The launch of the Springfield Armory Hellcat in 2019 was a major success for the renowned gun maker, a success they have continued with numerous models. This is one such later version: the Hellcat Pro. This particular addition to the line, SA says, is intended to deliver the performance of a larger handgun with exceptional concealability.
It’s designed, they tell us, to be a quality, hard-use, everyday carry pistol for dedicated concealed carriers and others interested in personal defense.
According to Springfield, the Hellcat Pro gives shooters perfect balance and performance in a compact pistol package. The gun has a 15 +1 capacity but delivers a smaller footprint than most other guns in its category.
Despite its compact size and larger capacity, it remains ergonomically correct and comfortable to shoot with a slim profile similar to that of the original Hellcat. If you are in the market for a highly concealable pistol from a respected manufacturer, this might be the one for you.
The Hellcat Pro was designed with concealed carriers in mind. (Photo credit: Springfield)
The Hellcat Pro is made optics-ready with a milled slide so red dots can be easily mounted to the gun. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing, had the following to say about the company’s newest pistol: “The Hellcat Pro delivers full-size performance in a concealable, EDC-ready package with unmatched ergonomics. This is a pistol that shoots like a much larger handgun while still being extremely easy to conceal, offering you the best of both worlds.”
In recent years, red dot sights have evolved from optics only used by competition shooters and hunters to being regularly mounted to everyday carry guns. The Springfield Hellcat Pro was developed with red dot users in mind, and the gun was made with an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration. The slide ships from the factory milled with the Springfield Micro footprint so it’s possible to directly mount a variety of popular micro red dot sights with the lowest profile possible. And if you want to back up your choice of red dot, the Hellcat Pro also comes from the factory with is a set of co-witnessing U-Dot sights. Factory sights are high visibility tritium and luminescent front sight paired with a Tactical Rack rear sight. After all, you never know when you might need to rack your gun on your belt or against some other object. Tactics matter, and so does having a gun capable of functioning as needed when it’s most vital.
Shown with a red dot mounted to the gun. The Hellcat Pro does not ship with a red dot sight. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Features
Milled slide that fits the Springfield Micro footprint. OSP configuration designed to be compatibly with most popular micro red dots currently on the market.
3.7 inch hammer forged barrel
Gun ships with two flush-fit 15-round magazines for greater capacity.
With a 15 +1 capacity, Springfield’s newest pistol gives gun owners more ammo in a streamlined space than most other guns in its class. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Specifications
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: Hellcat Pro
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: (2) 15 round magazines
Color: Black
Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
Barrel Material: Hammer forged steel
Barrel Finish: Melonite
Twist Rate: 1 in 10
Slide Material: Billet Machined
Slide Finish: Melonite
Frame: Black Polymer
Grip: Adaptive Grip Texture
Sights: Tritium/Luminescent front sight and Tactical Rack/U-Notch rear sight
Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring with Full Length Guide Rod
The launch of the Springfield Armory Hellcat in 2019 was a major success for the renowned gun maker, and now they’re expanding the line to include the Hellcat Pro. Their latest addition to the line promises to deliver the performance of a larger handgun with exceptional concealability. It’s designed to be a quality, hard-use, everyday carry pistol for dedicated concealed carriers and others interested in personal defense.
The Hellcat Pro was designed with concealed carriers in mind. (Photo credit: Springfield)
According to Springfield, the Hellcat Pro gives shooters perfect balance and performance in a compact pistol package. The gun has a 15 +1 capacity but delivers a smaller footprint than most other guns in its category. Despite its compact size and larger capacity, it remains ergonomically correct and comfortable to shoot with a slim profile similar to that of the original Hellcat. If you are in the market for a highly concealable pistol from a respected manufacturer, this might be the one for you.
The Hellcat Pro is made optics-ready with a milled slide so red dots can be easily mounted to the gun. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Steve Kramer, Springfield Armory’s Vice President of Marketing, had the following to say about the company’s newest pistol: “The Hellcat Pro delivers full-size performance in a concealable, EDC-ready package with unmatched ergonomics. This is a pistol that shoots like a much larger handgun while still being extremely easy to conceal, offering you the best of both worlds.”
