Alloy-Frame 1911s: We Choose Kimbers Tactical Custom II .45
Springfield Armory's Lightweight Champion GI wouldn't shoot hollowpoints, and we didn't like the laser grips on Smith & Wesson's 1911PD. The Kimber had but one easy-to-fix flaw.
.40 S&W Quick-Action Polymer Pistols: Pass On These Two
Walther America's P99QA and the Smith & Wesson SW99OL offer plenty of extras, but the Walther's trigger function and the lack of a safety on the S&W gun trigger a pair of Don't Buys.
Shoot .22s in Your 1911: We Test Kits Vs. Kimber’s Rimfire
Kimber's Rimfire Target and .22 conversions by Ciener and Marvel provide three ways to save money and have fun by shooting .22 LRs in 1911 frames.
Budget Practical Handguns: Springfield and Glock Compete
In the sport of Practical Shooting, the competitor who lands the best hits on target in the least amount of time wins. To this end competitors have found ways to wring out the most performance possible from their equipment, and many of the modifications first seen at practical matches have found their way into the design of modern production pistols. Features such as high-visibility sights, oversized control levers, and lightweight action parts are some of the innovations that were developed by competitors hungry for the winners circle.
Small-Frame Stainless .38s: Ruger, S&W Go Head to Head
No losers here: Ruger's KSP-821X and Smith & Wesson's 3-inch 60-15 are classics we wouldn't hesitate to buy. But Our Pick is the 5-inch S&W 60-18, a smooth, accurate, powerful gun.
Double-Action 9mms: Sigarms, Browning, & Magnum Research
The Sigarms P229R-9 is a tight shooter, and we liked it a lot. Browning's Pro-9 is consistent and light. Magnum Research's Baby Eagle needed work on its sights and trigger.
Springfield Armorys .45 GAP Takes On Glocks in .45 ACP
Glock created the .45 GAP for its polymer pistols, but Springfield Armory's XD 45 puts the round to good use as well. What would happen when we compared it to the 21 and 21C?
The Grand Old P38: How Good Is It? What About the P1?
With the zillions of 9mm pistols available today, why would anyone want an old P38? Fact is, they're pretty good guns.
.40s From Kahr, Sigarms, S&W: Should You Pick DA-SA or DAO?
Kahr's P40 shot fast, and Sig's new Sig Pro 2340 worked, but Smith & Wesson's SW40SV required a strong trigger finger.
Shrouded-Hammer .38 Special +Ps from S&W and Taurus
At only $461, we would buy the Taurus 851 SSUL ahead of the more expensive Smith & Wesson 638-3, $620. Reason: The Taurus has a nifty adjustable rear sight that adds versatility.
Three Tiny .45 ACPs: We Pick The Taurus Millennium Pro
Glock's 36 is barely okay, in our estimation, and we had doubts about the Para Warthog's ability to shoot comfortably.
Convertible .45 Revolvers: Ruger and Cimarron Face Off
Ruger's Convertible may be worth the money, but we would pass on the fine Cimarron, whose ACP setup didn't work.
