Following the obvious evolution of CCW handguns, Smith & Wesson released the S&W M&P Shield Plus Optics Ready pistol in October 2021. It’s a 3.2 in. barreled EDC gun with the same trigger as its predecessors and some improvements to the grip and grip texture they advise were based on user feedback.
This iteration of the weapon line is, as the name implies, a Shield+ designed for use with red dot sights.
Smith & Wesson advises,
“Your new EDC is here. Allow us to introduce the new M&P9 Shield Plus Optics Ready. This new addition to the Shield Plus line comes standard with 3.1″ barrel, night sights, and optics cut.
With the 10+1 or 13+1 capacity, flat-face trigger, and enhanced grip texture, [the]…Optics Ready is engineered to give you the best performance in a micro-compact size.”
The M&P Plus is, as of this writing at least, S&W’s highest capacity micro-compact pistol. It has night sights, slide cuts to fit the usual suspects of preferred RDS types, and some additional features, including:
Shield Plus Optics Ready Capacity
I did that so I’d have a sub-heading that could be abbreviated SPORC.
10 + 1 9x19mm with a flush-fit magazine
13+1 in their extended magazine
ORSP+ Launch Video
Sure, the narrator is no Don LaFontaine, but really who is? He does a good job with the rundown and isn’t cringe-worthy melodramatic like some of the videos we’ve seen.
We’ve all seen reviews on optics after a few thousand rounds and they look awesome. But what happens to it after 10,000 rounds? Aaron Cowan over at SageDynamics took a longer look at the Holosun 509T optic and put it through its paces to see how it would hold up.
So, first, let’s do a quick background. The Holosun 509T is the Titanium enclosed reticle option with a staggering hour battery life. It has a 2MOA dot and a 32MOA circle in the sight. The optic comes with its proprietary mounting plate straight out of the box as well as a special tool for adjusting to get to zero.
Part of Aaron’s testing for the Holosun 509T was the shoulder height drop test. Over the course of his test he dropped the pistol and optic 20 times with no loss of performance.
For the testing Aaron had the following steps:
1. Drop testing from shoulder height onto a hard surface 2. Test in extreme heat 3. Test in extreme cold 4. Single handed manipulation
Aaron originally did a 2,000 round review of the Holosun 509T and liked it but wondered if it would last long term in duty use. The main component of the test was the drop test. He said this was important for the review in that it simulated the possible wear and tear or stress on the firearm during duty use. He went on to say that he’s still using the original optic that he received and didn’t need to get a replacement and that it still functioned properly. Long story short, it passed the test with flying colors.
After the testing, the only real damage was to the solar panel on top and some delamination on the unit. But it still held zero with no problem.
He went on to talk about the battery of the optic. It takes a 1632 battery and has side access for replacement, so you don’t have to take the whole thing off the pistol to change the battery out. Not only does it have a ridiculous battery life (up to 50,000 hour life), but it has a solar panel or a combination of solar and battery. He used it strictly on battery and has yet to replace the battery.
So how did he go about the testing? Well, the drop test was done after every 500 rounds. Yes, that’s 20 separate drops over the course of the testing. The only real damage was the delamination of the optic, but that’s purely aesthetics and no loss of zero. The single manipulation was to help simulate how many law enforcement folks are trained and show any loss of function for the optic. None occurred and it performed adequately.
This optic can be run on battery, solar energy, or both. With up to a 50,000-hour battery life, it seems unnecessary to have a solar option. But it looks cool.
During his testing, he only had two major complaints or recommendations. Firstly, the button for adjustment for the optic requires a special tool so you don’t want to lose it. He tried using coins, like you can use on other optics on the market, to no avail. The second complaint he had was that during the 20 drop tests he did, the back ledge of the optic got beat up and he would like to see Holosun actually enlarge it to help protect the rear lens better.
In closing, he said that this is the best-enclosed reticle for a duty gun. It’s well-made, durable, and accurate. Not only that, but it’s compatible with several holsters currently available and easily concealable.
