparts 1 when it comes to grip pur- 1—The steel slide gets chase. The grip rear cocking serra- circumference tions and a lowered/ is slightly larg- flared ejection port. er than a steel Riding within is a single-stack 5-inch chrome moly gun, and it’s barrel and tradition- hand-filling al 1911 guide-rod/ without feeling recoil spring assem- at all bulky. bly. The windage-ad- 3 justable rear sight is blended to the round 4—The Poly 1911 ships 4 profile of the slide with two 7-round top and features an stainless-steel maga- aggressively tall and zines—both of which hooked face for im- gave trouble-free provised one-handed performance during racking of the slide. testing.

black polymer frame so well that it’s not easy to tell 2—At the heart of the new Poly model is a lightweight and du- where the steel stops and the rable polymer frame encompassing a slide-rail and feed-ramp- polymer begins. equipped steel insert housing all of the fire controls. Poly- mer-framed 1911s have been done before, but we believe The trigger shoe is of the Rock River’s solution is the best-engineered, most ventilated aluminum variety robust version we’ve tested to date. with a serrated face. In oper- ation, it has a nice hard wall after about 1/16-inch of rear- ward travel at a pull weight of about a pound. Once you hit the wall, there’s no sense of any further take-up before the break. Total pull weight measured 3 lbs. 2 oz., but rubber grips and the pistol fells like a part of your hand. To based on previous experience, we’d expect this one to settle put it another way, the grip traction is as good as any 1911 in at under 3-pounds after some trigger time. There is a hole we’ve ever tested. 2 in the trigger face to insert an Allen wrench for over-travel The RRA 1911 Poly is a full-size (Government model), adjustment, but since we experienced no sense of any, we 5-inch pistol, so its dimensions are common fare. What’s didn’t mess with it. Trigger reset is crazy short at less than not common to that genre of 1911s is the weight: at 2.04 1/8 inch. All in all, this is a trigger RRA can be proud of. pounds (32.64 oz.) empty with magazine inserted, it chops The skeletonized hammer is nicely serrated and has a half- nearly 10 ounces of an all steel version with the same fea- cock position. The extended beavertail grip safety appears to tures—that’s a big chunk of weight gone if you’re consider- be made of aluminum, with a raised palm bump for positive ing the RRA Poly 1911 as a carry gun. disengagement. For accuracy and reliability testing we used a variety of Grip feel is outstanding, thanks to the deeply molded in brands of ammunition loaded with the full spectrum of .45 checkering of the polymer main spring housing and front ACP bullet weights—from 135 to 230-grain. Reliability strap. Slap on a pair of diamond-checkered, over-molded testing on steel-plate targets was about as uneventful as it 5454 5555 rock river arms poly 1911 1—Due to its lighter weight, felt recoil was gauged at slightly more than that of an all-steel Government-model 1911, but with no noticeable difference in muzzle rise. Reliability was 100-percent.

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gets. The gun always went “bang”, and as long as we did our job, the plates always fell. Recoil 2 was just slightly heavier than we’re used to with all-steel 1911s—likely due to the gun’s lighter weight—but muzzle rise appeared unaffected. Accuracy testing at 25 yards revealed one notable aspect about the Poly 1911—it gives up nothing in the downrange-performance de- partment due to its polymer frame. The pistol produced excellent results with the five differ- ent brands of ammunition we had on hand for testing, but the load the Poly seemed to prefer was the Federal Premium 230-gr. Gold Medal Match, delivering an impressive 1.44- inch cluster for five shots. Not far behind was Black Hills’ devastating new 135-gr. solid-cop- per-fluted defensive load, sending five-shots into a 1.60-inch group. Very solid performance overall, and again, 100-percent reliability. We’ve always been a huge fan of RRA’s 1911’s, largely due to the quality and perfor- mance levels you’re getting for your money. The Poly now puts these attributes within reach 2—As bench testing revealed, drawbacks to the polymer of much broader spectrum of consumers. See frame in regard to downrange performance were nonexis- the RRA 1911 Poly at your firearms retailer, or tent. The “best group of the day” award goes to Federal Pre- contact Rock River Arms; Tel.: (866) 980-ROCK; mium 230-gr. Gold Medal Match, printing this 1.44-inch five- Web: www.rockriverarms.com shot group at 25 yards. Other loads trailed closely behind. 5656 57

