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Alpha Carry: My Range Time with the Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp in 9mm

Posted on June 30, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Alabama-based Kimber went double-stack 1911 in 2024 after at least a 30-year run in the field of making single-stacks. We have reviewed a couple of these excellent pistols since then and are past the 3K round mark on our original test gun with zero (0) hiccups to report, leaving us feeling good headed into the new Comp series.

Released in January at the SHOT Show in either stainless (SST) or black in both 5-inch full-sized (Government) and 4.25-inch Pro (Commander) sizes, with flush-fit 20- and 19-round magazines, respectively, as the name would imply, the Comp models all sport a compensated barrel and slide.

Meet the stainless 2K11 Pro Comp SST, our test gun:

Kimber stainless 2K11 Pro Comp SST — *The 4.25 model has an overall length of 7.79 inches. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

This gun was a dream to shoot on the range. Full stop.

We ran a bit over 1,000 rounds through it and should probably talk about how we ran them. Coming after our trouble-free 3,000-round review of the full-length 2K11, we had a feeling the 2K11 Pro Comp would be able to comfortably digest just about any commercial load we could throw at it.

So that’s what we did.

A typical range box for our Pro Comp field trip:

If you prioritize a gun that looks great, shoots better than it looks, and gives you minimal heartburn while still being carryable in a pinch, the Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp is a “cry once, buy once” option.

It ran so well on the range and felt good in the hand that finding things to complain about is a chore.

Holsters for double-stack 1911-style railguns with a commander-length slide are a bit tough to find. The nose of the 2K11 Pro makes it even harder. Luckily, Kimber has gone the extra mile and stocks a variety of 2K11-specific OWB and competition holsters on their site from Blackpoint, Ghost Hydra, and Red Hill Tactical. Still, we’d love to see folks like Galco, DeSantis, Falco, Philster, Safariland, and Tenicor cranking them out as well, especially in an IWB format because this shorter 2K11 could make a great carry gun, giving the Staccato CS or HD C4X some serious competition.

Other than that, about the only sticking points that got under our skin were the fact that you had to leave the excellent rear sight at home when you opt for a red/green dot. Further, the mag release and safety lever were stiff right out of the box but wore in over time.

Candidly, I really dig it.

It’s a giant RMR, for your Ma Deuce

Posted on June 23, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Michigan-based Trijicon won an Army contract to build an optic for the vaunted “Ma Deuce,” and the sight has made its first appearance in the field.

First announced in July 2021, the Army tapped Trijicon to deliver its Machine Gun Reflex Sight, or MGRS, specifically for use with the M2A1 .50 caliber heavy machine gun. It basically looks like a huge RMR with a flip-in magnifier.

Trijicon MGRS M155 Mounted Machine Gun Optic — Constructed of 7075-T6 aluminum, the MGRS is designed to withstand the jarring, rapid recoil produced by fixed and turret-mounted machine guns. It features a large, non-magnified objective lens with a 35 MOA segmented circle reticle. Centered within the reticle is a 3 MOA dot for precise aiming. A single CR123A battery powers the unit, providing more than 1,000 hours of continuous operation. A three-power magnifier is included for faster positive identification (PID) of potential targets downrange. (Photo Trijicon)

The MGRS/M155 was recently fielded with the 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element of the Michigan Army National Guard, reportedly the first Army unit to receive the optic.

“Compared with the original iron sights, the M155 MMO illuminates targets, especially when the environmental elements are not the best,” said Sgt. Eleanor Osgood, a mass communications specialist with the 126th TPASE. “The red-dot sight is very useful in ensuring the round hits the target.”

Assorted telescopic, night vision, and thermal sights, such as this AN/PAS-13 optic seen in 2017, have been used on the M2 series over the years, as would be expected, as the Browning-designed heavy MG dates back to the 1920s. (Photo: Sgt. Heather Doppke/U.S. Army)

Reviewing Smith’s new entry-level J-frame

Posted on June 22, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Introduced in 1955, the original Bodyguard snub was a shrouded-hammer, alloy-framed Airweight .38 revolver that later became the Model 38, while its steel-framed counterpart was the Model 49.

