In just a few short years, the handgun market in the United States changed drastically, with an ever-expanding number of options available to today's handgun enthusiasts. Since the ATF approved the development and inclusion of pistol-stabilizing braces on rifle-caliber actions, the market of rifle-caliber pistols has grown tremendously, as manufacturers contine to find new, innovative ways to provide short, compact, stable platforms that fire today's most-popular rifle calibers.
So, too, have other corners of the handgun market expanded, with innovations continuing to develop in the concealed-carry market, one of the other fast-growing market segments. Without further ado, here are some of the latest designs to hit the market in 2019:
Alchemy Custom Weaponry Prime Elite With a hand-fit frame and slide, the Alchemy Custom Prime Elite is a classic government 1911 pistol with multiple grip options to fit your needs.
Alexander Arms Highlander Available in 6.5 Grendel, .50 Beowulf, .300 BLK and .17 HMR, the Highlander offers the added efficiency of a carbine-length gas system in select models.
Archon Firearms Type B Rather than relying on a Browning-style tilting barrel, the Type B operates with Archon’s unique AF-Speedlock technology, allowing the barrel to sit lower in the frame than in other striker-fired guns.
Arex Rex Delta A striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol designed for concealed carry with snag-free beveling on every edge, the Rex Delta also sports user-friendly features like takedown without a trigger pull and comfortable texturing wherever you might grip the gun and place your thumb.
Beretta APX Carry Beretta shrunk the APX to produce the APX Carry, a single-stack, subcompact 9 mm ideal for concealed carry. With the same slide serrations, removable chassis fire-control group and bladed trigger as the larger APX pistols, the APX Carry is the smallest member of the APX family.
Bersa TPR9 with Threaded Barrel Available in full-size or compact as the Model TPR9C with Threaded Barrel, this new variant allows the easy installation of a suppressor. Threaded barrels are now an option for many Bersa pistols.
Brownells BRN-1911 The first handgun in Brownells’s Retro line of vintage-inspired firearms, the BRN-1911 Retro Custom Government Pistol is a development in partnership with Ed Brown featuring a classic 1980s aesthetic.
Bushmaster ACR Bushmaster’s ACR is available in pistol form for 2019. Offering all the ACR-brand enhancements in a more-handy size, the pistol variant offers quick-change caliber conversions and is set up to accept AAC suppressors.
Cabot Guns Drako Garra 2.0 Inspired by legends of dragons, the Drako 2.0 evokes the mythical beast with “claw mark” cocking serrations. Design details add a measure of stylishness to this high-performance, handcrafted 1911.
Caracal USA CAR814 A2 Patrol Featuring a forged 7075 hardcoat-anodized upper- and lower-receiver set, the barrel length of the CAR814 A2 Patrol is optimized for the .300 BLK cartridge and includes a 6-inch handguard with key-lock anti-cant.
Charter Arms Pit Bull Now in a new caliber, the Charter Arms Pit Bull is chambered in .380 ACP while maintaining similar features to the original model, including easy cartridge-insertion and retention technology.
Citadel 1911 Tac Ultra Designed for range and competition use, Citadel’s team of pistolsmiths ensure the frame, slide and barrel are mated perfectly through a hand-fitting process applied to each Tac Ultra.
CMMG Inc. Banshee .40 S&W CMMG applies its radial-delayed-blowback system to the snappy .40 S&W, providing an easy-shooting, compact platform with reduced weight and recoil that also feeds from common Glock magazines.
CZ-USA Bren 2 Ms With multiple barrel lengths and two chamberings offered, the Bren 2 Ms is a short-stroke-piston semi-automatic that is fully ambidextrous and lighter in weight thanks to an aluminum receiver and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer lower.
CZ-USA P-10C Optics-Ready All three U.S.-made pistols in the P-10 series are now available with a blank fill plate to accommodate assorted red-dot sights with the correct mounting plate. Additionally, sights are offered in various heights to co-witness with red-dot sights or to work with a suppressor.
Colt King Cobra Last year marked Colt’s re-entry into the double-action revolver market with its Cobra. The latest entry ups the ante with a slightly longer barrel and a magnum chambering.
