Mark Kakkuri

When is a holster not a holster? I guess I do not know, but these minimal holster systems probably bend the definition a little. At the very least, they are ultrathin, using either minimal or no holster material in places where we are used to a decent amount of plastic, leather or fabric.

When it comes to defensive handguns, simple is not just good; simple is great. I just want to be able to draw the gun and squeeze the trigger in order to fire. I do not want a bunch of extra controls or features to fuss with.

I will admit my biases up-front. I love these guns and always have. I think I always will. Depending on the day, I choose a J-frame over a slim nine, over a Glock 19 and over lots of other guns. I don’t always, but most of the time I do.

The Walther PPS M2 fits into the category known as “slim nines,” meaning it is a small, thin, easily concealed 9mm pistol. Its German roots are readily apparent in its design and manufacture.

Some days, however, you see a unique combination of design features, such as those found on this older Springfield Armory XD-S.

Pictured below are a Diamond D Custom Leather shoulder holster and a Glock 26. They make a great combination for concealed carry. When it comes to this rig, I love the comfort, balance and retention, but I do not love where the muzzle of the gun ends up.

One of my favorite firearms innovations of the last decade or so has been the swift rise of aftermarket laser aiming systems for handguns. Remember when adding a laser to your handgun meant installing something that looked like a small flashlight onto your gun’s tactical rail with a coiled cord attached to an activation switch? [...]

The FMK 9C1 G2 has dared to take on the Glock 19 as the premier mid-size polymer pistol on the market. Whether it will succeed remains to be seen. That it has the opportunity to do so is one of the great things about America and the state of the current firearms industry. In fact, [...]

Last week, I expressed my love-hate for newer, polymer guns, specifically the FMK 9C1 G2. This week, I’m giving you my love-hate of older, steel guns. My SIG Sauer P239.