The original Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard J-frame. Using a shrouded hammer with an accessible spur, it was DA/SA

Then, in 2014, the M&P Bodyguard .38 hit the scene with some significant changes, including a different internal lock work, an ambidextrous cylinder release, and a frame made lighter via the magic of polymer. Further, while the previous Bodyguard models were double-action/single-action with a humpback frame and shrouded hammer whose top spur could still be manually cocked, the new revolver was DAO with no access to the hammer.

In short, it was Smith’s answer to the Ruger LCR, which had entered the market as a DAO snub in 2009.

By 2026, the new Bodyguard 2.0 retains the core appeal of the original while adding several modern features, all in a 14.2-ounce package that carries five rounds of .38 SPL +P. You still have the ambi cylinder release and a lightweight uni-body design that comes from a mix of alloys and polymers, but you have several improvements from the circa 2014 design that we’ll cover below.

For now, let us meet the new Bodyguard 2.0 .38:

With a 1.875-inch stainless-steel barrel and a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame ending in a polymer boot-style grip, the new Bodyguard 2.0 keeps the weight down to under a pound. Plus, it does not have an internal safety lock. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

An ambidextrous, center-mounted cylinder release allows for straightforward operation with either hand, supporting intuitive use for both right and left-handed shooters.

The MSRP on the new S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is $449, while a Crimson Trace laser-equipped model runs $549, prices that are typically lower at retail.

Quick summary: An evolution of a design that has been chugging along for three quarters of a century, the newest Bodyguard model has better sights, trigger, and ergonomics than its predecessors while keeping just about everything that made it popular in the first place.

Meanwhile, Last Resort Tactical’s R.A.C. (Rapid Access Carrier) mimics the size of a medium-sized bifold wallet and keeps the speed loader (s) indexed for quick, consistent draws. Better than having a speed loader floating around in your pocket.

For the full review, head on over to my article at Guns.com.

The M39 Revolver Cannon, Spoils of War

Posted on June 9, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Don’t let anyone tell you that a revolver is too slow. Besides blisteringly fast Single-Action shooters like Bob Munden and the iconic Jerry Miculek, there’s the M39 cannon.

We stumbled upon a great static training layout for the gun system of an F-101 Voodoo fighter at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona while visiting the amazing facility.

That gun?

The M39 autocannon.

The system.

M39 cannon — *What could go wrong? (All photos unless noted: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

It had a single barrel with a five-chamber cylinder that revolved at the six o’clock position parallel to the bore. Think S&W J-Frame on steroids with rounds that were more the size of a Red Bull can rather than .38 Specials.

Gas-operated with a piston that ejected the spent casing from one of the cylinder’s chambers while a spring-loaded rammer slid a new cartridge into an open chamber on each right-hand rotation, the gun was capable of firing 1,500 rounds per minute.

Backstory

The M39 had its roots in an experimental German Mauser 20mm MG213C revolving cannon design following World War II. To the victors go the spoils, boys!. A captured gun (No. V6/10) was rebuilt by the U.S. Naval Gun Factory in 1946, and a second, third, and fourth rebuild, all with evolving modifications, became the experimental U.S. T74 cannon.

These images of the MG213 and T74 via Chinn.

Via The Machine Gun History, Evolution, and Development of Manual, Automatic, and Airborne Repeating Weapons by Lt. Col. George M. Chinn, USMC, Prepared for the Bureau of Ordnance, Department of the Navy, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1951, unclassified July 1970 (Public domain)

The American M39 first flew in combat during the latter part of the Korean War as the T160 gun system in the “GunVal” program, which saw four such guns installed in modified F-86F Sabres. The guns had 460 rounds of ammunition, enough for about 4.5 seconds of fire. Each gun weighed 162 pounds.

