Handgun Market Focus:
8 New Arrivals
Stating the obvious, high-capacity, micro-compact pistols chambered in 9mm have dominated the handgun landscape in recent years. While that trend doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon, some new arrivals in the handgun segment look to further open up the market to new subtrends — and they include some manufacturer firsts. Here’s a look at some arrivals that have caught our attention so far in the second half of 2021.
Kimber Enters Polymer, Striker-Fired Market
Kimber Mfg. entered the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol market with the launch of the R7 Mako — a micro-compact pistol chambered in 9mm. Available in two variants (Optics Ready and Optics Installed [topped with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500]), the R7 Mako ships with a high-capacity, flush-fit standard magazine (11+1) and a higher-capacity extended magazine (13+1). When developing the R7 Mako, Kimber reached out to carry enthusiasts and found the trigger was one of the top requests for a reliable CCW pistol, which led to the development of the unique flat-face Performance Carry Trigger.
FN 502 Tactical: First Optics-Ready Rimfire Model
Another first, FN America launched its premiere offering in .22 LR: the FN 502 Tactical. According to FN, the FN 502 Tactical is also the industry’s first slide-mounted red dot on a rimfire handgun. The FN 502 Tactical features an optics-mounting system inspired by the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System and offers numerous sighting options with co-witness sights. The single-action, hammer-fired pistol is threaded and ships with a 15-round magazine, 10-round flush magazine and the necessary plates to mount compatible miniature red dot optics.
Ultra-Compact LCP MAX Doubles Round Count
Featuring up to double the magazine capacity of a standard LCP, the Ruger LCP MAX gives users the ability to carry 11 or 13 rounds with its 10- and 12-round magazine options. In .380 ACP, the LCP MAX has the same footprint as the LCP II with the 10-round flush fit magazine. Addressing a main complaint with most pocket pistols, the LCP MAX is fitted with a tritium front sight with white outline and aligns easily with the u-notch rear sight.
Red Dot-Ready SCCY DVG-1 RD
SCCY Firearms recently revamped its DVG-1 RD, now topped with Riton Optics’ MPRD V2 red dot sight — which has shake awake and auto brightness/shutoff features. An additional new feature to the DVG-1 RD is forward slide serrations for ease of manipulation, a flat 5.5 lb. trigger and an enhanced grip texture. The DVG Series of pistols are striker-fired, chambered in 9mm and feature the Roebuck Quadlock System and a 10+1 capacity in a subcompact footprint.
Springfield Emissary Blends Tactical & Custom Features
Bridging the gap between duty and custom handguns, the Emissary is the latest addition to Springfield Armory’s lineup of 1911s. It’s constructed with a forged stainless-steel frame and forged carbon steel slide, with a two-tone finish. It features a squared triggerguard with additional room for ease of operation with a gloved hand. The slide’s “Tri-Top” cut gives the .45-caliber Emissary custom styling, while a flattened top strap is finished with 40 LPI serrations to diffuse light and reduce glare.
An Inaugural Pistol For Adams Arms
Adams Arms, known for its piston-driven AR platform firearms, debuted its first complete pistol: the AA19. The 9mm pistol ships with two Magpul G19 magazines, a hardcase and cable lock. The slide is cut for optics, and plates are available in all popular footprints, including Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint, Shield RMS, Burris Fastfire 3, Vortex Venom/Viper, Vortex Razon and C-More STS.
The DB Sidekick Appeals To Cowboys & Plinkers Alike
Not launching until November 22, 2021, the Diamondback Firearms Sidekick will propel the pistol and AR-15 maker into the revolver space. The Sidekick combines classic style with modern attributes — it’s chambered in .22 LR with a nine-shot cylinder, and ships with an additional nine-shot cylinder in .22 Mag. Both cylinders are on a quick-convertible swing-out arm for fast interchangeability.
CZ Expands P-10 Series
CZ-USA has expanded its lineup of P-10 options with the addition of the P-10 M, a micro-compact pistol with a capacity of 7+1 rounds. Boasting a slim profile, the P-10M is thinner and more than 4 oz. lighter than the subcompact P-10 S. It also features a smooth appearance: There are no controls or levers on either side of the gun other than the magazine release. Since self-defense situations can arise at any time or place, the P-10 M comes standard with a set of robust 3-dot sights.
For more info: kimberamerica.com, fnamerica.com, ruger.com, sccyfirearms.com springfieldarmory.com, adamsarms.net, diamondbackfirearms.com, cz-usa.com.
