​Purchasing a pistol is an important decision for any gun owner, including women. However, women may have specific considerations that can impact their firearm selection. Avoiding common mistakes can ensure that women gun owners find a pistol that meets their needs, preferences, and promotes their comfort and confidence. In this blog post, we will discuss the top three mistakes women gun owners make when purchasing a pistol and provide tips on how to avoid them.

One of the biggest mistakes women gun owners make is overlooking the importance of pistol ergonomics and fit. Here's what you should consider:

• Hand Size and Grip: Women typically have smaller hands, so it's crucial to find a pistol that fits comfortably in your hand and allows for proper grip and control. Look for pistols with adjustable backstraps or grip inserts to accommodate different hand sizes. Consider models specifically designed for smaller hands.
  
• Weight and Recoil Management: Women may have different strength levels and recoil sensitivity compared to men. Consider the weight and recoil characteristics of the pistol you're interested in. A heavier pistol can help mitigate recoil and enhance stability, while lighter pistols may be more comfortable for carrying concealed.
  
• Slide Manipulation and Controls: Pay attention to the slide manipulation and control features of the pistol. Ensure that you can comfortably operate the slide, magazine release, and other controls without straining or compromising your grip. Test the functionality of these features before making a purchase.
  

Holster selection is a critical aspect of concealed carry for women gun owners. Avoid these mistakes when choosing a holster:

• Concealment Options for Women's Clothing: Women's clothing styles and body shapes can present challenges for concealed carry. Avoid the mistake of purchasing a holster without considering your wardrobe. Look for holsters designed specifically for women, such as those with adjustable cant angles or designed to be worn with women's clothing styles.
  
• Comfort and Concealment Balance: Strike a balance between comfort and concealment when selecting a holster. A comfortable holster is more likely to encourage regular carry, but it should also effectively hide the firearm without printing or revealing its presence. Experiment with different holster types, such as inside-the-waistband (IWB), appendix carry, or belly bands, to find what works best for you.
  
• Accessibility and Retention: Ensure your chosen holster allows for quick and efficient access to your firearm while providing adequate retention to keep it securely in place. Look for holsters with adjustable retention mechanisms or retention straps that fit your pistol model properly.
  

Another common mistake for women gun owners is neglecting proper training and confidence building. Consider the following:

• Women-Specific Training Programs: Seek out training programs or instructors who specialize in training women gun owners. These programs can address specific concerns, build confidence, and provide a supportive environment for learning and skill development.
  
• Self-Defense and Scenario-Based Training: Beyond basic firearm training, consider incorporating self-defense and scenario-based training into your regimen. These types of training can help you develop situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to handle potential threats effectively.
  
• Practice and Familiarity: Regular practice at the shooting range is crucial for developing proficiency and building confidence. Dedicate time to practice drawing from your holster, shooting from different positions, and engaging targets at varying distances. Additionally, practice reloading drills and malfunction clearance to enhance your firearm handling skills.
  

By avoiding these top three mistakes and considering the specific needs and preferences of women gun owners, you can make an informed pistol purchase that prioritizes comfort, confidence, and effective concealed carry. Remember to prioritize safety, seek professional guidance, and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and carry.
Disclaimer: Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding gun ownership and purchasing.

​As a new gun owner, purchasing your first pistol is an exciting and important step. However, it's essential to approach the process with knowledge and caution to ensure you make an informed decision. Avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and potential disappointment. In this blog post, we will discuss the top three mistakes new gun owners make when purchasing a pistol and provide tips on how to avoid them.

One of the biggest mistakes new gun owners make is diving into a pistol purchase without conducting proper research or acquiring sufficient knowledge about the firearm. Here's what you should consider:

• Purpose and Intended Use: Determine your primary purpose for owning a pistol. Will it be for self-defense, target shooting, competition, or concealed carry? Each purpose may require specific features or configurations, so understanding your needs will guide your decision-making process.
  