Dan Wesson DW TCP Dan Wesson has put mass in the right places to create a high-performance pistol that won’t weigh you down. The company incorporated a rail on the aluminum-alloy frame and a ramped, bull barrel make it easy to accessorize and to resist muzzle rise, respectively.
Diamondback Firearms DBAM29VLH Adding to its AM2 pistol line, this model, available in two colors, sports a Viridian Green Laser with a magnetized DeSantis holster and comes with a 17-round extended magazine.
DS Arms SA58 Improved Battle Pistol (8-inch) DS Arms has combined the best of what’s old with the best of what’s new, bringing the beloved FAL medium-bore action up-to-date with the latest tactical enhancements. The pistol version is handy in confined spaces and offered with an arm brace.
Caliber:7.62 NATO Magazine Capacity:20 rounds Barrel Length:8 inches Overall Length:21 to 28.75 inches Weight:132 ounces MSRP:$1,895 (847) 277-7258 dsarms.com
EAA MC28SA For those looking for an entry-level striker-fired pistol, the MC28SA retails for less than $400, yet comes with three interchangeable grip inserts and a limited lifetime warranty.
Faxon Firearms FX-19 Hellfire The first in a new line of complete handguns from Faxon Firearms, the FX-19 Hellfire includes features like aggressive slide milling and a flat-faced trigger to name just a few.
FK Brno PSD Want to easily engage targets at 100 yards with a pistol you can carry on a belt? The PSD in 7.5 FK is the answer. It has a similar footprint to a full-size 1911, yet fires a cartridge that exits the muzzle at 2,000 fps. The PSD also comes with a 9 mm +P+ barrel, so ammo is readily available for training.
Glock G43X The G43X takes the amazingly popular subcompact G43 and gives shooters a little more to hang onto, thanks to a slightly extended grip frame. Part of Glock’s Slimline series, the single-stack G43X is comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes.
Glock G48 A slimmer, single-stack Glock similar in height and length to the wildly popular G19, the G48 is sized right for those with smaller hands or anyone who feels a double-stack is too much to carry/conceal all day. Yet, it is big enough to achieve a full grip and balances well.
Head Down FirearmsCornerstone With an upgraded trigger from ALG Defense and a custom finish, the Cornerstone pistol will turn heads at the range for a multitude of reasons, all good. Sporting the popular Tailhook pistol brace and an ergonomic grip, its performance promises to match its good looks.
Honor Defense Honor Guard 9SCMS American-made and veteran-assembled, the Honor Guard is built around a polished stainless steel chassis, making it modular. There are three interchangeable grip configurations in 10 colors, and two barrel lengths available.
Italian Firearms Group Tanfoglio Defiant Stock I The Tangfolio Stock I expands the options available to competitors in the Practical Shooting Production Division and IDPA SSP and ESP classifications. It is offered in two frame sizes, and the traditionally rifled barrel permits use with all bullet types.
Kahr PM9 Covert Kahr has increased the utility of its popular PM9 pistol with the PM9 Covert. The new pistol can accommodate a seven- or eight-round magazine, while offering more gripping space.
Kel-Tec CP33 Love shooting .22 LR, but hate having to stop to reload? With the CP33’s 33-round magazine, you’ll be performing many fewer magazine changes. Kel-Tec plans to offer an extended version that brings capacity to 50 rounds, so your plinking fun can go on even longer.
Kimber EVO SP CDP New for 2019, the EVO line from Kimber offers a number of variations on the company’s new striker-fired pistol. The CDP (Custom Defense Package) offers a Carry Melt treatment that obviates sharp corners, as well as G10 grips for firm purchase.
Kimber K6s DASA Big news in Kimber’s revolver world, as the K6s is now available with a hammer. Originally offered in DAO configuration with an enclosed hammer, now 2- and 3-inch models with external hammers are available for those who prefer the DA/SA operating system.
Korth Ranger Incorporating Korth’s interchangeable-cylinder system, the Ranger easily converts to 9 mm. It features a skeletonized barrel shroud for cooling, top and bottom accessory rails and a durable, black DLC coating.
