march 2023 | insidefirearms.com | 51 felt recoil and minimal muzzle rise which translates to improved accuracy. It’s a solid entry in the full-sized defensive market. Visit armscor.com to learn more. SAVAGE ARMS • The Government 1911 from Savage Arms is designed as an aesthetic homage to the platform with modern components and capabilities. According to Savage, the pistol is made for unparalleled performance and incredible accuracy. As a Government-sized 1911, the gun has a 5.0 inch barrel and full-size frame. A dual recoil spring and GIstyle guide rod are used to maintain the gun’s original construction while other features, like an ambidextrous safety, make it more versatile. The Savage Arms Government 1911 has a forged stainless steel frame and slide, nitride-coated titanium firing pin, and tool steel sear. In its 9x19mm Parabellum chambering it has a 10 +1 round capacity while its 45 ACP chambering holds 8 +1. It’s offered in one of three finishes: black nitride, stainless steel, or two tone. VZ G10 grips provide a solid hold during live fire and an accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard makes it Yet another excellent addition to SIG’s pistol family is the P320 XTEN. This handgun is chambered in 10mm Auto and includes a 15+1 capacity. Overall empty weight is 33 ounces, enough to offset felt recoil and muzzle rise. The gun has a 5-inch carbon steel barrel and stainless-steel fire control unit. SIG uses their Full-Size Polymer X-Series grip module on this gun, making it comfortable in the hand during long live-fire sessions. Features of the P320 XTEN include an 8.5- inch overall length, 5.6-inch height, and 1.3-inch width. It is equipped with the XSeries Straight trigger, which includes a crisp 90-degree break. It is optics ready and compatible with red dot sights with a SIG Romeo2 or Trijicon RMR footprint—the latter requiring a sealing plate. A lower accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard makes it easy to add weapon lights or lasers and aggressive forward and rearward slide serrations assist in manipulating the slide. The gun ships with X-Ray3 Day/Night sights so it’s ready to go right out of the box. Visit sigsauer.com to learn more. WALTHER • Walther markets their PDP F-Series to women, but this is easy to add aftermarket accessories. Visit savagearms.com to learn more. SIG SAUER • SIG Sauer’s Legion line is well known for reliability, accuracy, and shooting comfort. The P320 XFIVE DH3 shares DNA with that line and is the result of a collaborative effort between the SIG Custom Shop and Daniel Horner of Team SIG. This pistol is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a capacity of 21 +1. Although the P320 XFIVE DH3 was made with competition shooting in mind, it is a fantastic option for any dedicated handgunner looking for a precision option. This is a strikerfired design with a stainless-steel frame, slide, and fire control unit, plus carbon steel barrel. It has an empty weight of 43.5 ounces, which helps mitigate felt recoil. The handgun does not have an external manual safety. What it does have is a series of built-in safety mechanisms. The P320 XFIVE DH3 ships with 12 pound and 14 pound 1911-style recoil springs, making it possible to customize the gun to accommodate various ammunitions. It is optics ready and ships with suppressor-height X-RAY3 day/ night sights. Walther PDP F-Series Anderson Kiger 9c ATI FXH-45 Moxie Commander
52 | inside firearms | march 2023 a great handgun for anyone with smaller hands. Certain aspects of the PDP platform have been downsized to fit shooters with smaller hands, such as the grip circumference and trigger reach. In addition, Walther made the PDP F-Series with what they say is a 20 percent reduction in required slideracking force. That makes it a good gun for customers with arthritic, injured, or weak hands. The PDP F-Series full-sized model has a 4.5-inch barrel, but there are also 4- and 5-inch barrel options listed as full-size. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a magazine capacity of 18 +1. A 10-round version is available for restricted states. The gunmaker lists the trigger pull as 5.6 pounds and travel at .24 inches. With an overall length of 8 inches and a 25.4-ounce empty weight, this gun has the frame size needed to produce a flatter-shooting pistol without being overly cumbersome. Visit waltherarms.com to learn more. Compact Handguns ANDERSON MANUFACTURING • This is an interesting pistol because add rigidity and durability to the frame. The slide is made from 4140 steel, which is a chromium/molybdenum/manganese alloy designed to withstand serious fatigue and use. This is a Commander-sized handgun, which roughly translates to it being compact. It has a 4.25-inch barrel and is chambered in .45 ACP. ATI improved the barrel, slide, and sights on this Commander model over its Government-sized predecessor. The base of the gun’s trigger guard is rounded, making it easier to run with larger hands or while wearing gloves, and the grip has molded finger grooves. There is an accessory rail for lights or lasers, and guns ship with iron sights. The skeletonized trigger outperforms the price point and the gun has an 8 +1 round capacity. Basically, it represents a great little lightweight starter 1911. Visit americantactical.us to learn more. BROWNING • Browning is a manufacturer that designs and produces beautifully-made handguns, and the 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro is a solid example. This is a 1911-style handgun chambered in 380 ACP. It it is the company’s first foray into handguns. Anderson designed the Kiger 9c for what they describe as performance and style. It’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, has a 15+1 capacity and is compatible with Magpul GL9 magazines. This is a polymer pistol meant to be portable, pointable, and easy to operate—all at an affordable price point. Key features include a polymer frame, over-molded slide rails, and DLC-coated slide and barrel. It is striker-fired and does not have an external manual safety, though does include multiple internal safeties. Barrel length is 3.91 inches and overall length is 7.35 inches, so it is large enough to offer plenty of real estate to hang onto. The grip is aggressively textured, making it easy to control even with wet or sweaty hands, and angled serrations are located front and rear of the slide. An accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard makes adding aftermarket accessories easy. Visit andersonmanufacturing.com to learn more. ATI • The ATI FXH-45 Moxie Commander is a hybrid 1911 with a polymer frame. ATI uses steel inserts to Mossberg MC2c Cosaint Arms COS21 Double Stack Commander Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro
march 2023 | insidefirearms.com | 53 has an 8+1 capacity and its streamlined design makes it highly concealable. Barrel length is 4.25 inches and the gun has an overall length of 7.5 inches. Its empty weight is 18 ounces, which translates to significant versatility for carry positions. The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro with Rail features a black composite receiver, steel barrel, and matte finish. Slide serrations are located at the rear of the slide, which is the preferable racking location on any auto-loading pistol. An accessory rail makes adding accessories easy. Rosewood-colored laminate grips contrast nicely with the matte black of the frame. It has a Commander-style hammer and skeletonized trigger. Each gun ships with a choice of metal three-dot combat sights or steel bardot combat night sights. The manual thumb safety is ambidextrous. Visit browning.com to learn more. COSAINT ARMS • With the prevalence of lower-capacity 1911s on the market, it’s well worth checking out Cosaint Arms COS21 Double Stack Commander. This gun gives you twice as much capacity in a smaller, more easily-concealed platform. The Commander has a 4.25-inch barrel and weighs approximately 27.5 ounces, depending on chambering. Cosaint offers this compact pistol in either 9x19mm Parabellum or 45 ACP. Other features include a 3.5-pound trigger pull weight, ambidextrous safety, and custom-stippled grips. Cosaint gives buyers the option of customizing their Commander further with a threaded barrel to accept a suppressor or choosing an optics-ready slide with cover plate. Cerakote finish options are practically endless. This handgun has a tactical hard coat aluminum frame and Flat Top Tactical slide with forward and rearward angled slide serrations. Guns ship with a fiber optic front sight and fixed black rear sight, with an adjustable rear sight optional for an additional fee. Visit cosaintarms.com to learn more. MOSSBERG • The MC2c Optics Ready is an expansion of Mossberg’s popular pistol line. The 2019 MC1sc was the company’s first handgun in 100 years, and its reliable performance has brought an entirely new market of shooters to the company. The MC2c is, as its name suggests, optics ready. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a 14+1 or 16+1 capacity, depending on magazine choice. The gun’s compact frame is made from high-tensile strength, glassreinforced polymer and the slide is 416 stainless steel. Slim front and rear angled slide serrations make manipulating the gun easier, while not proving excessively aggressive. Textured surfaces of the grip make it easier to keep a good hold on the gun during live fire. The gun has an integrated safety blade trigger and a unique safe takedown system. Snagfree dovetail sights come standard. Visit mossberg.com to learn more. RUGER • Ruger’s Security 380 is part of the company’s popular Security handgun family. This one is chambered in 380 ACP, as its name suggests, and is made for self-defense and concealed carry. With an overall length of 6.52 inches and barrel length of 3.42 inches, this pistol is on the smaller end of the compact category, making it highly concealable. This is a polymer-framed gun with a Ruger Security 380 SIG Sauer P365-XMACRO Smith & Wesson Equalizer Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0
54 | inside firearms | march 2023 glass filled nylon grip and a hardened alloy steel slide. Its overall construction is rugged and durable. Safety features include an external manual lever safety, safety blade trigger, and neutrally balanced sear. In addition, the team at Ruger designed this gun for easy takedown, with no trigger pull required, which is another fantastic safety feature. Every Security 380 ships with a drift-adjustable rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight for rapid target acquisition. Capacity is 15 +1, though a 10-round option is offered for restricted states. Visit ruger.com to learn more. SIG SAUER • The P365-XMACRO by SIG is a welcome addition to the company’s trusted line of carry guns. This model is literally made to be more— more capacity, more shootability, and more accuracy. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and offers an excellent 17+1 capacity. The P365-XMACRO has a 3.1 inch barrel and an overall length of 6.6 inches. Its width is listed as 1.1 inches. Making it even more impressive, the SIG packs 17 rounds into its magazine. This compact gun is made for hard use and its features speak to its function. It has a Maccealed. It has an empty weight of 22.9 ounces. Features meant to make the Equalizer easier to shoot include wide, u-shaped serrations and an easy-to-rack slide design. The handgun’s single-action trigger is made with a short take-up and brief reset for rapid target acquisition. Even the grip texture is enhanced for comfort while carrying, while also offering a firm hold on the gun during livefire—without causing pain. This isn’t a gimmick—this handgun really is easier to manipulate and run accurately. The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Optics Ready is a handgun designed for those focused on self-defense. This series includes a long, trusted history behind it, and this newest iteration offers all the renowned reliability with an optics-ready slide. The gun is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a 15 +1 magazine capacity. For the purposes of this summary, we’re covering the 4.0-inch barrel model, but it’s also offered with a 4.5 inch barrel. This pistol has a flat-face trigger for consistent finger placement, an important detail for repeatable accuracy. Trigger reset is positive and audible. Smith ro-Compact Grip Module, integrally compensated optics-ready slide, and slim profile. The P365-XMACRO has an empty weight of 21.5 ounces, so it won’t add excessive bulk to your kit. Its curved edges make it easier to conceal. There is also an accessory rail for weapon mounted lights and lasers, for those who need a light for target identification. Forward and rearward slide serrations make racking the slide smooth and straightforward. If increased capacity is your customer’s focus, this might be the gun for them. Visit sigsauer.com to learn more. SMITH & WESSON • As its name suggests, the Smith & Wesson Equalizer is meant to even the proverbial playing field. It does this by making a micro-compact gun big gun-capable, and by offering features that make it easier to use for shooters with injured or weak hands. The Equalizer is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a trio of magazine options: 10 +1, 13 +1, and 15 +1. It is optics-ready thanks to an easily-removed cover plate, but ships with three-dot iron sights. The gun has a barrel length of 3.675 inches and an overall length of 6.75 inches, so it can be easily conSpringfield Hellcat Pro OSP Bond Arms Stinger Diamondback DB380
