EVOLUTION, TTI STYLE

The TTI Combat is a premium CANiK model showcasing the full potential of the platform. Butler’s own multi-discipline world champion competition experience and the business producing custom enhanced pistols, rifles, shotguns, and components lend credibility to the TTI Combat that is hard to resist. This doesn’t even mention his prominence in becoming the go-to trainer of Hollywood stars, providing cutting-edge gun skills that thrill on the screen.

You know something is different about this CANiK as soon as you open the TTI Combat’s double-layered hard case. Inside are different-sized grip backstraps, multiple optic mounting plates, a toolkit/punch, TTI aluminum magazine base pads, a speed loader, an extra guide rod recoil spring assembly, a holster, and a commemorative coin, among other items. The tools and support items in the case are not mere window dressing. These items are extremely helpful in modifying/altering the TTI Combat in terms of mounting red dots, changing backstraps, swapping magazine base pads, and cleaning the handgun. The bits and drives are well-made and show no sign of wear even after multiple uses.

TTI did not merely provide copyright permission for their logo with the CANiK TTI Combat. Yes, CANiK is the manufacturer, but Butler also contributed design input that involved overall aesthetic, a ported barrel, compensator, magazine base pads, frame shape, and trigger characteristics. The slide serrations and cutouts at the front of the slide demonstrate TTI’s input and CANiK’s meticulous attention to detail, executed successfully.

Picking up and manipulating the TTI Combat only further reinforces the good vibes created by its aesthetics. The light 90-degree breaking aluminum flat trigger with a short reset leaves no doubt that the TTI Combat is not your typical polymer striker-fired handgun. The CANiK TTI Combat was created to compete and to defend. You can see a little Sand Viper in the CANiK TTI Combat. Why not take advantage of the CANiK price point to quality ratio factor? Anyone wanting to own a weapon that TTI has had a hand in will benefit from this collaboration.

The TTI Combat arrives with a unique CANiK polymer frame and slide designed by Butler. Aggressive grip texturing is present, as is an integrated flared magwell with a removable aluminum competition magwell. The double undercut trigger guard allows for the shooter’s hand to sit as high as possible on the frame. This assists in limiting muzzle flip during recoil due to the low center of gravity.

Did I mention that CANiK’s first-ever compensator is also present on the TTI Combat? It is based on Butler’s input with an ingenious attachment method not requiring a threaded barrel. This is good news for those living in jurisdictions that prohibit threaded barrels. The TTI’s compensator is machined in a way to give a unified appearance with the slide and frame, allowing the TTI Combat to fit into a wide array of available holsters for the CANiK lineup.

The TTI Combat arrives with a ported and spiral-fluted 4.6-inch barrel, a flat-faced 90-degree break trigger, fully adjustable sights, two 18-round magazines with one flush-fit TTI base pad and one +3 TTI base pad, a serrated and ambidextrous slide release, three backstrap size options, and multiple mounting plates to accommodate various red dot sights. The TTI Combat slide features a low-profile optic cut for the direct mount of CANiK’s MECANiK line of optics. The MECANiK red dot uses the Trijicon RMR pattern.

MAXIMUM EFFORT

Besides training, what are the most efficient ways to increase handgun efficiency gear-wise? It’s about having a pistol that provides reduced muzzle flip, sights that increase the ability to place rounds where desired, and a smooth trigger pull. It’s not about style but performance. Running your handgun more efficiently makes you deadlier when you’re in a fight for your life.

Personal defense has no responsibility to be “fair” or “even” contest. That’s why aftermarket products attract with the promise of superior performance. With the CANiK TTI Combat, you have something out of the box addressing these concerns, especially if you choose the model that comes with the MECANiK red dot sight (or mount one of your choosing.)

Compensators are expanding beyond competition applications and becoming more prominent in personal defense weapons. For this reason, compensator size is shrinking while still maintaining effectiveness. The TTI single-port comp extends only 0.62 inches from the slide. The CANiK compensator connects to the pistol’s fluted barrel via a camlock mount, not the typical screw-on to a threaded muzzle. The angled front faces on the TTI Combat compensator aid in holstering.

The compensator on the TTI Combat is considered a crucial part of the CANiK upgrade. Part of the challenge of using a handgun is controlling muzzle flip. Muzzle flip reduces the speed at which you can accurately fire multiple rounds on target as well as transition effectively to the next target. This is crucial in a personal defense encounter. Recoil and muzzle flip also cause the pistol to move in the hand. The weapon must return to alignment so the sight picture can be recovered before firing again. A compensator mitigates these effects.

BOTH EYES OPEN

The most obvious personal defense handgun equipment upgrade over the last 10 years must be red dot sights. Though technology should not be used as a crutch for diligent practice and training, red dots are a positive addition compared to the centuries-old iron sight concept. With a red dot, a user can focus on the target, as nature intends. Moreover, because indexing a red dot is far easier than aligning multiple pieces of steel on opposite ends of a reciprocating slide, shooters find they can shoot faster than they could with irons.

A CANiK MECANiK 03 was mounted to the TTI Combat. The MECANiK 03 uses a top-mounted CR2032 battery, offering 60,000 hours of run time. It features a 6 MOA dot. The anodized aluminum housing is durable while still weighing only 1.6 ounces. The MECANiK 03 is IPX7 waterproof rated. The low mounting position of the TTI Combat’s slide cut is appreciated, with the MECANiK 03’s dot seamlessly located. The choice of this red dot may elicit a snicker from elitists based on its Chinese origin. All I can say is that the one used for this article has been performing without issue for over 500 fast-paced rounds. Frankly, I like the field of view offered by its large window and thin housing.

The Butler/TTI-pattern CANiK frame maximizes the natural pointability of the TTI Combat. This is very important in the realm of both eyes open focusing on the target. The MECANiK 03 red dot plays its part as well. The large rectangular “windshield” offers a superior field of view compared to most other red dot options. The glass is clear with no color cast or other optical artifacts being obvious. The dot is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The CANiK TTI Combat, combined with the MECANiK 03, proved very capable at quick target engagement, with shots broken faster than it takes to read the description.

Along with grip, the importance of the trigger cannot be overestimated. This is usually the realm of aftermarket upgrades. Which isn’t needed with the TTI Combat thanks to its enhanced CANiK aluminum trigger with a wide trigger shoe and safety tab to match. The trigger break was in the 3.5 to 4-pound range per my old school RCBS trigger pull scale. However, a very short and firm tactile reset puts it over the top in terms of effective triggers. An interview with Nils Jonasson sums it up best when he stated, “The whole point of our enhanced trigger is to allow the gun to fire without moving the front sight.”

The broad, flat face of the trigger allows a straight rearward press. All of this translates into a handgun that can send rounds downrange rapidly and accurately. The quality of the TTI Combat trigger is the real surprise and contributes to the feeling of getting more than expected, an envious position for any product. The key with the TTI Combat is it offers the same extraordinary trigger pull every time. The trigger is definitely an asset.

EVALUATION

After strapping on the holster provided in the TTI Combat kit, a variety of 9mm loads were tested, including Federal, Hornady, Wilson Combat, and Black Hills Ammunition. Plate racks and dueling trees were engaged. Thanks to the minimal recoil and muzzle flip, the MECANiK 03 dot could be oriented to the next target seamlessly. In other scenarios, the big question on my mind was how did the compensator affect muzzle flip. The MECANiK 03 stayed on target, fluttering around the IPSC “A” zone, but never wandered out of it, even during multiple round drills. The TTI Combat’s simplicity of operation, consistent trigger pull, and compensator allowed for the rapid engagement of targets. This is further accentuated with well-laid-out ergonomics ensuring that the hand is near the optimum grip position as soon as the TTI Combat clears the holster.

I fell back on my recent experience attending a Justified Defensive Concepts (JDC) Red Dot Pistol Essential class at EVTC with the CANiK TTI Combat. Brett Harnish, the founder and driving force behind JDC, structured the syllabus for the Red Dot course perfectly. To paraphrase, “It shows the benefits of red dot while helping you solve the biggest drawback folks face when using one reliably; finding your dot during the draw and maintaining visual contact with the red dot during strings of fire and after weapon manipulation.” JDC Red Dot Essentials provided solid training, something you would expect with Brett’s resume—Marine, Border Patrol agent, other law enforcement positions.

The TTI was fired one-handed, including the use of the non-dominant hand to test the pistol for reliability issues that my stem from ammo sensitivity, especially with the compensator present. Premium self-defense JHP and target 9mm loads including 115-, 124-, and 147-grain bullets were fired. The TTI Combat digested anything fed to it. Being finicky is not an endearing trait with a competition or personal defense handgun. I put nearly 500 rounds through the TTI Combat for this article.

PERFORMANCE

Diagnostic instructional scenarios in the form of the Bill Drill and IDPA 5×5 qualifier drills were used to explore what the TTI Combat offered. Each of these drills places a premium on recoil control, trigger manipulation, and sight tracking. JDC’s emphasis on the importance of grip for initial red dot placement as well as target focus was beneficial in performing these drills. Tracking the red dot up and down on target during multiple round drills reinforced that grip is the key. Proper grip starts from the holster and sets the stage for the most efficient use of a red dot-equipped handgun. The majority of aiming any pistol, red dot or not, is achieved through kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness is the body’s knowledge of the relative location and engagement of tension in its parts. This especially pertains to red dots, with proper grip and tension applied to the pistol as soon as possible.

