This article was published in the 2016 Gun Buyer's Guide. For all subscriptions, please visit OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"AUG A3 M1: Steyr's Close Quarters 5.56 Dominator","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-aug-a3-m1-cqb-rifle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 17:16:21","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 17:16:21","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2016\/04\/22\/steyr-aug-a3-m1-cqb-rifle\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":104950,"post_author":"270","post_date":"2016-01-26 09:00:11","post_date_gmt":"2016-01-26 14:00:11","post_content":"\n\nSteyr-Mannlicher<\/a> and Heckler & Koch<\/a> have legendary reputations. Steyr began manufacturing pistols in 1912. HK was established in 1949, with its founders, Edmund Heckler and Theodor Koch, and chief designer Alex Seidel all having worked together at Mauser before starting out on their own. Along with Walther and Sig Sauer, Steyr and HK are among the greatest names in German firearms. Chosen to test the tale of the tape are the new Heckler & Koch VP40<\/a> and Steyr\u2019s M40-A1.\r\n\r\nSteyr\u00a0M40-A1<\/strong>\r\n\r\n The M40-A1 has a 12+1 capacity and a rakish grip design that lowers the bore axis for better recoil control.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Steyr M40-A1 has many appealing features and a couple of unique Steyr designs. Unlike the VP40, the Steyr is not a new gun and has been in production for over 12 years. It was introduced in 2004 as an updated version of the \u201cM\u201d series, the company\u2019s first polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. The M40-A1 has a 12+1 capacity, giving up one round to the HK. The pistol\u2019s trigger pull has a light, 6.5-pound average, with zero overtravel and very quick reset.\r\n\r\nWith the Steyr using a pivoting blade trigger safety, it\u2019s a coin toss between the two guns when it comes to trigger operation. Also, the Steyr\u2019s mag release can be flipped to the right side for left-handed shooters. The M40-A1 is either elegant or ungainly (depending upon your point of view) with very trim operating controls and an unusual profile that increases in proportion from the breech to the muzzle. In other words, it is wider at the front than the back.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Looking For A Full-Size Concealed Carry Pistol? Try Steyr\u2019s L40-A1<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis is partially an optical illusion because of the triggerguard\u2019s deep contour and a tapered frame that is slanting upward toward the hand-filling 111-degree-angled grips. The backstrap is also deeply contoured to place the back of the frame higher over the hand (like the VP40), thereby creating a low barrel axis to help reduce muzzle flip. Once you pick this gun up, wrap your hand around it and take aim down the unusual trapezoidal sights, you are apt to begin considering the M40-A1\u2019s unique virtues.\r\n\r\nIn size and weight, these two are equally matched. The HK is 7.34 inches in overall length, the Steyr 7.32 inches, but its barrel and slide are .09 inches shorter. In height the M40-A1 is 5.2 inches compared to the slightly taller 5.45 inch HK. The width of the VP40, with its rounded edges, is 1.32 inches compared to the blockier but narrower Steyr M40-A1 at 1.2 inches. The M40-A1 weighs 27.2 ounces, while the slightly larger HK is 28.8 ounces. (http:\/\/www.steyrarms.com<\/a>; 205-417-8647)\r\n\r\nHK VP40<\/strong>\r\n\r\n
HK\u2019s new VP40 comes with interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels so users can customize the grip.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEvolved from the successful HK P30, the polymer-framed VP9 and VP40 models have a unique legacy, the VP70 \u201cVolkspistole\u201d introduced back in 1970. Along with the later VP70Z variant, they were the world\u2019s first striker-fired, polymer-framed semi-autos, preceding the Glock 17 by more than a decade. The double-action-only, blowback-action VP70 was built in both a military version, with selective three-round burst fire via a detachable shoulder stock apparatus, or as a civilian semi-auto version. The VP70 line was discontinued in August 1989, but, while never a high-production pistol, it laid the groundwork for the future of polymer-framed handguns.