In partnership with the famed arms designer, John Moses Browning, Belgium's Fabrique Nationale d'Armes of Herstal has been producing semi-auto pistols since the turn of the last century. The company's first pistol, the 7.65mm Pistolet Automatique Browning Mle. 1900 was so popular that in many parts of the world "Browning" became synonymous with "semi-auto pistol." FN's Browning-designed pistol line culminated in the legendary Pistolet Browning Grande Puissance ("Browning High Power Pistol") of 1935, which was so popular that it remains in production today.

FN's U.S. division, FNH USA, was established in 1977 when the company built a factory in Columbia, S.C. Originally established to provide the U.S. armed forces with M240 and M249 machine guns, FNH USA soon started producing smaller arms, including the FNP series of law enforcement duty pistols.

The FNP series of pistols was FN's first entry into the market for modern polymer-framed duty weapons. FNP pistols are hammer fired, have fully ambidextrous controls, and feature replaceable frame rails. They are available in 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP. In 2007 the U.S. Joint Combat Pistol Program was announced to find a .45 caliber pistol for American Special Forces. FNH entered the FNP-45. The program was canceled before a winner was chosen but word is that the FNP performed very well.

A few years ago, FN introduced the successor to the FNP line, the FNX. Like the FNP, the FNX is a hammer-fired, polymer-framed duty pistol with a double-action/single-action trigger system. The latest model in the series is the worthy successor to the FNP-45, the FNX-45.

Familiar Feel

Where the FNX-45 differs from the earlier FNP-45 is in its internal dimensions and in the fact that the magazines have been redesigned for optimal performance with a variety of commercially available ammunition regardless of bullet shape, profile, weight, or ballistics. The redesign of the magazines means that FNP mags will not operate in FNX guns. The FNX-45 is offered in two primary versions, a duty model and a Tactical with a threaded barrel. You can get an FNX-45 in basic black polymer with stainless steel slide or in a two-tone version with an earth-colored polymer frame and a matte black stainless slide. For this test and evaluation FN sent me a black duty model.

There were a few things I liked about the FNX-45 before I even took it out of the box. Heck, I even liked the box, a sturdy plastic hard case. Inside that box were the pistol, three mags, and four interchangeable backstraps. Getting three mags with the pistol is great, since as mentioned, you can't just use FNP mags in the FNX.

The FNX-45 feels very familiar. It has ergonomics and design very similar to those of the FNP line. In other words, after selecting the appropriate interchangeable backstrap for my hand and securing it to the one-piece polymer frame, the FNX felt like an old friend.

Like the FNP, the FNX has replaceable slide rails. This is an interesting feature for a polymer-framed duty pistol that will see a lot of work. Anyone who has put a lot of rounds through polymer-framed pistols will tell you that the slide rails can wear out. On many pistols, that means it's time to buy a new gun. With the FNP and FNX model pistols, it's time for new rails.

In addition to the interchangeable backstraps, I found a lot to like about the FNX's frame design. The grip and the trigger guard both have aggressive checkering to improve recoil control and help keep the pistol secure in your hand, even when you are sweating or wearing tactical gloves. And like most duty pistols now in use, the FNX has an integrated MIL-STD 1913 rail so that you can mount tactical lights, lasers, and other accessories. Thanks to a wide-mouthed magazine well reloads can be accomplished smoothly and positively. Front and rear grasping grooves allow you to retract the slide from various positions, which can be very useful when clearing a malfunction.

Operation and Loading

With a 15-round magazine, the FNX-45 holds more chunky ACP cartridges than any of its polymer compatriots. That sounds like a great idea in theory, but I found the magazines a bit difficult to load to capacity and would like to suggest that FN include a magazine-loading tool with the pistol.

Those officers who are southpaws, or who may have to operate the pistol with their "off" hands, will appreciate that the safety/decocker and magazine release are fully ambidextrous. The manual safety levers on the FNX let you carry the pistol in "cocked and locked" (Condition 1) mode. When the safety lever is pushed down past the "fire" position, it acts as a decocker, letting you safely lower the hammer on a loaded chamber.