• Firearm Types and Calibers: Familiarize yourself with different types of pistols and their corresponding calibers. Research the pros and cons of each type, such as semi-automatics or revolvers, and consider factors like recoil, capacity, and ease of use. Additionally, understand the significance of caliber selection, balancing factors like stopping power, recoil management, and ammunition availability.
  
• Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced shooters, trusted sources, or gun store professionals. Their insights can provide valuable guidance and help you narrow down your choices based on reliability, performance, and suitability for your intended use.
  

New gun owners often fall into the trap of making impulsive buying decisions, which can lead to dissatisfaction or regret later on. Avoid these pitfalls with the following considerations:

• Hands-on Experience: Whenever possible, try out different pistol models before making a purchase. Visit local shooting ranges or attend gun shows where you can handle and test-fire various firearms. This hands-on experience allows you to assess the ergonomics, recoil management, and overall comfort of different pistols, helping you make an informed decision based on personal preferences.
  
• Budget and Value: Set a realistic budget for your pistol purchase and consider the overall value rather than solely focusing on the price tag. A higher-priced firearm may offer better quality, reliability, and longevity, ensuring a more satisfying ownership experience in the long run. Research and balance your budget with the reputation and track record of the manufacturer.
  
• Accessories and Support: Consider the availability and cost of accessories, such as holsters, magazines, sights, and spare parts, for the specific pistol model you're interested in. Additionally, investigate the manufacturer's customer support and warranty policies to ensure you'll receive assistance if any issues arise.
  

New gun owners sometimes overlook the importance of safety and training, both before and after purchasing a pistol. Avoid this mistake by prioritizing the following:

• Safety Training and Education: Before purchasing a pistol, ensure you've received proper safety training and education. Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of firearm safety, including safe handling, storage, and transportation. Seek out reputable training courses, whether online or in-person, to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
  
• Range Time and Practice: Owning a pistol requires regular practice and range time to develop proficiency and confidence. Budget for ammunition, range fees, and the time required to practice your shooting skills. Dedicate yourself to ongoing training and seek professional instruction to improve your accuracy, speed, and decision-making under stress.
  
• Safe Storage Solutions: Plan for safe and secure storage of your pistol when it's not in use. Invest in a proper gun safe, lockbox, or lockable storage cabinet to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of your firearm, especially if you have children or visitors in your home.
  

By avoiding these top three mistakes and following the provided tips, you can approach the pistol purchasing process with confidence and make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, preferences, and safety requirements. Remember, responsible gun ownership starts with proper research, training, and adherence to safety protocols.
Disclaimer: Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding gun ownership and purchasing.

Carrying a concealed firearm is a significant responsibility that requires knowledge, preparation, and adherence to best practices. To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes that can compromise your ability to carry concealed effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss the top five mistakes to avoid when carrying concealed and provide tips on how to rectify them.

Selecting the right holster is essential for safe and comfortable concealed carry. However, many people make the mistake of choosing an inappropriate or poorly designed holster. Here are a couple of considerations:

• Improper Fit: Avoid using a loose or ill-fitting holster that fails to secure the firearm properly. This can lead to accidental exposure or the firearm shifting out of place, compromising both safety and quick access. Invest in a high-quality holster specifically designed for your firearm model, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
  
• Inadequate Retention: A holster with inadequate retention can put your firearm at risk of falling out or being easily accessed by unauthorized individuals. Choose a holster that offers proper retention mechanisms, such as adjustable tension screws or retention straps, to ensure your firearm stays securely in place until you intentionally draw it.
  

Negligent trigger discipline is a critical mistake that can lead to unintentional discharges and potentially disastrous consequences. It's crucial to avoid placing your finger on the trigger until you're ready to shoot. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Indexing: Maintain proper trigger discipline by indexing your trigger finger along the frame or slide of the firearm, outside the trigger guard. This ensures that your finger remains in a safe position until you consciously decide to fire. Train yourself to develop the habit of keeping your trigger finger indexed and away from the trigger unless necessary.
  