\r\n\r\nHK\u2019s new VP9 and VP40 are derived from the current P30 design, including interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels. The VP models (and yes, VP still stands for Volkspistole or \u201cpeople\u2019s pistol\u201d) offer fully ambidextrous operation of the slide and magazine releases, a Picatinny rail on the dust cover and can use all existing P30 steel magazines. One notable design improvement over the P30 is the VP\u2019s deeply curved beavertail, which allows the slide to rest further back over the shooting hand. This improves recoil control and allows for a stronger grip.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Heckler & Koch\u2019s Stylish, Street-Ready P30SK 9mm<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe pistol also has slide releases on both the left- and right-hand sides. While ideal for left-handed operation (I tried it, and it works perfectly), the option of dropping the slide with the right-hand trigger finger is not practical. What is practical, however, is the ambidextrous magazine release built into the bottom rear of the triggerguard (like the Walther P99).\r\n\r\nWhat really sets the VP models apart from most striker-fired semi-autos is their excellent trigger pull and quick reset. The VP40\u2019s average trigger pull is 5.4 pounds with only 0.24 inches of release to reset. Overall travel is just 0.5 inches. The rounded slide design has deep front and rear serrations to make handling easier, and the rear has one raised polymer lobe at the back of either side to provide an additional grasp when cambering the first round or clearing the gun.\r\n\r\nDovetailed, luminous, drift-adjustable front and rear combat sights are a standard feature on these guns, and the VP models also have a striker status indicator (a red dot on the back of the striker) exposed through an opening in the rear of the slide when the gun is ready to fire. With a 4.09-inch, cold-hammer-forged, polygonal-rifled barrel, rugged construction and an empty weight of 26.56 ounces, the 13+1 VP40 leaves little to be desired as a tactical sidearm. (http:\/\/www.hk-usa.com<\/a>; 706-568-1906)\r\n\r\n The Verdict<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn comparison, the Steyr has fewer features, no interchangeable backstrap panels, no striker status indicator, and the slide offers more resistance when chambering the first round. The HK\u2019s big pluses are the ambi (Steyr\u2019s is ambi, too) and easily accessed magazine releases and being able to tailor the grip configuration to the individual user\u2019s preferences. The Steyr, however, is a very military-minded, one-size-fits-all design. Ounce for ounce, both of these duty-ready pistols measure up as excellent tactical sidearms.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Concealed Carry Comparison - Ruger LCP Custom vs. GLOCK 42<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe range test was shot at 15 yards using Speer\u2019s 180-grain GDHP ammunition. Velocity from both guns was almost identical with 963 fps average from the HK VP40 and 965 fps from the Steyr M40-A1. In use, the Steyr\u2019s slide release is faster to operate than the HK\u2019s (strong side), whereas the HK\u2019s slide has less resistance when chambering the first round or clearing the gun. The sights on both guns are excellent, but the HK VP40\u2019s luminous sights are much faster to acquire and hold on target.\r\n\r\nThe .40 S&W is a heavy-recoiling round that produces more average muzzle rise than a .45 ACP in a handgun of similar size. Off-hand average groups were 1.5 to 1.75 inches for both guns. As tactical sidearms, the HK VP40, which retails for $719, comes out a slightly easier gun to handle over the less expensive $560 Steyr. Call it the triumph of the latest technology over slightly older technology.","post_title":"Concealed Carry Comparison: Steyr M40-A1 vs. HK VP40","post_excerpt":"Two acclaimed, Euro-made .40 S&W tactical pistols square off!