In recent years, red dot sights have evolved from optics only used by competition shooters and hunters to being regularly mounted to everyday carry guns. The Springfield Hellcat Pro was developed with red dot users in mind, and the gun was made with an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration. The slide ships from the factory milled with the Springfield Micro footprint so it’s possible to directly mount a variety of popular micro red dot sights with the lowest profile possible. And if you want to back up your choice of red dot, the Hellcat Pro also comes from the factory with is a set of co-witnessing U-Dot sights. Factory sights are high visibility tritium and luminescent front sight paired with a Tactical Rack rear sight. After all, you never know when you might need to rack your gun on your belt or against some other object. Tactics matter, and so does having a gun capable of functioning as needed when it’s most vital.
Shown with a red dot mounted to the gun. The Hellcat Pro does not ship with a red dot sight. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Features
Milled slide that fits the Springfield Micro footprint. OSP configuration designed to be compatibly with most popular micro red dots currently on the market.
3.7 inch hammer forged barrel
Gun ships with two flush-fit 15-round magazines for greater capacity.
With a 15 +1 capacity, Springfield’s newest pistol gives gun owners more ammo in a streamlined space than most other guns in its class. (Photo credit: Springfield)
Specifications
Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
Model: Hellcat Pro
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: (2) 15 round magazines
Color: Black
Barrel Length: 3.7 inches
Barrel Material: Hammer forged steel
Barrel Finish: Melonite
Twist Rate: 1 in 10
Slide Material: Billet Machined
Slide Finish: Melonite
Frame: Black Polymer
Grip: Adaptive Grip Texture
Sights: Tritium/Luminescent front sight and Tactical Rack/U-Notch rear sight
Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring with Full Length Guide Rod
There’s always room for a new handgun in the firearms industry, and when the latest model comes from Sig Sauer, it’s even better. The manufacturing giant’s latest gun is the Sig Sauer Spectre Comp, a 9mm pistol with a number of features meant to enhance the shooter’s experience while simultaneously improving their accuracy.
Interested in a new, flatter-shooting 9mm? Check out the Sig Sauer P320 Spectre Comp. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
As the name suggests, the P320 Spectre Comp is a compensated pistol. Sig Sauer designed their latest gun with a TXG tungsten-infused grip module, a totally redesigned slide with angled serrations of varying height, and an optic plate cover. Yes, this gun is optics-ready and compatible with a variety of red dot sights including the Romeo1PRO, Deltapoint PRO, and RMR.
The threaded barrel is 4.6 in length with a TiN Gold finish and is fitted with a single port compensator designed to reduce both muzzle flip and felt recoil. That translates to improved accuracy and rapid target reacquisition. Sig attached the compensator with a pair of taper screws to make it easy to remove and install. In addition, it houses the front sight, for greater overall stability while shooting and quicker front sight recovery and acquisition.
The company’s laser engraving treatment is etched into the grip and each pistol ships with two 21-round magazines, a Sig Custom Works coin, and a certified custom certificate. According to the manufacturer, the P320 Spectre Comp is the most versatile and best shooting 9mm polymer pistol they have ever designed.
If you’re interested in a custom 9mm from Sig, the new Spectre Comp is worth a closer look. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
From Sig Sauer:
“The P320 Spectre Comp takes the 9mm handgun to new levels with more technology than any polymer pistol ever manufactured. The Custom Works designed compensator reduces muzzle flip by over one third, making it a shooting experience like no other. The Spectre family of pistols has become the pinnacle of feature-rich performance in the Sig Custom Works polymer lineup. With exclusive laser engraved grip modules, TiN gold barrels and triggers, and custom-designed slides, these exclusive firearms are as functional as they are beautiful. Every Spectre series pistol comes standard with XRay3 day/night sights, flat XSeries triggers, and is optic ready out of the box. Each model also comes standard with two magazines, a Sig Custom Works coin and a certified custom certificate.”
