Superior concealability is an important feature for many gun owners, and to get it many people spend significant time checking out subcompact and micro-compact pistols. If you’re interested in micros, you’ll be interested in the latest announcement from Heckler & Koch: the micro-compact SFP9CC.
This pistol is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and designed for fantastic concealability and consistent, reliable performance. It’s also the first micro of its kind for the renowned gun maker, making it even more interesting.
The H&K SFP9CC is the company’s first micro compact 9mm. (Photo credit: Heckler & Koch)
Heckler & Koch officially announced the SFP9CC at an event in Germany. Sketches and images have been strategically leaked, so this serves to confirm the belief that a micro-compact was coming. The SFP9CC is being described as a one-and-a-half stack pistol thanks to its capacity and overall design. This pistol is chambered in 9mm and offers numerous features designed for defensive purposes.
The micro-compact pistol is being produced for German law enforcement. (Photo credit: Heckler & Koch)
According to available information, there are two versions of the SFP9CC. The first is the standard model which is made with ambidextrous controls and offered with or without a Picatinny rail for accessories. Second is the Shape, a pistol created for specific contouring and comfort. The Shape doesn’t have ambidextrous controls because it’s made for deep concealment, but it does have a specially shaped slide and frame. Capacity for the pistols is 10 +1 with the flush fit magazine and said to be 13 +1 with an extended magazine.
The gun is currently listed in a German catalog for law enforcement. (Photo credit: Heckler & Koch)
Features of the SFP9CC include:
SF or TR trigger. SF pull/reset is listed as similar to the VP9 with the TR heavier/longer.
Five backstrap sizes so the gun can be fit more precisely to the shooter’s hands.
Two magazine baseplates, flush and extended for a pinky rest.
Three possible magazine release options: paddle, button, heel release.
Charging support “ears” are available if desired to facilitate racking the slide.
Optics cut is available for those who want an optics-ready pistol.
MSRP for the Heckler & Koch SFP9CC is not known at this time. The gun is being made for German law enforcement at this time.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
If you’re looking for a handgun designed with an eye for serious tactical applications, Arex, a Slovenian-based firearms manufacturer, might have something for you. The Arex Delta Gray Wolf is the latest addition to the gun maker’s Delta line and comes with a bevy of features to make it ideal for defensive purposes. This pistol is made to withstand serious use and outperform your expectations.
Like other Delta Gen 2 guns, the Arex Delta Gray Wolf has a threaded barrel, among other tactical features. (Photo credit: Arex. Pictured here: Delta Gen 2)
According to Arex, this is a gun meant to be consistently reliable for tactical use, and it’s made to perform accurately whenever and wherever you need it. The Delta Gray Wolf features an extended threaded barrel, making it ready for muzzle devices whether you choose a suppressor or compensator. It has the same striker double-action trigger as the basic Delta GEN.2 model which, the company states, has proven itself to be a safer option than other designs, such as a fully-cocked single-action striker.
The Arex Delta Gray Wolf has an enhanced mag well. (Photo credit: TFB)
Other features of the gun include a subtle gray finish, aggressive forward and rearward slide serrations, and an enhanced magwell. This gun is designed with a magwell that facilitates fast reloads and makes loading a magazine without looking easier to accomplish. The trigger guard is squared off and controls are ridged as needed for traction during use. A textured grip also gives shooters a more positive grip during live fire. There’s also an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard. Guns ship with standard adjustable rear and fiber optic front sights.
The threaded barrel is protected until the user chooses to add a different aftermarket device. (Photo credit: TFB)
MSRP for the Arex Delta Gray Wolf is not known at this time.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
If there’s one cartridge that’s been getting increasingly popular, it’s 5.7x28mm. Of course, not all guns are made equal, which is why you should take the time to choose the right gun for you before adding another pistol to your collection. That said, if the 5.7x28mm chambering is what you’re after, it’s worth a closer look at the FN Five-seveN MRD. Not only do you get a handgun backed by FN’s stellar reputation but you get one that’s optics ready, right out of the box.
