Steyr M40-A1

$595.00

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We are pleased to announce that Steyr Arms will again import the Steyr MA-1 and SA-1 line of pistols starting in August.  SAI will import additional quantities of both models in both a 9mm version as well as a .40 S&W.  The MA-1 and the SA-1 were two of Steyr's best selling models, but the fall of the dollar versus the euro over the last several years caused the price point to escalate far too high to import.-Steyr Arms, (Early 2010)

I had a hard time finding any negative reports about this pistol, having to go all the way back to a 2001 review by Gun-Tests where they had a complaint about a weak firing pin spring, and an unconventional backup trigger safety. An improved version replaced the Steyr M in production in 2004. 

Many newer gun-owner forums gave rave reviews. I am sure the relative scarcity of the gun has not hurt it's rising cult status either. K.A.

Specs:

• Length x Height x Width: 183 mm x 130 mm x 30 mm
• Weight, Unloaded: appr. 766 g (1.7 pounds)
• Calibers: 9x19, .40 
• Picatinny Rail
• Barrel: 6 lands and grooves w/1:14 twist
• Magazine Capacity: 9mm/15, .40/12
• Sights: Fixed Rectangular Sights with Trilux
• Mechanism: Browning Short-Recoil Method 
• Action: Hammerless and Striker Fired DAO
• Trigger Travel: 4mm at 5.6 lbs
• Safety System: multi-stage consisting of two automatic internal safeties, two external trigger safeties and a manual lock safety (US variants exclude manual safety button)
•  Loaded Chamber Indicator
• 2 Steel Magazines with Polymer Followers

Notables:

• Very Low Slide Profile Minimizes Muzzle Flip
• Optionally Activated 2nd Trigger Safety
• Unable to be Recocked After a Misfire Without Racking the Slide
• Integrated Limited Access Lock and 2 Keys Also Restricts Disassembly
• Left-Side Magazine Release
• Slide Locks Open After Last Shot
• Quality, Precision-Milled Slide
• Tennifer Finish Enhances Corrosion Resistance on Metal Parts
• Fully Supported Chamber
• Capable of Shooting Lead Bullets 
• Tapered, Double-Column Magazines "Allow Fast and Positive Insertion"
• Short-Pull Quick Trigger

Brief Article: Massad Ayoob-1999

Sig P238

$643.00

Offered in a minimum of 11 variations: "Reacting to many requests from the marketplace for a subcompact SIG SAUER pistol, engineers designed the new P238 as a smart looking, small handgun built with the same accuracy and reliability as large frame SIG SAUER pistols. With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just under a pound, the SIG SAUER P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol......" SigSauer.com

Specs:

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Single Action Only
• Trigger Pull: 7.5-8.5 lbs
• Length: 5.5"
• Height: 3.9
• Width: 1.1"
• Barrel Length: 2.7"
• Sight Radius: 3.8"
• Weight w/Mag: 15.2 oz.
• Mag Capacity: 6
• Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
• Fluted Polymer Grips
• Frame Finish: Black Hard Coat Anodized
• Slide Finish: Natural Stainless
• CA and Massachusetts compliant? No

Notables:

• Single action only means cocked and locked carry
• "Excellent fit and finish"
• Find holsters at mernickleholsters.com
• Modeled after the Colt Mustang
• Firing pin safety, hammer safety notch, and disconnector for safe condition carry
• Left-side only thumb safety was "difficult to switch on/off by accident"
• Adequate accuracy at 15 yards

Gripes:

• Heavy trigger pull

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Happy Holidays.

 Dr. A

True Grit

News Links: Most Dangerous Cities in America

Compact .45 - HK45C

DA/SA Model: $1,147.00

"Smaller in length and height that the standard HK45, the HK45 Compact (HK45C) uses a slim-line grip profile, otherwise is nearly identical in features to the full-size HK45." Heckler & Koch - USA

Specs:

•  Caliber: .45 ACP
• Length: 7.20 inches
• Height: 5.59 inches
• Overall Width Incl. Lever: 1.42 inches
• Barrel Length: 3.94 inches
• Sight Radius: 5.58 inches
• Weight With Magazine: 1.58 lb/716 grams
• Magazine Capacity: 10
• Sights: Fixed
• Action: Recoil operated weapon with modified Browning locking system and recoil buffer system

Key Features:

• Integral MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail molded into the polymer frame dust cover for mounting lights, laser aimers, and other accessories
• ERGO (HK45 full-size) and slim-line (HK45 Compact) grip profiles with user replaceable grip panels to adjust the feel and grip circumference of the weapon to suit individual operator hand size and shooting preference
• 8-round metal magazine is standard for the HK45C, common high-capacity (10 rounds) that fit both the HK45 and HK45C also available
• Ambidextrous controls with dual slide releases and enlarged magazine release
• Uses the proven modified Browning linkless recoil operating system
• O-ring barrel for precise barrel-to-slide lockup and better accuracy
• Polygonal rifling for longer barrel life and increased accuracy
• Improved ergonomic control levers (safety and/or decocking)
• Low profile drift adjustable 3-dot sights
• Contoured and radiused slide with forward slide (grasping) grooves and anti-glare longitudinal ribs
• Choice of black or neutral colored (tan) polymer frame

Gun Magazine Reviews:

• Incorporates Ergonomics of the Revered P2000
• HK Design Advisors Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn
• White, Three Dot Sights Have Good Visibility
• Rubber O-Ring Barrel Bushing and White Recoil Spring Buffer Enhance Pistol Longevity
• "Variant 1" Trigger System Allows Carry Cocked and Locked or Hammer Down, and De-Cocking. (Problem-can lead to accidentally de-cocking the gun when flipping safety off).
• Large Slide-Stop is Ambidextrous
• Trigger Guard Shape Allows Visual Check of DA or SA Modes.
• Smooth DA Trigger Pull-10.5 lbs, SA Pull-5.75 lbs.
• Magazines: Easy to Load. Witness holes 2-8.
• "Consistently Accurate"
•  Best group: 1.1", worst: 1.8" at 50 Feet.
• Reliability: "Flawless". Slide Locks Open When Empty. Drop-Free Magazines.
• Vicious Rumor: "This Piece Recently Adopted by SEAL Team 6"

Gun Forum Opinions: 95% Positive

Gripes:

• Pricey
• Magazines Not Compatible w/Full Size HK45
• Long Trigger Pull in DA