march 2023 | insidefirearms.com | 55 & Wesson also designed the M&P 9 M2.0 with a low bore barrel axis for the purpose of comfort and reduced muzzle rise. For greater accuracy, it has an extended, rigid, embedded stainless steel chassis to create a stiff platform resistant to the torque produced during live fire. Aggressive grip texturing makes the gun easy to control. Guns ship with white threedot sights. Visit smith-wesson.com to learn more. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY • The Springfield Hellcat Pro OSP is an optics-ready handgun with what the gunmaker labels class-leading concealability. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a 15 +1 capacity, all with a minimal footprint. The Hellcat Pro OSP has a 3.7- inch hammer-forged barrel designed for superior ballistics. Its frame is black polymer and its slide is billet machined and features a Melonite finish for durability. The gun has an overall length of 6.6 inches and empty weight of 21 ounces. Features of the Hellcat Pro OSP include a dual captive recoil spring with full-length guide rod, forward and rearward slide serrations, and a safety blade trigger. A sight works well for close-range targets and the trigger delivers a clean, crisp break. The Stinger includes an empty weight of 12 ounces. Black rubber grips make it easy to hang on to and the hammer is grooved for nonslip purchase during manipulation. This gun has two barrels, over/under style, and fires one barrel at a time. It also has an external cross-bolt safety. Visit bondarms.com to learn more. DIAMONDBACK FIREARMS • Although the DB380 itself isn’t brand new, the line of pocket pistols from Diamondback see regular improvements. This gun is chambered in 380 ACP, a defensive caliber second only to 9mm in many circles. It includes a 6 +1 capacity. Barrel length is 2.8 inches and overall length is 5.26 inches; it’s a truly sub-compact pistol weighing only 8.8 ounces. Despite its diminutive stature, the DB380 has all the features customers expect from a quality defensive pistol. Forward and rearward slide serrations, a textured grip, and a squared-off trigger guard are just a few. This is a double-action only revolver, which serves as an additional layer of safety for those who pocket carry. Its recoil system is all steel captured and lower accessory rail makes it easy to add a light or laser. The grip is textured to facilitate a positive grip, even with wet hands. Each gun ships with a luminescent tritium front sight and tactical rack U-notch rear sight. According to Springfield, the footprint of the cover plate is compatible with most popular red dot sight models. Visit springfield-armory.com to learn more. Sub-Compact/Micro Pistols BOND ARMS • Derringers may not immediately come to mind when considering self-defense guns, but there are situations where they come in handy. Bond Arms, based in Granbury, Texas, manufactures some of the best-quality derringers around. The company’s Stinger is a slimmer, streamlined version of the company’s classic models, and it is designed for use as a backup gun (or a snake gun). Not to mention, it is ideal for deep concealment in nonpermissive environments. The Stinger is offered in 22 LR, 9mm Parabellum, or 38 Special. It has a 3-inch barrel and an overall length of 5 inches. A fixed front blade Nighthawk Treasurer Taurus 327 Colt Python
56 | inside firearms | march 2023 the slide is stainless steel for longevity. Although the DB380 ships with traditional three-dot sights, it is compatible with aftermarket Glock sights. Visit diamondbackfirearms.com to learn more. NIGHTHAWK • Nighthawk is renowned for manufacturing highquality 1911s. The Treasurer is a continuation of the gun maker’s Boardroom Series and is an Officer-sized handgun. With its 3.8-inch bull barrel and 7.01-inch overall length, the Treasurer is right on the line between compact and sub-compact dimensions. It is certainly on the smaller side for a 1911. This gun is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a magazine capacity of 8+1. The frame and slide are hand-fit, as is the barrel. The barrel is crowned and throated with a polished feed ramp. Other features include a one-piece mainspring housing, Railscales Ascend G10 grips, a Heinie Ledge solid black rear