The new Sig Sauer P320 Spectre Comp boasts numerous excellent features. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
Features of the Sig Sauer P320 Spectre Comp include:
Laser Engraved LXG Tungsten XSeries grip module
Custom Works Spectre optic-ready slide
TiN gold threaded barrel with compensator
XSeries TiN gold flat skeleton trigger
XRay3 Day/Night sights
(2) 21rd or (2) 10rd Steel Magazines
A key feature of the Spectre Comp is its compensator. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
Specifications
Manufacturer: Sig Sauer
Model: Spectre Comp
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: (2) 21-round steel magazines (also available with (2) 10 round steel magazines)
Sights: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights
Threaded Barrel: Yes
Pistol Size: Full-size X-series
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Width: 1.6 inches
Height: 5.8 inches
Barrel Length: 4.6 inches
Weight: 41.8 ounces, empty
Sight Radius: 6.5 inches
Accessory Rail: M1913
Trigger Action: Striker-Fired
Trigger Type: X Series Flat TiN Gold
Grip Module: TXG Full-Size X Grip Module
Grip Type: LSG Laser-Engraved
Grip Color: Gray
Barrel Material: Carbon Steel with TiN Gold Finish
Safariland, which is perhaps the largest manufacturer of safety products meant specifically for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets in general, has announced their latest tactical armor platform, the HyperX. This new tactical armor platform features an in-conjunction armor design which the company states is one of their lowest profile and lowest weight tactical products.
James Duncan, VP/GM of Armor for Safariland, had the following to say about the company’s latest vest: “Safariland prides itself on the life-saving capabilities provided by its armor platforms. HyperX is the latest innovation in tactical armor platforms, underscoring Safariland’s commitment to working with those who depend on protection from our products. In developing HyperX, Safariland worked with Fort Worth SWAT to design a tactical vest that combines protection with more reflexive freedom of movement.”
Safariland has extensively tested their ballistic vest. (Photo credit: Safariland)
The Safariland HyperX Tactical Armor has the following features
Designed specifically for high end armor systems
SAPI plate is sized from Small through Extra Large, delivering customized ballistic rifle protection and superior mobility specific to each operator’s size
Communication wire openings are integrated at the front wing and center chest for the purpose of keeping wires managed and out of the outer areas of vest
Removable closure flap, which allows other closure system placards to be used depending on the user’s desired load outs
Shock cord adjustable cummerbund system with detachable center anchor
Modular abdomen/spinal protection with adjustable connection tabs allowing for precise positioning
Articulating shoulders for enhanced mobility and significant range of adjustment
The new vest from Safariland is designed for real-life, hard use. (Photo credit: Safariland)
From Safariland:
“Proprietary technology, functionality and modularity are all important factors when it comes to creating an armor system. Safariland worked with Fort Worth SWAT to create the a revolutionary, lightweight, lowest profile tactical platform for those who deserve nothing but the best. HyperX offers a customizable fit that boasts adjustable ballistic rifle protection while maintaining thin and lightweight profile. The HyperX is NIJ Tested as an In Conjunction With (ICW) vest system, by integrating best in class soft panels and hard plates, exceeding carrier expectations and standards. Finally, an Armor platform built to meet the needs of today’s Law Enforcement and Safety Operators.”
Whether you need a duty vest or want to add a quality product to your home defense setup, check out the HyperX Tactical Armory System. (Photo credit: Safariland)
The HyperX is available in a wide variety of colors including black, coyote, gray, Multicam, navy, Ranger Green, Tactical Green, and Tan 499. Closure options include FirstSpear Tubes and VELCRO brand hook and loop. This tactical system was designed with careful attention to detail to provide the best-possible performance for everyone from members of law enforcement to private gun owners and tacticians.
Spring turkey season is right around the corner, and odds are good you’re in the market for the latest hard-hitting shotshell. After all, no one wants to miss out on their dream quadruple-bearded tom. Fiocchi has you covered with the latest addition to their trusted Golden hunting ammunition lineup: Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS. Turkey hunting is serious business and requires an equally serious shotshell. It takes a great deal of time and effort to scout and call in turkeys so it’s imperative hunters have their shotguns loaded with the best possible ammunition.
If you’re looking for a turkey hunting shotshell, Fiocchi has you covered with their new Golden Turkey TSS. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS is designed to deliver a dense shot pattern to increase your success while turkey hunting. According to the manufacturer, these shotshells also provide impressively deep-penetrating performance at long ranges.
The company is certainly well-known for its success designing and manufacturing ammunition, and their Golden Turkey TSS is another example of their dedication to quality and performance. Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS utilizes precision-manufactured hulls and wads along with what the company consider the world’s best primers and carefully chosen powder to achieve consistent, reliable results. The hulls contain premium 18 g/cc tungsten shot for stellar accuracy and terminal performance, all of which turkey hunters want to drop everything from big toms to sassy hens in the most challenging of conditions.