The civilian use of body armor has exploded in the last few years. We are in a unique time where anyone can easily acquire a vast degree of armor. We’ve got rifle-resistant ceramic plates to modern high-tech polymer plates and everything in between. This also means soft armor. In the last few years, soft armor has exploded in popularity. This includes vests, as well as soft panels for packs, purses, and the like. Today we are looking at the latest piece of soft armor from Premier Armor, the Concealable Armor Vest.
Introducing the Concealable Armor Vest
I’ve never worked for Premier Armor, but at one point, I had an idea to mix a Premier Armor soft plate with a Tru-Spec armor shirt. This created a very low-profile concealable armor combo that inspired Premier Armor to combine the shirts and plates to make their own concealable armor. From there, they produced their latest Concealable Armor vest to act as a step between that shirt and a standard soft armor vest.
Who needs this? cops, first responders, tow truck drivers, cash couriers, etc.
The goal of the Concealable Armor Vest was to provide the protection of the standard soft armor vests worn by law enforcement with a concealable design. As you’d imagine, it’s bulkier than a soft panel in a shirt but also provides 360 degrees of protection and a lot more of it than just your vitals.
The Concealable Armor Vest packs an IIIA rating which means it will not stop most rifle rounds. In fact, it’s best used against handgun and shotgun rounds. An IIIA rating prevents penetration by most standard handgun rounds, including 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and up into a 44 Magnum Semi-wadcutter design, moving at 1,400 feet per second. What’s important to understand is that the soft panels are NIJ Certified.
It’s a great vest and stands on its own merit.
Lots of armor companies build to NIJ standards, but certification means the company has sought independent testing for the NIJ. Simply put, the armor is legit. It’s also special-threat tested against 12 gauge slugs, Liberty Defense 9mm, and 5.7×28 SS197SR.
The carrier is pretty dang legit too. It’s machine washable and made from a moisture-wicking material. It’s lightweight and water repellent, and plenty adjustable. This is not a one-size-fits-all affair, and users should order the right size for their frames. Adjustments allow you to better tailor how the Concealable Armor Vest fits.
Who Needs This?
Who exactly needs a Concealable Armor vest? Well, obviously, the usual suspects can benefit from a high-quality vest. This includes police officers who might want something a little higher end under their uniform or plainclothes officers in general. Security personnel, VIP protection, and the like can also benefit from such a vest. Sadly, lots of EMS personnel are now wearing vests because scum takes potshots at them.
However, beyond those in armed and first responder professions, there are plenty of roles where a Concealable Armor Vest makes sense. I worked as both a repo man and a cash courier in my post-Marine Corps career.
The Concealable Armor Vest is easy to wear and easy to hide.
Neither job allowed you to be armed, and both jobs made you a tempting target.
I had to dress professionally but would’ve loved a concealable armor vest to feel a little bit safer. Especially since my employers didn’t seem to care much about security and safety. On top of other oddball professions, this is a great option for someone who’s just been met with credible threats. Maybe through no fault of your own, you’ve made an enemy, and the most you have is a restraining order, a firearm, and a vest to keep you safe.
Comfort and Fit
Tossing the Concealable Armor Vest on isn’t tough. Well, once you’ve got it adjusted just right. The short waistband keeps the rig nice and tight, and tight is good. Tight helps with concealment and comfort. You don’t want the vest bouncing around as you move throughout the day. That would decrease comfort and increase visibility. Also, don’t forget, a tight fit is a proper fit that helps ensure your vitals are covered when necessary.
Keep the flap tight and the vest tight for maximum coverage and concealment.
I do recommend wearing a shirt under your concealable armor vest. If not, I fear the chafing your nipples might receive. That being said, with a shirt in the way, the inside of the vest is super soft and incredibly comfortable. It’s not too heavy or overly bulky.
The internal material is quite soft and comfy.
