5.7×28 has been around for years, thanks to FN. Even so, some people are just now discovering it thanks to some newer products from CMMG, like the CMMG Banshee. The gent over on the VSO Gun Channel thinks you should take a good look at the 5.7×28 and even stacked it up against the ever-popular 5.56×45 in a short barrel configuration. He addressed the round and explains why you should give it a go if you haven’t already.
Admittedly, the 5.7×28 is an uncommon round.
It was designed for the FN P90 rifle with fast-burning powder, but lots of people do not enjoy the stick magazine that goes with the P90. With the release of the CMMG 5.7 magazine, it allows your AR rifle to shoot 5.7 — with a 5.7 upper, that is. But how would the 5.7 compare to the 5.56?
VSO really wanted to compare the .22lr, 5.7×28, and the 5.56×45 as the 5.7 falls in the middle. Ultimately, he excluded the .22lr round because it’s a non-combat rimfire round, even though commenters of the videos say that .22Mag or 9mm would be a better comparison. VSO goes on to say that .22lr is outdated and has been riddled with reliability issues throughout the years. The 5.7×28 round is a centerfire cartridge that has a higher quality projectile as well.
The VSO Gun Channel did a comparison between a short-barreled 5.56×45 and a standard length 5.7×28 CMMG upper, which are roughly the same length on an AR platform. Between the two, he still likes his 5.56 but thinks the 5.7 option is good for secondary targets.
The magazines from CMMG have the same general appearance as an AR mag, but hold 40 rounds of 5.7×28 ammo. They have a small texture on the front of the mag and hold the bolt open on the last round but don’t fall free. Then why would you want to run them in an AR? It essentially comes down to the fact that with the CMMG upper, it is more compact and lighter than its 5.56×45 counterpart—including the suppressor. When you throw in having a lower papered as an SBR (short-barreled rifle for those that don’t know), having the upper adds to the overall latitude of configuration options for the firearm, including full auto if applicable.
VSO wanted to compare the short-barreled 5.7 to both .22lr and 5.56×45. However, he deemed the .22lr inferior, with its notorious reliability issues. But one commenter of the video thought that a 9mm and 5.7 comparison would be better.
The 5.7 round has a reputation of being one that screams. The cartridges are designed to shoot out of the short barrel and CMMG has options for either a 5” or 8” barrel length. VSO decided to use barrel lengths that were similar for the 5.56 and the 5.7. Whether or not it’s obvious, the suppressors are different. The 5.7 round can be shot through a smaller rimfire suppressor (in most cases) whereas the 5.56 would need a rifle suppressor.
Testing the Rounds
VSO compared the two rounds during the day and the night. The night testing showed the light signature of both the 5.56 and the 5.7 was significantly lower when shot suppressed vs not suppressed. However, the 5.7 had far less signature in both applications. Then he did something that was either brave or idiotic when he shot two rounds of 5.56 through his Bowers USS .22lr suppressor. Thankfully nothing crazy happened.
One of the tests VSO performed was testing the light signature at night. While both options had smaller signatures while suppressed, the 5.7 had significantly less.
Major Positive take-homes
The 5.7 configuration is shorter overall length than the 5.56
5.7×28 ammunition is more compact and lighter
Suppressors designed for 5.7×28 are generally lighter and smaller
Less recoil thanks to the lighter reciprocating mass in the operating system
Package is good to deal with secondary or tertiary targets
The 5.7 was designed by FN to shoot out of a short barrel with a fast-burning powder and a softer punch. But most people don’t like the stick mag of the FN P90 so when CMMG came out with their 5.7×28 upper and mag options, it opened the door to more people to enjoy the round in an AR platform.
Downsides of 5.7
Ammunition is not super common and may take some calling around to find it in local stores.
Not all ammo loads are created equal and he recommends either Vanguard Outfitter or FN57 branded ammunition.
In short, the 5.7×28 is a great compact option and even a majority of the commentators of the video agreed. Even so, he’ll probably stay with the 5.56×45 as his primary option.
When someone says AK or Kalashnikov, we can all picture that rifle in our minds. It’s that universal. The AK12 from Kalashnikov, used by the Russian military, is not far off either. The gents over at Ultimate Weapons and Gun Breakers give some good background as well as abuse testing to see how it stacks up to its predecessor.
The AK12, in case you didn’t know, is one of the latest iterations from the Kalashnikov Group chambered in 5.45×39. It’s essentially the updated and modern version of the AK47. The AK12 came to be in 2011 by the Izhmash factory for the RATNIK trial by the Russian Army. After those trials, it was further developed by the Kalashnikov Group and received modifications and changes so that the rifle would meet military needs.
The AK12 went through extremely rigorous testing to be adopted by the Russian military. What came out of those tests is now a high standard for future rifles to meet.
The main things that needed to be addressed were the concern of the overall cost to manufacture as well as the issues with accuracy and reliability in the original version in full auto. Several revisions to the rifle helped pare down the list of defects and concerns in the original versions.
After rigorous testing, it completed operational field testing in June of 2017, and again in December 2017 and was adopted in January of 2018 by the Russian military.
With a cyclic rate of 700 rounds a minute, this 415mm barreled rifle has a maximum range of 800 meters. The rifle also comes with standard 30 round magazines that have windows to help see the number of rounds left in the mag. Not only do they work with AK12 mags, but they are also compatible with AK74 magazines. To round out the features of the AK12, it has an adjustable stock, a large firing selector, and a cleaning kit tucked into the grip.
But how does the AK12 hold up to abuse? Well, Georgiy Gubich, a Kalashnikov specialist at Gun Busters, took on the challenge. In full protection gear that includes a flack vest, they started out with 1,000 rounds of ammunition, stacks of 30 round magazines and proceeded to do mag dumps in full auto.
Hot takeaways
After 60 rounds, smoke can be seen coming out of the barrel
After 180 rounds, smoke increases
After 390 rounds, the barrel is red hot and has a glowing muzzle brake
After 510 rounds, there are visible flames coming out of the handguards
After 680 rounds, sparks and flames burst from rifle and the test ends
The AK12 held up surprisingly well in the stress test. After nearly 500 rounds, the barrel and muzzle brake started glowing red.
Georgiy runs magazine after magazine, not letting the rifle cool down. He notes the presence of smoke that doesn’t dissipate at 180 rounds. After shooting a constant 480 rounds, he notes the strong smell of plastic with the smoke still emanating from the rifle. When he hits the 510 round mark, there are visible flames coming out of the handguard, but he notes that there is no change in the rate of fire. Larger flames and muzzle flames start showing up around the 570 round mark. Once the rifle reaches the 620 round mark, Georgiy quips that he’s gone blind and then subsequently deaf after the 650 round mark. The barrel burst and is on fire at the 680 round mark, thus ending the abuse test.
Georgiy then extinguishes the flames and cools down the rifle to get a better look at it. He says that having a burst barrel is common in 5.45 or 5.56 rifles because of the thermal expansion which causes the bore to get tighter and slows down the bullets. The pressure shock happens and the barrel breaks at the stress point. Even with all the fire present in the test, the bolt and carrier are unchanged along with the muzzle brake.
Withstanding 680 straight rounds with no cooldown, the AK12’s barrel bursts and send sparks and flames into the air. But it survived three times the number of rounds it needed to based on standards from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Overall, the rifle withstood 680 rounds in rapid succession, which is three times the number required by the Ministry of Defense for the rifle. Not only that, but that number is 100 rounds higher than what the AK74 stood up to. Looks like the Russian military has a solid gun to work with.
Want to watch the overview video for yourself? Check out the Ultimate Weapon video here:
But if you want to see an AK12 catch on fire and ultimately burst, check out this one from the Kalashnikov Group:
So, guess what? CMMG has released three firsts with one gun. First, the FourSix is the first AR platform to chamber the 4.6x30mm round. The second first is the first civilian firearm to utilize the 4.6x30mm cartridge. The third first is the first use of the new micro length gas system that uses CMMG’s patent-pending Micro gas block. The 4.6x30mm is one of two PDW calibers: the OG of PDW calibers of course is the 5.7x28mm cartridge. We’ll address 4.6mm vs 5.7mm in a bit.
FN was smart and released 5.7 caliber guns like the Five-SeveN pistol and the PS90 to the civilian market, but HK has never even considered releasing a civilian MP7. The round has languished in the civilian market, even though Fiocchi makes plenty of it. The FourSix is an Mk4 AR pistol version of the CMMG Banshee.
Note that CMMG also made a 5.7 Banshee, so this isn’t an all-or-nothing deal.
