Pistols Archives - The K-Var Armory

Handguns: Size Matters — More can be More

When choosing a handgun, the analogy to a vehicle—something most of us use every day—is useful. We all understand the term “dead weight.” That is the weight of the bed or truck (or the support structure in architecture), but that’s not what we are looking at today—when unloaded. Live weight is the truck loaded. The handgun, ammo, holster, and spare gun load add up quickly in live weight. Sticks of copy and reams of paper have been slugged during this discussion and we now offer bytes by the millions. The thing is, while there must be room for personal choice, there is a bottom line for performance and quality. If you like a small car you can easily drive in the city that’s fine. But you cannot pick up a dining room set with it. [Read more…] about Handguns: Size Matters — More can be More

Springfield Hellcat: The CCW Game Changer

The issue in the past was if you wanted high capacity in a striker-fired handgun, you had to accept a bulkier gun. This compromise made it more difficult to accept a high-capacity pistol as an everyday CCW. SIG Sauer started the trend of the micro-compact, high-capacity CCW pistol a few years ago with its P365. I had an opportunity to shoot several magazines through the P365 back in 2018. I must admit, I was very impressed. It seemed almost beyond physics that a gun that small could hold 10 rounds of 9mm. I could tell that gun would change everything when it came to concealed carry—until I came across the Springfield Hellcat… [Read more…] about Springfield Hellcat: The CCW Game Changer

K-Var’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales Feature Popular Products at Insane Savings!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are sure to break new sales records across the nation and K-Var.com is ready to do its part. In addition to over 100 of our most sought after and popular products being heavily discounted, K-Var will be featuring Golden Ticket items. Golden Ticket items will feature some of our most requested products and offer savings well below our cost in most cases. However, you’ll have to be quick, as each Golden Ticket item will have a limited quantity. Arsenal AKs and concealed carry pistols, magazines and optics at prices like these is unheard of! [Read more…] about K-Var’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales Feature Popular Products at Insane Savings!

Guncrafter: The Best 1911 You Will Ever Own

When you look over the many quality 1911 handguns available today, the word “best” is difficult to qualify. Let’s just say if Guncrafter isn’t the best, it is certainly one of the best of the best two or three. After all, “best” is subjective and may refer to the handgun that suits your needs and your style the best. Quality isn’t as subjective, but some have a more difficult time recognizing quality. [Read more…] about Guncrafter: The Best 1911 You Will Ever Own

Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Ever since men first began to form weapons from metal, we have adorned our weapons with some type of decoration. Several have come up with something that marks their style or gives them a unique trademark. Some of the great gunners of the past smoked a cigar, others wore a Stetson, and many favored ivory grips. I have always liked custom grips for the 1911. The plain plastic or wood grips are rather utilitarian. Recently, I came across a set of silver grips that were unrivaled. [Read more…] about Sterling Silver Grips and Other Additions to the 1911

Smith and Wesson Versus Colt — Old Iron at its Best

When Samuel Colt invented the revolver as we know it, he turned the handgun world on its nose. Most handguns were horse pistols or pocket guns similar in design to rifles, they were simply shorter. The Colt revolver had to be designed to stabilize the firing hand to allow thumb cocking and to present the sights for proper aiming. Either way, this article details Old Iron at its best! [Read more…] about Smith and Wesson Versus Colt — Old Iron at its Best

The 10mm — Powerful Pistols and Revolvers

The past few months have been good to the 10mm cartridge and 10mm pistol fans. While sales and popularity of the .40 Smith and Wesson seem to be slipping, the 10mm is enjoying a comeback. New pistols including the Kimber Custom II, the now well-established Ruger SR1911, and even a double-action revolver have been met with enthusiasm. [Read more…] about The 10mm — Powerful Pistols and Revolvers

Review: The RIA 10mm — The Commander With No Name

Some time ago, the 10mm cartridge hit the ground running and enjoyed a flash of popularity. Soon after, the 10mm was eclipsed by the .40 Smith and Wesson cartridge. The 10mm was kept going by a small, but loyal base. However, the 10mm is enjoying a credible comeback. Recently, the RIA crossed my desk, and I could not wait to get to the rage for a test run. [Read more…] about Review: The RIA 10mm — The Commander With No Name

Taurus 856 and 857 Versus S&W J Frame

At the 2018 SHOT show, among the more interesting revolvers was the Taurus 856 revolver. The 856 is based upon the proven and immensely popular Taurus 85, a small-frame revolver that holds five .38 Special cartridges. The 856 is a version of the Model 85 with a six-shot cylinder. It is quite an engineering feat to design such a revolver. [Read more…] about Taurus 856 and 857 Versus S&W J Frame

Gun Test: Heritage Rough Rider

For many of us, the .22 revolver is an inexpensive handgun to coax young shooters into safe handling and marksmanship. While I like a high grade .22 revolver as much as anyone, a handgun that costs less than $200, but delivers good service, is appealing. The Heritage Rough Rider is among these. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Heritage Rough Rider

S&W’s Model 40: Still a “Special” .38 Snubbie.

