You may not have heard of Salient Arms, but its cutting-edge weapons are designed for harsh use, reliability and top speed. In the upcoming July 2014 issue of TACTICAL WEAPONS, author Roger Stevenson goes behind the scenes at Salient Arms to test some of its wares.

Stevenson writes, “The first product that I was able to get my hands on was the advanced prototype of Salient’s own pistol. Not completely happy with the platforms that the company works on, Salient has partnered with some firearms industry manufacturers and has designed its own pistol. The pistol is a polymer-framed platform that uses Glock internal components and Glock slides and slide components. But don’t mistake this for some crude drop-in kit. The frame is the most comfortable polymer frame that I’ve ever held, filling my hand perfectly and allowing for a low bore axis while still using ubiquitous G17 magazines. It has an ingenious backstrap system and will be available with four different-sized brass or polymer inserts to change the balance of the pistol for those who desire that level of performance and customization.

“Adrian Chavez, the co-owner of Salient, was not at liberty to discuss the polymer composition of the frame, but stated that it was even more durable than the Glock OEM material. As an added bonus to an already great-feeling package, Adrian also told me that this pistol would work in most Glock holsters. I un-holstered my everyday-carry G19 from my DeSantis Intruder, and the Salient pistol fit perfectly while disappearing into my waistband…

“The next Salient project that I had the opportunity to check out was the new Salient AR-15 that uses War Sport’s LVOA (Low Visibility Operational Application) rail system and muzzle brake. Before I go back to talk about the LVOA system and the fact that Salient is the first company to get a 12-inch gas system to reliably run with a 14.5-inch barrel (16 inches overall with the permanently attached compensator), I want to talk about the level of detail and craftsmanship I found when breaking down and inspecting the carbine. When I chamber-checked the carbine to ensure its condition, I was struck by how smooth it felt as I drew the bolt rearward via the charging handle.”

To learn more, check out the July 2014 issue of TACTICAL WEAPONS, available on newsstands and digitally May 20, 2014. To subscribe, go to