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"concealed-carry-comparison-steyr-m40-a1-vs-hk-vp40","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 11:38:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 11:38:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2016\/01\/26\/concealed-carry-comparison-steyr-m40-a1-vs-hk-vp40\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":106172,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2015-11-23 09:00:30","post_date_gmt":"2015-11-23 14:00:30","post_content":"\n\nThere is a fine distinction between pocket pistols and compact carry handguns since all of the semi-autos and revolvers in the pocket handguns category can just as easily be worn in a belt, inside the waistband, or in another type of concealment holster. By comparison, the majority of handguns in the compact carry category measure only 0.5-0.75 inches in greater length and a few ounces more in weight, making many of them equally suitable for pocket carry. What it ultimately comes down to is how easily a compact handgun can be concealed by an individual, and that can vary according to clothing, time of year (weather conditions), and how adept one becomes at carry techniques regardless of the handgun\u2019s size or weight. An individual\u2019s height, weight, and build (and yes, even gender) will have an influence on what size gun is suitable for proper concealment. And proper not only means keeping the firearm out of sight, but being able to effectively access and draw it with relative speed. Compact carry handguns are the best suited to this purpose.\n\nCompacts represent one of the largest handgun categories available with a great diversity of makes, models, sizes and calibers, from lightweight 9mm\u2019s up to heavy-hitting .40 S&W and .45 ACP semi-autos. The average overall length of a handgun in this category is 7 inches with an average weight of 24 ounces, only a slight step up from a typical 9mm pocket pistol. The greater differences are in grip size, slide width (on semi-autos) and the overall height of the gun, which can make or break pocket carry but will have little or no effect on holster carry. The advantages to compact carry handguns include a higher average capacity (both semi-autos and revolvers), reduced felt recoil, larger grip size for ease of handling, and a greater selection and price range from which to choose. The most common calibers in this category are .38 Special or .357 Magnum for revolvers, and 9mm and .45 ACP for semi-autos.\n\nRELATED STORIES<\/strong>\n\n30 Concealed Carry Handguns To Jumpstart Your Personal Defense<\/a>\n\nBeretta 92 Timeline<\/a>\n\nBersa\u2019s BP380CC: Easy-To-Conceal and Great for Self-Defense<\/a>\n\n4 Concealed Carry Holsters for the Chiappa MC 14<\/a>\n\nGeneral Officer\u2019s Pistols: Colt Pocket Hammerless Model 1903 & 1908<\/a>\n\nGun Review: CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 9mm Pistol<\/a>\n\nGun Review: EAA Witness 1911 Polymer<\/a>\n\nFirst Look: FNS-40 Compact Pistol<\/a>\n\nConcealed Carry Comparison: Ruger LCP Custom vs. GLOCK 42<\/a>\n\nMeet Grand Power\u2019s Latest K100 Import \u2013 The X-Trim Mk12<\/a>\n\nHeckler & Koch\u2019s Stylish, Street-Ready P30SK 9mm<\/a>\n\nTorture Test: Return of the IWI Jericho 941<\/a>\n\nKahr Arms\u2019 Full Size CT45 Packs 7+1 Rounds of .45 ACP Firepower<\/a>\n\n15 Precision Rifles From Kimber<\/a>\n\nSpringfield\u2019s XD Mod.2 Pistols: Taking Defensive Firepower to the Next Level<\/a>\n\n9 Deep-Cover Snub-Nose Revolvers from Taurus<\/a>\n\nSmith & Wesson\u2019s .460 Mag Family<\/a>\n\n3 Carry-Ready Wilson Combat Sentinels<\/a>","post_title":"25 Compact Carry Handguns For Self-Defense","post_excerpt":"Compact carry handguns represent one of the largest handgun categories available with a great diversity of makes, models, sizes and calibers.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"25-compact-carry-handguns-for-self-defense","to_ping":"","pinged":"http:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/xd-mod-2-series\/\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/01\/beretta-92-timeline\/#beretta-92-1\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/10\/bersa-bp380cc-easy-to-conceal-and-great-for-self-defense\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/11\/torture-test-return-of-the-iwi-jericho-941\/#iwi-jericho-941-1","post_modified":"2023-05-31 11:46:01","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 11:46:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/11\/23\/25-compact-carry-handguns-for-self-defense\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":106178,"post_author":"243","post_date":"2015-11-20 12:03:16","post_date_gmt":"2015-11-20 17:03:16","post_content":"Watch a video review of\u00a0the Steyr S9-A1 below<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\nThe Steyr<\/a> S9-A1 checks off a lot of the features on my list when I am looking for a concealed-carry pistol. To start with, this 9mm pistol is extremely reliable. As with many of the current generation of polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, the gun simply runs well. I put more than a dozen different kinds of ammunition through it without a single hiccup. Standard pressure or +P, full metal jacket or self-defense hollow points\u2014it didn\u2019t matter. All of them fed and shot fine.