The little Banshee sure as hell wails.
CMMG FourSix Review
Why would I, as a civilian, choose the 4.6x30mm over the 5.7? Well, mainly because 4.6x30mm can be cheaper. Significantly cheaper than 5.7×28 because it doesn’t require the lacquer coating the 5.7x28mm has. The big difference currently is all about economy of scale, so if the 4.6 gets more popular, the ammunition could be cheaper than the 5.7×28.
Now, this is my first real experience with 4.6x30mm, and obviously, my first experience with the CMMG FourSix, and I honestly think this could be a fantastic home defense platform.
But Why Not Just 9mm?
Why use 4.6x30mm over a simple 9mm subgun? I have a 9mm Banshee, and I love it. Is 4.6x30mm ever going to be 9mm cheap? I can’t say, but it will take a long time for it to reach 9mm prices. However, there is a reason these PDW rounds were developed. NATO wanted a round that outperformed the 9mm from an SMG-style platform. The main concern was max range and armor-piercing capability.
The 4.6x30mm isn’t quite a rifle round, but it flies faster and further than any 9mm. The 4.6x30mm flies at a speed of 1,900 feet per second with my cheap Fioochi loads. It flies much further than the 9mm. At 100 yards, the 9mm can have a foot of drop! With the 4.6X30mm, I’m seeing about 4 inches with the 4.6x30mm out of the CMMG FourSix.
The 4.6x30mm finally has a civillian platform to worm its way into.
The CMMG FourSix packs an eight-inch barrel, and honestly, I’m using a red dot, but I think a 1-4X LPVO or even a 3x or 4x prism would be a superior option to take advantage of the gun’s accuracy and max range. At 100 yards, in a good stable position, I’m scoring beautiful headshots on an IPSC target.
The 8-inch barrel is topped with a CMMG SV Brake for even more recoil reduction.
It’s not a proper rifle round, so you won’t get the same superb accuracy out of it as a 1 MOA 5.56 rifle. However, it’s easily accurate enough for practical applications. I can quickly kill coyotes at that range with decent headshots. That spitzer-style bullet and retained velocity ensure good penetration.
CMMG FourSix in Detail
The CMMG FourSix uses the AR platform we all know and love. In terms of changes to the gun for the 4.6x30mm, there aren’t many. First, the magazines are proprietary, but they are built in the shape and design of a standard 5.56 magazine. This allows the magazines to function in a Mil-Spec lower receiver so you can purchase a CMMG build kit and build your own FourSix.
The CMMG FourSix magazine (there are 10-round and 40-round mag options) fits Mil-Spec AR 15 lowers and magazine pouches.
Additionally, these magazines fit AR 15 magazine pouches without issue. This opens up your ability to carry spares with ease. The CMMG 4.6x30mm magazines hold 40 rounds of 4.6x30mm and interact without issue with your last round bolt hold open.
The magazine design is smart and gives you 40 rounds of 4.6x30mm.
The gun utilizes an 8-inch barrel, which taps out the velocity of the 4.6x30mm round. At the end of that barrel sits a CMMG SV brake. The FourSix comes with an M-LOK handguard, a CMMG/SB Tactical RipBrace and tube, as well as a Magpul pistol grip. The ergonomics are standard AR-15 with ambidextrous safety and massive charging handle.
CMMG makes the gun available in a variety of Cerakote finishes.
Like any CMMG AR, the FourSix is exceptionally well made. The receiver fit is tight, the castle nut is staked, and the handguard isn’t moving. Also, it uses the standard direct impingement system like every other rifle caliber AR-15.
The controls include an ambidextrous safety and charging handle.
The use of CMMG’s new micro length gas system and micro gas block make the FourSix a fascinating design that doesn’t require a blowback action. The FourSix is super lightweight at only five pounds and six ounces.
Using 4.6 for Home Defense
Is the CMMG FourSix the best choice for home defense? Best is relative, and I’d say a 5.56 rifle is likely best for most people. However, if you are a petite person, someone with strength issues, or disabled, I’m more likely to recommend the 4.6x30mm to the 5.56 or even the 9mm. If you don’t plan to train, the 4.6x30mm is also quite handy.
Shooting with speed is easy and my sub-1.5-second failure to stop drill proves it.
At the range, the gun barely even moved between shots. I started firing combating drills like failure to stop, box drills, and the VTAC 1-5 drill. The gun barely moves between shots. It handles like a loud 22 LR, to be honest. I could shoot blazingly fast and accurately. With the light recoil, my double-taps were nearly on top of each other.
Anyone can shoot the 4.6x30mm due to its light recoil and non-existent muzzle rise.
For failure to stop drills, I was scoring below 1.5 seconds at 15 yards. I dropped rounds directly into the -0 of the head and chest of my targets. The super-light recoil and the non-existent muzzle rise make it very easy to control. The fact the gun is light and short also helps keep things sweet and easy to control. I can dump long strings of fire into the target with the gun barely moving.
I might need that because, ultimately, the 4.6x30mm doesn’t have the energy of a 5.56, and expansion isn’t nearly as good as a 9mm. The main advantage is good penetration and the fact the round tumbles. The 4.6x30mm penetrates deep enough to kill but relies a lot on shot placement and lots of rounds. The 40 round magazines and easy-to-control design make it easy to put several rounds into an attacker with absolute ease.
At 50 yards the accuracy was impressive enough for repeated headshots.
I fired the 9mm Banshee side by side with the 4.6x30mm FourSix Banshee, and the difference in recoil is night and day. The 4.6x30mm delivers much lower recoil and gives me 40 angry little bees in the magazine. Handling the FourSix with a single hand shows a serious advantage to the 4.6x30mm in terms of control and accuracy.
The Navy SEALs, specifically DevGru guys, use the MP7 with the 4.6x30mm round and have put lots of bad guys in the ground. They went on the bin Laden raid and have turned lots of terrorists into good terrorists. According to the limited information on DevGru post-ops, it seems like more is better with the MP7. They often dump a controlled burst into the bad guy.
With a well-supported position headshots at 50 yards are possible.
Does that mean it’s necessary? Well, maybe. But to be fair, if someone is worth shooting once, they are worth shooting over and over. You don’t shoot once, pause, and make sure the bad guy is still a bad guy. You can shoot a half dozen rounds in a second, which might be pretty tempting in a violent encounter.
Penetration Concerns
The big advantage of the 5.56 round is the fact that it tends to tumble and lose energy quickly through drywall. Buckshot and 9mm tend to keep popping through, but 5.56 tumbles. 4.6x30mm, in theory, should do the same. The little 4.6x30mm should strike, tumble, lose energy and help prevent overpenetration. The best way to prevent over-penetration is not to miss, and the CMMG FourSix makes that easy, but crap happens.
CMMG brings the PDW home; release MSRP? $1,399.95.
Call me a fan. I hope the CMMG FourSix becomes a success and more and more companies produce 4.6x30mm firearms. I want to see the price drop for ammunition, and I think the 4.6x30mm could be a great round, in short, PDW-type platforms. The CMMG FourSix will certainly help the 4.6’s case as a fantastic firearm.
Does the 4.6x30mm appeal to you? Yes? No? Let us know below what you think.
CMMG FourSix
From the release: “CMMG is proud to announce the release of the FourSix™, the first-ever AR to hit the civilian market chambered in 4.6x30mm. With an impressive 40-round magazine capacity, light recoil, and great penetration at close distances, CMMG’s FourSix is here to reimagine the Personal Defense Weapon.” Also from the release: ‘The 4.6x30mm round is best known for its superior penetration at close distances and for its extremely flat-shooting ballistics out to 150 yards. With its lightweight characteristics and relatively small dimensions, the 4.6x30mm cartridge allows the shooter to carry more ammo, which means more follow-up shots when needed most. The soft recoil, combined with a modified direct-impingement operating system, allows users to make rapid shots down range and on target. First introduced in 1999, the 4.6x30mm cartridge is known for its pairing with the Heckler & Koch MP7. By design, the 4.6x30mm is a relatively small and lightweight cartridge with minimal felt recoil meant to compete with the 5.7x28mm. There has never been a 4.6x30mm chambered firearm released in the U.S. civilian market until now. “
“[The] FourSix is built on the company’s BANSHEE Mk4 platform while pioneering new technologies with its patent-pending Micro Gas Block and patent-pending CMMG 40RD 4.6x30mm Magazine. It comes standard with an 8-inch barrel and features AR-15 controls and modularity. Best of all, the magazine will seat into a standard AR-15 sized magwell, which means users can pair an existing AR-15 lower receiver with a CMMG FourSix upper receiver and the patent-pending CMMG 40RD 4.6x30mm Magazine, giving you the opportunity to ship FourSix components directly to your home.” CMMG
Currently, there is a staggering selection of pistols that are very small and lightweight, carry quite a few rounds, and can easily be dropped into a pocket. It’s the trend these days, and many shooters eat them up. And for lots of people, these tiny pistols fill the bill nicely for defensive purposes. I have a couple of smaller pistols myself. In light of this, why would I choose a Glock 19X as my next handgun? Surely, there are lighter, smaller choices for concealment.
