The rankings are, of course, subjective. I hesitate to call them all “duty pistols” because more than just the pistol goes into that description. Things like ease of maintenance, armorer and parts supports, aftermarket support and field-use play a big part when determining if a pistol is truly duty ready....I found this pretty interesting....Here is the list....
Glock "M" Series...M series of pistols that will probably end up being “Gen 5” after the contract is filled: no finger grooves, RTF-2 texture, built-in flare at the magwell, different barrel, ambidextrous slide stops and, most importantly, a redesigned trigger.
CZ P10-C...The P10C has a better trigger than any other striker gun on the market, and the legendary CZ ergonomics are all there. The gun is also as accurate as most custom 1911s. Long-term reliability is unknown, but one of the factory samples had more than 20,000 rounds through it. Aftermarket support is currently lacking, but the P10 fits in most Glock 19 holsters..
M&P M2.0....The trigger mechanism has been refined, and the press is smooth and consistent at around 5 pounds, which is a vast improvement over the earlier model’s inconsistent triggers. There is also a fast, audible and tactile reset for those that prefer it. The frame texture is so good that at least one custom shop said that they don’t plan on redoing it, just adding it to other areas on the frame. It also comes with forward cocking serrations, which look great.
SIG Sauer P320RX Carry Optic... Pistols with optics will be the industry standard within five years, and SIG Sauer has embraced the future. While the P320X Carry is smaller than most fighting pistols, its inclusion of the SIG Sauer Romeo dot sight hits way above its weight class. Smooth trigger, great accuracy and refined ergonomics allow this little gem to consistently knock the 10 ring out of targets out to 30 yards. The ability to switch components, depending on user preference, is not only cool but can also provide a very cost-effective platform for agencies.
FNS Long slide—While not technically new, these pistols are starting to show up in numbers. The FNS Long Slide is not that much longer than most full-sized offerings from other manufacturers, but its 5-inch barrel adds heft at the muzzle end and, combined with the grip angle and bore axis of the pistol, provides a flat shooting package for someone wanting a true full-sized pistol. The trigger is not the best on the list but does smooth out somewhat after several hundred rounds. The grip texture is aggressive, and the pistol is set up intelligently.
Heckler & Koch VP9 Grey...Yes, the only difference is a new color. But that doesn’t matter: The VP9 is a solid gun from a solid manufacturer. Its trigger is among the best in the striker-fired field, but it does suffer from a seriously high bore axis. This is a pistol that will last for a full career on the streets. It’s built like a damn tank. In shooting, the VP9 doesn’t flip like you might think it would based on the bore axis, but it does have a unique recoil impulse.
Ruger American Pistol Compact...Probably the biggest sleeper in this category, the Ruger American is full of features. The wraparound grip module is one of the best solutions in the striker-fired category, changing the width and depth of the grip specs and even allowing the shooter to tune their trigger reach to what’s comfortable. The trigger is solid and serviceable, but the unique barrel cam and the lighter-than-average slide help to make the pistol very comfortable to shoot. I have no doubt that it will run for a good, long while. Available with or without a thumb safety and in 9mm or .45
Hudson Mfg. H99...A striker-fired, high-cap 1911ish pistol? Yes, please! As of now, this is a boutique pistol. The trigger is very good, the ergonomics are very good, and it has a steel frame for the curmudgeons in the house. Execution of the pistol is excellent, with top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail. There is definite promise here, but it’s still an expensive striker pistol.
Silencer Co. Maxim 99...It’s not duty proven and it’s not even widely available. This might be the coolest pistol ever. An integrally suppressed 9mm pistol that uses widely available Glock magazines and sights, as well as being set up from the factory to accept red dot optics. This may be the future. The suppressor is modular and can be shortened to allow a more compact package utilizing subsonic ammunition or kept full length for use with whatever ammo you want. This gem has the possibility of going from niche gun to best-seller in the blink of an eye.
Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun 19111...This is America, and it wouldn’t be a list without at least one 1911. The CCU is Colt’s latest offering in its Rail Gun line, and it has taken quite a few leads from the Colt MARSOC M45 pistol, including the upgraded internals and the two-spring captive recoil spring assembly. The CCU also boasts 25 lines per inch (lpi) checkering on the front strap, an undercut trigger guard and an upswept beavertail, allowing a very high, thumbs forward grip on the pistol. The CCU is the culmination of over 100 years of Colt 1911s. It’s as modern as a 106-year-old pistol can be and is available in both 9mm and .45
Glock "M" Series...M series of pistols that will probably end up being “Gen 5” after the contract is filled: no finger grooves, RTF-2 texture, built-in flare at the magwell, different barrel, ambidextrous slide stops and, most importantly, a redesigned trigger.