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Looking For A Full-Size Concealed Carry Pistol? Try Steyr\u2019s L40-A1<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nCombined with reliability, accuracy is exceptionally important as well. What good is a handgun that can shoot if it won\u2019t hit the target? For a self-defense handgun, I want something that will offer a balance of speed and accuracy. I found the S9-A1 was easy to keep on target during rapid-fire string. In addition to the quality of the internal components, the S9-A1\u2019s ergonomics helped me run the gun quickly and accurately. Although slightly large for my hand, the grip still allowed me to have full control of the pistol while shooting. The low bore axis truly helped keep muzzle flip to a minimum.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Gun Review - Steyr Arms L9-A1 9mm<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nSteyr uses a triangular sighting system on these pistols. I was skeptical about how well the sights would work, but I quickly took to them. The front sight seems to be huge and is easy to get on target. The rear sight has two lines that box the front sight in and do so without being distracting in the least. I am intrigued by these sights and want to run these in a fast-paced self-defense class to see how they perform.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY: Steyr\u2019s SSG 69 - Only 1,000 Sniper Rifles Available in US<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe American branch of Steyr is based in Alabama, and in the best of Southern traditions, the company is full of hard workers that treat customers like members of their own family. Check out the video and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in the upcoming issue of POCKET PISTOLS<\/em>. To order, visit <\/a>.\r\n<\/a>\r\n
This article was published in the 2016 Gun Buyer's Guide. For all subscriptions, please visit OutdoorGroupStore.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"AUG A3 M1: Steyr's Close Quarters 5.56 Dominator","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"steyr-aug-a3-m1-cqb-rifle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 17:16:21","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 17:16:21","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2016\/04\/22\/steyr-aug-a3-m1-cqb-rifle\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":104950,"post_author":"270","post_date":"2016-01-26 09:00:11","post_date_gmt":"2016-01-26 14:00:11","post_content":"\n\nSteyr-Mannlicher<\/a> and Heckler & Koch<\/a> have legendary reputations. Steyr began manufacturing pistols in 1912. HK was established in 1949, with its founders, Edmund Heckler and Theodor Koch, and chief designer Alex Seidel all having worked together at Mauser before starting out on their own. Along with Walther and Sig Sauer, Steyr and HK are among the greatest names in German firearms. Chosen to test the tale of the tape are the new Heckler & Koch VP40<\/a> and Steyr\u2019s M40-A1.\r\n\r\nSteyr\u00a0M40-A1<\/strong>\r\n\r\n The M40-A1 has a 12+1 capacity and a rakish grip design that lowers the bore axis for better recoil control.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe Steyr M40-A1 has many appealing features and a couple of unique Steyr designs. Unlike the VP40, the Steyr is not a new gun and has been in production for over 12 years. It was introduced in 2004 as an updated version of the \u201cM\u201d series, the company\u2019s first polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. The M40-A1 has a 12+1 capacity, giving up one round to the HK. The pistol\u2019s trigger pull has a light, 6.5-pound average, with zero overtravel and very quick reset.\r\n\r\nWith the Steyr using a pivoting blade trigger safety, it\u2019s a coin toss between the two guns when it comes to trigger operation. Also, the Steyr\u2019s mag release can be flipped to the right side for left-handed shooters. The M40-A1 is either elegant or ungainly (depending upon your point of view) with very trim operating controls and an unusual profile that increases in proportion from the breech to the muzzle. In other words, it is wider at the front than the back.