The only problem you’re gonna have is heat—nothing you can really do about that. Adding armor is like adding a sweater. Things that stop bullets rarely breathe well and accommodate the breeze. It’s the nature of the beast so just make sure you double down on your hydration if you plan to be working outside a lot with the vest on.
The carrier with its armor is light, but it gets hot. Undershirt highly advised.
Also, make sure you remember you wash the external carrier cause it’s going to get gross if you don’t
How Does It Conceal?
I tested the Concealed Armor Vest with a standard white dress shirt, a Dixxon flannel, and a normal light jacket. I did this in August, and it’s blazing hot, so I hope you animals appreciate it. Under the shite dress shirt, the black carrier barely shows. It looks like a muscle shirt under my shirt. It adds a little bulk but so do all those pizza rolls I eat.
The armor vest fits perfectly under a dress shirt, even a white one.
However, the armor does its job of remaining concealed. You’d have to look close, and if I wore a suit jacket, you’d have to undress me like I was Don Draper to find the vest. Under the Dixxon Flannel and light jacket, it’s most certainly invisible. This thing won’t disappear under a plain t-shirt, but under a button-down, it’s invisible.
Under a tactical flannel is disappears with ease.
Make it a black or flannel button-down, and it’s really invisible then. If this particular model still seems too bulky for you, check out their Executive design. It’s a little smaller than the Concealable Armor Vest.
It adds hardly any bulk to the body.
However, for many of us, this vest will work perfectly. It hides easily and provides a brilliant degree of protection from common threats.
Staying Safe
I love combining safety with a low-profile protection system. In fact, the industry seems to be going heavily towards low-profile awesomeness, and I love it. It takes vests like this out of the realm of just armed professionals and offers it to the everyday Joe and Jane. The Concealable Armor Vest from Premier Armor combines NIJ-certified protection and a low-profile design for everyone who needs armor.
Rock Island Armory has expanded their handgun lineup with a striker-fired pistol: it’s the Rock Island Armory STK100. Chambered in 9mm, it’s a 17-round, aluminum-framed handgun with a grip angle similar to the 1911. And, like so many defensive handguns today (at least the ones that hope to stay relevant), it sports an optics-ready slide. Overall it seems to be a pretty interesting addition to the mid-sized 9mm pistol scene.
We’ve gathered some information, pictures, and videos from around the web so you can decide for yourself if it is something that you are interested in ogling!
Let’s just jump right into it.
What does the official product page have to say about the STK100?
“Striker-fired pistol fans, rejoice. The STK100 boasts an aluminum grip that adds just enough weight to reduce felt recoil while still being comfortable to carry all day. This 9MM 17-round gem has a textured grip angled like a 1911 grip to give you greater control. With a patent-pending frame designed for durability, It has all the advantages of metal for the price of a polymer.”
Armscor’s specification sheet expands on this a little bit more.
“[The SKT100] also has an optic-ready slide so you can add your favorite aftermarket accessories, and it boasts an extended beavertail for comfort… it’s perfect for recreational and self-defense users, as well as law enforcement.”
Here’s a close-up of the SKT100 so you can check out all of the details, groves, and crevasses that are present. Especially the “1911 styled” textured grip that Armscor is advertising as one of the primary features.
So, yes, it’s like a polymer-frame striker-fired pistol, but there’s no polymer.
Instead, it has a metal frame. We’re aware many gun owners like to have polymer as an option, the rigidity is often much more appealing. Armscor & Rock Island Armor President and CEO Martin Tuason had an interview with American Handgunner. He spoke on how and why they chose metal over polymer.
“I wanted Armscor to get into the striker-fired market, but not with a plastic gun. That’s been done. Dustin Jones, our CFO, knows the market and did the research. He came back, encouraging us to take the leap. We put our heads together and decided, let’s do it. And, since we’re famous for working with metal, it was only natural we decided to do what we do best. We’re the number one producer of metal 1911s in the world, so we know how to do it!”
A lot of the promotional material for the STK100 seems to be focused on the fact it is in fact metal over polymer. Here is some of their promotional material from their website.