With the Bill Drill, you start with the handgun in the holster with hands in the “surrender” position at shoulder level or hanging down at your sides. A target is placed 7 yards downrange. On command, you draw and fire six rounds as rapidly as solid hits allow. Following your sights during recoil is crucial. When done properly, the front sight is never stationary… you just “ride” the recoil long enough to confirm the front post is back in the “A” zone and send another round into the target. The CANiK TTI Combat allowed me to generate times in the 2.5- to 2.8-second range.

The IDPA 5×5 classifier is another good indicator of how well you and the handgun meld together, especially if you track your performance with different handgun styles. The target is 10 yards away. Four strings of fire are used to generate a total time with penalties for anything out of the “A” zone. String 1 is draw and fire 5 rounds freestyle, String 2 is draw and fire 5 rounds strong hand only, String 3 is load 5 rounds into a magazine, draw and fire, then perform an emergency reload and fire 5 more rounds, and String 4 is draw and fire 4 rounds into the body and 1 round to the head, freestyle. The CANiK TTI Combat helped me generate times in the 22- to 24-second range for the IDPA classifier.

I felt I was letting the TTI Combat down at times during all the drills. The times recorded with the TTI Combat were some of my best, of late, and impressive considering it’s still a relatively new partnership between me and the weapon. You could tell the TTI Combat MECANiK 03 combo wanted to go faster, but my abilities were not up to it. This is a credit to the weapon. The MECANiK 03 sight combined with the compensator and TTI Combat ergonomics, minimizing muzzle flip, allowed for superior sight tracking between shots. The TTI Combat’s trigger pull was another significant advantage. The TTI Combat magwell behaved like a funnel during magazine changes. There were no reliability issues during the high-volume, fast-paced drills.

FINAL WORD

A few quick observations based on time spent on the range with the TTI Combat: CANiK advises that the MECANiK 03’s concave face housing is designed to rack the pistol with one hand if needed, without touching the lens. I do not favor this method. Why use your optic to leverage the slide open? Take advantage of the aggressive front and rear slide serrations to get the job done. However, be mindful of your hand placement when manually racking the slide. Do not grab too far forward on the slide near the comp. Two bad things can happen—you might pinch your hand between the slide and comp, or the slide might not move as you’re grabbing the compensator instead of the slide.

Lastly, concerns of blinding muzzle flash when using a compensator were not confirmed. Slow-motion videos and burst photography did not reveal this phenomenon. You could definitely see the gas cloud of muzzle blast directed upward, which counteracts muzzle flip—but no ignition.

The CANiK TTI Combat will be recognized as a combination of positive features found on striker-fired predecessors as well as many innovative tweaks, thanks to the TTI collaboration. Many may ask what the TTI Combat offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. Red dot compatibility and a compensator are certainly nice touches. The TTI Combat benefits from lessons from both CANiK and TTI, combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production and how to tastefully improve upon a platform.

SPECIFICATIONS

The Gen5 Glock included in the kit comes with a factory threaded-barrel and a couple of custom features from B&T. The first is a switch that immobilizes the slide, eliminating the sound of the semi-automatic pistol’s slide reciprocating for the quietest operation possible. The second feature is the custom milling for Aimpoint’s enclosed emitter ACRO mini red-dot optic. The beauty of B&T’s work is how deeply the ACRO is embedded into the slide. The bottom of the optic’s window is just about level with the top of the slide, offering co-witnessing with standard-height irons.

The B&T Hush Puppy silencer uses polymer wipes instead of conical metal baffles for the ultimate performance in noise reduction. The wipes will last a dozen rounds, or so, before they’re no longer able to trap gasses and suppress the noise of the host pistol. Replacing the wipes with a new set takes a minute and restores the can’s performance. B&T says the Hush Puppy is as quiet as it’s VP9 silenced, bolt-action pistol, which is pretty damned quiet.

The Hush Puppy includes a custom laser cut case, two boxes of 158-grain subsonic ammo, and tools to work on the pistol and suppressor.

B&T hasn’t released an official price, but a representative expects the kit to retail for between $2200 and $2500.

“But hang on a sec’,” some of you might be thinking, “this pistol looks familiar.” Well, yes, it does because this pistol is, essentially, the resurrection of the Hudson H9A design. This second coming of the H9 is manufactured in-house by Daniel Defense, leaving behind all the baggage of the pistol’s originator, Cy Hudson, and his company, Hudson Manufacturing.

You may recall the debacle that was Hudson Manufacturing when it went belly up while holding on to dozens of customer’s H9 pistols that were in for warranty work and skipping out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt owed to vendors and creditors. It turns out, during the fire sale of Hudson’s assets, Hudson’s sister company “Skunk Labs, LLC” held the rights to the H9’s technical data package and appears it was able to sell it to Daniel Defense.

But, that’s a story for another day. We’re here to celebrate the launch of what may be the pistol garnering the most buzz at SHOT Show 2024.

After years of research, detailed design work, and testing, we couldn’t be more excited to launch the Daniel H9,” says Marty Daniel, Founder of Daniel Defense.

Daniel Defense says the Daniel H9 shares the ergonomics, pointability, and straight-pull trigger with the classic 1911, but has everything you’d expect in a modern, striker-fired handgun, like ambidextrous controls, an accessory rail, optics compatibility, and more. The aluminum grip module keeps the pistol’s weight down while providing notable durability. And, like all of its rifle brethren, the Daniel H9 features a cold hammer forged barrel for “unparalleled precision.”

As with any freshly developed firearm action, its operation must be vetted with a ton of testing, and Daniel Defense seems to have put in the necessary work, telling us that it put over a million rounds through the platform during testing.

“It wasn’t enough to just be another handgun in an already crowded market. It had to be better than anything out there. It had to redefine how people thought about handgun,” says Rod Reasen, the CEO of Daniel Defense.

The DANIEL H9 is available for purchase today at select dealers. Visit DanielDefense.com/H9 for more details.

FEATURES:

• Low bore axis for less muzzle rise and faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
• Straight-pull trigger and trigger safety blade for precise control and improved safety.
• One-piece-machined ambidextrous slide stop and reversible mag-release button for superior ergonomics.
• Cold hammer-forged barrel, 1:10 twist, 6-groove, with polygonal rifling.
• Type 7075 aluminum grip module for less weight and more strength.
• Balanced-texture grip panels for comfort and secure purchase.
• Compatible with most popular red dot optics.
• Slim profile for optimal concealability.
• Steel factory sights with dovetail cut.
• Low friction magazine finish for smooth insertion and removal.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Uppercut’s 22 LR, 32-grain, jacketed hollow point bullet features nose skiving that initiates full and reliable expansion through 2.5- to 4-inch semi-auto pistols, while retaining the weight needed to hit critical penetration depths needed for self-defense. Plus, CCI ’s legendary priming ensures it will always be ready if ever required.

The new Hevi-Bismuth pest control centerfire handgun shotshells are loaded with the Catalyst lead-free primer and HEVI-Bismuth pellets. At 9.6 g/cc, the shot carries nearly the same density and downrange energy of lead but adheres to all non-toxic ammunition requirements. Available in 9mm Luger, 38/357 Mag., 40 S&W, 44 Spl/Rem Mag., 45 Auto, and 45 Colt.

The new 10mm Auto 105-grain No. 9 pest control centerfire handgun shotshells produce consistent patterns that make it easier to knock down nasty critters such as snakes and other pests in tight quarters. Packed in reusable boxes of 10 shotshells.

New 9mm Luger Blazer Brass handgun ammunition features reloadable brass cases, quality primers, and clean-burning propellants. The new lower-recoil, 100-grain load offers consistent, reliable, accurate performance for target shooting.

Attendees of the 2024 SHOT Show are encouraged to stop by Booth No. 11838 for a first-hand look at these new products and more. For more information on all products from CCI Ammunition, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

The Nambu Type 14 was adopted in 1926 as the service pistol of the Imperial Japanese Army and served as its military sidearm until the Japanese surrender in 1945. It was designated the Type 14 because it was adopted in the 14^th year of their current emperor’s reign, 1925. Of the estimated 400,000 Type 14 Nambu pistols made, many found their way home to the U.S. as war trophies of WWII. There they languished as lack of ammo prevented their use. Now, Steinel Ammunition is making 8mm Nambu ammo and I had 100 rounds of it for test firing.

Shooting these pistols is an eye-opening experience. This a super easy-to-hit-with pistol that is fun to shoot. It delivers pinpoint accuracy, easily hitting one-inch targets at 25 yards firing the pistol with one hand, like pistols are supposed to be fired. Recoil is the about the same as a .22 pistol. It points perfectly and hangs steady. Workmanship on all but the late war production guns is flawless, and the gun functions reliably as is expected of a military issue pistol. Trigger pull on the test gun was so perfect that it could not be improved on. The sights were high visibility with the rear sight opening broader at the bottom in order to let in more light in low light conditions.

I also let two other men and one of their wives shoot the Nambu and all three wanted to buy one. I have never had that universal reaction to a gun that I let others fire.

