The new 380-caliber P238, a pretty little thing in its original form, now can be had in seven different versions. All are mechanically the same, and all have black anodized frames. The differences are in different materials and colors of grips, and different color finishes on the slides and small parts. They make an attractive group.
The long-range P556 pistol introduced last year now has a 22-caliber understudy. The new P522 is roughly the same general size as the 223-caliber P556, but is chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. With a 10-inch barrel, the overall length is a bit over 20 inches, and weight is about 5.5 pounds. The P522 pistol comes with a 25-round magazine. A 10-round magazine is also available.
The modular P250 is an interesting design. A single frame containing the entire trigger and firing mechanism can be used with polymer grip frames of various sizes, and barrels and magazines for different calibers can be used. So, the owner of a P250 can have several different guns by switching parts. How to do this? Well, SIG has made it easier with its P250 2SUM kit. The kit contains a full-size P250, and also everything needed to convert it to a P250 subcompact. A lot better than having a pistol and ordering a bunch of extra parts to convert it.
New E2 (Enhanced Ergonomics) variants of the P226 and P229 are available. The new one-piece grip frame reduces the area of the backstrap, and reduces overall circumference. The modular grip snaps into place, eliminating screws. The E2 models also have a reduced-reach trigger and feature SIG’s Short Reset Trigger (SRT) system. The company believes these characteristics will allow these 9mm pistols to better fit a wider range of shooters’ hands.
SMITH & WESSON
S&W has had good success recycling old revolver names onto their new items. Following the reuse of Chief’s Special and Military & Police, now we have totally new guns that bear the Bodyguard name. The company developed two small new handguns that would wear the Bodyguard designation — a laser-sighted .38 revolver and a laser-sighted .380 pistol. Both guns were designed from the start to have integral lasers. The revolver is interesting, but you’ll read about it elsewhere. Let’s take a look at the 380.
The little pistol is double-action-only, but has second-strike capability. It also has a manual safety. It is tilting-barrel recoil-operated and is not a blowback. The gun has a stainless-steel slide and barrel (coated with Melonite) and a polymer frame. The 6+1 pistol is hammer-fired, and weighs less than 12 ounces. The integral laser sighting system is part of the frame, and has ambidextrous controls. The laser has three positions—constant, pulse, and off. The new bodyguard pistols were introduced on January 19, 2010, and scheduled for May 1 production.
Incidentally, the original Bodyguard revolver will remain in production with a unique model number, a separate series from the new Bodyguard guns.
Smith & Wesson also has introduced a new “Pro-Series” line of pistols. According to a company representative, these guns will bridge the gap between standard production and Performance Center guns. Included are three M&P polymer-frame pistols and two SW1911 pistols. The M&P guns are in 9mm and .40, with enhancements in sights and trigger pulls. The 1911 guns include a 5-inch full-size variant in 9mm, and a 3-inch subcompact .45, with special sights and other features.
SPRINGFIELD
The Springfield XD(M) line, introduced on these pages in the last edition, now has two new additions. The XD(M)–3.8 is a new shorter-barrel variant in 9mm, with 19+1 capacity and .40 S&W, with 16+1 capacity. The 3.8 designation refers to the 3.8-inch length of the barrel. The XD(M)–4.5 features the new slip-resistant slide serrations. By the beginning of 2011, a new .45 ACP version of the XD(M) is planned to also be included in the Springfield line.
Every XD(M) comes with a case that contains the pistol, two magazines, a lock, paddle holster, magazine loader, double magazine pouch, and three interchangeable backstraps.
STI
STI International has an anniversary of its own. The Texas company is celebrating its 20th year and has produced an eyecatching 20th Anniversary pistol to commemorate the occasion. The special commemorative pistol is marked on the slide “20th Anniversary, 1990-2010.” The grasping grooves on the slide include a distinct XX, the Roman numerals for 20.
The company has introduced its patented 2011 frame, a metal/polymer composite. STI claims the new frame is appropriate for the 100th anniversary of the 1911 design, taking it into a new century. The metal frame/polymer grip system allows lighter weight and a grip thickness hardly larger than the original. A number of STI guns are now using this frame.
The lightest pistol in STI’s lineup is the Escort. At 22.8 ounces, the 3-inch .45 has a Commander-size frame.
STI pistols tend to be eyecatchers. One of the most striking pistols the firm offers is the Elektra. In several variants, the one most likely to attract attention is the Electra Pink version. With its pink grips and pink filling of the slide lettering, it seems appropriate for either a man or woman shooter.
Magnum Research has entered the 1911 world. Here is the Desert Eagle 1911 G., a full-size .45.
Masterpiece Arms has introduced a new 22-calber version of its “MAC-10” style pistols. The 22 pistol comes with a 27-round magazine.
A compact version of the company’s 9mm SR9 pistol, Ruger’s new SR9c has a 3.5- inch barrel and shortened grip.
SIG SAUER’s P522 is a 22-caliber unconventional pistol with a 10-inch barrel and a 25-round magazine.
The 380-caliber SIG SAUER P238 is now available in seven different finishes. This striking specimen has the “rainbow” metal finish.
STI has passed its 20-year anniversary, and has put out a special pistol to commemorate the event. Notice the Roman numeral XX, used to represent 20, in the slide grasping grooves.
STOEGER
The Stoeger Cougar pistol is now available in .45 ACP chambering. The new Cougar 45 is only slightly larger than the 9mm and 40-caliber versions previously offered. Designated Model 8045, the .45 has a 3.6-inch barrel.
Recall that the Cougar design was originally introduced by Beretta, a mid-sized pistol with a rotating-barrel locking system. A few years ago, Stoeger took the design over. Now, it is made in Turkey and imported by Stoeger.
The Bodyguard .380 from Smith &Wesson has its controls on the left, but its double-action-only mechanism is suitable for use with either hand.
The .45 that I examined had an all-black finish. However, the 9mm and .40 pistols in the Cougar line are now offered in several other finishes. They can be had as all silver with black grips, or with a silver frame and black slide and grips.
TACTICAL INNOVATIONS
Shown for the first time at the 2010 SHOT Show, the COHORT pistol is offered by Tactical Innovations. The new 22-caliber pistols are based on a modi-fi ed Ruger 10/22 platform. Made in Idaho, the new pistols have aluminum receivers and a Ruger-style bolt. However, one can see a big difference right away—the action is rear-charging, with a bolt retraction system patterned after that of the AR-15. A rail allows any