As mentioned, I already have that base covered, and I intended to fill another niche; I was after a fighting pistol that could allow me to prevail in a hostile environment. If that pistol happened to be relatively concealable, that would be an added bonus.
Pistol, weaponlight, handheld light, and Emerson CQC-6. The Total Package!
Let’s face it, if we’re expecting real trouble, we’re going to bring something a bit more serious than a pistol to the fight (better still, we’d avoid the fight altogether). That is assuming things are ideal. Which, thanks to Murphy’s Law, they usually are not. Pistol bullets are not efficient bad-guy-stoppers due to their generally low velocity.
On the other hand, it’s not always convenient or possible to have a long gun with us, and so the pistol is frequently the tool that we have to work with, which brings me to the point of this article.
Glock 19X
What is now the Glock 19X was initially submitted to the military as a competitor for their XM17 MHS (Modular Handgun System) a few years back. The point of the pistol was to be a standard-issue sidearm for use in enclosed spaces, such as with vehicle crew members, for example. The pistol needed to have substantial magazine capacity (it certainly does) and be supremely reliable (it certainly is). A manual safety was included on the military submissions, but Glock elected to omit the safety on the pistol that is sold to civilians.
Ultimately, the military chose the Sig P320 for reasons I won’t reiterate here, although the word on the street is that cost was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It’s likely that a book could be written about all the details of the Service Trials, and my purpose is not to plow that row again. Suffice to say, both the Sig and the Glock are great handguns, and I know many people who own and are happy with both brands. I really like the Glock for the reasons that I’m about to go into momentarily. The fact that well over half of the law enforcement agencies in the US (along with some military units) issue Glock firearms also doesn’t hurt.
Tech Specs
The technical specifications of the 19X are a barrel of 4.02 inches, weight (with empty magazine) is 24.83 ounces, and a height of 5.47 inches.
To simplify those dry technical specs above, the 19X has the grip of a Glock 17 and the slide of a Glock 19. Full-size grip, shorter slide.
At first, many in the shooting community came close to experiencing nervous breakdowns, and antacids were being consumed by the 55-gallon drumful to quell the indigestion that this caused. You see, many shooters wanted the opposite; a shorter grip (all the better to conceal the pistol with) and a longer slide (longer sight radius to hit faraway targets with).
But did they really know what they wanted? Fast forward to the present day, and we see that hordes of gun people are singing the praises of the 19X and its “backward” anatomy. I personally know a couple of dozen people who are in love with the 19X in a big way. Well, what in the world happened to turn peoples’ opinions around?
To better understand it, let’s harken back to around 1970 when the Combat Commander concept was put into the flesh (or, shall we say, into the steel). It comprised a 1911 with a…wait for it…full-sized grip and short slide!
The same concept applies to the Glock 19X (as well as the Glock 43X) as it did to the Combat Commander. A full-sized grip allows a good purchase on the grip as well as a full load of ammunition.
The shorter slide accomplishes a few things.
First, it clears the holster faster because there is obviously less slide to drag out of that holster, and in a gunfight, that fraction of a second could very well make all the difference. A faster draw stroke is always a Good Thing. The difference between the slide length of the G19 and the G17 is approximately one-half inch, with the G19 obviously being shorter.
The front of the slide and frame are both beveled, making reholstering easier than earlier models that lacked these features. Also note the Coyote Brown finish.
Next, the shorter slide allows the shooter to index targets faster. Again, there is less slide to be swinging around, and at close range, the user can aim in faster. Is it a huge advantage? Not dramatically, but as with the faster draw stroke, we’re shaving fractions of a second off of our reaction time, and that can add up. As such, the shorter slide helps on both of these fronts.
Critics wailed about the shorter sight radius and how it would be detrimental to accuracy. The question one has to ask is, how far does he plan on engaging targets? Even at extended ranges, the Glock 19 length slide can engage as well as most other combat pistols out there, so the shorter slide is not a massive handicap. When weighing the pros and cons, I’ll go with the shorter slide because it’s handier, faster, and still gets the job done quite well, thank you very much!
Looking at all of these factors, Glock has not come up with a new, novel concept with the “X” series, in that it was invented decades ago. However, I give them credit for re-embracing the concept and incorporating it into their line of firearms. They went against the grain and came up with a better product for it.
As mentioned, if I were looking for a Glock to simply carry with defensive use and concealability in mind, I’d go with the Glock 43X (as a point of fact, that is exactly the route I went with) or a Glock 19. Both are capable pistols. However, because of the reasons mentioned earlier, I went with the 19X. This article is, therefore, a bit of a comparison, at least in the philosophies of the missions that pistols cover.
Glock 19X Extras
Backstraps
Four interchangeable backstraps are included with the 19X to fit various hand sizes and shapes—two for medium and two for large-sized hands. One each of the medium and large size have a beavertail configuration for users who wish for such a grip. I will say that these backstraps are very nice. They are installed by driving out a pin in the grip of the pistol, snapping the backstrap into place, and then reinserting the pin. It’s easy enough to accomplish. Personally, I haven’t installed any of them, as I wanted the smallest grip possible for my medium-sized hands. The grip is already substantial and I did not wish to add any more length toward reaching the trigger.
That said, even my medium hands have no problem getting a nice grip on this 19X. For me, it’s not quite as comfortable as my 43X, which has a slimmer grip that I’ve found to be my very favorite grip among Glocks.
Glock 19X with Glock 43X underneath. The 43X is slightly smaller all around, but the size difference is not as huge as you might think.
However, when firing the 19X, that extra grip girth gives the advantage of spreading out the recoil over a larger area, translating into better control. Not that the 9mm in a full-sized handgun is anywhere close to a problem to control, but more control is always better. The 19X’s grip does not have the finger grooves that some other Glock models have, and many of us are happy that they have been omitted. The RTF (Rough Textured Finish) is used on the grip, and it does a superb job of providing traction when gripping the pistol without being obnoxious to the skin.
Steel Sights
Other additional items come standard with the 19X, and these really put it ahead of other offerings from Glock. The first items that I was really excited about it coming standard with are steel night sights. Bravo, Glock! These should be standard with every single pistol that they sell. They are a very simple 3-dot affair that is powered by Tritium, and their nighttime glow is very bright.
The Steel Tritium three-dot sights come standard on the 19X, a most welcome addition.
All in all, I love these sights (in case you haven’t already picked up on my enthusiasm). Being steel construction, they are very robust and allow the pistol to perform in all conditions. One of the only things that Glock lovers complain about loudly is the Polymer sights that most of their pistols are equipped with, and Glock has eliminated that issue with the 19X.
Magazines
To sweeten the deal even more, Glock has included a total of three magazines with the 19X (most Glocks come with one spare magazine). These magazines deserve special mention because some thought has gone into them, and they are truly stellar. One is a 17-round, flush-fitting magazine, the same as their Glock 17 magazine, so there’s nothing earth-shattering here. However, the other two magazines have factory-installed +2 baseplates, bringing their capacity up to 19 rounds.
On the left is the 17-round mag, the 19-rounder is on the right.
With one of these in the mag well and a round in the chamber, the user now has 20 rounds of 9mm on tap, and that’s nothing to sneeze at! With all the included magazines and a round in the chamber, we have 56 rounds with us.
The 19 round magazine is in place. The extension does add a bit of length to the butt of the grip. 19+1 rounds is extraordinary for a handgun! The 17 round magazine is next to the 19 rounder for comparison
These magazines all wear the same color as the 19X; Coyote Brown. The color coordination is nice and the overall color of the pistol and mags is quite fetching in my opinion. I’ll admit it’s part of what attracted me to the 19X initially. In this day and age of so many pistols being black, this color was a pleasant departure. The 19X’s slide wears a coating of nPVD that sort of resembles a bronze color and closely resembles the Coyote Brown, which prohibits corrosion. It seems to work well and be durable because I’ve not had an issue of corrosion with my pistol. And Glock is known for the durability of their finishes, so this one is good to go.
