Gun Tests reporters and editors on the scene at SHOT Show 2018 in Las Vegas scoured the show for new pistol and handgun accessory entries for our readers to consider this year. Amazingly, a handgun made of steel with a design more than 100 years old — the fabled 1911 — still drives the market. A third of the new guns that follow are based on this legendary platform, followed closely by pocket pistols, and it’s clear the revolver is not the antiquated firearm many assume. In fact, when it comes to handguns, 2018 is a good mix of old, new, plastic, and steel, with a wheelgun or two thrown in for good measure, along with loads for defensive handgun use to feed these new beasts. Here’s a rundown on a few new handgun and ammunition choices for 2018 that our staff thought were notable and which we’ll be looking to include in future issues. — Todd Woodard
Aguila
Aguila ammunition is imported from Mexico by Texas Armament & Technology, and for 2018 Aguila is adding hollowpoint ammunition to the centerfire product line. Self-defense capable hollowpoint loads are now offered in 9mm, 380, 357, 40 S&W, and 45. Just as noteworthy, this particular ammo is manufactured in Conroe, Texas.
Browning
Browningcontinues to add appealing variations to its reduced-size 1911 lineup. The Black Label 1911-380 Pro Stainless is available in full-size and compact versions, with an accessory rail option. They feature a matte-black composite frame with a machined 7075 aluminum subframe and slide rails. The slide is stainless steel, and the barrel has a rust-resistant satin-silver finish. Grips are G-10 composite, and the sights are three-dot combat or night sights dovetailed into the slide. Supplied with two 8-round magazines, the full-size model has a 4.25-inch barrel. The barrel on the compact model is 3.6 inches. SRP: $800+.
The Buck Mark Camper UFX Suppressor Ready is a 22 LR trail gun (see earlier story this issue on Kit Guns) that features a 6-inch matte-finished tapered bull barrel that’s threaded for a suppressor (see page 6 for coming suppressor coverage). Additional features include Ultra FX ambidextrous grips, a Pro-Target rear sight, a Truglo/Marble Arms fiber-optic front sight, and a Picatinny rail for optics. SRP: $500.
Another suppressor-ready Buck Mark is the Plus Lite Fluted UFX Suppressor Ready model. It has a 5.5-inch steel barrel, with an alloy sleeve and fluting in a matte blue finish. The Lite UFX comes with a thread-protector, Pro-Target rear sights, and a Truglo/Marble Arms fiber-optic front sight. The grips are Ultragrip FX ambidextrous. SRP: $620.
Browning has added a 130-grain .38 Special BPT load. For those who like to shoot a lot of FMJ, there are 100-round packs for the 9mm, 40, 45, and 380.
Bushmaster
Just when you thought interest in the AR platform had subsided, there are AR pistols to keep it going. For 2018, Bushmaster has the SD Pistol, which is chambered for the 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout. It has a mil-spec upper and lower, an AAC square-drop handguard, an AAC Blackout Flash Hider, an SB Tactical Arms brace, a Hogue Overmold grip, and an ALG Defense fire-control group. SRP: $1399.
CCI
CCI‘s new Mini-Mag 40-grain Segmented Hollow Point features a bullet engineered to split into three equal-size parts on impact. SRP: $9.95/50.
Cimarron
The Cimarron Bad Boy is a 44 Magnum revolver built on a pre-war frame, with an Army-style grip and an octagonal barrel. It’s ideal for hunting or hitting steel, or for backwoods trapping or living off the grid. Features include a blue finish with smooth walnut grips and a flattop frame with adjustable sights. Available with a 6- or 8-inch octagonal barrel. SRP: $688.
Also new from Cimarron is the 1851 Navy cap-and-ball six-shooter replica known as the Percussion Peacemaker. This revolver, with laser engraving on a case-hardened frame, is available in 44 or 36 caliber with a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel. SRP: $423.
CZ-USA
CZ has added two new variants to the P10C line of polymer-framed pistols. Joining the Urban Grey series of pistols, one new variant wears a mix of flat dark earth and light gray colors. It also has suppressor-height night sights, a suppressor-ready barrel threaded x28, and an extended base pad that boosts capacity to 17+1. The CZ P-10 Urban Grey Suppressor Ready is available in 9mm Luger. SRP: $549.