According to FN, their Five-seveN MRD is “what other pistols want to be when they grow up.” The gun maker went on to explain the details of the gun’s optics-ready platform:
…the Five-seveN MRD’s optic mount consists of a series of plates that mate the optic to the slide. Just like FN’s 509 optics-ready pistols, users are able to mount a miniature red dot sight within minutes using the corresponding plates and screws provided with the pistol. The system is compatible with most common miniature red dot sights including the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Trijicon RMR, Vortex Optics, Burris FastFire series, Docter Optics and more. The three-dot photo luminescent sights glow in low light conditions, are adjustable for elevation and windage and co-witness with certain optics..
Red dots are here to stay. Do you have one on your carry gun? Do you want one? (Photo credit: FN)
Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. , had the following to say about the optics-ready Five-seveN:
The FN Five-seveN pistol has been immensely popular since its introduction. Its original design capturing the performance of the FN-designed 5.7x28mm cartridge made it an instant success, and it’s positioned to do it yet again with the dramatic redesign of the FN Five-seveN MRD. With the addition of an integral optics mounting system on the slide, an already accurate pistol now redefines what handgun accuracy means. We’re truly excited to bring this new pistol to market with features our customers want in their favorite FN caliber.
A red dot sight and weapon-mounted light make the FN Five-seveN even more awesome. (Photo credit: FN)
Features of the FN Five-seveN MRD include:
Precision iron sights
Two 20-round magazines
Improved grip ergonomics
Available in black or FDE (Flat Dark Earth)
Crisp trigger with 6-pound, 2-ounce trigger pull weight
Target crowned, match grade 4.8 inch barrel
Aggressive slide serrations
Slide cut to mount most optics
Minimal recoil from the FN 5.7x28mm cartridge
Add most MRDs in minutes, without a gunsmith
Machined steel slide with polymer cover
Enhanced slide cover improves cocking control
Photo-luminescent front sight with adjustable rear
The FN Five-seveN MRD is available in black and has an optics-ready slide, so you can mount your red dot sight to the pistol within minutes. (Photo credit: FN)
Specifications:
Caliber: 5.7x28mm
Operating system: Delayed blowback, Single-action only
Magazine capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
Overall weight: 25.2 ounces, empty, without magazine
Colt has been expanding their line of snake guns for the past few years by giving old classics revolvers modern touches. One of the more interesting guns in the line is the King Cobra Target, a revolver chambered in 22 LR. The respected gun maker has stated it’s a versatile model with many applications, including competition shooting, hunting, and plinking.
The Colt King Cobra Target is chambered in 22 LR and designed to be useful for multiple applications. (Photo credit: Colt)
One thing is certain, and that is that the overall bulk of the Colt King Cobra Target negates almost any possibility of felt recoil. With its 22 LR chambering and stainless steel frame, this is a revolver that would make a fantastic model for introducing kids or new shooters in general to the wonders of wheel guns. After all, it pays to be a well-rounded shooter, and that means being capable of running a revolver just as well as a semi-auto.
A rimfire King Cobra? Yes, please. (Photo credit: Colt)
Justin Baldini, Vice President of Product Strategy at Colt CZ-USA, said:
We are very excited to [have] debut[ed] this new baby snake to our customers at NRA Annual Meetings. Shooting .22 LR is such an important part of shooting sports. It’s where we come to learn as a beginner; and where we return as seasoned shooters to cost-effectively enjoy more time at the range. We’re confident that new and old Colt fans will love what we’ve done with the new King Cobra 22 LR.
The Colt King Cobra Target is chambered in 22 LR and has a 10-round capacity. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
In addition to its polished stainless steel frame, the Colt King Cobra Target has a stainless steel, one-piece barrel, and overmolded Hogue rubber grips. This is a double-action-only gun, but the trigger is surprisingly good. It has a 10-round capacity and is being offered with either a 4.0-inch or 6.0-inch barrel. Both barrel lengths have a 1 in 16 RH twist rate. Guns ship from the factory with a fiber optic front sight and an adjustable target rear sight.