FIocchi’s new Golden Turkey TSS line is comprised of hard-hitting shotshells made to make your turkey season even better. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
From Fiocchi:
“Dense patterns, deep penetration, and long-range performance combine for the ultimate tungsten turkey hunting load. Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey TSS brings performance head and neck above the rest. Three-inch offerings in 12-gauge, 20-gauge and 410 bore deliver hard-hitting knockdown power using the finest 18 g/cc tungsten shot and most consistent patterns on the market. The Fiocchi product development team has developed a true, high-grade load proven effective against the toughest of birds. Avid turkey hunters know the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS difference.”
Planning on doing some spring turkey hunting? Check out Fiocchi’s newest turkey hunting shotshells. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
Currently available loads in the Golden Turkey TSS lineup include
12-gauge, 3-inch, #7 shot, 1 5/8-oz., 1200 fps
12-gauge, 3-inch, #9 shot, 1 5/8-oz., 1200 fps
20-gauge, 3-inch, #9 shot, 1 3/8-oz., 1225 fps
.410 bore, 3-inch, #9 shot, 13/16 oz., 1100 fps
Looking for a way to drop that big tom? Fiocchi has you covered. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
Whether you’re hunting Merriams, Osceolas, Rio Grandes, Easterns, or Goulds, you need a shotshell that won’t let you down when it counts the most. You’ve done all the hard work of calling in a stubborn, cautious wild turkey, so make sure it drops where you want it by using the right ammunition. Fiocchi tries to help you achieve this goal with Golden Turkey TSS. It’s available for all the popular shotguns – 410, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge – chambered for 3 inch shotshells. Leave nothing to chance in the turkey woods and fields this spring.
MSRP unknown at this time although online retailers have it listed for approximately $54.00 per box.
Gemtech Suppressors, a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson, has released their new integrally suppressed barrel, the Gemtech MIST-22V. It’s a full barrel replacement for the .22lr Smith & Wesson Victory pistol.
Gemtech announced their latest new product, the new Gemtech MIST-22V. The all-in-one product is a barrel and suppressor as one for easy swap out for the Smith & Wesson .22lr Victory pistol standard barrel.
Gemtech Suppressors has a rich history in the suppressor industry that dates back to the 1960s with Dr. Dater. With intriguing designs, such as last year’s complete M&P 15-22 upper, they brought the well-known suppression system to the Victory pistol with the MIST-22V.
The MIST-22V is an all-in-one barrel replacement for the standard barrel that features Gemtech’s patented G-Core monocore design. The 3-inch barrel along with the suppressor gives the full length of 8.95 inches overall, making it shorter than a barrel and suppressor traditionally attached at the end.
With the patented stainless steel G-Core technology, the Gemtech MIST-22V is said to offer better sound reduction than standard mounted suppressors in a system that is also shorter than a non-integral barrel and suppressor system.
The barrel is made from .410 stainless steel, G-Core from stainless steel as well, and the suppressor tube constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum combine to give the unit its lightweight. The overall diameter of the unit tops out at 1.12” and the MIST-22V weighs just under 11 ounces. With a black Cerakote finish, the Gemtech MIST-22V has a clean look that will blend into the overall look of the Smith & Wesson Victory pistol.
Gemtech MIST-22V Specifications
Caliber: .22lr
Diameter: .950″ – 1.12″
Overall Length: 3″ (barrel)/ 8.95″ overall
Weight: 10.9 oz.
Mount Type: Fits onto the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory Pistol only
Full Auto Rated: No
Tube Finish: Matte Black Cerakote
Gemtech, a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson, brought the G-Core technology to the Gemtech MIST-22V system for a complete replacement of the standard barrel on the Smith & Wesson .22lr Victory pistol. The overall length of the system is just under 9 inches and weighs less than 11 ounces.
“Due to its short (3 inch) barrel length, all 22LR ammunition with a factory listed velocity of 1,600 feet per second or less will deliver subsonic performance. G-CORE Technology — Patented Stainless Steel G-CORE design is durable, easy to clean, and light weight. Reliability — MIST-22V delivers the same accuracy and reliability with a wide range of 22LR ammunition that customers have come to expect from the SW22 Victory design.
Silent by Design — The Gemtech MIST-22V is the ultimate signature suppression system designed for use on the SW22 Victory pistol. The MIST-22V replaces the standard barrel with a barrel/suppressor combo, designed to provide superb suppression in a compact package.”
Anthony Proto, from Gemtech Suppressors, stated in their release video that the MIST-22V offers a top-of-the-class sound reduction for the pistol and that it is so quiet you have to hear it to believe.