The stainless steel slide's large ejection port and heavy-duty extractor ensure that spent cases are removed quickly and reliably. The ejector also functions as a loaded chamber indicator, which gives you a visual and tactical indication of the pistol's condition. As is common on most service pistols today, the FNX-45 uses the three-dot sighting system. Night sights are available as an option.

A four-inch, hammer-forged stainless steel barrel with polished feed ramp and chamber ensures the reliability and accuracy of the FNX-45. A captive recoil spring on a full-length guide rod ensures functioning and consistent lock and has the added advantage of simplifying disassembly.

Breech locking is accomplished by the barrel hood moving up into and bearing on the front edge of the ejection port. When fired, the slide/barrel unit reciprocates to the rear locked together. After a short distance the barrel is cammed down, which allows the slide to continue rearward, extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge case. The recoil spring then pulls the slide forward, stripping the next round from the magazine and chambering it. As the slide goes into battery, the barrel is cammed up, locking it and the slide together again.

Range Drills

My first shots with my test and evaluation FNX-45 told me a lot about the gun. The DA trigger displayed quite a bit of "new gun" stiffness but the SA trigger was excellent, having a bit of take-up before breaking crisply at six pounds. I also found that the three-dot sights were large and easy to acquire and fast to align on target.

Accuracy testing was conducted with three brands of factory ammo with varying bullet weight (See "Shooting the FNX-45" on this page. When fired from a rest at 25 yards all three shot to point of aim and produced extremely impressive groups running in size from 1.7 inches to slightly more than 3 inches. Although FN advertises the FNX-45 as a service-type handgun, I found such performance more akin to one of my tuned competition pistols.

As is my SOP, I set out a pair of combat targets and ran the FNX-45 through a series of offhand drills from seven, 10, and 15 yards. While the pistol's DA trigger pull was on the heavy and gritty side, its excellent ergonomics—and its nice SA trigger pull—enabled me to keep the vast majority of the rounds expended inside the IPSC targets' A scoring zones.

The FNX-45 proved to be a very accurate, reliable pistol during my test firing. I was impressed with the pistol's shooting qualities, especially how well it pointed and the low levels of recoil. The latter permitted me to make fast, follow-up shots with ease. The controls were also well positioned and positive in operation.

It should be noted from the spec sheet that the FNX-45 is a rather large handgun and thus its use in police service would be restricted to holster wear by uniformed officers or by tactical unit personnel, unless, of course, you have some rather "large" plainclothes officers.

Paul Scarlata has served as an auxiliary police officer and is a frequent contributor to POLICE.

FNH USA FNX-45 Duty Pistol Specs:

Caliber: .45 ACP

Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds

Overall Length: 7.85 inches

Width: 1.58 inches

Barrel Length: 4 inches

Weight (empty): 33.2 ounces

Sights: Front: white dot; Rear: dual white dots

Finish: Slide: stainless steel (bright or flat black finish)

Frame: polymer (black or dark earth colors)

Grips: Polymer

Features: Ambidextrous safety/decocking levers, loaded chamber indicator, ambidextrous magazine releases, ambidextrous slide release levers, replaceable slide rails, dual cocking serrations, interchangeable backstraps, two spare magazines, accessory rail, carrying box, lock, owners manual.

Price: $809

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The law, signed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, made California the first state to require micro-stamping, which engraves the gun's serial number on each cartridge. But the legislation specified that it would take effect only when the technology was available and all private patents had expired.

Gun owners group Calguns Foundation tried to forestall the law at one point by paying a $555 fee in an attempt to extend a patent held by the inventor, who wanted it to lapse. Gun manufacturers said the technology was expensive and ineffective, and a National Rifle Association lawyer has threatened a lawsuit.

Read the full San Francisco Chronicle story.

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VIDEO: Colo. Sheriffs Announce Gun-Rights Lawsuit

Nearly nine of 10 Colorado sheriffs have signed onto a lawsuit seeking to overturn a trio of new gun-control laws signed into law in March.

Of the state's 64 sheriffs, 55 support the lawsuit announced Friday that's spearheaded by Weld County Sheriff John Cooke. At a press conference, Sheriff Cooke blasted the laws as unconstitutional and ineffectual.

