Toward the end of each year, I survey the work R.K. Campbell, Roger Eckstine, Robert Sadowski, Tracey Taylor, and Joe Woolley have done in Gun Tests, with an eye toward selecting guns, accessories, and ammunition the magazine’s testers have endorsed. From these evaluations I pick the best from a full year’s worth of tests and distill recommendations for readers, who often use them as shopping guides. These choices are a mixture of our original tests and other information I’ve compiled during the year. After we roll high-rated test products into long-term testing, I keep tabs on how those guns do, and if the firearms and accessories continue performing well, then I have confidence including these firearms in this wrap-up. — Todd Woodard

Best In Class Revolver

Best In Class Pistol

Best In Class Rifle

Best In Class Shotgun

Ruger American Pistol Pro Duty 8607 9mm Luger, $579

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS PISTOL)

The Ruger American was the most expensive pistol in this test by at least $100. But for that money, it turned out to be the most accurate pistol and showed surprisingly light recoil.

See full review February 2021

Action Type	Semi-auto, striker fired
Overall Length	7.5 in.
Overall Height	5.4 in. with no mag
Maximum Width	1.4 in. at slide stop
Weight Unloaded	27.6 oz.
Weight Loaded	35.3 oz. with 11 rounds of 124-grain Speer Gold Dots
Slide Material	Stainless steel
Slide Retraction Effort	17.3 lbs.
Receiver Material	Glass-filled nylon
Finish	Black nitride
Front Strap Height	2.6 in.
Back Strap Height	3.5 in.
Barrel Length	4.2 in.
Grip Thickness (Maximum)	1.3 in.
Grip Circumference	5.5 in.
Magazines	Two 10-round or two 17-round
Rear Sight	Novak low mount, drift-adjustable 2 dot
Front Sight	Drift adjustable with single dot
Sight Radius	6.4 in.
Trigger Pull Weight	6.4 lbs.
Trigger Span	2.75 in.
Safety	Trigger blade, internal automatic sear block
Warranty	None written
Telephone	(336) 949-5200
Website	Ruger.com
Made In	USA

Colt Python PYTHON-SP6WTS 357 Magnum, $1300

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS REVOLVER)

Pricey, but the new Python is a winner, even if it isn’t an exact clone of the original Python.

See full review January 2021

Action Type	Revolver
Trigger	Double action/Single action
Overall Length	9.75 in.
Barrel Length	4.25 in.
Sight Radius	5.2 in.
Overall Height	5.5 in.
Maximum Width	1.4 in.
Weight Unloaded	42 oz.
Weight Loaded	42.9 oz.
Cylinder Gap	0.004 in.
Capacity	6
Frame Finish	Bright stainless
Barrel/Cylinder Finish	Bright stainless
Frame Front Strap Height	2.3 in.
Frame Back Strap Height	3.8 in.
Grip	Laminated wood, checkered
Grip Thickness (max)	1.3 in.
Grip Circumference (max)	5.5 in.
Front Sight	Red ramp, removable
Rear Sight	Adjustable, notch
Trigger Pull Weight (DA)	9.6 lbs.
Trigger Pull Weight (SA)	6.0 lbs.
Trigger Span (DA)	3.3 in.
Trigger Span (SA)	3.0 in.
Safety	Transfer bar
Warranty	None written
Telephone	(800) 962-2658
Website	Colt.com
Made In	USA

Christensen Arms Ridgeline 801-06015-00 6.5 PRC, $1793

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS RIFLE)

Very accurate with factory ammunition — even better with reloads. This is still our winner.

See full review January 2021

Action Type	Bolt
Overall Length	43.75 in. with thread protector
Barrel Length	24 in., 1:8 twist
Overall Height w/o Scope Mount	6.25 in.
Weight Unloaded	6.3 lbs.
Weight Loaded	6.6 lbs.
Sight Radius	NA
Action Finish	Stainless steel
Barrel Finish	Stainless steel and carbon-fiber wrap
Magazine Capacity	3
Magazine Type	Internal box with hinged baseplate
Stock	Carbon-fiber composite
Stock Drop at Comb	0.6 in.
Stock Drop at Heel	0.8 in.
Stock Bedding	Spot bedding
Stock Buttplate	Limbsaver
Stock Length of Pull	13.75 in.
Receiver Scope-Base Pattern	STD 6-48 Remington 700
Trigger Pull Weight	3.1 lbs.
Safety	Two-position rocker
Warranty	Limited lifetime for original owner
Telephone	(888) 517-8855
Website	ChristensenArms.com
Made In	USA, Utah

Benelli M4 H20 Tactical 11794 12 Gauge, $2000

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST-IN-CLASS SHOTGUN)

This shotgun, in common with the Remington V3, features a gas system that rides close to the receiver rather than on the magazine tube, making for good balance. The Benelli provided excellent results. It is pricey but very good.