Rock Island Armory also seems to be very focused on advertising this pistol as one that is for the masses, not just Military and LEOs. One of their primary videos advertising the pistol shows off what seems like a baker’s dozen with different shooters of all kinds.
Below, you can watch the advertisement mentioned above. The editing is pretty snazzy. Whoever Armscor/Rock Island Armory hired to do the editing does pretty awesome quick cuts. The number of environments and shooters they manage to fit in 30 seconds is nifty. (Sidebar here, whatever the process they did to make the colors vibrant is pretty neat. It may seem like a silly thing to focus on, but ‘color’ this author impressed.)
“We think shooters are going to be excited about the STK100”. “It really does give shooters all the advantages of metal for the price of polymer. It’s perfect for recreational shooting, self-defense, and even law enforcement, which makes it incredibly versatile.”
Here’s another close-up of the SKT100 from the other side so you can get the full perspective.
“We informally tested the new pistol with a selection of ammunition, including Federal Syntech, Hornady American Gunner, Speer Gold Dot, and Super Vel’s solid copper hollowpoints. It fed and fired all without a hitch. The trigger felt moderately heavy, but there was less mushiness at the break than is standard on many striker-fired pistols. Instead, there is a distinct snap when this one breaks.
Personal-protection carry guns are meant to be carried a lot and shot a little. As a result, many designs are (for want of a better term) “weighted” in favor of ease of carry. However, the extra weight of the STK100 gives it an advantage on the range. True, it doesn’t flex like polymer (which absorbs some of the felt recoil). However, it does counter the gun’s recoil impulse, resulting in less movement. In theory, aluminum’s greater rigidity may result in enhanced accuracy, too. What was most distinct in my brief shooting session, though, was the fact that the STK100 didn’t break down my grip during long strings.
Its empty weight is about the same as a Colt Lightweight Commander. However, its generous ammunition capacity makes it much heavier when loaded than the fully loaded Colt. It is also, of course, several ounces heavier than similar-size polymer pistols. Still, if you don’t mind the extra weight on your hip or only intend it as a range or home-defense gun, you’re getting a lot of pistol for $599.”
Reviews of the SKT100
We figured we might share a couple of written reviews that bring up a couple of decent points.
Field & Stream’s Review
Field & Stream got the chance to get their hands on the SKT100, and they had some pretty interesting things to say about the pistol. Even the title of their review was an alluring statement; “The RIA STK100 is An Affordable Feature-Rich Glock Clone” Here’s a little bit more to elaborate about what they really mean by that;
“Remember purchasing a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol only to spend even more to customize it to fit your needs? Yes, we all do. Add weight to the frame, lighten the slide, change the grip angle, add a beavertail, add optics capability—the list goes on and on. In the end, you could almost triple the pistol’s original cost.”
“The RIA STK100 is what I would call a 99-percent-Glock-compatible pistol. Its compatibility extends to almost all the internal parts, except for the rear sights, barrel locking block, magazine release, and pins. The STK100 has a list of features that put it in a class of its own. It has a clamshell aluminum alloy frame, textured 1911-style grip, extended beavertail, stainless steel guide rod, lightened slide with front cocking serrations, optics-ready slide, and Glock-style front sight.”
As previously mentioned in this article, American Handgunner also got a chance to talk to the CEO of Armscor and get hands the gun. One of the stand-out features that author Roy Huntington mentions several times is the handling of the firearm.
“The grip angle makes such a difference as to be immediately noticeable. General gun-handling seems a bit smoother for me, and bringing the gun up to shoot feels as if the sights settle right where they belong. I found it to be fast, secure and certain when pointing.”
He also said, “Shooting [the SKT100] was, in short, a delight.” and “The STK100 isn’t another clone of a clone of a clone — but pushes the envelope out even further.”
However, the most crucial takeaway from American Handgunner’s entire review comes from the last line of the article: “…remember — dogs can’t eat an STK100. Just sayin’.” You know those little furry monsters would too, given the chance.
