EAA Girsan MC P35
There are two distinct camps when it comes to handguns — those who own one (or several) and those who want to. And during these social-economic uncertain times, more and more red, white and blue Americans are purchasing a little peace of mind. And while many of these sales are to veteran gun owners who are filling out their collections, purchases by first-time gun buyers are gaining more and more traction. During the first four months of 2021, nearly 16 million background checks were conducted on firearms purchases, an increase of 31 percent compared to 2020. And first-time buyers accounted for a lot of those sales — an estimated 3.2 million of them during the first half of 2021 according to the NSSF. So don’t disappoint when those veterans and newbies visit your stores to purchase a piece of the American dream. Here are a handful of models that are sure to pique their interest.
Adams Arms AA19
Adams Arms’ AA19 compact 9mm Luger handgun employs design elements that refine its ergonomics and performance — every detail maximizing its potential as an EDC and competition-shooting handgun. It features enhanced front and rear cocking serrations, a double undercut trigger guard, Vickers Tactical Carry trigger and Ameriglo Defoor EDC sights. It also has a profiled and lightened slide, threaded 1:16-inch twist barrel, aggressive grip texturing, 1913 Picatinny rail and billet extractor. The slide is cut for optics, and plates are available in a wide variety of popular footprints, including the Trijicon RMR, Leupold Deltapoint, Shield RMS, Burris Fastfire 3, Vortex Venom/Viper, Vortex Razon and C-More STS. The AA19 comes with two Magpul G19 magazines, hardcase and cable lock. MSRP: $999.
Canik Mete
Building off its TP series success, Canik has unveiled its latest innovation with the Mete (pronounced Met-Ay) series of handguns — the culmination of years of testing and engineering. The series features an integrally flared mag well that allows for fluid reloads and extra support for the grip, new aggressive texturing, double undercut trigger guard, low-profile slide stop lever and an angled rear sight edge to increase functionality. It has an ergonomically redesigned beavertail and co-witnessing optics-ready slide that accepts everything from a Trijicon RMRcc all the way to a micro-optic for a constant and reliable sight picture. A fit-and-lock holster system improves retention. MSRP: $159.99-$574.99.
CZ-USA P-10 M
The micro-compact P-10 M pistol from CZ-USA is sized just right for easy concealability while retaining the famed ergonomics of the full-size P-10 pistol in the company’s ever-expanding line of polymer-framed handguns. Its 3.19-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged and is almost 2 inches shorter than the largest pistol in the line. Weighing only 20.1 ounces, the P-10 M has a capacity of 7+1 rounds in a slim, metal, staggered magazine, which contributes to the handgun’s narrow overall width of just 1 inch. There are no controls or levers on either side of the gun other than the magazine release, and because self-defense situations can arise at any time or place, the P-10 M comes standard with robust 3-dot sights. MSRP: $499.
Davidson’s EAA Girsan Regard
Featuring an impressive 19+1 capacity and 4.9-inch barrel, the Davidson’s exclusive burnt bronze EAA Girsan Regard is a lightweight 9mm semi-auto handgun that’s a great option for practicing accuracy at the range and everyday carry. Girsan built its Regard MC line based on the Beretta 92 pistol used by the U.S. military — a NATO-approved sidearm preferred by many military and police forces around the world. Other features include fixed front and rear sights, ambidextrous thumb safety, external hammer, 1:16 twist and a forend accessory rail. The Girsan Regard accepts Beretta 92 magazines and is backed by Davidson’s Guaranteed Lifetime Replacement Program. MSRP: $477.
EAA Girsan MC P35
Made with serious respect for the Browning Hi-Power pistol, EAA’s MC P35 pays homage to one of the most widely used military handguns in the world. Built on a steel frame and slide in a black matte finish, the MC P35 has a 15+1 capacity in a staggered column magazine. The short-recoil 9mm 4.625-inch barrel, along with the slide, allow for quick second-shot resets, and a windage drift adjustable rear sight and front dovetail sight get the shooter on target quickly. Its slim trigger allows for a short trigger reset and 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. MAP: $485.
