Pistols

Taurus Polymer 1911?

Is a polymer framed 1911 being introduced by Taurus at the 2010 SHOT Show?Â Maybe…

I received an interesting, and unverified, e-mail tonight.Â The writer claims to have ‘insider’ information about some of the new products that Taurus is introducing at the 2010 SHOT Show.Â The one he described to me was a polymer framed 1911.

The writer described the pistol as having the same features and function of a full-sized 1911 pistol, with the obvious change of a plastic instead of metal frame.Â I asked for more information (single-stack or double-stack, etc.), but do not have anything else yet.

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Ruger Announces the SR9c

by: Richard Johnson 65 Comments

The Ruger SR9c appears to be a reality.Â A compact version of the 9mm SR9 introduced two years ago, the SR9c is a striker-fired pistol that offers significant advantages over smaller guns, yet appears compact enough for full-time concealed carry duties.

Ruger is stating the SR9c will have a 3 1/2″ barrel, weigh 24 ounces (unloaded) and have the same thin grip as the full-size SR9.Â Unlike the recent crop of ultra-compact pistols, like Ruger’s own LCP, the SR9c will have full-size, three-dot sights for easier aiming.Â Additionally, the SR9c will have an accessory rail for lights and lasers.

Gen 4 Glock Photo

by: Richard Johnson 10 Comments

SayUncle has a picture of what is purported to be the Gen 4 Glock pistol due out in January 2010.Â The picture clearly shows the interchangeable back straps and new texture on the grip.Â The magazine release appears larger than the current generation.

The model designation on the slide is slightly changed, adding a “Gen 4” next to the model number.

The photo, if real, also shows the other outward appearances of the pistol to be largely unchanged.Â The rear slide serrations are typical of the standard Glock pistols, not those of the RTF2 models.Â The finger ridges on the front of the grip are still there (some hate ’em, others love them).

Thanks to SayUncle for breaking this news.Â Go over to SayUncle for a large photo, and to read his take on the photo.

Previous: Â Pistol-training.comÂ is reporting that they received private confirmation of the new Glock models from another industry professional at the National Association of Police Equipment Distributers (NAPED).

So,Â despite Glock’s statements, someone at the NAPED conference is saying new adjustable grip Glock’s will be rolling out within a year.Â It makes me wonder if someone let something “slip” at the convention, and Glock is still putting the new models through testing.

If Glock is developing an adjustable grip pistol, and someone did release the information too soon, this puts Glock in a tough position.Â They could continue to deny the rumor, and hope no one else leaks additional information.

On the other hand, if they were to announce the new pistol now, they would likely be doing so well in advance of the completion of testing and development of the guns.Â So, announcing and then failing to deliver could create a major PR debacle.

Pistol-training.com’s source puts the roll-out time around the 2010 SHOT Show, which would seem to make sense.

NC Highway Patrol Leaves Sig Sauer, Goes Smith & Wesson

by: Richard Johnson 3 Comments

The North Carolina Highway Patrol recently made a significant shift in their firearms by selecting the Smith & Wesson M&P pistols and rifles for their troopers.Â Previously carrying the Sig Sauer P229 DAK, the Patrol has adopted the S&W M&P pistols chambered in .357 Sig.

The initial order is 2000 pistols, which is enough to equip all of the troopers.Â According to S&W, “reliability, ambidextrous operating controls and three interchangeable palm swell grip sizes were noted by officials within the agency as key reasons for the selection of the new duty sidearm.”

Additionally, the NC Highway Patrol selected the M&P 15 rifle for the troopers.Â S&W states that 1000 rifles have been ordered by the Patrol.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol is one of many U.S. law enforcement agencies converting to the M&P pistols and rifles.Â S&W states that 570 U.S. agencies issue or approve the M&P pistols for duty use, and more than 250 issue or approve the M&P 15 rifles.

Walther PK380 Pistol

by: Richard Johnson 48 Comments

The Walther PK380 pistol is a newest .380 ACP handgun for sale and is based on the very popular P22. Â It is a compact handgun with a polymer frame. Â The gun is hammer fired, not striker fired as many modern polymer guns are.

These Walther pistols are not the tiny, subcompact pistols like the Ruger LCP. Â Instead, the PK380 handguns are a little larger, which makes them easier to shoot. Â By having a marginally larger size, the guns tend to be more reliable and can have features typically found on large handguns like a larger capacity and better sights.

The PK380 magazine will hold eight rounds, giving the shooter nine on tap before a reload. Â Nine rounds is not a sure thing when it comes to stopping an attacker, but it is a darn sight better than the five rounds I carry in my J-frame revolver.

As I suggested earlier, the sights on the Walther P380 are much more visible than you might expect on a compact handgun. Â They are configured in a three-dot sight system. Â The sight radius is a very useable 5.4″. Â A nice bonus is that the sights are made of steel instead of plastic.

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On Quality Holsters and Guns

by: Richard Johnson 1 Comment

kramer_holster_iwb — These Kramer IWB holsters have an excellent reputation for quaility, comfort, and security.

One of the Internet arguments that never seems to die is whether you should carry a pistol with a cartridge in the chamber.Â The argument against carrying with “one in the pipe” is based on the idea that it is unsafe to do so.Â People are concerned about “accidental” discharges while it is carried, or if the pistol is dropped.

I’ll be completely up front and tell you that with a quality firearm, quality holster and competent owner, the handgun should be carried with a cartridge in the chamber if you are carrying for self defense.Â In most instances, a self-defense situation involving the use of deadly force develops far to quickly for you to draw your weapon and then work the slide before being able to employ the handgun.

But is it safe to carry a cartridge in the chamber?

In my mind, there are three components to safely carrying a handgun: the firearm, the owner, and the holster.Â When all three parts are of sufficient quality, and in place, a handgun can be carried safely with a cartridge in the chamber.

The Firearm

A quality firearm will not discharge when dropped.Â Modern handguns of quality construction are designed to be carried with a cartridge in the chamber.Â These firearms incorporate some type of “drop safety” into the contruction of the firearm.Â Some guns use a physical block that moves out of the way when the trigger is pressed.Â Others use light firing pins with heavy springs to prevent the pin from ever generating enough energy in a fall to sufficiently strike the primer.