Top 10 Handguns for 2015

With every New Year comes a tidal wave of New Year’s resolutions, but more importantly, it means new firearms! SHOT Show starts tomorrow and runs January 20th – 23rd out in Las Vegas, Nevada. A few companies have already announced their headliners for the year while others might be holding back until the doors finally open on Tuesday (All Glock enthusiasts are still holding their breath on that single-stack 9mm). So without further ado, here is the list of the Top 10 Handguns for 2015 before the doors open at SHOT Show!

#10 – Heizer Defense PAR-1 .223 Rem

This is a unique offering by the little known company Heizer Defense that they deem the “Pocket AR.” Most people have no idea where they came up with that name because it’s a single-shot pistol the size of a smartphone; nothing like the semi-automatic firearm it suggests. Nonetheless, its made of U.S.A. Aerospace Stainless Steel and is intriguing enough that most people would like to shoot it if not own it.

 

#9 – CZ-USA 1911-A1 .45 ACP

The model 1911 is by no means new, and CZ is not doing anything earth-shattering with their first offering. What is making people happy though is it is truly a ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ pistol; whereas, most everything else they make is coming from Europe. Knowing the way CZ crafts firearms, this should be a great entry-level 1911.

 

#8 – Ruger LC9s 9mm (Strikerfire)

Ruger fans have always liked the convenience and size of the LCP, LC380, and LC9, but they simultaneously lamented the trigger… that long, never-ending, go-read-a-book-while-you-wait trigger. Well, long for a better trigger no more! With a strikerfire design implemented into the LC9s, a lot of people are finally happy.

 

#7 – Taurus 85C .38 SPL

The model 85 from Taurus has always been a great bread-n-butter, carry revolver with many variations to choose from. This year they’re unveiling one with a spur hammer that can be removed with a simple twist. This allows for everything: single-action, double-action, snag-free carrying, and lots of happy customers!

 

#6 – Glock M.O.S. (Modular Optic System) Pistols

League shooters and 3-Gun competitors rejoice! Your beloved Glocks are now equipped to more readily accept optics. Glock likely produced this pistol due to pressure from their competitor Smith & Wesson and the great success they’ve had with their C.O.R.E. (Competition Optic Ready Equipment) line of firearms.

 

#5 – FNH FNS Compact 9mm & .40 S&W

FNH-USA has their award-winning full-size pistol, their ever-popular long-slide, and now the family is complete with their FNS Compact. Many people saw this one coming, but we’re still glad its here!

 

#4 – Dan Wesson Silverback 1911 .45 ACP & 10mm

It’s Dan Wesson’s 1st Dual-Tone 1911 with lots of features to impress: Stainless Slide, Polished Flats, Adjustable Target Style Tritium Sights, Serrated Top Rib, Stainless Frame with “Duty Black” Nitride Finish, and G10 Grips.

 

#3 – Smith & Wesson M&P Performance Center Ported 9mm & .40 S&W

Smith & Wesson continues to pull no punches with this premium M&P model that accepts the Trijicon RMR, Leupold Delta Point, Jpoint, Doctor, C-More STS, and Insight MRDS. With a newly added ported feature competitive shooters will appreciate the less muzzle flip as well.

 

#2 – Beretta M9A3 9mm

Beretta did something that no one saw coming, including the military! After getting their military contract for the M9 extended, they set out to improve their ol’ standby pistol by improving it substantially. It’s already been rejected by the military, but hopefully that just means more production for us civilians!

 

#1 – Browning 1911-380

Browning is honoring not just one, but two of John Browning’s original creations: the .380 ACP caliber and the iconic model 1911. With this new firearm coming out of their premium “Black Label” series, you’ll find a commander length (4.25″) 1911 with desireable features like a serrated trigger & hammer, ambidextrous safety, and a matte black finish.

So there you have it! I’m sure there will be many more innovative and unique firearms to come once SHOT Show 2015 begins, but these 10 should be on everyone’s radar. And this is only the handguns, don’t get me started on the long guns…