Phoenix Redback Ultralight First Shots: One Pistol To Rule Them All?

Ben Wah of Tactical Fellowship reviews the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal Carry Comp, evaluating its suitability as a pinnacle carry and competition pistol. He details its technical specifications, including the ported barrel, aluminum frame, and optics-ready slide, while also discussing its performance, particularly the 'Power Port' recoil reduction and the unique trigger reset. The review highlights its aggressive ergonomics and suitability for multi-gun competition.

The Humble Marksman reviews Kimber's new 2011-style pistol, highlighting its sub-$1000 price point and American manufacturing. Available in 10mm and .45 ACP, the 9mm version features an aluminum frame, bushing barrel, and GI-style guide rod. The instructor notes its excellent build quality, comparable to more expensive 2011s, making it a significant value proposition.

This review provides a first look at the Girsan Witness 2311 CMXX, highlighting its integral compensator for reduced recoil and improved accuracy. The firearm features a unique 360-degree sandpaper-like grip texture, the absence of a grip safety for a thinner profile, and an optics-ready slide. The instructor, with demonstrated expertise, notes it as the most impressive Girsan shot to date, particularly praising its trigger and soft recoil.

This review of the Sig P320 Carry, a former police officer's handgun, involved a 500-round reliability test. The firearm demonstrated good performance with no malfunctions, though a stock magazine failed. Key takeaways include solid accuracy with iron sights, a good trigger feel, but significant concerns regarding the grip module's short length and the P320's historical drop safety issues. The instructor, with demonstrated expertise, recommends grip module upgrades for improved handling.

This review highlights the Kimber Micro 9 Comp, a compact 9mm pistol praised for its comfortable grip texturing and flat profile, making it easy to handle. The speaker emphasizes its exceptional reliability, citing 1,642 days of use with zero malfunctions across their Kimber firearms. The pistol is equipped with night sights and a 7+1 capacity, making it a strong contender for concealed carry.

This review introduces the highly anticipated steel-framed Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal HD, specifically designed to meet the demands of competitive shooters. The firearm weighs approximately 37 ounces and features a high-traction grip, shipping with four 17-round magazines. While the manufacturer has addressed key customer needs, the expert reviewer hints at unique characteristics to be explored further.

This review breaks down the top 5 firearms featured in the John Wick movies, focusing on their real-world performance and on-screen presence. The list includes the Taran Tactical Benelli M4 shotgun, Taran Tactical TR-1 rifle, STI 2011 Combat Master, Glock 34 Combat Master, and the H&K P30L. The analysis considers factors like reliability, accuracy, and customization, with a nod to Taran Butler's influence on realistic firearm handling.

The Honest Outlaw critically reviews seven firearms he regrets buying, detailing significant reliability issues, poor ergonomics, and high costs. He highlights the Wilson Combat Ultra Light Carry 9mm's $4,000 price tag and reliability problems, the Kel-Tec PF-9's unshootable recoil, and the Taurus 608's frequent malfunctions. The Kahr CW380 is criticized for unreliability and poor trigger, while the Remington RP9 is called a 'huge piece of crap' due to its grip and trigger. The DPMS G2 Recon .308 failed out of the box and remained unreliable, and the Century Arms Ultra 87 shotgun suffered catastrophic failure. Better alternatives are suggested for each.

This review identifies the top 5 best pistols under $300, focusing on reliability, accuracy, and value. It highlights the Stoeger STR-9, Canik TP9 Elite SC, S&W M&P Shield, Taurus G3, and recommends used police trade-in Glocks or M&Ps as the best budget option. The Honest Outlaw emphasizes a rigorous 1000-round testing protocol for each firearm.

The 1911 pistol, designed by John Browning, boasts over a century of service and remains relevant in modern special operations. Its design pioneered interchangeable parts and is renowned for its superior single-action trigger. While famously chambered in .45 ACP, it's available in numerous calibers and sizes, and its iconic platform has inspired countless variants, including high-capacity 2011 models.