FN’s popular line of tactical pistols includes the FN 509 Midsize Tactical pistol. The pistol is red-dot and suppressor ready with a capacity of 15 rounds. And, as a mid-sized handgun, it offers benefits that come with a full-sized slide and medium-sized frame.
FN’s Tactical pistol line includes the 509 Midsize Tactical pistol. It is said to be the ideal combination of FN’s full-size tactical slide with a compact pistol.
Here’s what the company had to say about it:
FN America, LLC is pleased to introduce the FN 509 Midsize Tactical. Joining the ranks alongside FN’s other successful Tactical pistols like the FN 509 Tactical and Compact Tactical, the FN 509 Midsize Tactical is the ideal combination of FN’s full-size tactical slide. Equipped with the versatile Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System and midsize grip frame, the FN 509 Midsize Tactical is a perfectly balanced pistol that’s optics-ready, multi-role capable, and optimized for shootability.
“Building on the success of both the FN 509 Tactical and the FN 509 Midsize, our team combined the best features of both pistols into the FN 509 Midsize Tactical,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “The 15-round grip frame with the optics-ready tactical slide assembly offers our customers another strong contender for concealed carry and personal protection in the FN 509 family.”
The pistol weighs just over 27 ounces unloaded, and according to FN, it is an ideal option for concealed carry, home defense, and duty use.
Weighing in at just under 30 ounces unloaded, the gun positions itself as an ideal option for concealed carry, home defense, and duty use. Its midsize frame, which enables users to get a full-hand purchase, plus the added mass of the 4.5-inch threaded barrel assembly and improved, duty-rated trigger provide unprecedented controllability and recoil management in a pistol that is easily concealed.
“FN is well known for setting the industry standard for tactical pistols starting with the FNX-45 Tactical. Features like a threaded barrel, suppressor-height night sights, extended capacity and most importantly, optics-ready,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Pistol Product Manager for FN America, LLC. “The FN 509 Midsize Tactical delivers all of those tactical features that FN customers expect in a package that is perfectly proportioned for everyday carry and much more.”
Available in both black and FDE, the suppressor-ready pistol ships with a threaded barrel (threaded 1/2-28) and suppressor-height sights that co-witness with compatible red dot optics.
FN509 Midsize Tactical Pistol Specs:
Caliber: 9mm
Operation: Double-action
Mag Capacity: 10 or 15/24 round
Weight: 27.9 oz.
Barrel Length: 4.5″
Overall Length: 7.9″
Twist Rate: 1:10″ RH
Height: 5.2″
Width: 1.35″
Trigger Pull: 4.5 – 6.7 lb
Sight Radius: 5.8″
The Midsize Tactical frame features a 15-round standard magazine with an option to run the included 24-round FN 509 magazines, providing increased capacity while the 4.5-inch threaded barrel is cold hammer-forged and suppressor-ready with 1/2×28-inch thread pitch, all housed within a 4-inch slide. The slide is cut for FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, compatible with more than ten miniature red dot optics. Three-dot Trijicon green Tritium night sights are suppressor-height to co-witness with any compatible optic.
According to FN, the gun’s perfectly balanced proportions are optimized for shootability and fast sight acquisition over smaller pistols, giving the user a “just-right” recoil impulse that provides superior control and accuracy at speed. The smooth trigger has a clean break at around 5lbs.
The FN 509 Tactical pistol has fully ambidextrous controls including the slide stop lever and magazine release. The package ships with two interchangeable backstraps, magazines, a manual, a locking device, and a logoed soft pistol case.
Available in both matte black and FN-signature flat dark earth (FDE), the MSRP for the FN 509 Midsize Tactical pistol is $1,069.
If you’re interested in expanding your gun collection to include a revolver, you’re in luck. The 856 Executive Grade revolver, chambered in 38 Special +P, is designed as a high-end addition to the Taurus firearms line. The original 856 will remain available, but the Executive Grade variant promises to be popular due to its many features, both for use and aesthetics.
