Millions of Americans now exercise their Constitutional right to “keep and bear arms”, specifically to carry a pistol for personal protection and home defense. In response to the rapid growth of the CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) market, numerous gun-makers have introduced compact handguns specifically designed for concealed carry. These “Carry Guns” tend to be smaller, lighter, with smoother, rounded edges on slide and frame. Today, many modern carry guns are also “Optics Ready”, meaning they have slides that can accept smaller red dot sights. And some companies are now selling handguns with the optics pre-installed.
For today’s Saturday video showcase, we feature six videos covering a wide range of popular semi-automatic carry guns. You’ll see offerings from Beretta, Glock, HK, Kahr, Kimber, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Walther and more. In addition, we’ve included a video that covers the pros and cons of installing optics on carry pistols. Finally, as a bonus, we’ve included a video that highlights five handguns that you may want to avoid, as they have not lived up to expectations.
Top Ten Best Carry Pistols for the Money
Here the Honest Outlaw Channel reviews ten semi-auto pistols. The host states these are the “10 best pistols for the money,” adding that “these handguns are reliable, accurate, durable, light weight, and cost less than most alternatives.” This video was released in December 2022, so it covers the latest generation of modern carry pistols.
Five Favorite Carry Pistols — Colion Noir’s Top Handguns
Colion Noir is a very popular gun reviewer and Second Amendment advocate. In this video, which has over 1.1 million views, Colion covers the five guns he personally carries. Why five? Colion states: “When it comes to my concealed carry guns, I practice tactical polyamory. Essentially, I don’t just carry one gun. I have a rotation of guns I carry based on what I’m wearing that day, where I’m going, and what I’m doing. I put a lot of thought into my carry rotation, which changes based on my needs. Sometimes a gun that’s better at handling the job comes out, and I’ll carry it once I’m comfortable with its reliability. That said, there are five guns I consistently carry[.]”
Five Top Choices among CCW & EDC (Everyday Carry) Handguns
The host notes: “We are going over the five best CCW firearms that I reviewed this year and ranking them from 1 to 5. We are going to save the best for the last. Some of the criteria for ranking these firearms isn’t only based on performance. We are ranking based on performance, price, reliability, and comfort.”
Ten Modern Micro-Pistols for Concealed Carry
The reviewer states: “It’s 2023 and the world of firearms keeps evolving. One of the hottest trends in the firearms industry right now is micro pistols — small, compact handguns that are perfect for concealed carry or as backup guns. If you’re looking for the best micro pistols in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. This video reviews the latest and greatest micro pistols on the market, discussing their features, performance, and why they’re making waves in the gun community.”
Kimber’s R7 Mako pistol won a coveted Golden Bullseye Award from NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine, taking the trophy for the magazine’s “2022 Handgun of the Year” category. The R7 Mako is very compact, with good ergonomics, yet it offers 12-rd (11+1) capacity (and 13+1 with extended magazine). The R7 Mako showed outstanding accuracy when tested indoors (see video at 15:25 time-mark).
The R7 Mako is offered Optics Ready for $599.00 MSRP or with Crimson Trace Red Dot Optic installed for $799.00 MSRP. SEE Shooting Illustrated Review.
New Heckler & Koch CC9 Double-Stack Micro-Compact
Heckler & Koch (HK) has released its new CC9 micro-compact, striker-fired 9x19mm pistol. With great accuracy, ergonomics, and reliability, the HK CC9 should be a top choice among micro-compact pistols. Designed and produced in the USA, this is the smallest double-stack carry pistol HK has ever built. The CC9 features a modular grip with swappable backstraps. With a “Safe Take Down Feature” for disassembly, there is no need to pull the trigger during field-striping, making the CC9 safer than a Glock. The slide is optics-ready and there is a short Picatinny rail on the front of the polymer frame for mounting accessories. The micro-compact CC9 is 6.03″ long and 0.99″ wide. The barrel is 3.32″ long and the CC9 weighs 18.4 ounces without magazine. MSRP is currently $699.00.
