Well, the 2011 SHOT Show is closer than the 2010 Show, so I thought I would take a look at some of the most popular new guns of 2010. Â Popularity was determined based on Google keyword searches and forum posts that I read. Â So, yeah, this list is pretty arbitrary, but hey, it’s my list. Â Your feedback is encouraged!
Gen 4 Glock (any) – Like them or hate them, the Glock line of pistols is one of the most popular series of handguns currently in the US. Â One of the few complaints about the Glock has been the size of the grip. Â Answering public demand, Glock introduced the Gen 4 series of pistols that feature an adjustable grip size, new grip texture, a magazine release button update, and a double recoil spring assembly.
Initially offered in the models 17 and 22, the Gen 4 Glock 19 is now available, and the Gen 4 Glock 23 should begin shipping in the next 30-45 days.
Taurus 740 Slim – Based on the success of the 709 Slim, Taurus introduced the .40 caliber version in 2010. Â The 740 Slim is a compact, single-stack pistol chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge. Â Larger than the current crop of .380 pistols in the market, the 740 is still a very compact package that offers 6 + 1 rounds of a respected self-defense cartridge. Â Also unlike many diminutive pistols, the 740 Slim has good sights that, while smaller than a full-size gun, are easy to pick up and are adjustable. Â Read this for a full Taurus 740 review.
Ruger SR9c – The SR9c pistol is the compact version of the full-sized SR9. Â Ruger has re-made itself in recent years, offering many more concealed carry and tactical products like the LCP, LCR, and SR556. Â The 9mm SR9c is a continuation of their self-defense concept. Â I have not been able to shoot an SR9c yet, but from all indications, Ruger has a real hit with this pistol.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard – Smith & Wesson has always been known for their great revolvers. Â Armed citizens and cops alike have favored the J-frame revolvers for pocket and ankle carry, with models like the 442 and 642 being some of the most popular guns in the S&W catalog.
This year S&W introduced a polymer-metal hybrid revolver with an integrated laser called the S&W Bodyguard chambered in .38 Special.  The revolver looks similar to the J-frame ‘hammerless’ revolvers that sell so well for S&W, but apparently are a complete redesign, sharing no parts with their all-metal predecessors.  One of the obvious changes is the ambidextrous cylinder release that was moved from the side of the revolver to the top where you would normally find a hammer on a revolver.
It looks like the CZ VZ61 Skorpion pistol has been discontinued. Â I’m not sure when this was announced, but the semi-auto version of the famous submachine gun was discontinued from the CZ line earlier this year.
