56 of the Best Pistols From Specials Weapons Magazine in 2015

Springfield Armory XDs XD Mod.2 4" Service Model — The most recent addition to the XD line is the Mod.2 4-inch-barreled Service Model, which is particularly well suited for law enforcement duty and self-defense use. The updated rear sight profile enhances snag-free reholstering for armed professionals who carry in deep concealment, and the fiber-optic front sight significantly improves sight acquisitions in virtually all lighting conditions. The reengineered frame ergonomics update the original Service Model’s design, while the best components of the successful XD line are preserved.

Springfield Armory XDs XD 3" Sub-Compact — XD 3″ Sub-Compact: The original subcompact XD model, the XD 3” offers impressive capacity in a compact, solid handgun. Users have carried them as a backup to their same-caliber duty or open-carry XD, because the XD 3” retains the ergonomics and proportions—aside from being shorter in length and height—of the larger models. These pistols can also accept the same-caliber magazines from larger-frame Springfield XD models. Thus, you can easily feed two guns with the same full-sized magazine should you really have to.

Springfield Armory XDs XD 5" Tactical — XD 5″ Tactical: This model offers a longer 5-inch barrel for higher velocities and a longer sight radius. This improves ballistic performance and accuracy potential while adding a bit of weight, which only helps to reduce muzzle rise. This full-sized model is perfect for special tactical roles and is a pleasure for those who don’t mind carrying a gun that is a little larger.

Springfield Armory XDs XD Mod.2 — Springfield’s new 3-inch-barreled XD Mod.2 pistols are available in 9mm or .40 S&W, while a 3.3-inch-barreled version is chambered in .45 ACP. These pistols feature innovative new slide and frame styling that has been enhanced for concealed carry. The biggest addition is Springfield’s GripZone, which features three distinct types of texturing for optimum control in any condition, wet or dry. The re-contoured, slimmer frame and slide add up to a far more natural grip feel while still offering an impressive magazine capacity.

Springfield Armory XDs XD 4" Compact Service — The XD 4” Compact Service is 0.75 inches shorter in height (measured from the base of the magazine to the top of the slide) than the standard XD 4” Service model, which aids in concealability. This costs three rounds in terms of capacity, but the XD 4” Compact Service can accept the longer 13-round .45 ACP magazines should you need more ammunition on tap.

Springfield Armory XDs XD 4" Service — The XD 4” Service exists right in the sweet spot for duty-issue handguns: It has a magazine capacity that ties or beats the competition, features the proven 4-inch barrel length you expect on a duty gun and wears incredibly durable sights that are drift adjustable. It comes in each of the “Big Four” calibers to meet departmental needs as well as integrate into the collection of just about any shooter. A variant of the XD 4” Service model is available with a frame-mounted, ambidextrous thumb safety right where 1911 fans expect to find it. This safety is in addition to the three existing safeties that come standard on all XD models.

Springfield Armory XDs XDM 3.8" Compact — XDM 3.8″ Compact: Springfield’s XDM pistols are immediately visually different from the original XD series, as they feature frames with redesigned texturing and can accept interchangeable backstraps, making these pistols suitable for a variety of hand sizes. The slides have also been redesigned for streamlined, fast-handling performance, as the arrow-shaped front and rear slide serrations promote a positive grip. Finally, XDM pistols, including the concealment-ready XDM 3.8” Compact, feature snag-free, three-dot sights and match-grade barrels.

Springfield Armory XDs XDM 3.8" — One-inch taller than the Compact version, the XDM 3.8” offers the shorter, lighter 3.8-inch barrel of a compact gun with the full-sized grip frame of a duty gun. That means your pinky finger has a place to rest, and the magazines hold the full 19 rounds of 9mm that you expect of a duty-sized grip. The overall size and weights savings of the XDM 3.8”, with its capacity, make it well suited for duty.

Springfield Armory XDs XDM 4.5" — Intended as Springfield Armory’s state-of-the-art duty pistol, the XDM 4.5” wears a 4.5-inch-long barrel for excellent ballistics without getting into the more specialized realm of competition-length barrels/slides. These pistols also pack plenty of firepower, and the fore and aft slide serrations combine with the aggressively textured grip surfaces to provide positive traction in inclement weather and other slippery conditions. As many police departments need to issue the same pistol to many different people of different sizes and hand geometry, the interchangeable backstraps keep the XDM pistol series on the cutting edge of handgun evolution.