"For me, this lawsuit is about two things—first, upholding the constitution, which I took an oath to defend just like the other 53 sheriffs. But it's also about public safety. These bills do absolutely nothing to make Colorado a safer place to live, to work, to play or to raise a family."

On the eve of the passage of the laws, Sheriff Cooke announced he and other sheriffs wouldn't enforce the laws, which he deemed unconstitutional gun control. Oath Keepers Colorado released a statement Friday lauding the lawsuit and saying the group is "pleased by this kind of patriotism displayed by county sheriffs."

On March 20, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed three laws that would limit ammunition magazines to 15 rounds, require universal background checks for gun sales and transfers, and require customers to pay for the cost of background checks.

Only nine Colorado sheriffs haven't endorsed the challenge, including Denver County Sheriff Gary Wilson.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the sheriffs by the Independence Institute. Read the full complaint here.

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The 7TS injection-molded holster is constructed of SafariSeven material, a proprietary nylon blend from DuPont that's non-abrasive to the weapon's finish. The 7TS holsters can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit and heat that reaches up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 7TS line incorporates certain "corrugated" patterns into the holster's interior and also features built-in "risers" inside the holster specifically to ensure minimal contact of the weapon while in the holster. This creates air space around the pistol, allowing dirt and moisture to quickly clear any contact with the firearm.

The SafariSeven material is nylon and doesn't contain any other filler material. The holster can be submerged in water indefinitely and still maintain shape and function. The matte finish decreases reflection and can be cleared of scratches with a scouring pad.

Initial models offered consist of three concealment holsters and two tactical thigh rigs. These 7TS holsters incorporate the proven ALS internal retention system that provides excellent weapon retention and offers a straight-up draw once the user activates the release. These models are compatible with all Safariland holster mounting options.

Safariland is offering fits for the Beretta 92 9mm and Glock G17 (9mm) or G22 (.40 S&W). Additional fits and models that include ALS uniformed duty holsters, SLS duty and tactical holsters and ALS/SLS duty and tactical holsters will be available in the near future.

The 7TS holsters range in price from $45.50 to $149.50.

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Earlier this month, the City Council approved the initiative that would go into effect by August, reports the Aransas Pass Progress.

To carry a concealed weapon, employees would be required to obtain a license, pay for a psychological exam, and participate in firearms training at the police department.

"People need to understand the average response time for police is five minutes," Police Chief Eric Blanchard told the Progress. "That means people have to fend for themselves until police arrive on the scene."

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That's when—as claimed in a lawsuit against the city of Riverside, its mayor, and two police officers—Call said he was illegally detained and briefly had his gun confiscated. Call is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of $3.6 million in a lawsuit field in the United States District Court/Southern District of Ohio in Dayton.

But Riverside police Chief Mark Reiss said his officers acted correctly and all Call had to do was cooperate.

"Had he been truthful with the police and simply provided his identification so that they could have quickly ran it, that encounter would have been over very quickly, within a minute or two," Reiss said.

Read the full Dayton Daily News story here. View dash-cam video of the stop posted by Ohioans for Concealed Carry here.

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The incident occurred Monday morning when a middle school student reached for a police officer's gun, reports TV3Winchester. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The officer had been dispatched to the bus to calm down the student. While the officer was sitting next to him, the student reached over and put his finger on the trigger of the weapon. The bullet went through the seat and hit the floor.

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One of the best retention systems on the market is Blackhawk's SERPA mechanism. Unlike a lot of retention holsters designed for law enforcement, the SERPA actually facilitates a proper drawing motion. The release button on the SERPA is on the side of the holster, and the release and draw motion results in a proper grip and also makes it easy for the shooter to index his or her trigger finger safely alongside the frame and ready to fire.

Because of its innovative design, the SERPA was a hit, and it even won some awards. But there was one drawback to the SERPA retention holster: Its mechanism did not work with most weapon lights. Blackhawk produced a SERPA for pistols with lights, but it would only work with the Blackhawk Xiphos model light. Officers who used popular weapons lights from Streamlight and SureFire could not use Blackhawk retention holsters.

A little more than two years ago, Blackhawk started working on a solution for this problem. Holster developer Eric Yeates and his team of designers produced the Epoch, a new kind of Blackhawk Level III retention holster that works with the market's most popular pistol lights.