The system, as installed on a Gun Evaluation (GunVal) F-86F-2, in 1952:

Vetted in combat, the guns were then first installed in production fighters starting in 1954 with the improved F-86H, which carried four M39s with 600 rounds of ammunition.

Ultimately, more than 35,000 M39s would be produced, and it was the standard gun not only for the F-86H but also the F-100 Super Sabre, F-101A/C Voodoo, and F-5/E Freedom Fighter/Tiger fighters, as well as the B-57B bomber.

While made by several companies over the course of two decades, the primary vendor for production was Pontiac. Yes, the car company.

While replaced in U.S. service with the six-barreled M61 Vulcan Gatling Gun, which fires the same ammunition up to four times faster while offering more longevity (M39s had to have their single barrel replaced after just 4,000 rounds), the old cannon is still in use with a few remaining F-5E operators, such as Brazil, South Korea, and Thailand.

Plus, the Philippine Air Force has recycled M39s out of old F-5s for use as towed ground support weapons, which is just awesome.

Greyburn: FN Debuts New ARKA Rifle Line

Posted on June 8, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

On the eve of a large international tactical expo, FN Herstal raised the curtain on a new rifle for its 2026 catalog, the ARKA.

Blending elements of the famed FN SCAR series with familiar AR ergonomics in a short-stroke piston system with some very AR-18ish internals, the new ARKA was unveiled just before the Eurotatory show in Paris last week.

Chambered initially in 5.56 NATO, the ARKA “prioritizes the ergonomics of high-speed movement,” and includes a fully ambi magazine release, bolt catch, and safety selector along with a T-shaped charging handle and forward assist. Using STANAG pattern mags and able to accept any standard AR pattern pistol grip or stock, the ARKA is also suppressor-ready with both an adjustable gas block and a QD muzzle device.

FN ARKA — *The internals include a take on the SCAR’s short-stroke piston operating system with some very AR-18 vibes. Cue the “it’s been the AR-18 all along” memes. (All photos unless noted: FN)*

FN at launch is advertising the ARKA with either a 14.5-inch standard barrel with options for a short or long M-LOK handguard, or an 11.25-inch CQC barrel and short M-LOK handguard. All configurations are available in FDE or black, and with selective fire or semi-auto only trigger packs. All feature a top Pic rail.

Roll those models:

FN says the platform is basically an AR on the outside, and a tough-to-kill SCAR on the inside. A SCAR dressed up in an AR suit, if you will.

“FN is pleased to complement its rifle portfolio with this new AR-15-type platform that is built upon the proven performance of the FN SCAR, currently in service with over 20 armed forces worldwide,” said FN Herstal’s VP for Small Arms, Christophe Soleil. “The FN ARKA provides equivalent levels of reliability, durability, and performance, allowing customers to select the ergonomics and architecture that best suit their preferences.”

While not stated, it is obvious that the gun is intended for European military tenders, with Britain’s Project Greyburn looking for a new 5.56 platform to replace the troubled L85/SA-80 Enfield bullpup. If so, it will go against such guns as Beretta’s NARP and others.

Further, it should be pointed out that FN is currently the only military-grade small arms maker in the UK, with its South London facility making 7.62 and .50 caliber machine guns in England since 2014. It should also be noted that FN recently acquired UK rifle maker Accuracy International.

Ian McCollumn on the rifle, because he happened to be at FN’s range in Belgium.

When is the ARKA coming to America?

Now here’s the bad news.

As these are being shopped at a European Mil/LE show by the Belgian-based arm of FN, the odds are that these won’t be in the U.S. any time super soon. Of course, we could be wrong about that, especially if imported in a large format pistol variant with a semi-auto trigger.

Anything is possible.

Until then, or perhaps in lieu of, keep in mind FN America’s domestic-built SCAR in its current generation accepts lots of AR furniture instead of locking the user into the “Ugg Boot” stock.