Optics on Carry Pistols — Factors to Consider
Red Dot sights are becoming more popular than ever. Many pistols today are “Optics Ready”, and some handguns can now be purchased with optics already installed. There are both strengths and weaknesses having optics on CCW handguns. In this video, Massad Ayoob outlines the pros and cons of Red Dots on carry pistols. Along with covering the factors to consider, Ayoob provides advice on red dot zeroing, defoggers, and more.
BONUS: Five Handguns to Avoid
When shopping for a handgun, it’s helpful to know which models to avoid, because of poor reliability or other shortcomings. This Honest Outlaw video reveals five handguns that are not the best choices for concealed carry: Smith & Wesson CSX, SCCY CPX-2, Remington RP-9, Kahr CW 380, and Taurus PT 22.
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If you will be flying with firearms this summer, here are six videos you should watch before you travel. You need to familiarize yourself with current Federal Regulations on gun transport before you get anywhere near an airport. Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an official INFO page that states the important requirements for airline passengers traveling with firearms and/or ammunition.
You’ll want to visit the TSA Firearms and Ammunition webpage, and read it start to finish. In addition, before your trip, you should check the regulations of the airline(s) with which you will fly. Some airlines have special requirements, such as weight restrictions.
We have two other key tips: 1) WEIGH Your Guns and ammo (as packed) BEFORE you get to the airport — so you comply with all airline flight limits without being surcharged; 2) Carry a printed copy of TSA and airline baggage regulations pertaining to firearms — this can help when dealing with airline personnel.
TSA offers this general advice: “You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.”
Traveling by Air with Firearms — Advice from Legal Expert
This is a good video by a very knowledgeable attorney. Washington Gun Law President William Kirk goes over everything you need to know in order to fly safely, and legally, with a firearm if you travel domestically. Kirk states: “While many believe this is a complicated formula of various state laws, in actuality TSA regulations govern all travel domestically with a firearm. There are very specific rules which must be followed in order to do this correctly.”
Colion Noir — Air Travel with Packed Firearms
Popular YouTube host and lawyer Colion Noir has created a good video that shares important points about traveling with firearms. Colion says: “Don’t risk making costly mistakes — get informed and ensure your firearm journey is hassle-free and lawful.” In this video, Colion covers these key points:
1. Bag Check: Learn the crucial pre-flight checklist to avoid any unwanted surprises at the TSA checkpoint.
2. Airline Check: Discover the differences in airline policies and ensure a smooth journey by reviewing your chosen carrier’s firearm guidelines.
3. Law Check: Stay on the right side of the law by understanding the gun regulations in every state you’ll visit during your trip.
4. The Gun Case: Explore the essential details about the TSA-required hard-sided lockable case and find out which one is my top choice.
5. Ammo Transport: Learn the correct way to transport ammunition separately from your firearm, all while staying within the weight limit.
Step-By-Step Guide to Gun Transport — Good Tips
This 18-minute Spiritus Systems video provides some very valuable practical tips for gun owners traveling by air. The host explains what to look for in a rifle case and locking system. He also explains how to pack the rifle and gear efficiently and how to label and track your gun/ammo cases. If you’re new to airline travel with guns, this video is worth watching start to finish. Here are highlights are listed by video times:
00:01 Introduction and Regulations
00:51 Storage Container Options
2:50 Type of Lock You Should Use
6:25 Tape Tip
7:16 Contact Information, and Labeling Your Bag
8:07 Firearm Considerations / Configuration
10:03 Documents
12:30 Tracking Your Bag
13:20 Packing Your Ammo
16:00 Prepping Your Magazines
How to Efficiently Pack Your Rifles and Gear
Our friend F-Class John often travels by air to major F-Class matches (most recently to the V2 Finale in Texas). John has learned how to transport valuable match rifles and optics most efficiently and economically. In these two videos F-Class John shows how to pack your rifles and equipment, and how to employ carry-on bags to secure optics and other non-regulated equipment.