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Looking For A Full-Size Concealed Carry Pistol? Try Steyr\u2019s L40-A1<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis is partially an optical illusion because of the triggerguard\u2019s deep contour and a tapered frame that is slanting upward toward the hand-filling 111-degree-angled grips. The backstrap is also deeply contoured to place the back of the frame higher over the hand (like the VP40), thereby creating a low barrel axis to help reduce muzzle flip. Once you pick this gun up, wrap your hand around it and take aim down the unusual trapezoidal sights, you are apt to begin considering the M40-A1\u2019s unique virtues.\r\n\r\nIn size and weight, these two are equally matched. The HK is 7.34 inches in overall length, the Steyr 7.32 inches, but its barrel and slide are .09 inches shorter. In height the M40-A1 is 5.2 inches compared to the slightly taller 5.45 inch HK. The width of the VP40, with its rounded edges, is 1.32 inches compared to the blockier but narrower Steyr M40-A1 at 1.2 inches. The M40-A1 weighs 27.2 ounces, while the slightly larger HK is 28.8 ounces. (http:\/\/www.steyrarms.com<\/a>; 205-417-8647)\r\n\r\nHK VP40<\/strong>\r\n\r\n
HK\u2019s new VP40 comes with interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels so users can customize the grip.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEvolved from the successful HK P30, the polymer-framed VP9 and VP40 models have a unique legacy, the VP70 \u201cVolkspistole\u201d introduced back in 1970. Along with the later VP70Z variant, they were the world\u2019s first striker-fired, polymer-framed semi-autos, preceding the Glock 17 by more than a decade. The double-action-only, blowback-action VP70 was built in both a military version, with selective three-round burst fire via a detachable shoulder stock apparatus, or as a civilian semi-auto version. The VP70 line was discontinued in August 1989, but, while never a high-production pistol, it laid the groundwork for the future of polymer-framed handguns.\r\n\r\nHK\u2019s new VP9 and VP40 are derived from the current P30 design, including interchangeable backstraps and side grip panels. The VP models (and yes, VP still stands for Volkspistole or \u201cpeople\u2019s pistol\u201d) offer fully ambidextrous operation of the slide and magazine releases, a Picatinny rail on the dust cover and can use all existing P30 steel magazines. One notable design improvement over the P30 is the VP\u2019s deeply curved beavertail, which allows the slide to rest further back over the shooting hand. This improves recoil control and allows for a stronger grip.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Heckler & Koch\u2019s Stylish, Street-Ready P30SK 9mm<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe pistol also has slide releases on both the left- and right-hand sides. While ideal for left-handed operation (I tried it, and it works perfectly), the option of dropping the slide with the right-hand trigger finger is not practical. What is practical, however, is the ambidextrous magazine release built into the bottom rear of the triggerguard (like the Walther P99).\r\n\r\nWhat really sets the VP models apart from most striker-fired semi-autos is their excellent trigger pull and quick reset. The VP40\u2019s average trigger pull is 5.4 pounds with only 0.24 inches of release to reset. Overall travel is just 0.5 inches. The rounded slide design has deep front and rear serrations to make handling easier, and the rear has one raised polymer lobe at the back of either side to provide an additional grasp when cambering the first round or clearing the gun.\r\n\r\nDovetailed, luminous, drift-adjustable front and rear combat sights are a standard feature on these guns, and the VP models also have a striker status indicator (a red dot on the back of the striker) exposed through an opening in the rear of the slide when the gun is ready to fire. With a 4.09-inch, cold-hammer-forged, polygonal-rifled barrel, rugged construction and an empty weight of 26.56 ounces, the 13+1 VP40 leaves little to be desired as a tactical sidearm. (http:\/\/www.hk-usa.com<\/a>; 706-568-1906)\r\n\r\n The Verdict<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn comparison, the Steyr has fewer features, no interchangeable backstrap panels, no striker status indicator, and the slide offers more resistance when chambering the first round. The HK\u2019s big pluses are the ambi (Steyr\u2019s is ambi, too) and easily accessed magazine releases and being able to tailor the grip configuration to the individual user\u2019s preferences. The Steyr, however, is a very military-minded, one-size-fits-all design. Ounce for ounce, both of these duty-ready pistols measure up as excellent tactical sidearms.