Getting back to the magazines, I really have to give serious kudos to Glock in this department, and not just for the 19X, but for all their pistols. I’ve been through a number of shooting schools and training over the years, and one thing has become blatantly apparent: Glock magazines can take one hell of an ass-kicking and come out on the other side asking for more. I’ve seen them slammed onto concrete floors during mag changes countless times and I’ve yet to see one give up the ghost. Magazines from other brands of pistols frequently are not even close in the durability department. For this, Glock gets the highest marks. Perhaps it’s the fact that they have a Polymer outer layer over top of the metal insert. It seems to absorb impacts better than magazines that only have metal construction.
Admittedly, the +2 extensions do add some length to the grip, and considering that this is a Glock 17 grip already, the length that they add is definitely going to affect concealability. In short, that grip with the mag extension is a handful, which is why Glock meant for these to be spare magazines, intended for use when the fecal matter hits the fan. I personally carry a standard magazine when carrying concealed and keep the 19-rounders as spares. Once a battle begins, and if a mag has to be changed, I’m not going to care how far the extension hangs out the bottom of that magwell. As it is, 17+1 rounds in a carry pistol is more than adequate.
One criticism that I have (as do many others) is that Generation 5 Glock magazines cannot be used in the 19X. This is because of a solid tab on the front of the magazine well, and the Gen 5 mags have a baseplate that sticks out, which won’t allow the magazine to seat in the 19X magwell. I was told that this tab on the grip was requested by the military. There is an easy fix: simply replace the Gen 5 baseplates with those of earlier generations, which would be an advantage if you have a pile of Gen 5 mags that you’d like to use in the 19X. As an aside, 19X mags will work in other Glock generations, including Gen 5 pistols.
More Features and Extras
One item that I removed immediately was the lanyard loop from the magwell, as I do not foresee having a need for it, and it would be more in the way than being of any use. Those in the military, especially operators working from heights or above water, would benefit from the lanyard loop to keep from losing the pistol.
There is an ambidextrous slide release, which many will consider to be a useful feature. Aside from lefties, many of us train to shoot from either side.
The trigger on the 19X is pretty good, as well. The takeup is smooth and the break is clean, making it a pleasure to use. No, it’s not a competition 1911 trigger that breaks like a glass rod, but for a striker-fired pistol, it is a joy. Especially when compared to the triggers from earlier Glocks, this one is much improved. The weight at which it breaks is around five pounds.
All controls are standard Glock; mag release, slide release, takedown lever.
As with all other Glock pistols, the 19X comes in a plastic case. This particular one is Coyote Brown and matches the pistol and magazines perfectly. It comes complete with a magazine loader and a cleaning rod & brush, along with a gun lock. All in all, it rounds out the package nicely.
The GMB (Glock Marskman Barrel) comes standard, which Glock claims enhances the accuracy of their pistols. It appears to work well, as the 19X is a very accurate pistol. To put it bluntly, it’s just a very “shootable” pistol! The recoil is surprisingly soft, the action is super smooth, with minimal muzzle flip, and it just puts the rounds where you want them. Glock really hit a home run on this one!
At the Range
At the range, the 19X made an excellent showing. There were a series of steel plates that showed themselves and simply had to be engaged. With the 19X, I had an enjoyable time making them ring with regularity. At 20 yards, it was child’s play to ring them almost as fast as I could pull the trigger, proving that this pistol does precisely what it is intended to do, which is to rapidly and accurately engage targets.
As far as accuracy goes, the Glock 19X is more accurate than my aging eyes are. Groups of just over two inches at 25 yards from a rest are not unheard of, though, and better shooters will undoubtedly achieve better results than I’m capable of.
Some simple shooting drills proved that the 19X will engage multiple targets very quickly. Moving from target to target is a joy, given the short slide.
This pistol is a real joy to fire, and it really became addicting; we didn’t want to stop shooting! Unfortunately, with the state of ammunition being what it is these days (difficult to find and worth its weight in gold), we had to reign ourselves in far sooner than we’d have liked to. Ammo hoarding because of uncertain times is, at the time of this writing, a major thing.
That said, the 19X handles like a dream. It’s hard to explain, but it has a sort of unique feel to it, unlike most other Glocks. It seems that the hand-filling Glock 17 handle, coupled with the Glock 19 slide, gives it this unique feel. One description I’d use is that it feels “handy,” in that it is quick-handling, which I attribute to the shorter barrel. It just feels right. Beyond that, you’re going to have to try one out for yourself to truly get the feel of one.
The 19X shines for the military, law enforcement, or armed citizen! The capacity gives it versatility. Engaging targets quickly was easy with the 19X, even in full kit.
The more I handle this pistol, the more I like it. The way it looks and handles is outstanding. I believe one major factor in the lack of recoil and smoothness in shooting is attributed to the double captive recoil spring that Glock is now using. The unit works like a charm, and the fact that the pistol is full-sized doesn’t hurt either, and goes a long way toward its soft shooting nature. As I remember back to the late 1980’s when I bought a Glock 17 when they first began being imported into the country, I marvel at how far they have advanced.
Is the Glock 19X superior to the Glock 19 and Glock 17?
For its intended role as a combat pistol, I believe so. It combines the best of both pistols without sacrificing much aside from the 19’s concealability.
Granted, the 19X is not the best pistol for concealed carry, but it certainly can be concealed. I’ve carried it on many occasions and had no major problem concealing it. These days, we’re spoiled with the tiny pistols that fit into a pocket, so some will consider the 19X to be the equivalent of a horse-drawn artillery piece. But those among us who hearken back to the days of the Sig P226, full-sized 1911s, and the Beretta M9, which we used to carry concealed, will scarcely have issues concealing the 19X.
Understand, I’ll not be carrying the 19X everywhere I go, as I have other handguns that fill the role better. But for certain situations, the 19X will be coming along with me, and that is comforting. Especially in colder weather when we wear bulky coats and for walks in the woods where concealment is not paramount. It is one of the most versatile, capable pistols on the market today as far as combat pistols are concerned.
Recently, the folks at We The People Holsters sent me one of their holsters for the 19X to review, and I’ve been carrying it in their holster (AIWB). I’m happy to report that the 19X carries well, although it is obviously heavier than my 43X and the butt of the grip extends out slightly more. Aside from that, it is not a problem to conceal and works well.
Despite its size, the 19X can be carried concealed without much trouble. Holster by We The People Holsters.
The extra mile that Glock went with the spare magazines, steel night sights, and the color really set this pistol apart from the company’s other offerings. At the time of this writing, my local gunshop had the 19X for $569. That’s around $100 more than most standard offerings from Glock. If we were to shop for those extra goodies and purchase them individually, the price tag would be well over $100, so the slightly higher price of the 19X is more than justified and represents a solid value. And even though this particular Glock is on the higher side for the company’s offerings, it’s still less expensive than many other combat pistols from other manufacturers on the market.
All in all, you’re getting an accurate combat pistol that is uber-reliable for a reasonable price. It handles like a dream and covers significant bases. The grip texture is comfortable and offers a solid purchase that cements it into the shooter’s hand. The extra features that are included just sweeten the deal that much more. Were I heading into trouble and had a choice of any pistol, the 19X would be my pick.
Give one a try, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that the 19X is a champion, along with legions of other shooters who have already decided.
Glock Perfection might be the worst marketing Glock could use. Glocks are great guns, easily some of the simplest, most reliable firearms on the market. The problem is people love to tinker, so jokes about ‘Glock’ perfection are often made after someone slams a few hundred bucks in upgrades onto their Glock pistol. On top of that, the market for Gucci Glocks has grown. Why buy and a gun and do the upgrades yourself when someone else will do it for you? That’s exactly what Adam Arms did with the AA19, their Glock 19 clone.
The AA19 comes from Adam Arms, an AR Centric company.
I know what you’re thinking. Adam Arms is a AR 15 company. Yep, very true, they make some fantastic piston guns, and that’s more or less their bread and butter. Well, until now. Calling the AA19 a Glock 19 clone is underselling it since Adam Arms went a fair bit further than just making a clone. They started from the ground up to produce an extremely high-quality handgun that can trace its lineage to the Glock 19.
The Glock 19 is the standard-bearer for a reason.
It’s like saying I’m a clone of my grandfather. We might share a common gene pool, but there are significant differences worth noting. Those differences are what we are going to talk about today.
How does the AA19 differ from the standard Glock 19?
Well, let’s find out.
The AA19 Trigger
“Just okay” perfectly describes your basic Glock trigger. It’s nothing fancy, but it works. Lots of people hate the sharp nature of the trigger and the safety dingus, and after a high round count day, I see why. The Glock trigger has never been bad. They are decidedly average, and that’s not bad praise for a stock gun.