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver is designed with a number of improved features and chambered in 38 Special +P. (Photo credit: Taurus)
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade has a stainless steel frame with a hand-polished satin finish. Its overall height is 4.80 inches and overall length is 7.5 inches; it is possible to conceal this revolver if desired. The gun has a 6-round capacity and is chambered in 38 Special +P, so users have the option of using overpressure rounds. Each revolver ships in a Pelican hard case. These are double-action-only guns with concealed hammers.
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver has a stainless steel frame and a six round capacity. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Taurus made the following statement regarding their 856 Executive Grade revolver:
For years, the 856 has been the go-to favorite for revolver fans looking for a dependable EDC handgun, thanks to its small frame, smooth operation, and easy-to-conceal profile. The 856 Executive Grade takes that same winning performance and elevates it with several appearance and performance modifications applied in its own production room at the state-of-the-art Taurus manufacturing facility in Bainbridge, Georgia.
The 856 Executive Grade features all-stainless-steel construction with an exquisite hand-polished satin finish. The combination exceeds mere aesthetics. The stainless steel’s natural corrosion resistance combined with the silky finish delivers a more comfortable feel in the hand, easier clean up and maintenance, and a smoother draw through leather and clothing. Even the premium Altamont walnut grip provides improved function as well as form. The checkered panels and intelligently contoured profile ensure positive handgun retention and control in stressful conditions and comfortably manages .38 Special +P defense cartridges for fast sight picture reacquisition.
Loading those defense cartridges is quicker and more precise thanks to the 856 Executive Grade’s smooth and chamfered cylinder chambers. By slightly radiusing the chamber edge, cartridges slip easily into the cylinder by preventing the case mouths from “tripping” on the chamber edge. This is an especially welcome feature when manually reloading or when using a speed loader under duress.
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver with the cylinder open. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus
Model: 856 Executive Grade
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Capacity: 6 rounds
Action Type: double action only
Firing System: hammer, concealed
Front Sight: serrated, removable
Rear Sight: fixed
Grip: Altamont walnut checkered
Frame Size: small
Barrel Length: 3.0 in.
Overall Length: 7.5 in.
Overall Height: 4.80 in.
Overall Width: 1.41 in.
Weight: 25 oz.
Frame, Barrel, Cylinder Material: stainless steel
Metal Finish: hand-polished satin
Included: Pelican™ Vault hard case
MSRP: $689.00
The walnut grips on the Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver are made by Altamount. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Revolvers the size of the Taurus 856 Executive Grade are a solid option for concealed carry purposes. If capacity is what’s stopping you, remember it’s possible to add a speedloader to your carry setup.
Do you carry a revolver for self-defense purposes? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
We live in the golden age of semi-auto rifles. Companies like Palmetto State Armory have made the mid-tier AR 15 a thing and placed an AR in every hand that wants one. Beyond that, boutique rifle companies have provided ARs of any caliber you could imagine. With that said, it’s easy to forget about the classic bolt gun but today we’re going to change that. Here’s a look at the best new bolt-action rifles. You won’t forget about bolt guns after this!
Have bolt-action rifles been regulated to the dust bin in terms of development? What else can you do with the classic bolt action rifle? It’s tough to capture the imagination with a bolt-action rifle.
Or, is it?
Well, I’ve found five bolt action rifles that prove these guns are far from dead.
Bolt guns aren’t dead.
Bolt guns still offer nearly unbeatable accuracy when it comes time to start making tiny groups at long distances. Semi-autos have come a long way, but a bolt action rifle’s ratio of accuracy to dollars is almost always more efficient. In addition, many people have grown to love the modularity that modern rifles offer and find this lacking with most bolt-action rifles. Your average Savage 110 doesn’t offer near the modularity of an AR.
Additionally, most bolt actions are designed and marketed for hunters and don’t break from tradition. To be fair, the traditional bolt action is a fine rifle. There aren’t any inherent problems, but many people like to shoot just for fun, and those hunting rifles can feel dull. Some shooters want to stick with intermediate cartridges, and there isn’t much love for the intermediate cartridge in the bolt gun world.
