Every serious, long-range shooter needs a modern, accurate wind meter. And the higher-level Kestrel Wind Meters include a sophisticated ballistics engine that can calculate drops and wind-holds at any distance. These “smart” Kestrels can communicate (via Bluetooth) with a powerful App on your mobile device(s). For this exclusive review, our Editor F-Class John field tests the Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics, and explains its many impressive features. This unit offers great functionality for a $699.00 MSRP. Shop at KestrelBallistics.com or Amazon.com. For this article, F-Class John has created THREE (3) videos which are well worth watching.
Kestrel 5700 Elite Ballistics Review, Video Part 1
Kestrel 5700 Elite — Field Test and Evaluation
by F-Class John
In order to make accurate shots at long range, whether in the desert knocking down steel at a mile or shooting paper at 1000 yards, you need to know and understand the effects of your environment (wind, temperature etc.), along with your bullet’s ballistics. Traditionally, shooters gauge wind speed/angle with a wind meter and then input the data into a ballistic program on a mobile device. That program then produces a firing solution after calculating bullet drop and wind drift. While this method works, it can be time-consuming and cumbersome, and there’s always the potential for error when transposing the information from wind meter to mobile device.
Enter the Kestrel 5700 Elite Applied Ballistics with Kestrel LiNK. This all-in-one unit allows for incredibly accurate firing solutions by using a variety of measurements such as average, head, and cross winds as well as other atmospheric conditions which are then analyzed by built-in Applied Ballistics software. This yields ultra-accurate results from a handheld unit that easily fits in your pocket. Describing the 5700 Elite can be a little difficult. Yes, it is an anemometer at its core, but it is also a complete weather station, a ballistic calculator, and a target card creator.
The Kestrel 5700 Elite’s own menu has three Mode options: Weather, Easy, and Ballistics. The Weather Mode option (great on its own) features the ability to measure altitude, barometric pressure, crosswind, density altitude, dew point temperature, headwind/tailwind, heat stress index, relative humidity, station pressure, temperature, wet bulb temperature, wind chill, wind direction and wind speed/air speed. These readings are available both on the screen by themselves or grouped three at a time. Access is quick and easy with readings updating constantly so you always have the most accurate information at hand.
In addition to Weather Mode, the Kestrel 5700 Elite Ballistics boasts two other Modes, EASY and BALLISTICS. NOTE — before using Easy Mode or Ballistic Mode I recommend creating gun profiles and bullet profiles in the Kestrel directly or through the Kestrel App. This is easy, as the Kestrel Ballistics App connects directly to any LiNK-enabled Kestrel unit. After the initial startup you’ll want to begin with Gun Profile Management tab. This tab allows you to enter both your gun information as well as your loads. The Elite allows up to 30 gun profiles to be created. Notably, the Elite’s included Applied Ballistics software constantly updates bullet profiles. In fact, during my testing, new bullet profiles were added twice. So I was assured I had the most up-to-date bullet choices when creating load profiles.
Kestrel 5700 Elite Ballitics Review, Video Part 2
Along with gun profiles, the Kestrel 5700 Elite Ballistics allows you to create 10 separate Target Profiles. This can be done a couple different ways. The first is Easy Mode — a great option for those want to get a firing solution but don’t need or want to enter a lot of information. It allows you to set up your target range (distance), target data (wind, direction, etc), and choose your rifle profile. Other variables are muzzle velocity, compass, and latitude. Easy Mode allows you to enter the most vital information without feeling overwhelmed, yet Easy Mode still provides for a very accurate solution.
Kestrel 5700 Elite Ballistics Review, Video Part 3
Switching from Easy Mode to Ballistics Mode provides even more options. These include setting up your target (target angle, target speed, wind direction, and more), wind input, gun profile, environment (temp, barometric pressure, altimeter humidity, etc.), target cards, and range cards (with fixed distances). You also get full access to the Applied Ballistics calculator as well as your ability to manage gun profiles. The target card is a really great feature for multi-target disciplines such as PRS where you may be able to range targets ahead of time. The target card allows you to enter any 10 exact distances and the Applied Ballistics software will calculate solutions for all of them in an easy-to-access chart. This is a great feature that can save you time and improve scores.
The Kestrel 5700 Elite’s associated Applied Ballistics software offers additional advanced functionality. For example you can calculate the actual BC of your bullet and adjust for transonic bullet flight. Once you get the hang of how to use these additional features, they really make you realize how powerful this tiny unit is. The App is configured for easy data entry and it even has the classic Snake game as a fun hidden feature in the “About” section of the menu.