According to Gemtech, the new MIST-22V offers sound suppression and an overall length that the traditionally mounted suppressors can’t deliver. Gemtech has stated that the MIST-22V offers sound reduction that “you have to hear to believe.”
The Gemtech MIST-22V integral pistol barrel comes with an MSRP of $490 and is said to be available now.
TOPS Knives recently announced their new EDC sized version of the Silent Hero knife, the Silent Hero 4. This new, smaller Silent Hero knife is a good option for someone looking for a familiar feel but still is capable when necessary.
TOPS Knives, an Idaho based company, recently announced their newest knife, the Silent Hero 4. The new knife is a shrunk down version of the Silent Hero knife by Anton de Plessis.
The original Silent Hero knife, designed by Anton du Plessis, was intended to be used as a bush or defense knife in Africa for those fighting against rhino poachers. Over time and used by many people on different continents, Anton realized he didn’t always need such a large knife on his hip; thus the Silent Hero 4 was born. This is the smaller version of that blade but reportedly still good in a fight, just in a small everyday carry size.
The new smaller sized option is supposed to be even easier to carry every day or even for use in bushcrafting. With the handle and blade shape similar to a full-sized knife, it can be used in a majority of cutting tasks. The shrunk down profile has a blade is 1/8” wide and 4” long instead of 3/16” wide and 6” long for the original Silent Hero.
The new model is a slimmed down version of the original Silent Hero knife, with a blade length of 4” and is just 1/8” wide.
The finish is Sniper Grey Cerakote, instead of black, and comes with a Kydex sheath instead of leather. The MSRP is $210.
Specifications
Overall Length: 8.88” open
Blade Length: 4.25”
Cutting Edge: 4.0”
Blade Thickness: .13”
Blade Steel: 1095 RC 56-58
Blade Finish: Sniper Grey
Handle Material: Black Canvas Micarta
Weight: 6.0 oz
Weight with Sheath: 8.8 oz
The knife is reportedly even easier to carry every day but hardy enough to be used in demanding situations like bushcrafting.
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
MDT Sporting Goods Ltd. announced the launch of their new sister brand, MambaMag, offering a solution to shooters who want a higher count in their magazines in a detachable box-fed magazine for factory rifles.
MDT Sporting Goods Ltd. recently announced the launch of their sister brand, MambaMag, giving end users a solution to round capacity for their factory rifles.
The MambaMag is the rebirth of the Lucky 13 brand of aftermarket magazines. The company reportedly states that the magazines work great for hunting, plinking, or shooting precision rifle matches.
MambaMag’s straight-fit magazines were designed to increase the usability of the factory rifle without having to do heavy modifications. In addition to the magazines, Mambamag released Bottom Metals to alter the user’s existing magazines. The replacement plate is needed to convert some factory stocks from a floor plate design to a detachable box magazine design.
While some rifles will need to replace the bottom metal plate in their system to use these rifles, the MambaMag magazines allow owners of factory rifles to increase their magazine capacity from the 3-round factory mags to a 10-round mag.
MambaMag 10-round magazines are designed to fit into factory stocks, increasing the end user’s typical factory 3-round magazine capacity. Machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum, the upper section offers the most reliable latching and feeding. The lower section utilizes a polymer construction to give a warmer feel for the removal and handling of the magazine.
Currently, the MambaMag is only manufactured for Remington 700 Short Action (bottom metal required), the Howa 1500 Short Action (bottom metal required), Remington 783 Short Action, Remington 7600 Short Action, Tikka T3/T3X Short Action, and Lithgow Short Action rifles, with more reportedly to come in the near future.
The MambaMag magazines utilized an aluminum upper section offers more reliable latching and feeding while the polymer lower section gives a warmer hand feel for removal and handling of the magazine.
The magazine has a removable bottom cover plate that allows the user to remove the internals for magazine cleaning and maintenance. The Howa 1500 and Remington 700 bottom metals use a front catch and a rear latch to provide the most stability for the magazines, while still allowing the mags to drop free. Additionally, both those magazines need the bottom metal plate before it can be used as they are not compatible with a detachable magazine.
MambaMag Specs
10 round capacity
6061-T6 aluminum upper section
Glass-reinforced nylon lower section and cover plate
The MambaMag has a removable bottom cover plate that allows the end user to remove the internals of the magazine for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
Hickok45 loves guns, which is pretty obvious to those of us who enjoy his videos. That said, he seems to get really excited over Glocks (he and I share that)! In this video, he takes a look at the Glock 19X and sends a load of rounds downrange through the one he’s using.
