As firearms continue to sell at record pace, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand for existing models. Nonetheless, innovation continues. We are seeing introductions of MRDS-ready, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, including higher-capacity micro-9s. Also hitting the market with some frequency are large-format pistols in both rifle and pistol calibers. And, of course, super-premium 1911s continue to be unveiled at the aspirational end of the market.
With alarmed citizens looking to protect themselves, first-time buyers now seem to comprise a larger part of the firearm consumer base. As all guns may be new to them, some old standbys are moving well. So, what’s the market for sophisticated new designs? Long-range rifle competition and the simple fact that one can never have too many guns.
Browning | 1911-22 Black Label Suppressor Ready Muzzle Brake Laser
If you’re a fan of the 1911 and are looking for a fun, easy-to-shoot and extremely well-built pistol for plinking, this is the gun for you. With the included muzzle brake and Crimson Trace laser, accuracy should be a cinch, while removing the brake allows mounting a suppressor for even more fun at the range.
▶ Muzzle brake
▶ Crimson Trace Railmaster laser included
▶ Stippled Buckmark grips
▶ Extended beavertail
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.88 inches
Overall Length: 8.13 inches
Weight:14 ounces
MSRP: $829.99
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
Browning | 1911-380 Black Label Pro American Flag
With its .380 ACP chambering, this 1911-style pistol is a solid option for concealed carry for those who prefer a light, easy-to-control handgun. The gorgeous wooden grips feature a subdued American flag to showcase your patriotism while providing excellent purchase.
▶ Rosewood grips with American flag artwork
▶ Commander-style hammer
▶ Ambidextrous thumb safety
▶ Three-dot Combat sights
Caliber: .380 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $829.99
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
Browning | Buck Mark Plus Vision Black/Gold Suppressor Ready
Beyond its striking appearance thanks to the gold barrel beneath an intricate shroud, this pistol is deceptively lightweight, yet still easy and incredibly fun to shoot. Made with pinpoint accuracy in mind, it features a host of upgrades over a standard .22 LR handgun, all designed to make it ideal for both plinking and rimfire competition.
▶ TruGlo fiber-optic front sight
▶ Adjustable Pro-Target rear sight
▶ Removable muzzle brake
▶ Gold Cerakote barrel
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 5.88 inches
Overall Length: 9.9 inches
Weight: 14 ounces
MSRP: $719.99
(800) 333-3288 browning.com
CZ | P-10 S
If you have a need or merely a preference for something other than black, the P-10 S is now also available in OD Green and Flat Dark Earth. All other features of this popular, lightweight, carry handgun remain the same.
▶ Three-dot, ledge-style tritium night sights
▶ 12+1 capacity
▶ Recurved trigger guard
▶ Beveled muzzle
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.5 inches
Overall Length: 6.6 inches
Weight: 24.4 ounces
MSRP: $619
(800) 955-4486 cz-usa.com
CZ | Tactical Sport 2
Thanks to its low slide profile and redesigned frame, the TS 2 offers a low bore axis that prevents excessive muzzle rise. The Tactical Sport 2 is deigned for fast, comfortable handling and handling, and easy customization.
▶ Low-profile slide
▶ Front cocking serrations
▶ Fiber-optic front sight
▶ Aluminum grips
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 5.23 inches
Overall Length: 8.86 inches
Weight: 48 ounces
MSRP: $1,699
(800) 955-4486 cz-usa.com
EAA | Girsan MC9 Standard TV
In addition to its ergonomically designed polymer frame and interchangeable backstrap inserts, the latest offering from Girsan features a milled side cut and includes the company’s patent-pending Fast Acquisition Red Dot optics (FAR-DOT).
▶ Interchangeable backstraps
▶ Built-in trigger safety
▶ Accessory rail
▶ 4-MOA MRDS
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.2 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 22.4 ounces
MSRP: $568
(321) 639-4842 eaacorp.com
FN America | FN 509 LS Edge
Now in an optics-ready platform with four MRD slide adapter plates, the FN 509 LS Edge is a striker-fired pistol made for competition. It also doubles as a personal-defense handgun with a solid trigger and three spare mags for carry or training purposes.
▶ Flat-face trigger
▶ Optics ready
▶ 4 MRD plates
▶ Two backstraps
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.2 inches
Weight: 31 ounces
MSRP: $1,499
(703) 288-3500 fnamerica.com
Glock | G43X MOS
Glock has taken the G43X (and G48) of the company’s single-stack Slim Line and added a slide cut for a micro red-dot sight (MRDS) as well as an accessory rail. The MOS version allows for direct installation of a low-mounted sight (not included) as well as a laser and/or light module.