TSA Video about Airline Travel with Guns and/or Ammo
This is the latest official TSA video covering gun/ammo transport via airlines. When packing for a flight be sure to start with an empty bag (make sure there are no forgotten gun parts or ammo inside before you pack). If you’re planning to travel with a firearm, follow the tips in this video and remember that you may NEVER bring a firearm in your carry-on bag. Also make sure you are not “packing” when entering the airport even if you have a CCW permit. TSA.gov Firearms/Ammo Transport INFO Page.
Official TSA Guidelines for Airline Travel with Firearms and Ammo
When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state, and international governments.* Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.
Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.
Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
TSA Guidelines for Transporting Ammunition on Flights
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. NOTE: Check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.
*INTERNATIONAL: If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
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Many notable shooters and YouTube hosts will appear at the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits being held in Dallas, Texas later this week. Among the many celebrity gun guys on hand are ace shooters Jerry Miculek and Max Michel, plus popular YouTube Content Creators 22 Plinkster, Hickok45, and Colion Noir.
If you will be attending the NRA Show in Dallas, make time on Saturday, May 18th to meet with one or more of these notable individuals. CLICK HERE for a full list of celebrities appearing during the NRA Show in Dallas. Most will appear on 5/18/24 at sponsor company booths in the Hutchinson Convention Center.
JERRY MICULEK
Smith & Wesson – Booth: 11956
Saturday, 5/18: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jerry Miculek is an American professional speed and competition shooter on Team Smith & Wesson who holds over 100 national and world shooting titles, and multiple world records. Jerry is widely regarded as the one of the fastest shooters in the world, and the greatest wheelgun shooter in history.
MAX MICHEL
Galco Holsters – Booth: 8953
Saturday, 5/18: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This upcoming Saturday, champion professional shooter Max Michel will be available to meet with show attendees, sign photos (provided by Galco), and take pictures with fans. One of the fastest pistol shooters on the planet, Max is a leading competitive shooter, sponsored by SIG Sauer, Cabela’s, and Galco.
22PLINKSTER
The Kinetic Group- Booth: 8644
Saturday, 5/18: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
At booth #8644 on Saturday May 18th, YouTube host and trick shooter 22Plinkster will be in the CCI booth talking about shooting skills, amazing trick shots and how he fell in love with the world of rimfire shooting. 22Plinkster’s YouTube Channel, with 941,000 subscribers, is the most popular online video resource for rimfire firearms.
HICKOK45
Silencer Central – Booth: 10731
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hickok45 is an avid firearms enthusiast with extensive knowledge of popular pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Hickok45’s hugely popular Youtube channel has 2700+ videos testing a huge variety of both contemporary and classic firearms. His comparison tests, shot on his own private shooting range, are very informative. His YouTube Channel now has 7.68 million subscribers!
COLION NOIR
Nosler – Booth: 9548
Saturday, 5/18: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
On Saturday you can meet Nosler Pro-Staffer Colion Noir, a well-known Second Amendment advocate. His very popular YouTube Channel, with 2.83 million subscribers, covers shooting sports, gun safety, and the importance of the Second Amendment. An attorney by trade, Noir provides valuable legal perspective to discussions related to the Second Amendment and has become a respected spokesperson for the shooting-sports community.
MAP for Hutchison Convention Center Area in Dallas
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The NSSF has compiled a webpage showing new handguns introduced in 2024 or late last year. The article, which also appears in SHOT Daily Magazine, covers 10 different manufacturers, small boutique makers as well as large manufacturers. In alphabetical order, the brands covered are: Dickinson Arms, European American Armory, FN, Lone Wolf Arms, Rossi, Smith & Wesson, Stoeger, Taurus, Uberti and Walther.
Beretta 92 GTS
The handsome new Beretta 92 GTS is the latest in Beretta’s historic 92 series. The new Limited Edition features an aluminum finish and handsome wood grips. Internally the 92 GTS features a new twin sear trigger system, offering a different double action experience.
