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1 week ago | 
shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio
Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re taking a look at the new CZ Shadow 2 Carry 9 mm pistol and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this kit:Firearm: CZ Shadow 2 Carry (MSRP: $1,449)When it comes to traditional double/single-action semi-automatic pistols, the SIG Sauer P226 and Beretta 92 come immediately to mind.
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2 weeks ago | 
shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio
Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re taking a look at the new Smith & Wesson CSX-E 9 mm pistol and some related gear.
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2 weeks ago | 
shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio
So, maybe you’re wondering what all this fuss about red-dot sights on handguns is about. You can’t help but wonder, “Is a red-dot sight right for me?”In my case, the answer has been a resounding “yes” for quite a while now. I’ve found the precision of a red-dot sight to be far superior to standard or even upgraded iron sights on my handguns. Let’s do just a little math, shall we? Using a 3-MOA dot, at 25 yards that translates to .75 inch on the target—literally the “X” in the X-ring.
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4 weeks ago | 
shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio
Firearm: Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP (MSRP: $649)We’re going back to a familiar handgun for today’s kit: The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP. The standard Hellcat was one of the original offerings at the start of the recent micro 9 mm double-stack boom along with the SIG Sauer P365. These pistols brought near-full-size capacity to a pistol size that had really only been known for revolver-like numbers in single-stack guise.
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1 month ago | 
shootingillustrated.com | Jay Grazio
Firearm: Girsan MC9 Disruptor (MSRP: $399)Girsan’s MC9 Disruptor pistol (imported by EAA Corp.) is designed to be a well-equipped pistol with an entry level price, and with its impressive list of features, it’s pretty easy to say it hits that mark.
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1 month 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.
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2 months 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.
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2 months 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.
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2 months 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.
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Mar 28, 2025 | 
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.
