Handguns

The 32 S&W cartridge dates back to the late 1870s, and the 32 S&W Long is slightly newer. It was introduced in the late 1890s. This round took the same route as the 38- and 44-caliber cartridges. Shooters wanted more power, so the cartridge case was lengthened to add more powder. In 1984, Harrington & […]

In this day of polymer-frame striker-fired pistols stamped out by the thousands, there is still a place for customized handguns, made with skill and detail. We recently elected to test two such 9mm handguns from custom shops, both being double-action-first-shot pistols with metal frames and hammer-fired mechanisms. For contrast, we also shot a Browning Hi-Power […]

In this day of polymer-frame striker-fired pistols stamped out by the thousands, there is still a place for customized handguns, made with skill and detail. We recently elected to test two such 9mm handguns from custom shops, both being double-action-first-shot pistols with metal frames and hammer-fired mechanisms. For contrast, we also shot a Browning Hi-Power […]

In this day of polymer-frame striker-fired pistols stamped out by the thousands, there is still a place for customized handguns, made with skill and detail. We recently elected to test two such 9mm handguns from custom shops, both being double-action-first-shot pistols with metal frames and hammer-fired mechanisms. For contrast, we also shot a Browning Hi-Power […]

The Taurus GX4 is a new micro-9mm pistol that is built on a stainless frame with a polymer grip. It is only 1 inch...

Gun Tests Grade: A- OUR PICK $740 Some refer to the Springfield Ronin Operator as a “Retro” gun. If so, the Ronin Operator is reminiscent of high-end custom guns of a generation ago. Custom packages, including good sights, a beavertail grip safety, and a good trigger action, could run one $1000 or more on the […]

The 38 Special has been around since 1899. Originally loaded with a 158-grain roundnose bullet at 800 fps, the 38 Special has been regarded as the most powerful cartridge the occasional shooter may use well. In a mid-size revolver, the 38 is docile, accurate, and easily controlled. The problem is, wound ballistics are unimpressive, and […]

Gun Tests Grade: B Best Buy $449 The Tisas Duty is an upgraded version of the GI pistol offered by the Turkish maker, Tisas, and it’s brought into this country by SDS Imports of Knoxville, Tennessee. We looked it over and found an impressive array of features. The barrel was hammer forged and hard-chrome plated. […]

Gun Tests Grade: A- $902 Because this is a modern pistol intended for personal defense, we matched it up against the flashy Ronin. This gave us two steel-frame Government Model pistols, a steel-frame Commander, and an aluminum-frame Government Model. The Commander-size Bobcut was actually heavier than the full-length aluminum-frame Kimber Custom LW. The Metro was […]

Gun Test Grade: A- $709 Kimber hit the ground running with a pistol that covered many custom features previously found only on expensive custom items. While it is old news today, at the time it was introduced, the pistol was a sensation. The pistol tested was the “base” Kimber, the original Custom II with an […]

Gun Tests Grade: A- $558 We understand why FN/Browning discontinued the famous Hi-Power handgun: It simply became too expensive to compete in the current market. The Hi-Power, like the 1911, requires considerable handfitting. Its price could not be cut because of expensive handwork and fitting in the 1935 design. Since it has been decataloged, the […]

The majority of the Tisas 9mm Commander handguns we viewed on line were illustrated with checkered wooden grips. When ours arrived, it had G10 grips, which may be something of a bonus.