▶ Front cocking serrations
▶ MRDS-ready slide
▶ Single-slot rail
▶ Safe Action trigger
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.41 inches
Overall Length: 6.5 inches
Weight: 18.55 ounces
MSRP: $582
(770) 432-1202 us.glock.com
Heckler & Koch | VP9L OR
Heckler & Kock’s all-time best-seller, the VP9, has been upgraded with the VP9L OR. An O-ring bushing on the 5-inch barrel tightens lockup, resulting in tighter groups. The slide is pre-cut for a red-dot sight and mounting plates are available for five of the most popular footprints of that type.
▶ Pre-cut slide for MRDS
▶ Lightening cuts
▶ 10-, 17- and 20-round magazines
▶ Multi-slot accessory rail
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.23 inches
Weight: 27.16 ounces
MSRP: $1,059
(706) 568-1906 hk-usa.com
Kimber | Micro9 Rapide (Black Ice)
Kimber’s Micro9 line gets an attractive addition in the Rapide (Black Ice) variant. Featuring sculpted G10 grips, subtle two-tone finish and ambidextrous safety, the Micro9 Rapide is as easy to run as it is on the eyes.
▶ DLC-coated barrel
▶ G10 grips
▶ Tru-Glo TFX tritium day/night sights
▶ Kimpro II slide finish
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.15 inches
Overall Length: 6.4 inches
Weight: 15.6 ounces
MSRP: $883
(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com
Lone Wolf | Timberwolf LTD
Built by a company that has spent two decades offering aftermarket parts and modifications for polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, Lone Wolf has introduced its Timberwolf LTD, which stands for Lightweight Tactical Defense pistol. It is intended to offer enhanced comfort, lighter weight and reduced felt recoil when compared to similar pistols.
▶ Low-mass slide
▶ Comfortable grip angle
▶ Radiused, undercut trigger guard
▶ Low-profile mag well
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.16 inches
Weight: 19 ounces
MSRP: $699
(208) 448-0600 lonewolfdist.com
MasterPiece Arms | MPA DS9 Hybrid Black & Blue Pistol
MasterPiece Arms absorbed the wide-body, double-stack 1911 from Freedom Gunworks, which resulted in the DS9 Hybrid, a competition-ready 9 mm with premium features and a highly accurate 5-inch bull barrel. MRDS not included.
▶ Double-stack 1911
▶ Competition ready
▶ MPA416R bull barrel
▶ Black-anodized grip
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.75 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
MSRP: $2,999
(706) 395-7050 masterpiecearms.com
Nighthawk Custom | VIP Agent 2
Combining Old-World finishing techniques with modern machining has resulted in the Nighthawk Custom VIP Agent 2, a 1911 for the 21st century. The product of a partnership between Nighthawk Custom, Turnbull Restoration and Agency Arms is a truly unique and stunning firearm.
▶ Turnbull color-case-hardened frame
▶ High-polished, charcoal-blued small parts
▶ 18K solid-gold bead front sight
▶ Mammoth-ivory grips
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.59 inches
Weight: 39.6 ounces
MSRP: $8,499
(877) 268-4867 nighthawkcustom.com
Republic Forge | Damasteel Patriot Commander
From the intricate pattern of its slide to the warm hues of its color-case-hardened frame, the Damasteel Patriot Commander proves that finely crafted 1911s can also be things of beauty.
▶ Skeletonized trigger
▶ Stag grips
▶ Texas Star hammer
▶ Hand-chambered barrel
Caliber: .45 ACP
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
Overall Length: 7.52 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
MSRP: $5,995
(505) 659-6289 republicforge.com
Republic Forge | Handfit Ultimate Longslide
As aesthetically pleasing as it is accurate, the Ultimate Longslide ships with both 9 mm and .38 Super barrels. The frame sports a color-case-hardened finish and fancy mammoth-ivory grips are included.
▶ Red fiber-optic front sight
▶ Adjustable Novak rear sight
▶ Single-sided thumb safety
▶ New Mexico Zia hammer
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 9 rounds
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 43 ounces
MSRP: $6,220
(505) 659-6289 republicforge.com
Ruger | MAX-9
A striker-fired design with redundant safety mechanisms, the MAX-9 boasts an optics-ready slide compatible with both JPoint- and Shield-pattern MRDS. Ruger’s first higher-capacity micro-9 ships with two 12-round magazines and a finger-grip-extension.
