So many new pistols coming to market, is it overkill? Which one is best?

[george burns]

When all of the top manufacturers start making 5 or 6 lines of pistols, like Smith, is it profitable or just confusing. Between the original M&P line, The 2.0, The Shield, and the versions within each category, "let alone 1911's", and now a 380 shield to compete with the Glock, "I guess". is it more or less profitable than doing what Glock did, by just making one line of guns, and including just about something for everyone. I just saw a 380 shield last night on slickguns, It's insane for new shooters to distinguish between a sea of guns when they walk into a large store and are completely overwhelmed by not just the 2 to 4 lines of guns made by each company, but then need to determine the caliber for the model they pick. This goes way past the knowledge curve of even the more than average gun lovers ability to know barrel length, size weight and feel. It is one reason why people keep selling what they bought in hopes of finding a gun that does this, but doesn't do that, yet does it better quieter and with less recoil,
Us old timers know there is no such thing as the perfect gun for everyone, folks have been searching for the "magic pistol that fits in your pocket, holds 15-20 rounds of some caliber that stops you dead in your tracks with one shot, and has no recoil or noise to go along with it's stealthy profile, and weighs 12 ounces, also has lasers night sights and sonar built in, like the new cars and trucks have.
Gun manufacturers have figured out that if they just keep making the gun of the week, that people will keep trying the newest model in the hope of finding that wonder gun. Someone prominent who doesn't rely on kickbacks from the gun makers, should write a Primer on how to buy a handgun, beginning to end. don't you think? If you knew twenty or more years ago what you know now, how would that influence your decision making process, and wouldn't newbies benefit from you experience?

 

[Kookla]

As competition for your money becomes more fierce, the makers are looking to make what they think they call sell and turn a profit. It seems like companies are increasingly reactive to market demands and coming out with specialized guns as people are more able to decide what they're looking for. You see people asking about what pistol for hiking, cycling, running, bbq's, ect. The shooting landscape also has changed a bunch from what I can see from my little corner of the world. Anyways, that's my worthless take on it

 

[Armored farmer]

I think the current poly pistol craze is more profitable than the old days when revolvers and 1911s were king.

 

[fastbolt]

Have you looked at the new car & truck market recently, and all the makes/models available? How about cellphones? Shoes & boots? Why would guns be any different? It's just another product the companies are looking to sell to consumers.

 

[ontarget]

The thing is, if there were fewer choices the prices would go higher to reflect the supply. Not only do the manufacturers of all the .380 pocket pistols compete in quality standards but price too.
If Bersa was the only game in town for a .380 they could name their price. Competition is great for the consumer. I think we are in a great age for firearms price and availability.

 

[jmr40]

Over the last 10+ years manufacturers have been building basic guns in common calibers and selling them faster than they could make them. It didn't make sense to stop production on highly profitable items to retool and manufacture small runs of newer designs and hope they sold.

Now that the buying frenzy has subsided manufacturers have to create new ideas, as well as offer limited runs of older classics to fill a void that has been around for a while.

 

[hdwhit]

george burns asked:
Which one is best?

What are your criteria for judging which one is "best"?

I got into loading 9mm when someone gave me 991 rounds of brass and if I had brass, well, it needed to be loaded, and you get the rest. But, I was a 45 ACP guy and didn't intend to switch, so when I went looking for a 9mm pistol the "best" one was, for shooting those 991 rounds, the cheapest thing in the store.

In that case, price beat out all other considerations;

• Reliability
• Accuracy
• Durability
• Employing Americans

But if those other criteria mean something to you, then you would choose a completely different gun and it would be the "best" gun for your needs.

 

[Hangingrock]

I do not join the rush for the latest and greatest usually. Waited till the Gen 3 before acquiring a Glock and did not acquire a S&W MP (example MP9) till that series was on the market for five or so years.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Remember the UJM- Universal Japanese Motorcycle of the 60's and 70's?
They were reliable, performed well, and were priced much lower than their British and US competition.
They were also dreadfully, mind-numbingly anonymous and boring.

