Toward the end of each year, I survey the work R.K. Campbell, Roger Eckstine, Robert Sadowski, David Tannahill, Tracey Taylor, and John Taylor have done in Gun Tests, with an eye toward selecting guns, accessories, and ammunition the magazine’s testers have endorsed. From these evaluations I pick the best from a full year’s worth of tests and distill recommendations for readers, who often use them as shopping guides. These choices are a mixture of our original tests and other information I’ve compiled during the year. After we roll high-rated test products into long-term testing, I keep tabs on how those guns do, and if the firearms and accessories continue performing well, then I have confidence including these firearms in this wrap-up.
SIG Sauer P365XL P365XL-9-BXR3 9mm Luger
$580
Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS PISTOL)
| Action Type | Semi auto, striker fired |
| Overall Length | 6.6 in. |
| Overall Height | 4.8 in. |
| Maximum Width | 1.1 in. at magwell |
| Weight Unloaded | 18.0 oz., no magazine |
| Weight Loaded | 26.1 oz. w/13 124-gr. Speer Gold Dots |
| Slide Material | Stainless steel, Nitron finish |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 14.7 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
| Front Strap Height | 2.1 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 2.75 in. |
| Barrel Length | 3.7 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.17 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.1 in. |
| Magazine | Two 12-round flush-fit magazines |
| Rear Sight | Fixed with tritium inserts |
| Front Sight | Drift adjustable with tritium insert |
| Sight Radius | 5.5 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 4.9 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.7 in. |
| Safety | Firing pin block |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Telephone | (603) 610-3000 |
| Website | SIGSauer.com |
| Made In | Newington, NH |
Colt King Cobra KCOBRA-SB3BB 357 Magnum
$838
Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS REVOLVER)
| Action Type | Revolver, DA/SA |
| Overall Length | 8.0 in. |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 in. |
| Sight Radius | 4.35 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.0 in. |
| Maximum Width | 1.4 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 28 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 28.9 oz. |
| Cylinder Gap | 0.003 in. |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Frame Finish | Matte stainless |
| Barrel/Cylinder Finish | Matte stainless |
| Frame Front Strap Height | 2.0 in. |
| Frame Back Strap Height | 3.1 in. |
| Grip | Hogue Overmolded, textured finger grooves, rubber |
| Grip Thickness (max) | 1.2 in. |
| Grip Circumference (max) | 5.1 in. |
| Front Sight | Brass bead post, removable |
| Rear Sight | Fixed notch |
| Trigger Pull Weight (DA) | 8.6 lbs. |
| Trigger Pull Weight (SA) | 3.5 lbs. |
| Trigger Span (DA) | 3.2 in. |
| Trigger Span (SA) | 2.7 in. |
| Safety | Transfer bar |
| Warranty | None written |
| Telephone | (800) 962-2658 |
| Website | Colt.com |
| Made In | USA |
Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 AA9626 7.62 NATO/308 Win.
$1799
Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS RIFLE)
| Action | Gas-operated semi-automatic |
| Overall Length | 37.25 in. |
| Overall Height (w/o magazine) | 4.6 in. |
| Maximum Width | 2.6 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 8.9 lbs. |
| Capacity | 5-, 10-, 20-, 25-round magazines |
| Barrel | 16.25 in., 6-groove carbon steel, 1:11 twist |
| Buttstock | Black synthetic |
| Fore-end | Black synthetic |
| Trigger Style | Two-stage military |
| Trigger Weight | 5.5 lbs. |
| Magazine | (1) 10-round detachable box |
| Magazine Release | Lever |
| Bolt Release | Receiver Mounted |
| Rear Sight | Ghost Ring .135 Aperture, MOA adj. for windage & elevation |
| Front Sight | XS post w/tritium insert, 0.125 blade |
| Receiver Scope Provisions | Rail in front of receiver/side mount |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Telephone | (800) 680-6866 |
| Website | Springfield-Armory.com |
| Made In | USA |
Remington 870 12 Gauge
$275
Gun Tests Grade: A- (BEST-IN-CLASS SHOTGUN)
| Action Type | Pump |
| Chamber Size | 3.0 in. |
| Overall Length | 38.4 in. |
| Capacity | 5+1 |
| Weight | 7.25 lbs. |
| Weight Loaded | 8.05 lbs. |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 in. |
| Finish | Blued |
| Choke | Cylinder bore |
| Stock | Wood, semi pistol grip |
| Length Of Pull | 14.0 in. |
| Forend | Ribbed wood |
| Front Sight | Brass bead |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 7.15 lbs. |
| Safety | Crossbolt |
| Warranty | None as used |
| Telephone | (800) 243-9700 |
| Website | Remington.com |
| Made In | U.S.A. |
Ruger SR1911 LW Commander Stainless 06722 9mm Luger
$775
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Semi auto, hammer fired, single action only |
| Overall Length | 7.9 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.4 in. |
| Maximum Width | 1.3 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 27.0 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 33.9 oz. w/10 rounds 124-gr. Hornady JHP |
| Slide Material | Stainless steel |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 15.2 oz. |
| Receiver Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Finish | Gun metal grey tone |
