TOP 5 PISTOLS OF 2025
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

TOP 5 PISTOLS OF 2025

The top 5 pistols of 2025 use new materials, better comfort, and smart technology to improve reliability and ease of use. The Glock 19 Gen 5 leads with ambidextrous features and better internal parts. The SIG Sauer P365 sells well thanks to its unique trigger, despite some safety concerns. The M&P Shield Plus is durable and reliable in a small carry size. The FN 509MRD is built for easy use with optics and was recently adopted by the LAPD. The Walther PDP Compact offers customizable optics, quick aiming, and great comfort, making it a top pick for personal and tactical use.

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H&K USP40: A RELIC OF EXCELLENCE
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

H&K USP40: A RELIC OF EXCELLENCE

The USP 40 is a legendary double-action/single-action (DA/SA) design that truly set the benchmark for durability, reliability, and versatility in its class. Known for its robust construction and dependable performance, it has earned a lasting reputation among professionals and enthusiasts alike. But considering its age, the question remains: does it still hold up as a relevant and effective option in today’s fast-evolving self-defense landscape?

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MODERN APPLICATIONS OF THE 1911
David Donchess David Donchess

MODERN APPLICATIONS OF THE 1911

The 1911 pistol, originally designed over a century ago, remains highly relevant in modern self-defense and tactical applications. Its enduring popularity stems from its reliable single-action trigger, ergonomic design, and powerful .45 ACP cartridge.

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COMBAT PISTOL STANDARDS
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

COMBAT PISTOL STANDARDS

Combat pistols are a hotly debated item among gun shop commandos. The 1911 has served for 100 years reliably as a sidearm in some of the hottest combat around the world. But is is still sufficient for service as a combat sidearm by todays’ standards?

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SIG P320: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

SIG P320: A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Everyone seems to be criticizing the Sig P320 more and more these days. Many people have stopped placing blind trust in Sig Sauer and are openly acknowledging some serious and well-documented problems with the firearm. However, I want to take a moment to consider this issue from a different angle and explore aspects that might not be receiving as much attention.

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1911 VS BERETTA 92FS
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

1911 VS BERETTA 92FS

The 1911 and Beretta 92FS are now widely recognized as certified classics in the world of firearms, renowned for their enduring design, reliability, and significant impact on both military and civilian shooting communities.

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THE P320 FIRES UN-COMMANDED
David Donchess David Donchess

THE P320 FIRES UN-COMMANDED

The Air Force had a recent fatal accident due to uncommanded discharges of the P320 and M17/M18 pistols. The FBI investigated the Sig 320 and M18 after 80+ accidental firing reports in civilian, police, and military use, declaring them unsafe for duty.

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M&P SHIELD: CONCEALED CARRY BASELINE
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

M&P SHIELD: CONCEALED CARRY BASELINE

The M&P Shield is a highly reliable pistol, well-regarded and popular among beginners for concealed carry purposes. It has established itself as a trusted and widely recognized standard in the world of personal defense firearms.

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H&K P30: THE END OF THE DA/SA LINE?
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

H&K P30: THE END OF THE DA/SA LINE?

The H&K P30 is a reliable double-action pistol chambered in both 9mm and .40 caliber. It gained widespread recognition and popularity due to its prominent role in the John Wick film series. This exposure has helped the pistol maintain a strong following among civilian shooters and firearms enthusiasts who appreciate its performance and design.

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H&K VP9: OUTDONE BY IT’S SUCCESSORS?
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

H&K VP9: OUTDONE BY IT’S SUCCESSORS?

If you want a reliable and well-crafted pistol, H&K is a brand you can trust. Their firearms are known for exceptional durability and consistent performance. The VP9, often referred to as the "people's pistol," has gained widespread popularity and shows no signs of declining. It truly lives up to the solid reputation its name suggests.

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AREX REX ZERO 1S: WALMART P226 OR UPGRADED CZ99?
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

AREX REX ZERO 1S: WALMART P226 OR UPGRADED CZ99?

The Rex Zero 1S, at first glance, clearly draws a significant amount of design influence from the Sig P226. Nonetheless, if you have ever had the chance to handle or examine the CZ99 closely, you would notice an even stronger resemblance to that particular model, revealing deeper parallels in both form and function.

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BERETTA APX: WAS IT ANY GOOD?
PISTOLS David Donchess PISTOLS David Donchess

BERETTA APX: WAS IT ANY GOOD?

The Beretta APX’s story is relatively brief but somewhat unfortunate. Despite its short history, it remains a strong and easy-to-use pistol. Fortunately, the Italian military and several law enforcement agencies recognize its reliability and continue to value and actively use this firearm in their operations.

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