Liam Yarbrough, ATK-Blackhawk's product marketing manager for holsters, says Blackhawk decided to develop a new retention holster because of customer demand. "People would come up to us at trade shows and say, 'I love your SERPA holster, but I really want to use my light with it.'"

Creating a holster that would meet that demand was easier said than done. Yarbrough explains that the primary retention system of the SERPA holster could not be modified to work with most weapon lights. "The way the SERPA engages in the trigger guard just doesn't allow for enough purchase with a non-Blackhawk light to use that mechanism. The throw has to be far enough to pass the light and then come back into the trigger guard, which is why the Blackhawk Xiphos was designed with an offset."

Blackhawk decided that the solution was to develop a completely new retention system. The Epoch uses an opposing wedge system that works with most weapon lights.

In the Epoch system, a wedge engages from the side of the holster and locks into the ejection port. The wedge is released when the shooter grips the pistol to draw and pushes down on a plunger with his or her thumb. This releases both of the holster's primary retention mechanisms, the Pivot Guard, which covers the top of the pistol, and the wedge, which locks into the ejection port. In addition to these mechanisms, the holster also features a tension adjustment screw.

The new Blackhawk Epoch holster is available in matte, basket weave, and plain finishes. It is not produced in high gloss because, according to Yarbrough, Blackhawk has not found a manufacturing solution that would meet the requirements of law enforcement. Epoch holsters are expected to ship this summer.

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The company's $32 million expansion plan includes construction of a new building and will begin by June 30. It will be operational by June 30, 2014.

"We continue to invest in all of our manufacturing operations because we are committed to ensuring quality, increasing product availability and improving on-time delivery," said Kevin Miniard, Remington's COO. "Our customers can count on Remington to invest in its manufacturing operations in order to ensure that its facilities are state of the art."

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The new pistols will be issued to officers with the agency's three commissioned divisions that include Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and the Fire Marshal. About 400 commissioned personnel will be issued the weapons.

With enhanced ergonomics and a redesigned recoil assembly system, the Gen4 .40-caliber Glock is a popular option for many U.S. law enforcement agencies. Approximately 65 percent of agencies in the country issue Glock pistols.

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The NRA-ILA dinner and silent auction is held annually at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits as a fundraising event to support the group's legislative, legal, and political efforts.

The limited edition black SCAR 16S is the first in a series of 25 produced. It prominently features the American flag flying into battle leading the charge with "shall not be infringed" engraved above the full text of the Second Amendment. The inscription has been placed above the magazine well and will be presented in a custom-built solid wood display case etched with the inscription: "In case of tyranny, break glass."

FNH will include five 30-round magazines in the package, which is valued at $4,500.

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The butt stock is an adjustable M4 type equipped with storage compartments for two spare Ruger rotary magazines. The pistol grip is designed to allow a height-adjustable accessory monopod with a single-point rest. It can also be used with a bi-pod or forend rest to provide more stability. The monopod is sold separately.

The stock arrives with a reversible Picatinny rail concealed in the forend. When installed with the Picatinny rail up inside the forend, the outside surface matches the rest of the stock. With it reversed, the Picatinny rail is exposed and a bi-pod or other accessories can be attached.

The removable barrel insert allows the stock to fit either standard tapered barrels or 0.920-inch bull barrels.

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The Glock donation comes for the sixth consecutive year at the annual shooting competition for officers to test their skills.

The announcement came at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, that run from Friday through Sunday.

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The limited-production knives feature "B" grade American walnut handles, the same wood used for the iconic Model 1100 stocks, and a laser-etched signature "R" utilizing the same checkering pattern as the Model 1100 shotguns.

The 440A modified stainless steel blade features a nail pull styled after the vent rib of the Model 1100 and a laser-etched "Model 1100 50th Anniversary" inscription. The nickel silver bolsters are serialized from 0001 to 1100. The knife retails for $99.

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The department, which now counts more than 2,100 sworn officers, has ordered 2,600 M&P40 pistols chambered in .40 S&W.

The M&P40 pistol was selected after a testing and evaluation period, which included comparisons with firearms from various competitors. The department chose the Smith & Wesson M&P pistol based on its high level of quality and dependability, according to the company.