More on the STK100
The SKT100 seems to be shaping up to be an interesting newcomer to the mid-sized pistol scene that we’re excited to see how it develops. Although they may not be necessarily advertising it as such, it is interesting to see another newcomer that is friendly to some of the “Glock eco-system.” Glock being one of the most common weapons systems on the market definitely helps the SKT100’s case. Using more budget-friendly using hardware that you already have isn’t a benefit to sneeze at.
As previously mentioned in the article, the MSRP retail price on the Rock Island Armory STK100 is $599. If you want more information about the pistol, visit Armscor’s website.
Here are some more pictures from Rock Island Armory’s promotions mixed in with some videos we found on the pistol from around the web!
Beretta USA has announced the latest variant of its M9 Pistol series, the M9A4. It brings a new optics-cut slide, threaded barrel, and Vertec frame to the mix. Here’s some of what Beretta had to say about it:
Some Background
The M9A4 is a variant of the company’s Model 92 line, which dates to the 1970s. The M9 designator comes from the variant adopted by the U.S. Army in 1984. The M9 is now in its fourth generation as far as Beretta is concerned. This newest branch in the family tree is a full-sized gun with a red-dot optic compatible slide and dovetailed tritium night sights.
Inside the slim Vertec-series frame — with the same aggressively texturized grips as seen on the 92X — is an enhanced short reset Xtreme trigger system. Black surface controls are offset by a flat dark earth frame, barrel, and slide. The new Beretta M9A4 features an enhanced short reset Xtreme Trigger System with DLC Coated fire control, a short reset trigger, and a “G” style decock-only slide rather than the “F” style safety/decocker.
The red-dot ready M9A4 features integral slide cuts to allow for the mounting of optional optic plate styles. Customers can purchase one of five different plates that mount the most popular optics on the market today. Other features include a three-slot Picatinny accessory rail for lights and lasers.
Quotes on the M9A4
“After several years of feedback, research, and development, we are proud to bring the latest version of the M9 series pistol to the market and show the ultimate evolution of the venerable M9 series,” said Erik Stern, Beretta’s Tactical and Pro Shop Product Manager.
“We are excited to bring the M9A4 to market incorporating the latest advancements in 90 series pistols to date with a red-dot ready slide, an enhanced short reset Xtreme Trigger System, and a higher capacity magazine offering.”
The Beretta M9A4 has an MSRP of $1,099 and ships in 10 (for restrictive states) and 15-round magazine capacities with a new 18-round magazine available.
New from CZ USA, the P-10 F Competition Ready. According to CZ, it offers the most common striker-fired pistol features inside of an “enhanced, competition-ready package.” The CZ P10F is a pistol that won’t need a whole lot of introduction, but here’s what CZ USA had to say about it anyway.
While many of CZ’s tactical handguns were born from competition guns, the new CZ P10 F competition-ready pistol followed the opposite trajectory.
The CZ P-10 C, released in 2017, was the manufactures first striker-fired pistol. CZ designed the P-10 C as a compact polymer-framed gun for self-defense and military use. Later, the P-10C was followed by the subcompact P-10 S and now the full-size P-10 F. If you’re a CZ fan, and you’re looking to put your Federal Syntech or Speer Lawman stash to use, this could be the gun to do it with.
The new P-10 F competition-ready has a barrel and slide that are a half-inch longer than the full-size model. The extra half-inch provides a longer sight radius for the included fiber optic front sight and fixed serrated rear sight, resulting in increased accuracy.
CZ P-10 F specs:
Caliber:9mm
Magazine Capacity: 19-round, 10-round
Frame: Polymer
Trigger Mechanism: Striker fired
Sights: Serrated rear with fiber-optic front, Optics-Ready
Barrel: Cold hammer forged
Barrel Length: 5″
Height: 5.34″
Width: 1.25”
Weight: 30.1 oz.