We are now in the age of the UPP- Universal Plastic Pistol. Scrub the trademarks off the grip module of most of the current batch of wonder autos and I would have a hard time telling them apart- and couldn't care less.
If you buy guns as tools, with all the pride and appreciation as a good hammer or chainsaw, then we are presented with a host of high-quality, modular, effective, and economical new choices.
If you buy guns as functional art, now is the time to scour the pawnshops and corner tables at the gunshow and snatch up as many 3rd Gen Smiths, old SIGS, and Ruger P-series as you can.

Anybody got a line on a clean, cheap Shovelhead? Yep, didn't think so.....

 

[JTQ]

Remember the UJM- Universal Japanese Motorcycle of the 60's and 70's?
They were reliable, performed well, and were priced much lower than their British and US competition.
They were also dreadfully, mind-numbingly anonymous and boring.

We are now in the age of the UPP- Universal Plastic Pistol. Scrub the trademarks off the grip module of most of the current batch of wonder autos and I would have a hard time telling them apart- and couldn't care less.

I think that's a good analogy.

Likewise, I always thought every motorcycle review at that time should have compared the reviewed motorcycle to the Honda CB750. It was the most UJM of the UJM and everybody was familiar with it. You could say motorcycle Y was X% faster, or X% heavier, or had an X% longer cruising range than the Honda CB750.

Now, I'd like to see every gun compared to the G17. It's X oz heavier, the barrel is X" shorter, etc.

The big point to make though, is nearly all these guns are really pretty darn good. There aren't many lemons out there. Chances are good whatever you pick is going to be reliable and reasonably accurate. It really is a good time to be a gun buyer. There are a lot of options and nearly all of them are good.

 

[FL-NC]

What is best is what is best for you, after you decide what you are willing to pay.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I think it is a good thing. It gives more variety and choices in different price ranges. Hey, I like to try different guns for different reasons. I own, and carry several different makes and calibers and price range handguns. The more competition and choices, the better for the consumer.

 

[Jonesy814]

Some manufacturers seem to make new models that are more of the same old. The new S&W Shield 380EZ is actually something pretty different than anything else they offer with different features than anything else the have. By making a big deal about EZ to rack, EZ to load magazines EZ to handle recoil and EZ to take down to clean they are obviously targeting a specific demographic. Their new M&P 2.0 compact is not real different than the full size M&P and the M&P 9c, but kind of in between the 2. Not sure who they are trying to sell to
Ruger has the SR9 and American 9. I am not sure what their new security nine is targeting. They released a 2.5 inch GP 100 with 7 shots so its pretty much what S&W has had in the 686 for years. Might be new to Ruger, but its not a new concept. The PC 9 carbine is something a lot of shooters have asked for and being adaptable for various magazines is a great idea
A few of the new releases make sense , but a lot dont

 

[Old Dog]

I'd hate to be a newcomer to the gun culture these days. Far too many similar choices out there and it's harder to discern which are actually junk if you're a newbie.

Imagine knowing nothing about auto-pistols and trying to choose a striker-fired polymer pistol in 9mm between Ruger American, Glock, M&P, SIG P-320, FNS/509, Canik, Caracal, XD/XDm, Taurus 24/7, SCCY, Kahr, Walther PPQ, HK VP9, CZ P10, etc.

It's taken me forty years to figure out what I want. When I started, it was either S&W or Colt as far as DA revolvers, in autos, only the (Colt) 1911, a Walther P-38 or a S&W Model 39 ...

Yep. Overkill.

 

[TTv2]

Yeah, there's a lot out there, but I keep it simple and I keep it common. Glock... not the best gun in any one area, but it's so ubiquitous like the AR-15 is that there's no reason not to own one, especially a used one for $400 or less and especially when there are so many accessories out there for it.

It pays to run with the popular crowd and it hurts to not.