In addition to supplying the department with new duty sidearms, Smith & Wesson will support the agency with a variety of additional services including armorers' classes and transitional training for officers. The M&P40 pistols supplied to the San Antonio PD include standard features such as customizable grip inserts, ambidextrous operating features, and the ability to disassemble the firearm without pulling the trigger.

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Instead, the state law, which takes effect later this year, will require that any weapons that come into a city or county's possession be sold off, with the profits to be used to bolster the local treasury.

Read the full Arizona Daily Star story.

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In a statement released Tuesday, the Major City Chiefs Association said several "weak Senators" failed to support expanded background checks and other "common-sense measures." The statement was signed by Charles Ramsay, the group's president and Philadelphia's police commissioner.

On April 17, Senators voted 54-46 on the Manchin-Toomey amendment. The amendment needed 60 votes to move ahead. The legislation would have extended background checks to purchases at gun shows and online retailers. Senators also rejected a new assault weapons ban and magazine capacity limit.

"We looked to the U.S. Senate for courage and leadership on gun violence, to enact reforms that are long overdue," Ramsay wrote. "With 94 % of the public asking for better gun laws, we expected the Senate to do what cops do—protect the public. But a minority of Senators protected themselves instead of the American people. That's a disgrace."

Ramsay said Senators disregarded the wishes of the victims' families from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

"Showing an unprecedented lack of courage, U.S. Senators defied the will of the American people and voted according to their instructions from the Washington gun lobby," Ramsay wrote. "Much was said about the rights of gun owners, but almost nothing was said about the equal rights of the public to be safe from gun violence."

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Redring USA has introduced the Redring Picatinny Rail Adaptor that fits on any tactical shotgun or rifle with a Picatinny rail. The adaptor is made of rugged anodized aluminum and quickly mounts on any Picatinny rail platform with just two screws, according to the company.

The adaptor doesn't affect the balance of the gun or the user's visual plane. The Redring sight allows officers to keep both eyes open while performing room clearing scenarios.

Attached to any patrol or tactical shotgun or rifle, the Redring sight provides officers or security professionals the added edge in a fast paced environment where individual officers are performing room entries or moving through close quarters.

Another important feature of the Redring sight for law enforcement or security operations is the sight adapts to light conditions. In low light, the ring light is weaker and during bright sunlight the ring light is stronger and more visible.

The Redring was originally introduced to help beginner and seasoned shotgun shooters hit more targets successfully through acquiring a better sight picture on a moving target. The Redring is not a sight for aiming but for fast, instinctive shooting by providing the user with another reference point to confidently hit the target, according to the company.

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The Vertical Weapon Storage System can hold large quantities of a single weapon or be configured to store a combination of weapons and gear in a single, secure location. From M4s and pistols to TASERs and ammunition, the AR 190-11 compliant system's components and accessories allow customers to build a system that's right for them, according to the company.

The Vertical Weapon Storage system also provides two pad-lockable points and the ability to bolt or daisy chain with other VWS cabinets; mobility with optional handles, lifting eye, or pallet base; and compatibility with Vidmar XL High Density Storage Drawer Cabinets and other Vidmar systems.

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A federal gun-control law that would have expanded background checks to cover gun shows and online purchases failed to pass in the U.S. Senate today.

Senators voted 54-46 on the Manchin-Toomey amendment named in favor of its chief architects. The amendment needed 60 votes to move ahead. Four Republicans supported it, and four Democrats voted no, reports the Washington Post.

Also defeated was Sen. Dianne Feinstein's amendment to institute a new assault weapons ban and limit on magazine capacity. The Senate also rejected the Grassley amendment that would have required inclusion of criminal and adjudicated mental health records in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NCIS). The Grassley amendment was supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

The NSSF, which puts on the SHOT Show each January, promised to continue support the Grassley amendment to "provide law enforcement with additional tools they need to arrest and prosecute illegal firearms traffickers and straw purchasers."

Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.) announced the deal April 10 as victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting headed to Washington, D.C. to voice support for gun-violence measures.

The National Rifle Association voiced strong opposition to the legislation and Vice President Joe Biden skipped former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's memorial service to lobby his colleagues.

