Handguns

We first tested this model in the October 2017 issue, the first year the Shockwave was offered. It earned an A grade, with the review saying, “The Shockwave was like all Model 590 shotguns — built to last and well made.

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Taylor’s & Company is a well-known importer that specializes in period weapons, especially recreations of those used in the War Between the States and in the American West.

More than 100 years after his great-grandfather helped found Smith & Wesson, Daniel Wesson picked up the mantle and opened Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. One of the guiding lights behind the modern silhouette competition, Wesson became famous for his super-accurate switch-barrel revolvers.

The Henry Brass Axe is similar to a Mare’s Leg, but the Brass Axe is longer, heavier, and is chambered to only fire .410 shotshells. The Axe uses the same frame as Henry’s centerfire rifles.

The original Howdah was a large-caliber pistol used to track wounded tigers in India during the days of the Raj. Taylor’s calls this pistol a Howdah, but it is more like an Ithaca Auto & Burglar model made from 1922 to 1933

The Bond Arms Texas Defender derringer is a solid hunk of stainless steel, and in hand it sits low so you have easy access to the hammer and can cock it back. Shooting it takes a bit of re-training.

The timeless characteristics folks love about the 1911 are here. There’s a slab-sided barrel and thin grip frame to go along with a straight-pull trigger. Then there are added features that have become so popular, with the first readily apparent upgrade being the sights.

The XMacro is in some ways a dream come true for concealed carry. The pistol is reliable and easy to shoot well. The compensator seems effective, the night sights are excellent, and the grip is comfortable. We truly believe the XMacro shoots as well as larger SIG P320 or Glock 19-type handguns. This is a good shooter, and the capacity doesn’t hurt.

Our base gun cost was $488. We added Ameriglo sights for $90, Shield Arms magazines and magwell conversion for a total price of $215, and Talon grips for $10. The Glock 43X is actually slightly less expensive than it was a couple of years ago, with supply finally catching up to demand.

In a rush to get the first GX4XL in the state, we probably paid $20 too much. Our version is not optics ready, with the Taurus Optics Ready Option (TORO) version costing $40 more. Taurus International has designed this as a head-to-head competitor with the SIG P365XL and Glock 43X/Glock 48 class, as well as the Springfield Hellcat.

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