CZ P10-C...The P10C has a better trigger than any other striker gun on the market, and the legendary CZ ergonomics are all there. The gun is also as accurate as most custom 1911s. Long-term reliability is unknown, but one of the factory samples had more than 20,000 rounds through it. Aftermarket support is currently lacking, but the P10 fits in most Glock 19 holsters..
M&P M2.0....The trigger mechanism has been refined, and the press is smooth and consistent at around 5 pounds, which is a vast improvement over the earlier model’s inconsistent triggers. There is also a fast, audible and tactile reset for those that prefer it. The frame texture is so good that at least one custom shop said that they don’t plan on redoing it, just adding it to other areas on the frame. It also comes with forward cocking serrations, which look great.
SIG Sauer P320RX Carry Optic... Pistols with optics will be the industry standard within five years, and SIG Sauer has embraced the future. While the P320X Carry is smaller than most fighting pistols, its inclusion of the SIG Sauer Romeo dot sight hits way above its weight class. Smooth trigger, great accuracy and refined ergonomics allow this little gem to consistently knock the 10 ring out of targets out to 30 yards. The ability to switch components, depending on user preference, is not only cool but can also provide a very cost-effective platform for agencies.
FNS Long slide—While not technically new, these pistols are starting to show up in numbers. The FNS Long Slide is not that much longer than most full-sized offerings from other manufacturers, but its 5-inch barrel adds heft at the muzzle end and, combined with the grip angle and bore axis of the pistol, provides a flat shooting package for someone wanting a true full-sized pistol. The trigger is not the best on the list but does smooth out somewhat after several hundred rounds. The grip texture is aggressive, and the pistol is set up intelligently.
Heckler & Koch VP9 Grey...Yes, the only difference is a new color. But that doesn’t matter: The VP9 is a solid gun from a solid manufacturer. Its trigger is among the best in the striker-fired field, but it does suffer from a seriously high bore axis. This is a pistol that will last for a full career on the streets. It’s built like a damn tank. In shooting, the VP9 doesn’t flip like you might think it would based on the bore axis, but it does have a unique recoil impulse.
Ruger American Pistol Compact...Probably the biggest sleeper in this category, the Ruger American is full of features. The wraparound grip module is one of the best solutions in the striker-fired category, changing the width and depth of the grip specs and even allowing the shooter to tune their trigger reach to what’s comfortable. The trigger is solid and serviceable, but the unique barrel cam and the lighter-than-average slide help to make the pistol very comfortable to shoot. I have no doubt that it will run for a good, long while. Available with or without a thumb safety and in 9mm or .45
Hudson Mfg. H99...A striker-fired, high-cap 1911ish pistol? Yes, please! As of now, this is a boutique pistol. The trigger is very good, the ergonomics are very good, and it has a steel frame for the curmudgeons in the house. Execution of the pistol is excellent, with top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail. There is definite promise here, but it’s still an expensive striker pistol.
Silencer Co. Maxim 99...It’s not duty proven and it’s not even widely available. This might be the coolest pistol ever. An integrally suppressed 9mm pistol that uses widely available Glock magazines and sights, as well as being set up from the factory to accept red dot optics. This may be the future. The suppressor is modular and can be shortened to allow a more compact package utilizing subsonic ammunition or kept full length for use with whatever ammo you want. This gem has the possibility of going from niche gun to best-seller in the blink of an eye.
Colt Combat Unit Rail Gun 19111...This is America, and it wouldn’t be a list without at least one 1911. The CCU is Colt’s latest offering in its Rail Gun line, and it has taken quite a few leads from the Colt MARSOC M45 pistol, including the upgraded internals and the two-spring captive recoil spring assembly. The CCU also boasts 25 lines per inch (lpi) checkering on the front strap, an undercut trigger guard and an upswept beavertail, allowing a very high, thumbs forward grip on the pistol. The CCU is the culmination of over 100 years of Colt 1911s. It’s as modern as a 106-year-old pistol can be and is available in both 9mm and .45