Overall Length: 8.5″
Safety: Trigger safety
Additionally, like other P-10 models, the slide is milled to accept mounting plates for micro red-dot optics on the market, which is often required of any competition gun.
The P-10 F is outfitted with an Apex Tactical extended magazine catch, and Apex Tactical extended slide stop. It also includes an HB Industries trigger and Apex Tactical back-slide cover for increased performance. The half-inch longer barrel also has improved ramp geometry and a match 9mm chamber. Both features were designed to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the P-10F Competition-Ready.
Since every competition gun needs a little flash, gold accents are on the barrel slide cover, the trigger, and the magazine bases. The accents make this handgun stand out in the P-10 line and on the firing line.
Like the original, the new P-10 has a polymer frame with three interchangeable backstraps. The ergonomics are similar to the hammer-fired CZ 75.
The CZ P-10 F also features a cold-hammer-forged 5-inch barrel with a black nitride finish for unparalleled accuracy and durability. The new P-10 F competition-ready ships with standard 19-round magazines, and a 10-round version is available for purchase in restricted states.
The pistol carries an MSRP of $999; if you’re interested, head over to CZ USA’s website and learn more.
This is the Enhanced 1301 Tactical from Beretta. As of its release, it was the latest iteration of Beretta’s law enforcement and home-defense semi-automatic shotgun series.
Here is how the manufacturer describes the new semi-auto scattergat.
Take a gander at the Enhanced 1301 Tactical Shotgun. Gotcha some Federal Power Shok to try out?
The 1301 Modern Tactical Shotgun was engineered to be ultra-reliable and easy to use. To that end, it features enlarged controls, a cold hammer-forged and back-bored barrel. It also features Beretta’s “BLINK” gas operating system with a cross tube gas piston; as a result (or so they tell us), it allows 36 percent faster cycling than its competition.
Beretta says they heard the feedback from their customers and spent the time to determine how to make the 1301 Tactical 922(R) compliant.
Because of the feedback they received, they are also offering customers the magazine capacity that folks have been asking for, with a factory 7+1 capacity magazine tube — that’s a pretty good amount of copper-plated home-defense pellets if you’re using Winchester 00 Buckshot or something similar.
Black Anodized 3” Receiver or Cerakote type finish
Sights
Ghost ring sights/Picatinny rail
The new pistol grip offering with a Mesa Tactical pistol grip stock allows for greater control and easier manipulation at the user level.
“We are very excited to bring these new offerings to the market,” Erik Stern, Tactical and Pro Shop Product Manager, said.
Assembled in the United States, the 1301 Tactical provides the highest capacity possible in a lightweight and easy-to-handle package with an oversized charging handle. It also includes an M-Lok compatible barrel clamp with dual integral QD Sling swivels.
The 1301 Tactical also includes a highly texturized bolt release and a sizeable reversible safety button for easy manipulation in all weather and light conditions. These enlarged controls ensure that your hands will always be able to positively and safely grip it and operate the controls. Also, the aggressive checkering on the forend makes it easy to obtain a secure grip even without wearing gloves.
This enhanced tactical shotgun features a cold hammer-forged back-bored barrel that dissipates recoil away from the shooter’s body and significantly reduces muzzle flip. In addition, the 1301 Tactical utilizes a robust, protected ghost-ring sight system with an interchangeable front sight, allowing the user to adapt it to any use.
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is now available for purchase in a 12 gauge configuration and black synthetic finish with either a standard stock or a Mesa Tactical Urbino pistol grip stock configuration.
As of this writing, the 1301 Tactical retails for an MSRP of $1,429-$1,449; if you are interested, learn more on Beretta’s Website.
Here’s some more Enhanced 1301 Tactical goodness for you!
EAA Corp and Girsan recently told us they’re bringing one of the most classic pistol designs back (well, ~ish) with the MC P35 semi-automatic 9mm pistol. It’s an homage to the iconic Browning Hi-Power.
Here’s what they had to say about its release.
This handgun is a tribute to (a pastiche of?) one of the most widely used military handguns in the world, the original Browning Hi-Power pistol.
