Jay Grazio

1 week 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.

2 weeks 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.

4 weeks 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.

1 month ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Kimber 2K11 (MSRP: $2,125)Double-stack, 1911-style pistols are certainly popular right now, and presented as exhibit number – well, I lost count, but it’s a lot – is the Kimber 2K11. The company, long known for its traditional 1911-style handguns, has branched out recently, with micro-9 mm pistols in both 1911-style and double-stack, striker-fired, polymer-frame variants.

1 month ago | shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio

Firearm: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact (MSRP: $1,549)One of the many new firearms Springfield Armory released for 2025 is the new 1911 DS Prodigy Compact, a shortened version of the company’s popular double-stack 1911 Prodigy. The Compact takes an inch and a half off the barrel and .4 inch off the grip, reducing capacity from 17 rounds in the full size to 15 rounds in the compact. Hey, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it?