On Sale - October 15, 2024
Dec. '24 / Jan. '25 Issue: On the Cover
COMPED and CONFIDENT
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 series of striker-fired semiauto pistols emerged in 2005, and since that time Smith & Wesson has stayed at the forefront of semiauto carry/duty pistol design. The newest member of the M&P9 family is the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Metal Carry Comp, and while the Metal Carry Comp certainly shares some DNA with the original M&P9, this one is far more evolved.
The slide cuts are the most dramatic difference between the new Metal Carry Comp pistol and all the M&P9s that have come before. Gone are the characteristic fish scale slide serrations which, while they were loved by some and loathed by others, were a signature of Smith & Wesson M&P9s. The new serrations feature aggressive S-cuts front and rear that offer a bold new look and plenty of texture to help operate the slide efficiently. There are even some chevron-shaped cuts on the top of the slide in front of and behind the center slide lightening cut that add a little more texture and give the gun a modern look.
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More Inside This Issue:
EN GARDE: RELOADING A REVOLVER
Wheelguns are effective—even more so if you can fill 'em up fast.
BIG BAD BERSA
The Argentine company known for the little Thunder semiauto is producing a cool new line of 1911s in Georgia, and the B1911 proved to be a winner.
WALTHER PDP COMPACT SF
While polymer-frame guns still own the lion's share of the semiauto pistol market, consumers and gun companies have recognized that metal-frame guns offer real benefits. Walther was at the vanguard of this “back to the future” move toward metal, and its latest example is the PDP Compact Steel Frame.
ROCK ISLAND RIA 5.0E
So many handguns these days are simply clones of other models. Every once in a while, though, something unique comes along. Rock Island Armory's RIA 5.0E certainly fits that bill. This handgun, and its predecessor, are unique.