The AA19 isn’t a stock gun — it comes with a Vickers Tactical Carry trigger. With this trigger, we get a metal trigger shoe, a flat face, and yes, we still get the safety dingus.
Glock triggers are A-Okay, but the AA19 features a superior trigger.
However, it’s a much more comfortable trigger overall. It doesn’t dig into your finger. The Vickers Tactical Carry trigger isn’t a crazy light trigger and is completely appropriate for defense or duty use.
It’s much smoother overall. Less grit and grime as it travels. We get a little take-up that’s noticeably smoother than the stock Glock trigger. The wall seems to take pounds to break, but just barely so. Overall the AA19 trigger is much smoother and superior to the Glock’s stock design.
The Entire Grip
The whole ass grip is better with the AA19. I won’t comment on finger groove because Glock wisely got rid of them on the Gen 5 guns. However, I will say the AA19’s use of the Polymer 80 grip module was wise. It’s not a pure PF940 grip and has been customized to Adam Arms standards.
We get the more American grip angle. By American, I mean 1911 like. Grip angle might not affect much besides personal comfort, but the difference bears mentioning. I prefer it personally.
Glock, fix yo grips!
The grip texture reaches extreme levels, stick, and stipple. The stock Glock grip texture is okay, but they get the stipple treatment for a reason—the AA19 rocks on with a very aggressive grip texture.
AA19 also did a double undercut with the trigger guard. It’s super aggressive and allows me to get my hand much higher on the gun. Seriously, at first grip, I thought they lengthened the grip. With a normal Glock 19, about half my pinky hangs over the edge of the grip.
Look at that gorgeous undercut.
With the AA19, my entire pinky sits on the grip. Outside of pinky height, the undercuts allow both my firing and support hand to get nice and high. A high grip means more control. That high grip works extremely well with the large beavertail at the rear of the grip. You can get your hand high without worrying about slide bite.
Seeing the Sights
Most of your Glock ranges from good to okay, but the sights, well, the sights just freakin’ suck. These plastic ‘target’ sights just plain suck. They always have, and I’m still surprised Glock clings to them.
Adam Arms utilizes a set of all black and all-metal sights from Ameriglo. Specifically, the Defoor EDC sights. These all-black sights are super easy to Dsee. All black sights aren’t for everyone, but I’m growing to like them.
Glock plastic vs. high-quality metal? Hmm, easy choice.
The front sight is nice and thin, and the rear sight is wide enough to provide plenty of air between the sights.
This makes the sights both fast and accurate at longer ranges. It’s a great setup overall that feels excellent for both close quarters shooting and longer range stuff. Plus, they aren’t made of cheap plastic, so you can drop them without worry.
The Slide
AA19 uses a very Gucci-slide with deep cuts into the slide for both front and rear serrations that are angled rearward and very easy to grip and grab. Over the top, we see a slight shoutout to reduce slide weight and to certainly look cool. Not a bad place to put the cut if you plan on attaching a muzzle device to the threaded barrel. This ensures a little bit more balance in this situation.
The Gucciness of the AA19 slide gives in a non Glock look for sure.
Glock slides are Glock slides. I have no complaints, and I doubt other people do too. I like the look and feel of the AA19’s slide, but a standard Glock 19 slide won’t get me kilt in the streetz.
Textures differ, and both work, but the AA19 is noticeably ‘grippier.’
The AA19 comes optics-ready and can work with a variety of plates to accommodate a wide variety of optics, like an absolute ton of different optics including Trijicon, Vortex, Holosun, Burris, Docter, and so many more. The Glock 19 MOS series provides the same option, so you can mount a wide variety of optics to a stock Glock as well.
A Real Rail
Glock’s rail is, well, it’s a rail. It’s not exactly a Picatinny rail. It can also, on occasion, require the use of special keys, like in the case of the Streamlight series of pistol weapon lights. It works, but the standard 1913 Picatinny rail present on the AA19 is an actual universal rail system. No special keys are needed, and this gives you the Glock 19 that isn’t snowflake-like.
The Barrel
Finally, a barrel is often a barrel, but the AA19 does utilize a match-grade barrel for superior accuracy. The new Gen 5 Glock 19’s utilize the new Marksman’s barrel that also enhances accuracy. I’d say the barrel quality is the same, but the AA19 has a slight edge.
It comes with a threaded barrel. You can easily attach a suppressor or compensator to the gun and go full Gucci.
A threaded barrel makes adding muzzle devices easy and a real rail makes adding light easy too.
What about the price?
The Adam Arms AA19 has an MSRP of $999. That’s on the higher end of the pistol spectrum, admittedly. The Glock 19 MOS costs about $650 for the Gen 5 model. So it’s cheaper, but how much cheaper when you factor in the price of the extra accessories.
Glock 19 MOS – $650
Ameriglo Sights – $45
Vickers Tactical Trigger – $41
Adam Arms Threaded Barrel – $150
Double Grip Undercut – $60
Extended Magazine Release – $27.99
Total Price – $973.99
This doesn’t count shipping or tax on the parts, pieces, and guns themselves. With that in mind, if you don’t want all the extras, then this doesn’t matter. You’ll have a competent pistol with the Glock 19 MOS. However, the Adam Arms 19 provides the extras at a reasonable price point if you want to take that route.
One’s decidedly average, the other kicks it up a notch. Neither are bad choices.
The good news is that capitalism provides options. With that said, which would you take? What accessories or features are a must-have for you? Let us know below!
Roller delayed blowback actions, and 9mms go together like extra cheese and pizza. The MP5 made it so, but since it’s not the 1980s, we’ve moved well beyond the 1911 or SMGs and PCCs. For example, we have the JP5. The JP5 is an AR-based roller delayed 9mm rifle designed with PCC competitions in mind. Obviously, JP5 sounds a lot like MP5, but JP Enterprises produces the rifle, so it’s clever marketing that happens to make sense.
If you’re not familiar with JP Enterprises, you are missing out. They build fantastic rifles that are often the cream of the crop in some competition circuits. The GMR-15 is used by something like over 20% of USPSA PCC shooters. The JP5 is a premium-grade follow-up of that rifle that tosses in a roller-delayed blowback system. Don’t get me wrong. JP Enterprises makes more than PCCs and competition guns. They have duty-grade rifles, AR 15s, AR 10s, bolt actions, 22LRs. Hell, just go check them out.
The JP5 is a full-sized rifle that is perfect for PCC competition.
Let’s get back to the JP5. There are three models of this gun, the All-Purpose, the Competition, and the Steel Challenge model. I have the Competition model that has an MSRP of $3,269 dollars. Yep, it’s an expensive gun, but it should be noted it’s not your standard PCC for plinking and range use. It’s a serious competition-grade gun and is priced accordingly.
Why a roller delayed system?
We all know simple blowback works exceptionally well and provides a reliable operating system for a pistol-caliber carbine. The downside to a blowback system is the rather harsh recoil it delivers. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like a 12 gauge or even painful in any way. However, the recoil is excessive for a pistol caliber. Direct blowback systems also require heavy bolts, or heavy buffer springs, or a combination of the two.
The rollers are built directly into the bolt and are the magic behind the JP5.
The JP5 uses a roller delayed system to reduce that recoil and eliminate the need for a heavy buffer spring or a heavy bolt. JP5 builds the rollers into the bolt of the weapon, and two rollers help delay the bolt from moving until chamber pressure drop to a safe enough level. It’s a neat system and compared to the Garrow Arms solutions, and it’s a fair bit simpler.
Beyond the Roller Delay
This isn’t a 3,000 dollar AR 9 packed with a roller delayed system and then a bunch of average parts and pieces. No, everything installed into the JP5 Competition rifle is premium grade. Starting at the barrel, the JP5 gives us a 14.5-inch stainless steel barrel with a massive compensator that’s pin and welded. However, it really looks like it’s a one-piece design. It’s insanely well done and installed/pinned in place well.
The JP5 is a super easy-to-use weapon that’s absurdly accurate and reliable.
The handguard is this massive JP Enterprises MKIII Rapid Configuration. It’s a big aluminum tube with M-LOK slots and a number of lightening holes. The handguard comes textured heavily, is lightweight, and provides an ergonomic option for mounting accessories and getting a grip. The furniture comes from Hogue and includes an adjustable stock as well as a Hogue pistol grip.
The JP5 controls are perfectly capable for lefties and righties.