KRISS USA Vector SDP SB Thanks to its pistol-stabilizing brace, today’s consumers can take full advantage of the compact dimensions of the Vector pistol with the added stability offered by a third point of contact during firing.
Caliber:9 mm Magazine Capacity:17 rounds Barrel Length:6.5 inches Overall Length:18.625 to 28.625 inches Weight:120 ounces MSRP:$1,779 (855) 574-7787 kriss-usa.com
LWRCI IC DI Pistol SBA3 Tactical Brace Premium Gray Combining LWRCI’s direct-impingement-operating system and SB Tactical’s SBA3 brace makes this AR pistol comfortable to shoot and easy to transport to the range. The monoforged upper receiver helps ensure reliable operation.
Magnum Research White Tiger Stripe Desert Eagle Also available in .50 AE, the strikingly finished White Tiger Stripe Desert Eagle is a big, powerful, handsome handgun sure to attract attention. An abundance of rails simplifies accessorizing.
Mossberg MC1sc Viridian Laser-Equipped In 2019, Mossberg came out with its first handgun in a century and aimed the design squarely at the hot concealed-carry market. Several models of the MC1sc are available with different sights and accessories.
Nighthawk Firehawk Combining a bull barrel, full-length guide rod and single-port compensator, the Firehawk diminishes felt recoil and muzzle rise. The integral compensator and one-piece mag well offer performance while keeping the profile sleek.
North American Arms True Black Widow North American Arms brings an aesthetic change to its Black Widow by adding an all-matte-black PVD coating while keeping the option of fixed or adjustable sights, just like the original model.
Palmetto State Armory AK-P Rifle-caliber pistols remain a hot item in 2019, and Palmetto State Armory is offering the AK-P to help scratch that itch. Upgraded furniture options and an SB Tactical brace make the AK-P an attractive option in this category.
POF-USA Revolution DI Pistol Although the Revolution DI Rifle is remarkably light for a medium-bore rifle, the desire for a more-compact firearm has led to the Revolution DI Pistol. It provides maneuverability and potent muzzle energy in close quarters and comes with an SB Tactical arm brace.
Remington RM380 Executive Most don’t consider pocket .380s to be “barbeque worthy,” but Remington is going to try. The RM380 Executive features a two-tone styling with G10 grips that can be swapped out if preferred.
Republic Forge Raider Meticulously hand-built, like all Republic Forge pistols, the Raider harnesses the powerful 10 mm cartridge in a Govt. Model-size, case-colored, rail-equipped frame mated to a hard-chrome slide and controls.
Roberts Defense Operator SRO Part of its Operator lineup, Roberts Defense offers a suppressor-ready, optic model available in both 9 mm and .45 ACP. Made of forged stainless steel with custom slide cuts, this 1911 means business.
Ruger Custom Shop SR1911 Competition This 1911 is chock-full of match-winning features such as a Koenig Shooting Sports low-mass hammer and competition sear, flat-faced trigger shoe, precision-machined cylinder and slide disconnector and hand-tuned sear spring.
Ruger LCRx A longer barrel isn’t all this latest addition to Ruger’s LCR line has to offer. Versatility is further enhanced by an external hammer and the potent .357 Mag. chambering.
SIG Sauer MCX Rattler Canebrake Want to put a suppressor on your rifle-caliber pistol but don’t want to wait? With SIG’s Rattler Canebrake, an inert device gives the same weight and feel as a can, so you can practice while your paperwork is processed.
SIG Sauer P320X Compact With a host of options making this pistol perfect for concealed carry, SIG Sauer’s new P320X Compact blends some of the hottest trends. Set up for micro-red-dot sights, this is a pistol built for the 21st century.
SIG Sauer P320X VTAC SIG’s partnership with Viking Tactics yields a new P320 variant for 2019. The P320X VTAC features the day/night setup for which VTAC is known: Fiber-optic pipes atop tritium inserts.
