Apparently I’m not the only one who enjoys the affordable plinking of the pistol caliber carbine (PCC). It seems like countless new and differing models pop up often to join long-time popular carbines like the CZ Scorpion and the Stribog SP9A3. It should come as little surprise then that economy brands also follow the trend. Today we are taking a look at one of those options; the Panzer USA HAN9, a nine-millimeter “pistol” that like many others is an obvious nod to adding a pistol brace to avoid the despotic NFA.
Panzer Arms USA imports a great variety of firearms from you guessed it, Türkiye. Most of their offerings are various shotguns, but the HAN 9 is a 9mm pistol that incorporates some interesting features.
The Panzer Arms HAN 9
The Panzer HAN 9 came to me new in the box, with a few accessories and magazines. The HAN 9 uses a typical blowback action, that uses a large bolt or bolt carrier to keep the action closed long enough for the bullet to escape. A captured recoil spring assembly rides behind the bolt within the square tubular receiver. Both are secured with an abutted plate secured by two take-down pins that fits neatly in the back of the receiver. There is also a section of picatinny rail on the back-plate to add a pistol-brace or stock if that the way you want to go.
I’ve been around the firearms market for all of my adult life, and its been very refreshing to see some brands turn their ship around. While I’ve seen both the good and bad, as well as even some ships sinking outright. Today we are looking at one of the happy stories. Taurus firearms had been considered sort of a bargain product, and their performance would sometimes leave much to be desired. It seems at least to me that Taurus USA has turned a page, as I have now had four new products from the manufacturer that have surpassed my expectations. Despite my good experiences, they still maintain a very affordable price. Today I bring you one of them, a review of the Taurus USA GX4 pistol, chambered in .380ACP.
range ready
The Taurus GX4
The Taurus USA GX4 seems to follow the same pattern as several other polymer framed striker fired pistols made in their Bainbridge Georgia facility. Besides the GX4, I have also recently reviewed the GX2, and the TX9 pistols. All of them have some commonality, such as divorced frame and trigger/sear pack. I expect this helps keep manufacturing the pistols cost down, and in some cases allows you to change the frame and swapping in the trigger/sear pack.
the disassembled GX4
Additional modularity is incorporated into the GX4 design, using an interchangeable grip backstrap. Allowing you to customize your grip feel. Also like the others, the GX4 is optics ready using Taurus’ Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O). This allows drop in fit for Holosun K series and similar optics, which I was sure to do.
Other neat little features like a loaded chamber indicator, accessory rail for weapon lights, and 15-round capacity make it handy for a concealed carry enthusiast. I was also intrigued as they left as many things as possible out, like a manual safety, and even a disassembly lever. Making the frame of the GX4 less obstructive with fewer things to snag while drawing.
the takedown lever was omitted from the GX4
Specifications
Feature
Specification
Caliber
.380 ACP / .380 Auto
Action
Striker-fired
Capacity
15+1 rounds
Barrel Length
3.70 inches
Overall Length
6.56 inches
Width
1.0 inch
Height
5.16 inches
Weight
21 oz., unloaded
Frame
Polymer
Backstraps
3 interchangeable
Trigger
Flat-faced, serrated
Front Sight
Fixed white-dot
Rear Sight
Fully adjustable
Optic Ready
Yes
Optic Cut
T.O.R.O., Holosun K-series footprint
Accessory Rail
MIL-STD-1913
Magazines
2 × 15-round
Slide Finish
Gas nitride
Barrel Finish
Satin black DLC
MSRP
$340.99
Unboxing and Setup
Lifting the GX4 from its polymer case, I felt that familiar grip texture like my other Taurus pistols. My immediate impression was that the grip felt a little square, something I could remedy to some degree changing the backstrap. This was easily done by pushing out a pin and lifting the backstrap from the bottom.
changing out the different backstrap options
With the GX4 came two 15-round steel magazines made by magazine giant Mec-Gar, which gives a nice sense of confidence. Because this pistol is a .380 Auto, there is a small spacer at the rear of the magazine to space the cartridges forward.
note the small spacer that sits behind cartridges in the magazine
I decided to mount both a red dot and for some purposes a weapon light. Removing the two screws that hold the polymer optics footprint cover, I found a clean spot to mount my Nutrek Optics Blade red dot sight. The rear sight has a very slight occlusion with the red dot housing, which required a tiny bit of Dremeling to allow it. I don’t cast that at the feet of either Taurus or Nutrek, sometimes things are a bit different. But after that it mounted perfectly using the two anchor pins in the slide, and the included screws. I expect the issue depends on the red dot used. For carrying in the dark, I would also use the Streamlight TLR-8 light laser combo.
All that was left was getting a few boxes of ammunition. for that I grab a few boxes from Winchester, Fiocchi, and PMC featuring 90 and 95-grain bullets. This is actually the first .380 I’ve ever owned, so I was interested in the old power discussion about whether the little 90’s would do when it mattered.