SUMMARY — Outstanding Handheld Device with Full Ballistics Functionality
The Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics demonstrated that it is truly the most feature-packed handheld weather meter/ballistic calculator available on the market today. In fact, after several weeks of testing I feel there were still more minor features that I could have used to get even more information about my ammo, firing solutions, and environment. If you’re a technology-driven shooter looking for the ultimate Weather/Ballistics tool at the range, the Kestrel 5700 Elite is for you. This is an outstanding product.
Our friend Bill Marr of Rifleshooter.com has done it again — conducted a fascinating 6mm Creedmoor barrel cut-down test that reveals how velocity changes with barrel length. This time Bill started with a 24″ Proof Research stainless steel barrel on a Howa action. Bill says this was a well-used barrel, with over 1800 rounds through it. So, the velocities might be a bit different than a new barrel of similar length. Bill cut the barrel down in one-inch increments. Here are some results from the test:
For this latest test, Rifleshooter cut the barrel in one-inch increments from 24″ to 16.1″ (just over legal minimum). Velocities were measured with a MagnetoSpeed V3 chronograph mounted on arm attached to the stock. This allowed the chrono to be adjusted inwards as the barrel was cut shorter, inch by inch.
For the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, Bill loaded Hornady 108gr ELD Match bullets over 41.5 grains of Hodgdon H4350 with CCI 200 primers in new Starline brass.
The results were interesting to say the least. Bill reports: “Muzzle velocities ranged from 2,893 ft/sec at 24″ to 2,598 ft/sec at 16″ for a decrease in muzzle velocity of 295 ft/sec. Muzzle velocity changes per inch of barrel length ranged from 6 ft/sec per inch between 20 and 19 inches to 63 ft/sec per inch between 19 and 18 inches. Average velocity change per inch of barrel length was 37.9 ft/sec.”
Bill concludes: “An average drop of 37.9 ft/sec/inch of barrel is fairly significant and is what would be expected with a fast moving 6mm cartridge like the 6mm Creedmoor. While I’m used to seeing 6mm Creedmoors with slightly longer barrel lengths than 24″, when coupled with a sound suppressor the additional length can make moving the rifle quickly more difficult.
I’d suggest staying with longer barrel lengths wherever possible with this cartridge. At shorter lengths, it does give up more performance than its big brother the 6.5 Creedmoor.”
More 6mm Creedmoor Velocity Data from 2017 Cut-Down Test
If you’re curious about 6mm Creedmoor velocities at longer barrel lengths, back in 2017 Rifleshooter completed a 6mm Creedmoor barrel cut-down test from 31 inches all the way down to 17 inches. The test included four bullet types from 95 grains to 110 grains. With the 110gr Sierra MK, velocity at 31″ was an impressive 3110 fps. Surprisingly the velocity didn’t decrease that much for the first few inches. Even at 26″ (a five-inch reduction), measured velocity with the 110s was 3073 fps, a loss of 7.4 fps per inch on average. With a barrel shortened all the way to 20″ however, velocity had dropped down to 2949 fps, a significant (161 fps) loss. CLICK HERE for complete results from that 31″-17″ Barrel Cut-Down Test.
Look carefully at the photo above. That stylish black rear bag doesn’t look anything like an Edgewood or Protektor — it’s a Lenzi bag from Italy. The front Bag-holder on the SEB Neo Rest is also a Lenzi product.
Lenzi Rear Sand Bag
Pat Reagin of PMA Tool offers a really superb rear bag that comes from Italy. Pat tells us: “We are now carrying rear bags made by Italian benchrester Alberto Lenzi. Made in Italy, these Lenzi bags are AWESOME! They are available for short range and one that is slighty taller for long range.” The Lenzi rear bags feature a big, 8″ x 6″ footprint with a thick, slightly concave base that sits very flat on the bench top. Lenzi bags are very stable with a reassuring “dead” feel on the bench. Guys who have tried this bag really like it. Pat says: “I can’t explain it, but the bag seems to absorb energy/recoil better than other bags — the gun tracks a little better and I get back on target really well.” CLICK HERE for more information: Lenzi Long Range Rear Bag | Lenzi Standard Rear Bag.
– Black leather with Cordura at stock contact points with blue stitching.
– 1/2″ flat between medium ears.
– Heavy 8″x6″ base with built-in “donut”.
– Weight about 15.5 lbs filled with heavy sand in bottom & white sand in ears.