The other variant is the CZ P-10 C FDE White Nitride 9mm pistol. The white nitride used on this slide offers the same hardy surface protection as the standard black nitride. Combined with a flat dark earth frame, this two-toned pistol is affordable and classy. SRP: $539.
Now available with an OD green frame and a set of metal night sights, the new CZ P-09 full-size and compact variants carry all the features that make the P-09/P-07 series pistols desirable. SRP: $539.
For those wanting a braced pistol package out of the box, CZ-USA has added the SB Tactical folding arm brace to the Scorpion pistol. This pistol is ideal for those who already own a 9mm suppressor because most 9mm cans fit inside the carbine forend. SRP: $999. A blue/gray and OD green color variant was also added to the Scorpion EVO 3 S1 9mm line. SRP: $899.
The Cadet kit, which allows a 9mm pistol to fire 22 LR ammo, is an overlooked item in the CZ line. These conversion kits are amazingly accurate and easy to install. Now CZ has two new kits — one for the longer frame of the Shadow 2, the other for SP-01 models with a full-length frame. Both come with two 10-round magazines. SRP: $431.
Dan Wesson
For 2018, Dan Wesson increased its line of 1911 handguns by 10. The most exceptional is the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition. This 1911, chambered for the 45 Auto, is adorned with engravings on the frame and slide and has a set of ivory-looking G10 grips embossed with Dan Wesson logo medallions. Produced in limited numbers, this is an all-stainless gun, finished in a high-polish nitride. SRP: $2999.
The new Vigil series of 1911s are built on checkered aluminum frames with stainless-steel slides. They offer an affordable entry into the Dan Wesson line of handguns. With four variants, the Vigil can be had in sizes from CCO to government, and in suppressor-ready form. A tritium front sight, serrated rear, rounded butt, and Shadow cocobolo grips are standard. SRP: $1299 to $1397.
Suppressor-ready pistols are an industry trend — one that Dan Wesson has fully embraced. The Wraith is a threaded-barrel government-size 1911 available in 45 Auto, 10mm, or 9mm and clad in a distressed version of the Duty finish. High night sights are standard. SRP: $2077 to $2375.
The distinctive Discretion 1911 gets a commander-sized little brother for 2018. The Discretion is a purpose-built suppressor host, and the lightening cuts in the slide help negate some of the weight of the can. SRP: $2142.
The bull-barreled officer-sized 1911 known as the ECO now can be had in an OD green variant. SRP: $1662. There is also a parkerized variant of both the Government and Commander DW A2 pistols (SRP: $1363), and a distressed 9mm and 45 version of the Specialist (SRP: $2012).
Federal Premium
American Eagle Syntech Action Pistol is specifically designed for action shooting sports and is loaded to power-factor requirements with heavy, flatter-nosed bullets for more reliable knock-downs on steel targets in competition. New Syntech offerings for 2018 include a 150-grain 9mm, a 205-grain .40 S&W, and a 220-grain 45 Auto. SRP: $18-$31, box of 50. Like to roll you own? Handloaders can now purchase 115-grain 9mm and 165-grain 40-caliber Syntech bullets.
The FBI’s return to the 9mm is spurring ammo companies to perfect tactical loads. Federal Premium Hydra-Shok has proven itself for self-defense since 1989, and Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested platform. The new 135-grain bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent deeper penetration. SRP: $27.95, box of 20.
Magnum Research
Since 1985, Magnum Research has diligently worked to introduce new products to its iconic pop-culture Desert Eagle series. New for 2018 is a classic case-hardened finish on the 44 Magnum, 50 AE, and 357 Magnum Desert Eagles. Each features a 6-inch barrel, and the case-hardened finish is protected with a clear coat. SRP: $2278.
Nighthawk Custom Firearms
The new 6-inch Echelon 1911 is touted as the pinnacle of modern manufacturing technology. Guns in this platform with 6-inch slides are notoriously heavy and difficult to make run consistently using lighter-recoiling 9mm ammunition, but Nighthawk engineers worked for two years to find the perfect balance that will allow 115-grain round ball and +P ammo to function perfectly. The Echelon has a single side safety and 10+1 capacity. It weighs 43.8 ounces and has an overall length of 9.65 inches.