On the Range with the Taurus GX4
My testing of the GX4 would involve carrying the pistol daily between various range trips of my own as well as with my kids. All my children grew up shooting the Taurus TX22 which has been a home run of a product, so when they see another Taurus they just assume it will be the same way.
the kids had a great time shooting the GX4
Shootability
I got used to grip of the GX4 pretty quick, the squareness feeling I mentioned didn’t seem to affect my shooting or opinion of the gun. I initially thought I would prefer the GX4 in 9mm versus the .380, and the jury is still out on that at the moment. But one thing is for sure, my kids and wife all found the GX4 much easier to operate than other compact 9mm pistols with their stiff recoil springs. The GX4’s spring is surprisingly soft.
The trigger safety is simple and effective, and the trigger feel overall is good. Predictable breaks without too many jumps or bumps in the pull. Shooting with my red dot gave a great sight picture without loosing the factory sights.
I did find with a full mag you need to make sure the mag is well seated, as it fell out on us more than once for not being seated fully.
Reliability
We had no malfunctions during testing of the Taurus GX4. The only concern I had was that it seemed a little weak on ejection, throwing brass right at you feet almost. But it never skipped a beat.
Recoil from the .380 ACP was very mild
Disassembling the Taurus GX4 does require either a tool or some improvisation. Since there is no take-down lever, you’ll need either a screwdriver or something similar to rotate the take-down cam. Not a big deal but needs to be said.
I also noticed that the pistol incorporates a magazine safety. Locking out the trigger unless the magazine is seated. I understand some folks like these safety features, for me I think I’d rather not have it. But to each as they desire.
Accuracy
A good CCW pistol needs to hit where you aim, and I didn’t seem to have any trouble hitting my targets. Typical groups from 10-yards averaged around 2-3 inches. Nothing to win any competitions or anything, but suitable for many purposes.
A typical 5-shot group from 10 yards
The factory iron sight that come on the GX4 are adjustable for both elevation and windage. The rear is a serrated type to reduce reflection, and the front is a simple white dot.
Ergonomics
I already mentioned the convertible grip of the GX4, but I hadn’t mentioned the undercut trigger-guard. And there is also a single finger rib on the front, and the whole grip area features a nice texture similar to a sandpaper feel.
the GX4 felt great in my hand
The magazine release is fairly small, and low profile. But I had no issue finding and pressing it during reloads. This is nice to prevent accidentally releasing the mag while carrying or manipulating it. Releasing the slide was a touch stiffer than I expected but not bad.
here you can see the loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide
Value
Again I feel a bit crazy saying this, but for as little as $260 you can get into one of the Taurus GX4 pistols. And I must say it feels like a good buy to me. It shoots well, cycles without issue, and is just plain fun to shoot. For the 9mm version you will pay a little bit more, but I am quite happy with the price to performance ratio of the Taurus GX4.
Pros and Cons
Very affordable
Red dot fitment on footprint
No malfunctions experienced
Magazine safety (maybe its just me)
Configurable grip
Simplified controls
15-round capacity
Optics ready
Loaded chamber indicator
Adjustable sights
So should you buy a Taurus GX4?
When compared to other pistols like the S&W Bodyguard or the Ruger LCP Max, the GX4 has a little competition. While it is significantly cheaper than the Bodyguard or the Glock 42, it is very comparable in price to the LCP Max. However, the GX4 offers better capacity than all the others mentioned. And to be honest, I like the looks of the GX4 better than the LCP by a hefty margin.
The Taurus GX4 .380 offers a step-up in capacity over most compact .380ACP pistols. And it both shoots and handles well, allowing smaller framed individuals an easily operated option. Its also a blast to shoot, so if you are looking for all that in a .380 pistol, you should consider this one.
Taurus has long been known for making handguns, going all the way back to WWII times. During their long lifetime of production the company has produced hundreds of different models totaling likely tens of millions of handguns worldwide. All that to say they aren’t new at manufacturing pistols, but today we are taking a look at one of their newer handguns released last year. Out topic today is the Taurus GX2 pistol, a compact polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol.
the flat-faced trigger feels great on the pad of your finger
The Taurus GX2
With an MSRP of only $310.99, the GX2 is certainly reachable by most any aspiring gun owner. But economy is not always the most important thing, value is only advantageous with adequate performance. Taurus’ GX2 has a feature set that matches its price appeal.
Before adding any accessories to the GX2
Its polymer frame incorporates comfortable angles and tactile textures. Despite its small size, it still packs 13-rounds. And low profile sights that still pop are matched with a TORO optics cut to accept RMS red dots. For those that desire there is also a low-profile safety, as well as a typical picatinny accessory rail under the slide.
Specifications
Caliber
9mm Luger
Action
Single-action, striker-fired
Capacity
13+1 rounds
Barrel Length
3.38″
Overall Length
6.14″
Overall Height
4.89″
Overall Width
1.18″
Weight
20.6 oz.