Lenzi Replacement Top for SEB NEO Front Rest
A common complaint about the SEB NEO rest is the rest top, specifically the three-piece bag. This rest top made by Alberto Lenzi addresses the issue by replacing the entire rest top. The rest top features a more conventional design and includes a traditional style front bag that conforms to IBS and NBRSA rules.
The Gun Digest 2021 Annual, 75th Edition, is available now for $32.99. This 592-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also an eBook PDF version you can read on your tablet or computer. Both provide hundreds of photos with new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories. The Gun Digest 2021 Annual, paperback edition, is also available for $31.76 at Amazon.com with free shipping. Gun Digest 2021 is also available in digital PDF format for $31.99 at Gundigeststore.com. In the future there will also be an Amazon Kindle edition, but it is not available yet.
Gun Digest 2021 debuts Phil Massaro as its editor-in-chief. Massaro, the seventh editor in the book’s history, has assembled a wide and varied roster of leading industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Ron Spomer, Terry Wieland, Rick Hacker, Jim Wilson, Larry Weishuhn, Wayne van Zwoll, Bryce Towsley and many more.
Gun Digest 2021 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. Historical articles look at the role played by firearms in our country. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the industry’s newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles.
Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories. A Testfire section brings readers up to date on product performance. And the annual photo essay, spotlights the finest custom and engraved guns.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four volumes we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Krieger Barrels — Overstock Barrels in Inventory Now
⏺ Great Krieger barrels with no waiting — overstock inventory
Since Krieger barrels are so highly sought-after, there can be a long lead time to get a made-to-order Krieger barrel. Here’a little known secret, Krieger Barrels has an overstock barrels section on its website. There you’ll find a very wide selection of calibers, countours, and lengths. In stock are many of the most popular barrel types for hunting, PRS, Benchrest, and F-Class. Take a look, there just may be a barrel you need, and you’ll have your barrel in days, not months.
2. Annealing Made Perfect — AMP Annealer and Accessories
⏺ Most Advanced Annealing Machine and important accessories
Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) in the world leader in cartridge annealing technology. AMP has recently launched its own online store which features everything AMP sells, all in one place. Along with the AMP computer-controlled annealing machines, you’ll find case feeders, pilots, and software upgrades. You’ll also find a wide array of specialty parts which are not available anywhere else.
⏺ Peterson ammo made with great brass and top-tier bullets
Everyone knows Peterson makes some of the best brass on the market, but did you know Peterson produces some of the finest precision loaded ammunition as well? At Grafs.com you’ll find the outstanding Peterson specialty rifle ammunition. Graf’s carries favorites like .243 Win, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor, plus a wide selection of big magnum cartridge types, such as .300 Norma Mag, .375 and .408 Cheytac.
4. Amazon — MTM R-100 Deluxe 100-Round Ammo Box, $14.95
⏺ Best Ammo Carrier on the market — Mechanical Hinge, lockable
Here’s a great upgrade to the original MTM 100-rd ammo case, which had latches that could sometimes pop open and a folded plastic hinge that could break over time. That’s all changed with MTM’s new MTM R-100 Deluxe 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box. This features two strong snap closures and sturdy mechanical hinges for the lid. Yes the lid now lies flat when open! And there is now a locking hasp in the front. With these updates, we think this is, without question, the best 100-rd ammo carrier on the market.
⏺ Great Ruger 10/22 Deal with Veridian 3-9x40mm Scope
The Ruger 10/22 is a legendary American .22 LR rifle. It is fun to shoot, and a great first rifle for young marksmen. Sportsman’s Warehouse has just slashed the price on the Ruger 10/22 Carbine with scope. This carbine model features a black, synthetic stock and factory-mounted Viridian EON 3-9x40mm scope — all for just $299.99! This setup is ready to hit the range right out of the box.
6. Amazon — Kestrel 1000 Windmeter, $74.00
⏺ Basic Kestrel unit under $74.00 — reliable and accurate
Reading wind is critical for successful shooting and the Kestrel 1000 windmeter is probably the best way to do it for under $100. At only $74, this Kestrel 1000 features a 3-button control system and large LCD display. The unit measures current, average, and peak wind speed values fast and accurately in mph, km/h, feet/min, m/s, or knots.