So many of the pistol carbines out now are going to accept some type of Glock magazine, I can't say the same for HK, FN, Kahr, Kel-Tec, SCCY, FMK, CZ, Canik, Lionheart, etc. While a 9mm carbine isn't for everyone, I sat back and asked myself, "Even if I never wanted a 9mm carbine and mag compatibility, why would I buy those guns I just listed instead of a Beretta, Sig, Ruger, Glock, or S&W?"

I can't think of a reason. I can't buy into whatever selling point the manufacturer or magazine review is trying to sell me on with "Hohoho, better grip angle!" or "shorter trigger reset." or "grip zones."

I regularly shoot at 50 yards with pistols and when I bring it in to 10-15 yards, I can hit my target with anything... even a Hi Point and its crappy trigger and sights.

I'm sold on few things, the first being the price. Ruger can bring to market a ton of polymer pistols and for amazingly low prices. I don't see what the extra $100 is going to get me in a Kahr .380 over an LCP. I don't trust Taurus over Ruger because I've had no issues with my Ruger polymer pistols. I'm sold on aftermarket parts/accessories, I like to be able to buy things to better enhance my abilities with a gun. You can say, "Oh, well THIS gun will better fit you..." I don't have time to try every pistol out there.

At the distances that I'd have to use a pistol to defend myself during peacetime, I'm hitting my target. When it's wartime, I'll be using a rifle and I'll be hoping I don't have to ever pull my pistol out because if I have to, it probably means I'm a goner anyway.

 

[TTv2]

I'd hate to be a newcomer to the gun culture these days. Far too many similar choices out there and it's harder to discern which are actually junk if you're a newbie.

Imagine knowing nothing about auto-pistols and trying to choose a striker-fired polymer pistol in 9mm between Ruger American, Glock, M&P, SIG P-320, FNS/509, Canik, Caracal, XD/XDm, Taurus 24/7, SCCY, Kahr, Walther PPQ, HK VP9, CZ P10, etc.

It's taken me forty years to figure out what I want. When I started, it was either S&W or Colt as far as DA revolvers, in autos, only the (Colt) 1911, a Walther P-38 or a S&W Model 39 ...

Yep. Overkill.

It's overkill, but that overkill has given us one thing: Low prices due to competition. It sucks for newcomers, but I've been in the trenches watching, reading, and shooting as much as possible to feel quite comfortable with my choices.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I know if I was a newbie to this stuff, I'd be overwhelmed with all the guns to choose from!

 

[Fiv3r]

I think that the gun industry is similar to the television entertainment industry. Just 3 decades ago most people got along just fine with whatever was on ABC, NBC, CBS or PBS (if you were a nerd...kidding) FOX was an outlier for watching The Simpson's when it was actually funny.
To be successful, a program had to get millions and millions of viewers. If there are only 4 things to watch, you better pull a good chunk of eyeballs.

Flash forward 30 years: forget cable and satellite and their 100s upon 100s of choices. DVR, Streaming content, and web-based episodes have broadened the choice to the most niche of niche.

The gun industry is offering the same thing. Pocket jewelry, wonder nines, steel, polymer, single stacks, 21 round double stacks, .22, .410 shot, strikers, hammers...everything carving out a marketing niche. Glock has the recognition, and for good reason. However there are so many other manufacturers that tweak the design more "perfectly" to other shooters' hands/needs.

It can be overwhelming, but man what a time to be a shooter. I just picked up the budget Ruger EC9S the other day. 200 bucks for a very, very solid gun that carries a lifetime handshake and is made to actually be shot a lot. Folks with a small amount of cash don't need to settle for dangerous Saturday Night Specials. Folks looking for the most gorgeous, top of the line shooting machines have a plethora of options as well.

The long and short of it, it's tough to go completely wrong.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

Mr. Burns,
And here I thought (from your post header) that you were going to say
With so many new pistols coming to market, how do you tell them apart?

Not bashing the newest round of 'black plastic', as I too own a pile of it.
But geez, trying to tell all of the different models apart is like walking through a parking lot and seeing if you can
figure out all the different makes of vehicles or even recognize the name of the company that built it.

