Handguns

Trijicon, renowned for the effectiveness and durability of its products, directed its efforts towards the development of an optical pistol sight a number of years ago, resulting in the RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight. Further development has also brought us the SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic), which we included in this test.

The secret to shooting a handgun correctly has been boiled down to three words — Front Sight, Press. Anyone can line up the sights...

The SIG Romeo1Pro red dot is available with 3- or 6-MOA dots, and we chose the larger for these closer-range pistol tests. The Romeo1Pro is covered via their Electro-Optics Infinite Guarantee, and somewhere in there the Electronic Component Limited 5-Year warranty takes over.

Crimson Trace (CT) has been around since 1994 and has developed a sterling reputation for its laser sighting devices, even providing free batteries for life. CT was purchased by Smith & Wesson in 2016. CT introduced a series of red-dot sights for pistols in late 2018.

A carbine and a pistol in the same chambering have much utility for personal defense, and 9mm Luger, 10mm Auto, and 45 ACP are chambered in many such combinations in semi-autos. If you live in a non-restrictive state, that’s great — enjoy. But if you live in a magazine-capacity-restricted state, or in one of the features-limited jurisdictions, then you may need a different duo, say, with a revolver and lever-action rifle.

When speaking about the 40 S&W Auto cartridge these days, we’re reminded of that famous Samuel Clemens quote: “The reports of my death are...

When speaking about the 40 S&W Auto cartridge these days, we’re reminded of that famous Samuel Clemens quote: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” While you may think the 40 S&W is dead, it is very much alive.

The M&P40 M2.0, in our opinion, offers the best accuracy, grip customization, and recoil management for less money than the other pistols.

The other hammer-fired pistol tested was a SIG P239. This was a police trade-in that came with three steel single-stack magazines. The P239 was produced from 1996 through 2018 and is a metal-frame pistol designed for conceal carry.

The sensation of the Taurus Defender 856 is that it is a six-shot version of the J-frame 85 in which Taurus changed the lockwork and cylinder to make a six-shot hideout revolver, compared to the common five-shot revolver.

Taurus has pioneered a switch-cylinder system in this revolver. There are also 22 Long Rifle/22 Magnum versions. The cylinder is easily changed simply by pressing in a plunger on the right side of the frame.

The M206 is a chunky revolver at 25 ounces. The six-shot double-action has a swing-out cylinder, and its cylinder latch operates differently from the other three revolvers. This latch is pulled to the rear rather than pressed forward to open the cylinder.