7. Natchez — Primos Trail Camera Gen 2, $39.99
⏺ Great value — Use for game hunting and property security
If you need a simple, affordable trail camera, check out the Primos Proof Cam Gen 2 Low Glow Trail Camera. When you’re not using the camera for spotting game, these are great for general monitoring duties on your property. The manufacturer says the camera “is built for one purpose: To give hunters the most reliable, most simple-to-use camera money can buy with all the functions that really matter and none of the extras that don’t. Now Primos Proof Gen 2 line offers faster recovery, better detection distance, and best in class performance.” This unit features 12 megapixel resolution, 80-foot night range, 720P HD video with time-lapse, plus a 1-year battery life with 8 AA Batteries.
⏺ Performs as promised — saves mess at home or at range
When cleaning rifles, wet and dirty patches can make a real mess. Here’s a solution — the MTM Gun Cleaning Patch Catcher. Simply slip it over your barrel to contain all the patches pushed out the muzzle. No more mess and stains on your bench/table. When cleaning tasks are done, simply remove the Patch Catcher and dump the contents into the trash. Watch the video to see how the MTM Patch Catcher works.
9. Midsouth Shooters — Bulldog Rifle Case Sale
⏺ Good quality; 54″ case holds PRS and Match Rifles; Bargain Cases too
Midsouth is running a sale now on the Bulldog Rifle Cases. You’ll find a variety of cases at attractive prices. For F-Class and PRS rifles with long barrels, we like the big 54″ Long Range Rifle Case shown above. Bulldog also make great tactical cases for modern sporting rifles. And you’ll find affordable green/tan zippered cases for scoped hunting rifles (48″, $13.05) and long-barrel shotguns (52″, $13.24). These $13 Bulldog economy cases are a great bargain.
10. MidwayUSA — Lockdown 3-Gun Magnetic Barrel Rack, $15.99
⏺ Attach to outside of safe, or use in workshop or RV
This simple device is very handy when you’re loading multiple long guns into a safe. It’s also great for those multi-rifle cleaning sessions — just line up your rigs outside the safe securely. This “staging support” barrel rack attaches to the outside of a safe and holds your guns vertically with polymer-coated magnetic V-Blocks. You can also use this in your workshop or RV. For $15.99 this is worth every penny if it saves even one expensive stock from getting dropped and damaged.
Here is an interesting project by one of our Forum members. Martin C. (aka “Killick”) modified an Anschutz 1411 Match 54 rimfire prone stock to become a comfortable, great-tracking F-Class Open Division Stock. No Killick didn’t sacrifice a perfectly good rimfire rifle for this project — he bought the Anschutz stock by itself on eBay, then transformed it…
Killick explains: “This project started about seven years ago. I bought the Anschutz prone stock on eBay and whittled it a bit into a Palma rifle with a Barnard action and block and a Doan Trevor cheek piece and scope rail. Then about two years ago I decided to re-task the stock/action assembly into an F-Open rig. With more whittling, gluing, sanding, body fillering, sanding, filling, sanding, more sanding…and sanding, forming, priming, sanding, painting, waiting, painting, painting…painting and before you know it, Bob’s your uncle.”
Here is the eBay-sourced Anschutz 1411 stock, with new high-gloss blue finish, as initially modified for use in Killick’s centerfire Palma rifle. Looks nice!
Next step was the addition of a 3″-wide wood fore-end for F-Open duties with front rest:
Almost done here… just needs priming and final painting:
Here is Killick’s completed F-Open rifle with its much-modified Anschutz stock now finished in fire-engine red lacquer. This image shows the detail of the grip and customized cheekpiece.
Here’s a cool new product from Hogue: Wrapter Adhesive Firearm Grips. Utilizing the same precision fit standards as Hogue’s OverMolded® rubber grips, Hogue has engineered a remarkably thin grip solution for polymer frame pistols. In order to improve the feel and “grippiness” of polymer frames, many shooters have resorted to custom stippling. That could work, but stippling can compromise the firearm’s factory frame and hurt resale value. The Hogue Wrapter Adhesive Grip System provides superior grip and hold while preserving the pistol’s original polymer surface integrity.
This video explains how to install Hogue Wrapter grips on your pistol frame:
Wrapters Are Precisely Cut, Comfortable, and Removable
Wrapter Adhesive Grips are made with a soft rubber material that emulates the renowned Hogue rubber feel. Wrapter grips, using multi-segment designs, conform to the exact contours and features of popular polymer frame pistols. These stick-on Wrapters provide optimal coverage with minimal added thickness. The Wrapters feel good in the hand and the rubber-type material is both sweat-resistant and skin-friendly. The adhesive is designed to create a long-lasting bond when activated by heat, but can also be removed without leaving a sticky residue behind.