Frame
Stainless-steel alloy chassis with polymer grip/frame
Slide
Alloy steel
Barrel
Stainless steel
Sights
Fixed front; drift-adjustable rear
Trigger Safety
Yes
Firing Pin Block
Yes
Loaded Chamber Indicator
Visual
Manual Safety
Yes
Magazine Release
Reversible
Accessory Rail
MIL-STD-1913 / Picatinny
Finish
Matte black / matte stainless steel, depending on model
factory fresh
Unboxing
I was unsurprised that the GX2 came in the typical orange Taurus box, with one mag and a safety lock. A small instruction manual also came explaining its use. I lifted it from the box to get my first impressions, and was surprised. Taurus has upped their game in recent years, and it shows in the GX2 design and feel.
The grip feels fantastic, thin where it needs to be and thick where it can be. The texture is great, allowing good purchase with either or both hands. The flat-faced trigger and safety-blade meet the pad of your finger nicely, spreading out pressure as you press.
Pulling the slide was a little stiff, but that is expected with little 9mm pistols like this. It has both front and rear slide cuts for gripping, which is great. A serrated rear sight lines up nicely with a white dot front sight, and it comes with a plastic optics footprint cover like other Taurus pistols. An external extractor is tucked neatly into the slide, and the brushed stainless steel barrel contrasts handsomely against the matte black finish. Closer inspection show that the chamber has a loaded chamber indicator cut into the top, which is nice touch for CCW enthusiasts.
removing the plastic optics cover to install a red dot, also note chamber indicator slot in top of chamber
And the GX2 is obviously built for that purpose, its petite size make it perfect for tucking into your belt. I’m not big on safeties for CCW guns, but this one is actually just the way I would want a safety if it had one; Easy off, and hard to engage. A swift swipe with the thumb puts the pistol into firing mode, while applying the safety requires a focused effort. Enough at least that you won’t be putting it on by accident.
Shooting the GX2 Pistol
I was eager to get the GX2 on the range, and with a few friends we would quickly get comfortable with it. I brought one of my new red dot sights along to try with the GX2, this one is from Nutrek Optics called the Blade. Its RMS footprint fit perfectly on the GX2 slide with nothing but the screws that were already there. It lined up perfectly with the rear sight, and its built-in notch almost felt made for the GX2.
Both indoor and outdoor shooting was done, with and without the red dot. I also added a Streamlight TLR8 to the GX2 for carrying at night. And I have been carrying the pistol for several weeks now, and I must say I have been very happy with its comfortable fit. And its great shooting performance.
Shootability
Much like my TX22 and TX9, the GX2 grip feels great. And I couldn’t help but think this pistol felt strangely similar to a P365 in both size and handling. I already mentioned the safety function (which I didn’t use much), but the other controls are great too. The trigger is a touch stiffer than I am used to, but thats to be expected from a CCW pistol. But the break is clean, as is the reset, both offering a firm and audible snap.
The magazine release is easy to find quickly, and not in the way to get pressed accidentally. The slide release is a little bit stiff, but not bad enough to be a big deal. All of the controls are low profile, not likely to snag on clothing or other things.
Reliability
The GX2 chewed easily through magazine after magazine, which would have been nice to have another. The magazine looks very similar to the TX9 magazine, just smaller. I really like the loaded chamber indicator, its easily seen even by my aging eyes.
I disassembled the GX2 to see how it ticks, and I was surprised to find slide-rails that ran 2/3 the length of the frame. This is a stark difference from most pistols of this type, as they usually have just two small front and rear slide-rails. The GX2 shares many of the design features of the TX9, almost as if the trigger and sear pack can be removed and installed in another frame.
The guts of the GX2 look to be of high quality. With thick slide facets, and robust extractor and ejector. It does not feel like it was cheaply designed and made, which is confusing because the pistol is not particularly expensive. Putting your life on the line with a pistol though, takes some time to justify, and this one will get additional testing before I would pin that ribbon on it.
Accuracy
I found the GX2’s accuracy to be acceptable for its size and price. Shooting targets at typical 7-10 distances proved to more than adequate to hit what I was aiming at. I really liked the enhanced feeling of the Nutrek Blade red dot.
a couple groups from our testing
The trigger and standard sights made the GX2 easy to shoot well even without the red dot. And might certainly make it less cumbersome to carry.
Ergonomics
I was very happy with the feel of the GX2 in the hand. Even with full-size man hands the grip isn’t too small, and is still petite enough for my wife’s hands. The square trigger-guard and undercut both look good and function nicely, giving perfect space for a weapon light and its controls. Shaved edges on the slide reduce snag factor, while making the pistol more comfortable to tuck into your jeans.
13-round magazines is nice to have in a small pistol
Value
Taurus firearms are known for their affordability, sometimes to a fault. The GX2 does a great job at improving the quality impression and the shooting performance of the brand. And yet it is still impressively affordable. With street prices around $230 it is hard to argue against this little pistol as good of a time as I’ve had with it.
