Manufactured by BB Techs in Austria, the striker-fired, 9mm BB6 uses a polymer frame that allows shooters to swap the backstraps to find the best fit. The BB6 has a 4-inch barrel and an 18+1 capacity. The steel slide has an integrated optics mount that will accept a wide range of red-dot optics. (http://www.americantactical.us; 800-290-0065)
AR-style pistols chambered in 9mm have become quite popular in recent years. Responding to market demand, American Tactical is now making the Mil-Sport 9mm AR-15. This pistol has a 5.5-inch barrel, a 2-inch flash suppressor and a 7-inch KeyMod handguard. The Mil-Sport uses Glock-pattern magazines and ships with a 17-round magazine. (http://www.americantactical.us; 800-290-0065)
Beretta has introduced an updated version of the Pico to make it easier to shoot and increase its functionality. The updated .380 ACP pistol uses reworked internals that lighten the trigger pull and slide resistance without reducing overall reliability. Additionally, new swappable frames add more color and the option of a LaserMax white light or laser aiming module. (http://www.beretta.com)
Designed with sport shooting in mind, the new Bersa Thunder 9 Pro XT has a 5-inch barrel. The 9mm pistol’s front sight is a fiber optic for quick acquisition. Bersa uses an adjustable rear sight to allow the shooter to precisely dial in the ammo being used. Standard 17-round and limited-capacity 10-round magazines are both available. (http://www.bersa.com; 732-493-0333)
Charter Arms is now offering a limited-edition version of its popular Bulldog revolver called the Backpacker. The new .44 Special wheelgun holds five rounds and has a 2.5-inch, ported barrel. The two-piece grips are made of walnut and are smooth in the hand. “Backpacker” is etched into the left side of the gun barrel. A satin stainless finish is standard. Charter Arms will distribute these guns exclusively through Lew Horton Distributing Co. (http://www.charterarms.com; 203-922-1652)
Excel Arms recently debuted its new 9mm pistol, the X-9P. The X-9P is a blowback-operated design that uses standard Glock magazines. The pistol has a Picatinny rail on the gun for the addition of a red dot or other optic. Excel Arms equips the pistol with an 8.5-inch barrel that can help improve bullet velocity and accuracy compared to standard duty-sized handguns. (http://www.excelarms.com; 909-947-4867)
Excel Arms has updated its X-22P handgun to offer shooters greater flexibility. The top of the rimfirepistol has had its Picatinny rail extended several inches toward the muzzle for a longer sight radius. An accessory rail has been added to the underside of the pistol for a laser or light. The X-22P uses Ruger 10/22 magazines. (http://www.excelarms.com; 909-947-4867)
At less than 1 inch thick, the new Honor Guard pistols will catch the attention of many shooters looking for a concealable pistol for everyday self-defense. Sporting a 3.2-inch barrel, the new 9mm handguns are compact and fully ambidextrous. A variant with a manual safety is also available. Each frame has a custom texture for a good grip, and the backstrap can be changed out to better fit the shooter’s hand size. (honordefense.com; 678-943-8035)
Kahr Arms is now selling a limited-edition version of the CW380 with a Cerakote Tungsten finish. The popular CW380 pistol is ideally sized for concealed carry as it is small enough to slip into a pocket or waistband without creating a bulky spot in your clothing. The new Tungsten finish gives the slide and other metal parts a dark graphite gray color that is both distinctive and understated. (http://www.kahr.com; 508-795-3919)
The Llama name is back with the Max I pistol, a 1911-style handgun chambered in .45 ACP. The Government-sized pistol takes 8 rounds in each magazine, has a matte blue finish and mil-spec-style sights. The grips are a custom hardwood. Each pistol features a grip and thumb safety and is backed by a lifetime service contract. (http://www.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
Another new gun from the classic Llama name, the Micromax is a diminutive pistol chambered for the popular .380 ACP. Essentially a scaled down 1911, it is a single-action handgun with an ambidextrous manual safety and a lowered and flared ejection port. The Micromax weighs less than 23 ounces and still holds 7+1 rounds. (http://www.eagleimportsinc.com; 732-493-0333)
Sig Sauer has announced a new line of pistols that will enhance some of its existing models. The new Legion Series handguns are exclusive pistols that have new features and include membership to a special owners-only group. The P226 and P229 pistols are the first to be added to the line and sport a proprietary Legion gray PVD finish, exclusive G10 grips and Sig Sauer Electro-Optics X-RAY3 high-visibility night sights. (http://www.sigsauer.com; 866-345-6744)
A new handgun from a storied name, the new Schmeisser SLP-9 is a striker-fired, 9mm pistol that offers shooters second-strike capability in the event of a failed primer. The polymer frame has interchangeable backstraps and an ambidextrous magazine release. The gun’s metal parts are all machined and Tenifer treated. The standard metal magazines hold 17 rounds. What’s more, Schmeisser even built the gun’s disassembly tool into the frame for quick and easy access. (http://www.schmeisser-germany.de)
There is little doubt that the M&P Shield is one of the most successful concealed-carry handguns on today’s market. Smith & Wesson expanded the line by adding a ported version of the gun from its Performance Center. In addition to the porting, the Performance Center adds Hi-Viz fiber-optic sights to the polymer-framed gun. Both 9mm and .40 S&W calibers are available. (http://www.smith-wesson.com; 800-331-0852)
TNW Firearms expanded its line of Aero Survival Pistols with new variants chambered in 10mm and .357 SIG. These guns have AR styling and use standard Glock pistol magazines. As with the previous Aero Survival Pistols, the new models can convert to other calibers—9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP— through the use of a conversion kit. (http://www.tnwfirearms.com; 503-429-5001)
Using the basic AR-pistol form, the Tresna JAG9G TP Tactical Pistol uses the company’s billet lowers that are designed to use Glock’s Gen4 magazines—every size from the tiny G26 to the 33-round G18 magazines. The barrels are 9.5 inches in length and the guns have a free-floated Odin Works KeyMod handguard for the addition of a white light or other accessory. (http://www.tresnadefense.com; 678-540-3585)
The new Troy Industries P7A1 pistol is an AR-style pistol with a standard spring and bolt carrier group. Folding BattleSights ship with the gun, while the Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver allows for the quick addition of a red-dot optic. Troy also introduced a PDW Holster for concealed carry that works perfectly with the P7A1 Pistol. (http://www.worldoftroy.com; 866-788-6412)
Handguns can serve both practical and sporting purposes. From providing 24/7 self-defense to winning the local match, pistols of all kinds fill various roles for many people. Recently, there has been an introduction of many new pistols. Here is a sampling of what is now available on the market, from the American Tactical Mil-Sport 9mm AR-15 to the Beretta Pico, Sig Sauer’s Legion Series pistols and beyond.
