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For a micro, the Kimber R7 Mako is remarkably easy to shoot. The smart texturing on the frame, the palm swell and dimensions of the grip, and the mass in the slide make the Mako a comfortable and accurate shooter. The trigger is good for this class of pistol, breaking at 5-pounds 3-ounces. It has a sharp reset that was easy to find and was part of the reason the Mako did well during rapid-fire drills. The pistol comes with two magazines, one that holds 11 rounds and sits nearly flush with the frame, and another that holds 13 rounds and extends below the grip far enough so that the shooter’s pinkie can grip the gun as well. That ¼-inch difference in length makes a huge difference in the shootability of the pistol, and if you have the choice you’ll definitely want to run that magazine as the primary.
I believe that the SIG P320 compact is not the best gun to ever exist and nor is it the best 9mm to exist. However, it makes my editor’s choice as the best pistol, because it’s a jack of all trades gun that can efficiently serve as a concealed carry gun, a capable home defense firearm, and a fun range gun. I personally love how the modular design allows it to jump between categories and gives you a higher degree of customization. The gun comes with a rail and metal SIG night sights, as well as an additional magazine. Therefore, because this firearm is in all categories like CCW, home defense, range, and more, I give it the overall best 9mm gun you can check out. You won’t be disappointed if this is your first, or your only gun.
A glance at the left side of the pistol’s frame shows the add-ons CZ included to enhance performance. The safety has an oversized tab that can serve as a shelf for the shooter’s thumb. The magazine release is raised and oversized for easy access and manipulation. It’s tipped with a nicely checkered tab done in the same vibrant green as the pistol’s stocks and the baseplates on the magazines. A substantial thumb rest has been secured to the frame with two Torx fasteners. This shelf allows the shooter to put downward pressure on the pistol with the thumb of the support hand to minimize muzzle flip under recoil. The slide stop has a raised surface with three pronounced steps for easy manipulation as well.
Guns for new shooters is always a very touchy subject. When I tackled the topic last year, I got hate mail for months for having the temerity to suggest that revolvers were often not the best option for new shooters. Based on mountains of empirical evidence and over 30 years as a professional instructor, my mind hasn’t changed; revolvers are still not the best answer. Neither are tiny guns, which often recoil more and are harder to handle and manipulate. Also on my No-No list are pink guns, purple guns or any cosmetic treatment that tries to “pretty up” a sub-par tool for a neophyte shooter. Finally, you won’t find bottom of the barrel crap guns on this list either. Learning how to shoot is tough, it’s tougher if your junk gun doesn’t work. Discover even more information on Ballachy.