Springfield Armory and Croatian firearms maker HS Produkt have been working together in the polymer-framed striker-fired handgun space for a quarter century, first on the divisive XD series, then the well-liked Hellcat, and, since 2023, the modular Echelon. We’ve reviewed the full-sized 4.5F, the 4.0C Compact, and the 4.0C Comp since then and have found few issues to complain about.
They run.
Going beyond that, Springfield has had some notable success with the Echelon on the LE market, as witnessed by the December 2024 adoption by the St. Louis County Police Department—with nearly 1,000 officers—as the agency’s duty pistol in a $2.1 million contract, adding some fire to the company’s smoke about the new pistol’s reliability and performance. There have been other significant LE contract awards as well.
Now, the newest addition to Springfield’s Echelon catalog is the 4.0FC. It is the same length and general specs as the Echelon 4.0C, save for the fact that the grip is more full-sized, which bumps the height up just 0.385 inches while providing better ergos and a higher magazine capacity (17+1 rounds flush fit and 20+ extended fit vs 15+1 and 18+1). It is also an ounce heavier.
The new Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC. Note the Compact length slide assembly with a Full-sized grip frame that uses a shorter dust cover to match the slide without an odd underbite. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
The pistol uses a 4-inch barrel, which gives it an overall length of 7.25 inches. Its longer grip allows it to use a 17+1 round flush fit or a 20+1 round extended magazine.
Note how it stacks up to the G19X, which is fundamentally just a peanut butter G45. The specs are remarkably close to each other. Of note, the G19X and G45 have won numerous LE/mil contracts over the past several years.
Also see how the new Echelon 4.0FC compares to a 15+1 shot Hellcat Pro micro 9, a cousin to the pistol. The Echelon, slightly larger, has a better optics mounting system and superior ergonomics, not to mention a higher magazine capacity. Note the pistols share the same style of the U-Notch rear sight system and grip texture.
The Hellcat was already well-liked on the micro-compact market and has been a solid choice for those looking for an EDC gun that splits the Venn Diagram of being both concealable and practical. The 380 version of the gun doubles down on that while providing a more subtle felt recoil impulse without sacrificing reliability or accuracy.
When it comes to rocks, the only thing we can find to throw at the gun is the fact that the short slide, coupled with its stout recoil spring, is a bit tough to rack, especially for those with compromised hand strength. On the upside of that, when mounting an optic, it allows more real estate to perform the task. We racked the pistol probably 100 times in testing from the optic and never felt it loosen or observed it shifting point of aim/impact.
The standout feature of the Hellcat in 380 is the size. It is a very slim gun, with the slide running 0.85 inches and the widest part of the grip just breaking an inch. Note the loaded chamber indicator.
Sans optic and with its flush-fit mag installed, you are looking at a pistol that is right at 4 inches tall, which puts it just under the cutoff for a pocket carry piece.
Speaking of magazines, the Hellcat uses stainless steel-bodied mags with rear witness holes and black base pads and followers.
You see the 11+1, left, with its pinky extension installed, and the 13+1, right. Note the grip texture extends to the base pads.
That allows 12 rounds on tap in one of the most compact .380s on the market. Federal Hydra Shok Deep 99-grain JHP shown.
And the ability to EDC with the shorter mag inserted to aid in concealment, with the longer mag easily carried as a backup.
The Hellcat .380 has a super short one-slot accessory rail. While it runs just inches long, Streamlight’s flush-fit TLR-6 and TLR-7 Sub are made specifically for the 3-inch Hellcat models, as well is the TLR-8 light/laser combo, so there are options out there.
The surface controls are on the left side of the gun for right-handed shooters, including a slide catch, push-button magazine release (which is reversible), and take-down lever that rotates skyward.
Disassembly on an unloaded Hellcat is simple via said take-down lever. Note the dual spring guiderod assembly.
When it comes to ergos, you have textured memory pads forward of the trigger that are instinctual, as well as short but usable forward slide serrations.