▶ Glass-filled nylon frame
▶ Manual safety
▶ Integral trigger safety
▶ Tritium/fiber-optic front sight
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
Overall Length: 6 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces
MSRP: $499
(336) 949-5200 ruger.com
SAR USA | SAR9 Optics-Ready Pistol
Based on the heavily tested and NATO-approved SAR9, the SAR9 Optics-Ready Pistol is simply that: A SAR9 with the slide pre-cut for mounting a mini red-dot sight (not included). That allows shooters to easily enjoy all of a red-dot benefits, including having the target and dot in the same focal plane.
▶ Optic-ready mount
▶ Interchangeable backstrap insert
▶ Black-oxide slide
▶ Recessed barrel crown
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 19 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Weight: 27.8 ounces
MSRP: $736.82
(833) 727-4867 sarusa.com
SIG Sauer | P320MAX pistol
Designed with input from world-class shooter Max Michel, the new P320MAX comes with competitive-shooting-based upgrades that will help any-level shooter do better. With multiple 21-round magazines and a red-dot included, you’re ready for any challenge.
▶ SIG Sauer Romeo 3 Max red-dot sight
▶ 12- and 14-pound recoil springs
▶ Match-grade bull barrel
▶ Four magazines included
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 21 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 43.5 ounces
MSRP: $1,599.99
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
SIG Sauer | P320XCarry Legion pistol
Bringing SIG’s Legion upgrades to a more carry-friendly pistol, the P320 X-Carry Legion wears SIG’s Legion gray PVD finish and includes a flared mag well that accepts the custom 17-round magazines with aluminum base pads.
▶ Tungsten-infused grip
▶ XRay3 Day/Night suppressor-height sights
▶ Threaded barrel
▶ Skeletonized trigger
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.6 inches
Overall Length: 8.1 inches
Weight: 40.5 ounces
MSRP: $999.99
(603) 610-3000 sigsauer.com
Smith & Wesson | Shield Plus
It looks like a standard Smith & Wesson Shield, but not quite—this model carries up to 11. Rounds, that is. The familiar Shield pistol now has a larger-capacity variant that’s very nearly the same size as the original.
▶ Bladed-safety trigger
▶ 18-degree grip angle
▶ Armornite finish
▶ Extended 13-round mag included
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 6.1 inches
Weight: 20.2 ounces
MSRP: $553
(800) 331-0852 smith-wesson.com
Springfield Armory | Hellcat RDP
The new Hellcat RDP (rapid defense package) features a self-indexing compensator and Hex Wasp red dot, a new proprietary offering from Springfield Armory.
▶ Optics ready
▶ Hex Wasp red dot
▶ Self-indexing compensator
▶ Gen 2 trigger
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.8 inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Weight: 19.4 ounces
MSRP:$899
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Springfield Armory | Ronin 10 mm
The Ronin 10 mm features a classic two-tone design that is perfectly accented by red laminate grips, all of which comes in a powerful 1911-style platform with a skeletonized Gen 2 Speed trigger.
▶ Forged carbon steel slide
▶ Classic two-tone design
▶ Tactical Rack rear sight, fiber optic front
▶ Front-cocking serrations
Caliber: 10 mm
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.6 inches
Weight: 40 ounces
MSRP: $849
(800) 680-6866 springfield-armory.com
Staccato | 2011 Staccato P
The Staccato P is now approved for duty by more than 280 law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Combining accuracy, reliability and durability with its MRDS-ready features makes it a premium duty pistol. The P can be personalized with a DLC coating, threaded barrel, chromed slide and engraving, too. Optic not included.
▶ Tactical Advantage mag well
▶ Optional Tactical Dawson Universal Optic system
▶ Diamond-like carbon (DLC) finish
▶ Flush-fit, 11-degree crown barrel
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.4 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 36 ounces
MSRP: $2,699
(512) 819-0656 staccato2011.com
Staccato | 2011 Staccato XL
Staccato has taken its more than 25 years of competition experience and distilled it into the Staccato XL. It is now available optics ready with lower-profile mounting plates and lower-height iron sights that will co-witness with an optical sight. Optic not included.