AR500 Armor Testudo Plate Carrier The prizes in this issue’s Gun Giveaway Contest are a Beretta APX Compact Pistol, a CrossBreed Founder’s Series GUN & GearUnique to the Testudo PlateGI Carrier ($159)V is EAWAYSuperTuck IWB Holster, AR500 Armor Lightweight contest LEVEL III UHMWPE Body Armor and an AR500 Armor its capability of carrying either 10” x 12” or Testudo Plate Carrier, with a combined retail value of $1,143.95 11” X 14” body armor of any type. With a fully adjustable cummerbund and shoulder straps, the Testudo is versatile and viable for large or CrossBreed Founder’s Series SuperTuck IWB Holster medium body types. Rugged side retention The CrossBreed Founder’s Series Holster ($89.95) has an 11oz., 100% buckles and straps are included. Each side is vegetable tanned leather backing using no dyes or lacquers. The hides removable for user adjustable level of retention have natural oils and tallows applied under pressure giving each piece a and comfort, compatible with or without cum- unique and distinctive appearance. The leather pieces range from a dark merbund installed. It retains a light weight and chocolate brown to a lighter tan with contrasting grain. The natural durable profile by using 500D Cordura nylon oils accent the grain and structure of each piece, resulting in a beautiful construction. Strategic lower-offset rear shoul- holster that will withstand moisture, sweat, and environmental condi- der mounts position the rear plate pocket high- tions. These oils also aid the leather in forming to your body when worn, er, alleviating the traditional “low hanging” resulting in a very quick break in period. A more comfortable IWB holster rear plate pocket as seen on carriers that lost with a lifetime warranty would be a hard thing to find. Contact Cross- AR500 Armor Lightweight LEVEL III UHMWPE Body Armor sight of proper armor placement. Inner plate Breed Holsters; Tel.: (888) 732-5011; Web: crossbreedholsters.com For when ounces count, look to AR500 Armor’s lightweight, retention straps on both pockets further ensure UHMWPE (polyethylene), these NIJ Level III approved body ideal body armor ride height for optimal vital armor panels are what you need. They measure 10” x 12” coverage. Contact AR500 Armor; Tel.: (602) Beretta APX Compact Pistol and weigh a mere 3.3 pounds. Featuring an ergonomic 501-9607; Web: www.ar500armor.com With the addition of the new Compact ($575), the striker-fired, polymer-frame Beretta APX Pistol family is now single curve, they are affordable ($320), high performing, available in Full, Centurion and Compact sizes. The concealed-carry friendly Compact, available in 9mm (13+1 comfortable and light weight. Wrapped in 600 Denier rounds) or .40 S&W (10+1 rounds) also will accept Full/Centurion size APX magazines. Designed specifically for nylon cover with edge impact padding, these armor military and law enforcement users who need to carry concealed but want similar handling characteristics as panels are 1.3” thick and carry a 5-year shelf life. NIJ Level their duty pistols, it is equally suitable for the civilian market. It features a user-removable, serialized chassis and III 0101.06 certified armor will stop 7.62x51 M80 at 2,800 can be easily modified with replaceable grip frame housings, excellent controllability and ergonomics, low bore FPS, 5.56x45 M193 at 3,150 FPS and a 7.62x39 AK 47 at axis, ambidextrous slide catch, reversible magazine release, aggressive slide serrations, and 2,380 FPS. They also defeat all common pistol cartridges, a trigger that breaks at 6 lbs. with a tactile and audible short reset. Contact including the .44 Magnum. Other features include stand- Beretta Firearms; Tel.: (800) 929-2901; Web: beretta.com alone and multi-hit capability and positive buoyancy. That doesn’t mean it’s a life jacketbut it does mean that its not going to drag you under it you wind up in the pond. AR500 Armor also offers a wide variety of plate carriers designed for inside or outside the shirt wear. Pricing of the plate carriers starts at $39 and goes into the hundreds depend- ing upon features. Contact AR500 Armor, Tel.: (602) 501- 9607; Web: www.ar500armor.com enter for free at... ONTARGETMAGAZINE.COM 5858 5959 The latest in precision-production, threaded-barrel 1911s from Dan Wesson backs up its name with scary-good performance