• Holstering and Unholstering: During holstering and unholstering, be extra cautious and keep your trigger finger completely outside the trigger guard. Any contact with the trigger during these actions can lead to an accidental discharge. Take your time, maintain awareness, and consciously avoid any trigger contact during these movements.
  

Proper concealment is essential to maintain the element of surprise and ensure your firearm remains hidden from view. However, wearing inappropriate clothing or neglecting to consider concealment factors can compromise your efforts. Consider the following:

• Improper Clothing Fit: Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose, as it can print or reveal the shape of your concealed firearm. Opt for clothing that fits well and offers sufficient coverage to hide your firearm effectively.
  
• Inadequate Belt and Holster Support: A sturdy belt and a quality holster are vital for comfortable and secure concealed carry. Using a flimsy belt or a subpar holster can result in sagging, shifting, or discomfort. Invest in a purpose-built gun belt that provides excellent support and pairs it with a reliable, comfortable holster to ensure proper weight distribution and optimal concealment.
  

Carrying concealed comes with the responsibility of being proficient in firearm handling and self-defense. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of neglecting regular training and practice. Here are a couple of aspects to focus on:

• Firearm Familiarity: Ensure you are fully knowledgeable about your firearm, including its operation, safety features, and potential malfunctions. Regularly review the owner's manual and seek professional training to enhance your understanding and proficiency.
  
• Range Practice: Regular practice at the shooting range is essential for maintaining your shooting skills, accuracy, and muscle memory. Practice drawing from your concealed holster, engaging targets at various distances, and shooting from different positions. Incorporate stress-inducing scenarios into your training to simulate real-life situations and develop the ability to perform under pressure.
  

Carrying concealed requires a heightened sense of situational awareness to identify potential threats and respond appropriately. Failing to maintain awareness can leave you vulnerable. Consider the following:

• Avoid Complacency: Stay vigilant and avoid becoming complacent or overly reliant on your firearm. Develop the habit of observing your surroundings, identifying potential threats, and assessing escape routes or cover options in different environments.
  
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for diffusing potential conflicts and de-escalating situations. Practice clear and confident verbal communication while maintaining a calm demeanor. Additionally, be aware of your body language, ensuring it conveys confidence and non-aggression.
  

By avoiding these top five mistakes and following the provided tips, you can enhance your concealed carry experience, prioritize safety, and be better prepared to handle potential threats. Remember, carrying concealed is a significant responsibility, so continue to educate yourself, seek professional training, and always prioritize the safety of yourself and others.
Disclaimer: Carrying concealed firearms is subject to local laws and regulations. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and comply with all applicable laws.

When it comes to shooting pistols, it's essential to develop proper technique and avoid common mistakes that can affect your accuracy, speed, and overall performance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, being aware of these mistakes will help you improve your skills and enhance your shooting experience. In this blog post, we will discuss the top three mistakes to avoid when shooting pistols and provide tips on how to correct them.

Having a solid grip on your pistol is crucial for accuracy and recoil management. One of the most common mistakes shooters make is gripping the pistol too loosely or incorrectly. Here are some grip-related errors to watch out for:

• Loose Grip: Holding the pistol with a loose grip can cause the gun to move in your hand during recoil, leading to poor shot placement. Ensure a firm grip by wrapping your dominant hand around the handle, making sure it fits snugly into the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Use your non-dominant hand to support the grip by placing it high on the back of the pistol.
  
• Inconsistent Grip Pressure: Maintaining consistent grip pressure throughout the shooting process is essential. Some shooters tend to tighten their grip just before pulling the trigger, resulting in unintentional movement. Practice maintaining a steady grip pressure from start to finish to improve accuracy and minimize flinching.
  

Proper sight alignment is vital for hitting your target consistently. Failing to align your sights correctly can lead to missed shots or a significant decrease in accuracy. Here are a couple of sight alignment mistakes to avoid:

• Front Sight Focus: Many shooters make the mistake of focusing solely on the front sight or the target. To achieve proper sight alignment, your focus should be on the front sight while keeping the rear sight and target slightly blurred. This allows you to align the front and rear sights accurately and maintain a clear sight picture.
  