President Obama said the gun lobby and its allies "willfully lied" about the bill, reports the Associated Press.

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Editor's note: View our "SIG Sauer's P224 SAS DAK Pistol" photo gallery for detailed photos of the pistol.

I've been waiting for more than a quarter-century for SIG Sauer to produce a subcompact pistol like the new P224 SAS.

The P224 is basically a P229 that has been cut down to fit the traditional dimensions of a subcompact. It's available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. The SAS (anti-snag) model also features a recessed hammer and a dehorned slide and frame.

To create the P224, SIG did a lot more than just take a saw to the grip, slide assembly, and barrel of a P229. The grip on the P224 is contoured and textured differently than the grip on the larger P229. In addition, SIG does not use screws to secure the plastic, textured one-piece grip to the frame of the P224. This is a worthwhile feature for a pistol that's intended to be carried close to the body because over the years I have noticed that the carbon steel screws that are more commonly used on Classic Series SIG pistols tend to rust when the pistols are carried close to the body or exposed to the elements in a duty holster.

I was impressed with the P224's overall fit, finish, dimensions, and ergonomics. Weighing in at a bit more than 25 ounces when unloaded, the P224 has a 3.5-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.7 inches. At this subcompact size, this pistol still accommodates a double-stack magazine. Magazine capacity for the 9mm is 11 rounds; for the .40 S&W and .357 SIG models it's 10 rounds. That's a lot of bang for a subcompact.

DAK Trigger

The test model sent to me by SIG was a DAK model. I had requested a double-action, single-action model. So when I first opened the box I wasn't happy.

DAK stands for "Double Action Kellerman," named for the SIG designer who created the trigger system. A DAK trigger system has an initial trigger pull of between 5.5 pounds and 6.5 pounds, with follow-up shots at 4.4 pounds. It also has a slightly different trigger reset than a DA/SA model, and I wasn't sure that I'd like the DAK, considering all of the time I have spent shooting Classic Series DA/SA SIG pistols.

I've also had a problem in the past with the consistency of DAK pistols. Over the years I have noticed that a DAK trigger on one Classic Series SIG pistol feels a bit different than a DAK trigger on other SIGs. I suspect this is the case because different SIG pistols have different ergonomics. For example, if you install rubber grips on a Classic Series SIG pistol, you can change the reach to the trigger. While such differences may be subtle, they can affect different shooters in different ways and to different degrees.

Another concern that I had about the test model that SIG sent me was the caliber. I had requested a 9mm because I was concerned about the recoil of a heavier caliber in a subcompact pistol with a short cut-down grip and how it could affect my slightly arthritic hands, especially when firing snappier service ammunition.

No Hiccups

All of my concerns were alleviated the second I emptied the first 10-round magazine of 180-grain Winchester FMJ white box ammunition at a TQ19 POST Police Firearms Qualification Target that was positioned 21 feet away. After firing one box of Winchester FMJ, I also test fired the P224 using some 180-grain Winchester Ranger SXT hollow-point ammunition with nickel cases. Once again I was impressed. The P224 digested the .40 S&W caliber service ammunition without any noticeable difference in felt recoil. Five magazines later the torso area of my target was riddled with bullet holes, except for one flyer, which was obviously my fault.

Even when I kicked things up a notch and shot some snappy 155-grain .40 S&W Speer Gold Dot hollow-points, the P224 was well behaved and extremely accurate. I walked back to the 25-yard line and proceeded to use this pistol to deliver a number of head shots on a TQ19 "man" target. There was no discernible difference between the way the P224 SAS DAK performed in my hands compared to a larger P229 in the same caliber.

Some officers find it difficult to operate subcompact pistols while wearing gloves. So I wanted to test the P224 while wearing a pair of Blackhawk Aviator Gloves. This range session took place when the temperature plummeted to a frosty 34 degrees. The P224 proved to be easy to manipulate and shoot while wearing gloves.

Despite my initial concerns, I discovered some important advantages to the P224's DAK trigger. I am a huge fan of DA/SA SIGs, but I have to admit that using a SIG pistol with a DAK trigger eliminates any possibility of the operator forgetting to manually lower the cocked hammer on the pistol while operating under an enormous amount of stress. Still, I prefer the DA/SA trigger for quick fire and accurate shot placement. The DAK trigger is a tad slower to cycle. Think of it as a super smooth double-action-only "revolver like" system.