*The newest SCAR model rifles accept AR furniture, so there is that. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

New and Beautiful: Meet the Beretta 92G Elite Combat LTT

Posted on May 22, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Beretta and Ernest Langdon have teamed up on what could be the penultimate Model 92 series defensive pistol.

The new 92G Elite Combat LTT is just stacked with competition-grade features. Standard is an Elite LTT slide and frame, LTT G10 grips, and a chrome trigger with an ambidextrous G-series slide-mounted decocking lever. Then comes the Toni System improvements in the form of a single-port compensator and flared magwell, along with a trio of Toni System +4 magazine extensions to give the user three 22-round magazines out of the box.

But as the man says, “wait, there’s more.”

Additional features include a black threaded barrel, a fiber-optic front sight, an extended disassembly lever, and DLC-coated hammer and sear. Lots of attention is put to updated ergos, with enhanced frame beveling and front strap checkering, some very aggressive front slide serrations, an extended mag release, and an accessory rail.

Roll those images.

The overall length of the new Beretta 92G Elite Combat LTT is 9 inches with the Toni comp installed on the 5.1-inch barrel, giving it a sight radius of 6.1 inches.

Weight is 36.2 ounces, unloaded.

Grip width is 1.3 inches, while overall height is 6.45 inches.

The compensator and flared magwell work together with Toni System +4 magazine extensions to enhance recoil control and increase reload speed.

The Toni System comp is removable, leaving an extended threaded barrel that is suppressor-ready

The new Beretta 92G Elite Combat LTT ships in a clamshell plastic box with three magazines, each with TS +4 extensions.

So how much does all this functional beauty cost?

The MSRP on the new Beretta 92G Elite Combat LTT is $1,299, closer to $1,198 at dealers.

That’s actually a screaming deal when you consider the much more vanilla 92G Elite LTT II has an MSRP of $1,249 and does not come with the three Toni System mag extensions (which run $45 a pop), the TS comp runs another $100, and the magwell another $100.

Just saying.

Nice to see this as a factory option.

New (and more affordable): Echelon Alpha

Posted on May 19, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

For 25 years, Springfield Armory and Croatia’s HS Produkt have partnered on polymer-framed, striker-fired handguns, starting with the XD series, followed by the popular Hellcat, and, since 2023, the modular Echelon. We’ve reviewed the full-sized 4.5F, 4.0C Compact, 4.0C Comp, and 4.0FC crossover, and we’ve had little to criticize.

They perform reliably.

We’ve put over 5K rounds through assorted Echelons during reviews since the pistol was released and never had a notable problem with these guns. They run. (All photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Springfield has also gained meaningful traction for the Echelon in law enforcement. In December 2024, the St. Louis County Police Department, with nearly 1,000 officers, adopted it as its duty pistol under a $2.1 million contract, reinforcing the company’s claims about the pistol’s reliability and performance. The Echelon has secured other major law enforcement contracts as well, and abroad, the Spanish National Police have chosen it as their standard duty sidearm.

What do you get with the Alpha?

Based on the G19-sized Echelon 4.0C Compact, which is likely the company’s most popular offering in the series, the new Alpha is the same gun at its core.

The new Springfield Armory Echelon Alpha 4.0C is a 15+1 capacity 9mm with a 4-inch barrel. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Weight is 24 ounces unloaded. The Vortex Defender ST red dot shown installed is not included.

It utilizes the same Central Operating Group, a serialized stainless-steel chassis that can be easily swapped to different sized/styled polymer grip modules. The striker-fired pistol disassembles without having to pull the trigger.

It is optics-ready with Springfield’s Variable Interface System, which enables direct-mount capability for more than 30 optics directly to the slide without the use of adapter plates.

The MSRP on the Echelon Alpha is $599, which is a good bit less than the $710 ask on the standard Echelon models. Keep in mind “street price” at retailers will likely be even less.