| Front Strap Height | 2.6 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 3.25 in. |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.2 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.25 in. |
| Magazine | Two 9 round |
| Rear Sight | Novak 2-dot in dovetail, drift adjustable, set screw |
| Front Sight | 1-dot blade in dovetail |
| Sight Radius | 5.8 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 4.1 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.5 in. |
| Safety | Firing pin drop, manual thumb safety, grip safety |
| Warranty | None provided |
| Telephone | (336) 949-5200 |
| Website | Ruger.com |
| Made In | USA |
Smith & Wesson M&P22 Compact 108390 22 LR
$286
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Blowback, single action |
| Overall Length | 6.7 in. |
| Height | 4.8 in. |
| Max Width | 1.2 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 15.3 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 17.1 oz. |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 9.5 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Polymer |
| Front Strap Height | 2.3 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 3.25 in. |
| Barrel | 3.6 in. |
| Grip Thickness Max | 0.9 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.15 in. |
| Magazines | (2) 10 round |
| Rear Sight | Adj. windage and elevation, white dot insert |
| Front Sight | Post with white dot |
| Sight Radius | 5.4 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 7.6 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.55 in. |
| Trigger Travel/Reset Travel | 0.24 in., 0.5 in. |
| Safety | Manual Safety/Trigger Lever/Magazine Safety |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Made In | USA |
| Telephone | (800) 331-0852 |
| Website | Smith-Wesson.com |
SIG Sauer Tacops 1911R-10-TACOPS 10MM AUTO
$1050
Gun Tests Grade: B-/A
| Action Type | Single action, hammer fired |
| Overall Length | 8.7 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.6 in. |
| Maximum Width | 1.33 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 39.8 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 47.7 oz. with nine 180-grain FMJs |
| Slide Material | Stainless steel |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 20.5 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Stainless steel |
| Finish | Nitron |
| Front Strap Height | 2.75 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 3.5 in. with factory extended magwell |
| Barrel Length | 5.0 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.33 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.4 in. |
| Magazine | Four 8-round steel |
| Rear Sight | Novak pattern Siglite |
| Front Sight | Novak pattern Siglite |
| Sight Radius | 6.5 in. |
| Trigger-Pull Weight | 4.0 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 3.0 in. |
| Safety | Firing pin, grip, manual thumb |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime, non-transferrable |
| Telephone | (603) 610-3000 |
| Website | SigSauer.com |
| Made In | U.S.A., New Hampshire |
Springfield Loaded Operator PX9105LL 45 ACP
$1162
Gun Tests Grade: A (Best Buy)
| Action Type | Short recoil-operated locked breech, single action |
| Overall Length | 8.5 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.5 in. |
| Max. Width | 1.25 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 40.0 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 45.0 oz. |
| Slide Material | Forged steel |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 20.5 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Casting |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Front Strap Height | 2.6 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 3.2 in. |
| Barrel Length | 5.0 in. |
| Grip Thickness Max. | 1.25 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.2 in. |
| Magazines | Two 8 round |
| Rear Sight | Drift-adj. Novak w/tritium two-dot inserts |
| Front Sight | Dovetailed post with tritium insert |
| Sight Radius | 6.4 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 4.9 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.8 in. |
| Safety | Slide lock, grip |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Telephone | (309) 944-5631 |
| Website | Springfield-Armory.com |
| Made In | USA |
Springfield Armory Hellcat Micro-Compact OSP HC9319BOSP 9mm Luger
$550
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Semi auto, striker fired |
| Overall Length | 6.0 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.25 in. w/mag extension and red dot sight |
| Maximum Width | 1.06 in. at slide stop |
| Weight Unloaded (no magazine) | 15.9 oz. with red dot |
| Weight Loaded | 23.3 oz. w/12 rounds |
| Slide Material | Forged steel, Melonite finish |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 17.7 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
| Front Strap Height | 1.625 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 2.5 in. |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.06 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.25 in. |
| Magazine | (1) 11 round & (1) 13 round extended |
| Rear Sight | Drift adjustable w/white outline U-shape notch |
| Front Sight | Tritium lamp outlined with high-vis green circle |
| Sight Radius | 5.1 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 5.75 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.875 in. |
| Safety | Trigger blade, hammer block |
| Warranty | Limited warranty |
| Telephone | (800) 680-6866 |