The ergonomics, in general, are absolutely fantastic. The JP5 comes with completely ambidextrous controls. The magazine release, the bolt release, and the safety come ready for right or left-handed shooters. On top of that, the charging handle is a massive Radian Raptor and makes charging and clearing the weapon easy enough. The gun comes with last round bolt hold-open device and a beveled magazine well for quick reloads.
The JP5 features completely ambidextrous controls for easy manipulations.
At 6.1 pounds, it’s lightweight and is very handy. It’s what a PCC should be — light, easy to handle, and incredibly ergonomic. The design from the ground up is for competition, and it certainly shows. That being said, it’s tough not to say the JP5 couldn’t be adopted for home defense.
The big Radian charging handle is a nice touch.
At the Range
Holy crap, the JP5 is the lightest recoiling PCC I’ve ever handled. I tossed a Holosun AEMS on the gun, and my first few shots were zeroing the optic to the weapon. From the first shot, I was impressed by just how well the light recoiling the weapon was. It’s absolutely delightful. I was firing three rounds slowly to zero the gun, and the JP5 was also incredibly accurate.
The JP5 silent capture spring buffer setup is very nice as well.
One three-shot group was so tight I thought I initially missed two of the three rounds until I got close to the target. Zeroing took all of 9 rounds, including my confirmation group. Once we zeroed in, it was time to light it up.
This group was made at 50 yards! The JP5 is one helluva accurate PCC.
With a variety of fun targets setup, I committed to blasting through way too much 9mm. The JP5 trigger is the JP EZ trigger, and it’s incredibly light, short, and smooth. The trigger is 3.5 pounds on the light side, and that certainly contributes to the gun’s accuracy and helps you shoot it rapidly and accurately. Dishing out rapid double taps or long strings of fire in an accurate manner is easy.
I Wanna Go Fast
I fired five-round strings as fast as I possibly could at a 6-inch gong and landed all five shots with ease over and over again. That trigger is absolutely fantastic, and running fast splits wasn’t an issue. I ran through four gongs from 10 to 4 inches and did so in slightly less than three seconds. I did snapshots at 25 yards on the head of an ISPC target in under a second with repeatable accuracy.
Directing and shooting the JP5 is easy.
Sub three-second failure to stop drills wasn’t an issue, neither was a PCC modified Bill Drill. I shot the Bill Drill from 14 yards, starting at the low ready, and scored all six shots in the A-zone for the majority of my runs and did it right around 3 seconds for each run. With more time behind the gun, I’m sure I could trim a bit of time off of that.
The JP5 muzzle device is massive and makes the gun easy to control.
The reason you can go so fast with the JP5 involves the roller delayed system making it nearly recoil-free and the massive compensator that keeps the gun almost entirely still between shots. Seriously, my red dot barely rises off between shots, making it extremely controllable for fast and accurate shots on target. It’s crazy easy to control, and the JP5 is fantastic in that department.
Shooting Straight
The JP5 delivers some awesome accuracy as well. The stainless steel barrel certainly helps, as does the outstanding trigger. At 100 yards, your average 9mm PCC is challenged, but the JP5 seems to persevere. I used the AEMS reticle to elevate the dot and to compensate for bullet drop. I put the dot on the head of the IPSC target, and the rounds dropped right into his chest.
The JP5 handguard allows for a natural and complete grip for maximum control.
This was from the standing, and I went five for five in under 10 seconds at 100 yards with the JP5. My time was 7.59 seconds, and I felt quite good about that time. The fact that the gun barely rises between shots makes it easy to stay on target.
Reloads are quick and easy with the JP5.
At 50 yards, I went against a standard paper IPSC target in a supported kneeling position and fired three rounds. All three landed in the A-zone of the head of the target, and I stopped there. I didn’t want to ruin my streak at that point. I think the JP5 is one of the more practically accurate guns for competitive use.
Pop, Bang, Pow
The JP5 is accurate, fast, ergonomic, and also reliable. I dived through four hundred rounds of 9mm without a single complaint. When I pulled the trigger, the gun went bang. It didn’t matter the ammo or the magazine. The gun worked fine with ETS, KCI, Magpul, and Glock OEM magazines.
I love this gun. It’s so easy to handle and shoot. It makes me feel like I’m a better shooter than I actually am. I feel like it’s going to be tough to go back to a standard rifle after handling the JP5. It’s superbly sweet, and I can see why it demands such a high price point.
Bullpup shotguns used to be a rather weird, niche type of shotgun that would pop up and then fade away. Mossberg made a bullpup 500 series gun, High Standard had the Model 10, but then KelTec came along with the KSG. When the KSG came around, something clicked, and the concept became much more accepted. As a shotgun nerd, I’ve experimented with a variety of bullpup shotguns, and today we are doing a bullpup shotgun shootout with four of the best bullpup shotguns on the market.
Bullpup Shotguns — Why?
Bullpup shotguns make a lot of sense. Shotguns are close-quarters weapons that excel in bad breath ranges. In CQB, the smaller your weapon, the more maneuverable it is and the easier it is to use. With shotguns, you can see two routes to get a short shotgun. First, get a tax stamp, trim the barrel down a bit at the cost of ammo capacity, and call it a day.
Bullpup Shotguns keep things short and powerful.
That’s one way, but bullpup shotguns are the other. They shrink the platform to short barrel shotgun levels without the need for a tax stamp and without the need to trim ammo capacity. In fact, three of the four bullpup shotguns on this list have expanded capacity compared to most shotguns. These shotguns are shrunk to SBS levels but don’t require a tax stamp.
Into the Breach
So today, we have four of what I think are the best bullpup shotguns currently on the market. We are looking at the KelTec KS7, the Smith and Wesson M&P 12, the IWI TS 12, and the SRM 1216. We have two pump actions and two semi-autos with capacity varying from 7 to 16 rounds.
These 12 gauge blasters keep things short and sweet.
Unlike bullpup rifles, which tend to follow a similar layout, bullpup shotguns are all over the place in design and function. This makes them rather fascinating, and it feels like bullpup shotguns are at a phase where experimenting and the market will drive what becomes the best overall model that will drive the market in the future. So without further ado, let’s get down to our bullpup shotgun shootout.
1. KelTec KS7
The wee little KS7 is a descendant from the KSG and simplifies the design rather nicely. This single tube gun holds seven rounds and presents a very affordable bullpup blaster. This is about as close to a regular shotgun as you get on this list. The KS7 is super lightweight and shorter than a Mossberg Shockwave, yet you get a stock, seven rounds, and a weird but efficient mounting system for accessories.
The KS7 keeps things simple…and affordable
Bullpup shotguns are rarely this simple, but the KS7 is a nice break from more complicated guns. Simply load the tube, rack the pump, and you’re set. The controls are ambidextrous, and ejection is done through the bottom of the gun, ensuring both righties and lefties get their day in the sun.
Bottom feeding makes it tough to load quickly, but makes it ambidextrous.
Bullpup shotguns, much like bullpup rifles, are often slow and awkward to reload. That is an issue here with the loading port in front of your armpit. It’s slow to reload and awkward to reload while on target. However, the little 5.9-pound shotgun handles well and is so damn short it’s easy to use in a phone booth.
Pros Extremely Lightweight Extremely Short Holds 7 Rounds Downright Affordable
Cons Awkward to reload No stock optics options
2. S&W M&P 12
Of all the bullpup shotguns, the M&P 12 surprised me the most. First, Smith and Wesson isn’t a shotgun company. Second, this is an odd shotgun to make. This is a pump-action, dual tube design with a bullpup layout. The M&P 12 holds fourteen 2.75 inch shells, and that’s a ton of lead for a shotgun.
Shotgun go BOOM!
The barrel is 19 inches long, but the overall length is only 27.8 inches total. It’s a super short design that took the KSG’s initial idea and then refined it into a much more ergonomic shotgun. The M&P 12’s tube selector is mounted on the pump, and the controls are ambidextrous, an optics mount and M-LOK rail are also included. It’s a well-built shotgun that’s filled to gills with ammo.
I love the Cyberpunk appeal.
The weapon feeds and ejects from the bottom, making it quite handy for lefties. While it’s short, the M&P bullpup shotguns are quite hefty when fully loaded and weigh over ten pounds. S&W solved a problem if the weapon jams by making the ejection port expand at will to dump jammed shells.
Pros Optics/Accessory ready Short and CQB ready 14 rounds with mini shell compatibility Awesome ergonomics.
