Archives for February 2011

Non Polymer Sub $600 Quality Handguns?

 

Smith & Wesson 5904

Smith & Wesson 5904

Over at one of my other sites 308AR.com a new member asked for a full sized handgun recommendation based on the following criteria.

  1. It must be made of metal with a preference for stainless steel
  2. A rail for a laser or tactical light is a must
  3. 9MM
  4. 15 round magazine capacity
  5. Adjustable sights
  6. Needs to look good

His use for the gun is home protection and range shooting.

Upon reading his forum post I thought for a moment and realized that in 2011 a handgun like this no longer exists. Gone are the days of the Generation 3 Smith & Wesson’s and the like. Has it become impossible to manufacturer a handgun to these specifications and price point?

The closest handgun I could come up with is a Beretta 92A1. It get very close to the price point but lacks adjustable sights.

 

Beretta 92A1 M9  Semi Automatic Handgun

Beretta 92A1 M9 Semi Automatic Handgun

 

Of course we all know he could be well served with a Glock 17, Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield Armory XD

 

Opinions are welcome and encouraged.

GLOCK 22 GEN 4 – First Picture

Here is a picture of my brand new GLOCK 22 GEN 4 chambered in .40 Smith&Wesson.

Clicking the image below will open up a new window with a full sized image of the GLOCK 22 GEN 4

GLOCK 22 GEN 4

GLOCK 22 GEN 4

HK Adds New Models of the P30 Pistol for 2011

SHOT Show 2011, Las Vegas —Heckler & Koch is adding additional models to the P30 pistol line in time for the 2011 SHOT Show. The introduction of long slide P30 models (P30LS) in caliber .40 S&W with ambidextrous safeties and a light-weight LEM trigger pull should appeal to target shooters as well as law enforcement and personal defense users.

First introduced in 2007, the P30 series is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of the HK handgun line. With its interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels (three sizes of either part are available, small, medium and large), the P30 is rare in having a grip that can be completely customized to fit any shooter. Most pistols that offer such adjustable features stop with replaceable backstraps.

HK P30L Handgun

HK P30L Handgun

The P30 line includes standard (P30) and long slide models (P30L) in both 9 mm and .40 S&W. In the U.S., the P30 is available with several fire control modes. The proprietary HK “LEM” (Law Enforcement Modification) trigger is an enhanced double-action-only fire control that ensures reliable and safe handling. A choice of two different LEM triggers are available. The “Variant 2” P30 has a 7.3-pound trigger pull and the new P30LS “Variant 1” pistol comes standard with a crisp 4.5-pound trigger pull. P30 models are also available with a conventional doubleaction/ single-action trigger control system that features a serrated decocking button on the rear of the slide.

For 2011, the “S” Safety models with their ambidextrous safety levers positioned on each side of the pistol’s frame are also available with conventional double-action/single-action trigger control, or “V3” (for Variant 3) triggers. A serrated decocking button on the rear of the slide allows the hammer of a V3 P30 to be lowered when in cocked single action.

Other ambidextrous controls include dual slide releases and magazine release levers. All P30 models have a Picatinny rail molded into the front of the frame; making mounting lights, laser aimers, or other accessories easy and convenient.

Excellent weight and balance make all P30 models naturally pointable, easy to control, and accurate to shoot. An open notch rear sight with luminous (non-radioactive) contrast points allows for fast and accurate target acquisition, even under poor lighting conditions. Optional accessory night sights are also available.

Extensively tested, the P30, P30L, P30S, and P30LS models have already been adopted by several international police and security agencies, including the 40,000 member German Federal Police (Bundespolizei). During a recent reliability test conducted here in the U.S., one 9 mm P30 survived firing more than 90,000 rounds.

About Heckler & KochHeckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An innovative leader in design and manufacturing, Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, the HK416 enhanced carbine, and the recently introduced HK45 and P30 series pistols.

GLOCK Introduces New Gen4 Models for 2011

Originally introduced with the GLOCK 22 (.40 caliber), and the GLOCK 17 (9×19) models, GLOCK’s newest generation pistol, the Gen4, brings revolutionary design changes to the world’s most popular pistol, centered around ergonomics and the recoil spring assembly. New to the Gen4 family for 2011, GLOCK has unveiled GLOCK models 26 (9×19), G27 (.40 caliber) Gen4 models.

With any Gen4 model, the most noticeable difference you will see is that the basic grip size is smaller compared to the previous generation designs, due to the fact that the new generation offers a multiple backstrap system that allows the user to change the circumference of the grip to fit their individual hand size. The grip which has a new Rough Textured Frame (RTF) surface designed to enhance grip traction, offers three options: a short frame version, medium frame or large frame that are easily changed and secured with a single pin. The trigger mechanism housing has also been dimensionally adapted to fit in the smaller sized grip space.

The magazine release catches are also significantly enlarged and reversible for the left handed shooter. To utilize the swappable magazine release feature, the Gen4 magazines have two notches cut on both sides of the magazine body, allowing users to switch access of the catch to the left or right side of the pistol with no additional parts.
Internally, the original recoil spring has been replaced with a dual recoil spring assembly, which noticeably reduces the recoil while simultaneously increasing the life cycle of the part. The slide and barrel shelf have been resized due to the larger diameter of the spring assembly. The front portion of the polymer frame under the slide has also been widened and enlarged internally in order to accommodate the dual assembly.

“GLOCK, Inc.’s dedication to perfection has made GLOCK the chosen firearm for many Law Enforcement agencies around the world.” said Gary Fletcher, Vice President at GLOCK, Inc. “The new Gen4 models are just another step in GLOCK, Inc.’s commitment to producing the best firearm for U.S. Law Enforcement, Military and the law-abiding citizen.”

The Gen4, just like any GLOCK pistol, has the same tested “Safe Action” system, durable exterior finish, cold hammer forged barrel, durability, reliability and lightweight that have made GLOCK firearms famous. All GLOCK pistols are backed by the GLOCK Limited Lifetime Warranty and world-class customer service and support that is second to none in the firearms industry.

About GLOCK, Inc.

GLOCK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with 65% of agencies nationwide choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit www.teamglock.com.

Media Contact:
Shelley Decker, GLOCK, Inc., 770.432.1202
Megan Harvey, Leader, 678.507.1066

Welcome to TACTICALHANDGUN.com

The success of my combatrifle.net has created several offshoot websites with more focused content. It’s my hope to eventually have these offshoot sites stand on their own so combatrifle.net can get back to it’s namesake roots. To that end I present you with Tacticalhandgun.com. It’s my hope that within these pages and posts you will enjoy the niche content users have asked for.