DESIGN CRITERIA

This ease of hitting with the Nambu was a design necessity for the Japanese and Colonel Kijiro Nambu was up to the challenge. The average Japanese officer of the day was not a pistol shooter and he dreamed of cutting down the emperor’s enemies with his samurai sword, not shooting them. In order for him to be effective with a pistol, he had to be given every advantage possible. The Luger pistol was the best pointing pistol of the day, but it had a little more recoil than the Japanese designers wanted. In addition, the Luger’s grip was a bit large for some of the Japanese hands of the period. While the Imperial Naval Marines had a 6-foot minimum height the poor diet of most of the Japanese of this period left a lot of small men as a result. You need good nutrition to grow big.

CALIBER SELECTION

At this time the Japanese were looking toward Europe as a model for their modernization and the 32 ACP was considered a perfectly adequate military and police caliber in Europe in the early 20^th Century. A lot of Japanese officers were carrying various private purchase .32 automatics. One big reason for this was the fact that the 32 ACP is the largest pistol caliber that has about the same recoil as a 22 LR making it easy to master. This is why that even today it is the most produced pistol caliber in the world.

The Japanese military felt that their status demanded their own cartridge though, so they developed the .32 caliber 8mm Nambu cartridge which looks like a 30 Luger but performs like a relatively hot loaded 32 ACP. The Steinel ammo, which shoots to the sights of the Nambu perfectly, has an 83-grain FMJ bullet moving at 1040 FPS. Like the 32 ACP FMJ, it is a very good penetrator, and the Japanese military were quite happy with it.

ERGONOMICS

The grip angle of the Luger was copied but the grip was made smaller by the expedient of placing the two recoil springs mounted alongside the bolt and leaving the grip as just a magazine well. Great attention was paid to getting a perfect balance and the final result was a gun that pointed fast and accurately yet had no real recoil to disturb the shooter. This also makes the Nambu the ideal gun for teaching a small child to shoot a pistol. It is certainly not too big being only 32 ounces and 9 inches overall with a 4 3/4-inch barrel.

The magazine is copied from the German Luger, and, like the Luger, its angle causes enough friction that the magazine spring is only 60% efficient, so you have to have a heavier, stronger spring. There is a loading button to pull the follower down for easier loading.

MAGAZINE RETENTION AND OTHER STRANGE FEATURES AND FLAWS

The Japanese lack of expertise with a semi-auto pistol was shown by the fact that the Japanese did not like the magazine coming out easily when the magazine release catch was pushed in on the first model of the Type 14 (which had a smaller, round trigger guard.) Apparently, they were afraid of dropping and possibly losing magazines. So, they added a spring to the front of the grip to retard the magazine from dropping free. Add to this the fact that the bolt is held open by the magazine at the last shot and removal of the magazine can become difficult. I have fired Nambus where magazine removal was not a problem and others where it was.

The first models with the round trigger guard usually do not have a magazine safety while the second model always was fitted with one. In addition, not all the parts interchange. For example, the first model has a long firing pin that stops short of the bolt lock while the second model has a short firing pin that passes through a notch cut into the bolt lock.

The safety is too far forward to be operated by the shooting hand but apparently the Japanese figured your left hand had to be doing something so let it handle the safety.

The most serious flaw is that the pistol can be reassembled and fired without the locking block which could result in damage to both the gun and the shooter. Perhaps the Japanese were too prideful to admit that the emperor’s second lieutenants could do something stupid.

CYCLE OF OPERATION

The operating cycle of the Nambu begins with the chambered cartridge being fired. The bolt is locked firmly in to the barrel extension by the locking block and the recoil drives them all to the rear until the barrel hits the barrel stop where the locking block is cammed down by a cut in the receiver permitting the bolt to continue its journey to the rear alone as it extracts the fired case and pulls it along until the case hits the ejector and is thrown clear of the gun. Upon going back as far as it can go the compressed dual recoil springs begin throwing it forward again where it meets the next cartridge in the magazine which has risen in the space left by the retreating bolt. As it continues forward it drives this cartridge out of the magazine and into the chamber. During this time the locking bolt swings up on its pivot through its slot in the receiver locking into the underside of the bolt as the completed assembly is rammed home. Now the disconnector unblocks the striker, and the pistol will fire at the next pull of the trigger.

TEAR DOWN

Field stripping is relatively easy. Just remember to not put it together without the locking block. Take out the magazine and clear the chamber. Put the safety on fire. Now push the head of the firing pin extension at the rear of the bolt and turn the bolt head to unscrew it. Now the firing pin, firing pin spring, and firing pin extension will come out. Push the muzzle against a hard object until the barrel is forced all the way back holding it there while you push in on the magazine catch and pull the trigger guard straight down and out of its groove in the grip.  The barrel and bolt may now be pulled off the front of the receiver. Take the locking block out of its pivot and then the bolt and the 2 recoil springs. Reassemble in reverse order being damn sure you put the locking bolt back in.

VARIATIONS

While the type 14 is the most common version of the Nambu it was not the first. In about 1904 Colonel Nambu came out with the first of his pistols which was not adopted but was sold for private purchase by military officers. Large scale production began with WWI hence this is also mistakenly known as the M1914. These guns were made by Kayoba Mfg. Co. in Tokyo.

The Improved Type 14 was officially adopted in 1925 and remained in production throughout WWII at the Nagoya Arsenal in Nagoya and the Kayoba Manufacturing Co, Ltd. In Tokyo. After the war it saw service in all the lands previously occupied by Japan especially in China who used large numbers in the Korean War.

The design had sufficiently good features to help inspire Bill Ruger when he made his .22 semi-automatic pistol after the war. A close look at the two guns shows clearly the Nambu’s influence on the design of the Ruger Standard. While the Ruger handles well it still does not attain the ease of hitting the Nambu has.

A lack of ammo has left the Nambu mostly unfired and thus unappreciated. This gun is a joy to fire, and I love a gun that is easy to hit with just as I despise one that is hard to hit with. We can thank Andy Steinel at Steinel Ammunition for finally making it possible to have the pleasure of shooting this most enjoyable pistol again. Steinel also makes other previously unobtainable military rifle and handgun rounds as well as a full line of modern cartridges.

It’s said imitation is the greatest form of flattery. The Browning Hi Power 9mm is a case in point with numerous clones produced and active around the world. The European American Armory (EAA) Girsan offerings are prime examples. The EAA-imported Girsan Hi Power models are garnering much attention. Their variety is pushing the original Hi Power design to its maximum potential. The EAA MCP35 PI LW OPS (MCP35 PI LW) chambered in 9mm is the subject of this article and captures EAA’s ability to offer something beyond just a clone.

Let’s break down the naming nomenclature before proceeding. This will clue us in to what the EAA Girsan MCP35 PI LW OPS offers. The PI indicates shorter barrel/slide—3.8-inch barrel versus normal 4.7-inch barrel. In 1911 terms, think commander-size versus full size government model, or in polymer striker fired lingo, Glock 19 versus Glock 17. LW stands for lightweight aluminum frame (as opposed to steel.) OPS indicates a railed dust cover and slide cut for mounting an optic via the Shield RMSc footprint.

BROWNING PEDIGREE

The Hi Power was the original “wonder nine” existing well before the 1980s when the term became popular. The Browning Hi Power can be thought of as the blending of American and European handgun design concepts. It took a company of Browning’s stature to pull this feat off and have it accepted on both sides of the Atlantic. The Browning Hi Power was conceived in response to a 1921 French military requirement for a new service pistol. The French requirements were that the pistol have a capacity of at least 10 rounds, a magazine disconnect device, an external hammer, a positive safety and be simple to disassemble and re-assemble. The 9mm cartridge was seen as natural selection based on WWI experiences.

Samuel Colt was not interested in pursuing the potential French contract, so Browning turned to Fabrique Nationale (FN) with two prototypes. With Colt holding the patents to his 1911, Browning had to create something different so as not to infringe on existing 1911 patents. FN submitted a Browning prototype to the 1922 French pistol trials. Based on feedback, Browning prepared two more prototypes and re-submitted it to the French Army in 1923. Browning died in November 1926. Browning was awarded a patent for the Hi Power design posthumously in 1927.

After Browning’s death, the Hi Power design was taken over by FN designer and Browning’s friend Dieudonné Saive. With no market interest for a new service handgun in the late 1920s, Saive was able to refine Browning’s base design. By 1928, many of Browning’s previous patents for the 1911 were expiring. By 1931, the Browning-Saive Hi Power design incorporated a curved rear grip backstrap, barrel bushing that was integral to the slide (versus removable barrel bushing), and a 13-round magazine.

Unlike Browning’s earlier 1911 pistol, the Hi Power barrel is not moved vertically by a toggling link. Instead, a hardened bar crosses the frame under the barrel and interacts with a slot under the chamber at the rearmost part of the barrel. The barrel and slide recoil together for a short distance but, as the slot engages the bar, the rear of the barrel is drawn downward and stopped. By 1934, the Hi-Power design was complete and ready to be produced. The Hi Power was first adopted by Belgium for military service in 1935 as the Browning P-35. Ironically, France decided not to adopt the Hi Power.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

The Hi Power is one of those rare weapons that served with both sides’ militaries in WWII. In 1954, the British military adopted the Hi Power as its first standard semi-automatic pistol. 50 more armies also adopted it after WWII. Interestingly, the Hi Power was also the choice of such elite units as the British SAS, SBS, and Royal Marines. The FBI HRT and various intelligence agency direct action units utilized the Hi Power until the late 1980s. Impressive, indeed, that after more than 50 years since its introduction, the Hi Power was still the “go to” sidearm for elite law enforcement and military operators.