Dan Wesson firearms has been quietly time, parted with them later on, wish they were building some of the best 1911 pistols you can still here. Trying to test a couple over the years they buy for years now. Any doubt as to their quality just took too long to get, making it tough to meet or desirability is quickly dispelled when you find deadlines, so when the chance to test their new and try one. High demand can make them scarce, Wraith came up I jumped on it. a good problem to have as a manufacturer. Those Suppressed pistols are gaining in popularity, willing to wait are seldom disappointed. My first mostly for entertainment, even some hunting ap- test of a Dan Wesson 1911 was the then-new Valor plications, but threaded barrels and taller sights in 2009. Initially skeptical, the quality was almost are becoming the norm. Shooting suppressed stunning. Simple, rugged, built to custom pistol pistols is kind of fun and can be advantageous tolerances using tool steel parts it rivaled customs if you are handgun hunting hogs or other game. at three times its retail price of $1,500. My expe- They can also be useful for dedicated home de- rience testing their CCO a few months later was fense handguns. Pistols are certainly quieter than the same, what amounts to a $3500. custom 1911 rifles but eliminating the flash and report can at just over $1500. Ended up buying both at the be useful. Law Enforcement has found a need

dave bahde ben battles & dave bahde 6060 6161 dan wesson wraith 1911

1—Extended grip and thumb safety’s from forged stainless steel the slide is adorned nearly guarantee with Clark-Style ribs along the top. Ball end your ability to get mill cuts at the front provide a really nice look, this pistol off-safe as does a distressed version of their Duty finish. in a hurry—even if The slide has rear cocking serrations that also you happen to get look and enhance the carry bevel. AmeriGlo tall a poor grip while sights using a tritium front and single dot rear drawing. An ex- facilitate suppressor use. A pronounced ledge tended slide-stop, on the rear sight makes unconventional reloads checkered maga- and stoppage drills possible. The frame includes zine-release button sharp 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and with carved out mainspring housing. Extended grip and thumb access in the grip safeties are easy to operate with gloved hands. panel, and a black Its beveled magwell is matched to the frame, medium-length and stippled G10 grips make for a firm grip in in some specialty units as has the military, trigger round out inclement weather. The slightly extended and the controls. but mostly it’s just a ton of fun. Another side checkered magazine release is accessed using a benefit is a longer barrel in a typical platform moderate “scoop” in the grip. The slide stop adding some velocity and even some accura- is recessed, checkered and slightly extended. cy. One of the best platforms for suppressed The hammer and butt are squared for a nice shooting is the 1911 pistol and Dan Wesson edgy appearance. The Wraith’s trigger is solid Firearms has introduced a new 1911 this year aluminum and mid length to fit most hands. to do just that, the Wraith. Shipped in a hard case with two 8-round magazines with plastic base pads, it retails for Dan Wesson Wraith 45 ACP $2,077. chambered in 45 ACP. The Wraith The Wraith is a Government model 1911 is also available in 9mm for the same price, using a 5.75-inch threaded barrel. Match grade, while the 10mm version costs an extra $300. it is capable of some serious accuracy. Built All are otherwise identical. 1.

