Jay Grazio

1 week ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Springfield Armory TRP 1911 AOS 9 mm (MSRP: $1,999)Springfield Armory added several 9 mm chamberings to the TRP line in 2025, and we’ve chosen the 4.25-inch barrel, AOS-equipped version for today’s kit. This is a marked departure for Springfield Armory, as all previous TRP pistols have been chambered in .45 ACP, providing yet another data point toward the ubiquity of 9 mm. Fear not, those who prefer their 1911s in .45 ACP, there are plenty of TRP variants in the old standard.

3 weeks ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Rost Martin RM1S (MSRP: $469)Rost Martin released its first pistol ever, the RM1C, in 2024, bringing an entirely new company to the market in addition to its compact-size pistol. This year brings the RM1S, a smaller version of the RM1C designed for an even easier concealed carry experience.

4 weeks ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Taurus GX2 (MSRP: $309.99)Taurus released its new GX2 9 mm pistol as an entry-level option, but it shouldn’t be viewed as just an inexpensive handgun. Think of it as the concealed-carry handgun boiled down to the essentials: striker-fired operation, 13-round magazine, workable sights, accessory rail and bladed-safety trigger to prevent discharge if dropped. It’s simple to take down for cleaning, has moderate texture for excellent purchase and comes with a manual thumb safety.

1 month ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: FN Reflex XL MRD (MSRP: $719)FN America made a pretty bold move with the release of its carry oriented Reflex in 2023, adding another handgun aimed squarely at the American concealed-carry market (after its single-stack FN503). It only took a short while before the Reflex grew into the pistol we have for today’s kit, the Reflex XL MRD.

1 month ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger SP101 Revolver in .327 Fed. Mag. (MSRP: $919)We’ve opted for Ruger’s SP101 revolver chambered in .327 Federal Magnum for today’s kit for a number of reasons. First, the chambering allows for an extra round over the .357 Magnum/.38 Special round in which the SP101 is traditionally offered. With the .327 Fed. at a power level somewhere between .38 Special +P and .357 Mag., it’s basically a free extra round—there’s no tradeoff in power.