• Misaligned Sights: Ensure your sights are properly aligned before taking a shot. The front sight post should be centered within the rear sight notch, with equal spacing on both sides. If your sights are misaligned, adjust them accordingly to ensure proper sight alignment.
  

Anticipating recoil, also known as flinching, is a common mistake that affects shooters of all experience levels. It occurs when a shooter involuntarily tenses up or jerks the pistol just before the shot is fired. This anticipation can throw off your aim and result in inconsistent shot placement. Here's how to overcome this mistake:

• Relaxation and Follow-through: Focus on maintaining a relaxed grip and body posture. Practice a smooth trigger pull while maintaining sight alignment. Additionally, maintain your aim and sight picture even after the shot is fired. This will help you develop better control over the recoil and reduce the tendency to anticipate the shot.
• Dry Fire Practice: Incorporate dry fire practice into your training routine. Dry firing allows you to practice trigger control without the recoil. By practicing regularly, you can develop muscle memory and build confidence, which will help eliminate the anticipation of recoil.

By being mindful of these top three mistakes and implementing the suggested tips, you can enhance your shooting skills and improve your overall performance with pistols. Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate time to refine your technique and build your confidence. Happy shooting!
Disclaimer: Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Seek professional instruction and adhere to local laws and regulations

There are several ways to carry a concealed firearm, and the best method will depend on personal preferences, body type, and the type of firearm being carried. Some common methods of concealed carry include:
​

​1. Inside the waistband (IWB): This method involves carrying the firearm inside the waistband of the pants or skirt, with the grip of the gun positioned above the waistband. IWB carry can be comfortable and concealable, but it may require larger clothing sizes or looser clothing to accommodate the firearm.
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​2. Outside the waistband (OWB): OWB carry involves carrying the firearm outside the waistband of the pants or skirt, with the gun held in a holster attached to the belt. OWB carry can be comfortable and accessible, but it may be more difficult to conceal than IWB carry.
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​Overall, the main difference between a compact and subcompact pistol is their size and weight, with subcompact pistols being even smaller and lighter than compact pistols. However, both types of pistols are designed for concealed carry and can be effective self-defense tools if used properly. Be sure to do your research on the manufacturers website or great spec sites like HandGunHero.com 

    Ask just about any shooter with any experience how they like ported barrels on guns and you’ll get some strongly worded answers. Some are raucously opposed to “Putting holes in the barrel!”, while others think a proper handgun can’t be shot well without ports or a comp of some sort. The issue I have with both the nay-sayers and the activist supporters is most have very little actual experience shooting them side-by-side.

One may be a long-time “non-comp” shooter put off by a perceived higher muzzle blast and increased noise, so they shut that option out. Others might have learned to shoot or have a good deal of experience with a compensated gun of some sort. They may look with disdain upon anyone foolish enough to shoot a gun without a compensator or ports.

“Oh, the humanity!” It’s like endorsing one political candidate — in spite of another also having some positive traits — and keeping your ears plugged to any positive arguments except the ones about your candidate. 

That’s called confirmation bias. It’s when you’ve made a decision about something — cars, knives, ammo, comp guns or non-comp guns, etc. — then only consider information supporting your opinions. Often, in spite of nearly overwhelming evidence showing those opinions might be incorrect, those same people continue to shut out any new information.

I began to wonder if I might have applied this to the question of porting on guns, which led me to this test.

 Ports and Comps

First, let’s consider the terminology we will use when discussing this topic. Comps can be elaborate contraptions going onto the muzzle end of a handgun, or just simply ports cut into the top near the muzzle.  

In the 1980’s, the age of the compensated gun in competition exploded onto the scene, and rightfully so. A comp allowed shooters to shoot faster, more accurately and more smoothly, so they dominated the circuits. That spilled into the standard marketplace, and soon it seemed as though comps of one sort or another were available to everyone.