See full review February 2021

Action Type	Semi-auto, A.R.G.O. piston driven
Chamber Size	3.0 in.
Overall Length	40.0 in.
Capacity	5+1
Weight	7.8 lbs.
Weight Loaded	8.65 lbs.
Receiver	Titanium Cerakote steel, drilled and tapped, Picatinny top rail
Barrel	18.5 in. long, Titanium Cerakote steel
Choke Tube	Modified supplied; IC, IM, F available
Stock	Synthetic
Stock Length of Pull	14.4 in.
Stock Forend	Plastic
Front Sight	Black post
Rear Sight	Ghost ring
Trigger Pull Weight	7.0 lbs.
Safety	Crossbolt
Warranty	10-year limited
Telephone	(800) 264-4962
Website	BenelliUSA.com
Made In	Italy

Springfield Armory XD-M 45 Tactical XDMT94545BHCE 45 ACP, $585

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

The XD-M tied for the top score in accuracy, had the greatest magazine capacity without requiring additional size, and came in second in the speed drills due to a mistake we made.

See full review March 2021

Action Type	Semi-auto, striker fired
Overall Length	8.4 in.
Overall Height	5.7 in.
Maximum Width	1.3 in.
Weight Unloaded	1.7 lbs.
Weight Loaded	2.6 lbs. w/14 rounds 230-gr.
Slide Material	Forged Steel
Slide Retraction Effort	15.0 lbs.
Receiver Material	Polymer
Finish	Melonite
Front Strap Height	2.6 in.
Back Strap Height	4.0 in.
Barrel Length	5.28 in.
Grip Thickness (Maximum)	1.26 in.
Grip Circumference	5.75 in.
Magazine	Three 13-round
Rear Sight	2 dots in dovetail
Front Sight	Single dot in dovetail
Sight Radius	6.7 in.
Trigger Pull Weight	5.7 lbs.
Trigger Span	2.8 in.
Safety	Trigger, striker block, grip
Warranty	Limited lifetime, non-transferrable
Telephone	(800) 860-6866
Website	Springfield-Armory.com
Made In	Croatia

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 986 10227 9mm Luger, $1129

Gun Tests Grade: A

An all-business, made-to-perform revolver that offered excellent accuracy with Hornady Critical Duty. This modified L-frame had a smooth DA trigger due to the titanium cylinder. SA trigger was crisp.

See full review March 2021

Action Type	Revolver
Trigger	DA/SA
Overall Length	7.5 in.
Barrel Length	2.5 in., 1:10 in. twist rate
Sight Radius	4.1 in.
Overall Height	5.9 in.
Maximum Width	1.5 in.
Weight Unloaded	31.04 oz.
Weight Loaded	35.12 oz.
Cylinder Gap	.004 in.
Capacity	7
Frame Material/Finish	Matte stainless
Barrel/Cylinder Material/Finish	Matte stainless/titanium
Frame Front Strap Height	2.6 in.
Frame Back Strap Height	4.0 in.
Grip	Laminated wood, textured, finger grooves
Grip Thickness (max)	1.1 in.
Grip Circumference (max)	5.3 in.
Front Sight	Serrated ramp with red insert, removable
Rear Sight	Adj. notch
Trigger Pull Weight Double Action	11.0 lbs.
Trigger Pull Weight Single Action	4.8 lbs.
Trigger Span Double Action	3.3 in.
Trigger Span Single Action	2.8 in.
Safety	Hammer block
Warranty	None written
Telephone	(800) 331-0852
Website	Smith-Wesson.com
Made In	USA

Black Aces Tactical Pro Series S Max 12 Gauge, $420

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)

The Black Aces S Max is the lightest shotgun tested. Despite this, recoil was not objectionable. The shotgun handles well, and we were surprised that it retained a great deal of controllability with the birdshead grip. The shotgun is reliable. It may be the best buy depending on the features you need.