With this all in mind, I went on a journey to find the coolest bolt-action rifles on the market today. They offer something new and different but still give you that famed bolt action performance.
1. Savage Impulse
Straight pull bolt action rifles have never been big in the United States. They clean up in Europe because semi-autos are less common, and straight-pull bolts offer a faster rate of fire. In America, we could just get a semi-auto, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an appreciation for cool bolt guns. Savage made a mark with the Impulse, making the straight-pull bolt gun a reality for gun American gun owners.
An American straight pull bolt gun? Yes, please
They’ve released the Impulse in numerous configurations and calibers, including several models aimed at various hunters. The most recent Impulse model is the Elite Precision model, complete with an MDT chassis, adjustable trigger, and a reversible bolt handle to please the lefties. Don’t forget the highly adjustable stock and a ton of M-LOK slots for whatever you may need.
I owned a Savage Impulse and only lost it because my dad decided he liked it a bit more, and it became a Christmas present real quick. The impulse is an awesome and super fun gun. I’d love to see a compact model in 5.56 or 300 Blackout that feeds from AR magazines. It would out-ranch Ruger’s Ranch rifle.
2. Sig Cross
The Sig Cross is Sig Sauer’s first bolt action rifle since the early 90s. Calling it a surprise might be an understatement, but Sig aims to be a ‘total systems provider,’ so here we are. Sig Sauer designed this precision-oriented rifle from the ground up to be accurate, lightweight, and easy to use for various tasks.
The Cross is a full-powered rifle available in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and even the new .277 FURY. Even though it’s a full-powered rifle, it weighs only 6.5 pounds making it insanely light. That’s perfect for those backcountry hunts that take you up and down hills and ridges. The Cross uses a Sig-designed chassis system with a precision stock that conveniently folds out of the way. With the stock collapsed, the .308 version is only 26 inches long overall.
The Cross uses AICS magazines, so no proprietary magazines are required. The trigger is a 2-stage match that’s crisp and clean. The forward end uses an AR-like handguard with tons of M-LOK slots for all your goodies. One of these in .227 FURY might be the market’s most advanced bolt action rifle.
3. CZ 600 Trail
I once heard someone say people come to CZ for their pistols, but they stay for their rifles, and I understand that comment with guns like the CZ 600 Trail. However, don’t let the name fool you; it’s much more tactical than a trail. The 600 Traill aims to be light and handy, and at only 6.1 pounds, we can call that goal accomplished. The 600 Trail series are intermediate caliber rifles, and you can choose either .223 Rem or 7.62x39mm.
The CZ 600 Trail is a sweet, light rifle.
The .223 will use standard AR mags, and the 7.62×39 will use Bren 2 mags. Simple but effective and also very lightweight. Ergonomically it has ambidextrous magazine releases and safeties, which mimic the AR’s design well. The 600 Trail sues an interesting chassis system.
The integrated optics rail runs from the receiver over the handguard. The handguard sports a ton of M-LOK slots and is very AR-like. The stock is a PDW-style design with a nice cheek weld insert. It collapses easily enough. This makes the platform a hair over 27 inches with the stock collapsed. It’s light, compact, and chambered in light calibers. It’s perfect for the trail.
4. B&T SPR300 Pro
When SHOT rolled around in January, I was focused on the SPC9, so much so that I almost missed the SPR300 Pro. But, boy, was I glad I climbed behind this gun at range day. The SPR300 is a special purpose rifle chambered in 300 Blackout and utilizes an integrally suppressed barrel to make your shots as close to whisper-quiet as possible.
Suppressors do a lot to turn the volume down, but with a semi-auto, the sound of the action clacking can be annoyingly loud. With bolt guns, that isn’t an issue, and it helps make one of the quietest platforms imaginable. Nevertheless, this thing made me snicker every time it thumped and sent a heavy thirty-cal pill downrange.
