Guest post by Richard Mann, courtesy of SHOT Daily.
Handguns remain the top-selling firearms in America. Even though manufacturers are having no problems selling revolvers and pistols, they have stepped up for 2016 to keep customers happy with new models and innovations, primarily in suppressor-ready variants with the inclusion of semi-auto versions of machine-styled pistols.
Cimarron
Cimarron offers firearms used to tame the frontier in Texas and the American West. Often regarded as the leader in Cowboy Action authenticity, Cimarron has supported Cowboy Action Shooters since 1987. For 2016, Cimarron continues that tradition with three new pistols in the Eliminator series. Cimarron’s new Eliminator Octagon features a 4.75-inch octagonal barrel, checkered Army-style grips, and a pre-war frame. It also has a 25 percent shorter hammer stroke for fast, easy cocking, which is a real plus for one-handed (duelists and mounted) shooters. It has a case-hardened/blued-frame/cylinder assembly and is available in .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .45 Long Colt. SRP: $778.70
Cimarron’s new Eliminator Competition features a 4.75-inch round barrel, checkered single-action grips, and a pre-war frame. Like the Eliminator Octagon, it has a 25 percent shorter hammer stroke and a Cowboy Comp U.S. action job. The Eliminator Competition is available in a color case-hardened/blued-frame/cylinder assembly or stainless steel. It’s also available with a standard or low, wide hammer. Available in .357 Magnum/.38 Special and .45 Long Colt. SRP: $713.70.
Cimarron’s new Eliminator Thunderstorm is available with a 3.5- or 4.75-inch barrel and checkered grips. Its specially designed Thunderstorm hammer is low and wide for comfortable no-slip cocking. The hammer—along with the 25 percent shorter hammer stroke and Cowboy Comp Thunderstorm action job—makes it an ideal competition gun for mounted shooters. The Eliminator Thunderstorm is available in standard blue or polished stainless steel in .45 Long Colt. SRP: $747, blue; $973, stainless.
Cimarron is also offering four laser-engraved revolvers from Pietta, Italy. All are great looking and affordably priced. They are available in two finishes: nickel and old silver frame (OSF). OSF is a two-tone finish, where the barrel, cylinder, and grip assembly are blued and the frame is left in white for a polished steel finish. There are also two grip options—a poly-ivory grip or checkered walnut. SRP: starts at $648.70. (cimarron-firearms.com)
Coonan
Known for its unique 1911 handgun chambered in .357 Magnum, the company is introducing a new class of 1911s chambered in .45 ACP. This new .45 ACP Pistol utilizes all of the proven technologies from Coonan’s 1911 .357 Magnum Auto. These “Coonan Difference” features include a linkless barrel, pivoting trigger, and an external extractor. It has a Novak rear sight and a blade front sight. Night sights or an adjustable rear sight are optional. The Coonan .45 ACP package includes a 7-round single-stack magazine, a carrying case, and a lock. SRP: $1,375. (coonaninc.com)
CZ-USA
CZ continues to innovate and surprise, and for 2016, it has a full complement of new and exciting handguns. Following in the footsteps of its clad-in-black sibling, the FDE Scorpion hosts all the same features that have made the Scorpion Pistol such a hit. New for 2016 is a barrel that is threaded 18×1 to accept the factory flash hider, but also threaded 1/2×28 underneath the flash hider to allow for the easy addition of a suppressor or aftermarket muzzle device. The folding stock goes on quickly and easily, and is sold in a 922(r) compliance kit so you have all the required parts to stay on the up-and-up. CZ also sells an arm-brace adapter kit that allows the fitting of aftermarket arm braces or cheek weld devices. An 11-inch Picatinny rail rides on top, and aluminum adjustable sights are fitted from the factory. Chambered only in 9mm Luger.
CZ’s Bren 805 S1 Pistol has an 11-inch barrel and has proven a popular SBR candidate for customers wanting to convert it into an NFA firearm. Those who don’t wish to register with the ATF can always equip it with CZ’s adapter kit, which allows easy installation of aftermarket arm braces or other devices meant to help stabilize large-format pistols. Chambered in .223/5.56 and using the STANAG magazine from the AR16/M16, it easily accepts optics and lights on its top and bottom Picatinny rails.