There are unprecedented options for American handgun enthusiasts these days, and one of the more popular genres is the 2011 pistol market. 2011 is actually a trademarked name owned by Staccato who played no small part in making the double stack 1911 design. But like Jet-Skis and Kleenex, the name 2011 has become a universal label for the product and others like it.
Getting into a 2011 pistol can be expensive, especially if it’s an actual 2011. But today I wanted to share with you a few of my preferred and procured 2011 options that I can strongly recommend. I’ve had a few of them now, and thought I would share some insight on what you might choose if you are debating the options.
Made in America
It may seem like heresy to many 1911 fans out there, just putting a 9mm barrel into John M. Browning’s masterpiece. Not unlike putting a Toyota dual overhead cam inline-turbo-six into a 69 Camaro. But lets get right past the nonsense, and get into the guns.
You’ll find a bunch of great 2011 options made in America, but not many of them are going to come in under the $2000 mark. Many of them are well over that price-point, but there are reasons for it. I have a Staccato XC that I will often compare these other 2011 pistols to, but it is nowhere near the same price. If you are curious about the Staccato you can read my review of it here.
There are a couple options like the Kimber 2k11 series of pistols, as well as the Sig Sauer P211 GTO that I intend to review individually here soon. Though they are a bit over our $2,000 price point as well. The intro-level Platypus pistol from Stealth Arms would fall into our sub $2000 price range, and I fully intend on getting hands on one of those as well.
the Sig Sauer P211 GTO Combat
The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy
The SA Prodigy comes from a big name manufacturer, and has all the features 2011 fans are after. And it comes in well under the $2000 mark at around $1600. The Prodigy uses the polymer grip frame mated to a steel frame, this is pretty common among 2011’s. It has ambidextrous safety levers, and feeds beautifully from its 17 or 20-round magazines.
In my experience with the Prodigy, it is a smooth, well-built pistol. Its five-inch heavy match grade barrel is cut for a compensator that vents upward through the top of the slide. This helps keep it on target between shots. It also has a full length dust cover, which incorporated a picatinny accessory rail. It uses a two-piece guide rod assembled with an Allen wrench.
The Prodigy is a great balance of performance and value. It feels great and shoots just as well. With its slide cut for optics, it is ready to accessorize using the SA AOS plates and hit the range hard. If you’d like to see my in depth review of the Prodigy, you can read it here. This one has had zero updates from the factory, and is still going strong after the first thousand rounds.
Bersa M2Xi
You might not think of Bersa when you think of domestic manufactured 2011 pistols. But since opening their Georgia plant, Bersa has been making many new things. The Bersa M2Xi is a 5-inch ultra-match heavy-barreled 2011, with a 416 stainless frame and slide. It has a smooth glide on the frame that feels amazing. The Bersa is operated by a spring over a two-piece guide rod.
Its deep slide cuts give great purchase, and its controls are crisp and clean. The M2Xi uses a Holosun K optics footprint as well as some serrated iron sights. The flat trigger breaks nicely at just under 3 lbs, and it comes with an extended slide release that I really like.
It comes with 18-round Mec-Gar magazines that are seated neatly with the flared mawell. And as the only 2011 listed here today without a compensator it still shoots very nice, though it could shoot flatter with one. With its MSRP of $1479, the M2Xi sits neatly in the middle of our pistol lineup today. You can read my complete review of the Bersa M2Xi here.
Imported 2011’s
Many of the options for 2011 pistols getting closer to the $1000 mark are going to be imported. Not surprisingly they come from Turkey. There are many models from the Tisas brand that look nice, the Duty 9 DS Comp model very closely mimics the Prodigy’s design, and comes in a good $500 cheaper.
The Military Armament Corp MAC 9 is another pistol, nearly identical to the Tisas that appears to come out of the same factory. For not even $100 more. Both of them seem to enjoy some pretty positive following from American shooting enthusiasts. I am still trying to get my hands on both of those to see how they stack up to what I know.
Imported by EAA, the Girsan Match X incorporates an island compensator to its 5-inch barrel. Set on its two-tone black and tungsten frame the Match X looks fantastic. And it shoots very nicely as well with its flared magwell and fiber optic sight. An MSRP of $1199 makes it very appealing.
It too has a full length dust cover with a pic rail for accessories, and its polymer/steel frame carries its 17 or 20-round magazines. The Girsan is also optics ready, using an RMSC footprint. Its slide is returned using a spring over a single piece guide-rod.
Having shot this pistol, I was quite impressed with its price. It handles just as good as all the others, and it shoots accurately and reliably. This one already has over 1,000 trouble-free rounds through it.
Girsan 2311 CMXX
The CMXX from Girsan appears to be the smaller sibling of the Match X. This one uses a Commander length 4.25 -inch compensated barrel, an island compensator like the Match X. It is all black however, and looks like a shorter clone of my Staccato XC. It also is very comparable to the MAC 9 DS, as they both share the 4.25 barrel and comp design.