The revolver feels comfortable in the hand and seems to be well balanced. Parts fit together well and there is no concerning wiggle or slipping in the cylinder. All in all, this is a beautifully executed baby snake gun from Colt.
The Colt King Cobra Target in 22 LR is made according to the gun maker’s exacting standards. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
This is the type of gun that’s ideal for introducing basic revolver skills. With almost no felt recoil whatsoever, overall accuracy, and solid fitment of parts, the Colt King Cobra Target is a good choice for any and all gun owners. And if you are so inclined, it could certainly be used to hunting varmints and small pests like rabbits. Colt believes this gun will eventually become the favorite of competition shooters, but only time will tell.
MSRP for the Colt King Cobra Target in 22 LR is $999.00.
Do you have a revolver? Would you want one that’s chambered in 22 LR? Why or why not? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.
The Anderson Manufacturing Gen 2 AM-10 series of rifles is based on the AR-10 platform. Chambered in .308 Winchester, there are three complete rifle builds ready to ship or the receivers may be purchased individually to complement a rifle build project. All components are compatible with the most popular AR-10 uppers, lowers, and aftermarket parts and accessories.
The first three models of the AM-10 Gen 2 series of AR-10 platform rifles (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing YouTube Channel)
Three Initial AM-10 Gen 2 Models
The AM-10 Gen 2 line has launched with the following models:
AM-10 Battle Rifle
The Battle Rifle configuration features a 16-inch barrel, Magpul MOE adjustable stock, Magpul K2 grip, Mid Length Gas System, and an A2 birdcage flash hider. The Battle Rifle is ideal for general use and home defense.
The Anderson AM-10 Gen 2 Battle Rifle features a 16-inch barrel, making it an ideal general-purpose rifle. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing)
AM-10 Ranger
The Ranger features an 18-inch barrel, Magpul MOE adjustable stock, Magpul K2 grip, two-stage trigger, Mid Length Gas System, and a Knight Stalker flash hider. The Ranger is a multi-purpose option for long-range and home defense roles.
The Anderson AM-10 Gen 2 Ranger’s 18-inch barrel provides maximum flexibility. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing)
AM-10 Marksman XL
The Marksman XL features a 20-inch barrel, Magpul PRS Light adjustable stock, Magpul K2 grip, two-stage trigger, Rifle Length Gas System, and a Knight Stalker flash hider. The Marksman XL is perfect for hunting, home defense, or long-range precision shooting.
The Anderson AM-10 Gen 2 Marksman XL’s 20-inch barrel lets you accurately reach out, whether you’re hunting or shooting long distance precision. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing)
Common AM-10 Gen 2 Specifications
All three Anderson AM-10 Gen 2 Rifles share the following specs:
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Weight: 8 pounds
Receivers made from 7075 T6 aluminum
Type 3 Hard Anodized Finish
8620 Steel Bolt Carrier
9310 Steel Bolt
Bolt, Bolt Carrier, and Barrel Finish: Nitride
4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Barrel
Barrel Twist Rate: 1:10
Government Profile Barrel
6 Position Buffer Tube
Standard Charging handle
All AM-10 Gen 2 rifles come equipped with a full-length DPMS High Standard Rail and 15-inch Magpul M-LOK Handguard for mounting optics, lights, and other accessories. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing YouTube Channel)
Additional Features
Anderson says the “exceptionally accurate” AM-10 Gen 2 Series is engineered to meet the diverse needs of budget-conscious shooters. Each AM-10 rifle comes with a 15-inch Magpul M-LOK handguard, DPMS high standard upper rail height for maximum platform capability, and is compatible with all AR-15 grips. The enhanced mag well flare makes for easier, more reliable magazine insertions. Finally, the improved contouring and tolerances ensure better handling, performance, and accuracy for a better shooting experience.
The AM-10 Gen 2 Ranger has an 18-inch barrel and Knight Stalker flash hider. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing YouTube Channel)
More Rifles to Come
Anderson promises to extend the AM-10 Gen 2 Line in the future. This looks like a well-thought-out addition to the crowded modern sporting rifle market. Good quality modular options for shooters on a budget can only be a good thing, making the AR-10 platform more accessible.