sight, and 14-karat gold front bead. Nighthawk took care to dehorn the gun so it is less likely to snag or protrude, and all edges are hand beveled. A DLC finish helps the gun resist wear and tear. This gun isn’t a safe queen—it’s made to shoot. Visit nighthawkcustom.com to learn more. Revolvers TAURUS • The name of the Taurus 327 gives away its chambering: 327 Federal Magnum. It is a doubleaction/single-action revolver with a 6-shot cylinder. With its 2-inch barrel, it qualifies as a snubby. If you prefer a slightly longer barrel, a 3-inch barrel model is also available. Taurus manufactures the 327 with either a matte black or a silver finish. This revolver has an overall length of 6.55 inches with the 2-inch barrel and an empty weight of 22 ounces. The barrel has a 1:18.75 twist rate. Each gun ships with a rear sight channel the company lists as a fixed rear sight and a removable serrated blade front sight. Rubber grips with a grooved backstrap help the shooter maintain a firm grip, while providing some comfort during live fire. This gun is small and meant for those times when you need a firearm but must conceal it extremely well. Visit taurususa.com to learn more. COLT • Colt reintroduced the iconic Python a few years ago, and the 3-inch barrel variant is a welcome addition to the family. This revolver is, of course, one of the company’s “Snake Guns.” This gun has a six-shot capacity and is chambered in 357 Magnum, which means it also accommodates 38 Special. The revolver is 8.5 inches long, 5.5 inches tall, and 1.55 inches wide. Its 3-inch barrel includes a 1:14 twist rate with six grooves. The frame of the Python 3-inch is stainless steel with a semi-bright finish. This glossy look pairs well with the warm walnut grips. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, while the front sight sports an interchangeable orange ramp. Trigger pull is around 5 pounds, 6 ounces. This is a double-action/single-action gun and the trigger press remains smooth regardless. Fitment on the Python is nicely executed and its overall quality is excellent. The revolver weighs 2 pounds, 6 ounces, due in part to the addition of about 30 percent more steel in the frame than the original. This is a solidly built gun that is great for dedicated use. Visit colt.com to learn more. SCY : Build a custom-tailored bullpup configured AR-15! Reap Weaponries • 320-223-5983 •reapweaponries.com • [email protected] • Relocates trigger interface 9 ¾” forward • M-LOK, KeyMod™ compatible • Ambidextrous setup • Mil-spec components • Weights 12 ounces • Linear trigger system • Less than 1.5 lbs. trigger weight added • Designed for all mil-spec lowers with a removable trigger guard • Recoil rated for up to .50 Beowulf • All components made in the USA CALL OR EMAIL FOR ORDERS • FREE SHIPPING! EDC Speedloaders That Really Fit Wholesale Dealers welcomed Click the Dealer link at zetasix.com • Designed for EDC/Concealed carry • Available for J-frame, K-frame, and Ruger LCR revolvers chambered in 38 Special or 357 Magnum • More flexible and comfortable to pocket carry • Easily clears the frame and stock grips
march 2023 | insidefirearms.com | 57 gear report | market trends Ocaso Knives Solstice O caso Knives is nestled in the Ojai Valley of Southern California, a place known for its gorgeous sunsets and the inspiration for the company’s namesake. Ocaso (oh-kah-soh) is the Spanish word for sunset. Ric Valdez, Ocaso’s founder, spent close to 20 years with Cold Steel Knives, eventually moving into the position of Executive Vice President, and departing to launch Ocaso after Cold Steel’s sale to GSM Outdoors in 2020. Ocaso Knives has made its mark by producing premium gentleman’s, executive, and everyday carry pocketknives with distinctively elegant aesthetics. They are designed by some of the industry’s leading knifemakers, and crafted with an obsession for detail, superior craftsmanship, and real-world function. These are production knives of the highest quality, made from premium materials, while applying a look of class and good taste. These blades reflect Valdez’s vision of sophisticated, modern, and minimalist designs crafted from premium materials. Ocaso was founded on Valdez’s belief that the knife you choose to carry encapsulates the essence of who you are and what you believe. Blades produced by Ocaso Knives are designed in the U.S. and crafted by trusted manufacturers in Taiwan and Italy. Valdez has long-standing relationships with his production