The results were revealing. When I fired 125-grain .357 Magnum Remington fodder through the S&W Model 60, the five-shot group measured just 21?4 inches across. It took more than 12 pounds of trigger pressure to cycle the cylinder and ready the gun for firing. However, trigger action was so smooth that it felt much lighter. The single-action trigger broke crisply at 31?2 pounds. Recoil was substantial but controllable.

Among the autos, the author liked both the Glock and Kimber .45.

When I tried the same ammo in the Model 340 AirLite weighing just half as much, groups opened to seven inches. They grew progressively larger as the session continued. The first round was always close to the aiming point, but subsequent shots went increasingly wild. I attributed this partly to an even stiffer, heavier trigger--but mostly to ferocious recoil that quickly tenderized my palm and produced serious flinching. Neither Ken nor I enjoyed firing this gun.

In the interest of reality, I turned down the shooting glove Ken offered. "I don't know anyone who wears padded gloves as a daily accessory," I said. (Michael wears only one, and I'm reasonably sure it isn't padded.) "I'll shoot bare-handed." After burning through two cylinders filled with magnum loads, I'd had enough. Ken fired just five shots before throwing in the towel.

Experts at Thunder Ranch say people in "shoot or be shot" situations typically experience three stress-related conditions: 1) tunnel vision, 2) sound occlusion (deafness) and 3) loss of fine motor control. If my motor control turned iffy, I doubt I'd be able to hit an attacker with this revolver, even at seven yards. Stouter lads might be up to this task, but I decided an 11-ounce .357 Magnum wasn't for me, no matter how lightly it rode on my hip.

Mitch Rosen's behind-the-waistband holster allows the gun to be hidden by the folds of a shirt.

Next we fired the 9mm Kahr. With 115-grain DPX Cor-Bon loads, this little 16-ounce pistol consistently produced five-shot groups measuring four inches across. Its white-dot front sight aligned quickly over the rear white post, speeding your aim. The trigger came back smoothly, breaking at seven pounds. The grip wasn't large enough to accommodate my little finger, which curled under the butt. Ken and I both agreed this was an impressive little pocket pistol.

Then we turned to the North American Arms Guardian--a pistol even smaller than the PM9 Kahr, although a couple of ounces heavier. While I'd owned this pistol awhile and put several rounds through it, it surprised me by turning in 41?4-inch groups in spite of its long, heavy trigger. Hornady's 90-grain JHP/XTP loads were used in the test.

The NAA hideaway was pleasingly compact, but I'd rather have more oomph on tap than .380 ACP ammo provides. This would be a great backup gun for policemen, but I didn't intend to tote more than one concealed pistol at a time.

The S&W Model 60 with Crimson Trace LaserGrip (left) and the Barami Hip Grip. The Barami Hip Grip has a projecting lip that hooks over belt, preventing the gun from slipping down inside the pants.

Moving to the other end of the caliber scale, Ken and I fired my Compact Aluminum Kimber. Fed 185-grain DPX Cor-Bon loads, the single-action auto pistol produced five-shot spreads averaging 1 3/4 inches across. The sights were excellent, and the Kimber's crisp 31?2-pound let-off was a big boon to accuracy.

Unlike most 1911 pistols, the Kimber sports a barrel that fits snugly inside the slide without requiring a separate bushing. Like other 1911 pistols, it must be carried cocked-an-locked to be ready for instant action. Para's double-action pistols are an exception to this rule. I own a full-size Para LDA and like it a lot. This company's line of double-action Carry Option .45s are similarly compact and just a few ounces heavier than the Kimber.

The Model 36 Glock was a pleasure to shoot. Its smooth, six-pound Safe Action trigger was easy to control, making tight 1 1/2-inch groups possible. The gun digested Black Hills 185-grain jacketed hollowpoints without a hitch.