See full review March 2021

Action Type	Semi-auto, gas operated
Chamber Size	3.0 in.
Overall Length, Full Stock	39.0 in.
Overall Length, Birdshead grip	31.0 in.
Capacity	6+1
Weight	6.5 lbs.
Weight Loaded	7.3 lbs.
Barrel Length	18.5 in.
Finish	Blued
Choke Tubes	3 Benelli Mobil
Stock	Wood semi-pistol; birdshead
Length of Pull	14.25 in.
Forend	Ribbed wood
Front Sight	Post
Trigger Pull Weight	6.0 lbs.
Safety	Crossbolt
Warranty	Limited lifetime
Telephone	(407) 630-9359
Website	BlackAcesTactical.com
Made In	Turkey

Shadow Systems MR920 9mm Luger, $799

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

The Shadow Systems Multi Role (MR) pistol is basically an improved Glock 19, especially the trigger, sights, and grip. With the Glock disappearing from the shelves and sometimes demanding scalper prices, the Shadow Systems pistols are excellent buys.

See full review April 2021

Action Type	DAO Safe Action
Overall Length	7.4 in.
Overall Height	5.04 in.
Maximum Width	1.3 in.
Weight Unloaded	24.0 oz.
Weight Loaded	29.0 oz.
Slide Material	Steel
Slide Retraction Effort	15.0 lbs.
Receiver Material	Polymer
Finish	Black oxide
Front Strap Height	2.0 in.
Rear Strap Height	3.6 in.
Barrel Length	4.0 in.
Grip Panels	Pebbled and serrated
Grip Thickness	1.3 in.
Grip Circumference	6.0 in.
Magazine	(2) 15-round Magpul
Rear Sight	Fixed
Front Sight	Fixed, tritium insert
Sight Radius	7.0 in.
Trigger Pull Weight	4.5 lbs.
Trigger Span	2.45 in.
Safety	Firing-pin block, trigger lever
Warranty	5-year limited
Telephone	(469) 458-6808
Website	ShadowSystems.com
Made In	USA

Masterpiece Arms MPA BA MPR PRO 6mm Creedmoor, $2499

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

A heavy, yet graceful, beast of a rifle. We can see why the MPA is one of the most popular rifles on the PRS tour.

See full review April 2021

Action Type	Bolt
Action	Brushed stainless steel
Overall Length	Adjustable
Weight Unloaded	14.0 lbs.
Weight Loaded (108 grain, 4+1 rounds)	14.7 lbs.
Overall Height w/o Scope Mount	7.0 in.
Barrel	26 in. long, 1:7 twist, brushed stainless steel
Sight Radius	NA
Magazine Type	AICS pattern detachable box
Magazine Capacity	10
Stock	MPA BA Competition chassis
Stock Drop at Comb	Adjustable
Stock Drop at Heel	Adjustable
Stock Bedding	V bedding system
Stock Buttplate	MPA rubber
Stock Length of Pull	Adjustable
Receiver Scope-Base Pattern	20-MOA Picatinny rail
Trigger Pull Weight	0.93 lbs.
Safety	2-position thumb rocker
Warranty	Limited lifetime
Telephone	(866) 803-0000
Website	MasterpieceArms.com
Made In	USA, Georgia

Henry All-Weather Lever Action H010AW 45-70 Gov’t., $810

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)

The All-Weather Henry is easy to tote and fast to shoulder. The magazine tube was easy to load, and the lever was comfortable to cycle quickly. Open sights and wood-to-metal fit were good.

See full review May 2021

Action Type	Lever-action, exposed hammer
Overall Length	37.5 in.
Barrel	18.43 in. long; 1:20 RH twist, stainless steel
Overall Height	8.0 in.
Weight Unloaded	7.08 lbs.
Weight Loaded	7.36 lbs.
Sight Radius	15.12 in.
Action	Hard-chrome satin
Barrel	Hard-chrome satin
Magazine Capacity	4
Magazine Type	Tube
Stock	Smooth black hardwood; sling swivel studs
Stock Drop at Comb	2.62 in.
Stock Drop at Heel	3.12 in.
Stock Bedding	None
Stock Buttplate	Ventilated rubber recoil pad
Stock Length of Pull	14.0 in.
Front Sight	Blade w/brass bead
Rear Sight	Adj. semi-buckhorn rear; drilled and tapped
Trigger Pull Weight	6.9 lbs., single stage
Manual Safety	None (internal transfer bar)
Warranty	100% satisfaction guarantee
Telephone	(866) 200-2354
Website	HenryUSA.com
Made In	USA

Heritage Rough Rider RR22MB6 Combo 22 LR/22 WMR, $250

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)

The Heritage Rough Rider is the least expensive handgun tested, but it came with a spare 22 Magnum cylinder. The fit and finish are good, and the revolver is fitted with a nice set of cocobolo grips. A manual safety is a good option.

