It’s 2012, and despite the impending end of the Mayan calendar, this year is shaping up to be a stellar year for new handguns. Every manufacturer out there is acutely aware that carry guns are the new norm, that we all want something light, powerful, easy-to-carry and not expensive. And that we are more than willing to move down the gun-shop counter until we find what we want. Gone are the days when manufacturers could issue a few new/not-so-new models, call it “done” and wait for us to pony up the cash for something “close enough.”
With the best manufacturers now making handguns on all-computerized systems (CAD/CAM to CNC to your local gun shop) the new normal is more handguns than you can shake a stick at. Here’s a brief look at eight handguns that will be the topic of conversation in 2012, some we’ve already heard about and others that were previously just blog fodder and forum rumors.
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Springfield XDs
Springfield Armory has made another addition to its line of XD pistols with the brand new Springfield XDs. Chambered in .45 ACP, Springfield promises that the slim, compact XDs doesn’t sacrifice power for bulk, still packing a whallop for a gun with a one-inch beam.
Remington R1 Stainless
Remington introduced the brand new Remington R1 Stainless at SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas. Building on the same features as the original R1 model, Remington’s brand new semiauto now comes in a stainless package with three-dot sights and a beavertail grip safety — a visual throwback to classic World War II sidearms.
Ruger SR22
Looking for a reliable handgun that doesn’t sacrifice style? Ruger’s got the answer. Ruger has introduced the Ruger SR22, a scaled-down, lightweight handgun that is designed to cover all the shooting sports, from plinking to small game hunting. The polymer-framed SR22 features an external hammer with a rounded spur, designed for easier cocking and single-action shooting. The SR22 also features two interchangeable rubberized grips that also allows a slim or wider palm swell option without using tools to adjust. The SR22’s aluminum slide is serrated to allow for better grip and slide manipulation on both the front and rear. An underside Picatinny rail with multiple cross slots allows for variable mounting, and a 3-dot sight system features adjustable front and rear sights to account for wind and elevation. In addition, a reversible blade allows shooters to choose between two white dots or a solid black blade. Other features include a replaceable stainless steel barrel, an ambidextrous manual thumb safety and decocking lever, ambidextrous magazine release and a visual inspection port.
Ruger LCR .22LR
The best way to get good is to practice. The cheapest practice is with a .22LR clone of your carry gun. Those of you who carry a Ruger LCR now have a perfect practice gun, the LCR .22LR. And more, it would be a great plinking gun, a camp gun and a snubbie to teach a new shooter. Given all the uses, Ruger will probably have to make them by the truckload to keep up with demand. Stock up on .22LR; this one will have you shooting all day long.
Glock 21 Gen4
Glock? Who doesn’t have a Glock? How about the latest generation of Glocks -- the Gen4 -- in .45 ACP? A new recoil system, extractor, the RTF surface and a reversible mag catch for you southpaws should spark your interest. If that isn’t enough, a hell-for-tough .45 ACP pistol with 13-round magazines should pique your gunny instincts. Alas, old magazines won’t work, but Glock magazines have never been expensive, so stock up with a bunch more.
Colt Mustang
After wandering in the wilderness of government contracts for the past couple of decades, Colt is back, and the Mustang is available again. Back when it was last seen, the .380 got no respect. Well, it does now, and if you want a compact, lightweight, carry .380, you can have a Colt again. The Mustang is a single-action pistol, so if you’re familiar with a 1911, your transition training is minimal.
FNH FNS-9
FNH-USA took their rugged, reliable FNP/X pistol and adapted it to those who do not feel the need for an external hammer. The FNS-9 is a striker-fired pistol in 9mm (we can be certain a 40 and 45 are soon to arrive), taking the rugged features of the FNP/X pistols and marrying them to the simplicity of a striker-fired system. All your holsters, mag pouches and even mags (if you have the X-series) will work in the new striker-fired FN.