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Concealed Carry Comparison - Ruger LCP Custom vs. GLOCK 42<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe range test was shot at 15 yards using Speer\u2019s 180-grain GDHP ammunition. Velocity from both guns was almost identical with 963 fps average from the HK VP40 and 965 fps from the Steyr M40-A1. In use, the Steyr\u2019s slide release is faster to operate than the HK\u2019s (strong side), whereas the HK\u2019s slide has less resistance when chambering the first round or clearing the gun. The sights on both guns are excellent, but the HK VP40\u2019s luminous sights are much faster to acquire and hold on target.\r\n\r\nThe .40 S&W is a heavy-recoiling round that produces more average muzzle rise than a .45 ACP in a handgun of similar size. Off-hand average groups were 1.5 to 1.75 inches for both guns. As tactical sidearms, the HK VP40, which retails for $719, comes out a slightly easier gun to handle over the less expensive $560 Steyr. Call it the triumph of the latest technology over slightly older technology.","post_title":"Concealed Carry Comparison: Steyr M40-A1 vs. HK VP40","post_excerpt":"Two acclaimed, Euro-made .40 S&W tactical pistols square off!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"concealed-carry-comparison-steyr-m40-a1-vs-hk-vp40","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-31 11:38:02","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 11:38:02","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2016\/01\/26\/concealed-carry-comparison-steyr-m40-a1-vs-hk-vp40\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":106172,"post_author":"351","post_date":"2015-11-23 09:00:30","post_date_gmt":"2015-11-23 14:00:30","post_content":"\n\nThere is a fine distinction between pocket pistols and compact carry handguns since all of the semi-autos and revolvers in the pocket handguns category can just as easily be worn in a belt, inside the waistband, or in another type of concealment holster. By comparison, the majority of handguns in the compact carry category measure only 0.5-0.75 inches in greater length and a few ounces more in weight, making many of them equally suitable for pocket carry. What it ultimately comes down to is how easily a compact handgun can be concealed by an individual, and that can vary according to clothing, time of year (weather conditions), and how adept one becomes at carry techniques regardless of the handgun\u2019s size or weight. An individual\u2019s height, weight, and build (and yes, even gender) will have an influence on what size gun is suitable for proper concealment. And proper not only means keeping the firearm out of sight, but being able to effectively access and draw it with relative speed. Compact carry handguns are the best suited to this purpose.\n\nCompacts represent one of the largest handgun categories available with a great diversity of makes, models, sizes and calibers, from lightweight 9mm\u2019s up to heavy-hitting .40 S&W and .45 ACP semi-autos. The average overall length of a handgun in this category is 7 inches with an average weight of 24 ounces, only a slight step up from a typical 9mm pocket pistol. The greater differences are in grip size, slide width (on semi-autos) and the overall height of the gun, which can make or break pocket carry but will have little or no effect on holster carry. The advantages to compact carry handguns include a higher average capacity (both semi-autos and revolvers), reduced felt recoil, larger grip size for ease of handling, and a greater selection and price range from which to choose. The most common calibers in this category are .38 Special or .357 Magnum for revolvers, and 9mm and .45 ACP for semi-autos.