The AM-10 Gen 2 Marksman XL is built for long-range shooting with its 20-inch barrel and Magpul PRS Light Stock. (Photo: Anderson Manufacturing YouTube Channel)
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has entered the slim compact pistol market with the Masada Slim. The Masada Slim continues the companies Masada line with similar features like the flat trigger with safety blade and modular, serialized high-grade steel trigger mechanism housing. Like the full-size Masada, that trigger mechanism is easily removed for cleaning and maintenance.
The Masada Slim is IWI’s entry into the slim compact carry pistol market (Photo: Tactical Life Magazine)
Features and Specifications
The IWI Masada Slim is a compact, polymer striker-fired pistol. Currently offered in 9mm, the Masada Slim comes with two 13 round magazines. It weighs 1.27 pounds without the magazine and 1.4 pounds with the mag inserted.
Like the full-size Masada, the Masada Slim also comes with interchangeable backstraps for shooters with larger or smaller hands. It also retains the ambidextrous magazine release button of the original model. A forward picatinny rail allows the addition of lights and other accessories. The barrel length is 3.4 inches. This looks to be IWI’s answer to the Sig Sauer P365XL, Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, and Glock 43X.
The Masada Slim features a generous 13+1 capacity in 9mm. (Photos: IWI US)
The Masada Slim comes with a white front dot sight and a blacked-out rear sight. Sight cuts are the same on the Masada Slim as on the full-size Masada, while the slide utilizes the RMS Shield optics cut for direct optic mounting options. This footprint also allows the user to run the Holosun EPS Carry, 507K X2, Sig Romeo Zero, and similar optics.
The Masada Slim is optics ready right out of the box (Photos: IWI US)
The IWI Masada Slim is expected to hit dealer shelves in late Quarter 2 or early Quarter 3 of 2022. MSRP on the gun is $450.
The IWIW Masada Slim is the latest addition to IWI’s Masada line of handguns. (Photo: LWRoad YouTube Channel)
William “Bucky” Lawson is a self-described “typical Appalachian-American gun enthusiast”. He is a military historian specializing in World War II and has written a few things, as he says, “here and there”. A featured contributor for Strategy & Tactics, he likes dogs, range time, and a good cigar – preferably with an Old Fashioned that has an extra orange slice.
Taurus, the manufacturer of handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, has upgraded its offers to include the first factory custom variant of the G3 9mm defensive handgun. The G3 Tactical pistol comes ready for duty with design features that accept key user-installed aftermarket upgrades.
Taurus has upgraded its product offerings to include the first factory custom variant of the G3 pistol, the G3 Tactical pistol in 9mm. The G3 comes ready for duty with key upgrades like a threaded barrel, suppressor-height sights, and a flat two-staged trigger.
The Taurus G3 Tactical is a full-size polymer striker-fired pistol that visually sets itself apart from the standard Taurus G3 with its receiver in Magpul FDE and the slide complemented with an element-resistant Patriot Brown Cerakote finish. Offered in either 17- or 10-round magazine configurations, the Taurus G3 Tactical delivers the same ergonomic performance and reliable operation that has made the Taurus G3 handgun a reported leader in the personal defense handgun category.
Understanding that confidence in equipment equates to confident performance in the field, Taurus engineers equipped the G3 Tactical to allow the modern-day personal defense practitioner to build their firearm “their way.”
Optic-Ready Slide
The precision alloy steel slide features the innovative Taurus Optic Ready Option (T.O.R.O.), with interchangeable optic mounting plates to allow easy installation of the most common red dot optics on the market. Compatible mounting patterns include Docter, Venom, FastFire (plate 1), Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407c/507c (plate 2), C-More STS2 (plate 3), and Leupold Deltapoint Pro (plate 4).
Keeping the end-user in mind, Taurus equipped the G3 Tactical with modern-day personal defense options. The TORO option, with interchangeable mounting plates for optics, along with the factory threaded barrel means that the user can modify the pistol to meet their needs.