62 63 dan wesson wraith 1911 3—Paired with extended baseplates on the two-in- cluded 8-round magazines, a sizeable magazine funnel makes for lightning-quick and fumble-free reloads. The front strap and flat main- spring housing are both cut with sharp 25-LPI checkering, and combined with grippy G10 grip panels traction is never at a deficit. 4—Avail- 3. able in 9mm, 45 ACP and 10mm, the Wraith’s stainless-steel Range Time slide and frame are treated to Dan Wesson’s Distressed Built entirely from forged stainless steel, the Wraith is very strong, making Doubletap Ammunition’s 450 SM (short magnum) a perfect match (www.doubletapammo.net.) De- Duty finish. Running between signed to work in full-sized, all-steel 1911s, it is perfectly suited to hunting and self-defense. the extra-tall Ameriglo night The Wraith’s standard guide rod made installing a stiffer return spring easy. Having used this sights—sufficiently high to round with some consistency it is snappy. Recoil is manageable, about like a 10mm, but the clear most any pistol sup- ballistics are impressive. Using Doubletap’s own 185-grain Bonded Defense bullet you get pressor—a serrated top-rib 1,300 FPS out of a 5” 1911. Move up to the 230-grain Defense round and it drops to 1,130 helps kill sight-picture glare. fps, still impressive. If you’re looking for a dedicated hunting round with deep penetration, the 255-grain hard cast is devastating. I have seen this round drop 300-pound critters at 100 yards out of a dan wesson wraith 1911 1. standard 5” 1911. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to Caliber/Gauge: .45 ACP carry their .45 ACP for predator defense. Barrel: 5.75 inches Accuracy with these loads was in the sub two-inch range at 25 OA Length: 9.5 Inches Testing yards, mostly due to some stiffer recoil. Using a 20-pound recoil 1—The unique polyg- Width: 1.5 Inches spring tamed it a bit, but these are pretty snappy. My best group Silencerco’s Osprey (www.silencerco.com) was used for suppressed shooting. One of the onal shape of the Height: 6.0 Inches first and most popular affordable pistol suppressors, the Osprey is very light so your handgun SilencerCo Osprey Weight: 42.3 ounces does not become barrel heavy. Available in 9mm, 45, and a short version (45) K, it is capable suppressor—which Sights: ameriglo Tritium Suppressor Height of handling 9mm, 45ACP, 40 SW, and even 300 BLK subsonic using available pistons. It’s matched the angular 4. Stocks/Grips: G10 Stippled one of the quietest on the market and its unique shape and operation often eliminate the need cuts of the Wraith’s Action: semi-Automatic / Single Action for higher sights. Using the proper pistol, it threads on; rotate the suppressor using the locking slide with close resem- Slide: stainless Steel lever to align it properly and you are all set. blance—isn’t just for Most of my holsters are ill equipped for the extended barrel. Simply Rugged Holsters Frame: stainless Steel looks. It’s above-axis Finish: Distressed Duty (www.simplyrugged.com) crafted a multiuse holster made from Cape Buffalo for my hunting mount does away with 10mm 1911 that worked nicely. Their Sourdough Pancake holster can be used strong side, Capacity: 8+1 (or any standard 1911 magazine) the need for taller Price: $2077.00 cross draw, or chest carry using the “chesty puller” harness. Testing weather was cold and sights and the polyg- stormy so it was used in chest carry. Given that much of this pistol’s strengths will be as a onal housing creates hunting 45 ACP, it made for a perfect test sitting under my rain gear. It also made it easy extra internal volume running a couple rifles on my stress course wearing a back pack. for its monocore baf- fle to ride in, creating 2. better suppression performance. Its light- weight construction went virtually unno- ticed while hanging off the muzzle. 2—The Wraith’s 5.75-inch match- grade barrel is thread- ed to the common .45 ACP thread pitch of 0.578x28. Here you can see the unique cam locking sys- tem of the Osprey, which allows you to tighten down the suppressor, rotate the body to align the housing with your sights, and lock it down with a cam lever. 64 65 dan wesson wraith 1911