The History of the MC P35
Built on a steel frame and slide in a black matte finish, the MC P35 boasts a 15+1 capacity in a staggered column magazine. Originally designed as a military pistol, the Hi-Power necessitated extreme accuracy, and the P35 does not disappoint. Girsan is a Turkish firearm manufacturing company, mainly focused on manufacturing pistols. They have a history working on Beretta & 1911-like pistols, so it’s not surprising they would do well with expanding upon the Hi-power’s original design.
The Girsan MC P35 single-action 9mm brings all of the original’s expected performance, reliability, and accuracy. Still, it is updated and priced for today’s American sport-shooters, and should provide an excellent platform for those who’re looking to spend a few hours (and some boxes of Speer Lawmanand/orFederal Syntech) out on the range improving skills.
The short-recoil 9mm, 4 5/8″ barrel, and the slide allow for quick second shot resets, getting the shoots on target faster and more comfortability for the shooter.
The rear sight is a windage drift adjustable sight, and the front is a dovetail sight. The traditional slim trigger allows for a short trigger reset.
The trigger reset is accessible even while wearing gloves, and the serrated ring hammer provides a positive grip while cocking. Enhanced external controls include external extractor, ambidextrous safety, and magazine disconnect safety.
MasterPiece Arms has announced their newest competition pistol, the MPA DS40 Travis Tomasie (TT) Competition Pistol (DS4))
Scroll down to see what MasterPiece Arms had to say about it.
As the name suggests, the gun was designed based on the preferences of professional shooter Travis Tomasie.
The DS40 Comp Pistol
The DS40 TT Comp Pistol is chambered in 40 S&W and meets Major Power Factor scoring under the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC).
“We were excited to work with Travis to create this competition-ready pistol,” commented Phil Cashin, owner, and president of MPA. “Travis’ years of experience and knowledge in the competitive shooting marketplace helped us hone in on what features matter most when it comes to competition. We’ve created something really special here that we think any competitor in USPSA or IPSC will find value in.”
Providing “incredible” accuracy and reliability (as they describe it), the specific features for this pistol include aggressive texturing on the MPA Grip. Go through a couple of cases of Speer Lawman .40 with it next time you’re on the range and see if it mitigates all that sweat. The texturing helps shooters keep a firm grip on their firearms during fast-paced competitions. It also includes traditional dovetail cuts for the adjustable front and rear sights, a Bomar-style rear sight, competition magwell (for 140mm mags or larger – incorporates a self-centering radius funnel design), and two MBX 140mm 40 Cal magazines. It is ideal for USPSA Limited Division. “I’m proud to have partnered with MPA in developing a truly remarkable competition pistol. Built to my specifications and combining superior components with precision craftsmanship, the DS40 TT Comp Pistol is ready to race right out of the box,” Tomasie said.
As with all DS Pistols, all MPA DS40 TT Comp Pistol parts are machined in the USA from barstock and billet and include no MIM, castings, or forgings. The components machined by MPA include the full-length steel, light rail five-inch frame, slide, MPA 416R stainless bull barrel, stainless steel beavertail/grip safety, stainless steel ambidextrous safety, stainless steel slide stop, firing pin stop, ejector, magwell, and a 7075 black anodized aluminum grip.
The DS40 TT Comp Pistol includes a Koenig hammer, sear, disconnector, Wolff Springs, custom machined aluminum trigger shoe, and a one-piece stainless guide rod.
The Pistol features a 2.5 lb. trigger pull. It will ship with a pull weight between 2 lbs. 6 oz. – 2 lbs. 10 oz. and will relax to 2 lbs. after the gun is broken in. The FGW slide serrations with slide cuts create less reciprocating mass. Each gun is hand-built, including lapping the slide/frame interface, and comes competition-ready in a custom MPA single pistol case with a lifetime warranty.