In the last few years, there has been a huge spike in requests for suppressor-ready firearms, and for 2016, CZ has more than doubled its threaded-pistol lineup. Clad in urban-gray, CZ’s limited-edition Urban Gray Suppressor Ready Series of pistols come with a set of high suppressor sights equipped with tritium lamps front and rear. Extended-capacity magazines boost the capacity on all but the SP-01 by two rounds. Some models, like the P-01 Omega and the 75 Omega, are completely new. Variants include a P-09 with a 12+1 capacity, a P-07 with 17+1 capacity, a 75 SP-01 and a 75 B that hold 18 cartridges, and a 75 P-01 with a capacity of 16+1. SRP: $537 to $723.
Recognizing that practicing with .22 rimfire ammunition is less expensive and just plain fun, CZ has added a new Kadet Kit to the line. Designed to swap onto current P-07s and older P-07 Duty pistols, the P-07 Kadet Kit enables shooters to train using cheaper .22 LR ammo. With a 10-round magazine and fully reciprocating-slide function, shooting the P-07 Kadet Kit will be identical to shooting the host pistol in factory form. The CZ P-07 Kadet Kit ships with two 10-round magazines. SRP: $237.
Turning the Tactical Sport up a notch, the CZ 75 Tactical Sport Orange borrows a number of design features from the Czechmate and incorporates a few of its own. With the slimmer trigger guard, revised grip geometry, and finer checkering from the Czechmate frame, it adds a thumb stop and fully adjustable target sights. With the same long slide and full-length dust cover as the standard TS, it also shares the single-action-only trigger, giving it an incredibly light pull and short reset. SRP: $1,784. (cz-usa.com)
Dan Wesson
With more folks than ever choosing to hunt with a handgun and the continuing resurgence of the 10mm cartridge, Dan Wesson decided it was time to bring the heat. Dan Wesson’s first long-slide 1911, the Bruin, was born to hunt. The long slide means a long sight radius, and the 6-inch barrel allows full-power 10mm loads as much time as possible to use their powder charge. Fully adjustable tritium sights ensure that when shooting hours arrive, you’ll be able to see the sights. Additionally, there’s a tritium/fiber-optic combo front sight to make sure the front glows day or night. SRP: $2,064, .45 ACP; $2,194, 10mm.
With suppressors becoming more and more mainstream, another interesting pistol from Dan Wesson is the Discretion. With its match-grade stainless barrel, which is extended and threaded, it is suppressor-ready out of the box. Its aggressively ported slide, serrated trigger, and competition-inspired hammer give it a radical look. High tritium sights allow for sighting over the top of most pistol suppressors. Available in 9mm Luger and .45 ACP. SRP: $2,142.
Dan Wesson has seen a steady increase in requests for a non-bobbed Valor Commander, and for 2016, it has delivered. What sets the Valor apart from the rest of Dan Wesson’s 1911 lineup is the sheer amount of time spent hand-polishing, hand-fitting, and finishing. Not only do they get the best quality parts, they get the most individual attention of any model Dan Wesson builds. It is arguably the best size .45 ACP or 9mm Luger 1911 for concealed carry. SRP: $1,688 to $2,012.
The Pointman series from Dan Wesson has been offered in limited quantities in the past, and demand has always outpaced production. Featuring a serrated rib on top of the forged slide, it has an adjustable target sight in the rear, a fiber-optic sight in the front, and front and rear cocking serrations. The frame is forged stainless with an undercut trigger guard and 25-LPI front strap checkering. The flats are polished to a soft, brushed finish, and the rounds are sandblasted for a nice contrast. Double diamond cocobolo grips finish off the Pointman, which is available only in .38 Super. SRP: $1,597.
Sharing the features that make the Dan Wesson Valkyrie one of its most popular concealed-carry 1911s, the Valkyrie Commander simply adds an aluminum Commander-size frame, making it ideal for those who need a bit more purchase than an Officer-size frame allows. The Valkyrie Commander is available in 9mm Luger and .45 ACP with a black duty/anodized finish. SRP: $2,012.