Some of those elaborate comps vented loads of pressurized gases and were, indeed, quite loud. I think, more than anything, that’s what prompted many non-competitors to wonder what the big deal was. If you’re shooting a weekend match, or just plinking or even handgun hunting, why put up with the Sturm und Drang and general fuss a compensator generates for just a few shots? I’d tend to agree.

Most also think having those ports or a comp “out there” greatly reduces the gases pushing the bullet out of the bore, tending to negatively affect velocity. This perceived hacking away at potential velocity has turned many shooters off to the idea of comps or ports. “I want every bit of velocity I can get!” they cry out. “And I’ll be damned if I’ll use ’em,” they add, “even if they might help me shoot faster and more accurately!” So there.

Can Less Be More?In 1972, Mag-Na-Port burst onto the shooting scene on the cover of an issue of Guns and Ammo magazine. These elegantly shaped, small rectangular ports on a gun’s upper muzzle area were almost unnoticeable. Developed by Larry Kelly, the process employed Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) — which doesn’t use mechanical cutters — to make those precise, definitively shaped ports. EDM uses an electrode and an anode to allow current to flow, “eating away” metal, but never touching it. Complicated shapes can be produced, and Larry realized he was onto something.

Mag-Na-Port technology was introduced to the shooting public and soon gained its approval. The general ambient fuss normally generated by a competition-type comp was replaced by small, precisely aimed jets pointed “just so” to keep muzzle flip down. Many called the technology a game-changer.

Today, Mag-Na-Port is run by Larry’s son, Ken Kelly, and is more popular than ever. The process can also be used on rifles and shotguns, as well as handguns of all kinds. An autopistol has ports cut through the barrel as well as the slide, allowing the escaping gas to help force the muzzle down as the bullets leave the bore. A revolver just has ports through the top of the barrel near the muzzle. Mag-Na-Port has been doing their magic on factory guns of all sorts for decades. It’s well proven — and got me thinking.

Ported GunsIn chatting with editor-in-chief of The Armory Life, Mike Humphries, I told him I thought it’d be an interesting test to compare identical 1911s, one ported and one un-ported. “Let’s see what really happens in the real world,” I suggested. I wanted to determine how much velocity something like Mag-Na-Porting really cuts. And, if it does lower the velocity, to what degree — and does that percentage really matter? Is the reduced muzzle flip worth a bit of velocity loss?

I figured using a relatively straightforward, but high-quality 1911 as the base for the test made sense. So, I requested two stock 5″ Springfield Armory Garrison 9mm pistols. One of them went to Mag-Na-Port so they could do their magic with two ports. Soon we got a “Your gun’s done,” call from Ken Kelly and it landed at my FFL.

My idea was simple, but time-consuming. I was going to assemble as many different 9mm loads I could find in my stash and shoot them over a chronograph. Each load would have five rounds fired from each gun and I’d collect the data. I also wanted to pay close attention to how different each load felt regarding perceived recoil, muzzle flip and anything else popping up.

In the interest of full disclosure here, I started this fairly firmly in the “I don’t need a comp to shoot well” crowd. I’ve also always assumed (dangerous, right?) a comp or port-style modification would negatively affect velocity a good deal. So, here we find ourselves on new ground, and with the ability soon to point our fingers and say, “See, I told you so.”

I just wasn’t sure who would get the finger pointed at them.

Testing Ported BarrelsI ended up with more than 25 loads from my stash of 9mm ammo. Over the years as editor of American Handgunner, I had accumulated a good cross-section of loads from different makers I used during gun tests. I have countless boxes missing “a few rounds” for chronographing or accuracy testing, so this was a good time to use up some of that ammo.

Kindly see the chart for specifics. The drill was to load five in a magazine, shoot five over the chrono documenting each shot’s velocity, then load five more of the same and repeat things for the other gun. I shot the un-ported stock Garrison first, followed by the Mag-Na-Ported version. About 300-odd rounds later I was done with the shooting portion. I had to re-shoot a few loads due to “fault” readings on the chrono, which is common with the electronic beasts.