While the upside of the Hi Power such as capacity, reliability and ergonomics obviously outweigh its negatives, the Hi Power has features that could be improved upon. The trigger pull is especially heavy for a single action, it has minimalist sights, a weak internal extractor, and its slide/hammer is prone to biting a shooter’s hand. Custom gunsmiths created a cottage industry of offering services to improve standard Hi Power models. Browning/FN’s decision to discontinue Hi Power production in 2018 opened the door for a company like EAA/Girsan to offer its own version of the Hi Power. The consumer market clearly indicated it was not yet ready to forgo the classic design. FN subsequently reversed course, and, in 2022, re-introduced a Hi Power variant.

STUDENT BECOMES THE MASTER

In collaboration with EAA, Turkish manufacturer Girsan has advanced Hi Power-style handguns to the point where John Browning would be impressed with the multiple models offered. The EAA MCP35 PI LW OPS is an example of this with straight trigger, 15-round magazine, aluminum frame, railed dust cover, extended beavertail grip, ambidextrous safeties, G10-style grip panels, beveled magazine well with a “toe” to hang the bottom finger on, undercut trigger guard, fiber optic iron sights, absence of a magazine disconnect safety, slide cut for mounting a red dot, extended slide release lever AND compact slide/barrel compared to Browning’s original length. This one sentence should serve notice the EAA MCP35 is a fresh take on the Hi Power and not just a clone.

The MCP35 LW has a 3.88-inch barrel contributing to an overall length of 7-inches. Almost an inch of this is the extended beavertail. The MCP35 LW weighs 25 ounces. This is approximately a 1/2 pound lighter than similar sized steel frame Hi Powers. I bring attention to these measurements as the MCP35 LW PI sits in your holster as comfortably as in your hand.

In this age of polymer high-capacity handguns, the Hi Power has turned into an aficionado’s weapon that attracts users with its natural handling and ergonomics. Put a metal framed MCP35 LW PI in your hand and you will realize there is nothing like it in the polymer striker fired world we live in.

RANGE TIME

The first range session turned into 300 rounds after I just couldn’t put the MC35 down. It was refreshing to see a metal framed handgun function out of the box without needing a break in period. The MCP35 in 9mm is neither too tight, which affects reliability, or so loose it rattles. This provides the proper blending of reliability and accuracy.

An assortment of bullet types were fired from various ammunition manufacturers – Black Hills Ammunition, SIG Sauer, Hornady, Federal/American Eagle – to verify reliability. 9mm loads fired ranged from 115-grain to 147-grain with both hollow points and FMJ bullet types tested. The MCP35 LW PI has a full-size grip with aesthetically pleasing, yet functional, black G10 style grips. No texturing or stippling is present on the frame. However, the MCP35 ergonomics and the textured grip panels do a good job securing the MCP35 to your hand.

One immediate concern any time a double-stack magazine is used is how it’s width affects grip and trigger manipulation. Browning and Saive made sure the Hi Power frame did not sacrifice ergonomics in the quest for capacity. Even average size hands have no issue working the trigger or other controls on the Hi Power. The Hi Power feels smaller in the hand compared to other double stack designs. This is attributed to how the top of grip reduces inward near the slide, thus moving the hand closer to the trigger and shortening the trigger reach. The Hi Power design has a grip that seems to fit everyone’s hand. This combined with single action trigger creates a handgun that is easy to shoot well. EAA/Girsan’s incorporation of an extended beavertail grip and straight trigger shoe only supports this.

PERFORMANCE

Testing started with verifying zero and then firing several magazines rapidly at various steel man-sized targets. The EAA Girsan fiber optic front and nicely done rear sight is superior to other Hi Power sights we’ve encountered. The sights were zeroed out of the box for 25 yards using the classic 6 o’clock hold. Further testing consisted of strings of fire against steel plate racks and popper targets at 7, 15, and 25 yards.

Considering the Hi Power’s primary role as a fighting/defensive handgun we decided to further evaluate the EAA MCP35 LW PI using drills experienced at various firearms schools. Condition one “cocked and locked” carry typified by the Hi Power allows a shooter to merely swipe off the beefed-up manual safety and engage a target. The extra two-round capacity of the MCP35 LW PI 15-round magazines should not be discounted, either, as an important benefit. The beavertail frame settled MCP35 LW PI naturally into hand and provided a point of reference when drawing the pistol from a holster. One of the benefits of choosing a Hi Power-style pistol is the plethora of aftermarket accessories available in the form of holsters. Holsters from Versacarry and Galco were used during this review.

OBSERVATIONS

It’s understood that the Hi Power’s trigger design with its arrangement of springs and levers limit what can be done to improve it. The MCP35 LW PI’s single-action trigger broke at 6 to 6.5 pounds. The straight trigger did help compensate for this. Deservedly or not, more was expected from the trigger. This was based on how many other positives EAA/Girsan had created with the MCP35 LW PI – including dispensing with the onerous magazine disconnect safety.

The shortened slide and frame on the MCP35 LW PI will not accommodate certain lights or lasers. This is not really intended as a criticism; just a heads up before investing in a tactical light or laser. For example, a Surefire 300 will not fit. However, a Crimson Trace CMR-301 Rail Master Pro light and laser combo will. Along these same lines, the mounting of a red dot will do away with your rear sight, preventing an iron sight co-witness. How serious of an issue this is up to the end user.

NEW AGE HI POWER

The majority of testing was done with iron sights, though trying a red dot could not be resisted. A Zero Tech Thrive HD Red Dot Micro Reflex was mounted on the EAA MCP35 LW PI. Weighing only 6 ounces, the Zero Tech Thrive HD Micro Reflex’s features advanced shake-awake technology. The Thrive HD projects a 3 MOA dot with ten adjustable levels while offering up to 150,000 hours of runtime with a CR20232 battery. Zero Tech has designed the Thrive HD to be recoil-, fog-, and water-proof.

The Zero Tech Thrive HD/EAA MCP35 LW PI combo performed better than expected. Here was a weapon designed in the 1920’s combined with a modern, compact red dot. The natural point ability of the EAA MCP35 LW PI comes into its own in this realm with the Zero Tech Thrive HD doing its part, as well. The Thrive HD’s rectangular lens offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options. The minimal frame of the Thrive HD  almost disappears when focusing on the target with the red dot. The dot is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The red dot was “there” and seamlessly located at first draw. This is a compliment to the EAA choosing a direct mount method versus plates allowing the Zero Tech to sit as low as possible on the slide. The Hi Power’s already low bore axis is further enhanced with the MCP35 LW PI’s beavertail and undercut trigger guard allowing for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapid rounds are fired.

STILL WORTHY

The basic Hi Power is too well known to attempt any new expose, however the EAA MCP35 PI LW OPS tested here serves as reminder why the base design still holds a prominent place in the world. The EAA MCP35 PI LW OPS represents a good balance of features for daily use. The lighter weight and more compact dimensions are certainly beneficial, along with ability to mount a compact red dot. The EAA MCP35 PI LW OPS is a sound combination, functionally speaking, while still allowing a user to indulge oneself by having something not so typical.

SPECIFICATIONS

Derringers from Bond Arms make for an interesting topic. Derringers were the original pocket pistols dating back to Henry Deringer’s muzzle loading percussion cap variant made infamous with Lincoln’s assassination. The newspapers misspelled the name of Booth’s weapon with two “R”s thus why we have derringer as label. When metallic cartridges arrived, the term “derringer” stuck for any diminutive multiple barrel handgun that did not have an action i.e., revolver, semi-automatic, etc. Metallic cartridges allowed an additional barrel to be added, as opposed to a single barrel muzzle loader style. Size is minimized since rounds are loaded into a break open barrel design, giving access to the chambers.

Fast forward…incorporated in 1995, Bond Arms quickly found itself the flag-bearer of the derringer market. Bond Arms is the largest derringer manufacturer in the industry. Bond derringers are U.S.-made. Bond Arms did not merely imitate previous derringers, they innovated along with incorporating premium materials and finishing techniques with their derringers. Bond added a removable trigger guard on many models, a “rebounding hammer” design, retractable firing pins, and a crossbolt safety to modernize the derringer. Most of Bond derringers offer modularity in changing calibers via switching barrels and grip options. Calibers range from 22 LR to 45-70. A 45 LC/.410 shotshell option is also available. The Bond Arms “RS Stinger”, chambered in 38 Special, and the “Honey B” 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire are used in our review to explore what current derringers offer.

UNICORN

The Bond Arms Stinger RS and Honey B defy easy categorization. The Bond derringers’ single action manual of arms, trigger pull, controls, sights, grip angle, and other intangibles have no equivalent in handguns out there you can compare them to. Do not take this to mean derringers have no endearing value as a weapon.

Derringers are a sub-set of pocket pistols. The case could be made derringers defined the genre from their inception. The argument against feasibility of derringers usually starts with derogatory leading questions such as, “what good is that toy pistol at more than three paces?” and “what do you expect to get from a miniature pistol with minimal capacity and crude sights?” The same derringer antagonists would urge getting a 380 ACP (or even 9mm) in one of the emerging ultra-compact semi-auto designs.

