HK VP9

Introducing the Heckler & Koch VP9 striker-fired 9mm semi-auto handgun, building on the highly successful single action/double action hammer-fired P30, summarized here back in 2010, but the VP9 "breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker firing system with an enhanced HK “light pull” trigger. The net result is trigger quality unequaled in any production striker fired handgun." http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/vp9/

Featuring multiple interchangeable backstraps and side plate choices for the handgun grips, the ergonomics of this 9mm should be superior to your basic Glock or Ruger offering.

HK VP9 $630.00

Specs:

• Locked Breech DAO Semi-Auto
• 7.25" Length
• 5.5" Height
• 1.14 Max. Width
• 26.5 oz. unloaded
• 32.6 oz. loaded
• 4.1" barrel length
• Barrel Material: Steel
• Magazine: 15 rd. detachable
• Slide Material: Steel
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Grips: Textured Polymer
• Sights: Steel 3-dot
• Trigger Pull Wt: 6 lbs
• Trigger Span: 2.63"
• Safety: No manual safety

Notables:

• "Even more accurate than the HK P30"
• "The VP9 is a good personal-defense choice and deserves a solid A rating."
• Allows excellent hand fitting.
• Takes HK P30 Magazines.
• Striker-fired action breaks smoothly.
• Forward and rear cocking serrations allow for solid grip on the slide.
• Due to removable blocks at the rear of the slide, slide can be racked with one hand.
• Red cocking indicator.
• Good combat sights; excellent contrast.
• Comes with two magazines.
• Paddle-type magazine release is easy to get used to.
• Low bore axis results in little muzzle flip.

Overheard on other forums and review sights: "The PPQ has a better trigger","built to last","trigger has minimal reset", "extractor is a solid block of steel", "Glock 17 bore axis is lower", "magazine release may be a problem for those with smaller hands", "magazine changes are fast", "Very reliable"

S&W Model 627 High Capacity .357 Magnum

This is the Performance Center version of the S&W 8-shot, short-barreled .357 magnum, featuring a ball-detent cylinder lockup, for better accuracy and reliability, chamfered cartridge chambers, for aid in speed-loading, and excellent sights.

S&W Model 627 170133, $1,079

Normally, I like a longer barrel on my .357 magnum, at least a 4 incher, which adds 200-300 fps, compared to the snubnose .357, but that's just me, because these shorty .357's are very popular, especially in the N frame S&W.

Specs:

• Double Action/Single Action
• 7.6" length
• 5.5" height
• 1.7" max. width
• 37.6 oz. empty weight
• 40.8 oz. loaded weight
• 2.6" barrel
• 8 round capacity
• N-frame stainless
• Stainless cylinder, non-fluted
• Grips: checkered walnut
• 5.3" grip circumference
• Serrated ramp front sight
• Adjustable white outline rear sight
• 4.1 lb trigger pull weight-single action
• 11.5 lb trigger pull double action
• Trigger span single action, 2.8"
• Trigger span double action, 3.3"

Notables:

•  Performance Center quality-tight fit, clean metalwork, smooth woodwork
• Slab-sided barrel, for weight reduction
• Crowned muzzle
• Ejector shroud cutout drops some weight
• Unfluted cylinder adds extra weight
• Easily swappable dovetailed front sight.
• Fully adjustable rear sight
• Small grips make for concealability
• "Even shooters with small hands could easily fire the 627..."
• Full-length guide rod ejects all 8 rounds
• Extra weight makes for pleasant shooting
• "A bit heavy for concealed carry, comparable in weight to a loaded 1911..."
• Proper holster and belt required for secure carry options

Colt Commander 04012XSE

Colt Commander XSE $1,104

Forged as opposed to cast parts, that's what separates this fine carry piece from the cheaper 1911's flooding the market. Features a forged receiver, slide, barrel and slide-stop, all in maintenance-free stainless. Comes standard with front and rear slide serrations, Novak sights and full-length guide rod.

Specs:

• .45 ACP
• 4.25" Barrel
• Capacity 8+1
• Rosewood Grips
• 3-dot sights
• Aluminum 3-hole trigger
• Lightweight Skeletonized Hammer
• 6 lb trigger pull
• 36 oz.
• 7.75" length
• 5.4" height
• Ambi-safety

Notables:

• Colt's Top-End Commander
• "Super Accurate"
• Enhanced cut-out under the trigger guard, for lower bore axis