Smith and Wesson has released their NEW M&P model called the “Shield”. The Shield is S&W’s response to the market demand for ultra compact 9mm and .40S&W carry pistols. The Shield retains the aesthetic qualities, ergonomics, and controls of the M&P pistol line in a much more compact single stack magazine package.

“Smith & Wesson’s new M&P SHIELD™ is a slim, concealable, lightweight, striker-fired polymer pistol. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the new M&P SHIELD features a slim design combined with the proven and trusted features found in the M&P Pistol Series. From the pistol’s easily concealed one-inch profile to its optimized 18-degree grip angle, the M&P SHIELD offers professional-grade features that provide consumers with simple operation and reliable performance. Chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W for proven stopping power, the M&P SHIELD features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite® coated stainless steel slide and barrel. Both models are standard with a 3.1-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 6.1 inches and an unloaded weight of 19 ounces. For fast tracking and smooth target acquisition, the M&P SHIELD is standard with a 5.3-inch sight radius and has been enhanced with a short, consistent trigger pull measuring 6.5 pounds. Featuring a quick and audible reset made possible by the striker-fired action, the M&P SHIELD allows multiple rounds to be placed on target both consistently and accurately. ALL BACKED BY OUR SMITH & WESSON LIFETIME SERVICE POLICY.”

Here are the stats:

Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD™ .40 S&W

$449.00

• Model:M&P40 SHIELD™
• Caliber:.40 S&W
• Capacity:6 Round & 7 Round
• Action:Striker Fire
• Barrel Length:3.1″ / 7.874 cm
• Front Sight:White Dot
• Rear Sight:White 2-Dot
• Overall Length:6.1″ / 15.5 cm
• Frame Width:.95” / 2.413 cm
• Overall Height:4.6” / 11.684 cm
• Weight:19.0 oz / 538.7 g
• Frame Material:Polymer
• Barrel/Slide Finish:Black Melonite® 68 HRc
• Trigger Pull:6.5 lbs. +/-
• Sight Radius:5.3” /13.3 cm

 

Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD™ 9mm

$449.00

• Model:M&P9 SHIELD™
• Caliber:9mm
• Capacity:7 Round & 8 Round
• Action:Striker Fire
• Barrel Length:3.1″ / 7.874 cm
• Front Sight:White Dot
• Rear Sight:White 2-Dot
• Overall Length:6.1″ / 15.5 cm
• Frame Width:.95″ / 2.413 cm
• Overall Height:4.6″ / 11.684 cm
• Weight:19.0 oz / 538.7 g
• Frame Material:Polymer
• Barrel/Slide Finish:Black Melonite® 68 HRc
• Trigger Pull:6.5 lbs. +/-
• Sight Radius:5.3″ / 13.3 cm

For more information visit Smith and Wesson’s website

Ruger has announced the SR1911 to the public. Ruger has been able to include many of the sought after features of the modern 1911 while retaining a low price point of $799.00. The slide and barrel are made from the same bar stock and machined on the same CNC. According to Ruger this improves the accuracy of the firearm. Also, a surprise is that Ruger decided to include a series 70 style action! Safety is assured with the series 70 system by the inclusion of a titanium firing pin. The titanium firing pin lacks the mass to overcome the spring pressure if the firearm is dropped. The SR1911 is a fine package including a lowered and flared ejection port, oversized magazine release, Novak sights, skeletonized trigger and low mass hammer, extended thumb safety, oversized grip safety, and inspection port for viewing the chamber.

Ruger’s NEW SR1911 carries all the needed features with a price tag similar to imported firearms. We are happy to see another American 1911 and cannot wait to put some rounds through one for a full review.

Here are the stats:

Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Slide Finish: Low-Glare Stainless
Grip Frame: Low-Glare Stainless Steel
Sights: Fixed Novak® 3-Dot
Capacity: 8+1 Barrel
Length: 5.00″
Height: 5.45″
Overall Length: 8.67″
Weight: 39.00 oz.
Width: 1.34″
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Grooves: 6
MA Approved & Certified: No
CA Approved: No
Suggested Retail: $799.00

For more information visit Ruger.com

Kahr’s PM9 is the standard by which all other 9mm pocket pistols are judged. Feedback on the PM series has been mostly positive since there genesis several years ago; aside from a “reliability during break-in” issue, to which we cannot attest. The only real complaint of the PM series has been its price.

For 2011, Kahr Arms has decided to release a new model for those who love the design and features of the PM series but don’t want to pay a hefty sum to possess one. Enter the NEW CM9. Dimensionally the same as the PM9, the CM9 has been made more affordable by making a few feature tweaks without affecting its overall performance.

The biggest change is the barrel of the CM9, which is a traditionally rifled barrel as compared to the PM9′s matched polygonal rifling. This will probably cause some difference in accuracy, but as a pocket self-defense pistol the effects should go unnoticed at combat distances.

The CM9′s other changes include a pinned front sight, MIM parts, less machining on the slide, cheaper engraving and the inclusion of a single magazine. Most will not miss the more expensive features of the CM9′s rich brother, and for those looking for an ultra-compact 9mm pistol with pricing similar to Glock, the Kahr CM9 will fit the bill.

Here are the stats:
Kahr CM9:

• Overall Length: 5.3″
• Height: 4″
• Barrel Length: 3″
• Weight: 14oz unloaded
• Magazine Capacity: 6 rounds
• MSRP: $565.00

Cheers to GunBlog for the pictures.

The “E” Series 1911 from Smith & Wesson is new for 2011 and fills the void between the company’s basic 1911 series and the Performance Center products. We find the “E” Series impressive. The 4.25inch “Commander” size 1911 has always performed well for S&W. The frame of this “carry sized” 1911 is made from Scandium giving it strength not found in other aluminum alloy frames. Smith & Wesson also uses Scandium in their ultra light weight .357mag and .44mag revolvers.