The gun features an outside trigger made by Timney, which is so crazy accurate. I had an absolute blast with this thing. The 5K price tag will likely scare some off, but it’s a special-purpose rifle. A very quiet special purpose rifle. It’s super sweet, niche, but also far from boring.
5. Bushmaster BA30
Two straight pull bolt guns in the states? Hell yeah, I’ll take it, especially when they are so different. Bushmaster is back, under new ownership and management, and their new BA-30 is one of the cooler bolt guns on the market. Purists will hate its AR-like design, but pragmatic shooters will appreciate its easy logistics and upgradeability.
It looks like an AR 10 but handles like a bolt gun
These bolt guns mimic the look and feel of an AR-10 with support for both .308 and 6.5 Creedmore. Bushmaster installed an ambidextrous charging handle with its straight pull design. This makes it super rapid for a bolt gun. The handguard is all AR with M-LOK slots, as far as you can see.
The Bushmaster BA30 uses AR-10 magazines and has an adjustable, precision folding stock. Mounting optics, accessories, pistol grips, and more are so simple with the AR-like design of the gun. It’s a solid shooter, and it’s pretty modular.
Cool Bolt Guns Rule
Bolt guns aren’t dead, and they are slowly moving to embrace new calibers, designs, and a new degree of modularity. I love to see new guns, especially when they do something new. I personally want to get my hands on the CZ 600 Trail the most. The design would make adding irons easy, and I have a thing for iron sights on bolt guns. What about you? Let us know below which one you’d like the most.
The 1911 platform handgun has been around for more than a century, and although the basics of its design remain the same, technology has provided some fantastic advances, like the ability to chamber 1911s in larger calibers. 1911s don’t have to be chambered in only 45 ACP anymore and the Tisas 1911 D10 is a fantastic example with its 10mm chambering and solid, Government-sized frame.
The Tisas 1911 D10 is chambered in 10mm Auto and built on a Government sized frame. (Photo credit: Tisas)
Tisas made the following statement about their 1911 D10:
Knoxville based Tisas, a premium supplier of 1911-style pistols, has entered the realm of magnum performance with the launch of their…D10 10mm. Tisas 10mm pistols incorporate features often seen only on high-end or custom pistols. A forged frame, slide and hammer-forged barrel, combined with the Tisas lifetime service plan makes the D10 one of the best 10mm values on the market.
10mm 1911s are a great choice for a variety of uses. (Photo credit: Tisas)
The Tisas 1911 D10 has a Government size frame, meaning it’s full-size and has a five-inch barrel. Its larger size and overall weight help mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise for improved control and accuracy. G10 target grips provide an aggressively textured surface for a firm grip while shooting and checkering at the front and back of the grip make it even better. The trigger guard is also undercut to facilitate a high hold on the pistol, which works well with the extended beavertail. Forward and rearward angled cocking serrations are located on the gun’s slide; if you intend to rack the slide from the front, take care to ensure you understand the technique and use safe practices.
Other features include a flared ejection port for better cycling, factory iron sights, and a serrated hammer. The Tisas 1911 D10 has a skeletonized trigger. It is a Series 70 1911 which will appeal to a lot of 1911 purists. Its frame has a brushed stainless finish while the slide is a contrasting flat black and the grips are multi-colored in shades of brown and black.
The Tisas 1911 D10 has G10 grips, an undercut trigger guard, and a skeletonized trigger. (Photo credit: Adelbridge.com)
Tisas 1911 D10 Features
Available in 10MM Auto
5″ Hammer Forged Barrel
Forged Full Size Length Slide w/ Front and Rear Cocking Serrations
Forged Stainless Steel Full Size FrameT
25LPI Checkering Front & Back Straps w/ Trigger Under Cut
In an effort to keep up with customer demand, CZ has upgraded the 457 Varmint Precision Trainer MTR to include the 457 Varmint Precision Chassis MTR in 22 LR. This precision rimfire is packed with features that make it a serious competition gun but with a price tag nowhere near that of a custom rimfire rifle.