\n\nRELATED STORIES<\/strong>\n\n30 Concealed Carry Handguns To Jumpstart Your Personal Defense<\/a>\n\nBeretta 92 Timeline<\/a>\n\nBersa\u2019s BP380CC: Easy-To-Conceal and Great for Self-Defense<\/a>\n\n4 Concealed Carry Holsters for the Chiappa MC 14<\/a>\n\nGeneral Officer\u2019s Pistols: Colt Pocket Hammerless Model 1903 & 1908<\/a>\n\nGun Review: CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 9mm Pistol<\/a>\n\nGun Review: EAA Witness 1911 Polymer<\/a>\n\nFirst Look: FNS-40 Compact Pistol<\/a>\n\nConcealed Carry Comparison: Ruger LCP Custom vs. GLOCK 42<\/a>\n\nMeet Grand Power\u2019s Latest K100 Import \u2013 The X-Trim Mk12<\/a>\n\nHeckler & Koch\u2019s Stylish, Street-Ready P30SK 9mm<\/a>\n\nTorture Test: Return of the IWI Jericho 941<\/a>\n\nKahr Arms\u2019 Full Size CT45 Packs 7+1 Rounds of .45 ACP Firepower<\/a>\n\n15 Precision Rifles From Kimber<\/a>\n\nSpringfield\u2019s XD Mod.2 Pistols: Taking Defensive Firepower to the Next Level<\/a>\n\n9 Deep-Cover Snub-Nose Revolvers from Taurus<\/a>\n\nSmith & Wesson\u2019s .460 Mag Family<\/a>\n\n3 Carry-Ready Wilson Combat Sentinels<\/a>","post_title":"25 Compact Carry Handguns For Self-Defense","post_excerpt":"Compact carry handguns represent one of the largest handgun categories available with a great diversity of makes, models, sizes and calibers.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"25-compact-carry-handguns-for-self-defense","to_ping":"","pinged":"http:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/xd-mod-2-series\/\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/01\/beretta-92-timeline\/#beretta-92-1\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/10\/bersa-bp380cc-easy-to-conceal-and-great-for-self-defense\nhttps:\/\/www.personaldefenseworld.com\/2015\/11\/torture-test-return-of-the-iwi-jericho-941\/#iwi-jericho-941-1","post_modified":"2023-05-31 11:46:01","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-31 11:46:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/2015\/11\/23\/25-compact-carry-handguns-for-self-defense\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":106178,"post_author":"243","post_date":"2015-11-20 12:03:16","post_date_gmt":"2015-11-20 17:03:16","post_content":"Watch a video review of\u00a0the Steyr S9-A1 below<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\nThe Steyr<\/a> S9-A1 checks off a lot of the features on my list when I am looking for a concealed-carry pistol. To start with, this 9mm pistol is extremely reliable. As with many of the current generation of polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, the gun simply runs well. I put more than a dozen different kinds of ammunition through it without a single hiccup. Standard pressure or +P, full metal jacket or self-defense hollow points\u2014it didn\u2019t matter. All of them fed and shot fine.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Looking For A Full-Size Concealed Carry Pistol? Try Steyr\u2019s L40-A1<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nCombined with reliability, accuracy is exceptionally important as well. What good is a handgun that can shoot if it won\u2019t hit the target? For a self-defense handgun, I want something that will offer a balance of speed and accuracy. I found the S9-A1 was easy to keep on target during rapid-fire string. In addition to the quality of the internal components, the S9-A1\u2019s ergonomics helped me run the gun quickly and accurately. Although slightly large for my hand, the grip still allowed me to have full control of the pistol while shooting. The low bore axis truly helped keep muzzle flip to a minimum.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY:\u00a0Gun Review - Steyr Arms L9-A1 9mm<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nSteyr uses a triangular sighting system on these pistols. I was skeptical about how well the sights would work, but I quickly took to them. The front sight seems to be huge and is easy to get on target. The rear sight has two lines that box the front sight in and do so without being distracting in the least. I am intrigued by these sights and want to run these in a fast-paced self-defense class to see how they perform.\r\n\r\nRELATED STORY: Steyr\u2019s SSG 69 - Only 1,000 Sniper Rifles Available in US<\/a><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe American branch of Steyr is based in Alabama, and in the best of Southern traditions, the company is full of hard workers that treat customers like members of their own family. Check out the video and keep your eyes peeled for a full review in the upcoming issue of POCKET PISTOLS<\/em>. To order, visit <\/a>.\r\n<\/a>\r\n