We will make a case that Bond Arms derringers are not merely novelties relying on nostalgic appeal. Deep cover concealment and SHTF backup weapon roles are as relevant now as they were on the frontier, albeit wielded by a card shark or a gentleman entrepreneur. Open carry, then as now, was often infringed upon by town ordinances. Card table distances with assurances of two rounds of firepower are the realm of the derringer. The same strong case for close range defensive weapons can still be made today.

The Stinger RS, introduced in 2022, and Honey B, in 2023, are departures from Bond’s typical high polish finished offerings. For Bond Arms’ first 20 some years, they were fighting against derringer stereotypes of cheap construction. After getting the brand established, Bond realized less expensive options would be viable. The company recognized that a reduction in width and weight would also be appreciated by the market. There was no compromise on materials—the only expense reduction here is a result of bypassing time-consuming hand finishing. The Stinger RS and Honey B are constructed of 400-series stainless steel. The frames are investment cast. Any burs are knocked off before the frame is bead blasted. The barrels are machined from bar stock. The exterior of the barrel is also bead blasted with the flats receiving a moderate polish. Commensurate with this time savings, pricing is reduced approximately in half for the Stinger RS and Honey B when compared to other Bond models featuring a high degree of hand finishing. Another cost-saving measure, the Stinger RS and Honey B derringers do not have removable trigger guards as found on many of the Bond Arms derringers.

The Stinger RS combines handgun chamberings such 38 Special (tested here) 380 ACP and 9mm, in a squat, compact package. The Stinger RS weighs 16 ounces and measures 5 inches long. The twin 3-inch barrels are its defining aesthetic. The fixed sights are purposely minimal to reduce snagging for a handgun destined mainly for pocket or other types of deep concealed carry. The Honey B’s salient feature is the B6 grip. The B6 grip allows much more purchase on the Bond frame along with a palm swell. B6 grips are standard on the Bond Arms behemoths chambered in 45-70 and 45 Colt/.410. The Honey B is chambered in 22 LR, 22 WMR (tested here), 380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and 38 Special Weight for the Honey B is 17.5 ounces, measuring 5.5 inches with 3-inch barrels. Weight reduction is not the only nod to improved concealed carry for the Stinger RS and Honey B; the profile of the frame is significantly thinner than most other Bond Arms offerings.

TIME TO FEEL THE STING

Range evaluation of the Stinger RS and Honey B consisted of establishing reliability first, then getting into relative accuracy and handling characteristics. Several double barrels worth of Hornady, Federal, Winchester, Speer and CCI ammunition was spent engaging paper silhouettes, plate racks and man-sized steel targets with each. Engagement distances were primarily at 3 to 5 yards. More of a point-shooting method was utilized along with a one-handed firing grip. This was found to be a more realistic way of analyzing Bond Arms derringers’ capabilities considering the role it was designed for—deep concealment.

You do not want to grip your Stinger RS too high on the frame for a few reasons. Putting your finger top of the trigger shoe will negatively impact perceived pull weight. Pulling from lower on the trigger is suggested. This less likely to happen with the Honey B due to the B6 grips intuitively guiding your hand to the ideal location. The Bong Arms trigger is pushed or rolled downward toward heel of the butt rather than pulled straight rearward. Lastly, you do not want your hand exerting pressure on the cocked hammer, as this also negatively impacts trigger pull. I read about this during my research and verified this experience during my evaluation. When done properly, trigger pull is in the 6-pound range for each derringer.

The Honey B 22 WMR’s muzzle blast is surprising with a visual signature more typical of a centerfire cartridge than rimfire. This is based on the 22 WMR being primarily chambered in rifle length barrels and thus the use of slower burning powders that do not get consumed in the Honey B’s 3-inch barrel. Recoil is minimal, though, and thus manageable for all shooters. The 22 WMR chambering will instantly give it a black mark in terms of terminal ballistic performance. I offer a counterintuitive thought—perhaps the 22 WMR is an asset in such a diminutive package. Let me finish before snorting and scrolling onward.

“Handy to carry” does not translate into “comfortable to fire.” A derringer chambered in 22 WMR may be a better or more appropriate option for certain sections of the gun buying public. Increased 22 Mag ammunition performance (not an oxymoron) in the 80’s was a major reason why 25 ACP chamberings in pocket pistols fell off. The Honey B was tested with a myriad of 22 WMR ammunition from Hornady, Winchester, Federal Premium, and Speer. It was a surprise to find the number of 22 WMR loads directed towards the personal defense realm. Hornady and Winchester offer prime examples of this in the form of Hornady’s 45gr Critical Defense and Winchester’s 45gr PDX1 loads. Speer weighs in with 40gr GDHP-SB loads for the 22 WMR.

The 22 WMR has been labeled as the “poor man’s” 5.7x28mm handgun in reference to the FN FNH introduction. Don’t let this mislead—the 22 WMR does not compete with the 5.7×28 in terms of velocity achieved in either a handgun or rifle and was never intended to when it was designed. For example, Hornady 45-grain Critical Defense and Speer 40-grain GDHP-SP clock slightly over 1000 fps out of the Honey B’s 3-inch barrel.

The Stinger RS fits the hand better than expected with its diminutive grip. Recoil was more subdued than anticipated with the 38 Spl even with slimmer, lighter Stinger RS frame. One worthy sidenote with the Stinger RS is the ability to access CCI 38 Spl shot shells. This is awful handy when encountering a snake or other vermin unexpectedly. Effective range would be as close as you can get without being attacked by your quarry. It is much easier to hit small target with shot pattern than single projectile. CCI also offers shot shells for the 22 WMR chambering. However, experience has shown the smaller #12 shot and 52-grain weight with the 22 WMR is not as effective as the 38 SPL throwing 100 grains of #9 shot.

Rimmed revolver cartridges are my preference for Bond derringer use. While certainly no speed load, the rims found on the 38 SPL and 22 WMR interact more positively with the manual Bond extractors found on the side of the twin barrels. Bond derringers chambered for rimless cartridges have notched chamber openings for fingernail or a pick of some kind to extract spent casings.

The Bond Arms derringer’s twin barrels are not regulated. The top barrel is the closest to the sight picture. The over/under barrels produced approximately 4-inch, two-round groups at 5 yards when using the same point of aim. Once reloaded, the respective upper and lower barrels placed rounds within an inch of each shot fired. Bond Arms literature indicates that firing order automatically swaps from one barrel to the next every time the hammer is pulled back, whether a cartridge is in the chamber or not. If you need to know which barrel is going to fire, look at the position of the hammer head. When the hammer head is close to the hammer, the top barrel will be firing. When the hammer head is further away, the bottom barrel will fire.

FACTS OF LIFE

In terms of personal defense, Bond Arms derringers seem anachronistic, especially when compared against polymer-framed, high-capacity semi-automatic pistols that continue to compress in size in response consumer personal defense needs. However, mindset, awareness and making sure you have a weapon when needed is the true goal. The facts of life often intercede making carry of your go-to handgun impractical either by weather, clothing restrictions, non-permissive environment, etc. Handguns, by nature, are accepted as a compromise in terms of lethality traded for portability when compared to rifles or shotguns. Bond Arms’ derringers certainly reside on specialized side. Let me be clear—I’m not advocating that a Bond Arms Roughneck be your primary choice for self-defense. However, a Bond Arms derringer could certainly fill a role in your overall defensive plan and posture.

SPECIFICATIONS

Springfield Armory made a noteworthy introduction recently to their product lineup with the Echelon 9mm. Not resting on their laurels, the Echelon is a fresh Springfield design. Do not mistake it as a XD variant or anything else in the Springfield catalogue. It is made in Croatia to Springfield Armory’s specifications by the same manufacturer cranking out Springfield’s XDs, Hellcats, and Hellion bullpup rifles. The American consumer signaled their acceptance by snatching up Echelons from dealers’ shelves. In many areas demand still outweighs supply. A nice problem to have if you are Springfield Armory.

Many may ask what the Springfield Echelon offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. The answer lies more with refining the striker-fired concept that started more than 40 years ago than anything revolutionary. The Echelon benefits from lessons learned, combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with what it takes to create a quality weapon.

REFINEMENT

The Echelon attracts admirers thanks to its ergonomics. For example, its grip angle offers a natural point of aim, especially when a red dot is mounted. With the Echelon, Springfield focused on enhancing the handgun’s interaction with the user using its “Adaptive Grip Texture”, oversized trigger guard that is undercut at frame, ambidextrous slide stops, and magazine releases, plus textured indexing points on both sides of the frame. The Echelon arrives with the medium grip module with small and large available for purchase separately… more on this later. This is further accentuated by three different backstrap contour options.

The Echelon slide’s shape is engineered to aid in increased muzzle control and manipulation. Echelon’s slide features four distinct engagement surfaces. A trench cut forward of the action gives shooters a natural index location for press checks and charging the firearm. The back of the slide is flared for positive purchase if this method of manipulating slide is preferred. Deep forward and rear serrations provide gripping surface from any angle.