See full review May 2021

Action Type	Single action
Overall Length	11.8 in.
Overall Height	5.0 in.
Maximum Width	1.4 in.
Weight Unloaded	33.4 oz.
Weight Loaded	37.4 oz.
Cylinder Gap	0.080 in.
Barrel Length	6.5 in.
Capacity	6
Frame	Anodized aluminum alloy
Cylinder	Blued steel
22 Magnum Cylinder	Unfluted steel
Frame Front Strap Height	2.1 in.
Frame Rear Strap Height	3.1 in.
Grips	Cocobolo
Grip Thickness (Max)	1.3 in.
Grip Circumference (Max)	5.7 in.
Front Sight	Fixed blade
Rear Sight	Receiver groove
Sight Radius	7.6 in.
Trigger Pull Weight Single Action	4.0 lbs.
Trigger Span	3.0 in.
Safety	Thumb safety
Warranty	1 year
Website	HeritageManfacturing.com
Telephone	(305) 685-5966
Made In	USA

Ruger SR1911 6722 9mm Luger, $775

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

The Ruger is the most expensive gun tested. While price isn’t always a predictor of quality, in this case the Ruger’s performance cannot be faulted. We liked the fit, finish, handling and accuracy.

See full review June 2021

Action Type	Short recoil-operated locked breech, single action
Overall Length	8.0 in.
Overall Height	5.5 in.
Maximum Width	1.25 in.
Weight Unloaded	28.0 oz.
Weight Loaded	32.4 oz.
Barrel	4.25 in.
Magazines	Two 9 round
Slide	Forged stainless steel
Slide Retraction Effort	18.0 lbs.
Frame	Aluminum Alloy
Frame Finish	Dark gray anodized
Frame Front Strap Height	2.6 in.
Frame Back Strap Height	3.2 in.
Grip Thickness	1.25 in.
Grip Circumference	5.37 in.
Rear Sight	Novak, screw adjustable
Front Sight	Post, dovetail mount
Sight Radius	5.6 in.
Trigger Pull Weight	4.75 lbs.
Trigger Span	2.8 in.
Safeties	Slide lock, grip
Warranty	None written
Telephone	(888) 220-1173
Website	Ruger.com
Made In	USA

Browning BL-22 Grade I 024100103 22 S/L/LR, $700

Gun Tests Grade: A- (OUR PICK)

The Browning BL-22 rifle is iconic and delivered on its reputation. The short-stroke lever makes follow-up shots fast. The fit and finish was superb, and that is reflected in the cost. Accuracy was the best of the three rifles tested. Trigger pull could have been lighter.

See full review September 2021

Action Type	Lever-action, exposed hammer
Overall Length	36.75 in.
Barrel/Twist Rate	20 in.; 1:16 RH twist
Overall Height	6.87 in.
Weight Unloaded	5.0 lbs.
Weight Loaded (22 LR)	5.6 lbs.
Sight Radius	15.25 in.
Receiver	Steel
Action Finish	Polished blue
Barrel Finish	Polished blue
Magazine Capacity	15 LR/17 L/21 S
Magazine Type	Tube
Stock	Smooth walnut
Drop at Comb	1.75 in.
Drop at Heel	2.25 in.
Bedding	None
Buttplate	Solid plastic recoil pad
Length of Pull	13.5 in.
Front Sight	Post w/brass bead
Rear Sight	Folding adjustable blade; receiver grooved for optic mount
Trigger Type/Pull Weight	Two-stage, 5.8 lbs.
Manual Safety	None
Warranty	None written
Telephone	(800) 333-3288
Website	Browning.com
Made In	Japan (Miroku)

Smith & Wesson M&P40 M2.0 11522 40 S&W, $581

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)

The 18-degree grip angle made the M&P M2.0 feel natural. The trigger was very consistent, accuracy was good, and we liked the grip modules. More specifically, recoil management was good.