The high beavertail and undercut rear trigger guard allow for a corresponding high grip on the Hellcat, just under the slide. This helps mitigate recoil impulse.
Only one model of the Hellcat .380 is available at launch, but it has excellent dovetail-mounted steel sights with a tritium/luminescent front and a Tactical Rack U-notch rear. It uses the common Shield RMSc optics pattern, and our test gun shipped with a Shield OMSsc sight installed. A compact and sleek design, the OMSc features a translucent panoramic roof over a T6 6082 aluminum body. It runs a 4 MOA dot with automatic adjustments and boasts a 9,000-hour battery life.
The pistol ships in a cardboard box that includes a branded double-zipper case with room for the Hellcat and both of its mags.
Of course, I have carried a Hellcat Pro for the past few years every day, so I may be a bit biased. But at least I am biased for a good reason.
The big takeaway on this model is that it takes a well-liked gun that has been around for almost a decade and gives it a series of small updates, as well as an integrated single-port compensator.
The compact, semi-automatic, striker-fired P-10 C 9mm was first introduced in 2017 and has continued to evolve over the past decade. Featuring a 15+1 magazine capacity, its 4-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, in addition to its new compensator, now sports a heavier profile to help keep the gun flat. The sights have been brought over from the new Nocturne P-09 series. The optics footprint uses a plate system.
The P-10 C Ported has an overall length of 7.3 inches. Note the large port on the 4-inch heavy barrel, directed out the top of the slide, which creates a setback on the front sight. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
The unloaded weight is 26.8 ounces.
The pistol is roughly the same size as the G19.
And compared to the company’s recently introduced P-09C Nocturne.
The short answer to this one is that the CZ P-10 C Ported is one of the most reliable pistols we have evaluated. Over the course of about 800 mixed rounds across several ammo types and loads, we did not have a single stoppage.
We didn’t even suffer from a slide failing to lock back on an empty mag. And that is on a gun right out of the box with no additional lube or prep.
The P-10 series has a reputation as one of the most durable and reliable pistols on the market. One of our favorite exports from Czechia. We feel Jan Zizka would approve.
The majority of what we fed the P-10 C was Remington 115-grain FMJ Range 1,145 fps bulk pack (500 rounds loose-packed inside a bag in a cardboard box).
Swapping it up, other loads included Federal’s red-tipped 150-grain Syntech Action Pistol flat-nosed rounds, CCI Blazer 115-grain FMJ, Winchester 124-grain NATO ball, and Federal’s 147-grain Gold Medal Action Pistol.
After chugging through about 700 rounds of range loads, we switched to self-defense rounds and found the P-10 C to run Speer 124-grain Gold Dot, Federal 124-grain Punch, and 135-grain Hydra Shok Deep JHPs without issue.
Besides enduring use with the Czech military and others, the German Army recently tapped CZ to provide as many as 186,000 P-10Cs to replace that country’s P8 (Heckler & Koch USP) series pistol.
Alabama-based Kimber looks to mine more gold from its popular new 2K11 double-stack series pistols by debuting five new, and more carry-oriented, Pro models.
The company debuted the 2K11 line in three models and two calibers (9mm and .45 ACP) last November with an aluminum alloy grip module over an SST steel sub-frame. The slide is made of stainless steel, featuring an external extractor, front and rear slide serrations, and a factory optics cut in the RMR footprint.
Running TAG Precision FiberLok 2 front sights with a suppressor-height serrated rear sight, under the hood is a beast of a deep-crowned, fluted bull barrel. Buyers also got a great GT aluminum trigger, ambi safety levers, an innovative tool-less guide rod/spring assembly, and common (2011 pattern) magazine compatibility.
The standard 2K11 is an elegant, if full-sized, tack driver that is slicker than an oyster with a head cold. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Since then, Kimber has added a Stainless model featuring the Carbon Fiber/Kevlar-infused grip module from MJD Solutions, the 2K11 Independence, and the Eclipse.