Remington
It appears Remington is after the lion’s share of the 1911 market, as it is introducing nine new models. The R1 1911 Limited 9/40/45 Double Stack, which has a capacity of 19, 18, and 16, respectively, is a 41-ounce 1911 with a 5-inch barrel, wide cocking serrations, an LPA adjustable rear sight, a fiber-optic front sight, an extended beavertail, and VZ G10 grips. It comes with two stainless-steel magazines. SRP: $1399.
For those who really like the features of the Limited Double Stack but do not like the wide grip, there’s the 38-ounce R1 1911 Limited 9/40/45 Single Stack. The features are the same, but the capacity and price are less. SRP: $1250.
If you have a little more change in your pocket going jing-a-ling-a-ling, and if you want something a bit more refined for racing, there’s the R1 1911 Limited 9/40/45 Tomasie Custom. These pistols have 5-inch barrels, wide cocking serrations, an LPA adjustable rear sight, an extended beavertail, an adjustable skeletonized trigger, VZ G10 grips, and a stainless-steel slide and frame, The weight is 41 ounces. Each is also inspected and test-fired by action-pistol champion Travis Tomasie. SRP: $1650.
In the fighting-pistol category, Remington is offering the R1 1911 Tactical 45 ACP Double Stack. It has a 5-inch barrel, wide slide serrations, Trijicon sights, an extended beavertail, a PVD DLC finish, VZ G10 grips, an accessory rail, and a capacity of 15+1 rounds. SRP: $1275. It’s also available with a threaded muzzle, and a single-stack version retails for $25 less.
The R1 1911 Enhanced Double Stack 15 45 features a 15-round double-stack magazine, a 5-inch stainless match barrel, adjustable rear sights, a fiber-optic front sight, VZ G10 grips, an adjustable trigger, an extended beavertail grip safety, a skeletonized hammer, and front and rear cocking serrations. SRP: $999.
A lightweight 1911 Commander is a coveted carry pistol, and now Remington has introduced its take on this classic. The R1 1911 Ultralight Commander has an aluminum frame, weighs 31 ounces, and has a 4.25-inch stainless-steel match barrel, an adjustable rear sight, a fiber-optic front sight, laminate grips, an adjustable trigger, an extended beavertail, front and rear cocking serrations, and a skeletonized hammer. SRP: $849.
For those seeking a bit more refinement, the R1 1911 Executive Commander just might be for you. It has an aluminum frame, a 3.5-inch stainless-steel match bull barrel, Trijicon front and rear sights, a bobtail frame and mainspring housing, G10 grips, an adjustable trigger, an extended-grip safety, and a skeletonized hammer. It weighs 28 ounces. SRP: $1250.
Remington is also offering the 41-ounce R1 1911 10mm Hunter FDE. It has a 6-inch stainless-steel match-grade barrel, a Cerakote flat dark earth finish, an accessory rail, wide front and rear cocking serrations, LPA adjustable rear sights, an extended beavertail grip safety, an adjustable trigger, and VZ G10 grips. SRP: $1340.
For little-gun lovers, Remington has added the RM380 Micro Carry Blue. This all-steel semi-auto is chambered for the 380 Auto and has a smooth DAO trigger, an ambidextrous mag release, interchangeable grip panels, an optimized grip angle, and an easy-to-rack slide. As for the color, it’s blue—Robin’s Egg Blue, to be exact. SRP: $348.
The R51 is still with us because it is an excellent protection pistol. The R51 Subcompact Smoke has a smoke-colored frame and weighs only 22 ounces. This +P-compatible pistol utilizes the Pedersen block design, has an ambidextrous mag release, and comes with two 7-round magazines. SRP: $408.
The striker-fired Remington RP45 pistol (15+1 capacity) has the smallest full-size grip circumference of any pistol in its class. Other features include an ambidextrous slide release, a smooth, light, and crisp trigger, an accessory rail, an optimized grip angle, and a loaded-chamber indicator. Ten-round versions are also available. SRP: $418.