| Website | Springfield-Armory.com |
| Made In | Croatia |
Smith & Wesson Model 617-6 160584 22 LR
$725
Gun Tests Grade: A (Our Pick)
| Action Type | Semi auto, striker fired |
| Overall Length | 6.0 in. |
| Overall Height | 5.25 in. w/mag extension and red dot sight |
| Maximum Width | 1.06 in. at slide stop |
| Weight Unloaded (no magazine) | 15.9 oz. with red dot |
| Weight Loaded | 23.3 oz. w/12 rounds |
| Slide Material | Forged steel, Melonite finish |
| Slide Retraction Effort | 17.7 lbs. |
| Receiver Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
| Front Strap Height | 1.625 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 2.5 in. |
| Barrel Length | 3.0 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.06 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.25 in. |
| Magazine | (1) 11 round & (1) 13 round extended |
| Rear Sight | Drift adjustable w/white outline U-shape notch |
| Front Sight | Tritium lamp outlined with high-vis green circle |
| Sight Radius | 5.1 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 5.75 lbs. |
| Trigger Span | 2.875 in. |
| Safety | Trigger blade, hammer block |
| Warranty | Limited warranty |
| Telephone | (800) 680-6866 |
| Website | Springfield-Armory.com |
| Made In | Croatia |
Smith & Wesson Model 610 12462 10MM AUTO
$859
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | DA/SA revolver, hammer fired |
| Overall Length | 12.1 in. |
| Overall Height | 6.1 in. |
| Maximum Width | 1.71 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 49.6 oz. |
| Weight Loaded | 54.5 oz. with six 180-grain FMJs and moon clip |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless steel |
| Slide Retraction Effort | N/A |
| Receiver Material | Stainless steel |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Front Strap Height | 2.5 in. |
| Back Strap Height | 4.4 in. |
| Barrel | Stainless steel |
| Barrel Length | 6.5 in. |
| Grip Thickness (Maximum) | 1.25 in. |
| Grip Circumference | 5.4 in. |
| Magazine | 6-round cylinder |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable white outline |
| Front Sight | Black replaceable |
| Sight Radius | 8.3 in. |
| Trigger Pull Weight Double Action | 11.6 lbs. |
| Trigger Pull Weight Single Action | 4.6 lbs. |
| Trigger Span Double Action | 4.0 in. |
| Trigger Span Single Action | 3.5 in. |
| Safety | Hammer bar and action lock |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty, non-transferrable |
| Telephone | (800) 331-0852 |
| Website | Smith-Wesson.com |
| Made In | U.S.A., Massachusetts |
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 535234220 308 Win.
$951
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Bolt, 2 Lugs |
| Overall Length | 42.25 in. |
| Barrel Length, Twist | 22.0 in. ,1:12 in. |
| Overall Height w/o Scope Mount | 6.8 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 6.9 lbs. |
| Weight Loaded | 7.25 lbs. |
| Sight Radius | NA |
| Action Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Barrel Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Stock | Walnut |
| Drop at Comb | 0.5 in. |
| Drop at Heel | 0.75 in. |
| Bedding | None |
| Buttplate | Pachmayr Decelerator |
| Length of Pull | 13.75 in. |
| Receiver Scope-Base Pattern | Winchester Short Action |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 3.1 lbs. |
| Safety | 3 Position |
| Warranty | None written |
| Telephone | (800) 333-3288 |
| Website | Winchester.com |
| Made In | Portugal |
Marlin Model 1895G 70462 45-70 Government
$633
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Bolt, 2 Lugs |
| Overall Length | 42.25 in. |
| Barrel Length, Twist | 22.0 in. ,1:12 in. |
| Overall Height w/o Scope Mount | 6.8 in. |
| Weight Unloaded | 6.9 lbs. |
| Weight Loaded | 7.25 lbs. |
| Sight Radius | NA |
| Action Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Barrel Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Stock | Walnut |
| Drop at Comb | 0.5 in. |
| Drop at Heel | 0.75 in. |
| Bedding | None |
| Buttplate | Pachmayr Decelerator |
| Length of Pull | 13.75 in. |
| Receiver Scope-Base Pattern | Winchester Short Action |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 3.1 lbs. |
| Safety | 3 Position |
| Warranty | None written |
| Telephone | (800) 333-3288 |
| Website | Winchester.com |
| Made In | Portugal |
TPS M6 M6-100 22 LR/410 Bore
$487
Gun Tests Grade: A
| Action Type | Break action, manual hammer, single-shot |
| Chamber Size | 3.0 in. |
| Overall Length | 32.25 in. |
| Disassembled Length | 18.875 in. |
| Capacity | 2 |
| Weight Unloaded | 5.1 lbs. |
| Weight Loaded | 5.18 lbs. |
| Barrel Length | 18.25 in. |
| Barrel | Blued steel |
| Receiver | Blued steel |
| Choke Tube | Full |
| Buttstock | Aluminum storage compartment,serrated butt, tapped for sling studs |
| Buttstock LOP | 12.0 in. |
| Forend | None |
| Sights | Steel front post, flip up peep/V-notch rear |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 4.2 lbs. |
| Safety | Manual hammer block |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Telephone | (320) 358-0230 |
| Website | TPSarms.com |
| Made In | USA |
It would appear that I have chosen well this year according to your pick.. Great read and lets get though this ammo crunch ? Maybe a in depth look as to why all the “hunting” ammo is gone as well as target ammo, even the off caliber’s like 8mm or .303 are gone ? Love the ‘color’ monthly print edition.
I am looking for a good. 22 mag.