Now, the company has answered demand for a more compact entry to the 2K11 line in a big way with five new 9mm models, all sporting a 4.25-inch fluted and crowned barrel while offering 19+1 round Checkmate UHD magazines. Two of the new models will also be available in .45 ACP format, shipping with one flush 11+1 round mag and one extended 13+1.
All share many of the more top-shelf 2K11 features, such as its toolless guide rod, external extractor, disconnector ramp, and zero-creep GT Trigger that has a 3 to 4-pound break. All are optics-ready and ship with an RMR plate with RMSc, DPP, ACRO, and 509T available. As with the rest of the line, these guns are constructed, not assembled, by a single technician, from the ground up.
Let’s talk models.
These five finishes available are Coyote, Eclipse, Minotaur, Royal, and Stainless. Of these, the Coyote and Minotaur feature aluminum grip modules, while the other three use MJD carbon fiber and Kevlar molded grips, with the latter shaving off about 6 ounces in weight.
The Coyote. Note its Stan Chen magwell and Kevlar carbon fiber grips on an aluminum grip module. Hitting the scales at 40.9 ounces empty, it is available in 9mm ($2,699) and .45ACP ($2,799). Note the Coyote PVD slide and black DLC barrel
The Eclipse with its stainless slide and black DLC barrel. Offered only in 9mm, it is lighter at 35 ounces due to its MJD carbon fiber grip module. Price is $2,345.
The Minotaur features a distressed Sandstone Cerakote finish over its stainless slide and frame with a black DLC finished barrel. Available in 9mm, it has an ask of $2,575.
The aristocratic Royal has a bronze PVD finish and an MJD composite grip module and magwell. It is available in 9mm for $2,499 or .45ACP for $2,599.
Finally, the aptly named Stainless has a Kimpro Granite finish and Kevlar carbon fiber grips. In effect, it is the most attainable 2K11 Pro, priced at $2,245. It is only offered in 9mm.
We have one of these inbound for a review, so expect to see more on these beautiful – and functional – new pistols in the coming weeks.
The concept of the “Glock 26X” has been around for a while and is a favorite “hack” of the 80 percenters and 3D printing enthusiasts. The issue is that the G43X, while a great gun, is somewhat snappy due to its short grip. Additionally, aftermarket magazines that increase the capacity to 15+1 shots can sometimes compromise performance. Further, the standard G26, the famed “Baby Glock,” while a classic some 30 years on the market, is a bit stubby while also having an overly chunky grip that doesn’t allow more than 2-3 fingers, depending on hand size.
Enter the G26X, which combines the best features of the Glock 43X, 19, and 26 into one ideal EDC handgun. Built on the Glock 26 platform, it has an extended grip to match the length of a Glock 19, allowing the use of standard double-stack G19 magazines. The overall profile mirrors the Glock 43X, but with full OEM double-stack Glock magazine compatibility. It also features the same accessory rail as the 43X, making it compatible with subcompact weapon lights.
Lenny and the gang over at the Glock Store are building the loaded (serialized) frame, just add the G26 loaded slide and mags. All generations of Glock 26, 27, and 33 slides fit and function.
It is supposed to ship starting in September with a $150 ask.
Snub-nosed carry revolvers have arguably been around since 1849 when Colt hit the market with the “Wells Fargo” Pocket model. Now pushing into their 175th year, there is a reason they are still popular: a blend of simplicity, reliability, and concealability.
This year saw Diamondback Firearms introduce their sleeper Self Defense Revolver, a six-shot .357 Magnum all-stainless snubby that takes K-frame speedloaders, fits in J-frame holsters, and accepts common S&W grip panels from the latter as well.
The SDR is a good-looking gun. All the edges are melted, leaving virtually no sharp points and few snag points other than the exposed hammer spur.