This also allowed me to get a feel of the stock gun and the pistol with the ported barrel and slide, one right after the other. I was able to compare the differences in perceived recoil and muzzle blast and will admit my comparison is subjective. But I’ve been shooting handguns for nearly six decades, so I’m attuned to some of the more subtle nuances of what’s going on regarding recoil and muzzle blast.

Refer to the chart for details and numbers. The velocities listed are an average of five rounds for each load.

I also downloaded a decibel meter app for my iPhone. Doing some experimenting, I found it seemed to be reliable. My chainsaw showed it was as loud as a chainsaw, according to their chart. My tractor met the specs for tractor noises and my barking Aussie Shepherds pegged the “barking” limit of the app.

Data PointsSince I was doing the work, I included a Springfield 911 (3″ barrel) I own in the mix to see how these loads are affected by a shorter barrel with no ports. It’s just FYI info for you to compare against the “full-sized” 9mm autos. Call it a bonus.

First, let’s get the noise question out of the way. I started the test firmly convinced the Mag-Na-Ported gun would be “a lot” louder than the stock gun. After shooting, I seemed to feel a bit more muzzle blast on my arm and face, but it was hard to tell if it was louder. Some of the higher velocity loads might have barked a tad more in the ported gun, but it was hard to tell for sure.

The DB meter told me the un-ported gun averaged about three to five points lower noise than the ported gun, depending upon the load. The light/high-velocity loads were the most obnoxious in either gun. The stock gun ran in the 105 DB range (differing load to load) while the ported gun averaged 108 to 110 or so. According to my research, that’s not significant, although it is louder. But both are above the 100 DB limit of “permanent damage” if you’re exposed to it, so wear your ears.

As a test, I also fired a .44 Magnum, promptly pegging the meter at 120. I suppose it was actually louder, since the meter couldn’t read higher. I read online some gun reports can approach 140.

I want to stress this was an informal test, but I confess I was surprised the ported gun didn’t show as being considerably louder. I’m assuming the “noise” is the same (same powder, same load, same “explosion”), but the porting allows “some” of that sound to be closer to your ear. Hence, they might seem louder.

The real surprise for me came as I assembled the velocity data. I had expected the ported Garrison to show significantly lower velocities, at least with some loads. But nope, and as a matter of fact with some loads it was just a tad higher. Overall, there were five loads showing higher velocities in the ported gun than the stock gun. I profess I don’t know why or how that is.

The biggest velocity difference I could find was only 5.6 percent lower in the ported gun, say, around 50 feet per second (fps) or so. The chart shows the loads compared so you can see for yourself. As near as I could manage with my high school math is the ported gun averaged about one percent less velocity than the stock Garrison (give or take just a smidgen).

To me, a load generating, say, 1,187 fps in the un-ported gun and 1,151 in the ported gun — Black Hills 115-gr. FMJ for instance — is fine in either gun. The Speer Lawman 147-gr. TMJ showed 981 in the stock gun and 970 in the ported gun, a difference of only 11 fps. You can have much more variance than that just in round-to-round differences.

An interesting point is the fact virtually all of the loads having velocities listed on the boxes showed higher fps figures over the chronograph. A few, like the Buffalo Bore loads, were almost spot-on with the velocities listed on the boxes. They were also very consistent between the two guns, with just ten fps or less between the ported vs. un-ported models. But they test with real guns, not pressure barrels. (see attached PDF for data)

And the Winner Is …Truthfully, I think we’re all winners here. While I honestly feel the Mag-Na-Ports did help to keep muzzle flip down significantly, those same ports also didn’t affect velocity in any manner anyone should fret over. If you’re interested in competition where fast shooting and target-to-target movement are critical things, I’d think about getting ports. What additional perceived blast there might have been was hardly noticeable, at least to me. For a defensive gun, I’d be interested in seeing how these ports work on one of the smaller .380-sized autos, which tend to be snappy and flip the muzzle. Would a ported barrel for concealed carry work? I’ll look into that.