Cons Long Length of Pull Heavy
3. IWI TS12
The IWI TS 12 produced a concept I fell in love with at first sight. As far as bullpup shotguns go, this one shocked me with how cool the design is. IWI utilizes three rotating tube magazines that each hold five rounds. The total capacity of this weapon is 15 rounds of 2.75-inch shells. The shell release is located in the trigger guard and makes rotating tubes fast and easy.
The new Hebrew Hammer
The IWI TS 12 is also semi-automatic and uses a gas operating system for the utmost reliability. The gas operating system also helps reduce recoil significantly and makes controlling the weapon very easy. The IWI TS 12 is only 28.34 inches long with an 18.5-inch barrel, making it extremely efficient.
Three five-round tubes give you 15 rounds total.
The IWI TS 12 can be loaded like a normal shotgun with loading ports on the left and right side. You can very easily continually load the gun like a normal shotgun and keep the gun running. The downside of the gun is that it tends to be ammo picky, with a requirement for ammunition loaded to 1 1/8th of an ounce at least 1,200 FPS. My first TS 12 was unreliable, but IWI seems to have figured it out in the later generations.
Pros Soft recoiling Semi-auto 15 rounds Easy to load
Cons Ammo Picky Must be sold/set up for left-handed use at the factory.
4. SRM 1216
This is a quasi bullpup shotgun, but I’m including it on my list of bullpup shotguns. The SRM 1216 utilizes a unique feeding system that predates the IWI TS 12 but also uses rotating tubes. This shotgun utilizes four rotating tubes that hold a total of sixteen 2.75 inch 12 gauge shells. These tubes also rotate in both directions, and when a loaded tube meets the empty chamber, the weapon automatically loads the round and closes the bolt.
See that big tab beneath the barrel? That releases the magazine.
Those four tubes combined are also a removable magazine that makes quick reloads a reality. The SRM 1216 reloads faster than any other shotgun on this list and gives you an immediate 16 rounds on tap. The SRM 1216 utilizes a roller delayed blowback system that makes it easy to fly through those 16 rounds.
Reliability was outstanding.
The controls are ambidextrous, and users can swap the ejection port and charging handle to accommodate righties or lefties. This isn’t super simple, but it can be done by users at home with some simple tools. The SRM 1216 is a blast to shoot, and I mean that literally and figuratively, and is my personal favorite of all these bullpup shotguns.
Who doesn’t love a good shotgun? Who doesn’t love bullpups? Combine the two, and you get a shotgun concept that makes a lot of sense. It’s short and easy to maneuver inside a building, which makes them well suited for defensive use. Of course, you need to load them up with Federal Flitecontrol as well.
Which one is for you? Well, hell, I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me below which you prefer? Let us know why as well.
I love PCCs and Subguns. Something about these little fellas just makes me happy. As a kid, I loved submachines in movies and video games, so maybe it comes from that. Maybe it’s the fact that 9mm ammo is cheap. Or maybe it’s because my home range only goes out to 100 yards. I have a blast shooting them, and when I got the offer to review the APC9K, I jumped on it.
The APC9K is the Lexus of subgun pistols, and the SMG variant won the Army’s recent SCW contest. Accuracy is spooky good with this thing.
I waited anxiously for the gun to come to my FFL. I love guns, and if you hand me a budget-tier weapon, I’m still going to have fun with it. I was so excited with the APC9K that I was checking the tracking two or three times an hour the day it was scheduled to be delivered. I already dedicated a healthy chunk of my 9mm stash to the gun and was waiting eagerly for the little fella to fall into my lap.
This is one of many brace options available for the APC9K.
Once it arrived, I could help but be impressed. The APC9K comes in a massive hard case, complete with foam. Sadly, it only comes with one magazine, but we also get a cleaning kit and a one-point sling. With that said, let’s break down the APC9K.
Breaking Down the APC9K
The APC9 is the standard variant of this gun, and the K model follows that European meme of applying K to the shorter models. As far as I know, this meme comes from the Germans and the MP5K. K stands for Kurz, and Kurz means short in German. APC stands for Advanced Police Carbine, which makes sense for the SMG variant, but not so much for a civilian-made pistol.
With the right lower the APC9K can use Glock or SIG mags. This image shows it with the standard B&T 30-round mag.
How short? Well, the barrel is a mere 5.4 inches, which is a hair longer than your standard 1911. Heck, my long slide 1911 provides more barrel than the APC9K. The overall length without the brace extended is only 13.5 inches. With the telescoping brace extended, the APC9K is 21.25 inches total.
Weight-wise it’s 5 pounds and 15 ounces. The short nature certainly makes it seem heftier. However, the gun is lighter than the CZ Scorpion and just a tad heavier than the SIG MPX. The magazine holds 30 rounds with the standard B&T magazine. Users can also purchase separate lowers to use Glock magazines or SIG P320 magazines. The upper receiver is the serialized portion, and the lowers can be ordered direct to your home.
The magazine is translucent and features visible countdown markers.
The APC9K packs a full-length optics rail, a smaller bottom rail, and two M-LOK slots. You can toss on various rials, accessories, and whatnot. The barrel is also threaded with a 1/2×28 pitch for adding suppressors or other fun muzzle devices.
The Wonderful World of Swiss Ergonomics
B&T absolutely kills it in the ergonomics department. Every control is perfectly ambidextrous. The safety, charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release are all represented on both sides of the gun. Heck, we even get ambidextrous sling mounts on the gun! Not only is everything ambidextrous, but it’s all large and easy to engage with.
Ergonomics are wonderful and are completely ambidextrous.
The safety has a short throw and delivers a big lever that makes it easy to engage and disengage at will. The magazine release buttons are located in a position that’s easy to reach with a hand around the magazine well or located on the main pistol grip. The same goes for the ambidextrous bolt release.
The pistol grip is also fantastic, and if I could, I would put this grip on all my other rifles. It fits my hand, but it is still thin and easy to grasp. I do have one complaint, though, and it comes in regards to charging the weapon.
The APC9K features an LRBHO (last round bolt hold open)…eat your heart out MP5.
The charging handles are great! They are large but fold forward when not gripped. The downside is the amount of effort required to charge the weapon. Blowback systems do require a hefty spring and bolt, and you feel it as you attempt to charge the gun. That’s my only ergonomic complaint.
Accuracy On the Range
With a range bag full of ammo and a heart full of hope, I hit the range running. I have an Aimpoint mounted, so my first step was some slow fire to zero the weapon. I zeroed the gun at 25 yards and began my real shooting tests. First, I started with some simple accuracy testing, but from a practical starting point.
Check that 3 shot group!
Offhand, in the standing at 25 yards, I created a single shot group of three rounds with the APC9K. The trigger is superb. I would go as far as saying it’s the best trigger in the PCC market. On my trigger gauge, it comes in at a little over 4 pounds. It blows away the Scorpion and SUB 2000 and even edges out the Sig MPX and CMMG Banshee.
This short fella won the Army’s recent SCW Program.
I dropped back to 50 yards and used my gong rack. I have an 8, 6, and 4-inch gong. From the standing, I moved from big to small and cut each one down in less than 4 seconds from the low ready. I experienced this consistent accuracy for round after round. It’s absurdly accurate, and I got really sick of walking downrange to unwrap the 4-inch gong from around the post. Even 9mm makes that thing spin over the top.
Man, this is a good-looking gun!
Just for fun, I moved back to 100 yards with an ISPC sized steel target bearing down on me. That shiny scum squared up with me and felt the pain. At 100 yards, 9mm has some drop, so I aimed at his head and dropped round after round into his chest. I’m not talking slow fire either, but ten shots in 8 seconds, and all ten went ding.
What About Recoil?
One of the biggest reasons people dislike straight blowback operations is due to the recoil. Recoil is often more than you’d expect and closer to that of a 5.56 rifle, which seems a fair bit much for a 9mm. However, B&T found some way to make it easier to handle and have a much lower perceived recoil than other blowback actions. Maybe it’s that pesky and extremely stiff buffer spring.
ACP9KThe blowback design has surprisingly light recoil.When the Army adopted the APC9K, I thought it was odd to choose a weapon with a straight blowback action. However, I get it now. The APC9K doesn’t have a ton of recoil and is pleasant to shoot.
Yeah, but does the APC9K Eat?
Oh, boy, does it. The APC9K doesn’t care what you feed it. Steel-cased garbage ammo like Winchester Forged creates zero issues. Neither did 124-grain +P loads or 147-grain subsonic loads. While it was costly, I fed the gun 20 rounds of JHPs, and it ate its way through them without issue.
The APC9K sports a very short profile totaling 13.5 inches with the brace collapsed.
Hundreds of rounds from various companies delivered not a single issue occurred. If I pulled the trigger, the APC9K went bang. Interestingly enough, the handguard barely got past warm even after hundreds of rounds.