partners and works closely with them through every step of the design and production process. These partners adhere to careful engineering, fit, finish, and quality control protocols. Under discussion here is Ocaso Knives’ Solstice, designed by renowned Pennsylvania knifemaker Andrew Demko. It is also indicative of Ocaso’s passion for “executive knife excellence.” Ocaso calls this the ultimate gentleman’s knife—elegant and refined style but made to perform. The Solstice includes a modern look, discreet lines, and feathery mass that makes it easy to carry in a front shirt or suit pocket. Being an Ocaso, the Solstice was made to exacting standards from the highest quality materials. Handles can be ordered in standard aerospace-grade titanium or optional carbon fiber. Blades are ground from American-made Crucible s35vn stainless steel, which provides exceptional edge retention and wear resistance (German Damascus models are also offered). The Solstice includes Ocaso’s signature foldover, ambidextrous, stainless steel deep carry pocket clip, and stainless-steel caged bearings with flipper opening for incredibly smooth, fast deployment. The Solstice is more than a classy knife—it’s designed to function flawlessly. The titanium handled Solstice weighs 2.5 ounces, the carbon handled versions just 1.7 ounces. The folding design measures 7.8 inches/19.8cm long when closed, and holds a 3.5-inch/8.9cm straight-back, flat-grind blade. Blades are finished in either a satin or black PVD finish and the blade lock is a liner design. As hinted, the Fold-Over Deep Carry Clip can be reversed for left- or right-hand carry and the blade can be quickly deployed with one finger. The work is assembled with high-quality Torq screws. All Ocaso Knives carry a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in workmanship or materials. Ocaso Knives offers three distinctive styles, each with multiple options. We urge you to check them out at ocasoknives.com. By Patrick Meitin
58 | inside firearms | march 2023 inside the industry | industry 5Q Five Questions with Davidson’s, Inc. D avidson’s is one of the nation’s largest shooting sports wholesalers. So big, in fact, the company regularly offers exclusive firearms models made by major manufacturers. Davidson’s also maintains a vast inventory of guns from numerous firearms manufacturers. We spoke with Bill Bennett, Senior Marketing Manager at Davidson’s, Inc., to learn more. What is Davidson’s story? ■ Davidson’s was founded in 1932 as a used auto parts supplier by Herman and Edythe Davidson. By the 1950s, the company evolved into a sporting goods supplier and began selling firearms in the mid-1950s. In the 1980s, the company’s focus became wholesale distribution of firearms. Today, we’re one of the largest firearms wholesalers in the country, with distribution centers in Prescott, Arizona, and Greensboro, North Carolina. We carry optics, suppressors, ammunition, shooting supplies, and our newest category, knives. Tell us about Davidson’s commitment to operate its business for the convenience of your customers? ■ It’s more than a motto to us. It means we’re here for our customers. We have knowledgeable and courteous account executives that are available from 9 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Saturday. We have one of the largest firearms inventories in the country from the top manufacturers and work with our customers to grow their business. Our warehouses are their warehouses. What is the GuaranteeD Lifetime Replacement Program? ■ Our GuaranteeD lifetime replacement program is the best in the business. If anything goes wrong with any new gun your customers buy from you that was ordered through Davidson’s, it will be replaced. Tell us about Davidson’s Master Dealer and Profit Booster Programs? ■ Davidson's can save our customers excess costs with programs that are designed to boost their bottom line. Free freight, priority allocation, and extended terms are just a few of the perks of our Master Dealer Programs. Currently, Davidson's has Master Dealer Programs for Ruger, Smith & Wesson, GLOCK, Taurus, optics, and knives. Davidson's Profit Booster programs pair firearms with desirable accessories at a discounted price, allowing for a better profit margin. How can I contact Davidson’s? ■ Give us a call anytime from 9 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. PST Monday through Saturday. Email us at salesinfo @davidsonsinc.com or visit our website, davidsonsinc.com