Handgun Reviews Archives

Charter Arms Chic Lady Revolver Review

The time for women to prioritize their security and safety is already overdue. One of the most effective way for women to protect themselves is unarguably firearms. Manufacturers have got the hint and have started designing models focused on woman and have started garnering a good deal of adoration. As we review the Charter Arms Chic Lady pink revolver keep in mind what is important to you.

Over the past couple of years, Charter Arms has been cranking out many varieties of finishing options on their compact revolvers. Their ‘pink lady’ has more than attracted favor from the female users. The latest variation is known as the ‘Chic Lady’. Ladies undoubtedly will like the pink color.

What Do You Get?

Ignoring any frills it may have been pampered with, Charter Arms Chic Lady .38 special is a finely crafted firearm. This double action revolver doesn’t skimp. Includes 5-shot capacity, double action, 2″ barrel, with an enclosed hammer. Constructed of aircraft grade aluminum and steel it is surprisingly light.

Chic Lady is made with stainless steel parts that are highly polished. The parts give this Charter Arms revolver a sense style and class. The grip is nothing less than exceptionally comfortable. Sporting compact synthetic rubber grips making even the small-handed users enjoy the ease of shooting.

What Are the Details of the Chic Lady?

When unloaded, it weighs in at a mere 12 ounces. Even being classified as lightweight it still provides impressive stopping power. The single-action pull weighs just a couple of ounces over four pounds. The double-action pull is smooth, with a pull weight of barely over ten pounds. Charter Arms Chic Lady revolver comes with a barrel which is slightly just under two-inches in length with the barrel-cylinder gap measuring four one-thousandths of an inch.

In Summary

People agree Chic Lady is a superb compact revolver would work perfectly in a pocket or purse. The enclosed hammer will never snag on material, according to Charter Arms. Be at ease knowing that you have the right tool close by whenever you need it. Many women are looking for the constant peace of mind and or personal protection wherever they go. Chic Lady’s ease of conceal and carry hit the nail on the head for the woman market.

In conclusion, if you are a lady who wants something flashy and different. Chic Lady is the revolver to keep in mind. It could also a gift for a female friend which could prove really useful when the violator strikes. Security and safety is chambered in .38 with the Charter Arms Chic Lady.

Tanfoglio Witness Review

The Tanfoglio Witness is an inexpensive Italian handgun that is a clone of the CZ 75. It is imported into the United States by European American Armory (EAA) Corporation. It is often referred to as the “EAA Witness” for that reason.

When introduced in the mid-1970s, the CZ 75 was made in Czechoslovakia, which was a country under communist rule. Czeska Zbrojovka, the maker of the CZ 75, did not secure a patent for the design. Consequently, many companies began to make their own version of the CZ 75. Some were very good; some were not.

The Witness is one of the most available CZ clones available in the United States. EAA handles all of the warranty service work for Tanfoglio, so you will not find unusual delays in getting a gun fixed.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Shooters will find the ergonomics of the Witness are very good, and many shooters people are pleased with the grip size and angle. The way the gun is designed, your hand is able to grip very high on the gun, which helps minimize muzzle flip and recoil you will feel. Recoil is average for this size pistol. That is to say 9mm ammo is light recoiling, while larger calibers tend to recoil more. In addition to 9mm, the Witness is available in .38 Super, .40 S&W, 10mm and .45 ACP.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find disassembly of the Witness is relatively easy. The slide is retracted slightly and the slide stop is pulled out of the frame. The slide assembly can then be eased forward and off of the frame.

Reloading is standard fare, press a button-type magazine release and the magazine drops free. A loaded mag can then be inserted into the magazine well.

Reliability and Durability
Unfortunately, the Witness is not rated for +P ammunition, which some may see as a suggestion of a weak design. For compact handguns where size constraints might prevent a pistol from safely shooting SAAMI-specification +P ammo, there is no reason why a full size handgun could not be built to handle these slightly higher chamber pressures. In addition to limiting ammunition selection for your self-defense, the inability to handle higher pressure loads also may suggest the gun could wear out more quickly than other brands.

Final Verdict
The Tanfoglio Witness is a solid gun that offers a lot of value to a customer needing a reliable gun at a reasonable price point. The Witness can be purchased with a .22 LR conversion kit, which further extends the value of the handgun.