See full review October 2021

Action Type	Semi-auto, recoil operated, striker fire
Overall Length	7.4 in.
Overall Height	5.5 in.
Maximum Width	1.3 in.
Weight Unloaded	25.9 oz.
Weight Loaded	33.4 oz.
Barrel	4.2 in.
Capacity	15+1 (double stack)
Slide	Matte black Armornite
Slide Retraction Effort	14 lbs.
Frame	Black, polymer; 4 modular grip inserts (S, M, ML, L)
Frame Front Strap Height	2.2 in.
Frame Back Strap Height	3.2 in.
Grip	Textured polymer
Grip Thickness (max)	1.3 in.
Grip Circumference (max)	6.1 in.
Sights	Fixed; steel 3-dot
Trigger Pull Weight	5.8 lbs.
Trigger Span (max)	2.9 in.
Magazines	2; steel
Manual Safety	None
Warranty	Limited
Website	Smith-Wesson.com
Made In	USA

---

Ammo and Accessory Picks

380 ACP Remington Ultimate Defense 102-grain BJHP CHD380BN

This is the Golden Saber by another name, and that isn’t a bad thing. The BJHP (brass jacketed hollow point) is the heaviest bullet tested. There was some recoil, but it isn’t excessive. Accuracy was good. The Remington load went into a special niche. Loads that penetrated more expanded less, while loads that expanded more penetrated less.

The Golden Saber did not quite average 900 fps in the Glock, slower than most loads as a result of a bullet heavier than most 380 ACP bullets. The 102-grain bullet penetrated an average of 15 inches and expanded to 0.59 inch. Expansion was very consistent. This is an attractive overall balance that many shooters like us will want.

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

Wright Leather Works Bullhide Belt, $52

This leather belt is available from WrightLeatherWorks.com. This is a slightly different 0.25-inch-thick belt. The primary difference is the dark finish. All that is said concerning the Old World Belt is true of the Bullhide Belt. This is a credible choice, and, frankly, unless you are a connoisseur of pasting and waxing, this belt is the better buy.

Gun Tests Grade: A (BEST BUY)

12 Gauge Remington Managed-Recoil #00 Buckshot RL12BK00

This is an eight-pellet load. Reducing the payload by one pellet may tighten the pattern and also reduce recoil. This is a reduced-recoil load at 1109 fps in the Remington 870. The pattern was superb, without any drawbacks, at 1.8 by 1.5 inches. The Benelli gained 5 fps over the pumpgun’s velocity and put all eight pellets into 1.7 by 1.6 inches. Basically, patterns were identical in each shotgun. This was an affordable load at the time of purchase, but was nonetheless high quality.

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

38 Special Buffalo Bore 125-Grain Low Flash Standard Pressure SB 20E/20

This load clocked more than the rating, as Buffalo Bore often does. Accuracy is good, and the load is indeed low flash, as advertised, although none of the loads in this test had excess muzzle blast. The 1080 fps 125-grain load exhibited the second greatest expansion of any load tested, and it had the most energy. Based purely on terminal ballistics, this cartridge is a formidable choice.

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK)

40 S&W Black Hills 140-Grain Barnes TAC-XP D40N6

This is the only all-copper hollow point tested. The only downside, in our opinion, of all copper hollow points is that these loads are usually more expensive. In today’s world of high ammo prices, this may not always be true. The 140-grain bullet breaks a consistent 1121 fps. Penetration is 18 inches in water, in line with most of the loads tested, and expansion is 0.73 inch, the greatest of any of the loads tested. For personal defense, this load is ideal, based on a balance of expansion and penetration.

Gun Tests Grade: A (OUR PICK) 

45 Colt Buffalo Bore 225-Grain Hard-Cast SWHP

The Buffalo Bore heavy lead semi-wadcutter gas-check bullet is not a swaged lead bullet but a cast bullet. At 990 fps in the Devil Anse, the bullet penetrates 24 inches and expands to the greatest width of any of the bullets tested. While 0.84 inch is average in the revolver, one of the carbine loads went a wide 0.90 inch. This is easily the load with the greatest predicted wound potential. At 1109 fps from the carbine, expansion and penetration were virtually the same; however, the water jugs were blown around to a greater extent when fired in the carbine. This is a hard-hitting load that should prove effective against man and beast. Recoil is the greatest of the test, however, although it isn’t noticeably more difficult to fire in the carbine.

Gun Tests Grade (REVOLVER): A

Gun Tests Grade (CARBINE): A

Advanced Performance Shooting ASOB, $58.99

The Almost Small of the Back holster was designed to address the shortcomings of the SOB, a common thread among custom makers. This holster, however, is molded in Kydex, the only holster of this material tested. The ASOB holster offers a sharp draw. During movement, the holster was secure. It is all we may ask.

Gun Tests Grade: A