Like the Match X, the CMXX has a great trigger to match its heavy barrel. Again a single-piece guide-rod operates the pistols action, feeding from the same 17-20-round magazines as the Match X. The big difference between the CMXX and all the others I mention here today is that it doesn’t use a grip safety. Instead they went with a firing pin block like you’d find on striker pistols. Not gonna lie, I kind of like it better.
The CMXX is optics cut for RMSc optics, and its flared magwell and full-length picatinny rail makes it easy to mount your favorite light. This little pistol shoots fantastic and very flat, making it an easy choice to buy at $1149 MSRP. You can read my in-depth review of the CMXX here. Sharing the same internal extractor as the rest of these models, it has yet to malfunction on me.
My Opinion
If you are a die-hard America only kind of guy, then you’d have to choose the SA Prodigy I guess. It brings great value from a big name domestic manufacturer, and with it comes great performance.
The Bersa while a little less-known brand, might even bring a better performance for the price. Its just as smooth and refined as the Prodigy, and might even be a little better. As is the trigger, and this for almost $200 less.
I LOVE how smooth the Bersa is compared to the others I’ve shot
Out of the two Girsan models, I prefer the CMXX. I love it so much I would probably even pick it over the Bersa despite it not feeling quite as nice as the Bersa. Now, if the Bersa had an island compensator on a Commander barrel length that would change everything…
the CMXX might be my favorite due to size and performance.
If you are absolutely tapped out on funds, then I expect the MAC and Tisas are probably your choices. Or some of a few others that are similar.
I can happily recommend the pistols I’ve shown here, and if you are interested in them I would recommend reading my in depth reviews of them to get a better perspective on them. One thing is for sure, you will like shooting 2011 pistols. And it may be the beginning of an addiction you wont be able to kick.
I guess you could say that the Springfield Prodigy is the first 2011 to catch my eye. Several friends had mentioned the double-stack 9mm pistol in conversations, and it wasn’t long until I put hands on one myself. Now years later, after several 2011’s of my own, I am back to the beginning to revisit the Prodigy. The specific model we are looking at today is the five-inch comped Springfield Armory DS Prodigy . Springfield has long made various 1911 pistols in a wide variety of models in the traditional .45ACP, 10mm and 9mm. Forgive me if I misuse 1911 versus 2011 throughout, but for basic understanding I use 2011 to describe double-stack 9mm versions. And 1911 to describe the traditional single stack design usually in .45acp. Lets take a closer look into out subject.
With a rich history of 1911 pistols, Springfield Armory (SA) sat poised to create a fantastic entry into the double-stack 9mm market. Like most 2011 pistols, the Prodigy uses a polymer grip attached to a steel frame. A full-length dust cover also has a five-slot picatinny accessory rail for mounting weapon lights. The polymer grip module houses the double-stack magazines that hold 17-rounds or more. For 1911 traditionalists, it may seem like heresy to put a 9mm in the 1911 platform. But for those who simply love pistols it makes perfect sense. Imagine how many more world wars the 1911 could win with twice the ammo in it?
In the slide of the Prodigy, you will find a heavy match-grade bull barrel. Married perfectly to the steel slide with a fit that 1911’s are famous for. Both barrel and slide are cut for a compensator at the twelve o’clock position to keep muzzle rise to a minimum. And the slide exterior features textured cuts both front and rear, as well as SA’s AOS optics system cut for red dots. And an internal 70-series extractor is used to pull spent cases from the Prodigy’s fully supported chamber.
The model we are testing today features an added magazine flare, as well as the Steiner MPS red dot sight.
the two-piece guide rod requires and allen wrench to undo from the front
Specifications
Manufacturer
Springfield Armory
Model
1911 DS Prodigy
Action
Single-action, semi-automatic
Caliber
9mm Luger
Barrel Length
5 inches
Barrel Type
Forged stainless steel, match grade, ramped
Barrel Twist
1:16″
Overall Length
8.5 inches
Overall Height
5.5 inches
Width
1.4 inches
Weight
38 oz. (empty magazine)
Frame
Forged carbon steel
Slide
Forged carbon steel
Grip Module
Polymer
Finish
Black Cerakote
Capacity
17+1 / 20+1
Magazine Options
17-, 20- and 26-round magazines available
Front Sight
Fiber-optic
Rear Sight
U-notch, black serrated
Optics Ready
Yes — Agency Optic System (AOS)
Accessory Rail
5-slot Picatinny rail
Trigger
Approximately 4–5 lb.
Recoil System
Two-piece full-length guide rod
Grip Safety
Beavertail
Manual Safety
Ambidextrous
MSRP
$1632
Shooting the Prodigy DS
Over the course of several range trips, we evaluated the Prodigy, shooting it alongside other 2011 pistols as well. This gave additional insight to the performance of the Prodigy.