Ruger
Ruger tends to launch new products anytime it feels like it, but here are a few notable mid-year introductions you might have missed. The 3-inch-barreled LCR in 22 WMR should be a great trail or kit gun for the camper. It weighs only 17.8 ounces and holds six 22 Magnum cartridges. The same revolver is also available with a more compact 1.87-inch barrel. SRP: $579.
If you’d like a bit more punch to your compact revolver, Ruger has you covered there, too, with the six-shot 327 Federal Magnum LCR. It has a 1.87-inch barrel and is chambered for one of the most versatile revolver cartridges of all time; it can fire 32 Auto, 32 Short, 32 Long, 32 H&R Magnum, and 327 Federal Magnum cartridges. This is a little powerhouse of a sidearm. SRP: $669.
In the semi-auto line, Ruger has introduced a LaserMax-equipped LC9. It has a 7+1 capacity, a 3.12-inch barrel, weighs only 18.6 ounces, and is only 6 inches long. The LaserMax laser, which is mounted forward of the trigger guard, incorporates the patented LaserMax GripSense technology, and the unit includes a light as well. This is a lot of personal protection coolness for only $679.
Smith & Wesson
The compact M&P Shield 2.0 is fitted with a dedicated Crimson Trace laser that offers ambidextrous activation. These itty-bitty pistols come with a 7- and 8-round magazine, weigh 18.8 ounces, and are only 6.1 inches long (3.1 inches of which are barrel). Four laser-equipped variants are offered in 9mm or 40 S&W, with or without a thumb safety (SRP: $499). The same four versions are offered without the laser sight (SRP: $479). The Shield has set the standard for an affordable and reliable compact defensive handgun, and these new models add to its legacy.
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center is offering three new models, two of which are revolvers. The Performance Center 686 is a 4-inch-barreled 357 Magnum all-stainless-steel six-shot revolver. SRP: $966.
The seven-shot 686 Plus has a 5-inch barrel. SRP: $966. The 9mm subcompact SW1911 has an eight-round capacity and a 3-inch barrel, making it ideal for covert carry. $1330.
The new M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol is built for personal protection and every-day carry and is chambered in 380 ACP. Designed to be easy to use, it features an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine, and easy-to-clean design.
Jan Mladek, general manager of M&P and S&W Brands, said, “When we set out to design the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol, our goal was to deliver an all-around, easy to use personal protection pistol. Throughout the development process, we focused on key areas that customers told us were important — the ease of racking the slide and loading the magazine. With that in mind, we reduced the amount of force required to rack the slide, and developed a magazine that is both easy and efficient to load.”
The M&P380 Shield EZ pistol features an 8+1 round capacity and a 3.675-inch barrel. The M&P380 Shield EZ pistol ships with two 8-round magazines that include a load-assist button for quick, easy loading, as well as a Picatinny-style equipment rail to accommodate accessories. SRP $399.
Smith & Wesson also expanded its small-frame revolver line with a new, non-laser M&P Bodyguard 38 revolver. The new M&P Bodyguard 38 revolver features a gray, polymer grip, updated styling, and a serrated ambidextrous cylinder release that is easily operated by left handed shooters. MSRP $385. Chambered in 38 S&W Special +P, the new M&P Bodyguard 38 revolver is double action only and features a pinned, black-ramp front sight, ambidextrous cylinder release, and a 5-round stainless steel cylinder.
Steyr
The Steyr RFP is a 22 LR rimfire pistol with a single-action trigger and synthetic grip frame. The RFP also has a trigger safety, a magazine safety, and a drop safety. The action is a recoil-operated blowback system, and the pistol is fed by a 10-round detatchable magazine. The RFP weighs 1.33 pounds and has a 4-inch barrel, with an overall length of just under 7 inches. SRP: $425.
Winchester
The Super Suppressed line of ammunition is a groundbreaker in that it now offers commercial subsonic loads for cartridges not generally considered subsonic options. It is custom-tailored to provide quiet, clean, and reliable performance in both suppressed and non-suppressed firearms. Super Suppressed loads will be available for the 22 LR, 22 WMR, 300 Blackout, 308 Winchester, 9mm Luger, and 45 ACP. Winchester is also offering a metal ammo can filled with 1,000 rounds of 147-grain 9mm Luger FMJ ammunition.
Produced in association with SHOT Daily at the 2018 SHOT Show.