While CZ is known for their tight chamber tolerances that aid in making their rifles some of the most accurate production rimfires available, they first debuted an even tighter ‘Match’ chamber in the popular 457 Varmint MTR. This wood-stocked plinking rifle became a favorite among shooters wanting even more accuracy than the standard 457 delivers.
CZ upgraded the offerings of its popular Varmint Precision MTR to include the 457 Varmint Precision Chassis MTR in .22LR. This plinking rifle comes with the cold hammer-forged and lapped barrel (that’s threaded) in CZ’s stable aluminum chassis system.
The MTR variants of the VPT and VPC allow rimfire competition shooters to buy an affordable, match-chambered rifle that’s ready to win competitions right out of the box, eliminating the perceived need to upgrade any major components, putting both 457 variants a step above the competition.
The 457 VPC MTR comes with CZ’s reliable cold hammer-forged and lapped barrel, 16 inches in length, and with 1/2×28 threads for mounting a suppressor or a muzzle device. It locks into an incredibly stable aluminum chassis system that is equipped with an adjustable Luth-AR stock, and the rifle features a fully adjustable trigger, a 5-round detachable box magazine, and integrated 11mm dovetails for scope installation, MSRP of $1,225.
Like CZ’s line of factory-tuned premium pistols, the 457 VPC MTR features orange accents to show that it is a special version of an already premium rifle. The VPC has an orange trigger guard, making it easily recognized on the gun rack and at the shooting range.
The CZ VPC MTR in .22lr package has an MSRP of $1,225.
CZ-USA 457 Varmint Precision Chassis MTR Specs:
SKU: 02361
Chambering: 22 LR
Action: Bolt
Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged, Factory-Lapped, Match Chamber
Whether you’re interested in the ultimate 3-Gun rifle or simply want an AR-platform rifle capable of stellar performance, the Sig Sauer M400 DH3 is well worth a closer look. This gun was designed based on the input of competitive shooter Daniel Horner. It’s the first rifle ever to be released by Sig Custom Works and has numerous features meant to deliver the ideal 3-Gun competition rifle to gun owners.
The Sig Sauer M400 DH3 is chambered in 5.56 NATO and ships with a 30-round magazine. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Sig Sauer released the following details about the M400 DH3:
Team SIG’s Daniel Horner has refined the platform to meet his competition needs and developed the ultimate 3-Gun rifle, the…M400-DH3 from SIG Custom Works. The first-ever rifle from SIG Custom Works features full-ambi controls with the new SIG-designed ambi bolt-catch and bolt-release, a Timney DH3 Two-Stage Trigger, a custom DH3 Adjustable stock, fluted stainless 223 Wylde barrel (for optimal 5.56 and 223 Rem performance) and a 3 Chamber Compensator for muzzle rise reduction. The new M400-DH3 from SIG Custom Works gives you the same competitive edge and the same rifle used by 10-time 3 gun champion Daniel Horner.
The SIG Sauer M400 DH3 is chambered in 5.56 NATO and ships with a 30-round magazine. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Although it is listed as being chambered in 5.56 NATO, it does have a 223 Wylde barrel, meaning the shooter will get superior accuracy whether running 5.56 NATO or 223 Remington. The handguard has a Picatinny rail over the receiver and at the muzzle end and is M-LOK compatible, so shooters can add whatever accessories are needed for competition or range use. It has a 2-stage trigger made by Timney Triggers which is, in fact, the company’s Daniel Horner Signature Trigger, and ambidextrous controls. Each rifle ships with a 30-round magazine.
The custom stock on the SIG Sauer M400 DH3 is fully adjustable. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the Sig Sauer M400 DH3 is the stock, which was designed by Daniel Horner. It’s adjustable for length of pull and has a unique aesthetic that is attention-getting, to say the least. The streamlined design also serves to reduce overall weight and create a more balanced rifle.