INNOVATION

The heart of the Echelon is its chassis trigger group that bears the required serial number. Springfield labels it their “central operating group” (COG). The COG is self-contained and can be moved between grip modules in seconds. Think of the modularity options that will be forthcoming after the Echelon’s initial rollout. Precision built from stainless steel, the COG provides a host for a patent-pending operating system i.e., the trigger group. The Springfield Echelon takes full advantage of the learning curve based on previously introduced chassis operating system handguns by other manufacturers. The Springfield COG features trigger bar and striker block safeties, reducing the opportunity accidental discharge incidents.

Concealed beneath the slide cover plate is the Echelon’s patent-pending optic mounting system. The variable interface system (VIS) allows users to mount more than 30 optics directly to the slide without the use of adapter plates. In short, if your optic is or shares the footprint of Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, or Shield RMSc you are good to go out of the box. Simply configure the self-locking pins for the footprint of your desired optic to achieve a low, direct mount for intuitive sight alignment.

The Springfield Armory VIS employs patent-pending self-locking pins. As the optic mounting screws are torqued, the pins exert lateral pressure on the optic’s interior mounting surface to eliminate variance and left/right movement. The result is an unparalleled fit between the slide and a wide variety optics. This Springfield VIS system mounts your red dot deep into the slide, keeping it as low to the bore as possible. This translates into seamless dot acquisition when combined with the Echelon’s grip angle.

DESIGN INPUT

I think we all accept that elite competition shooters are the highest skilled “pistoleers” in the world — after all, that is what they do for a living. Expending time and ammunition that most people cannot imagine. Tier one special operation units often invite world class competition shooters to train with them in an effort to teach its members how to gain any advantage possible in running a handgun more efficiently and ruthlessly. After all, the physical aspects of shooting are the same in every realm i.e., grip, stance, weapon manipulation, trigger control, hand-eye speed, and coordination. Springfield Armory has one of the greatest ever — Rob Leatham — on their team. He surely collaborated on the Echelon project — especially regarding aspects of the trigger and the pistol’s overall ergonomics.

The Echelon offers a repeatable 5-pound trigger pull with a minimal reset. Short tactile reset allows rapid, multiple shots placed on target. The Echelon’s trigger is proof Springfield engineers listened to customer feedback… as well as one of the greatest ever competition shooters — Rob Leatham. To my way of thinking, the secret to striker-fired handgun success is minimal operating controls, high cartridge-capacity-to-size ratio, relentless reliability, and, to mis-paraphrase an famous political advertisement….”it’s the trigger, stupid…” The Springfield Armory Echelon follows this formula and improves upon what was previously thought possible with striker-fired handgun triggers.

THIS IS THE WAY

What if there were ways to maximize potency of your personal defense handgun? After all, as a civilian, or even a law enforcement officer, if a hostile situation is encountered you may most likely be dealing with it with a handgun. So, what would be some of the ways to best boost your handgun’s capability and functionality? The most obvious personal defense handgun equipment upgrade over the last 10 years has to be red dot sights (RDS). My first articles on red dot use appeared in 2010, thus dating my own journey. Though technology should not be used as a crutch that substitutes diligent practice and training, red dots are definitely a positive in supplementing the centuries-old iron-sight concept. With a red dot, a user can now do as nature intends–focus on the target/threat. Moreover, because the indexing of a red dot is far easier than shoving multiple pieces of steel back and forth on a pistol slide, shooters find they can perform beyond what was considered possible with iron sights. All simply because the concept uses the eyes in a more normal manner. The Springfield Echelon embraces red dot usage with their VIS system.

An EOTECH EFLX was mounted to the Echelon. The EFLX uses a top mounted CR2032 battery offering 20,000 hours of run time. The EFLX mounted on the Echelon features a 3 MOA dot (with a 6 MOA dot version also available.) EFLX’s aluminum housing offers durability while only still only weighing 1.4 ounces. The Echelon’s already low bore axis is further enhanced with the beavertail and undercut triggerguard allowing for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapidly rounds are fired. The low mounting position of the Springfield VIS system is appreciated with the EO Tech EFLX’s dot seamlessly located.

FEEL DOES NOT MEAN FIT

One note here of an important lesson relearned. While the medium backstrap fit my hand well, the position of the EOTECH dot seemed high in the screen. Out of curiosity the smaller backstrap was installed. The benefit of finding the dot upon extension of draw was immediate. In short, while “feel” is important, proper fit is crucial. Think about how custom rifles and shotguns are contoured to the end user. The same applies to handguns, especially those with a red dot.

Proper grip starts from the holster and sets the stage for the most efficient use of a red dot-equipped handgun. The majority of aiming any pistol, red dot or not, is achieved through kinesthetic awareness. Kinesthetic awareness is a person’s ability to sense the relative location of their body’s parts based on the engagement and tension of muscles and joints. This especially pertains to red dots via proper grip and tension applied to the pistol as soon as possible with shooting hand from the holster and support hand close to the body under the dominant eye. Grip is the key for tracking the red dot vertically on target during multiple round drills.

Back to the earlier competition shooter reference, I got to take advantage of Origin Shooting’s Ken Bloxton while testing out the Echelon. Ken was the 2015 Two-Gun Nationals Champion and placed fifth in the Three-Gun Nationals the same year. He created Origin Shooting in 2017 with an emphasis on enhancing students’ speed placing rounds on target accurately, even when combined with movement. This, after all, would facilitate better performance, no matter the matter situation. Competing is encouraged by Origin Shooting to better define weaknesses; thus, allowing weaknesses to be overcome.

PERFORMANCE:

Echelon testing consisted of establishing reliability first, then testing accuracy and handling. The Echelon arrives with a flush fitting 17-round magazine and a 20-round magazine featuring an extended baseplate. Several magazines worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. Ken Bloxton and I took turns running the Echelon during an initial range visit with it. No malfunctions were encountered with nearly 300 rounds fired that first day. The Springfield Armory Echelon is a handgun you can count on being ready to go straight out of the box.

While technological quick fixes are not to be used in lieu of training, red dots on a personal defense weapon cannot be ignored. Focusing on the target is one of the key concepts of red dot use. The natural pointability of the Echelon comes into its own in this realm with the EOTECH EFLX doing its part, as well. The EFLX rectangular “wind shield” offers a superior field of view compared to other red dot options. The glass in the new EFLX is clear with no tinting or other coatings being obvious. The EFLX clarity gives better target acquisition without having to figure out what you’re looking at through the glass. The dot is crisp with no halos or disfiguration. The Springfield Armory Echelon combined with the EFLX proved very capable at quick target engagement with shots broken faster than what it takes to read the description.

Two main evaluation priorities were making sure that the Echelon’s reliability was beyond reproach and answering the question that the handgun offers something beyond what the other polymer handguns on the market offer. The Echelon handled several types of ammunition without a problem. Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated with the trigger, sights, and overall feel. Brass and steel ammunition was used along with various bullet weights and bullet profiles. Federal, Black Hills, Hornady, and Remington ammunition was used. Accuracy was in the 2.5- to 3-inch range for five rounds at 25 yards, depending on ammunition used. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The Springfield Echelon’s simplicity of operation allowed for rapid engagement of targets combined with well thought out ergonomics positioning the hand near optimum placement starting with the presentation from the Black Scorpion holster.

With the Echelon, Springfield Armory’s attention to detail is instantly sensed. Crucial items such grip texture, trigger, and maximizing getting the shooters hand as near the bore axis are seamlessly interfaced between the handgun and shooter. Years of experience allowed for Springfield Armory engineers to take the nebulous concept of “feel” and translate it to being one of best shooting pistols on the market, right out of the box.

SPECIFICATIONS:

CZ-USA is the U.S. subsidiary for the CZ Corporation based in the Czech Republic. CZ dates back to 1936, when, based on a political decision of the National Defense Council, it was established as a branch plant of Ceska zbrojovka (translates to Czech Armory) located in the town of Strakonice. In January 1937, production of military and civilian arms commenced. The first products were aircraft machine guns, military pistols, and rifles. During the Nazi occupation, the plant was forced to produce and repair military arms. Events leading up to and through WWII, combined with the subsequent Cold War between the West and East, saw the removal of the CZ name from the U.S. market for the last half of the 20th Century.

In 1990, state-controlled production for the Czechoslovakian armed forces ceased with the newly available capacity turned to expanding production of arms for hunting and sporting purposes, as well as exports for police and military units. CZ is one of the largest firearm manufacturers in the world with numerous subsidiaries such as CZ-USA located in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Dan Wesson and, recently, Colt. Dan Wesson became part of the CZ group of companies in 2005. CZ acquired Colt in 2021, further expanding its corporate girth.

Prior to the CZ acquisition, Dan Wesson Dan Wesson Firearms began working on the development of a 1911 style pistol. The objective for this product line was the same as Dan Wesson revolvers—to make the most accurate and reliable out-of-the-box 1911s on the market with features dictated by customers. Operating under the CZ corporate umbrella gave Dan Wesson the financial backing and corporate resources to once again pursue the quality products Dan Wesson was known for with its innovative revolvers in the 1980s.

Where is all this going? Well, not so obviously, the Dan Wesson DWX. It takes an operation like CZ to bring a weapon on the market that combines features of the original iron curtain “Wonder Nine” CZ75 with the American icon 1911 (the modern rendition is the 2011) with aspects of other well-known firearm models sprinkled in for good measure. The DWX tantalized the market at the 2019 SHOT Show with two variants previewed—full size and compact. However, the world shutting down soon after with the COVID crisis impacted supply chain and production. Only recently has the full size DWX started to arrive on shelves.