Travis Tomasie
Tomasie is a multiple World- and National- IPSC and USPSA champion. He is an Army Veteran and former member of the US Army Marksmanship Unit. He has been featured and prominently starred on TV’s “MythBusters,” “Shooting USA,” “Gallery of Guns,” and a host of other shows.
In addition, Tomasie founded his training academy, where he teaches various students in many segments, including competition, self-defense, beginners, and military and law enforcement. Tomasie has coached and mentored many of today’s top shooters to remarkable success, including numerous national championship victories, one of the most dynamic and engaging teachers in the industry.
If you’d like to know more about the MPS DS40 Competition Pistol or more of their products head over to MasterPiece Arms’ website here.
The Springfield XDM Elite 10mm was released in late September 2021 as a compact carry pistol option with more “horsepower” than its predecessors.
There are two versions initially available:
• the XD-M Elite 3.8 in. Compact OSP with Hex Dragonfly optic, or
• the XD-M Elite 3.9 in. Compact OSP without optic
Though the latter version is a slick-top, it does have a plate in place to mount an optic with the appropriate footprint later. Springfield OSP, if you’re not familiar, stands for Optical Sight Pistol. It’s their designator for those handguns that feature a production RDS/reflex sight situs judi slot online gampang menang mount friendly slide. This means it will accept the optic of your choice using interchangeable optics mounting plates.
The initial release announcing the new handgun read in part:
Combining potent power with cutting-edge performance, the new XD-M® Elite 3.8” Compact OSP 10mm provides concealed carry users with an outstanding defensive pistol option. Compact yet powerful, the pistol packs in 11+1 rounds of 10mm and is available with or without a HEX Dragonfly red dot. An optional 15-round extended magazine https://aseansafeschoolsinitiative.org/ is also available.
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Springfield XDM Elite 10mm
Specs and Features Per Springfield Armory
Compact yet powerful, the pistol packs in 11+1 rounds of the popular 10mm round. Featuring fully ambidextrous controls, the excellent META trigger, removable short flared magwell, and much more, the new XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP 10mm harnesses fight-stopping performance in an extremely capable CCW-sized package. With its extended magwell removed, the pistol can also accept full-size 15-round magazines with backstrap-compatible grip sleeves.
The 10mm chambering of the new pistol offers magnum-level performance in a compact semi-auto package. Delivering flat trajectories and impressive velocity, the 10mm makes for an extremely capable CCW pistol with remarkable ballistic capabilities.
• 3.8 in. Match Grade Barrel
The new XD-M Elite 3.8” Compact OSP™ 10mm’s 3.8″ hammer-forged barrel is designed to deliver long life and match-grade accuracy when it counts.
• Ambi Slide Stop
Delivering fully ambidextrous controls for the pistol, the XD-M Elite 3.8” Compact OSP 10mm sports an ambidextrous slide stop for both left- and right-handed shooters.
• Removable Magwell
The XD-M Elite Compact comes with a short magwell for ultra-fast and intuitive magazine changes. In addition to the flush-fitting 11-round magazines that come with the pistol, you can also employ optional full-size 15-round magazines with a “grip sleeve” by removing the magwell.
The XD-M Elite family comes with the META (Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly) system, giving you the finest trigger available in a polymer-framed pistol.
The advantage of 10mm ballistics (~ish) as described by Springfield Armory: “Offering magnum-level power in a compact semi-auto pistol package, the XD-M Elite 3.8″ Compact OSP 10mm delivers capable CCW power. With flat trajectories and impressive velocity, the 10mm is renowned for its performance.” Note to the dubious or curious: check out SAAMI’s 10mm cartridge standards if you’d like to get a little more with it. The XDM Elite 10mm compact OSP from Springfield ArmoryThe “Hex Dragonfly” is a reflex sight from Springfield Armory. It features a 3.5 MOA dot with a 16-hour auto-off feature to keep your batteries alive if the optic is left powered on. It is described as being capable of “…over 100,000 hours on its lowest power”. SA says that in real-life use, “…users can expect approximately 3 years of battery life”.