Ranked #9 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Colt 1911 Review

Entire books can be, and have been, written about the Colt 1911 pistol. This handgun was developed by legendary gun maker John Moses Browning, and was adopted by the United States Army as its standard sidearm. More than 100 years later the same basic gun is still in service in the US military, as well as being carried by many law enforcement officers and armed citizens.

The original Colt 1911 pistol was built around the .45 ACP cartridge, but the design has been adapted to chamber many different rounds including the 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson, .38 Super, 10mm and even the .357 Magnum.

There are many different models, sizes and manufacturers of this 1911 pistol. It seems that every gun manufacturer is making at least one version of the handgun. The gold standard, however, remains the Colt.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Any shooter will agree, the ergonomics of the Colt 1911 are excellent. While some manufacturers have deviated from the single stack design, most 1911 pistols are thin and easy to grip. Although full size, it remains easy to conceal for those who choose to carry one for self-defense purposes.

You will feel a bit of recoil of the .45 ACP. However, it is not harsh, and the 1911 does a good job at managing that recoil. The guns tend to be heavy, which helps with muzzle flip. However, because of the weight, it is not the best gun for packing all day.

Trigger and Accuracy
The 1911, with a few exceptions, are single-action pistols. You will find the trigger on the Colt pistol tends to be very good with a light pull and clean break. Accuracy on modern Colt 1911 pistols is generally very good, but can vary with the use of different ammo.

Reloading and Disassembly
Shooters will find reloading the 1911 is simple. You simply press a magazine release button to drop the empty magazine and slide a loaded one into its place.

Disassembly can be challenging for the novice 1911 shooter, as it is not intuitive. However, with a few repetitions, it becomes easier. A 1911 owner will definitely want to keep the manual handy for the first few field strippings. YouTube videos can also be very helpful in showing how to take down the pistol.

Reliability and Durability
You may not appreciate the reliability of the 1911 pistol, as it is a bit spotty. Some guns run well from the factory, while others do not. Many are sensitive to different types of ammunition. Modern manufactured guns tend to be more reliable than older guns.

Many people rely on the 1911 pistol for self-defense. Many of them also invest thousands of dollars into custom work to enhance reliability. While many 1911 owners bristle at the suggestion, there are a number of firearms trainers, who state the factory stock 1911 is not reliable enough to be carried for self-defense.

Final Verdict
The 1911 is a classic pistol and has served the US military well for many decades. You will enjoy the nice ergonomics and there are a wide range of options and calibers available. However, its relatively high cost plus you will need to invest additional money into reliability enhancements. Because of this. it does not make this the best choice for self-defense work.

Ranked #8 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

CZ 75 Review

One of the most prolific pistol designs in history is the CZ 75. Czeska Zbrojovka (CZ) developed the CZ 75 in the former Czechoslovakia. This pistol entered production in 1975 and remains one of the company’s most popular firearms.

In addition to the many different variations of the 75 made by CZ, it has also been cloned by many different gun makers around the world. If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, the CZ 75 is truly one of the world’s most loved pistols.

The full size CZ 75 is chambered in both 9mm and .40 S&W in the US. Internationally, the gun can also be had in 9×21 (aka 9mm IMI). The 9×21 pistols are typically sold where 9mm Parabellum is not legal for civilian ownership.

Ergonomics and Recoil
As a shooter, you will enjoy the ergonomics of the CZ75, as they are very good. Many shooters prefer the grip and feel of the CZ 75 to the larger grips on other pistols such as the Beretta 92.

You will find the recoil in 9mm is mild, while the .40 S&W is noticeably snappier. The higher pressures of the .40 S&W cartridge generate more recoil in all firearms. Most shooters have no problem controlling the recoil in the 75. However, those who are a bit frail may have an issue.

Trigger and Accuracy
Shooters will be pleased with the accuracy of the CZ 75. It also uses a wide variety of ammunition. Specific loads may perform better than others, but nearly all 9mm ammo turns in good groupings. The trigger on the CZ 75 is a double-action/single-action trigger.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that reloading the 75 is smooth and fast. The gun uses a button style magazine release. The magazines are “drop free” mags, meaning the shooter will not have to strip them from the pistol under normal circumstances.