Ed Brown F4
Based on the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm pistol, the Ed Brown F4 is the newest addition to the gun maker’s Fueled series of custom firearms. Ed Brown Products has taken advantage of modern technology and re-engineered every part in the 1911 to achieve the best performance possible. The new MP-F4 shares most of the custom features and characteristics of its three predecessors with the addition of a titanium nitride gold-colored barrel, which is customized with tread flutes and includes ½x28 threads and a custom thread protector, making it suppressor-ready. Other features include a black nitride slide finish, one 17-round magazine with low-profile base pad and one 17-round magazine with extended base pad for a 19-round capacity. MSRP: $2,195–$2,745.
Glock G43X MOS
Chambered in 9x19mm, the Glock G43X MOS (Modular Optic System) sports a subcompact barrel length and a comfortably balanced, versatile compact-size grip with a minimal profile. It incorporates elements of the Slimline series such as a short trigger distance, a frame with a built-in beavertail as seen on the G43 and G42, and reversible magazine catch. This model has the incredibly accurate, match-grade Glock Marksman barrel (GMB) of the Gen5 series as well as a tough nDLC finish on the slide. The G43X MOS also features precision-milled front serrations. The slim magazine is built in reliable Glock style. It has an orange magazine follower for higher visibility and 10-round magazine capacity. MSRP: $538.
Mossberg MC2sc Optics-Ready 9mm Subcompact
Mossberg has expanded its MC2 handgun lineup with a subcompact 9mm, the MC2sc. A double-stack magazine provides a slim, compact profile that offers 11+1 or 14+1 capacity, and an optics-ready slide allows easy direct mounting of micro-dot optics. The slide is made from 416 stainless steel with a black DLC finish and features angled serrations for positive manipulation. The optics-ready feature can be converted in minutes using a provided hex wrench. Sights are dovetail mounted in a low-profile, snag-free white 3-dot configuration. Truglo Tritium Pro night sights are an available option. The frame is high-tensile strength glass-reinforced polymer that features Mossberg’s signature aggressive grip texturing and palm swell for a confident, firm grip under a variety of shooting conditions. MSRP: $555-$663.
Nighthawk Custom Delegate
The Delegate is the second installment in the Ambassador series of 1911 Nighthawk pistols and comes chambered in 9mm or .45 ACP with a 4.25-inch barrel and 9+1 capacity. The Delegate is based on a steel frame and utilizes a stainless-steel mainspring housing and grip safety. It features a bobbed-concealment beavertail and hammer — ideal for concealed carry. Positive front cocking serrations give the Delegate a distinct look, while featuring Ambassador rear cocking serrations. This pistol has been built with the same overall length of a standard commander frame, but with a mag well included. G10 scales that have been custom engineered for the Ambassador series were created with Railscales, giving this pistol a thin grip for easy concealability. MSRP: $3,899.
Rock Island Armory STK100
Rock Island Armory has announced a new striker-fired pistol. The STK100 features a solid frame that gives shooters the advantages of metal for the price of polymer. It comes with an aluminum grip to make it more durable and give it enough added weight for a smoother feel with less felt recoil and less flex for improved accuracy. Chambered in 9mm, the STK100 has a 17-round capacity. It also boasts an extended beavertail that’s angled more like a 1911 to provide a more natural point of aim and greater control. An optics-ready slide makes it easy to mount accessories, and the firearm is compatible with aftermarket parts. MSRP: $599.
Ruger PCP Max .380 Auto
Chambered in .380 Auto, the Ruger LCP Max fits 10+1 rounds into the same footprint as the LCP II. A 12-round accessory magazine slightly extends the grip length while doubling the capacity of the LCP. Measuring less than 1 inch wide and weighing under 11 ounces, the LCP Max is comfortable and convenient for concealed carry. The LCP Max is fitted with a tritium front sight with a white outline that is quick to acquire and aligns easily with the generous U-notch rear sight. The medium-textured grip frame provides easy reach to the Secure Action trigger that is well known for its short, crisp pull and inner trigger safety. Pronounced cocking ears and deep functional slide serrations ensure easy manipulation. MSRP: $449.