We’ve been kicking an SDR around for several months and found it easily supportable, dependable in use and operation, and innovative with an easily removable cylinder assembly. Further, while not meant for long-range benchrest target shooting, it is accurate to fill the needs of your typical EDC snub gun.
And it works, these from the 15-yard mark, standing and unsupported
Did Diamondback knock it out of the park their first time at bat when it came to a centerfire revolver? Looks like it.
Much like the long-discontinued Taurus Model 80 and Rossi Model 68, guns now some 30 years out of production, the Heritage Roscoe is a simple and rugged .38 revolver that looks good and doesn’t break the bank.
It has the look and feel of a vintage S&W J-frame but without the cost – and, unlike a classic Smith or Colt Dick, you can take it to the range and beat on it without losing any collector value. Plus, it has some modern features you didn’t find in those guns such as the transfer bar and heavy barrel profile.
The 3-inch variant runs an inch or so longer than a snub gun, giving a longer (4.97-inch) sight radius while wringing more velocity from the ammo used – all while being very concealable.
You can always get one and turn it into a budget Fitz Special, which seems like a great choice if looking for that.
Is it the best .38 for concealed carry or personal defense compared to more modern designs with shrouded hammers, better triggers, options for adding optics, and weight savings via the inclusion of aluminum and polymer? Not even close, but it can still clock in when needed.
It is no slouch in terms of practical accuracy and is rated to run .38 +P on occasion.
It’s nice to see the Heritage time travel with the Roscoe, which is a bit of fresh air, albeit with a twinge of cigar smoke to it.
Alabama-based Kimber has doubled the capacity of its well-liked Micro 1911 platform with a new CDS9 line – and I got a sneak peek.
The 9mm Micro 1911 began to appear in 2016, taking a page from the company’s earlier Micro Covert in .380 ACP. Well-liked, hammer-fired, slim, and with a profile that made easy friends with those looking to EDC without printing, these Micro 9s have been well-reviewed.
However, as single-stacks, they were limited in capacity to six or seven rounds.
That’s where the new CDS9 series enters the game, and changes it.
Rebuilt from the frame up with a more modern design that retains what people liked about the old Micro 9s – slim and compact profile, all-metal, hammer-fired – but with more capacity and better ergonomics, the CDS9 looks very familiar.
Stacking a legacy single-stack Micro 9 against a new CDS9. Still slim and trim but with a seriously upgraded capacity. (All photos: Chris Ege)
Kimber’s new CDS9 will initially be offered in two optics-ready models with fully ambidextrous controls, differing from each other by way of a TFS package – an extended threaded barrel. Both have an aluminum alloy frame, stainless-steel slide with a direct-mount RMSc optic footprint, an accessory rail for lights or lasers, and options for double-stack magazines with 10, 13, or 15-round capacities.
How about this blast from the past from 40 years ago this month: the first (as far as I can tell) review published in the U.S. on the new Glock pistol from the October 1984 SOF, penned by the esteemed Peter G. Kokalis, one of the most underrated firearm experts of our time. Of note, this came before the gun was even imported.
For reference, the first Glock ad was published in the U.S. in July 1986, from the pages of American Handgunner:
One of the most underrated mico-9s out there has been Kimber’s Mako R7 series.
I extensively tested and reviewed one of the first models over two years and offered it, along with four similar guns, up when my mother-in-law went on a search for a carry gun– and she went R7 after her own range time on the samples.
Now, Kimber has introduced the Carbon Compact variants of the model, based on almost a decade of user comments and feedback.
The new R7 series gets its name due to the redesigned frame constructed with a carbon fiber-infused matrix that delivers superior durability (up to a 60,000 psi tensile strength) compared to standard polymer frames. This frame also gives the ability for a flared magwell and four interchangeable modular backstraps, both features that are big upgrades from legacy R7s.
Standard features of the new pistols are a pair of 15-shot magazines, an installed flared magwell, fully ambi surface controls, and three-dot TruGlo Tritium Pro night sights with an orange front ring and white rear rings.