What sets the “E” series 4.25inch model apart are its high end features previously found only on the more expensive Performance Center firearms. Features like front strap checkering, front and rear scaling on the slide and a completely new Ed Brown “Bobtail” style rounded grip. Bobtail 1911′s usually fit very comfortably in the hand and present far less printing when concealed under clothing. As this particular firearm was built with carry in mind, it also comes fitted with tritium front and rear sights to assist the user in low light situations. The pistol features an oversized external extractor which is not traditionally found on 1911′s but offers increased reliability. The grips are well crafted and are scaled to enhance the user’s grip. The letter “E” is also carved into the grip – we think mostly to elicit jealousy among its peers. The overall weight unloaded is about the same as previous models, weighing in at 29.9ozs. The slide is constructed from stainless steel and then blackened with Smith & Wesson’s melonite nitriding process. In the world of mid-sized production 1911′s with 4inch bull barrels, we’re happy to see a true commander sized bushing on this 4.25inch barrel.

In 2009, we sat down with Smith & Wesson to discuss future S&W models. We suggested the features found in the E series and the other members on the panel agreed it would be a worthwhile project. We were a little disappointed when we didn’t see anything similar appear in their 2010 line up. What we didn’t know was that Smith & Wesson R&D was hard at work on the E series. It’s satisfying to know that big manufacturers are listening to small businesses and their consumers. Now, if the E series sells well, I wonder if they’ll send us a free one… To video review, of course.

If you’ve been contemplating a Smith & Wesson 1911 or even if you haven’t, we think the new “E” Series 1911SC will fit well into your collection or, even better, into your waistband.

Here are the stats:

Model SW1911SC – “E” Series – Round Butt, Scandium Frame

$1,369.00 *

*Suggested Retail, Dealer Sets Actual Pricing

• Model:SW1911SC
• Caliber:.45 ACP
• Capacity:8+1 Rounds
• Action:Single Action Only
• Barrell Length:4.25″ / 10.8 cm
• Front Sight:Tritium Night Sight
• Rear Sight:Tritium Night Sight
• Overall Length:7.95″ / 20.2 cm
• Weight:29.9 oz / 847.7 g
• Grip:Wooden Laminate “E” Series
• Frame Material:Scandium Alloy-Black Anodized Finish
• Slide Material:Stainless Steel
• Finish:Black Melonite®
• Other Features:
  Oversize Extractor
  Combat Ejection Port
  S&W Patented Scandium Frame
  Round Butt Frame
  Tritium Night Sights
  Titanium Firing Pin
  Precision Trigger
  Recessed Muzzle

2010 was the year of the copycat and we think it’s going to carry into 2011. Major manufacturers are watching each other closely to see what new products made the grade. If a product performed well, a copycat product will likely soon follow. Smith and Wesson has always been known for their quality firearms so the new Governor fits perfectly into their family of firearms. It’s obvious the Governor’s creation is a direct answer to the thousands of Taurus Judges that have been sold during the past couple years. Personally, we think competition is a great thing because companies generally do not simply duplicate existing products, but instead implement design improvements so that their newest marvel will be the most desirable iteration in its category. The Taurus Judge, although not the first .410/.45Colt combo, introduced the world to the shotgun defense revolver. Ammunition manufacturer’s like Winchester have even jumped on the band wagon and released great defensive .410 ammunition.

So, what does Smith & Wesson bring to the table and what improvements to this concept have they introduced? In addition to providing superb quality control and proven revolver manufacturing techniques, Smith & Wesson has created a reasonably priced, lightweight shotgun revolver that uses a Scandium frame (ultra durable) and a stainless steel PVD cylinder. We’re pleased to see what we think is a more versatile design added to this genre of revolvers. Included in the Governor package is a tritium front night sight and Hogue overmold boot grip. The buyer also has the option of customizing their purchase with a Crimson Trace laser grip. Although, the Governor is a large revolver and will not replace your pocket J-Frame, its overall weight unloaded is merely 29.6 ounces, making it a medium weight carry gun.

The Governor is reasonably priced at $679 making it an affordable option as your next home defense gun. If you’re a fan of carrying a shotgun on your hip, you should take a look at the new Smith & Wesson Governor. Unfortunately for us Californians, it will likely remain stuck on our wishlists.

Kimber’s most interesting new product for 2011 is the Solo Carry. This is currently Kimber’s only non 1911 based handgun, and it was created with the CCW holder in mind. The Solo Carry has features like an ambidextrous thumb safety and magazine release, light alloy frame, dimensions smaller than a 1911 based firearm and a striker firing control system. I personally pulled the trigger a few times at Shot and it was pretty smooth. It reminded me of the long smooth trigger pull on Kahr pistols. The gun is small and light considering its all metal construction. For those looking for a non-plastic , sub compact 9mm pistol, this could be a good choice. I have yet to fire one personally, so I can’t attest to anything more than good features, aesthetics and a well known manufacturer. Here are the stats:

SPECIFICATIONS
Caliber: 9mm
Height (inches): 3.9
Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 17
Length (inches): 5.5
Magazine capacity: 6
FRAME
Material: Aluminum
Finish: Black Kimpro II
Width of frame (inches): 0.995
Width with safeties (inches): 1.2
SLIDE
Material: Stainless steel
Finish: Satin Silver
BARREL
Length (inches): 2.7
Material: Stainless Steel
Twist rate: 1:10
SIGHTS
Fixed 3-dot (white) low profile
Radius (inches): 4.9
GRIPS
Black synthetic
Checkered/smooth
TRIGGER
Single action striker-fired
Factory setting (appx. pounds): 7.0
MSRP: $725