Hickok explains that the Glock 19X was one of the submissions for the new military modular pistol trials, which Sig ultimately won. Since Glock did not win the contract, they offered the 19X to the civilian market. Initially, there was much upheaval among aficionados because they wanted a short grip and a long slide because they thought that’s what we “had” to have for concealed carry. Apparently, many forgot about the Combat Commander configuration, which had a standard length grip and a short slide. Lo and behold, sales of the 19X went through the roof among shooters, many of whom are loving it!
As an aside, Glock firearms are used by units of the US Military, including Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and Marine Recon, among others. To the best of my knowledge, they mostly use the Glock 19.
The Glock 19X has a unique look and performs like a champ!
The 19X is configured to meet the military specifications, so it has a longer grip—all the better to hold lots of rounds with. In fact, the 19X is fed from either 17 or 19 round magazines (it comes from the factory with one 17-round flush fit magazine and two 19-round extended magazines, which I applaud). Of course, the 19X comes in a Coyote Brown color, including the slide. I’ll admit that, initially, it was the color that made me take a look at the 19X.
Simply put, the Glock 19X is a Glock 17 frame with a Glock 19 slide.
Hickok notes that the 19X does not have the “hump” in the backstrap of the grip like the Glock 17 does, which he believes makes the 19X grip more comfortable. I tend to agree, as the 19X’s grip is stellar, and it does not have the finger grooves on the front of the grip as some earlier Glock generations do. We both share the opinion that this is a positive thing. It does have the RTF (Rough Texture Finish) of the Gen 5 Glocks, which is amazingly effective at giving the shooter a great, non-slip grip.
Another positive is that the pistol comes standard with metal night sights, and they are quite good, in my opinion. As a matter of fact, I wish every pistol would come standard with sights comparable to these; we’d all be better off for it.
Steel night sights come standard on the 19X, which also comes with three magazines.
To boot, the 19X has a Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with enhanced rifling and a recessed crown, which makes it a very accurate pistol (I can verify this with my own 19X). As well, the front of the slide is beveled to make reholstering easier. The magazine release is reversible and the slide release is ambidextrous.
The 19X has a Glock Marksman Barrel and the front of the slide is beveled to aid in reholstering. The slide release is ambidextrous and the mag release is reversible.
For daily carry, though, Hickok prefers the Glock 19, as it is a bit smaller than the 19X. He just likes a smaller carry gun. Personally, I do carry my 19X from time to time, especially in the colder months (we have many colder months here in PA) when it’s easier to conceal. I find that the extra weight is more of a factor for me, though, than the size.
On the left is the 19X, with a Gen5 19 on the right.
That said, I need to point out that this pistol was not created with concealed carry in mind; it was to be a military fighting sidearm carried openly, for the most part. As such, it excels in that role and does exactly what it was created for. It has a rail on the lower dust cover, which facilitates the mounting of lasers and lights, should the shooter wish to utilize such technology.
One area where Hickok and I differ in opinion is where the trigger is concerned. He doesn’t care for the 19X’s trigger too much, saying that the break is not very crisp, that’s it’s more of a “rolling” type of break. My 19X has a very good trigger, in my opinion, and it is on the crispier side, with a nice break. To be fair, Glock triggers can vary somewhat in how they break. I suspect that Hickok just got one that’s a little on the “mushy” side because quite a few people whom I know who have 19Xs are very pleased with the triggers on theirs.
Despite his complaints, Hickok clarifies that they are the “trimmings” and that he’d be more than satisfied to carry a 19X if he had to go into harm’s way because they are so reliable. I wholeheartedly agree! If I were going into harm’s way (I have been there in the past), the 19X is the pistol I’d choose (as the backup to a long gun if I had a choice).
Hickok45 ran tons of ammo through the 19X!
The shorter, 19-length slide is, in my opinion, better than the Glock 17 slide because the slightly shorter length indexes more quickly when you are engaging multiple targets and when maneuvering or clearing rooms. That fraction of a second that the shorter slide gives us might be the difference in surviving an engagement or not. That shorter slide also means we can draw it more quickly from a holster as opposed to some of the longer-slided pistols. Granted, we’re talking fractions of a second again, but a fraction of a second here, a fraction of a second there…well, it adds up. I’ll be glad to take tiny bits of time in my favor when it’s on the two-way range and targets are shooting back.