Springfield Armory XDs XDM 4.5" Threaded Barrel — XDM 4.5″ Threaded Barrel: A specialized pistol for specialized roles, this XDM comes with a threaded barrel for suppressor use. Springfield Armory also supplies a knurled thread protector as well as taller “suppressor sights” meant to be visible above the body of an attached sound suppressor. Particularly appealing to the special operations and tactical communities, this model is also available to civilians.

Springfield Armory XDs XD-S — XD-S: The smallest XD models are the 9mm and .45 ACP variants in the XD-S 3.3” line. These are single-stack models that retain the tactile loaded-chamber indicator while forgoing the striker indicator on the rear of the slide. Another feature is the dust cover accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers. Like other models, XD-S pistols have three safeties, including the Ultra Safety Assurance (USA) trigger safety, a grip safety and a firing-pin blocking internal safety. The ambidextrous magazine release is a great bonus feature for a gun this small. Springfield also offers 4-inch-barreled 9mm and .45 ACP models in its XD-S 4” line.

Springfield Armory XDs XDM 5.25" Competition — XDM 5.25″ Competition: Factory-optimized for competition use, these pistols wear adjustable, target-style rear sights that combine with fast-targeting fiber-optic front sights. The 5.25-inch-long barrel is match grade, the trigger has a short reset for speed and the capacity is higher than many competing models—all of which could also make this pistol particularly handy for personal or home defense, too.

Test Glock 40 Gen4 MOS solo — Aside from its MOS slide, the pistol also features Glock’s proven Gen4 enhancements, including a dual recoil spring assembly, a reversible mag catch and Modular Backstrap System.

STI International STI Apeiro — STI Target Master

STI International STI DVC Limited — STI DVC Limited

STI International STI Match Master — STI Match Master

STI International STI DVC Open — STI DVC Open

STI International STI Perfect 10 — STI Perfect 10

STI International STI Steel Master — STI Steel Master

STI International STI Trubor — STI Trubor

STI Speed Demons: 10 Competition Pistols From STI International Specs

STI Speed Demons: 10 Competition Pistols From STI International Specs 2

11 Megapistols DoubleStar AR Pistol — DoubleStar AR Pistol: CALIBER: 300 BLK; BARREL: 7.5, 9 inches; OA LENGTH: 23.5-25 inches; WEIGHT: 4.7-5.7 pounds (empty); GRIP: Polymer; SIGHTS: None; ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto; FINISH: Matte black; CAPACITY: 30+1; MSRP: $1,284-$1,407

11 Megapistols CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol — CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol: Caliber: 9mm; Barrel: 7.72 inches; OA Length: 16 inches; Weight: 5 pounds (empty); Grip: Polymer; Sights: Adjustable; Action: Semi-auto; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 20+1; MSRP: $849

11 Megapistols Sig Sauer MPX-P — Sig Sauer MPX-P: Caliber: 9mm; Barrel: 8 inches; OA Length: 16.85 inches; Weight: 5 pounds (empty); Grip: Polymer; Sights: Flip-up front and rear; Action: Semi-auto; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 10+1, 20+1, 30+1; MSRP: $1,576

11 Megapistols Sig Sauer P716 Pistol — Sig Sauer P716 Pistol: Caliber: 7.62 mm NATO; Barrel: 12.5 inches; OA Length: 30.2 inches; Weight: 8.6 pounds (empty); GRIP: Polymer; ACTION: Piston-operated semi-auto; Sights: Flip-up front and rear; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 10+1; MSRP: $2,252

11 Megapistols ASA 7.5 Side Charging Pistol — ASA 7.5 Side Charging Pistol: Caliber: 9 mm; Barrel: 7.5 inches; OA Length: 24.5 inches; Weight: 5.4 pounds (empty); GRIP: Polymer; Action: Semi-auto; Sights: None; Finish: Black; Capacity: 32+1; MSRP: $1,599.99

11 Megapistols Daniel Defense DDM4300 — Daniel Defense DDM4300: CALIBER: 300 BLK; BARREL: 10.3 inches; OA LENGTH: 27.15 inches; WEIGHT: 5.3 pounds (empty); GRIP: Polymer; SIGHTS: None; Action: Direct impingement semi-auto; FINISH: Matte black; CAPACITY: 30+1; MSRP: $1,699

11 Megapistols Yankee Hill Machine YHM-8030 — Yankee Hill Machine YHM-8030: Caliber: 300 BLK; Barrel: 9.1 inches; OA Length: 25.5 inches; Weight: 5 pounds (empty); Grip: Polymer; Sights: None; Action: Semi-auto; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 30+1; MSRP: $1,205