Looking for an aesthetically cool, high-performing competition rifle? Check this out. (Photo credit: SIG Sauer)
Features
DH3 Adjustable Stock
2-Stage Adjustable Timney Daniel Horner Signature Trigger
Low Profile 3-Gun Handguard
Ambidextrous Controls Including Bolt Catch/Release
Fluted Competition Barrel
3 Chamber Compensator for muzzle rise reduction
Specifications
Model: M400 DH3
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Barrel: 223 Wylde
Barrel Length: 16 inches
Twist Rate: 1 in 8
Action Type: Semi-automatic
Trigger: 2-Stage Adjustable Timney Daniel Horner Signature Trigger
Forend Type: Alloy
Grip Type: Polymer
Receiver Finish: Cerakote
Overall Length: 34.5 inches
Overall Width: 2.5 inches
Height: 7.5 inches, without optics
Accessory Rail: M-LOK
Operating System: Direct Impingement
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP is not known at this time. Let us know what you think of this rifle in the comments section below.
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 not running an AK-47 platform rifle or pistol at least once in awhile, you’re missing out. Not only does using an AK broaden your shooting skills, it’s fun. Enter the Century Arms Draco 9S AK, a 9mm chambered AK-style pistol that should definitely be on your “add to collection” radar.
Interested in an AK-platform pistol that’s chambered in 9mm? Check out the Draco 9S AK. (Photo credit: Century Arms)
The Century Draco 9S AK is an AK pistol that evolved as a logical next step from the company’s best-selling NAK9. This is a relatively lightweight pistol with a Picatinny rail on the receiver, adjustable iron sights, and wood furniture. It was designed to be both fun and simple to use; its smaller profile makes it easier to transport and maneuver while its controls remain familiar and easy to manipulate. Perhaps best of all is the fact that the Draco 9S AK is compatible with CZ Scorpion EV9 magazines.
The Century Arms Draco 9S AK is a 9mm chambered AK-47 platform pistol. (Photo credit: Century Arms)
Century Arms released the following information about the Draco 9S AK:
The NAK9 platform has long been a best seller for Century Arms and…evolved into the highly demanded Draco 9S! With the addition of features like a last round bolt hold open and a state of the art scorpion magazine adapter, all while staying true to the accuracy and durability that is synonymous with the Romanian manufactured brand, this firearm is exactly what the consumer has been looking for.
The Draco 9S AK pistol is compatible with CZ Scorpion EV9 Magazines. (Photo credit: Gun Mag Warehouse)
This pistol being compatible with CZ Scorpion EV9 mags is about more than just functioning well with different magazines. The EV9 magazines are curved and more reminiscent of traditional AK mags while the mags used in the NAK9 pistol were straight. This gun was created to more closely resemble an AK while retaining the quality and performance gun owners expect from Draco firearms. Its overall weight and design help mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise while the fore-end and pistol grip facilitate a firm grip for more accurate shooting.
The Century Draco 9S AK is versatile enough to be used at the range, as a truck gun, or for home defense. (Photo credit: Century Arms)
What do you think of AK-style pistols? They’re relatively versatile, so you could use one as a truck gun or for home defense purposes (or just for fun). Do you have an AK-style pistol, or are you considering getting one? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Hybrid rifles that give gun owners the best of both worlds can be a fantastic addition to anyone’s collection. And when it comes to AR-15 and AK-47 hybrids, the DRD Tactical Sub-6 is worth a closer look. The DRD Tactical Sub-6 blends the two platforms to offer everything you want in a single rifle.—
The DRD Tactical Sub-6 is a hybrid AR-15/AK-47 rifle that’s available exclusively through Zanders Sporting Goods. (Photo credit: Zanders Sporting Goods)
From DRD Tactical on their Sub-6 rifle:
The AR15 meets the AK47 with this super lightweight mashup. Coming in at just under six pounds, it has steel in all the right places to offer solid, rugged construction in an impressively light design. Built from the ground up, every feature was redesigned with superior performance in mind. The lower receiver features an integrated 1913 picatinny rail on the butt plate, with a side-folding Magpul buttstock securely mounted to the rear rail. Fire with the stock folded if you please. The new bolt with dovetailed gas key incorporates rail slots to eliminate BCG tilt and reduces friction for unbelievably smooth, efficient cycling that runs cleaner than standard AR systems. The barrel extension provides better lockup utilizing a trunnion system composed of steel on steel vs. steel on aluminum, which increases strength while reducing wear.
This rifle has a 16 and 1/4 inch barrel and is chambered in 5.56 NATO, meaning shooters can run either 5.56 NATO or 223 Remington through it. Its Picatinny rail extends the length of the handguard, so it’s easy to add aftermarket accessories and optics, and the folding stock allows for greater portability. At just under six pounds, empty, the Sub-6 is a lightweight, highly maneuverable rifle designed for versatility. Whether you’re interested in home defense, a new truck gun, or just want a rifle to shoot at the range, the Sub-6 is a good option.
The DRD Tactical Sub-6 is offered in four colors including black, blue, Ghost, and Sandstone. (Photo credit: Zanders Sporting Goods)
The Sub-6 is available in black, blue, Ghost, and Sandstone. Controls are designed to be easy to manipulate. The folding stock is 5-position adjustable, meaning the rifle can be adjusted to better fit the shooter, and the gun’s bolt design makes it more reliable and improves accuracy. This rifle is available exclusively through Zanders Sporting Goods.
The DRD Tactical Sub-6 rifle is available only from Zanders Sporting Goods. (Photo credit: Zanders Sporting Goods)
Specs
Operation: Semi-Automatic Proprietary Direct Impingement Gas Piston Operating System
Finish: Black Hard Coat Anodized (Cerakote Options Available)
Caliber: 5.56 NATO/223 Remington
Carbine Length Gas System
Barrel Length: 16 1/4 inch
Twist Rate: 1 in 7 inches
Thread Pitch: 1/2 x 28
Flash Hider: A2 Style
Capacity: 30 +1, includes (1) 30 Round Magpul PMAG
MSRP for the DRD Tactical Sub-6 is listed as $2350 for black with no mention of differing price points for other colors. To check it out for yourself, visit Zanders Sporting Goods.
The names “Colt” and “1911” go hand in hand, largely because it was John Moses Browning who invented them. And while Colt has gone on to design and produce all manner of firearms, the 1911 remains an enormous piece of the company’s history. The renowned gun maker produces a number of 1911s including their Colt Combat Unit pistol line, which includes three models.
Check out the Colt Combat Unit pistol line of 1911s. They’re available in Government, Commander, and Combat with rails. (Photo credit: GunsAndGear via YouTube)
Details of the Colt Combat Unit pistol line from the gun maker:
Available in CCU Government, Combat Unit Rail and the Combat Unit CCO Commander models, all CCU Series 1911’s feature matte black DLC coated stainless steel frames that are corrosion-resistant and EDC-friendly. Custom G10 grips and 25 LPI checkering provide steady traction all around, and an undercut trigger guard and upswept beavertail safety command proper hand placement for accuracy and recoil control.
All three of the single-action CCU models are available in .45 ACP and 9MM chamberings.
CCU Government models sport five-inch barrels and ammunition capacities of 8+1 in 45 ACP and 9+1 in 9MM.
Combat Unit Rail models offer a handy Picatinny rail under the barrel for accessories. Ammunition capacities and barrel lengths are the same as the government models.
Combat Unit CCO pistols feature Commander length, 4.25-inch barrels and ammunition capacities of 7+1 in 45 ACP and 9+1 in 9MM.
These 1911s were designed with an eye to dependability and combat reliability performance. (Photo credit: Colt)
Colt based the design of the pistols in their Combat Unit line on suggestions from US Special Forces trainers. According to the gun maker, that means they were created for superior reliability, control, and accuracy, among other things. The G10 grips provide a firm grip, even with wet or sweaty hands, and their extended beavertail grips facilitate a high grip for greater control. As is standard for 1911s, these guns have thumb safeties, grip safeties, and internal safety mechanisms.
