R&R | Is 9mm Really It For You?

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 analyzes the Kimber DS Warrior, a new double-stack 1911 platform. The speaker, an experienced firearms instructor, evaluates its value proposition against other Kimber models and the broader 2011 market. Key features like its 15-round capacity, optics readiness, and multiple caliber options are discussed, alongside Kimber's recent strategic shift towards more affordable pricing.

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 video from SPN Firearms provides a comparative look at the Springfield XD-S pistol series across 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. The review highlights the performance of Doubletap Hollow Point ammunition in each caliber, with specific mention of 200-grain rounds for the .40 S&W. The presenter, demonstrating significant experience with the XD-S platform, also showcases popular holsters like the Hawk Holster Stash and Blacksmith Tactical OWB. The overall assessment praises the XD-S series for its reliability and value, particularly on the used market.

This video provides an expert overview of popular Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) calibers: 9mm, .45 ACP, and 10mm. The presenter, demonstrating significant firearms expertise, highlights the trade-offs between these rounds, focusing on recoil, capacity, cost, and effectiveness. It's a concise guide for those considering a PCC.

This video addresses the question of the best beginner pistol for women, recommending the Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO in 9mm and the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 Comp in .380 ACP. The instructor highlights the compact and slim nature of the P365 XMACRO, noting its popularity among female carriers, and discusses the Bodyguard's capacity and a minor ammunition issue encountered during testing. Both are presented as solid choices for new firearm owners.

This head-to-head accuracy test compares the Ruger 10/22 and Marlin Model 60 .22 LR rifles. Both rifles demonstrated tight groups at 25 yards with various ammunition types. The Marlin Model 60 features a 17-round tube magazine and last-shot bolt hold-open, while the Ruger 10/22 is known for its extensive aftermarket support and 10-round rotary magazine.

This .38 Special ballistics gel test evaluated five different loads fired from a Smith & Wesson 642 snub-nose revolver. Only the Federal HST Micro and Hornady Critical Defense demonstrated reliable expansion, with the HST Micro showing a significant wound track despite shallower penetration. Lighter, expanding bullets appear more effective in short-barreled revolvers.

This ballistic gel test compares 9mm +P and .40 S&W HST ammunition. The .40 S&W demonstrated more dramatic expansion, while the 9mm +P achieved greater penetration. The host notes that .40 S&W offers superior terminal ballistics, but 9mm provides advantages in capacity and recoil management, especially in compact firearms.

This video provides a first look at the .50 Beowulf cartridge fired from an AR-15 platform rifle. It demonstrates the loading process, live fire, and the significant impact on steel targets. The footage highlights the rifle's side-charging mechanism and a Vortex red dot optic, showcasing the raw power of this big bore round.