Shootability
As a bit of a 2011 enthusiast, the Prodigy feels like home to me. Every control is exactly where I want it, and it feels fantastic. The pistol points perfectly and feels great under recoil. One of the reasons this gun is so popular is because of its flat shooting performance. It has less muzzle rise keeping it on target for the next shot.
the Prodigy has great handling characteristics
The trigger break and reset are great, I would say not quite as good as my Staccato, but for the price it sure as hell should be better. Bigger pistols like this shoot like a dream, their heavier weight helps buffer recoil making them very pleasant to shoot.
The added flared magwell is a must have in my opinion. It makes reloads butter smooth and doesn’t affect my grip on the pistol either. The magazine release is in the perfect location, never getting hit without purpose.
Accuracy
Using a heavy match-grade bull barrel is a luxury that 2011’s can often do. And the Prodigy pulls it off perfectly. And it shows with its great accuracy. During testing I shot a variety of 115 grain ammunition types from PMC and Federal. All of them functioned well, and typical groups from 7-10 yards would average around 1-2 inches.
Reliability
2011 magazines have much to do with the pistol’s incredibly smooth operation. You can take a fully loaded 20-round magazine and by simply sliding the palm of your hand across the exposed cartridges they will slide out neatly and all over the place.
This coupled with the low friction linear movement of the slide makes this pistol feed and cycle like a dream. You can slowly pull the slide back, and gently forward and the pistol neatly loads cartridges. The same action with a typical pistol would result in a jam of sorts, as they prefer to be fast and violent in their slamming action.
I have heard many stories from the internet, as well as friends in the industry about Prodigy pistols having issues. I’ve also heard that SA repaired them making any corrections necessary for proper function. This pistol hasn’t needed any updates or alterations, and after a thousand rounds it continues to churn along like it should.
Ergonomics
!911/2011 ergonomics are fairly similar across the market. I expect the reason is that a pistol thats been in use for over a hundred years should basically be perfected at this point. The only gripe I have in this department is the slide release is just out of reach. Requiring a break of the firing grip. One must simply learn to handle these pistols, as its not hard to perform a reload well even with breaking the grip. Also, other 2011 pistols have extended slide releases that eliminate this issue. I also like that option.
The grip texture gives excellent control of the Prodigy, and the ambidextrous safety is easily operated with the thumb. A perfectly crisp snap is felt and heard when the safety is applied or removed.
Value
One could spend ridiculous amounts of money on 2011 pistols, there is even an entire sub-industry for high end 2011 pistols. With that said, the Prodigy is perhaps the best priced 2011 pistol from a big name manufacturer. I have others that cost a hundred or two less, but they are from manufacturers of another tier.
I think the Prodigy is an excellent value in that aspect. With a street price under $1500 it is hard to beat the Prodigy’s credentials. You can certainly get better pistols, but you will pay significantly more money for them.
Pros and Cons
Smooth Shooter
Requires AOS plate for optics mounting
Flat shooting with compensator
Optics ready
Accurate shooting
Great trigger
Affordable compared to others
Final Opinion
As the field of 2011 pistols gets deeper and deeper, some folks like the security that comes from a well known brand. Springfield Armory has been building 1911’s for a long time, and they’ve been around for even longer. The fact that the DS Prodigy is one of the more affordable 2011 style pistols, makes it that much more appealing. Based on my experience with this pistol, I can strongly recommend it to those looking for a double stack 9mm 1911. It offers a great value among the many different 2011’s on the market.
-CBM
Like 2011’s? Wanna check out another one that I love? Click Here
Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.
The P365
As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.
the compact grip of the P365 fits all sizes of hands
Model
Barrel
Grip
Capacity
Notes
P365
3.1″
Short
10+1
Original micro-compact
P365-380
3.1″
Short
10+1
.380 ACP version
P365 SAS
3.1″
Short
10+1
Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X
3.1″
XL grip
12+1
Short slide, longer grip
P365XL
3.7″
XL grip
12+1
Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp
3.1″ compensated
XL grip
12+1
Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp
3.1″ compensated
Macro grip
17+1
Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro
3.1″ comp / 3.7″
Macro grip
17+1
Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion
3.1″ compensated
Aluminum AXG
17+1
Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse
4.3″
Macro grip
21+1
Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSE
Various
Various
Varies
Lena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 380
3.1″ comp
AXG
10+1
Premium .380 model
P365 DH3
3.7″
Macro
17+1
Daniel Horner competition-inspired model
The P365 XMacro
Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.
LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide
And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.
the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil
Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.
An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.
Specifications
Specification
P365 XMacro Comp
Caliber
9×19mm
Action
Striker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length
3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length
6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height
5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width
1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)
21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius
5.1 in
Magazine Capacity
17+1
Frame Material
Polymer XMacro grip module
Slide Material
Stainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel Material
Carbon steel
Trigger
Flat-faced XSeries trigger
Sights
XRAY3 day/night sights
Optics Ready
Yes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory Rail
Standard 1913 Picatinny
Backstraps
Small, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual Safety
Available on select models
Included Magazines
Two 17-round steel magazines
17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol
With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.