Reliability and Durability
Shooters will enjoy the CZ 75 for long term use, as it has a very good track record and reliability report. These guns are used all around the world and are considered by many to be one of the most reliable handguns in harsh conditions.

Final Verdict
The CZ 75 is a fine pistol with many variations from which you may choose. Few CZ owners ever complain about their pistols. The guns provide relatively easy shooting and tend to be affordable compared to other high-quality, metal-framed handguns. Anyone looking to buy a full size gun in either 9mm or .40 S&W should consider these guns before making a final purchasing decision.

Ranked #7 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Beretta 92 Review

The Beretta 92 pistol was selected as the primary sidearm of the United States military in 1985. Definitely making it a battle proved handgun. The gun also serves a great number of police officers and armed citizens in the US and abroad.

As a military pistol, the 92 is designated the M9. Otherwise, it is functionally identical to the civilian version. The M9 officially entered US military service in 1990. The Beretta 92 is chambered in 9mm. A .40 Smith & Wesson chambered Beretta pistol called the 96 is very similar to the 92.

Made in several configurations over the years, the updated 92A1 pistol is the latest version. Beretta added an accessory rail to the A1, which allows a shooter to mount a white light or laser on the pistol. Additionally, the A1 holds 17 rounds in the magazine, instead of the original 15 rounds. Yet, the magazines are completely interchangeable.

Ergonomics and Recoil
The Beretta 92 is a large gun and fits those with larger hands best. Shooters with small hands sometimes have problems obtaining a good grip and properly addressing the trigger. Shooting the mild 9mm from the large Beretta pistol generates relatively little recoil.

Trigger and Accuracy
Many Beretta 92 pistols are equipped with a double-action/single-action trigger. Some models are equipped with a double-action-only trigger. This handgun has a slide-mounted safety that also acts as a de-cocker.

You will find that these pistols are generally accurate, though load selection often has a great deal of influence on grouping. Heavier bullets (147 grain typical) frequently see a measurable improvement in accuracy when compared to lighter bullets. However, only by testing actual loads will the shooter determine which load is most accurate in the gun.

Reloading and Disassembly
Reloading the 92 is typical for a modern semi-auto pistol. A mag release button is located on the left side of the gun’s frame. Pressing it will allow the magazine to drop free of the gun.

Disassembly is fairly easy. After ensuring the pistol is not loaded, the user merely presses in on the takedown lever from the right side of the gun and rotates the lever down on the left side of the pistol. The slide assembly then is free to be removed from the gun’s frame.

Reliability and Durability
The 92 is widely regarded as being very reliable and surpasses all of the US Army’s endurance testing by a wide margin. However, the US Navy SEALs declined to use the Beretta 92 after its adoption by the military. According to some sources, the Beretta slide was believed to be a weak point, and the teams decided to use the SIG Sauer P226 instead.
However, the US military as a whole seems to be pleased with the pistols. In 2012, the US Army awarded Beretta with a new contract for up to 100,000 new model 92 pistols.

Final Verdict
The Beretta 92 is a solid performer and is second only to the Colt 1911 in handgun service to the armed forces of the United States. Through multiple wars, the handgun performed with distinction and is clearly one of the top handguns being manufactured today.

Ranked #2 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

SIG Sauer P226 Review

The Chosen SIG Sauer P226 is proven in combat as a serious pistol and therefore has been selected by the US Navy SEALs. It is extremely durable, very reliable and highly accurate. For these reasons, this firearm tops the list for best full-size, metal-frame pistol.

You will find that the P226 is available in a variety of configurations and calibers. At the time of this writing, you can get the pistol in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. A caliber conversion kit is also available from SIG to convert the pistol to fire the inexpensive .22 LR.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Shooters will find that the recoil is light in 9mm and very manageable in both .40 S&W and the .357 SIG. This is due to the weight of the pistol and the excellent ergonomics of the gun.

Old SIG P226 pistols fit large hands very well, while being somewhat difficult for small-handed individuals. However, SIG introduced the E2 update, which greatly improved the handling characteristics of these pistols. The E2 update gives small- and medium-sized shooters better finger placement on the trigger and the overall grip. Shooters with larger hands will experience greatly improved handling characteristics of this gun.

Trigger and Accuracy
The standard trigger configuration is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) configuration, meaning your first trigger pull is long, while your subsequent shots are light with short pulls. You can also find other trigger options, including single-action only and a double-action-only (DAO). Also available is the DAK (double-action Kellerman) system, which is a light DAO that is similar to a very smooth revolver trigger. The DAK is proprietary to SIG Sauer.

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that reloading the P226 is easy, with a standard magazine release button located on the left side of the pistol’s frame. You can easily reach the button by either thumb, but it is not exposed, which prevents accidental activation.

You can easily field strip the P226 by locking the slide to the rear of the gun and rotating the take down lever 90 degrees. The slide assembly then slides easily off of the full-length rails.

Reliability and Durability
Legendary reliability is associated with the P226. Combat troops carry this in all possible conditions, from the arctic to the desert, from the skies to deep underwater. The SIG P226 just keeps working, which is a testament to its durability.

In an age of polymer pistols, there are many state police and local law enforcement agencies carrying this pistol into violent encounters every day. Even after years of service while carried exposed to the elements, these guns still perform well when called upon.

Final Verdict
While no gun can be the perfect firearm for all people in all circumstances, the SIG Sauer P226 is closer to perfection than its rivals. It has the rugged reliability that troops in combat rely on. It offers ergonomics to fit most people and the accuracy that makes a competition shooter happy. It is the clear winner when matched up against any other metal frame, full-sized handgun on the market today.

Ranked #1 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Browning Hi Power Review

Under development at the time of his death, many people claim that the Hi Power was John Moses Browning’s ultimate handgun design. While Browning’s name is most often associated with the 1911 pistol, the Hi Power was an evolution beyond that gun.

Browning died in 1926, but Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) continued the development of the gun. In 1935, the Hi Power went into production and is still being made today. The guns are available in the United States, from the Browning Company, but they are imported from FN.

The Hi Power is believed by many to be unmatched in design and quality. By some counts, the Hi Power has been in the military service of more than 50 countries. It has seen action around the world and has been used in the past by elite military and law enforcement units such as the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and Israeli Yamam.

Ergonomics and Recoil
You will find the ergonomics of the Hi Power are some of the best of any full-size, metal-framed pistol. Even though the gun uses a double stack magazine, the grip is surprisingly thin. This allows shooters of all hand sizes to obtain a good grip on the device. The gun is also exceptionally well balanced.

The traditional caliber for the Hi Power is 9mm. With this cartridge, recoil is easy and only the most recoil-sensitive shooter will be bothered by it. Modern Hi Power pistols are also chambered in .40 Smith & Wesson. You will find these guns have a bit more recoil but are still very pleasant to shoot.

Trigger and Accuracy
The Browning Hi Power has a single action trigger that is light and crisp. The trigger pull helps to enhance accuracy, which is excellent in this pistol. The Hi Power has long been praised for precise shooting. Current models are worthy of the same respect.

Reloading and Disassembly
Shooters will soon realize that reloading the Hi Power is typical: press the magazine release button and the magazine will drop free.

Disassembly is not difficult, but it is more complicated than some other pistol designs. The shooter locks the slide to the rear using the safety, not the slide stop. Then the user pushes the slide stop up while pressing the pin from the right side of the pistol. Once loose, the operator can pull the slide stop free and pull the slide assembly off of the pistol.

The recoil spring is not captive, so you have to be careful when reassembling in order to get the spring and guide rod back in the correct alignment.

Reliability and Durability
The durability of the Hi Power is exceptional. Many of the original guns are still being shot today without any loss in accuracy or reliability.

Final Verdict
It really seems Browning got this pistol design right. It is a great balance of power, accuracy and reliability. Add in the pistol’s great lines, and it is a winner by anyone’s definition.

Ranked #5 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Browning Buckmark Review

While the multitude of .22 pistol options available on the market today flood magazines and online advertising with copycat style and look to their higher caliber counterparts, few pistols have a distinct enough look to compare with the Browning Buckmark. A distinct enough look makes the gun (or series of guns) instantly recognizable – as most Browning guns are – but few have the meat to back up the look of a distinct pistol with the features that truly make a plinking pistol a great one.

Ripping open the box and getting our paws on the grips of the Buckmark, we can’t help but feel that the synthetic grips (standard) were injection molded to our hands. Lightweight, balanced, full-fitted, tactile purchase and overall comfort are all things that come to mind when handling the Buckmark. In cold weather it does not get so cold that it is uncomfortable to hold and shoot – one of the great blessings of a synthetic grip. In hot weather the grip contours also prevent slippage if you are prone to sweaty palms.

When it comes to shooting the Buckmark, you will first notice the lovely trigger action that the pistol has – an unfortunate rarity in .22 pistols – and the transitional ease that you will have when switching from controlled, patient shooting to the giggle-inducing rapid-fire that empties a magazine all too quickly. Almost no creep and just the tiniest bit of overtravel makes this one of the best out-of-the-box triggers that we’ve ever had the chance to shoot. A crisp break with every shot and a tactile “click” when the sear resets will spoil you quickly.

Easily shooting 1” groups at 25 feet, ammo is not a huge concern unless you are planning on using the Buckmark for serious competition. Lead of slightly higher quality will make your overall experience a little neater, nicer and tighter, but for plinking anything will work. We recommend using the Federal bulk pack (cheap and on the dirty side) and CCI blazer (almost as cheap and a little less dirty). CCI “standard” through this gun is like premium gas in your high-end car.

So far the Buckmark seems like the perfect gun. So perfect in fact that you’d think we had stock in the company. But, we must point out the closeted skeleton of the Buckmark. Disassembly and cleaning.

The whole process of takedown and cleaning of the Buckmark Standard, while not involving an inordinate amount of parts, is still akin to self-dental surgery. Once the screws and lock-washers are out and placed somewhere safe, the mainspring carefully removed and set aside, the plastic buffer mounted in the slide removed and placed with the safety of the screws, the slide removed and, if necessary, the barrel removed, then you can finally start cleaning.

The blowback design of where the slide meets the frame is best described as “flat metal surface against flat metal surface”. This means that both flat metal surfaces are going to have hot gunk smashed in between them again and again, every time the gun fires. The problem? Hot gunk gets everywhere and gets hard. You will need some serious solvent and good cleaning technique to get this baby spic and span. A good set of plastic or metal pics is a good investment for this pistol. There are lots of nooks and crannies to get gooped up. Oh, and be sure to clean all the parts you took off as well. Don’t drop them on the floor where the cat can swat them under the heating unit. Then you can try to put it all back together.

The same design that makes the Buckmark a good shooter and a bad cleaner is also responsible for the one other tiny flaw we found in this slugthrower, and that is a question of reliability. You see, because of the inherent dirtiness of .22 ammo, the aforementioned goop will get all over the action in the pistol. The extractor and ejector can have some issues when you have “forgotten” to clean this pistol a few hundred rounds ago. Misfeeds, stovepipes, non-ejections and erectile dysfunction can all occur due to unsanitary habits with the Buckmark. So, make sure you keep the gun clean if you want to be a happy shooter.

That all being said, let’s get back to the good stuff, why don’t we? Durability! Can this pistol take a pounding? Yes and no.

This gun is a Browning. Aside from being exceptionally well built, it is not a “cheap” gun and replacement parts can be just shy of a mortgage payment if you really want to put things to the grinding wheel. Our advice? While it probably can take a fall or two (hopefully not loaded though), why take the chance. Like with any pistol, a delicate touch dictates the difference between years of good service and months of good service.

As far as accessories go, you’ve got way more than you could ever fit on a dozen guns. A few simple internet searches will show you things that can make your gun completely unrecognizable to you.

The big, final and most important question – Is it a fun gun for plinking? Yes! Especially for the money you will spend, the unmodified Browning Buckmark is definitely a fun, reliable and versatile .22 pistol that is great for beginners, gun nuts, young shooters, early competition shooters or old crabby men. You ladies–yeah, there are pink grips for it too. Trust us, you’ll love this gun.

Ranked #1 of 7 in our Best 22 Pistol Comparison

SIG Sauer P220 Review

The SIG Sauer P220 was introduced in 1976, as a full sized handgun that launched the company to the forefront of modern pistol design. This pistol is extremely accurate and easy to operate. This design influenced many future pistols including the top metal-framed pistol: the P226.

Today, you can find the P220 is available in .45 ACP. A European version of the P220 is available in 9mm as a competition pistol. In the past, the P220 was also available in .38 Super. The vast majority of the pistols have been made in .45 caliber.

Ergonomics and Recoil
Most shooters will find that the P220 has very good ergonomics, fitting most hand sizes without a problem. The good grip works with the pistol’s size and SIG engineered it to create very mild recoil. Some claim the .45 ACP is a hard-recoiling cartridge, but most shooters rarely notice the recoil when shooting this pistol.

Trigger and Accuracy
You will find the accuracy of the P220 is exceptional. Sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards are readily made without the use of a rest. Like other traditional SIG Sauer pistols, the trigger options are double-action/single-action, single-action, double-action-only and DAK (double-action, Kellerman.)

Reloading and Disassembly
You will find that all modern P220 pistols use a push-button magazine release on the left side of the pistol. Once you push the button, the magazines all drop free. Older P220 pistols made in the 1970’s and 1980’s were made with either a button magazine release or a heel clip release. The heel clip release pistols were primarily found on European guns and not many were imported into the United States.

Like other traditional SIG handguns, you will find that taking the gun down is a straightforward process. The shooter should clear the weapon, lock the slide to the back and rotate the slide release lever down, perpendicular to the slide. Once done, the shooter merely eases the slide forward and off of the rails.

Reliability and Durability
SIG handguns enjoy a reputation of being ultra-reliable. Shooters find that this gun is no different, in fact, it helped build the legend. The P220 has seen action in combat all over the world, and it has proved itself as a superior performer. The guns are very durable and easily withstand anything thrown at them.

Final Verdict
The SIG Sauer P220 is a rock solid handgun. A shooter looking for a full size handgun with a metal frame that is chambered in .45 ACP would do well to consider this pistol. It will not fail when called upon.

Ranked #3 of 10 in our Best Metal Handgun Comparison

Smith & Wesson 642 Review

The S&W 642 is a great gun, right out of the box. In this article I will discuss the specifications and why I choose this gun for my concealed carry weapon.

Out of the box, my gunsmith measured the trigger pull at 11 pounds, which is challenging, but a heavier trigger is considered preferable on a carry gun. The trigger is also a little gritty, which was easily remedied by partially disassembling it and polishing some of the moving parts.

I have to bring my finger in past the first knuckle to get enough leverage to pull the trigger, which pinches my fingertip between the back of the trigger and the trigger guard. I suspect this will improve with dry fire practice. However, I did not purchase this firearm to be a pleasure-shooter, I purchased it to save my life should the need arise, so this is not a major concern. The trigger pull may be challenging but it is still easier than racking the slide of most light carry pistols that I have handled.

The rear sight is fixed and the front sight is integral so visibility is not its strong suit. The front sight could be painted to increase visibility, my personal favorite is pink nail polish, but so many self-defense situations are so close and are over so quickly that aiming is often not an option. My gunsmith suggested getting laser grip sights, which would make quick work of aiming.

At about 10 yards the 642 shoots low but at about 5 yards it shoots true. This is no surprise considering the barrel is only 1.875” and was designed for self-defense, which usually happens within 3-5 yards.

I am not very strong so I do not want my carry gun to be a punishment to shoot. Because the 642 is so lightweight and is chambered in a relatively large round, there is conceivably a lot of recoil for the shooter to absorb. The entire first cylinder that I fired was to test recoil. I pointed the 642 down range in the vicinity of the target, wrenched my face into an anticipatory grimace, and pulled the trigger. The 642 passed the test with flying colors. The recoil is substantial but manageable. The recoil pushes the gun back into your hand and twists a little. The muzzle did not try to flip way up and it did not feel like it was going to fly out of my hand.

The Smith & Wesson 642 because it is light in my holster, does not take my hand off when I shoot it, is affordably priced, is easily concealed, and is chambered in a decently large round which makes me feel safer. The 11 pound trigger pull and low profile sights are challenging and the pinch that the trigger gives my fingertip is quite annoying. Essentially the pros far outweigh the cons with this gun; it beautifully and efficiently does what it was designed to do. I recommend the Smith & Wesson 642 to anyone who enjoys shooting.