R&R | Are Metal Frame Handguns Coming Back?

Ben Stoeger discusses his extensive firearm review process, emphasizing the need for high round counts (around 10,000) to form a comprehensive opinion on a firearm's performance and durability. He explains that his reviews are integrated into his regular training and teaching, rather than being a separate activity. Stoeger highlights the Smith & Wesson M&P as a particularly interesting platform for review due to its broad appeal as a full-size service pistol, despite not being as widely discussed as Glocks or Walthers.

This video reviews seven 9mm pistols suitable for self-defense and concealed carry in 2025. It highlights features like optics readiness, modularity, ergonomics, and capacity for models including the Walther PDP, Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0 C, Smith & Wesson M&P, Heckler & Koch VP9, Taurus GX4, Beretta APX Centurion, SIG Sauer P365, and Canik TP9 SFX, offering insights into their performance and value.

The Yankee Marshal ranks major polymer EDC handgun manufacturers into 'Good', 'Better', and 'Best' categories. He highlights specific models and features, such as Beretta's PX4 Storm rotating barrel, CZ's hammer-fired options, Glock's aftermarket support, HK's precision manufacturing, Sig Sauer's modularity, Walther's ergonomics, and the value of Taurus. The ranking considers the manufacturer's entire polymer line, not just individual models.

This video compares 2011 (hammer-fired) pistols with modern striker-fired handguns, discussing their mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages. While striker-fired pistols offer affordability, simplicity, and reliability, 2011s are praised for their ergonomics, trigger quality, and tactile controls, often leading to a preference shift for owners. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities and budget.

The Yankee Marshal reviews the all-new Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp in 10mm, highlighting its potential as a carry gun and a sign of a growing trend towards more powerful semi-automatic calibers. He discusses the firearm's features, including its trigger, ergonomics, and the option for a safety, while also expressing his personal preference for hammer-fired pistols. The review touches on the perceived shortcomings of 9mm for self-defense and the resurgence of 10mm as a viable option.

This video reviews several new 9mm pistols dominating the market in 2026, focusing on features like compact frames with high capacity, improved factory triggers, integral compensators, and optics-ready slides. It highlights innovations such as the PSA Micro Dagger C1's blast chamber, the Smith & Wesson Spec Series 6's aluminum frame and porting, the Write Out Dragon's lever-delayed action, the Inglis 2035's modern High Power updates, the HK VP9 A1X's crossover design, the SIG SAUER P211 GTO's double-stack 1911 approach, the Cabot Guns Rebellion Max's lightweight double-stack 1911, and the LTT 80X in .32 ACP for reduced recoil.

This video provides a head-to-head accuracy test between the Ruger 10/22 and the Marlin Model 60, both chambered in .22 LR. The host, an experienced shooter, details the test methodology, including ammunition types and a consistent 25-yard range. The comparison highlights key features of each rifle, such as magazine capacity and aftermarket availability, concluding with a visual presentation of the shot groups.

This video details a comprehensive ballistics gel test for various .38 Special loads fired from a Smith & Wesson 642 snub-nose revolver. The expert instructor analyzes bullet expansion, penetration, and wound channels, offering critical insights into ammunition performance for self-defense. Key takeaways include the importance of bullet design for reliable expansion in short barrels and safety considerations for handloading .38 Special ammunition.

This guide details a head-to-head ballistic gel test comparing 9mm Luger +P and .40 S&W ammunition, as demonstrated by an experienced firearms reviewer. The test involved firing specific loads through denim barriers into gel blocks, measuring velocity and penetration, and analyzing recovered projectiles. The .40 S&W HST showed more dramatic expansion, while the 9mm +P achieved deeper penetration. The comparison highlights trade-offs between terminal performance, capacity, and recoil in compact firearms.

This video demonstrates the initial live fire of a .50 Beowulf AR-15 platform rifle, featuring a side-charging upper receiver and a Vortex red dot optic. The host, identified as a firearms enthusiast and content creator, showcases the loading process, firing, and the significant impact of the large caliber rounds on steel targets at an outdoor range. The demonstration highlights proficient firearm handling and range safety awareness.