▶ Slotted slide cuts
▶ Optional Tactical Dawson Universal Optic system
▶ Custom color options
▶ Tactical Advantage mag well
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 5.4 inches
Overall Length: 8.9 inches
Weight: 39 ounces
MSRP: $3,999
(512) 819-0656 staccato2011.com
Stoeger | STR-9S Combat
Extended magazines, threaded barrels, suppressor-height sights and an optics cut are features you might expect in a firearm that costs significantly more than Stoeger’s new STR-9S Combat. It even comes with three 20-round magazines, all at an MSRP less than a good number of other optics-ready handguns. Optic not included.
▶ Optics-ready with four plates
▶ Threaded barrel
▶ Three backstraps
▶ Suppressor-height sights
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.17 inches
Overall Length: 7.44 inches
Weight: 25.6 ounces
MSRP: $549
(800) 264-4962 stoegerindustries.com
Taurus | G3 TORO
Featuring Taurus’ TORO optics-ready slide with four different adapter plates to accommodate a wide range of red dots, the G3 is a full-size handgun that is ideal for concealed-carry purposes. The Gen 3 trigger system provides enhanced accuracy from a proven pistol platform. Optic not included.
▶ Gen 3 trigger system
▶ Optics-ready slide
▶ Teflon coating
▶ Visual loaded-chamber indicator
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 17 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 7.28 inches
Weight: 24.8 ounces
MSRP: $408.79
(229) 515-8464 taurususa.com
Taurus | G3C TORO
The G3C expands on a successful G3 line with a compact variant that features an optics-cut slide with four adapter plates. This newest model accommodates a wide variety of micro red dots, making it a great option for everyday carry (EDC) or personal-defense purposes.
▶ Optics-ready slide
▶ Gen 3 trigger system
▶ Visual loaded-chamber indicator
▶ Teflon coating
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 12 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.2 inches
Overall Length: 6.3 inches
Weight: 22 ounces
MSRP: $408.77
(229) 515-8464 taurususa.com
Taurus | TX22 Competition
Built for competition or plinking at the range, the TX22 features a Taurus Performance Trigger System (PTS) and ergonomic grip, as well as an optics-ready slide, for the best in high-performance accuracy. Optic not included.
▶ Performance Trigger System (PTS)
▶ Ergonomic grip
▶ Optics-ready slide
▶ Ambidextrous safety selector
Caliber:.22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 16 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.21 inches
Weight: 23.2 ounces
MSRP: $484.86
(229) 515-8464 taurusUSA.com
Walther | PDP
Walther’s new top-of-the-line personal protection pistol doesn’t want for anything. In addition to a host of features, the pistol boasts an excellent trigger, fine accuracy and good ergonomics. It is not only deeply cut for a mini red-dot sight, but the grip is also contoured to provide leverage to make the dot easier to find.
▶ Pre-cut slide for MRDS mounting
▶ SuperTerrain cocking serrations
▶ Interchangeable backstrap insert
▶ Performance duty texture
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 18 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Weight: 25.4 ounces
MSRP: $649
(479) 242-8500 waltherarms.com
Zev Technologies | Z320 XCompact Octane Gunmod
Zev’s touches to SIG Sauer’s P320 X-Series Compact include the former’s Octane slide, which sports aggressive serrations to with manipulations and ports and cuts reduce weight, allowing the pistol to shoot flatter and maintain sight picture more easily during follow-up shots. Further upgrades include a Zev barrel, sights and stippling on the grip module.
▶ Z320 XCompact Octane slide
▶ Z320 XCompact PRO barrel
▶ XCompact Grip with Zev diamond-pattern laser stippling
▶ P320 X Series flat-face trigger
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.6 inches
Overall Length: 7 inches
Weight: 21 ounces
MSRP: $1,299
(805) 486-5800 zevtechnologies.com
Zev Technologies | Z365 Octane Gunmod
The SIG Sauer P365 took the concealed-carry market by storm when it was introduced, and now Zev is offering a fully enhanced version of the popular micro 9 mm. The Octane slide is cut for an optic, while the company’s improved iron sights are also included. Custom touches abound to make the pistol even better for concealed carry.
▶ Z365 Octane slide
▶ Z365 PRO barrel
▶ Fiber-optic Combat sights
▶ Zev diamond-pattern stippling on grip
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Overall Length: 5.75 inches
Weight: 18 ounces
MSRP: $1,199
(805) 486-5800 zevtechnologies.com
