Category: Handguns

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Handguns

Is the .32 the New .380?

Just a couple of years ago, the .380 ACP was a secondary cartridge: largely ignored by professional gun toters, eschewed in the press by gun experts, and not a big seller for dealers. Now, it is the exact opposite thanks, in large part, to the Ruger LCP. Since then, nearly every manufacturer introduced a .380 pistol trying to cash in on this invigorated market.

The question asked at many gun manufacturers’ marketing and design meetings has undoubtedly been “What’s the next big trend?”

Some are looking at the .32 ACP.

On the surface, the state of the .32 ACP is similar to that of the .380 ACP from three years ago. Guns and ammo can be found in the caliber, but nothing really new, and nothing really hot. The “old” .380 and the current .32 are considered to be underpowered for “serious” self-defense, and no one will readily admit they have one for protection. But, one good gun could change that.

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Handguns

Ruger SR40 Coming Soon?

Ruger SR40
This is the new Ruger SR40.

After speaking to several members of Ruger’s management team, I feel comfortable in stating that Ruger will introduce a .40 S&W version of the SR9 pistol later this year.

The Ruger reps I spoke with stated the .40 S&W pistol (probably called SR40) was definitely something they have looked at, and they grinned knowingly and stated when asked about it “That’s a good idea!”

Ruger management said they were committed to only announcing those products they were ready to launch, and that they did bind themselves to artificial dates like the SHOT Show or the NRA Convention to make announcements. Ruger staff said when they have something ready to ship, they will make the announcement then, not sit on it for the next big show.

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Handguns

S&W M&P15-22P Pistol

Smith & Wesson announced a new AR-style pistol chambered in .22 LR: the M&P15-22P. The M&P 15-22P is a polymer framed semi-auto pistol based on the S&W M&P 15-22 rifles.

The new S&W handgun has a 6″ carbon steel barrel with a 1:15 twist, and weighs 51 ounces (unloaded). The detachable magazine holds 25 rounds of .22LR ammunition. This is the same standard capacity magazine that is used in the M&P15-22 rifle. So, if you have one of those, you can swap mags between the two guns.

The M&P 15-22P features a full-length optics rail along the top of the gun, and a mini-quad rail for lasers, lights, can openers and Romulan cloaking devices. A swivel point attachment is also included for attaching a single point sling.

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Handguns

Rock River Arms LAR-40 Pistol

I have to admit the Rock River Arms LAR-40 pistol is a head-scratcher for me. This is one of those guns that I just don’t get. Let me explain…

The RRA LAR-40 is a AR-15 style firearm chambered in the .40 S&W pistol round and configured as a pistol. You can get them with a seven inch or 10.5 inch barrel with an A2 or A4 upper. Overall length on the seven inch model is 23 inches with an unloaded weight of 4.8 pounds. The 10.5 incher weighs 5.2 pounds in the A2 configuration and measures 26.5 inches overall.

The pistols use an UZI-style stick magazine (only one is included). Retail prices run from $1120 to $1180 depending on configuration. But…what’s the point?

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Handguns

Kel-Tec PMR-30 in .22 Magnum

Kel-Tec PMR 30

Kel-Tec had the new PMR-30 on display at the 2010 SHOT Show. The PMR-30 is a pistol designed around the .22 WMR (aka .22 Magnum) cartridge. The double stack magazine holds 30 rounds of the mighty rimfire, hence the “-30” designator in the name.

Kel-Tec was not at the range for Media Day, so we did not have a chance to shoot this new pistol. However, I did get a chance to play with it at the Show. There were things I liked, and disliked, about the gun.

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