Shooting the P365 XMacro
Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.
here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle
Shootability
The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.
Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.
the Holosun 407k and Streamlight TLR7 were excellent companions to the P365
With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.
Ergonomics
I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.
the grip feels good and comfortable in the hand
Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.
Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.
the stripped P365 and its component
Accuracy
I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.
a typical group from 10-yards
But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.
Reliability
We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.
control surfaces were great for operating the pistol
Value
I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.
the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it
Pros and Cons
As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.
the P365 gives a big presentation in a small package
It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.
Conclusion
The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.
Nine millimeter handguns have completely dominated much of the concealed carry market. That’s not to say there aren’t other great options, but 9mm seems to be what people are navigating towards. My blue-collar experience with firearms has taught me the value of a good CCW pistol that doesn’t leave you strapped for cash. Today I wanted to go over a handful of my favorite 9mm compact pistols for carry that I think are worth your consideration. Not everyone can afford to carry a CZ Shadow Compact or some wiz-bang H&K, so I tend to look at guns that I would buy or recommend to family and friends.
When purchasing anything including guns, there is always a fine line to walk between what you want and what you can afford. When looking at CCW pistols there is yet another fine line to walk; size and weight vs. capacity. You can always find a smaller gun that is easier and more comfortable to conceal, but usually with lower ammunition capacity or diminished ballistic performance.
Once you decide on a CCW pistol, get really comfortable using it, practice often
As we go over CCW pistol options, we will inevitably be going back and forth between these two extremes. Trying to find balance between what we can afford, what we can comfortably tuck into a belt, without loosing enough capacity. Capacity of course being paramount in a defensive shooting situation, and always on your mind when selecting a pistol.
The Gold Standard
If you ask the question about whats the best 9mm compact, your going to hear the word Glock quite a bit. And there are good reasons for it, Glock makes several good compact pistols with years of solid performance. Does that make it the best option? Maybe not, but they are certainly worth looking at.
Probably the best compact option from the Austrian manufacturer would be either the Glock 19 of one flavor or another, or the slimmer Glock 43. Both are compact models, but the G19 is more like a service sized compact. Whereas the G43 is more about overall concealment. Tucking the G43 is easier because of its slim design, though this comes at the cost of capacity being limited to 6-8 rounds.
The G19 on the other hand can easily handle 15-rounds before adding +1 or 2 floor plates. And with its slightly larger frame the G19 is a great shooting platform. The popularity of these two pistols has created a massive aftermarket support, giving countless options for accessories like holsters, weapon lights, sights and more. I prefer the G19 myself of these two, mainly because of the capacity thing.
Alchemist Clones
Manufacturing the gold standard from something less is a bit like ancient alchemy. The Glock clone market has exploded in recent years, giving countless additional variations of the famous Glock design. Not only do many of them compete well with the original, but they do it for the same or lower price.
PSA Dagger
Starting at the bottom of the heap, PSA’s Dagger pistol has exploded in popularity. Available as a compact or subcompact, the Dagger is similar enough to the G19 to use nearly its entire aftermarket support. I’ve used a Dagger extensively and find them to be very affordable without giving up capacity or shootability. Some would argue their reliability, but in my experience they are a great buy for often under $300. To see our in-depth review of the Dagger click here.
Ruger RXM
Ruger’s RXM is actually a joint project with Magpul, and with two names like that you should be able to expect a good product. The RXM is a very close clone of the G19 again, but it hides an ability to change its stripes. With its modular frame you can swap between different sized frames creating your own version of a G19, 17, or 47. Or anything in between. The RXM gives great reliability while enjoying the same aftermarket support as the Glock pistols it mimics. I have carried the RXM extensively, and quite like its performance and fit. To see our in-depth review of the RXM click here.
Shadow System’s MR920 is another copy of the G19. But instead of just copying the Glock pattern, Shadow Systems intended to improve upon it. Trying to improve both the performance and aesthetics, the MR920 looks as good as it shoots.
And adding to the value, the company also offers a variety of different barrel options and other features allowing you to customize your carry pistol. Allowing optical sights and threaded barrels gives you more dexterity.
The Not Glocks
Other manufacturers have also presented their own popular pistol designs for the CCW market. For the most part they are all very similar to Glocks striker fired polymer frame design. After all, if the design works, why not run with it.
CZ P10S
inserting the 12-round magazine
The CZ P10S is a compact pistol that offers 12+1 capacity in a small optics ready pistol. I was very impressed with the performance of this pistol, and especially for the price. It can occasionally be had on PSA for under $400, which is a great deal considering its performance and heritage. The P10’s widespread use by civilians, law enforcement and some militaries give confidence that its design is both robust and here to stay. My only gripe with it is the need to buy an optics adaptor plate to run a red dot. To see our in-depth review of the CZ P10S click here.
