As firearms continue to sell at record pace, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand for existing models. Nonetheless, innovation continues. We are seeing introductions of MRDS-ready, striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, including higher-capacity micro-9s. Also hitting the market with some frequency are large-format pistols in both rifle and pistol calibers. And, of course, super-premium 1911s continue to be unveiled at the aspirational end of the market.
With alarmed citizens looking to protect themselves, first-time buyers now seem to comprise a larger part of the firearm consumer base. As all guns may be new to them, some old standbys are moving well. So, what’s the market for sophisticated new designs? Long-range rifle competition and the simple fact that one can never have too many guns.
ArmaLite | AR19
The company’s first pistol-caliber offering, the AR19 accepts 33-round Glock magazines, which makes it a good candidate for home defense, especially for those who rely on that Austrian pistol for their CCW needs.
▶ ArmaLite TAC Brake
▶ Shockwave Blade brace
▶ M-Lok-compatible freefloat handguard
▶ Wide trigger guard
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 33 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Length: 29 inches
Weight: 80 ounces
MSRP: $1,112
(623) 780-1050 armalite.com
Arsenal Inc. | SAM7K
The Bulgarian-made SAM7K features forged and milled receivers along with a chrome-lined, hammer-forged barrel for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance Though it only ships with a five-round magazine, the SAM7K accepts more capacious mil-spec variants.
▶ AK scope rail for optics
▶ Ambidextrous safety
▶ Hinged dustcover
▶ Dual aperture rear peep sight
Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
Overall Length: 18 inches
Weight: 90.4 ounces
MSRP: $1,799
(702) 643-2220 arsenalinc.com
Century Arms | AP5
If this large-format handgun looks familiar, that’s definitely by design. Featuring the same roller-delayed blowback operation found on the venerable MP5, this Turkish-made, semi-automatic-only clone promises to be reliable, accurate and fun. It comes with a sling to make handling it easier for range work and home defense.
▶ Picatinny optics rail
▶ Three-lug QD muzzle device
▶ Cold-hammer-forged barrel
▶ Adjustable rear drum sight
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.9 inches
Overall Length: 17.9 inches
Weight: 88 ounces
MSRP: TBD
(561) 908-7993 centuryarms.com
CMMG | Banshee Mk4 .22 LR with QD End Cap
The new Mk4 Banshee is the shortest and lightest Banshee on the Mk4 platform in .22 LR thanks to a QD end cap that provides a wide range of compatibility with accessories.
▶ Shortest Banshee available
▶ QD end cap
▶ Compatible with CMMG .22 LR conversion kits
▶ KAK Slim Flash Can
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine Capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
Overall Length: 14.7 inches
Weight: 57 ounces
MSRP: $1,024.95
(660) 248-2293 cmmg.com
CMMG | Banshee 300 Mk9
The Mk9 gets an update that features the new radial-delayed, blowback-operated system, which offers less recoil in the highly popular 9 mm chambering.
▶ Radial-delayed blowback
▶ CMMG RipBrace
▶ Accepts Colt SMG-pattern magazines
▶ Upgrade kits available
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 32 rounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 18.9 inches
Weight: 74.9 ounces
MSRP: $1,499.95
(660) 248-2293 cmmg.com
Diamondback | DB15 300 Blackout
With a host of features designed for home defense, the DB15 in .300 BLK offers a compact, easy-to-maneuver pistol. With sturdy arm brace, blast-deflecting muzzle device and M-Lok attachment points for accessories, it’s great out of the box or for you to customize to your liking.
▶ Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 2 brace
▶ Magpul MOE K2+grip
▶ KAK Flash Can
▶ M-Lok attachment points on fore-end
Caliber: .300 BLK
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 31.75 inches
Weight: 100.8 ounces
MSRP: $1,130
(321) 305-5995 diamondbackfirearms.com
Kel-Tec | P50
Looking like something out of Blade Runner or Flash Gordon, Kel-Tec’s P50 packs some impressive engineering into its futuristic design. Using the FN PS90 magazine, an entire box of 5.7x28 mm ammunition can be loaded at a time.
▶ Picatinny rail for optics
▶ QD sling mounts
▶ Ambidextrous safety
▶ Lower-capacity magazines available
Caliber: 5.7x28 mm
Magazine Capacity: 50 rounds
Barrel Length: 9.6 inches
Overall Length: 15 inches
Weight: 51.2 ounces
MSRP: $995
(800) 515-9983 keltecweapons.com
SAR USA | 109T
A large-format pistol, the blowback-operated 109T incorporates an 8.6-inch barrel for maneuverability, and accepts most pistol buffer-tube braces. In addition to compactness, the 109T offers firepower and comes with three 30-round magazines.
▶ Chrome-moly barrel
▶ Picatinny rail system
▶ Freefloat handguard
▶ Non-reciprocating charging handle
Caliber: 9 mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Length: 8.6 inches
Overall Length: 27.8 inches
Weight: 78.4 ounces
MSRP: $1,999
(833) 727-4867 sarusa.com
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