Heizer DoubleTap
The two-barrel derringer is now a century-and-a-half old, and most of the designs out there are not much more than slightly updated copies of the old Remington .41 Rimfire. The Heizer DoubleTap is a titanium/aluminum creation chambered in .45 ACP, and not only does it have two shots right now, but it carries two extras in the grip. Recoil promises to be stout, but the DoubleTap has both barrels ported for recoil reduction.
Kahr CM40
The CM40 is the latest Kahr pistol, a line of carry guns so extensive you practically need a chart to keep them all straight. The CM40 is a compact, polymer-framed carry pistol that holds 5+1 rounds of .40 S&W. At 17.7 ounces empty, you’d better get in some practice before you depend on defensive loads in .40, recoil will be sharp. But that’s a small price to pay for compact security in a carry pistol. And being stainless steel and polymer, the CM40 won’t be the least bit put out if you sweat on it all day.
Ruger SP101 in .357 or .22 LR
Ruger has been on a tear lately, making their firearms in the models and calibers we want. The SP101 has always been a solid little revolver, but an all-steel .38 Special is not what we have all desired. Now you can have it in .357 Magnum, for those used to the recoil and muzzle blast. And for those looking for a camp gun with a little more oomph, you can have the compact SP101 in .22 LR. The only way I could see to improve it would be to offer an airweight frame, and for that, Ruger already has the superb LCR.
Be sure to check G&A magazine and G&A TV for tests and evaluations of these guns, and keep checking back throughout January for more new handguns from your favorite manufacturers.
I like that the manufacturer listed on the side of the pistol the place of production as St. Louis, MO, USA, Earth. Just in case one of these little buggers gets off the planet, the aliens will be able to know where they can get another one! Too cool.
GaryE
Folks, for awhile recently I keep reading articles understating the effectiveness of the 380 caliber. I have fired many guns and wore the Army, Navy, and Air Force uniforms of our country's military. I have come to the belief that we're getting to much academics involved in the reality of various firearms and calibers. I have found the 380 to be a very deadly caliber to use as self defense. Lets consider a statement someone made concerning the 22 caliber. The person shot may not show signs of difficulty or pain but will die suddenly. This is the real world. While it is a fact people shot with the big and small calibers still managed to walk away in reality they were just plain very lucky.
The 9mm fails in a military setting for the same reason the .223 fails in a military setting. The "Full Metal Jacket", Stoke up with some Hornady Critical Defense or some Speer Gold Dots and put one in Muhamad's chest and see if he still feels like dancing!
Dumb Grunt
He's refering to the 9mm FMJ ammo the troops are issued and must use. The 9mm ammo LAPD uses is a high performance JHP, not Full Metal Jacket.
Dan
The Kahr CM platform in a .40 S&W!? I can't image second shot accuracy is very good during rapid fire! The CM9 seems to be the perfect balance of power and compactness. It already has enough kick for it's size. Check out our shooting impressions here: http://www.monderno.com/2011/gun-reviews/kahr-cm9/
John
Per FNH, the 9mm FNS magazines are NOT interchangeable with the FNX magazines. The 40 S&W FNS and FNX are interchangeable.
http://www.facebook.com/lefty4life Matthew Rich
Gonna check these out, would like to see it in person
Alan Z…
Look at your keyboard…there's a key for the period.
chris
What are you looking at ? This is a colt
john
@comments above. I also like DA/SA in an automatic. I also think the .380 is a good round and the .32 auto a John browning favorite needs to make a comeback!
Guest
No it does not.. go play some more Halo
lance dunigan
10mm. Nuff said
Gary S.
Right on Lance,
The 10 mm is the best auto round there is and mayby the best handgun round period. The velocity of a 357 mag, a nice big 40 cal slug, the weight of a 45 ACP slug and high capacity (in the Glock 15 + 1). If they would have named it 40 cal magnum (which it is) instead of 10 mm (which it of course is also) it would probably be a much more popular round.
