Handguns

Back in the late 1980s when the U.S. military retired the 1911 for the Beretta M9, the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), or MEUSOC, decided to stick with the 45 Auto 1911 platform because it was the only pistol at the time that could stand up to the use the MEUSOC teams doled out. The MEUSOC guys detailed the new features and specifications they wanted on their modernized version of the 1911, and the armorers at Quantico built the guns. Most of these guns were built on original, used M1911A1 G.I. frames. The remaining parts for the builds were a precise list that transformed the G.I. 1911s into modern combat handguns. MEUSOC operators provided feedback to the armorers on the guns, and there were four variations of these guns built. Some of the parts used in the builds reads like a who’s who of custom gun-builder pieces. Parts included Clark or Wilson Combat beavertail grip safeties, Pachmayr Gripper grips, MGW commander hammers, Videcki steel triggers, Bar-Sto barrels, Springfield Armory slides, Ed Brown safeties, Caspian mainspring housings, and more, all the way down to the smaller pins, the sear, and other parts. Common to all MEUSOC pistols were fixed sights, long triggers, G.I.-style muzzle bushings, and flat mainspring housings. 

Back in the late 1980s when the U.S. military retired the 1911 for the Beretta M9, the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), or MEUSOC, decided to stick with the 45 Auto 1911 platform because it was the only pistol at the time that could stand up to the use the MEUSOC teams doled out. The MEUSOC guys detailed the new features and specifications they wanted on their modernized version of the 1911, and the armorers at Quantico built the guns. Most of these guns were built on original, used M1911A1 G.I. frames. The remaining parts for the builds were a precise list that transformed the G.I. 1911s into modern combat handguns. MEUSOC operators provided feedback to the armorers on the guns, and there were four variations of these guns built. Some of the parts used in the builds reads like a who’s who of custom gun-builder pieces. Parts included Clark or Wilson Combat beavertail grip safeties, Pachmayr Gripper grips, MGW commander hammers, Videcki steel triggers, Bar-Sto barrels, Springfield Armory slides, Ed Brown safeties, Caspian mainspring housings, and more, all the way down to the smaller pins, the sear, and other parts. Common to all MEUSOC pistols were fixed sights, long triggers, G.I.-style muzzle bushings, and flat mainspring housings. 

Back in the late 1980s when the U.S. military retired the 1911 for the Beretta M9, the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), or MEUSOC, decided to stick with the 45 Auto 1911 platform because it was the only pistol at the time that could stand up to the use the MEUSOC teams doled out. The MEUSOC guys detailed the new features and specifications they wanted on their modernized version of the 1911, and the armorers at Quantico built the guns. Most of these guns were built on original, used M1911A1 G.I. frames. The remaining parts for the builds were a precise list that transformed the G.I. 1911s into modern combat handguns. MEUSOC operators provided feedback to the armorers on the guns, and there were four variations of these guns built. Some of the parts used in the builds reads like a who’s who of custom gun-builder pieces. Parts included Clark or Wilson Combat beavertail grip safeties, Pachmayr Gripper grips, MGW commander hammers, Videcki steel triggers, Bar-Sto barrels, Springfield Armory slides, Ed Brown safeties, Caspian mainspring housings, and more, all the way down to the smaller pins, the sear, and other parts. Common to all MEUSOC pistols were fixed sights, long triggers, G.I.-style muzzle bushings, and flat mainspring housings. 

Gun Tests readers have been asking us for more revolver testing, so we’ve been looking for new and improved versions of wheelguns to load up and shoot. We recently found a trio of snubnosed handguns that promise power and, perhaps, easier carry that readers might enjoy and perhaps invest in. The first is a collaboration between Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson — the Model 442 Ultimate Carry, a blued 38 Special version of the current hammerless Airweight model. Lipsey’s is the exclusive distributor, and the current counter price seems to be right at $759, which is MSRP. We also tested another S&W product, the current Model 642 Airweight 103810 in 38 Special, $519. Rated for +P loads, this version also uses an aluminum frame but with stainless steel for the barrel and cylinder to handle the higher pressures of +P cartridges. Stepping up another power level, we got a new Colt King Cobra Carry with the 2-inch barrel, a bright stainless finish, a double-action-only trigger, and rated for 357 Magnum. The KCOBRA-SB2BB model is widely retailing for $949. 

Gun Tests readers have been asking us for more revolver testing, so we’ve been looking for new and improved versions of wheelguns to load up and shoot. We recently found a trio of snubnosed handguns that promise power and, perhaps, easier carry that readers might enjoy and perhaps invest in. The first is a collaboration between Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson — the Model 442 Ultimate Carry, a blued 38 Special version of the current hammerless Airweight model. Lipsey’s is the exclusive distributor, and the current counter price seems to be right at $759, which is MSRP. We also tested another S&W product, the current Model 642 Airweight 103810 in 38 Special, $519. Rated for +P loads, this version also uses an aluminum frame but with stainless steel for the barrel and cylinder to handle the higher pressures of +P cartridges. Stepping up another power level, we got a new Colt King Cobra Carry with the 2-inch barrel, a bright stainless finish, a double-action-only trigger, and rated for 357 Magnum. The KCOBRA-SB2BB model is widely retailing for $949. 

Gun Tests readers have been asking us for more revolver testing, so we’ve been looking for new and improved versions of wheelguns to load up and shoot. We recently found a trio of snubnosed handguns that promise power and, perhaps, easier carry that readers might enjoy and perhaps invest in. The first is a collaboration between Lipsey’s and Smith & Wesson — the Model 442 Ultimate Carry, a blued 38 Special version of the current hammerless Airweight model. Lipsey’s is the exclusive distributor, and the current counter price seems to be right at $759, which is MSRP. We also tested another S&W product, the current Model 642 Airweight 103810 in 38 Special, $519. Rated for +P loads, this version also uses an aluminum frame but with stainless steel for the barrel and cylinder to handle the higher pressures of +P cartridges. Stepping up another power level, we got a new Colt King Cobra Carry with the 2-inch barrel, a bright stainless finish, a double-action-only trigger, and rated for 357 Magnum. The KCOBRA-SB2BB model is widely retailing for $949.