In Dan Wesson’s efforts to appease 1911 aficionados, it has not forgotten wheel gunners. The Dan Wesson 715 Pistol Pack is as it was before—designed and built to be the most accurate, rugged, and versatile revolver on the market. This year sees the revival of the Pistol Pack, famous for its swappable barrels. The Pistol Pack is shipped with 4-, 6-, and 8-inch barrel/shroud assemblies, in the modern heavy vent shroud profile. A custom Dan Wesson hard case, with compartments for the additional barrel assemblies and a factory-supplied barrel wrench kit, is included. SRP: $1,688. (cz-usa.com)
Kahr
Kahr has two new handguns for 2016. Part of the Value Series Plus product line, the .380 ACP CW380TU features a 2.5-inch conventional rifled barrel, a trigger-cocking DAO action, a locked breech, and a Browning-type recoil lug. Overall length is 4.96 inches, and height is just 3.9 inches. This pistol weighs 10.2 ounces without the magazine. It has a drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight and a pinned-in polymer front sight. New for 2016 is the finish. It has a black polymer frame stainless slide with a Cerekote tungsten finish (dark graphite gray) on the slide, slide stop lever, and trigger. SRP: $419.
Also part of the Value Series Plus product line, the .380 ACP CT3833TU features a 3-inch conventional rifled barrel, a trigger-cocking DAO action, a locked breech, a Browning-type recoil lug, and a passive striker block. Overall length is 5.52 inches, height is 4.4 inches. Pistol weight without magazine is 11.44 ounces. New for 2016 is the Cerakote tungsten finish (dark graphite gray) on the slide, slide stop lever, and trigger on a black polymer frame with stainless slide. SRP: $419. (kahr.com)
Magnum Research
U.S.–based Magnum Research is introducing a new version of the iconic Desert Eagle, with the addition of its new Cerakote tungsten finish to the .44 Magnum and .50 AE Desert Eagle products. Cerakote is a multi-step process, which results in a high-temperature ceramic coating that holds up well under normal use. The tungsten model is complemented with attractive black appointments, which gives the pistol even more appeal. The new Cerakote Tungsten Desert Eagle is offered in either the .50AE or .44 Magnum. SRP: $1,696. (magnumresearch.com)
Nighthawk
The custom 1911 giant Nighthawk has several new finely crafted pistols for 2016. The Silent Hawk is a Recon-style commander with a Tri-Cut slide, custom cocking serrations to match an Osprey silencer, a threaded barrel, tritium tall suppressor sights, and mid-length grip-screw bushings. It has a total blackout finish and custom NH/Silencer Co. brand logo. SRP: $4,295, .45 ACP; $4,495, 9mm Luger.
The Summit Hawk is a Recon-style commander with a Tri-Cut slide, custom cocking serrations to match an Osprey silencer, a threaded barrel, tritium tall suppressor sights, and mid-length grip-screw bushings. It has an NP3 finish and a custom NH/Silencer Co. brand logo. SRP: $4,995, .45 ACP; $5,195, 9mm Luger.
The Heinie Kestrel is all black with stainless controls. This model includes a thinned scalloped frame and mainspring housing that is great for concealed carry and people with smaller hands. The build also includes custom features such as rear slide serrations, top slide serrations, a crowned barrel, a beveled and recessed slide stop, and thin Aluma Grips with the Nighthawk Logo. It is available in 9mm Luger or .45 ACP. SRP: $3,495. (nighthawk custom.com)
Republic Forge
Republic Forge manufactures world-class Model 1911 pistols, and it has announced the addition of blued and color-cased finishes to its all-American 1911 lineup. Unprecedented in the custom 1911 market, firearms enthusiasts can navigate to Republic Forge’s website and build their very own Republic Forge pistol. Featuring user-friendly navigation and an unparalleled collection of customizable options, the “Build Your Own” application will transform the firearms purchasing experience. Now customers have a new case-hardened finish as an option. (republicforge.com)
Ruger
Never one to wait until SHOT Show to bring out its new firearms, last fall Ruger expanded its popular line of Lightweight Compact Revolvers with the addition of an LCR chambered for the underappreciated and very versatile .327 Federal Magnum. This 6-round LCR has an additional round of capacity compared to other centerfire LCRs. It’s a double-action-only revolver and also features a concealed hammer to minimize snagging during concealed carry. This new LCR maintains all the features of the critically acclaimed original LCR, and utilizes a compact Hogue Tamer grip with finger grooves, which is highly effective at reducing felt recoil. The LCR in .327 Federal Magnum has a 1.875-inch barrel, an overall length of 6.5 inches, and a weight of 17 ounces. It will also fire .32 ACP, .32 Short, .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R Magnum ammo. SRP: $619.