11 Megapistols Rock River Arms LAR-9 Pistol — Rock River Arms LAR-9 Pistol: CALIBER: 9mm; BARREL: 7 or 10.5 inches; OA LENGTH: 23-26.5 inches; WEIGHT: 4.8-4.9 pounds (empty); GRIP: Hogue; SIGHTS: None; ACTION: Blowback, semi-auto; FINISH: Matte black; CAPACITY: 32+1; MSRP: $1,205-$1,320

11 Megapistols MRI Desert Eagle Mark XIX — MRI Desert Eagle Mark XIX: Caliber: .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .50 AE; Barrel: 6 inches; OA Length: 10.75 inches; Weight: 4.36-4.53 pounds(empty); Grip: Polymer; Sights: Adjustable; Action: Semi-auto; Finish: Several options available; Capacity: 9+1 (.357), 8+1 (.44), 7+1 (.50); MSRP: N/A

11 Megapistols MasterPiece MPA10SST — MasterPiece MPA10SST: Caliber: .45 ACP; Barrel: 5.7 inches; OA Length: 10.5 inches; Weight: 5.5 pounds (empty); Grip: Steel; Sights: Fixed; Action: Blowback, semi-auto; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 30+1; MSRP: $574

11 Megapistols IWI Uzi Pro Pistol — IWI Uzi Pro Pistol: Caliber: 9mm; Barrel: 4.5 inches; OA Length: 9.5 inches; Weight: 3.66 pounds (empty); Grip: Polymer; Sights: Adjustable; Action: Blowback, semi-auto; Finish: Matte black; Capacity: 20+1, 25+1; MSRP: $1,099

Remington R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel lead — Remington’s 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel is ready to accept a sound suppressor, like the AAC Ti-RANT shown, to deliver a stealth .45 ACP counterstrike.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 VTAC Handgun lead — Smith & Wesson kicked its wildly popular 9mm M&P9 into tactical overdrive by creating the Viking Tactics (VTAC) version in Flat Dark Earth.

Beretta M9A3 SWMP July 2015 — The M9A3 is designed for the modern warrior who requires a handgun that can be adapted for different missions and harsh environments.