The Golden Age of the medium-frame .38 Special revolver as a primary law-enforcement sidearm ended several decades ago. However, small-frame snubbies (5-shot S&W J-Frames more often than not) are still enormously popular with CCW holders. In fact, even with the ascendancy of polymer-framed, striker-fired autos, more than a few LE types (and not necessarily old-timers) still employ these reliable little wheelguns, such as the S&W Model 40, in the role of a backup weapon. [Read more…] about S&W’s Model 40: Still a “Special” .38 Snubbie.

Excellence Redefined: Guncrafter Commander 1911

Some folks like anything that goes bang! I find firearms of all type immensely interesting. However, when it comes to personal defense, I like to have a firearm that compliments my skills and one that is both accurate and completely reliable. [Read more…] about Excellence Redefined: Guncrafter Commander 1911

Gun Test: Citadel 1911 9mm Handgun

I think we all agree that the 1911 handgun is among the most recognized and combat effective handguns of all time. We also agree that the 1911 isn’t for everyone. If cocked and locked carry and the need for frequent cleaning and lubrication are not something you feel like you can live with, then a Glock or a revolver is a better choice. That being said, the 1911 appeals to many shooters and for most of us, accommodation may be made. Enter the Citadel 1911 9mm. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Citadel 1911 9mm Handgun

Gun Test: Remington R1

I own a number of nice 1911-type handguns. Several are high-end custom handguns with super fitting; good, tight tolerances; a crisp trigger action; and high-visibility sights. Just the same, the handguns I grew up on were GI .45s, and I remember them fondly. Many have been cut up and new sights installed, and they were otherwise modified. Today, I believe that among the best choices for service and personal defense is a Government Model .45 with high-visibility sights and a good trigger action. Little else is needed to provide excellent self-protection. Among the best choices in modern Government Model-type handguns is the Remington R1. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Remington R1

Review: Kel-Tec PF9

When looking for a good example of the most popular American carry gun, the slim line 9, the Kel-Tec PF9 is a good place to start. This is among the least expensive quality handguns and a proven performer. The Kel-Tec PF9 was among the first ultra light 9mm handguns. The pistol features a polymer frame and double action only trigger. The trigger is tight but smooth breaking at 6.5 pounds. This isn’t a striker-fired handgun; the PF9 uses a hammer. [Read more…] about Review: Kel-Tec PF9

Gun Test: Taurus TX22 — You Need This Gun!

One of the most awaited and interesting handgun introductions of 2019 is the Taurus TX22. The TX22 is a polymer-frame, striker-fired, .22 rimfire pistol with an aluminum slide and single-action trigger. It isn’t a small pistol like the Walther P22 or a large handgun like the Ruger Standard Model, but rather it is a service-size handgun. Think Glock 19 and you will be on the money. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Taurus TX22 — You Need This Gun!

Bond Arms Bullpup – A Great Carry 9

When we look at a new firearm, we like to know where it came from and what operating principles it is based on. The Bond Arms Bullpup is a result of Bond Arms purchasing the rights and machinery to the Boberg pistol. Before that, there isn’t a lot owed to anyone for this design. [Read more…] about Bond Arms Bullpup – A Great Carry 9

Top 5 “Small” Carry Choices for Arthritic Hands

As we all know, none of us are getting any younger. My birthday is rapidly approaching, and I will barely remain under 50 years of age. I like to think that I am still close to my prime; but I can certainly see how my parents are no longer near their peak. This is very evident with my mother’s arthritic hands. [Read more…] about Top 5 “Small” Carry Choices for Arthritic Hands

Loading the 10mm

The 10mm cartridge was originally intended as a means of increasing the power of the Browning High Power handgun. Using a .38-40 (.400 inch) bullet and a shortened .30 Remington rifle cartridge the new cartridge proved too much for the High Power type pistol. Later, the .40 Smith and Wesson did not, but that is another story. [Read more…] about Loading the 10mm

Gun Test: Dan Wesson Heritage

After 50 years of firing and using ‘Old Ugly,’ I am still surprised at the many uses the 1911 has been put to. The 1911 has not only done the job, it has excelled in small-game hunting, competition, personal defense, and home defense—not to mention warfare and police service. A Government Model .45 is as versatile a general-purpose handgun as we are likely to find. Among the best I have tested in some time is the Dan Wesson Heritage, a full-size stainless steel Government Model .45. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Dan Wesson Heritage