Too Good To Be True?

None other than the late Jeff Cooper heralded the CZ75 as the finest 9mm service pistol made. This is a strong statement considering Mr. Cooper’s well-known affinity for the 45ACP 1911. Few original CZ75 pistols made their way to the U.S. during the Cold War; with the handful available from whatever means held onto tightly by the fortunate individuals so blessed, as the CZ75 commanded an artificially exorbitant price tag due to import restrictions. The end of the Cold War combined with rescinding of the ridiculous and misguided high-capacity magazine ban led to the rebirth of the CZ “Wonder Nine” as well as CZ Incorporated.

For many, there is no debate over choosing a personal defense handgun. Any discussions of preferred weapons start and stops with John Browning’s 1911. The association between the 45ACP cartridge and the 1911 platform is seamless—though this has given way to more acceptance of 9mm 1911s in recent years—especially as capacity increases with the 2011 frame. Most will admit to the proclivity for carrying eight rounds of 45ACP in the classic single-stack 1911 frame over ten rounds of 9mm. This opinion changes for many once the 9mm count reaches 15+ rounds, especially as case studies and growing experience derived from force-on-force training has come to light. Consideration of handguns chambered in 9mm becomes more feasible as capacity increases.

Platypus Effect

The CZ75 grip frame and 1911-like slide profile with single action “cocked and locked” trigger aesthetics make the DWX CZ75/1911 combo analogy an easy leap of the imagination. An oversized trigger guard makes the DWX easy to operate while wearing gloves. An integral Picatinny rail under the pistol’s frame readily accepts lights, lasers, and other accessories. A more detailed study of the DWX will shine even more light on the DWX’s firearm family tree.

Yes, the DWX operates via Browning’s short-recoil principle as templated by the 1911. However, Dan Wesson chose to go with SIG Sauer’s version that became predominant with the SIG P220’s arrival in 1975 versus the original 1911 style. For the record, the CZ75 also used Browning’s original lug design, as well. With the DWX, the locking lugs have been removed from the barrel as well as interacting slots in the slide that interface with the lugs. Instead, SIG used the forward edge of the barrel chamber to lock into the slide’s ejection port. A much simpler manufacturing method that can be held to tight tolerances in our age of CNC machining.

The use of Browning plug/bushing capturing recoil spring and surrounding barrel is dispensed with. The DWX uses a full length guide rod that fits into the slide’s integral barrel bushing. A 1911-style spring is used, making adjustment (spring weight tinkering) simple. The DWX barrel is machined to sit flush with the slide. An external extractor is fitted on the DWX , just as well to get away from the finicky internal extractor design of the original 1911.

The DWX’s double stack frame is contoured to maintain CZ75 characteristics while accommodating high-capacity CZ P09/P10F magazines with a 19-round capacity right out of the box. The DWX exudes a “steely” feel thanks to its grip being created from metal from versus the polymer found with most high capacity frames including the 2011 double column 1911 variants. This will warm the hearts of many who do not care for the polymer revolution.

Thanks to 1911-style dovetailed front sight and adjustable CZ Shadow 2-style rear sight, sights are easily customized if the end user desires something different. Target acquisition is fast due to the fiber optic giving a fast and clear “flash” at close range, yet allowing for more precise aimed fire at distance. You will automatically focus on the most important part of your sighting system—the front sight. In a perfect world, the DWX would have arrived with an optic cut for mounting a red dot. However, considering production issues dating back to 2019, we should be glad the DWX wasn’t delayed longer to provide this option. The word is, an optic cut DWX model is in the works… as well as a compact DWX version.

Living Up To Expectations

All of these DWX enhancements mean little if it feels like an unwieldy paperweight in ones hands instead of a natural pointing handgun stemming from esteemed lineage such as the CZ75 and 1911. The majority of range testing with the DWX took place at Echo Valley Training Center. Two main evaluation priorities were the focus—make sure that DWX’s reliability was beyond reproach and determine if the DWX offered something beyond the other handguns on the market. Of first concern, the Dan Wesson DWX handled several types of ammunition without a problem. Firing began with basic drills to get acclimated with the trigger, sights, and overall feel. The sights were zeroed out of the box for 25 yards using the classic six o’clock hold. Various bullet profiles and weights were used to ensure nothing interacted with the DWX to cause malfunctions. A wide range of 9mm loads were tested including 115-, 124-, and 147-grain JHP and FMJ loads from Black Hills, Federal, Hornady, and Winchester.

Several magazines’ worth of ammunition was spent engaging plate racks and man-sized steel targets. Drills quickly moved past stand and deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads, and firing from behind cover. The DWX’s world class ergonomics and trigger allowed for rapid engagement of targets combined with well thought out ergonomics positioning the hand near optimum position, starting with the presentation from the holster. Approximately 500 rounds were fired while compiling this article without encountering any issues.

PERFORMANCE

Dan Wesson DWX

Accuracy test protocol includes three five-shot groups with each ammunition type; Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures obtained by averaging five rounds fired over Caldwell Precision Shooting chronograph.

The DWX did not disappoint, regularly producing 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards when fired from standing, unsupported positions. Bench testing could not be resisted after witnessing the unsupported accuracy results. Sub-2-inch groups at 25-yard were not unusual. The advantage of the single action trigger option was quickly evident during the bench testing where accuracy was the goal. As can be expected recoil impulse was minimal in a 45-ounce handgun chambered in 9mm, especially one with the ergonomics of the DWX.

Thinking Inside the Box

Even though the Dan Wesson DWX is more intended to be a sporting or competition handgun from the manufacturer’s point of view, it is easy to envision it in a more basic role as personal defense weapon. The 19+1 capacity mated to low recoil and the capability to deploy from condition one “cocked and locked” carry certainly compares well to the numerous 2011 9mm models hitting the market.

A DWX sitting in a SecureIt HG2 handgun safe is not hard to envision. A nightstand weapon is not concerned with on body carryability or concealability. Heavier, larger frame weapons with accessories such as light and/or laser are all more practical for a nightstand choice than daily carry.

The SecureIT HG2 is a compact hybrid design combining a gunbox with quick digital finger code access. A spring-loaded top door flips open allowing for easy access with an illuminated, padded interior where your handgun rests. A pouch under the door allows for storage of extra magazine, flashlight, etc. The patented HG2 handgun safe has pre-drilled holes for mounting, with popular locations including your nightstand, kitchen drawers, closet shelves, dressers, or under the bed. The HG2 is reassuringly stout weighing 10 pounds. The HG2 follows SecureIt’s concept of decentralize firearm storage locations taking advantage of a criminals limited available time on the scene. SecureIt HG2 is far better than hiding your weapon in a sock drawer or hidden with coats. SecureIt products are made from hardened steel providing lockable solutions preventing thieves, unauthorized members of your home or guests to access a firearm. This is superior to any sort of “hide and seek” solutions.

That Is A Wrap

The CZ 75 and 1911 designs are too well known to attempt any new expose story, however The Dan Wesson DWX tested here serves as reminder why the CZ75 and 1911/2011 designs still hold a prominent place in the world. Many will argue that the CZ75 and 1911 are the finest service pistols created, with both also having distinguished competition careers, as well. The Dan Wesson DWX allows a user to indulge oneself by having something not so typical.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Carrying a firearm while out and about in the wilderness albeit camping, hiking, riding horse or ATV, fishing, or exploring to see what is on the other side of the hill seems only prudent. Even a hunter carrying a rifle is not wrong to consider bringing along a heavy hitting sidearm, especially if working in remote country. None of this is a new concept. The earliest settlers kept flintlock rifle and pistol muskets handy for peace of mind against natures’ threats—both four and two legged—and basic survival preparedness. The same trend continued as Europeans, then Americans, spread westward.

The single action revolver with a large hole in the barrel has been a constant carry along companion for nearly 150 years. This practice continues today with modern wheel gun renditions. It’s hard to accept there are no other contenders worthy of consideration for wilderness carry other than a design with lineage dating back to 1873. Polymer semi autos have proven their worth as personal defense weapons since arriving on the scene in the early 1980s. What has stymied semi-automatics from earning a spot as a wilderness weapon is caliber selection. Initially, it was reliability concerns. Compounding this…9mm and even 45ACP cartridges are a little light in power factor for surly animal defense.

All of this is subtly changing with semi-automatic polymer striker fired handguns entering their fourth decade of service. To sweeten the deal how about a “muscled” up offering that chambers something in the 41 Magnum power range? Well, if you are going to shake things up, you might as well go all the way and mount a red dot optic on the slide, as well.

Enter a couple 10mms from Springfield Armory in the form of the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP and XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP, each with Hex Dragonfly red dots. This is about as far away as you can get from the legacy single action revolver.

We decided to explore the short and long of the Springfield XD-M Elites by examining both 3.8-inch and 4.5-inch variants. Springfield Armory Hex Dragonfly red dots are fitted to both handguns. The 3.8 XD-M Elite has magazine capacity of 11 rounds and the 4.5 XD-M Elite, 16 rounds. The 16-round magazine can be used in the 3.8 XD-M Elite. Weight is 28.5 ounces and 32 ounces, respectively. Each features ambidextrous slide stop, fiber optic front, and Tactical Rack U-Do Rear sights. Removable short magwells are also present. Springfield Armory has developed the XD-M Elite to serve as the premium version of XD-series in order to show off the potential of the platform.