Canik Mete MC9
Canik’s MC9 on the other hand, comes with its own selection of optics mounting plates for a variety of options. As well as different grip options, and a 15+1 capacity, all this for under $400 at times depending on configuration.
The MC9 brings its own style and design, while keeping with the design that has made all these pistols successful. It fits well in the hand, keeping just enough grip available to not feel undersized and still being compact enough to tuck. It shoots great and looks good at the same time, giving an affordable great performance. To see our in-depth review of the Canik METE MC9 click here.
Smith & Wesson Shield
The family of Smith & Wesson Shield pistols has a great variety of compact and comfortable carry pistols. I’ve carried the M&P Shield Plus a bit, and was very impressed with how slim it is, and how well it shoots with its ported barrel. Of course with such a small pistol you are going to give up some capacity. But this might be one of those I would choose for maximum concealment even at the cost of capacity.
There also seems to be a great variety in configurations and cost. Which gives you quite a few options to customize your carry. These pistols have great sights, and some direct mount red dot options. As well as manual safeties or not depending on what you want, all of these options can be used to enhance your daily carry. To see our in-depth review of the M&P Shield Plus click here.
Sig Sauer P365
We cant forget to include the P365 from Sig Sauer, a compact pistol built specifically for carrying. The P365 brings full-size capacity to a very small pistol, perhaps not quite as small as the G43 but almost.
the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp is a great pistol with both capacity and small footprint
The 17-round magazines fill almost the entirety of the grip, and yet they still managed to make an interchangeable backstrap to customize the fit. One of the great features of the P365 is that its not a P320… (pause for laughter). But seriously, it has an incredible spread of options including compensated barrels, and various other configurations. Too many to list here, but worth looking into. And even with so many options the P365 is not horribly expensive.
Much like the Hellcat coming next, the P365 really blurs the lines between compact pistols and big capacity. With reliable function, good trigger, and every option a CCW student could ask for.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro came to as an incredible value. It is impressively small considering its capacity. Like the P365 it seems to best combat the size/capacity balance for compact pistols. With 15 and 17-round magazine options, the Hellcat Pro brings near full-size capacity to a very small pistol. The only way I approve of increasing weight of a CCW pistol is by adding more ammo to it.
The Hellcat Pro brings a lot of firepower to a small pistol with good sights and an optics ready pistol. Smaller pistols often are a touch spicier and snappy, so be sure to try them first. And if you are one who likes manual safeties, the Hellcat has that option as well. Rounded out with a decent trigger and accessory rail, you could really do well with a Hellcat. To see our in-depth review of the SA Hellcat Pro click here.
How to Select Your Own CCW Pistol
Having evaluated all the options out there, you need to decide on your budget. As that will dictate which of the options are available to you. Once you’ve created a list of pistol options within your budget, you can start looking. A good fit for a pistol, is one that lines up as close as possible with your natural point. I love a gun that is already pointed at my target when I present it without even focusing hard. Some are better than others depending on your grip, so I would try various options before buying.
Make sure you get a good holster for your pistol like this Safariland IncogX
After doing that, you can also see which of the options best aligns with your choice of accessories. What holster and sight options are available for it, and how you would prefer that selection went. And by the time you have evaluated all of these things, there should be at least a couple good stand-out options for you to choose from.
Concluding Thoughts
Hopefully you have found a few pieces of valuable information here. And armed with a little more information you are better suited to pick the best option for your protection. Remember that if you intend on defending life with a CCW weapon, its probably worth spending as much as you can afford for reliability.
Nearly any of the pistols mentioned here today would fit into one of my carry needs. And I would be happy carrying any one of them on any given day. Feel free to make your own recommendations in the comments below.
Big wheel guns inspire many things in firearm enthusiasts. It might be historical yearning or just a desire for power in your hand. The smooth metallic clicking as a cylinder rolls cartridges into place is a soothing sound. Big revolvers have always been an American custom, and Smith & Wesson has been part of it for more than 170 years. Today we are taking a look at one of the S&W’s masterpieces, the mighty X-frame, built to carry the massive .500 S&W cartridge. The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model S&W500 7.5-inch pistol is built for shooting its massive cartridges comfortably and accurately.
I remember when these pistols and the cartridge came out, there was a bit of a frenzy over such a large cartridge. I don’t know why people seem to get so excited over 50 caliber firearms. It almost seems like there is some kind of dopamine released by saying “fifty-cal”. But the 500 S&W enjoys the very same level of excitement from gun people. I myself have managed to live for many decades without feeling the need to endure such palm punishment. But today on our readers behalf, I intend to shoot the big 500 so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
Some of the ammunition tested from Double Tap Ammorecoil was impressivehere you can see a three-shot group with the Double Tap Ammo (note dual projectiles)
Looking for something smaller? Check out the S&W 44 Magnum