FN 510 and 545 Big Bore Pistol Options
FN has released what it calls “big bore” choices of the original 509 design. The 510 MRD is chambered in 10mm and has 10- and 15-round mags. The 545 MRD is chambered in .45 ACP, also with 10- and 15-round mags. Like the 509, these are polymer-lower, striker-fired designs with 4.1-inch barrels. Both the 510 and 545 are available in black and Flat Dark Earth colors.
Stoeger STR 9mm Combat-X
Stoeger has released an updated version of the STR 9 with some new features such as removal of the finger grooves on the frame, redesigned cocking serrations, and a more robust locking block. This is a nice pistol at an affordable price compared to other comparable 9mm options on the market.
Multiple New Models from Ten Pistol Makers
This video covers ten pistols using mostly factory footage. In this video, Survival Gear spotlights 10 popular pistols displayed at SHOT Show. Some are new, while others have been out for a while. The ten featured handguns are:
Cabot 1911 Insurrection
Springfield Armory TRP
Live Free Armory Pistol
Glock 49
CANIK TP9 Elite Compact
Diamondback .357 Mag SDR Revolver
Walther PDP Match
Sig Sauer M17X
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Spec
Taurus Judge Toro
SIG Sauer P322 Comp Rimfire
In this video SIG Sauer Shooting Team Captain Max Michel puts the SIG P322-COMP through its paces at the range. The P322-COMP is a competition-ready .22 LR rimfire pistol with class-leading 25+1-round and 20+1-round capacity. It has a threaded barrel equipped with a 2-port compensator and comes with a factory-installed ROMEO Zero Elite Red Dot Optic. There are handy slide rackers, and the polymer grip features an adjustable trigger shoe, and integrated magwell.
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Millions of Americans now exercise their Constitutional right to “keep and bear arms”, specifically to carry a pistol for personal protection and home defense. In response to the rapid growth of the CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) market, numerous gun-makers have introduced compact handguns specifically designed for concealed carry. These “Carry Guns” tend to be smaller, lighter, with smoother, rounded edges on slide and frame. Today, many modern carry guns are also “Optics Ready”, meaning they have slides that can accept smaller red dot sights. And some companies are now selling handguns with the optics pre-installed.
For today’s Saturday video showcase, we feature five videos covering a wide range of popular semi-automatic carry guns. You’ll see offerings from Beretta, Glock, HK, Kahr, Kimber, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Walther and more. In addition, we’ve included a video that covers the pros and cons of installing optics on carry pistols. Finally, as a bonus, we’ve included a video that highlights five handguns that you may want to avoid, as they have not lived up to expectations.
Top Ten Best Carry Pistols for the Money
Here the Honest Outlaw Channel reviews ten semi-auto pistols. The host states these are the “10 best pistols for the money,” adding that “these handguns are reliable, accurate, durable, light weight, and cost less than most alternatives.” This video was released in December 2022, so it covers the latest generation of modern carry pistols.
Five Favorite Carry Pistols — Colion Noir’s Top Handguns
Colion Noir is a very popular gun reviewer and Second Amendment advocate. In this video, which has over 1.1 million views, Colion covers the five guns he personally carries. Why five? Colion states: “When it comes to my concealed carry guns, I practice tactical polyamory. Essentially, I don’t just carry one gun. I have a rotation of guns I carry based on what I’m wearing that day, where I’m going, and what I’m doing. I put a lot of thought into my carry rotation, which changes based on my needs. Sometimes a gun that’s better at handling the job comes out, and I’ll carry it once I’m comfortable with its reliability. That said, there are five guns I consistently carry[.]”
Five Top Choices among CCW & EDC (Everyday Carry) Handguns
The host notes: “We are going over the five best CCW firearms that I reviewed this year and ranking them from 1 to 5. We are going to save the best for the last. Some of the criteria for ranking these firearms isn’t only based on performance. We are ranking based on performance, price, reliability, and comfort.”
Ten Modern Micro-Pistols for Concealed Carry
The reviewer states: “It’s 2023 and the world of firearms keeps evolving. One of the hottest trends in the firearms industry right now is micro pistols — small, compact handguns that are perfect for concealed carry or as backup guns. If you’re looking for the best micro pistols in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. This video reviews the latest and greatest micro pistols on the market, discussing their features, performance, and why they’re making waves in the gun community.”