Silver Shadow Gilboa M-43 Pistol A smaller, lighter variant of the M-43, the M-43 Pistol offers improved maneuverability in tight confines as well as easier storage. It is available with a tactical arm brace for $50 more.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Ported M&P9 Shield M2.0 Performance Center upgrades come to the M2.0 version of Smith & Wesson’s popular M&P9 Shield. The Performance Center builds on the M2.0 enhancements, bringing the Shield to the next level.
Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ with Crimson Trace Green Laserguard A Crimson Trace laser makes the award-winning Shield EZ an even better option for concealed carry. All of the features that made the EZ such a hit are present, and now it’s even more on-target.
Sol Invictus TAC-9 Modular Pistol The entire operating system on the TAC-9 is contained within the tubular frame, allowing consumers to mount a range of different braces. A carbine variant is also available.
Springfield Armory 911 Springfield Armory surprised us last year with the introduction of the 911, a micro-.380 ACP small enough to fit in a pocket. This year, the company ups the ante with 9 mm power in a gun not much larger.
Springfield Armory EMP Contour Carry While the EMP Contour Carry isn’t new, different color combinations are for 2019. Available in OD Green and FDE, Tactical Gray and the FDE shown, the same elements of the original that make it such a great concealed-carry pistol are all still present.
Springfield Armory Saint Victor Springfield Armory’s Saint product line gains another pistol variant in 2019 in the form of the Victor pistol. With an arm brace, upgraded trigger and freefloat handguard, the Victor pistol is also available in .300 BLK.
Standard Manufacturing S333 Thunderstruck Small in size and firing two rounds with each pull of the trigger, the S333 Thunderstruck is sure to create a loud boom as a double-barrel, double-action revolver in the concealed-carry market.
Steyr Arms L9-A2 MF Enhancing its A2 MF pistol series, the L9-A2 MF includes an ambidextrous magazine release, loaded-chamber indicator, trapezoid sights as well as modular grip panels in various sizes.
Stoeger STR-9 A pistol? From Stoeger? 2019 brings many new things, and one of them is this striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm that joins the company’s no-nonsense shotguns. All the features one would expect—including the accessory rail—are present, in a not-so-surprisingly affordable package.
Taurus TX22 Ideal for training with a gun similar to your carry pistol (or for fun plinking on the range), the TX22 sports a smooth trigger and advanced ergonomics—perfect for introducing a new shooter to the joys of freedom.
Walther Q5 Match SF Walther’s Q5 Match was an unabashed hit with action-games shooters. In looking for a way to improve it, the company decided that the most advantages were offered by a steel frame, thus we have the Q5 Match SF (steel frame). It’s stronger in key areas and provides enhanced balance and less muzzle rise.
Wilson Combat Paul Howe G19 Designed with input from retired MSG Paul Howe (U.S. Army, SFOD-D), the Howe-Wilson Combat Glock is loaded with tactical/concealment-oriented features that are ideal for EDC. It’s also available for the G26.
Wilson Combat Protector Pistol In addition to sporting a CNC-machined, mil-spec forged upper- and lower-receiver set, the Protector AR pistol features a match-grade precision-button-rifled barrel. Other chamberings include 5.56 NATO and .300 BLK.
Wilson Combat Vertec Centurion Tactical Ideal for shooters with smaller hands or who prefer a straighter, more 1911-style grip, the Wilson Combat/Beretta Centurion Tactical offers a grip-frame conversion to an already-enhanced Beretta 92, which significantly reduces frame size.
Wilson Combat Vickers Elite Glock G45 Wilson Combat collaborated with firearms expert, tactical trainer and Special Operations veteran Larry Vickers to create what might be the ideal defensive Glock. It’s also available for the G17 and G19.
ZEV Technologies AR15 CORE Elite Pistol Forged receivers, an exclusive ATC AR Gold flat-face trigger and a match barrel sporting ZEV’s signature bronze coating promise to make this AR pistol hyper accurate and reliable.
ZEV Technologies O.Z-9 Built around a full-length, steel receiver that houses the fire-control unit, the O.Z-9 is incredibly modular. Multiple full-size grips are available, with compact versions coming soon. It is compatible with other ZEV products like slides, barrels and triggers, making it eminently customizable.