Handguns

In our March 2011 issue we paired small-framed revolvers designed for concealed carry with larger-framed wheelguns in hopes of defining an effective battery of defense for home and street. In this test we've taken a similar tack by pairing full-sized 40 S&W pistols with a compact version of each pistol. All four pistols were based on a polymer frame with staggered-column magazines for higher capacity.

Our first pair was from Steyr Arms. They were the new 4-inch-barrel M-A1 pistol and the compact model S-A1 with 3.62-inch barrel. Both guns carry a suggested retail price of $642. These guns were much like the Steyr pistols imported several years ago that performed favorably in a test published in the April 2001 issue. Among the changes to the latest Steyr pistols was a shorter-action trigger.

We matched the Steyr pistols against a pair of Heckler & Koch USP pistols that offered a trigger system unfamiliar to most shooters. Devoid of safety or decocker levers, our $952 USP and $991 USP Compact Variant 8 pistols each utilized a full-time double-action trigger referred to as the LEM, aka Law Enforcement Module.

One significant difference between our comparison of the revolvers and the pistols in this story was that the delineation between house gun and carry gun was not as clear. The bigger revolvers were fitted with long 6-inch barrels for maximum sight radius and greater propulsion of the bullet. Their weight also played a part in recoil control. The small-framed revolvers were built to be as light and as small as possible, with priorities such as recoil control and shooter comfort further down on the list. In the case of the pistols in this story, one might choose a duo of big and small as we intend, but then again the capacity and power of the compact pistols may be enough for use as a primary gun.

In choosing our test guns, we thought we had done a good job of picking two equal teams. But we soon realized that the lack of a Picatinny rail on the Heckler & Koch USP pistols might cause buyers to shy away. To level the playing field, we found a $10 adaptor listed under the Laser Legacy menu on the LaserLyte website. We then purchased one of Laserlyte's new Subcompact V3 lasers. Smaller than a matchbook and priced at only $99, we could think of no excuse not to have one.

Full-size pistols are often tested for accuracy from the 25-yard line. Most forums test compact pistols from 15 yards. We decided to split the difference and test all four guns from the 20-yard bench. Here is why. We reasoned that what little knowledge of the bigger guns we would gain from the extra 15 feet would be overshadowed by finding out how hard we could push the compact pistols. We wanted to know how much accuracy we were giving up by switching to the compact models. For support, we used the $60 Caldwell Matrix shooting rest from www.battenfeldtechnologies.com. We augmented the Matrix with sandbags to support our elbows, forearms, and head. Yes, we even piled sandbags beneath our test shooter's chin. The guns were easy to stabilize in the Caldwell rest, but we didn't want the shooter's eyes shifting as the head bobbed around in the crosswinds. The only thing moving in this set up was the trigger finger.

We did not expect the compact guns to be as accurate as the full-size models. All four pistols had full-length dustcovers, but the smaller guns offered a limited area on which to rest the guns. Another key element was reduced sight radius. We also wondered if the shorter grip of either compact pistol would be a factor.

Test ammunition consisted of Winchester USA 165-grain FMJ target ammunition and two hollowpoint defense rounds. The defense loads were the Remington UMC 180-grain JHP rounds sold in 100-round value packs and a new round from DoubleTap ammunition topped with a 150-gr. Nosler JHP bullet (www.doubletapammo.com). In addition to our bench rest session, we also performed a rapid-fire action test from the 7-yard line using the 165-grain rounds. The target was an IPSC Metric target offering a rectangle measuring about 5.9 inches by 11 inches in the center and a "head" area measuring about 6.3 inches by 6 inches above. Beginning with the gun in both hands pulled in towards the chest (finger off the trigger), our military/LE tester fired two shots to center mass and one to the head over 10 separate strings of fire. We recorded first shot elapsed time as well as overall elapsed time and looked for a total of 30 hits on target, including 10 shots to the head.

(GunReports.com) -- Kevin Winkle of GunReports.com interviews Phil Schrier, senior curator of the National Firearms Museum at the NRA Annual Meeting.

(GunReports.com) -- New GunReports.com Videos: 1: The M40 Sniper System (today called the M24) is based on the Remington Model 700 rifle. Here's a brief history. 2: This video showcases what is included in the Brownells tactical charging handle kit. 3: Laurie introduces the new RugerSR-556E 'essential' version of the popular Ruger SR-556 rifle.

(GunReports.com) – Taurus has introduced the Model 405 and 445 revolvers, 5-shot revolvers offered in two big-bore chamberings, .44 Special and .40 S&W. These are available in blue or matte stainless finish with the Taurus Ribber Grip.

Kevin Winkle of GunReports.com gets the lowdown on Springfield Armory's XDM 3.8 Compact pistol.

In this video from the NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Kevin Winkle of GunReports.com interviews Sandy Henderson, assistant marketing manager of tactical products for Beretta about the company's PX4 9mm pistol.

(GunReports.com) -- New GunReports.com Videos: 1: Laurie introduces the new Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle at the NRA Show in Pittsburgh. 2: Here's a look Gunsite Rangemaster Charlie McNeese talks about the importance of trigger control and follow through when shooting a handgun. 3: Here's an in-depth look at a dedicated .22 barrel for the AR-15/M16 Platform that is used in conjunction with your .22 conversion bolt.

We’ve all seen some fast and fancy shooting, sometimes at a County fair, sometimes on television. You sit or stand in the gallery and wonder how these fellows and gals got to be so fast and accurate. Do they have special guns or trick loads?

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(GunReports.com) -- New GunReports.com Videos: 1: Laurie introduces the new Ruger SR-1911 pistol at the NRA Show in Pittsburgh. 2: Here's a look at various models of the rugged YHMC clamp-on front sight gas blocks. 3: The Dovenator (Scott Breeze) heads to Argentina in an attempt to break the record for doves shot in one day.

(GunReports.com) -- Safariland has introduced the Bianchi Model 101 Foldaway holster, which turns the exterior of a belt into the interior of a holster, allowing for compact concealable carry for a handgun. The Model 101 Foldaway is constructed as a rectangular piece of full grain leather, with dual 1.5” belt slots, a full leather lining and exterior stitching detail. The user may slide the holster onto the belt loop in the desired location on the hip.

(GunReports.com) -- The University of Kentucky has fired a graduate student and former anesthesia technician, Michael Mitchell, for keeping a gun in his car a mile away from the university hospital where he was employed, according to the Gun Owners of America. The university then proceeded to try to deny Mitchell unemployment compensation by claiming, unsuccessfully, that he was fired for misconduct. A hearing officer found against the University of Kentucky and in favor of Mitchell.