Kimber’s R7 Mako pistol won a coveted Golden Bullseye Award from NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine, taking the trophy for the magazine’s “2022 Handgun of the Year” category. The R7 Mako is very compact, with good ergonomics, yet it offers 12-rd (11+1) capacity (and 13+1 with extended magazine). The R7 Mako showed outstanding accuracy when tested indoors (see video at 15:25 time-mark).
The R7 Mako is offered Optics Ready for $599.00 MSRP or with Crimson Trace Red Dot Optic installed for $799.00 MSRP. SEE Shooting Illustrated Review.
Optics on Carry Pistols — Factors to Consider
Red Dot sights are becoming more popular than ever. Many pistols today are “Optics Ready”, and some handguns can now be purchased with optics already installed. There are both strengths and weaknesses having optics on CCW handguns. In this video, Massad Ayoob outlines the pros and cons of Red Dots on carry pistols. Along with covering the factors to consider, Ayoob provides advice on red dot zeroing, defoggers, and more.
BONUS: Five Handguns to Avoid
When shopping for a handgun, it’s helpful to know which models to avoid, because of poor reliability or other shortcomings. This Honest Outlaw video reveals five handguns that are not the best choices for concealed carry: Smith & Wesson CSX, SCCY CPX-2, Remington RP-9, Kahr CW 380, and Taurus PT 22.
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Colion Noir is one of the most popular gun-centric social media personalities. His YouTube Channel boasts 1.97 million subscribers while his Top 10 most popular videos have each been watched over 1.5 million times. Remarkably, his #1 video (linked below), has racked up 12 million views — which may be some kind of record for a satirical gun video. (Watch it, we guarantee you’ll have a chuckle or two).
One reason Colion Noir has been so successful, is that he’s a bright guy (with a law degree) and a genuine passion for firearms and the Second Amendment. Noir’s sponsor Mossberg notes that: “Colion [combines] intelligence with wit to provide frank observations about gun control and 2nd Amendment rights. A lawyer by trade, Colion’s … platform allowed him to reach and attract a new generation of gun owners with timely, important messages about gun ownership, gun rights, and the issues of gun control.”
Seven Types of People at the Gun Range
12 million views — Mostly satire, but lots of truth in the characterizations. Laughter guaranteed.
Editor: Folks, do take the time to watch this video. It is very entertaining, very clever, and it makes some important observations about problematic personalities you’ll see at gun ranges. There is a reason this video has racked up over 12 million views.
Why You Shouldn’t Get into Guns (Because It Can Be Expensive)
3.9 million views — Be forewarned this might help you justify adding to your gun collection.
Behind the Ammo Shortage — Interview with Nosler President
1.6 million views — Excellent insights from a top industry Executive.
Benelli M4 Shotgun — Superb 12ga Semi-Auto for Defense
229,000 views — Colion Noir delivers a great review of an iconic, best-in-class defensive shotgun.
Ruger Mark IV Suppressed — The One Gun Everyone Should Own
824,000 views — Yes, everyone should have a .22LR semi-auto and the suppressor adds to the fun
Texan Colion Noir is an attorney and owner of N.O.I.R. Inc. a production company dedicated to the modern firearms industry and Gun Lifestyle. He produces a popular YouTube Channel, runs the Mrcolionnoir.com website, and has hosted the NOIR show for NRA Freestyle Channel. Colion has written: “I’m [a] 2nd Amendment advocate, reviewer of all things gun, an urban (city) gun enthusiast and one of many who personify the Pew Pew Lifestyle.” Colion Noir now owns more than 50 guns.
“Colion Noir” is public identity created a decade ago back when Colion started making videos. He was born Collins Iyare Idehen Jr., the son of two Nigerian immigrants. Noir was raised in southwest Houston, and was trained to respect “facts, logic, and reason”. He started his shooting hobby while attending Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. READ Colion Noir Bio Profile.
Colion Noir is one of the most popular gun-centric social media personalities. His 