Cons
A bit large for concealed carry
Mushy trigger
Pros
It works! All the time!
Comes with steel night sights
Comes with three magazines
Very accurate
Durable finish & attractive color.
Comfortable grip. The fact that it’s a longer grip means that it deals with recoil efficiently.
Hickok reports that the recoil is similar to the Glock 19 and 17 models, which is to be expected since it’s a combination of those two. There is not much muzzle rise when firing the 19X.
A 2-liter soda bottle falls to the 19X! Note the minimal muzzle rise while firing.
Throughout the video, Hickok rattles rounds off as though there was no bullet shortage, often in very rapid fire. The 19X handled it with aplomb and asked for more. At one point, he even inserted a 33-round extended magazine and ripped through all of those rounds. By the way, if you have a 9mm Glock and don’t own a 33-rounder, I highly recommend that you fix that; they are tons of fun on the range. And for home defense…well, 33 rounds! What else can I say?
If you don’t have a 33-round magazine for your 9mm Glock, you really should pick one up!
Overall, Hickok says the 19X is a great gun, but not something he wishes to purchase. Conversely, I went out and bought one and am quite pleased with it for the reasons I’ve already mentioned. The viewer may wish to check one out for himself, I think they are worth a look.
Interested in becoming a better shooter without burning through thousands of rounds of ammo? Sure, you can do that with plain dry fire practice, but you can get even better results by adding a training tool like the Mantis X10 Elite. Mantis makes a full line of pistol-mounted systems that track your performance for the purpose of helping you improve your shooting skills; if you’ve never checked them out, you probably should. Curious? In this video review, Four Guys Guns runs the Mantis X10 Elite and shows you what it can do to make you a better shooter with every session.
Four Guys Guns demonstrates how the Mantis X10 Elite works. (Photo credit: Four Guys Guns)
What is the Mantis X10 Elite?
Here’s how Four Guys Guns explains the Mantis X10 Elite:
“Contained in this neat little package is your Mantis X10. Now, the Mantis does come in, I believe, four flavors. It starts with the original X, the X1, the X7, and this is the X10 Elite. All that really differs between these models is kind of the software package that comes with it. Now, by software package, I mean it works on your iPhone, or even poor-Droid as well —fight me in the comments.
“It has a full suite of everything from basic cadence drills to reload drills to detecting muzzle rise. All this stuff really kind of intrigued me, so I definitely…wanted to give it a try.”
So, can it only be used with live fire?
It does both:
“Generally, I only practice with… a SIRT Pistol from Next Level. This is a heavy-weighted gun, feels like a real gun, real mag, decent trigger, and it shoots a laser beam. …what does that do for you when you go to live-fire? We’ve seen it before and it does actually — with a lot of repetition — help you. However, guns still go ‘boom, boom, bang, bang’ and make loud noises and that tends to make you go high-speed, low-left faster than you can realize.”
Four Guys Guns running the Mantis X10 Elite at the range. (Photo credit: Four Guys Guns)
He goes on to say that the Mantis works on not just that SIRT Pistol but it also works on a full-sized pistol with a rail. “I want you guys to know, check your…mags before you go around your house rootin, tootin, and shootin, because next thing you know when you’re doing your reload practice, you’re putting a hole through the counter, and nobody wants that.”
Check out the video to see the Mantis X10 Elite in action along with screenshots of what the feedback from the software program looks like.
Should I use it live fire or dry fire?
Use your Mantis X10 Elite — or whichever Mantis system you have — both for dry fire and live fire practice. The great thing about dry fire is it doesn’t burn ammo and it really does work. The nice thing about live fire is you get the full effect of recoil, among other things. Each form of practice complements the other.
Four Guys Guns running the Mantis X10 Elite at the range. (Photo credit: Four Guys Guns)
As Four Guys Guns mentioned above, always follow safety rules when doing dry fire.
Double-check that your gun is empty both visually and by touch.
Store live ammo in a separate location.
Use an area with a safe backstop.
Your pets are not targets
Follow the four safety rules, even for dry fire:
All guns are always loaded
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target
Do not aim the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy
Know your target and what is beyond it
Do you use dry fire practice to improve your shooting skills? If so, do you use a Mantis X10 Elite? Tell us about it in the comments below.