The Colt Combat Unit pistol line of 9mm and 45 ACP pistols was designed for fantastic accuracy and improved control. (Photo credit: Colt)
Other features include front and rear angled slide serrations for greater manipulation and a textured hammer. The guns come standard with Novak sights for rapid target acquisition and an undercut trigger guard for a sure grip. These are Series 80 1911s. With their varying barrel lengths, frame sizes, and chamberings, there’s bound to be a gun for you in this 1911 lineup.
The CCU Government is offered in both 9mm and 45 ACP. (Photo credit: Colt)
Choosing a concealed carry handgun is about more than just picking a smaller firearm. Guns meant for concealment should have a number of features to enhance their use for that purpose, and that goes for all handgun platforms, including 1911s. These two compact Dan Wesson 1911 handguns are specifically designed with concealed carry use in mind. Considering the gun maker’s reputation for excellence, these guns are certainly worth a closer look if you’re looking for a new carry gun.
The Dan Wesson ECP—Enhanced Compact Pistol—was created by the gun maker to be ideal for concealed carry use. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)
Dan Wesson made the following statement regarding their ECP and TCP pistols:
Specific characteristics are essential when it comes to a concealed carry handgun. The Dan Wesson Enhanced Compact Pistol (ECP) and Tactical Compact Pistol (TCP) check all the boxes for reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, and weight. Both compact 1911 pistols deliver serious firepower in 9 mm and .45 ACP configurations.
Compact 1911s can be great for concealed carry, and the Dan Wesson TCP is offered in both 9mm and 45 ACP. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)
Features:
U-notch rear sight for faster alignment
Brass bead front sight provides a high visibility front sight
Serrated flat top rib reduces glare between the front and rear sight
A 1913 Picatinny rail for adding a light or laser (TCP only)
Bull barrel enhances accuracy and smooths shooting
Square commander-style hammer; a new tactical design
Flat K style trigger (a 3-hole layout that looks like a ‘K’)
Frontstrap 25 LPI checkering, excellent grip without being too aggressive (ECP)
Bobbed mainspring housing reduces frame size, equals less CC printing (ECP)
Flared magwell funnel speeds reload (TCP)
Bull barrel with a 30-degree crown; its flush-cut provides an easier disassembly
The Dan Wesson ECP is available in either 9mm or 45 ACP. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)
Dan Wesson ECP Specs
Caliber: .45 ACP (01883); 9 mm (01884)
Magazine Capacity: 8 (.45 ACP); 9 (9 mm)
Frame: Forged aluminum
Slide Finish: Duty finish
Sights: Front brass; Rear U-notch
Grips: G10
Overall Length: 7.64 inches
Barrel: 4 inches
Height: 5.4 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 29 ounces
Trigger Mech: Single action
Safety: Manual thumb safety; Grip safety
MSRP: $1,705.00 – $1,739.00
The Dan Wesson TCP has a 4.0 inch barrel and an overall length of 7.64 inches. (Photo credit: Dan Wesson)
Dan Wesson TCP Specs
Caliber: 9 mm (01845); .45 ACP (01846)
Magazine Capacity: 9 (9 mm); 8 (.45 ACP)
Frame: Forged Aluminum
Slide Finish: Duty finish
Sights: Front brass; Rear U-notch
Grips: G10
Overall Length: 7.64 inches
Barrel: 4.0 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Width: 1.25 inches
Weight: 32 ounces
Trigger Mech: Single action
Safety: Manual thumb safety; Grip safety
MSRP: $1,809.00 to $1,845.00
Some people prefer striker-fired pistols like Glocks while others want 1911 platform handguns. Regardless of platform, what you should be requiring of your carry gun is that it be reliable, accurate, and a good fit to your hand size. And if capacity is your concern, remember two things: shot placement and carrying a spare magazine. If your reloads aren’t on point for speed, it’s a wise idea to work on them no matter what gun you carry.
Would you carry a compact 1911 for defensive purposes? Tell us why, or why not, in the comments below.
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.
