Combat Handguns March/April 2023: Promoting Combat Readiness

Welcome to the March/April 2023 issue of Combat Handguns. Every other month (and daily at personaldefenseworld.com), we strive to bring you the best coverage of the latest and greatest pistols and revolvers suitable for armed self-defense.

Combat Handguns March/April 2023: Packing for Self-Defense

Speaking of which, anyone shopping for a new EDC gun need look no further than our two cover guns. The Sig Sauer P365-XMacro and Smith & Wesson’s brand-new Equalizer. The P365-XMacro is Sig’s new extension to their super-popular 365 lineup.

It offers a new grip with replaceable back straps, along with additional ammo capacity that will delight most shooters. Author Sean Utley put the 9mm through its paces and explains why he quickly made it his daily carry gun.

As for the Equalizer, S&W added this new model to their Shield EZ line to give shooters yet another excellent option for concealed carry. The result, again, according to Utley: “A straightforward shooter with solid performance and feel.”

Of course, CH isn’t all about compact handguns for concealed carry. Each time out, we strive to bring you the best and most balanced coverage of not only new and notable handguns but related editorial, and this issue is no exception.

Consider Karen Hunter’s coverage of the warrior mindset in her column about Tu Lam (pg. 16). Legal advice from Massad Ayoob’s “Self-Defense and the Law” column (pg. 12). In-depth equipment coverage featuring top carry holsters for the Springfield Hellcat (pg. 66). And extensive testing of defense-ready Silvertip ammo from Winchester (pg. 54).

Something for Everyone

We live in the same world that you do. So, we know that with runaway inflation and the current tough economic times, it’s not exactly an easy time to purchase a new handgun for many of us.

With that in mind, we take a close-up look at the new Taurus GX4 XL T.O.R.O., A low-MSRP semi-auto that gets high marks from tester Garrett Lucas.

Other handguns tested in this issue include Springfield’s fantastic 9mm 1911, dubbed the Garrison, and Tisas’ new D10. The D10 is a Turkish-made 10mm that is overbuilt when you consider its $800 MSRP.

Author Frank Melloni deemed the Tisas an “excellent package” for anyone looking for a woodland carry gun, hunting pistol, or home-defense firearm with unquestionable stopping power.

Speaking of firepower, not everyone knows that FN has launched a new and improved version of their popular FN Five-seveN pistol. So, we feature it on page 42. If you liked the earlier version of this fast-shooting pistol, you’ll love the new model Five-seveN MRD. Specifically with its improved looks, excellent ergonomics, and 20+1 rounds of 5.7x28mm on tap.

So, sit down, relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Then next time at the range, astound your shooting buddies with how up-to-date and combat-ready you are on the latest and greatest!

—Mark Chesnut

So what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy today!