Beretta APX first look right — A big departure from past Beretta designs, the new APX is the company’s first full-sized, striker-fired pistol with a polymer frame.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Beretta M9A3 — An evolution of the battle-proven M9 pistol, the M9A3 is a combat-ready handgun that is designed to meet the needs of virtually any soldier or SWAT cop. This pistol is equipped with a threaded barrel for a sound suppressor, night sights and an accessory rail. Beretta uses 17-round, sand-resistant magazines in the M9A3 and finishes the gun in a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote. For more information, visit beretta.com.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 CZ P-09 — Described by CZ as the king “King of Capacity,” the suppressor-ready P-09 puts 19+1 rounds of 9mm in the hands of any operator going into harm’s way. CZ equips this polymer-framed pistol with the popular Omega trigger, a very smooth DA/SA system. Adaptable to shooters of various hand sizes through the use of interchangeable backstraps, these handguns are ready for any duty assignment thrown at them. For more information, visit cz-usa.com or call 800-955-4486.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 FNX-45 Tactical — The FNX-45 Tactical is a perfect example of why FN America is relied on by so many military and law enforcement organizations. Chambered in the hard-hitting .45 ACP, this pistol was developed to withstand harsh combat conditions. In addition to being fitted with a threaded, 5.3-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel, the pistol is equipped with both high-rise night sights and a slide that is cut for red-dot optics. Two mounting bases are included to accept multiple styles of red-dot sights. For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Glock 17 TB — Suited for any difficult operation, the suppressor-ready Glock 17 TB features the rugged reliability for which the company is known. A 5.04-inch, threaded barrel and high-profile sights make this gun the top choice for many teams needing suppressed pistols. Glock also offers threaded-barrel versions for the Gen3 G19 and G23 as well as G21 SF. For more information, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 HK45 Tactical — With a proud history of arming militaries and police agencies throughout the free world, it is no surprise to see Heckler & Koch making a top-tier combat pistol designed for suppressed operation. The HK45 Tactical is chambered for the .45 ACP and carries 10 rounds in its magazine. Available in black, tan or green, the polymer frame has an integral Picatinny rail for adding lights, lasers and other accessories. Interchangeable grip panels make it easy for shooters to configure the grip to fit their hands best. Also note the long, ambidextrous slide release. For more information, visit hk-usa.com or call 706-568-1906.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Kimber Custom TLE/RL II (TFS) — Kimber 1911 pistols are carried by some of the top SWAT and military units in the world. The Custom TLE/RL II (TFS) has a match-grade, 5.5-inch barrel that is threaded for the easy attachment of a sound suppressor. A light, crisp trigger, combined with Meprolight night sights, helps to make this a precise shooter. For more information, visit kimberamerica.com or call 888-243-4522.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 MasterPiece MPA930DMG — Chambered in 9mm, these hammer-fired pistols take standard Glock magazines and come ready for a sound suppressor on their 3.5-inch, threaded barrels. MasterPiece Arms offers the MPA930DMG with a variety of Cerakote finishes, including black, Flat Dark Earth and Burnt Bronze. Adjustable sights are standard, as is the accessory rail for adding a fast-targeting reflex sight. For more information, visit masterpiecearms.com or call 770-832-9430.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Nighthawk AAC Recon — Ready for a lifetime of service, the Nighthawk Custom AAC Recon is a high-quality 1911 with all of the features needed for a suppressed pistol. The match-grade barrel is threaded and is matched with a set of Heinie Ledge Straight Eight Suppressor sights that will clear even the largest suppressors. The forged frame and slide are precisely machined to produce a gun that looks as good as it runs. More of the AAC Recon’s features include front and rear slide serrations, a Picatinny accessory rail, a high-swept beavertail, a match-grade trigger and ultra-thin, checkered Aluma-Grips. For more information, call 877-268-4867 or visit nighthawkcustom.com.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Para Black Ops Combat — Para is known for making 1911 pistols with double-column magazines, and that is exactly what you get with the Black Ops Combat, which holds 14+1 rounds of .45 ACP ammo. This, combined with its threaded barrel, makes the pistol ideal for tactical operators engaged in high-stakes missions. High-profile sights, VZ Operator G10 grips and an accessory rail are just some of the features these guns offer. For more information, visit para-usa.com or call 888-999-9386.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Remington 1911 R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel — Remington offers this threaded-barrel 1911 as part of its R1 Enhanced line. The gun includes tall sights for aiming over a large suppressor. The stainless steel, threaded barrel comes with a thread protector, and the left-side-mounted thumb safety is wider than normal for easier manipulations. The gun also includes front and rear slide serrations, wood laminate grips, a serrated, skeletonized trigger and a pair of eight-round magazines with bumper pads. For more information, visit remington.com or call 877-801-1911.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Sig Sauer P226 Combat TB — Few arms are as battle tested as the P226 from Sig Sauer, serving everyone from Navy SEALs to street cops. The P226 Combat TB adds a hard-chromed, threaded barrel for suppressed work. Additionally, Sig Sauer finishes the frame in Flat Dark Earth and phosphate treats all of the internal components for extreme corrosion resistance. SIGLITE night sights, a Picatinny accessory rail and classic good looks are all standard on this pistol. For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call 603-610-3000.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Smith & Wesson M&P9 Threaded Barrel Kit — Perfect for SWAT officers and others whose duties can frequently change, Smith & Wesson offers the M&P9 with its Threaded Barrel Kit. Included are a standard 4.25-inch duty barrel and a threaded 4.75-inch barrel. With a quick field-stripping, the gun, with its 17-round magazine, can be converted from standard duty use to suppressed operation in seconds. Smith & Wesson also offers its Threaded Barrel Kit for the M&P45. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Sphinx SDP Compact Alpha — Designed to fill multiple roles, the Sphinx SDP Compact Alpha with a threaded barrel is small enough to be carried covertly, yet still large enough to be used in tactical missions. The pistol features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system; a hand-fitted slide that rides on rails within the frame; a large, squared triggerguard; a Picatinny rail for accessories; interchangeable polymer grips; snag-free sights; and ambidextrous controls. For more information, visit sphinxarms.com or call 855-574-7787.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 STI Tactical SS 4.0 TR — John Browning’s original 1911 served U.S. combat troops well for decades, and the STI Tactical SS 4.0 TR aims to do the same. This pistol is suppressor ready with a threaded bull barrel, and adds an accessory rail and night sights to enhance the operator’s ability to get the job done. The slide and frame are finished in black Cerakote, and an extended magazine well and ambidextrous safety are standard. For more information visit stiguns.com or call 512-819-0656.

Suppressor-ready pistols SWMP July 2015 Walther PPQ M2 SD — With a focus on pistol ergonomics, Walther designed the PPQ M2 SD to be a very reliable and accurate suppressed pistol. The gun is extremely resistant to corrosion, and the polymer frame has proven to be very durable. Both 15- and 17-round magazines are available for this gun, giving it an ample supply of on-board ammunition. For more information, visit waltherarms.com or call 479-242-8500.

Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Beretta SWMP April/May 2015 lead — Wilson Combat’s 92G Brigadier Tactical is a custom-grade 9mm ready for duty right out of the box. Shown with a SureFire X300 Ultra.

HK VP9 SWMP Jan light — The VP9’s controls are easy to activate, which will enhance your speed, and the customized grip helps reduce perceived recoil for fast follow-up shots.

Beretta M9 SWMP Jan 2015 lead — Beretta has delivered some 600,000 M9 pistols to the Department of Defense since it was officially adopted in 1985.

A reliable sidearm is a must-have for those who go into harm’s way. And, thanks to SPECIAL WEAPONS, you have terrific insight into some of the best and brightest options available today. Read on to see some of the most capable, powerful and effectives handguns available today!

Xceptional XDs: 12 of Springfield’s Best XD Handguns

When it comes to delivering when it counts, it is hard to beat Springfield’s extensive line of XD pistols. Rugged, reliable and affordable, these polymer-framed powerhouses are ready for any situation. From deep-cover carry to tactical team entries to dominating at the range, there is an XD for every situation.

Gun Test: The Competition-Ready Glock 40 Gen4 MOS

Combining the amazing power of the 10mm cartridge, the enhanced accuracy and ballistic performance of a longslide and the lightning-fast target acquisition of reflex sight system, the Glock 40 Gen4 MOS is a gun equally at home taking down deadly threats as it is competing on the range.

STI Speed Demons: 10 Competition Pistols From STI International

When it comes to competition race guns, new names are more revered than STI. With a broad range of competition-ready pistols for just about any discipline, STI has the right gun for you. Want to dominate on the competitive range? Then look no further than STI.

Handgun Roundup: 11 Maximized Megapistols

When it comes down to it, we all want the best of all worlds. And, when it comes to powerful handguns, it is hard to beat the “mega pistol.” Combining enhanced power, capacity and performance, this class of “super guns” delivers what you need when it matters the most. Take a look at some of the best available today.

Gun Test: Remington’s R1 Enhanced Threaded Barrel

Remington, a revered name in American firearms, is offering shooters an amazing 1911 that is ready for whisper-quiet performance. The R1 Enhanced threaded Barrel comes straight from the factory ready to accept the suppressor of your choice. Count on the “Big Green” to deliver a top-tier 1911 ready to deliver silent force.

Gun Test: Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 VTAC Handgun

Smith & Wesson’s M&P line of polymer-framed pistols has earned a place of respect in the duty pistol and self-defense realm. And, with the VTAC variant of the design, it is taking it to the next level. Enhanced and ready for any eventuality, this pistol is designed from the ground up to deliver when it counts.

Gun Test: Beretta’s Combat-Ready M9A3 Pistol

The Beretta M9 (or 92) is a battle-proven warrior that has earned the respect of warriors for the last three decades. Taking this respected design to the next level is the new M9A3, an ultra-enhanced and updated version of the classic battle pistol. Read on to learn more about it.

First Look: Beretta’s Long-Awaited, LEO-Approved APX Handgun

While Beretta has earned the respect of warriors around the world with its traditional double action M9/92 series of pistols, the company is not willing to rest on its laurels. To that end, enter the new APX, an ultra-modern, polymer-framed duty pistol that delivers everything today’s warrior needs. Carrying on the tradition, the APX marches forth.

Covert Strike: Top 15 Suppressor-Ready Pistols

Looking for a pistol that can deliver silent force straight from the factory? Then take a look at this round up of some of the best and brightest suppressor-ready pistols. From polymer-framed powerhouses to 1911-style warriors, you will find just what you need here. Read on to learn more.

Gun Test: Wilson Combat 92G Brigadier Tactical 9mm

The Beretta 92G Brigadier Tactical from Wilson Combat provides 92 fans and enthusiasts with an enhanced an optimized version of this classic warrior. Wilson Combat brings all its skills to bear with this project, and it shows in the end result. This one is a must have for any tactical pistol enthusiast.

Heckler & Koch’s Striker-Fired VP9 Is Finally Here

From the company that helped legitimize striker-fired pistols, the new VP9 pistol from Heckler & Koch is a lean, mean fighting machine. Light, powerful and simple to use, the VP9 offers everything you want in a defensive pistol, and nothing you do not. For those who want to best, this is an outstanding choice.

The Beretta M9 Continues Its Impressive Battle Legacy

The Beretta M9 has a 30-plus year tradition of battle-proven performance. Come along with us for an overview of its many iterations, achievements and accomplishments. This amazing pistol has an equally amazing story behind it. Read on to find out more.

For more information on the pistols in the gallery above, please visit the following websites: