Hilton and I recently both wrote articles regarding the current popularity of custom machined slides on service weapons. Hilton reviewed the Innovative Gunfighter Solutions modified M&P Slide and I wrote about whether or not we needed the fancy work to begin with. Both of us agree that the extra serrations do add some utility. The added traction to aid in one handed (and some two handed) manipulation of the pistol is not lost upon us. However, we still got hate in the comments here and on Facebook about how important it is to have that added ability to rack the slide should one of your hands become otherwise occupied or incapacitated.

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Recently, several folks have asked why we cover the 9mm variations of Glocks/M&Ps and seem to ignore the other calibers, specifically the 45. So here are a random collection of thoughts on the Glock 21. When selecting a pistol for duty, it’s really hard not to get mired in a caliber debate. Without digressing too far, it is my strong belief that in service handgun calibers, using modern hollowpoint ammunition, the caliber used is of no real significance. Yes, you could split hairs, but for all intents and purposes handgun calibers are all weak. So if we can agree on that, it doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense to deviate from the 9mm. This caliber offers the following advantages: higher capacity, lower recoil, and reduced costs for training. The lower recoil is a significant advantage even to red blooded American males who aren’t recoil sensitive as it allows for longer training periods with less fatigue and more importantly, significantly reduced probability of wear and tear to your joints and connective tissue over a career of high volume shooting. All things being equal, the reduced recoil also allows most shooters to put down accurate followup shots more quickly.  Continue reading →

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, I finally received my M&P from the custom run by my buddy Hilton at 10-8 Performance. For those who don’t know, from time to time, 10-8 Performance releases a small run of M&P pistols built to their specs. These runs typically sell out in minutes; fortunately, there are usually a couple runs a year for the dedicated few who wish to own one of these fine pistols.

The feature list is available on the 10-8 Performance website, but I will go over the major ones here: full top and side slide serrations and 10-8 logo machined by ATEi, slide refinished by ATEi, full trigger workup with Apex parts by Hilton, 10-8 Performance front and rear sights, full frame texturing and match barrel hand fit by Hilton. My M&P had a couple of special features added as a favor that isn’t typically available (don’t ask). This includes the Apex polymer AEK trigger and a base pistol with a thumb safety.

While the new 1:10 twist barrels have improved accuracy across all 9mm bullet weights, I wanted to see how the Storm Lake match fit (not drop-in) barrel shot. The AEK trigger broke light and clean and was almost like cheating. It is so light that I definitely feel better with the added margin the mechanical thumb safety provides. At 25-yards, shooting standing freestyle, I managed the above group: about an inch with one called flyer. Much better than my early generation M&P 9’s that would barely hold 8-inches at 25 yards.

I need more time on the gun for a real opinion, but so far I am really liking the pistol. The texturing that Hilton came up with is attractive and aggressive. ATEi’s machine work is superb and offers plenty of traction for slide manipulation.

If you want one, get on the 10-8 Performance mailing list.