Threaded Barrel
With the growing use of suppressors and aftermarket compensators, the Taurus G3 Tactical also comes with a factory-threaded 1/2×28 DLC-coated barrel. The Diamond-Like Coating’s reduced friction coefficient ensures smooth operation and increased durability. Installation of a custom muzzle device or suppressor is simple, and a thread protector is included for use when the barrel is run “bare.”
Backup Sighting Solution
To accommodate the use of a suppressor or optic, the Taurus G3 Tactical comes with tall co-witness open sights. These offer a clear sight picture when used in combination with most suppressors and aftermarket muzzle devices and provide the much-needed backup sighting solution for use with a red dot optic.
The G3 Tactical comes standard with suppressor-heigh sights that also co-witness optics, meaning your sight radius won’t be impeded when using with a suppressor.
Pic Rail
Additional features of the Taurus G3 Tactical include a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail to mount a tactical light or laser and a loaded chamber indicator for visual verification if a cartridge is loaded in the chamber. The pistol also comes with a re-strike capability. In the event of a failure-to-fire condition, the shooter can pull the trigger again to re-strike the primer. The manual safety is eliminated to ensure a snag-free deployment and quick engagement in a stressful defense situation.
Trigger
Assisting in more accurate shot placement and trigger control is the G-Series trigger. This is a two-stage trigger system noted for its light uptake to “the wall” followed by a crisp break. The trigger is further enhanced by a short reset for faster target re-engagement.
The G-Series trigger included in the G3 Tactical pistol is a two-stage trigger that is specifically designed to provide a light take-up with a distinct wall, crisp break, and short reset capabilities.
A custom soft case is also included with the G3 Tactical for storage and protection while transporting to the range. MSRP for both the 17- and 10-round Taurus G3 Tactical models is $582.98.
The Maxim Defense has upgraded its PDX offerings to include a 9mm option. The MD9 is available in both SBR and Pistol formats. Inspired by the award-winning PDX, the Maxim Defense MD9 is designed to handle the fierce demands of the Tier-1 community and dominate in close-quarter encounters without sacrificing energy on target and accuracy. Paired with either a Maxim Defense CQB stock or brace, the MD9 is a reported game changer.
Maxim Defense upgraded its compact offerings to include the MD9 9mm platform. The MD9 is available in three different colors (black, arid, and urban gray) with either the CQB brace or stock option.
The 9mm caliber pistol carbine offers Maxim’s known platform from the PDX in a CQB option. Made from Military-grade materials, the MD9 offers a 5.8” free-floating barrel inside the custom handguard complete with M-Rax and M-Slot compatibility. With after-market options for lights, optics, and accessories, the MD9 is easy to modify to fit the shooter’s needs.
The MD9 is an upgraded rifle based on the popular PDX platform and is designed to handle the fierce demands of the Tier-1 community and dominate in close-quarter encounters without sacrificing energy on target and accuracy.
The package weighs in at just over six pounds unloaded and 20 inches collapsed, adding to the small footprint. The MD9 also boasts an ambidextrous magazine release and Radian charging handle and selector. It accepts all Glock 9mm pattern magazines, G19 or longer. Rounding out the set-up is an included Maxim Defense Hate Brake flash hider and ALG Combat trigger standard.
Available in black, urban gray, and arid, the MD9 is fully and easily serviceable by the end-user with common tools. It has an MSRP of $1,995 for either the CQB stock or brace.
The package is just over 6 pounds unloaded and measures 20 inches collapsed, adding to the versatility of the small footprint. It accepts all Glock 9mm magazines G19 and longer as well and is available in black, arid, or urban gray color schemes.
Specifications
Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
Barrel Thread Pitch: ½-28
Material Composition: 7075 Aluminum & tool steel
Finish: Nitride / Type III Anodizing
Barrel Length: 5.8” [147.32mm]
Overall Length: 20” [508mm] (collapsed)
Weight: 6lb 1oz [2.75kg] empty
Barrel Material: 4150 CrMoV
Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 FPS (Federal FMJ 124gr)
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