If you favor un-ported guns, that’s fine too. I felt the overall recoil of the ported gun to be just a tiny bit snappier than the stock gun, while keeping the muzzle lower. That energy has to go someplace, so it goes backwards into you. Normally it’s “wasted” generating muzzle flip, so the stock gun felt slightly “softer” in recoil, at least to me. But I don’t think the owner of an un-ported gun can reliably exclaim his gun generates enough higher velocity to matter in the real world.

We could go on about shooting a ported gun close to the body and the fact it may put some blast in your face. Or how the flash might “blind you” at night. In my own tests shooting “flashy” loads at night, I could hardly see them usually, and often didn’t see them at all. I’ve also shot ported guns close to my body with no ill-effects. I suppose if you aimed the ports right into your face it might make a difference, but at that point you’re likely rolling around wrestling for your gun, so I doubt you’d even notice?

So, my final word? I wouldn’t worry about this one bit. Shoot ported guns if you like them, or un-ported if they float your boat. I’ll call it a draw, with each side having their own set of advantages — and disadvantages. And, wanting to try out Mag-Na-Porting it might just be a good excuse to buy a new gun!

​By Roy Huntington

Glock 19
​You knew it was coming. I knew it was coming. What list isn’t complete without a Glock 19? ​The one and only Glock 19, in the flesh. Many designs have come and gone, but the Glock 19 has remained and is widely considered the gold standard of striker-fired pistols.
Why is that? One word — reliability. With decades of military and law enforcement use under its belt, the Glock 19 is the most time-tested handgun on this list, in addition to being the most popular handgun in the world (with the biggest aftermarket). Glock’s widespread usage means you can get all the aftermarket bells and whistles you can dream of. Its 15+1 capacity and 4-inch barrel have become the industry standard size for compact pistols. The trigger isn’t the best and is pretty spongy by today’s standards, and the ergonomics are a bit blocky for our taste. However, these guns still point well, shoot well, and their simplicity and ease of use can’t be understated. Those who put a premium on reliability, flexibility, and simplicity will be hard-pressed to find a gun that does those better.
MOST RELIABLE: You can literally throw this in Sheol and it would still shoot!
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Check out this 3,500-round review of the Gen 5 Glock 19!

​Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro
​The X-Macro is Sig’s latest evolution of their ultra-popular micro-compact P365, and we have to say…it delivers. The X-Macro packs a ton of features in a small package. Even though it is only 1.1 inches wide and 5.2 inches tall, the X-Macro has a mind-boggling capacity of 17 rounds of 9mm. No other manufacturer has managed to stuff this many rounds in a gun this size. Features include an optics-ready slide that lets you keep the rear sight when a red dot is installed, X-Ray night sights, a full 1913 accessory rail, extended beavertail, and an integrated compensator. The integrated compensator makes follow-up shots a breeze. Additionally, Sig was able to retain the full frame, slide, and fire control unit compatibility with previous versions of the P365. Overall, the solid ergonomics, a good trigger, and the compensator make the X-Macro far easier to shoot than you might expect, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to maximize capacity without getting a full-size pistol.
BEST FOR CONCEALED CARRY: With the narrow size and 17 round capacity this is pretty much a no brainer.

Don’t forget to check out this great review from the guys at PewPewTactical of the P365 X-Macro full review!

Grand Power Q1S
The Grand Power Q1S is by far the strangest inclusion on the list, but hey, some of us are strange people. Grand Power may not be at the forefront of most people’s thoughts when it comes to handguns, but they offer some great features at reasonable prices. Much like the Beretta PX4, the Q1S features a rotating barrel design that helps reduce muzzle flip. With a smaller 3.6-inch barrel, the recoil reduction is both noticeable and welcome. Additionally, the gun has a shockingly good 3.5-4lb trigger that breaks cleanly at 90 degrees. Consider the fact that you get metal sights, fully ambidextrous controls, and three 12-round magazines for around $400, and you have a real sleeper on your hands.