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came from their 230-grain Match Ammunition loaded for Colt Defense. 3. Normally the carry ammunition takes the day on accuracy but this stuff 1 AND 2—Testing with multiple brands of ammunition, a bunch of different magazines and running both reminds me of the Gold Medal used for accuracy matches. It put four suppressed and un-suppressed, the Dan Wesson Wraith ran with 100-percent reliability throughout test- rounds into a cluster at 25 yards with one opening the group up to a bit ing. The SilencerCo Osprey can performed equally as well, producing minimal blowback, excellent sound over an inch. Soft shooting in this all steel 1911, it was a pleasure to shoot suppression, a negligible point-of-impact shift and no degradation of downrange precision. and very accurate. Everything else was in the 1.5- to 2-inch range using a bag as a rest on a pretty windy, rainy, and cold day. Sharp checkering glasses. It should be anyway, but hunters will leave them off. kept things solid, even in the rain. It was like a vice with gloves on, a bit Safety glasses should be mandatory when shooting suppressed Performance sharp bare handed, but solid as a rock. pistols. It can be ammunition and powder dependent, but it is Cartridge Velocity (FPS) best Group Reliability was excellent with a consistent and predictable ejection common. Accuracy was unaffected by the Osprey and it did little pattern. Most of the self-defense ammunition ran okay with the heavy to change the handling of the Wraith other than adding length. Doubletap 160-Grain +P Barnes 1,200 1.25 Inches spring but switching back to an 18-pound spring brought it back to Surefire’s Masterfire holster is my go-to rig for suppressed more normal patterns. No stoppages or failures with any of the ammu- pistols. Mounting to the light facilitates suppressed and RDS Barnes nition using either spring. equipped pistols (or both). With no rail the Wraith was only TAC-XPD 185-grain +P 1,000 1.30 Inches It worked well suppressed, as good as any with moderate powder tested on the range and from what could be called “vehicle’ carry Underwood at the shooter. Normal when suppressing pistols, back pressure tends from the FJ. While suppressed pistols are becoming popular for 120-Grain +P XD 1,385 1.40 Inches to expel powder back at the shooter. It makes it critical to wear safety tactical purposes holsters remain scarce, something demand will Doubletap likely clear up. Using a longer pistol case works great in a vehicle 255-grain 450 SM 1,025 1.80 Inches 3—With four shots nearly on top of each other or for defense in the home. Federal and one just north, the Wraith proved capable Other Stuff HST 230-Grain 900 1.45 Inches of one-inch groups using Colt Defense 230-grain Colt Defense Match. For a production 1911—let alone a custom Long a fan of aggressive checkering this pistol was just a tad 230-grain Match 850 1.00 inches sharp. Its less about the LPI (lines per inch) and more about the points gun from one of the boutique manufacturers—it’s Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (f.p.s.) by Pro Chrony Digital hard to ask for better performance than this. on checkering. All my personal 1911s use 25 LPI so the Wraith used chronograph. Accuracy in inches for 5-shot groups at 25 yards fired from a rest. my preferred texture, the points were just too sharp especially with the 66 67 dan wesson wraith 1911

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1—With premium, hand-fit components throughout, forged slide and frame, and with much stronger tool-steel components in place of the more common and weaker MIM (metal injection molding) parts, these pistols are an incredible value and are for sure some of the finest production-model 1911s money can buy. 2—Made from cape buffalo hide, the author used this Sourdough Pancake holster from Simply Rugged Holsters—mounted with the optional Chesty Puller Harness— during testing, as its open bot- tom allowed clear passage for the Wraith’s longer threaded-barrel.

hunting loads. Touch up with some sandpaper can take the points 2. down a bit, just be aware when shooting it out of the box. If your government model holster has a closed bottom, thread- ed barrels won’t fit. You will need to open it up or use one de- signed for a threaded barrel. Those designed for 5” guns will have the threaded portion protrude from the bottom. My preference is to use a holster cut for a 6” pistol, my Kydex holster molded for my 6” 10mms worked fine. Several are available these days as the long slide 1911 is becoming quite poplar, just be aware. Bottom Line Dan Wesson’s Wraith is typical of their higher end 1911s, excellent in almost every respect. Fit and finish is superb, parts are high quality, accuracy is stellar, about as good as it gets on a hunting or working hand gun. Operation was flawless using several different magazines. Threads on the barrel were clean and accepted not only the Osprey but three other .45 ACP suppressors currently in inventory. Out of the box it would make a fantastic hog hunter loaded with dedicated hunting ammunition like the Doubletap 450 short magnum, even some of the +P loads. Just change springs and go to work. The Distressed look is nice, looks worn without having to carry it for a few years. While not truly dull, it is not too shiny for tactical use or personal carry. If you have decided you need a full-sized stainless steel 1911 with a threaded barrel, the Wraith may be just about perfect. Contact Dan Wesson Firearms, Tel.: (607) 336-1174; Web: www.danwessonfirearms.com 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84