Ruger also announced a polymer-stock 22 Charger and 22 Charger Takedown pistol. The Charger was first introduced in 2007, then re-engineered in 2014. Weighing just 3.1 pounds, the polymer-stock 22 Charger pistol is otherwise identical to the laminate-stock model. It has an overall length of 19.25 inches and features a 10-inch precision-rifled, threaded barrel with a 1/2-28 thread pattern that accepts most popular muzzle accessories. The new stock is paired with a standard A2-style pistol grip, making the platform easy to customize with a MSR grip. SRP: $309, standard model; $409, takedown model. (ruger.com)
SIG SAUER
SIG SAUER has returned the venerable P225 pistol to its catalog. The P225A retains the exceptional look and feel of the original P225, but it features an enhanced trigger and the precision manufacturing and quality from the state-of-the-art SIG SAUER facility. The P225A is a single-stack 9mm pistol with the time-tested double-action/single-action trigger system. A fully machined stainless-steel slide comes in the durable Nitron finish. A hard-coat-anodized frame sports two-piece grips with the SIG mark medallion. (sigsauer.com)
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Corp. is now offering its highly acclaimed M&P Shield pistol in both 9mm and .40 S&W, with a factory ported barrel and slide. These new Shield ported pistols, available exclusively from the legendary Performance Center, provide a host of premium features desired by the most astute shooters. Engineered on a high-strength polymer frame measuring .95 inch in width, the Performance Center M&P Shield is standard with a 3.1-inch factory-ported barrel. The new barrel, along with the pistol’s three precision-cut ports across the top of the stainless-steel slide, aid in reducing muzzle flip and improve the ability to remain on target after firing. The new M&P Shield pistols have been further updated with fiber-optic sights and an enhanced trigger. SRP: $490.
Smith & Wesson has also added greater versatility to its premiere line of M&P pistols by offering two new versions of the M&P with an additional threaded barrel included in the box. The new 9mm variants—which include the Performance Center M&P Ported and the Performance Center M&P C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment)—allow owners to easily attach a sound suppressor without the use of additional tools. The additional threaded barrel included with both pistols brings an added retail value of $175 and feature a thread pattern of 1/2-28.
A custom-designed, machine-engraved SW1911 pistol is also joining the line this year. The new SW1911 features a scrollwork design created by Smith & Wesson’s Master Engraver and made possible by a highly precise diamond-tipped tool. The engraving embellishes the all-steel canvas and elevates the venerable 1911 platform to a new level of sophistication and beauty. Chambered in .45 ACP, the pistol showcases decorative machine engraving on the left and right side of the stainless-steel slide and frame. This intricate linework extends across the pistol’s 5-inch barrel, and when combined with its glass bead finish and rosewood colored grips, transforms this modern-day workhorse into a living piece of art. (smith-wesson.com)
Traditions Performance Firearms
For 2016, Traditions has introduced four new models into its popular blackpowder revolver lineup. All four feature laser engraving. While beautiful to look at and display, these engraved revolvers are also 100 percent functional. Models include two 1851 Navy revolvers. One is in blue with walnut grips, while the other is in nickel with simulated ivory grips. There is a blued 1858 Army with walnut grips and a blued 1860 Army configured similarly.
Traditions has also added two new models to the popular Frontier series of 1873 Single Action Revolvers. Like all Traditions single-action revolvers, these, too, come equipped with a transfer bar to give a high level of safety. One of the new introductions is an 1873 Single Action Sheriff’s model, with a 3.5-inch barrel and color-case-hardened frame. The other is an 1873 Single Action with an oversize grip frame and a 5.5-inch barrel. Both have color-case-hardened frames and are chambered for .357 Magnum. (traditionsperformance.com)
Walther
Designed for personal protection and recreational shooting, the PPQ .45 Auto is the first true production Walther .45 Auto in the company’s storied history. The gun is equipped with the Carl Walther quick-defense trigger and is fashioned with the traditional front and rear slide serrations. Like all PPQ models, it also has fully ambidextrous controls. This new .45 has a polygonal rifled 4.25-inch barrel and houses three separate safeties. Accessories can easily be mounted on the mil-spec Picatinny rail. (waltherarms.com)