Evolution has been a constant with the Springfield Armory XD, with the XD-M Elite the latest rendition. The XD-M Elite 10mms featured here are the latest creation building upon customer feedback and manufacturing expertise. Thankfully, Springfield Armory maintained the grip angle with the XD-M Elite model, instead they focused changes on other aspects such as the trigger, magazine well, undercut trigger guard, enhanced slide serrations, extended beavertail, and sights. I have always felt the XD’s grip safety and grip angle give off the aura of a polymer framed 1911. An integral railed dust cover allows for lights/laser. The XD-M Elite also comes with interchangeable backstraps to accommodate individual shooter requirements for grip feel. Vertical chevron-like cuts are found at the rear and front of the XD-M Elite’s slide for increased purchase when manipulating the slide.

A significant enhancement with the XD-M Elite consists of Springfield’s Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META). Not only is the META one of the best out-of-the box triggers; it stacks up well with many aftermarket trigger offerings. The trigger pull measured approximately 5 pounds. The Springfield Armory META’s straight trigger offers a near 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. The key with the XD-M Elite is the same trigger pull every time. Overall, the XD-M Elite META trigger is an asset.

The 3.8 XD-M Elite appeals with its stout compact dimensions while still seething with 10mm power. Its size allows for multipurpose role consideration. It’s feasible to consider the 3.8 XD-M Elite for everyday concealed carry as well as outdoor/wilderness use. The 3.8 XD-M Elite was used with a Premier Body Armor (PBA) bundle combining Viktos Upscale Sling bag with PBA Level IIIA ballistic panel. The red dot equipped 10mm XD-M Elite is quite the potent package. It really shows off the flexibility of the smaller brother XD-M Elite.

The 4.5 XD-M Elite is pure wilderness carry with 4.5-inch barrel wringing velocity out of the 10mm and providing big bore handgun performance. While increased only under an inch in barrel length and few ounces in weight, the 4.5 XD-M feels a good bit larger than its 3.8 XD-M Elite sibling. With the 3.8 XD-M your bottom finger hangs off the bottom of the grip. Height is only 4.58 inches with the 3.8 XD-M Elite. Springfield does offer a 10mm 15-round magazine with sleeve that serves to extend the 3.8 XD-M Elite’s grip.

The 10mm was designed to be a rimless semi-automatic pistol cartridge with ballistics comparable with the .41 Magnum. The brief FBI flirtation with the 10mm also raised its profile within the shooting community. Full powered JHP and FMJ 10mm loads from Hornady, Federal, and Double Tap were used with the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. Neither had any issues digesting JHP profile bullets. This is an important as hunters or security conscience civilians will use expanding ammunition for maximum terminal performance.

Federal Premium 180 grain Trophy Bonded 10mm shows the 10mm potential compared to 9mm or 45ACP. The Federal Trophy Bonded 10mm bullet is based on the rifle bullet version of the same name. The Federal load drives a 180-grain JSP bullet at 1,275 feet per second delivering 650 foot-pounds of energy which puts it roughly between the 357 Magnum and 41 Magnum for comparison purposes. This kind of power offers great flexibility for the user in terms of use in a personal defense, or backwoods use.

Double Tap offers 10mm loads for personal defense and hunting. Various jacketed hollow point and hard cast bullets give performance options across a broad spectrum. For example, the Double Tap 200 grain Hardcast Solid has a 21 Brinell hardcast rating, limiting deformation upon impact. Its wide, flat-nose meplat cuts a large, clean hole without any flight deviation or deflection when striking an animal.

10mm loads used from Hornady consisted of 180-grain XTP and 175-grain FlexLock Critical Duty. These Hornady loads were designed with personal defense in mind with XTP and Critical Defense bullets loaded to 1150 to 1250 fps. The Critical Duty’s FlexLock bullets have a heavy jacket and a harder, high-antimony core designed to defeat barriers. The jackets are locked to the core via the same InterLock process the company uses on its centerfire rifle bullets. Hornady has also taken full advantage of recent advances in propellant technology and is using low muzzle flash powder in Critical Duty ammunition. Hornady Critical Duty FlexLock bullets balance barrier penetration with proper expansion in the target for maximum effectiveness. The ogives of the Critical Duty bullets do not taper much as compared to other hollow point bullets, which improves feeding characteristics in autoloaders. The nickel-plated cases are another attention to detail that limits drag into or out of a weapon’s chamber, limiting the chance of failure to feed or extract. Critical Duty, as the name implies, was designed with law enforcement users in mind. However, security conscience citizens or hunters would be remiss in not to at least considering it for use, as well.

Another manufacturer to consider, especially for hunting purposes is Buffalo Bore. Buffalo Bore is a prime source of true 10mm ammunition, offering several bullet types ranging from hard cast, JHC, to FMJ-FN. The Buffalo Bore hard cast loads are an excellent option for anyone needing barrier penetration or unwavering deep penetration in a large game animal. The Buffalo Bore 220-grain Hard Cast Flat Nose loads moving at nearly 1145 fps are an excellent option for anyone contemplating using the 10mm against heavy boned animals where deep penetration is a must.

Much anticipation awaited firing the two Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. Range T&E took place at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). The Federal Vital Shok 180-grain Trophy Bonded, and Buffalo Bore were the stoutest loads, but in no way harsh or unmanageable. Anecdotally, empty brass was ejected briskly several feet away–such was the slide velocity. The Springfield XD-M Elite polymer frames were appreciated for absorbing and mitigating felt recoil. Even the more compact 3.8 XD-M Elite proved no problem. EVTC steel targets were rocked with a more substantial smack than a typical handgun round. While one was definitely aware you were not firing a 9mm, recoil was not prohibitive with accurate rapid shots possible. All of the 10mm loads tested had no issue penetrating windshield or car body sheet metal. This is the type of performance and barrier penetration capability that the 10mm was designed for. Further range testing consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion.

PERFORMANCE

XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP

Each XD-M Elite was tested fired through a Caldwell precision chronograph to determine the effect of barrel length on velocity per specific load. Velocity gain between the 3.8-inch XD-M Elite and 4.5-inch XD-M Elite was in the 40-60 feet per second range. For example, the Buffalo Bore 180-grain JHP clocked in at 1270 fps from the 3.8 and 1305 fps from the longer barreled 4.5.

PERFORMANCE

XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP

The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite OSP handguns were tested at the range first by verifying Hex Dragonfly sight zero and then firing several magazines at various steel and paper targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist. Further testing consisted of strings of fire against steel plate racks and steel popper targets at 15, 25, and 45 yards. An informal accuracy test was conducted from a rudimentary bench position. Each XD-M Elite delivered by constantly producing 2-inch or better groups at 25 yards.

As many “maturing” shooters can attest, the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. Point shooting with the Hex Dragonfly red dot is still very possible when using the window as a ghost ring—albeit a large ghost ring—if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. In short, if fur is in the glass, start pulling the trigger. The Hex Dragonfly equipped XD-M Elites came into their own for precise fire at any range desired with placing the dot on the target and applying correct trigger control. The Springfield Armory XD-M Elites demonstrated the ability to hit steel man popper targets at 50 yards with amazing efficiency and even out to 100 yards with regularity. The Hex Dragonfly red dot levels the playing field between the shorter sight radius of the 3.8 Elite the longer 4.5 Elite’s when reaching out to distant targets.

Holster selection for wilderness carry is just as critical as for personal defense. Your large handgun must not impact your primary task, yet it must remain accessible at a moment’s notice. A variety of holsters were used with the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. DeSantis and Galco holsters proved solid hip carry selections for the XD-M Elites. Once clothing layers were problematic, a chest rig from CrossBreed was employed. It can be worn over clothing or snuggled under outer layer. The CrossBreed Chest Rig employs CrossBreed’s dual construction technique of kydex pocket with wide, perforated suede backer. Multiple points of retention kept the XD-M Elites in place no matter the activity—riding horses, riding ATVs, or hiking.

There are many situations in which the penetration and power of a 10mm is advantageous. Both of the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms place real power in an accurate and reliable handgun package. The XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP and XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP represent a good balance of features for a myriad of uses beyond just wilderness carry considerations. Each of the 10mm Springfield XD-M Elite OSPs allow a user to indulge oneself by having something out of the ordinary, while maintaining sound functionality.

While nostalgic sentiment may push you toward the revolver for wilderness carry, it is hard to argue against 12 or 17 rounds (loaded magazine plus one chambered) of full power 10mm found in the two Springfield XD-M Elites. Carrying spare ammunition and reloading is pretty efficient, as well. Wilderness carry of a sidearm has one purpose—to be there when you need it.

SPECIFICATIONS

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP with Hex Dragonfly red dot

SPECIFICATIONS

XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP with Hex Dragonfly red dot

SITES OF INTEREST

Springfield Armory www.springfield-armory.com

HornadyMfg.Inc www.hornady.com

Buffalo Bore Ammunition www.buffalobore.com

CrossBreed Holsters www.crossbreedholsters.com

Galco Holsters www.galcogunleather.com

DeSantis Gunhide www.desantisholster.com

Double Tap Ammunition www.doubletapammo.com

Premier Body Armor www.premierbodyarmor.com