Hogue Wrapter Grips sell for $14.95 MSRP. These grips are available now for nine Glock models plus SIG P320s. Wrapters for other pistol types will be available soon. There is also a $9.95 Do-It-Yourself Kit for installation on any firearm — pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Heavy grit options will also be available for those seeking a more aggressive grip texture.
With good factory rifle ammo costing $1.00 per round — a Laser BoreSighter could pay for itself in just a couple range sessions.
Laser BoreSighters — fitted to your chamber — help you get on target more quickly, particularly with factory firearms. Just activate the unit, slip it into the chamber and look for the red dot on the target. The laser dot is about 2″ in diameter at 100 yards, and is visible even in full sunlight. Right now you can get HQ Issue BoreSighters starting at $15.99 at Sportsman’s Guide (member price is $14.39). These units have a durable brass metal body and the battery will run an hour.
Boresighters are offered for many popular rifle cartridge types including: .223 Rem, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win family, and .30-06 (full list below). Sportsman’s Guide also offers Pistol Laser BoreSighters for $17.99 (member price): .38 SPL/.357 Mag, .40 SW, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP.
In-chamber BoreSighters are much safer than the kind that you insert in the end of the barrel (or attach to muzzle). If you forget your laser bore-sight placed in the end of the barrel, and then fire a round, you can blow up your barrel and/or suffer serious injury — it HAS happened.
This video shows how to use in-chamber Sightmark laser boresighters. The HQ Issue boresighters work the same way:
If you like PRS/NRL competition or just want to learn about this fast-growing practical shooting discipline, then definitely watch Shooting USA today (8/12/20). This week Shooting USA offers a special FULL-HOUR edition devoted to the inaugural Armageddon Gear AG Cup Invitational. The first-ever AG Cup showcased an all-star line-up of tactical talent. Twenty of the nation’s top PRS/NRL marksmen were invited to a two-day event at the Arena Training Facility in Georgia. $41,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with the overall match winner guaranteed twenty thousand ($20,000) in cash!
This AG CUP episode airs Wednesday 8/12/2020 on the Outdoor Channel at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central. After that it will be streamed on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode or $3.99 per month.
In this hour-long Shooting USA special, John Scoutten and Armageddon Gear’s Tom Fuller report the action and interview top precision rifle shooters. The Grand Prize of $20,000 was awarded for the best overall score, based on accuracy and time. In addition, the winner of each of the 20 stages received a $1000 cash prize. During the show, you can watch the competitors adapt to challenging stage set-ups and weather conditions. With $1000 at stake for each stage, a single miss can cost serious money!
Side Match with TN Twister Target
At the inaugural AG Cup, there was a side match with a $500 prize for the competitor who hit all five TN Twister Target plates in the shortest time. The side-match employed a modular target system from Innovative Target. This system can mount TN Twister or TN Revolver multi-plate rigs, which bolt on to the IRT Head. This provides interesting challenges quite different from a typical static PRS plate target.
Arena Training Facility — 2300 Acres
The 2300-acre Arena Training Facility is a premier shooting facility with multiple shooting ranges from 50m to 2100m. Arena’s 1000-yard covered Known Distance range offers multiple benches, steel and paper targets out to 1000 yards. On Arena’s UKD (unknown distance) range shooters can engage steel out to 2300 yards. This 2100m UKD range boasts a 3-Story Shooting Tower, Air-Conditioned Shoot House, and multiple Positional Challenges.space.
Armaggedon Gear — Tactical Accessories Armageddon Gear, founded by former U.S. Army Ranger Tom Fuller, sells support bags, gun cases, slings, suppressor covers, scope covers, and a wide variety of other accessories popular with the PRS/NRL crowd. Armageddon Gear now provides products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, as well as PRS/NRL competitors.
Armageddon Gear Game-Changer Bag
Shooting USA is available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $3.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.
Main photo from NRAILA.org. The NRA supports Second Amendment rights.
Article by AccurateShooter.com Editor-in-Chief
In the last month, a half-dozen acquaintences have asked me about getting a handgun for self-defense at home and while traveling. What is notable is that all of these persons have never owned a handgun before. Moreover, two of the six are pretty staunch liberals who, prior to 2020, thought the Second Amendment was a “historical anachronism” that should be repealed. With the widespread riots and “defund the police” activism, that has all changed. These six people now realize that there are real threats in current society and they may find themselves in a situation where armed self-defense is the only option.