B&T has done a fantastic job of producing one helluva awesome subgun. Everything about the gun shows nothing but the highest quality imaginable. It’s superbly capable, accurate, and easy to shoot and control. Plus, it won’t tap out when you need it most. The downside most will face is the MSRP of $2,450 dollars. That’s an expensive pill to swallow, but it is most certainly a premium experience wrapped up in metal and polymer.
Four years ago and some change, authors Jason Anspach and Nick Cole released Galaxy’s Edge Book 1: Legionnaire. The Galaxy’s Edge series, done in what you might call an “episodic epic mini-series” format1 quickly took off. And for good reason. Written, as fans are quick to point out, “by veterans for veterans”, the books2 do present a level of verisimilitude that’ll be familiar to readers who’ve spent any time at all deployed.
Now, in November (fittingly enough), the series has released its 13th novel: Convergence. It’s the thirteenth book in the series and the midpoint of the saga where multiple plot lines come together (hence the title). I’m writing about this not just because this series is an impressive achievement (and a good read), but because they’re marking the occasion with a big month-long push to support the fight against the epidemic of veteran suicide.
Here’s how Anspach and Cole explain it:
2021 marks the third year we’ve partnered with Mission 22 to make a difference in the epidemic of veteran suicide.More amazing is that the Galaxy’s Edge community has donated tens of thousands of dollars to this worthy cause.
It’s our hope that you’ll consider helping again.
All month long, we will be donating 22% of the proceeds from items sold in the Galaxy’s Edge shop to Mission 22.
Some specially marked items will have 100% of the proceeds donated.
Galaxy’s Edge has grown a lot since the ambush on Kublar [a planet that provided the setting for Book 1: Legionnaire, ed]. You’ve been there every step of the way. Please consider following us in support of our veterans this month. Together, we will remind those who have served that they are not forgotten.
Galaxy’s Edge Books
Galaxy’s Edge is online at galaxyedge.us, by the way. You can get books and loot online there. Not a fan of military sci-fi? No worries, hippie, you can visit Mission 22 directly at mission22.com.
Now, you might think that I’d tell you more about Convergence in this article since that’s the title that hit this month. But I’m not gonna. If you’re far enough along to track what I’d tell you about it, then you’re far enough along to know already know you like it.
So I’m gonna tell you about Book 1: Legionnaire. Here’s how it opens up.
The galaxy is a dumpster fire.
That’s not the way the Senate and House of Reason want you to hear it. They want me—or one of my brothers—to remove my helmet and stand in front of a holocam, all smiles. They want you to see me without my N-4 rifle (I’m never without my N-4) holding a unit of water while a bunch of raggedy kids from Morobii or Grevulo, you can pick whatever ass-backward planet garners the most sympathy this week, dance around me smiling right back. They want me to give a thumbs-up and say, “At the edge of the galaxy, the Republic is making a difference!”
But the galaxy is a dumpster fire.
A hot, stinking dumpster fire. And most days I don’t know if the legionnaires are putting out the flames, or fanning them into an inferno.
It’s hard not to like an opening like that.
I’m also a big fan of how they describe boredom and isolated examples of the “tyranny of the moment”. If you’ve ever been bored out of your mind in some shitty place, and/or immersed in unpleasant weather and/or terrain, all while waiting on a fight…well, the way these guys write might just speak to you.
There’s more laughter, then the men settle into a quiet vigil. The dust storm swells into a rolling mass of tan, arid topsoil that boils up to the silver cloud sky. The noise is intense, my ears filled with the howling of the wind and the pounding of dirt and pebbles. I’m not sure that even with a bucket on I’d be able to hear anything other than the storm. From within the roiling wall that sweeps across the field, my eyes continually spot shapes that prove to be phantoms. Like a child seeing animals in the clouds, I keep thinking a koob truck or MCR tank is moving my way.
The wind changes directions and blows stiffly at our backs. The storm pushes away from us, the sudden crosswind halting its intensity. Most of the open field lying beyond our line is still hidden from us, but our visibility is improved. We can see reliably to one hundred meters, with the promise of more if the clean wind continues to push down from the cliffs and over our backs.
But where they really shine is, as you might expect from former action guys writing action sequences, is the action. And of course the tactics and gunhandling.
The scene outside is unreal. I’ve been in combat multiple times, but I’ve never seen anything like this. The air is thick with blaster fire and my bucket’s ventilators are working overtime to keep the smoke and hot smell of ozone from overpowering me. Bodies from the command sled are strewn all over the place, and the sleds behind it, blocked in the road, are getting pelted with small-arms fire while their twin guns blaze at koobs. The aliens are firing from behind stone and mortar huts, rock walls, berms, you name it. An old-model tank, the type that still fires explosive projectiles, is laboriously rotating its main gun toward the convoy.
To prepare an ambush and not be zeroed in already is a sign of amateurism. Not that I’m complaining. Obvious mistakes aside, the place is still danger hot, and it’s going to take some hard fighting to regain control of the situation.
I’m not worried, though. The Chiasm is still in orbit—I can see its massive bulk in the sky, pale like a moon in daylight—and a wing of tri-bombers will be down in short order. The guerrilla positions will be vaporized, and we’ll check Pappy’s sled for survivors, clear the wreckage, and continue on to Moona Village.
I don’t know why, but I keep watching the Chiasm. There’s thick blaster fire everywhere, and my focus should be on the koob threats surrounding us. But I just… stare at the destroyer. Almost transfixed. Call it a premonition.
I see a flash erupt in the center of the Chiasm. Moments later, I hear a sharp crack. I watch, frozen in place, at the turret, as the Chiasm splits in half and slowly sinks into the atmosphere, its sharp prow glowing red as it burns in reentry.
We’re all going to die.
You can find the Galaxy’s Edge series on Amazon here: [ https:// ] bit.ly/Galaxys-Edge.
Follow ’em on Instagram, @galaxysedgebooks. Some of what they post is about their various series. Occasionally you’ll see various authors and their friends shooting the kind of ammunition you’re likely more familiar with.
1 That’s what I call it anyway. You can call it whatever the hell you want.
2 This doesn’t just apply to the initial series. Galaxy’s Edge has spawned a number of offshoots, supporting stories and timelines, prequels (e.g. Savage Wars), midquels (which I’ve included because I no shit just learned this term yesterday), and stand-alone novels.
Sig judi online Sauer’s line of MCX pistols and rifles has attained an almost cult-like status thanks to its versatility and reliable function. The MCX Patrol in 5.56 NATO is one of the rifles of the line, and it’s the focus of this video review from TFBTV. Interested in learning more about the MCX line, or about gas piston rifles in particular? You’ve come to the right place.
TFBTV reviews the Sig MCX in 5.56 NATO. (Photo credit: TFBTV)
Sig MCX Features
It’s always nice when someone reviewing a rifle (or any firearm) gets into the details of a particular gun, and that’s exactly what’s done in this TFBTV review:
“So, the Sig MCX was actually designed in 300 BLK and intended to be used with a suppressor, so you have a setting for subsonic ammo as well as supersonic ammo.
“It’s got some pretty nice features, like an [ambidextrous] magazine release and large, oversized bolt catch/bolt release as well as [an] ambi safety and an ambi charging handle. Now, I did find the [ambidextrous] charging handle does kind of get in the way with the mount on the Sig Bravo Four optic they sent over. Now, I admit that I would like to see this [KeyMod handguard] in MLOK, but that’s just my preference; the KeyMod is just fine.
“The folding stock allows you to pack the gun in a place you would not normally be able to put an AR with a 16-inch barrel. I actually quite like it a lot. You do get a brass deflector and a forward assist but it is made out of some sort of plastic material, but I’m sure it’s fine.”
Check out the video to learn more about the Sig MCX and how it performs on the range:
What are some uses for the Sig MCX?
This specific Sig MCX is the Patrol, chambered in 5.56 NATO. Its 16-inch barrel means it is technically a carbine, not a rifle, and also means it’s going to be easier to manipulate. There are a lot of solid reasons to have a gun like this on hand:
Home defense
Truck gun
Hog hunting
Range time
CQB (close quarters battle) work
The Sig MCX has a KeyMod handguard. (Photo credit: TFBTV)
Interestingly, the Sig MCX is not an AR, it just looks like one. This is a gas piston rifle with a rotating bolt, which is a bit different and preferred by some shooters. It’s proven itself to many shooters as an accurate, reliable gun – the entire MCX line has done that – so it’s no surprise it’s so popular.
