9mm Archives - Page 2 of 2 - The K-Var Armory

Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model

I have carried and used SIG pistols for many years. I have been issued the SIG P226 and also carried the SIG P220. I have the greatest respect for SIG pistols and particularly appreciate their reliability. When the brass supplied officers with the SIG, we knew that they had not gone for the low bid. By the same token the low bid won over many agencies. SIG needed a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol to compete on an economic and practical basis. The SIG P320 was ergonomic, reliable, and easily used well. SIG finally had a striker fired competitor to the Glock and similar handguns. [Read more…] about Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model

Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest

With most new concealed carry handguns focused on polymer-frame striker-fired handguns, it is good to see that Springfield Armory has catered to the rest of us with a modern, polymer-frame double-action first-shot handgun with a decocker. [Read more…] about Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest

Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super

The .38 Super was introduced in the 1911 handgun in 1929 to arm peace officers with a hard-hitting handgun that offered good penetration against the new breed of mechanized thug. The .38 Super saw extensive use in the hands of the FBI and figured into the demise of dangerous fugitives such as Baby Face Nelson. The .38 Super is dimensionally identical to the .38 ACP of 1900. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super

Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!

Due to a technical glitch, this Out of the Box and to the Match Gun Review is actually a re-shoot. After I shot the Beretta Px4 Storm in a match, I found that the memory card in my video camera was bad, so I decided to shoot a new video. Like other Box to Match reviews, the Beretta hasn’t undergone any aftermarket tweaks or adjustments, just a standard clean and oil. [Read more…] about Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!

Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm

Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. They were late getting into the 1911 market, but introduced a 1911 handgun that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy and value. When the Commander version was introduced, I obtained one of the first short slide 1911 Rugers and found it good. The SR1911 9mm is an aluminum frame 1911 in the Commander configuration they may be even better. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm

Military Arms Channel: Arex Alpha Review

Arex of Slovenia made a big splash with its Arex Rex Zero 1S 9mm pistol a couple years ago. Tim from the Military Arms Channel beat one up pretty good, and it did incredibly well. Fast forward and Arex has a competition model, called the Arex Rex Alpha 9mm pistol. The Alpha is designed to go toe to toe with guns such as the CZ Shadow and STI Edge. This is a video worth watching if you’re in the market for a high end match/target pistol. If you are not, you will be after handling the Alpha. [Read more…] about Military Arms Channel: Arex Alpha Review

Premium Series Review: Kahr K9 Elite

Kahr was one of the first major producers of handguns in the U.S. to focus on the CCW market. For over 20 years, Kahr has quietly manufactured some of the finest handguns on the market. In addition to this, many would be surprised to learn that Kahr’s parent company (Kahr Firearms Group) is the owner of: Kahr Arms, Auto-Ordnance, and Magnum Research. Three iconic American firearms companies. From that comes one of its flagship performers, the Kahr K9 Elite. [Read more…] about Premium Series Review: Kahr K9 Elite

Review: Bond Arms Bullpup9 Pistol

Over the years, I have had the great privilege of getting to know Gordon Bond, Garrett, Danielle, and many other team members at Bond Arms. Last July, I also had the opportunity to tour Bond’s manufacturing facility in Texas. For over 20 years, Bond Arms has been making precision derringer-style (two-shot, over/under barrel) pistols in over 20 different (interchangeable) calibers. However, for the past 8 months I’ve used and attempted to abuse Bond’s first semi-auto CCW handgun, the Bond Arms Bullpup9 in preparation for this review. [Read more…] about Review: Bond Arms Bullpup9 Pistol

Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Springfield launched the Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) over a decade ago, so it is far from the latest “fad” handgun to have caught the market’s eye. The intent was to offer a subcompact 9mm in a 1911 configuration. It was the perfect blend of caliber and the 1911 platform in a concealable package—thanks to the 3-inch barrel. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Springfield Armory EMP 4

Tactical Red Dot Review: Aimpoint H2 and T2

The first manufacturer of red dot sights was Aimpoint. Today, Aimpoint remains at the top of the heap. Aimpoint’s red dots are proven in harsh conditions and combat the world over. They have been the mainstay for police agencies and professionals that appreciate a quality optic, and should be a top choice for you as well. [Read more…] about Tactical Red Dot Review: Aimpoint H2 and T2

The Three-Caliber Glock Conversion

A few years ago, it was fashionable to see stories in the gun books concerning caliber conversions from one caliber to the other. I think the king of these conversions is the 1911. I have fired the 1911 in .22, .30 Luger, 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm, .400 Cor Bon, .41 Avenger, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum as a single shot, .45 Super, and the .460 Rowland. Some conversion options are a stunt and not worth the effort. However, if you enjoy such things, they are a pleasant diversion. [Read more…] about The Three-Caliber Glock Conversion

Gun Test: SIG P226 — The Definition of Reliability

Choosing a handgun for self-defense is a helluva decision, almost too important for an individual to make. While it is a personal decision at the end of the day, it really needs a committee to vet the decision and narrow the choices, similar to the military choosing a new service weapon. Of course, you could skip all of the hoopla and look to service weapons. The SIG P226 for instance was a favorite of the U.S. Navy SEALs for many years. [Read more…] about Gun Test: SIG P226 — The Definition of Reliability

Federal Syntech: Next Generation Training Ammunition

Ammunition manufacturers have made great strides when it comes to hunting and self-defense ammunition. Training ammunition, however, has progressed little. Oh sure, your can buy steel case ammunition or remanufactured ammunition at a decent price, but I am talking about training ammunition that still maintains its price point, but offers a technological advantage. Federal recently finished a years long development of a new practice load, and the American Eagle Syntech is well worth your time and effort to obtain and use. [Read more…] about Federal Syntech: Next Generation Training Ammunition

Gun Test: Ruger EC9s — Ruger’s Best Buy 9mm

A handgun that doesn’t get a lot of attention is the Ruger LC9. Credible, affordable, and reliable, this single stack 9mm brings a lot to the table. The new Ruger EC9s is an affordable version of the LC9.

Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

I don’t mind carrying a small handgun that is efficient for its size. Some handguns are a wonder of downsizing. However, small 9mm handguns have a set of problems that isn’t easily addressed. This includes lower magazine capacity and lower hit probability. A short sight radius doesn’t make for good accuracy, but the SIG P365… [Read more…] about Range Review: SIG P365 — The Smashing Little 9mm

Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Recently, I was able to obtain, test, and evaluate the Arex Rex Zero 9mm compact. The results were good, as the pistol has proven reliable with every load, more accurate than expected, and ergonomically pleasing. The pistol is in some ways based on proven operating principles and the SIG P series handguns, but in other ways offers a fresh pistol from a proven manufacturing base. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rex Zero 9mm Compact

Review: Glock 19X — The Ultimate Fighter

Perhaps the concept is not new to 1911s or other manufacturer’s offerings that come to mind, but the Glock 19X is more than a simple combination of two models. The Glock 19X signals a new direction, and perhaps, a new line of handguns for Glock. In case you are unfamiliar with the 19X, essentially it marries a Glock 19 length barrel with a full size Glock 17 frame. [Read more…] about Review: Glock 19X — The Ultimate Fighter