Try Before You Buy — Find a Gun with Good Reliability, Controls, and Ergonomics
These six persons asked for recommendations on handguns. I explained that there was no one “best gun” for every person. I also stressed the importance of training, and of trying various handguns to compare ergonomics, weight, balance, sight arrangement, controls, and trigger pull.
Folks, ergonomics and grip shape DO make a difference. I used to give pistol instruction at a local club. I provided four 9x19mm pistols: Beretta 92, HK USP, SIG P226, and Glock 19. Two-thirds of the students shot best with the SIG P226, and only 10% shot best with the Glock 19. The majority of the students kept “pulling shots” with the Glock, even with a lot of practice. Not so with the SIG P226. I attribute that to lower center of gravity and more ergonomic grip shape/angle.
Caliber Choice — Factors to Consider
We are not going into the long caliber debate today. I have owned semi-auto pistols in .380 ACP, 9x19mm Parabellum, .40 SW, .45 ACP. Each cartridge has its pros and cons. But for a first-time gun owner, looking for a self-defense round, I will recommend the 9mm. It will have noticeably less muzzle flip than the .40 SW, but still carries much more energy than a .380 ACP. I love the .45 ACP for target shooting, but it is more expensive for practice, and there are fewer pistol options. For revolvers, the .357 Magnum is a great defense round, but some of the smaller carry pistols are limited to .38 Special.
Semi-Auto 9mm Carry Gun Recommendation: S&W M&P9 Shield EZ
I have considered a wide range of 9mm carry pistols from Glock, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, and Walther. There are many very good pistols out there. But what I recommended to my acquaintances was the new Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ 9mm. This gun features a back-strap grip safety and is offered with or without thumb safety. There is also a M&P9 EZ model with built-in Red Laser.
Here are the key reasons I recommended the M&P9 EZ 9mm pistol:
1. Good Accuracy and Balance
2. Integral Grip Safety and optional Thumb Safety
3. Good Ergonomics: 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim
4. Reasonable 4.5-lb Trigger Pull (some other pistols are 7+ pounds*)
5. Easy-to-Rack Slide
6. Take-Down does NOT require trigger pull (unlike Glock)
7. Availability of built-in laser or accessory rail-mount lights/lasers
8. Good Price: $479.00 base MSRP with $399.99 street price
9. Outstanding Smith & Wesson reliability, warranty, and customer service
This detailed, authoritative M&P9 EZ video review also covers the M&P .380 Shield EZ:
Small Deep Concealment Carry Gun Recommendation — S&W Model 638
I am a big fan of revolvers. I have probably put more rounds through my S&W Model 617 .22 LR revolver than all my other handguns combined. Revolvers are accurate, solidly built, and the shorter-barrel models conceal easily. In addition, revolvers are inherently simple — they can be put into action without racking a slide or dealing with mag latches and the like. I’ve actually seen trainees drop magazines on the ground when they were drawing pistols from holsters — they hit the mag release by accident. If this can happen in a class, it can happen in a threat situation.
For concealed carry, I recommend the Smith & Wesson Model 638 revolver. IMPORTANT — the Model 638 has a hammer so it can be shot single-action OR double-action. Having the single-action option is great when a slower, more precisely-aimed shot is needed. Unique among S&W revolvers, the 638’s hammer is shielded — this way the hammer will not snag when the gun is carried in purse or pocket.
As for accuracy, you will be surprised with the Model 638 with good self-defense ammo. Despite the short site radius, the little 1.875″-barreled Model 638 will easily outshoot most self-loading .380 ACPs. With my 638 Airweight, slow-fire, I can put all five rounds inside 2″ at 20 feet with ease.
* Some folks may criticize this S&W Shield 9mm EZ because it lacks a heavy 7-9 pound trigger pull. The thinking is that a heavy DA pull is better for novices. We understand the argument. However, in the real world we found that novices shot much worse with very heavy trigger pulls, even after much training. We believe a 4.5-lb pull is moderate and will actually allow better accuracy for the average shooter. A typical Glock pull-weight is about 5.5-6 pounds.
For this latest test, Rifleshooter cut the barrel in one-inch increments from 24″ to 16.1″ (just over legal minimum). Velocities were measured with a 
Gun Digest 2021 debuts Phil Massaro as its editor-in-chief. Massaro, the seventh editor in the book’s history, has assembled a wide and varied roster of leading industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Ron Spomer, Terry Wieland, Rick Hacker, Jim Wilson, Larry Weishuhn, Wayne van Zwoll, Bryce Towsley and many more.
Wrapters Are Precisely Cut, Comfortable, and Removable