For the full review, head on over to my column at Guns.com.

ccw
new guns

Beretta Showcases Titan Concept Rifle as NARP Takes Center Stage at L’Aquila

Posted on May 14, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

The storied gunmaker released its one-off Titan rifle this week as the Beretta NARP platform was featured at the head of Army celebrations in Italy.

The Titan is a semiautomatic sporting rifle using a short-stroke gas piston system and chambered in 6.5 Grendel. As such, it takes cues from the company’s select-fire NARP series carbine, which has been under development since 2018.

Using an enhanced two-stage trigger for a crisp, predictable break, the Titan is a bespoke release for sure, using a titanium upper receiver, a magnesium lower receiver, a carbon‑fiber stock and forend, and a forged‑carbon pistol grip.

The Titan is unlike anything Beretta has ever released as a rifle. (Photos: Beretta)

It incorporates magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber in its construction.

The exclusive grey camo pattern applied to the receiver subtly incorporates the date 1526, the year of the earliest verified Beretta firearms contact.

The Titan is shown with Steiner optics, including an MPS enclosed micro red dot atop a M7Xi series 2.9-20×50 riflescope.

Its custom-fitted case is built with a carbon‑fiber shell and a refined Alcantara interior.

We profiled how the iconic Italian gunmaker produces such one-of-a-kind firearms via the company’s Pietro Beretta Custom Atelier, where dreams come true.

With semi-auto NARPs in the form of the Titan at least conceptually in existence, a production model for the U.S. market seems very possible in the coming months.

NARP marches at the head of the parade

Released in 2023, the NARP has been a hit at arms expos worldwide, and we had a chance to go loud with one on Beretta’s range in Italy in 2024. Offered in 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK, and 6.5 Grendel, a large-action 7.62 variant is also under development.

We had a chance to fire the NARP on full-auto in 2024 and found it very controllable. The mag shown is for a Beretta 93R that we were also shooting that day. Sigh. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Compare the 6.5 version of the NARP, the Praetorian, below, with the Titan in the first part of this post.

Beretta NARP Praetorian configuration 6.5 at Milol Paris

It has been short-listed for Project Grayburn, the replacement program for the British Army’s SA80 rifle, and earlier this month was seen in the hands of elite Italian Army units.

Folgore brigade paratroopers with the Beretta NARP at the 165th anniversary celebration of the Italian Army in L’Aquila in May 2026. (Photo: Italian Army)

Alpini mountain troops seen with the Beretta NARP in L’Aquila in May 2026. (Photo: Italian Army).

Beretta Defense Technologies confirmed to Jane’s Defense earlier this year that the Italian Army ordered 7,000 NARP rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO with 14.5-inch barrels.

It is believed the rifle will replace Beretta ARX-160s as part of the modernization plan of the Italian Armed Forces. Speaking of which, the same troops shown with the NARP this month were wearing the new Altimetrico F-based Mimetismo multi-terreno modello 2025 (Multi-terrain Camouflage Model 2025), camouflage pattern, which was developed by the Italian Army in collaboration with Beretta.

For comparison, check out the image below of Italian troops with the current Vegetato camo pattern and Beretta ARX-160s seen in Rome last week by Guns.com staff.

What were we doing in Italy? You will find out soon enough!

(Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Another volley in the 380 space…

Posted on May 5, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland One comment

Featuring a removable chassis system for easy grip frame upgrades and a 14-shot capacity, Ruger has a new LCP Max on the block, powered by Magpul.

The two companies in 2024 brought the innovative RXM 9mm pistol to the market, which uses a serialized Fire Control Insert that is independent of its Enhanced Handgun Grip, or EHG, allowing the flexibility to be easily swapped into different grips. And by different we both size (full, compact, subcompact) and color, all inside the Glock Gen 3 9mm double stack ecosystem.

