Modern striker-fired pistols have refined the combat handgun. They tend to be very reliable and easy-shooting pistols that are every bit as durable as traditional hammer-fired pistols. From the cops patrolling the toughest part of the city to the citizen carrying concealed for self-defense, striker-fired pistols have become the standard by which others are judged.
Striker-fired pistols can be had in a variety of forms, all designed for different purposes. Some are thin and light for concealed carry, while others are full-sized pistols intended for law enforcement and military applications. Fortunately, there is a gun for virtually every need. The following handguns are some of the top striker-fired pistols on the market today.
FN FNS-9
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Developed by FN as a service pistol for law enforcement, the polymer-framed FNS-9 features a double-action trigger and options for manual and non-manual safeties. Standard magazines hold 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and night sights are available as an option.
For more information, visit fnhusa.com.
Glock 19 Gen5
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Considered by some to be the perfect size for both concealed carry and combat duties, the G19 pistol is a 9mm handgun that carries 15+1 rounds in its standard configuration. The Gen5 version sports a redesigned trigger system and a magwell that allows for faster reloading.
For more information, visit us.glock.com.
Glock 22 Gen5
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Perhaps carried by more law enforcement officers than any other single handgun, the G22 Gen5 is a full-sized pistol chambered in .40 S&W. These 28.43-ounce guns hold 15 rounds in a standard magazine. What’s more, the Gen5 offers a flared mag-well for rapid reloading and sports an enhanced GLOCK Marksman barrel (GMB) for increased accuracy. Left- and right-handed shooters will appreciate the ambidextrous slide-stop lever.
For more information, visit us.glock.com.
Heckler & Koch VP9
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The newest gun on this list, the VP9 is the latest striker-fired pistol from Heckler & Koch. With more than 40 years of technological development since the introduction of HK’s first striker-fired pistol, the VP9 is everything a modern combat pistol should be. A duty-sized 9mm gun, it features interchangeable grip side panels and backstraps, a very smooth trigger and a 15+1 capacity.
For more information, visit hk-usa.com.
Ruger American Duty
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The 9mm Ruger American Duty is nothing short of impressive thanks to its wide array of features. The Duty’s pre-tensioned striker system has a powerful striker spring for impressive ignition with a lighter trigger pull. The Duty’s barrel cam dissipates recoil to make shooting more comfortable and the Novak LoMount Carry three-dot sights with wide rear notch yields quick target acquisition and alignment. Accessory enthusiasts will appreciate the MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail to mount lights and lasers. Lastly, the inspection port allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
For more information, visit ruger.com.
Sig Sauer P320-AXG Legion
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The P320-AXG Legion is available only in the Full-Size XSeries model. Out of the box, the P320-AXG Legion offers a 21+1-round capacity in 9mm. The P320-AXG Legion has a 3.9-inch barrel and X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights. For optimal customization, the firearm is optics-ready and the accessory rail accommodates lasers or lights.
For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
Smith & Wesson M&P Series
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M&P stands for Military & Police, and Smith & Wesson has been satisfying these markets for decades. Both the full-size and compact M&P striker-fired handguns use a polymer frame with a stainless steel chassis for durability. Smith & Wesson offers its M&P semi-autos in 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG and .45 ACP. Models are available with and without thumb safeties. The standard M&P40 has a 15+1 capacity.
For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
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Thin and compact, the M&P Shield from Smith & Wesson offers duty-caliber performance in a lightweight package. Shield pistols are available in both 9mm and .40 S&W, and they can be had with or without a thumb safety.
For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.
Springfield Armory XDM 4.5
A full-size fighting handgun, the Springfield Armory XDM 4.5 is perfect for law enforcement and home protection. It has adjustable backstraps and a match-grade, 4.5-inch barrel. These polymer-framed pistols are available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3
Very compact, the XD-S pistols have found favor with both police officers needing a backup gun and armed citizens looking for the ultimate CCW handgun. Springfield Armory makes the striker-fired XD-S 3.3 in both 9mm and .45 ACP. The company also offers models with 4-inch barrels.
For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
Walther PPQ M2
The M2 is an updated version of the very popular Walther PPQ line of striker-fired handguns. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the M2 added a reversible, button-style magazine release. Walther pistols are highly regarded for their light, smooth trigger pulls.
For more information, visit waltherarms.com.