JT

 

[AlexanderA]

The market for new guns has reached the point of saturation. Manufacturers are fiercely competing for a slice of an ever-shrinking pie. But introducing more products just increases their costs. We're going to see a serious shaking out of the industry.

 

[Hasaf]

. . . and now a 380 shield to compete with the Glock,. . .

I am not trying to pick on you, I just noticed this line. By itself it serves to illustrate your very point. The S&W M&P EZ does not appear to be in competition with the Glock 42. It is in the "Full Size" 380 range and appears to be competing with them. That range would include the PK380 and the Beretta 84, along with its variants and clones.

So, illustrating your point, even among the single caliber of .380ACP, there are the compacts, represented by the Ruger LRC, S&W BG, three flavors of micro 1911 style pistols, and more. Then there are the mid sized offerings, such as the Browning 1911-380, Glock 42, and blowback .380 pistols like the Bersa and PPK. Then there are the pistols sized as traditional service pistols, like the The S&W M&P EZ the PK380 and the Beretta 84, along with its variants and clones.

All that is just brushing the surface of a single caliber, a caliber that is on the low end of pistol offerings. All I can do is ooffer the same suggestion that so many others make. First identify the mission, then look at what fits that mission and, having identified a short-list, look until seeing what feels best. That is the positive flip side of having so many offerings, a person can, after identifying a subcategory, still have several choices and choose what really feels right to them.

 

[Armored farmer]

Which is best?
I don't know.
For rifles, pistols, and revolvers, i could be happy with just one brand.....
Ruger.
I would like to see them step up in the shotgun dept.

 

[DT Guy]

I'm not too worried about newbies being overwhelmed-as mentioned, they manage to buy cars, cellphones and shoes.

I think there's a lot to be said for an era when you can walk into a gunshop and compare a large number of guns in the category you're looking at, and get to decide which one is best for you in a detailed, specific way. How isn't that 'better' than choosing between a 1911 and a S&W Model 19?

Larry

 

[Hasaf]

The market for new guns has reached the point of saturation. Manufacturers are fiercely competing for a slice of an ever-shrinking pie. But introducing more products just increases their costs. We're going to see a serious shaking out of the industry.

Just two days ago Bloomberg ran a very short article on this point (don't bother clicking on the link, the video that goes with it is very anti gun owners rights. I just turned the sound off as I looked at the quip). In a nutshell, it restated what several manufacturers and distributors have been saying.

“There is no fear-based buying right now,” said James Debney, chief executive officer of gunmaker American Outdoor Brands Corp. (formerly Smith & Wesson), on a conference call in December.

In a report about American Outdoor Brands released Monday by Wedbush Securities Inc., a securities firm and investment bank, analysts cited firearms-purchasing trends among risks to their price target and rating: “Gun ownership is becoming increasingly concentrated, with fewer gun owners owning more guns, as guns are primarily marketed to people who already own guns.”

from here

On the positive side, the firearms industry as been gaining sales from non traditional buyers such as women and minorities. The bad news is that the gun owners rights organizations have had a hard time bringing these new buyers into the firearms owners right community. Further, many of these are one-gun buyers. There is nothing wring with that as an individual choice, it just is a bit hard on the firearms industry as a whole.

To illustrate, my daughter (28) looks through both my American Rifleman and USCCA Concealed Carry magazines. Her main interest is in Civil War era firearms, even in that, she is more of a shooter than a collector. She has commented to me that the NRA's magazine doesn't connect with her. However, lately USCCA's magazine has been devoting a section of their magazine to women. Whether it seems like pandering or not, she finds it much more approachable and reads those articles regularly. More effort needs to be made to attract these new owners to the owners right community. Frankly, we have done a poor job in communicating the issue.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Lots of options to choose from is a good thing. For someone new to firearms it probably does seem daunting. I think that is also a good thing, prompting them to do some research and seek advice.
A result of competition in the market is better quality and lower prices. There will always be some cheap junk mixed in because people buy it.
With the average handgun costing $350 to $700 it's not something to obsess about.