You can see much of the same potential modularity on the newest Ruger LCP Max. Debuted this week, it uses Magpul’s new EHG .380 grip frame with a Fire Control Insert chassis. It carries a new style slide that mimics the RXM’s aesthetic, and includes a S&W Bodyguard pattern Tritium front sight with a drift-adjustable rear.

And it weighs 11.2 ounces, unloaded, which is about half as much as the Walther PPK, which offers a 7-shot capacity.

the new Ruger LCP Max with the Magpul EHG RG380 grip — *The new Ruger LCP Max. Note the Magpul EHG RG380 grip frame with 3/4-scale TSP texture. (Photos: Ruger/Magpul)*

Other standard features include a tabbed trigger safety and a manual safety. It ships with both a flush 10 rounder as well as the extended 13-shot magazine as shown above.

“This launch is just the beginning of what Ruger and Magpul have planned for the LCP Max, underscoring Ruger’s commitment to innovation and consumer choice,” says the company.

The MSRP on the new Ruger LCP Max with the Magpul EHG RG380 grip is $449, which is a $50 bump from the standard LCP Max. I would imagine the price at your local shop to be closer to $375.

We have one inbound for a review, so stay tuned for more on that subject.

Federal is now making 150-grain 30.06 for Garands (and it works)

Posted on April 28, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

As any fan of LSOZI knows, we are always on the lookout for increasingly scarce Garand feed.

With that being said, we were very tickled by the fact that Federal is making, in the U.S. (they are now Czech owned, so just saying), a 150-grain FMJ bullet with a fatter (than Power-Shok’s .313 ballistic coefficient 150-grain JSP) .410 ballistic coefficient. It is also cataloged at 2,740 fps, dialed lower than the 2,900+ often seen on commercial hunting ammo in the same caliber/bullet weight.

Federal 150 Grain 30-06 Garand Ammo — *The box lists the new .30-06 Federal American Eagle 150-grain FMJ for the Garand as having a flat trajectory at 100 yards, with a 4-inch drop at 200 and 14.5 at 300 yards.*

It has long been standard for Garand owners and enjoyers to stoke their vintage rifles with .30-06 150-grain loads with a little gentler power curve than what is seen in modern commercial hunting ammo. The CMP, probably the foremost expert on the Garand, specifically warns against using bullets more than 172 to 174-grain in weight, saying, “These rifles are at least 70 years old and were not designed for max loads and super heavy bullets.”

When it comes to cost, Federal lists this load with an MSRP of $41.99 per 20-cartridge box, but, as of the publication of this article, we have seen them listed for $31.99.

Compared to what else is out there, CMP offers a custom 150-grain ’06 Creedmoor Berger OTM round with Lapua Brass at $175 per 100 rounds (which works out to $35 per 20). Meanwhile, comparably priced Czech-made Sellier & Bellot’s 150-grain M2 ball repro (at 2,700 fps) and Serbian-made Prvi Partizan’s 150-grain (2,745 fps) Garand-specific loads are often tough to find in stock.

So, with that, barring a good deal on some Cold War Lake City loads that have been in arsenal storage for the past half-century, Federal’s Garand load is a decent buy for the price.

Plus, while many loadings on the surplus market are corrosive (Norwegian, Korean, etc) or attract a magnet (such as Greek HXP and Ethiopian), which can bar it from some ranges, the Federal load does not.

About the best deal I know of right now is 370 rounds of spam-canned (and corrosive) Korean ball for $329 with free shipping from SGA. That’s about 90 cents per round.

There is still some milsurp 150-grain M2 .30 cal ball out there, like this corrosive stuff being sold by SGA right now for about 90 cents per round.

With that being said, the new load from Federal stands ready to keep your Garands fed.

Thus:

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Weapons, Wars, Preparation and Security from a recovering gun nut turned bad writer

Tag Archives: firearms news

Alpha Carry: My Range Time with the Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp in 9mm

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It’s a giant RMR, for your Ma Deuce

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Reviewing Smith’s new entry-level J-frame

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