SAR USA SAR9 Compact
Built on the same platform as the SAR9, the 9mm SAR9 Compact delivers a balance between a micro and full-size pistol. While the SAR9 Compact is small and light enough to be easily concealed and comfortably carried, it has the capacity of a full-size pistol. Features include a hammer-forged barrel with recessed crown, interchangeable backstrap and side plates and black oxide slide. The SAR 9 Compact comes with a choice of three insertable backstraps to customize fit, and it has a low barrel axis-to-grip ratio to lessen muzzle climb and a 20-degree grip angle for superior control and fast second-shot recovery. Built on a lightweight polymer frame, it includes two 15-round mags and a live round indicator. MSRP: $452/Black; $484/Stainless.
SCCY Firearms Striker-Fired DVG Series
SCCY Firearms’ DVG-1 and DVG-1RD pistols are striker-fired and chambered in 9mm Luger, featuring the Roebuck Quadlock barrel system and a 10+1 capacity, all in a sub-compact footprint made for everyday carry. The DVG-1 is available with or without the newly redesigned Riton Optics MPRD V2 red-dot sight. The 3-MOA dot ensures ultimate precision and rapid target acquisition. Additional features of the new SCCY DVG-1 and DVG-1RD include forward slide serrations for easy manipulation, flat 5.5-pound trigger with minimal pre/post travel and a new enhanced grip texture. MSRP: $299/DVG-1; $399/DVG-1 RD.
Taurus GX4
Taurus’ 9mm Luger GX4 is built on a stainless steel 1-inch-wide frame with a polymer grip that provides negligible printing when worn inside the waistband. Its polymer receiver bolsters an integral stainless-steel framework that eliminates flex or deformation when firing, and intelligent channeling beneath the slide rail allows for recessed placement of the slide stop lever and takedown pin. The stippling pattern along the front of the grip, the side panels and full length of the backstrap offers a firm grip. Topping the slide is a fixed-position steel front sight and square-notch steel rear sight. The Taurus GX4’s 3.06-inch stainless-steel barrel features a satin black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) treatment for reduced friction and greater wear and corrosion resistance. MSRP: $392.42.
Umarex Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Blowback Airsoft Pistol
Officially licensed by Umarex, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 blowback airsoft pistol is authentic in shape and feel — with the exception that this polymer-framed handgun shoots steel BBs. Powered by a 12-gram non-threaded CO2 cartridge, this 6mm airsoft pistol launches BBs at a field-safe 330 fps and holds 18 rounds in its drop-free magazine. It is a one-to-one replica of the original S&W firearm, so the ergonomics are identical as well. It comes with three backstraps to fit most shooters’ grip and mimics a real-steel M&P. It also features half-blowback which maximizes the uses of the CO2 cartridge, 3-dot sights and a manual safety located on the right side of the frame above the trigger. MSRP: $109.99.
Wilson Combat Subcompact SFX9
The Wilson Combat SFX9 pistol’s frame is machined from solid T6-7075 aluminum for a rugged, comfortable and highly concealable fit — light enough to carry for long durations. Its grip shape significantly enhances recoil control during rapid-fire and extended range sessions. The SFX9 has an overall length of 6.75 inches and a barrel length of 3.25 inches. It weighs 26.9 ounces empty and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds. Wilson Combat’s X-Tac tread pattern improves control with a non-abrasive, comfortable grip, and the SFX9 is available with various trigger, finish and sight options. The robust EDC X9 magazine is retained for the SFX9 and offers reliability with a tube and follower system that was designed specifically around the 9mm cartridge. MSRP: $2,895.