You would think that the DAK's slightly slower cycle would be a disadvantage. But I found it didn't have to be. With practice, I discovered that I could actually use the slight difference in speed between both trigger systems to my advantage by using it to ensure proper sight alignment as I completed the process of cycling the DAK trigger.

After spending a little time with the P224 on the range, I developed a cadence while cycling a DAK trigger that enabled me to deliver accurate shot placement without delay. Even one of my closest friends who carries a popular striker-fired pistol and has almost no experience with a DAK trigger was able to effectively operate the P224 test pistol so well he actually preferred the DAK trigger over a DA/SA SIG.

The P224 also proved to be incredibly well engineered and flawlessly reliable. I attribute this reliability to the fact that the SIG engineers did not simply cut the length of the slide assembly to create a smaller pistol. They understand that the key to insuring functional reliability in a subcompact pistol is to manufacture a recoil spring and a recoil pin that can reliably operate a shorter slide assembly.

Concealed Carry

While field testing the P224 SAS DAK .40, I carried it in an Uncle Mike's inside the pants holster with a DeSantis A01 double magazine belt pouch. I also used a DeSantis Intimidator high ride belt holster that I believe would be ideal for on- or off-duty use.

Even though my initial request was to test a 9mm DA/SA P224 SAS, I am glad that SIG sent me a P224 SAS with a DAK trigger in .40 S&W caliber. Testing this pistol proved to be an eye-opening experience. I found the pistol to be comfortable to shoot, despite its subcompact size and short grip. And my concerns about the DAK trigger system evaporated the second I pulled the trigger on the test pistol. The P224 SAS DAK has now become one of my all-time favorite SIGs. It was well worth the wait.

Nick Jacobellis is a medically retired U.S. Customs Agent and former police officer who was physically disabled in the line of duty while serving as a federal agent.

SIG Sauer P224 SAS DAK Subcompact Specs:

Model: SAS

Caliber: .40 S&W

Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds

Barrel Length: 3.5 inches

Overall Length: 6.7 inches

Height: 4.5 inches

Weight (empty): 25.4 ounces

Trigger System: DAK

Sights: Fixed, or SIGLITE night sights

Slide Finish: Nitron-coated stainless steel

Frame Finish: Black hard coat anodized alloy frame

Price: $1,125

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Parsons allegedly left his .40-caliber Glock 22 pistol on top of a safe in his bedroom on March 11. He left to run errands, and the 15-year-old son of the chief's girlfriend used it to fatally shoot himself, reports CNN.

The chief was charged with violating a New Hampshire statute that requires any person to securely store a firearm when a child is likely to gain access to it without parental or guardian permission.

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A Florida police sergeant was fired Friday for bringing a target with the likeness of Trayvon Martin to a police firing range for firearms training.

One of Port Canaveral Police Sgt. Ron King's fellow officers photographed King with the target and showed the photo to the chief. Kings' fellow officers had refused to use the target.

King, a two-year veteran of the force, attempted to defend his actions in a YouTube video posted Saturday. In the video, King said he never intended the target to be used on the range. King said he wanted "to use a bad situation as a learning tool."

Port Canaveral Interim Chief Executive Officer John Walsh apologized publicly to the Martin family and called King's behavior unacceptable, insensitive and unprofessional, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

"Whether his [King's] act is one of hatred or stupidity, neither one is tolerable," Walsh said.

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Oak Creek (Wis.) Police Officer Savan "Sam" Lenda will be honored as the 2013 winner of the Chudwin Award for Patrol Rifle Excellence for his role in ending the Sikh Temple shooting.

Officer Lenda will be honored at the National Patrol Rifle Conference and Competition in Detroit from June 2-4. The event is put on by Center Mass Inc.

On Aug. 5, 2012, Officer Lenda arrived at the Sike Temple of Wisconsin to find his collegue Lt. Brian Murphy critically wounded by white supremacist Wade Michael Page, who had entered a Sikh temple and shot multiple people.

Page began firing on Officer Lenda's patrol car, forcing the officer to withdrawl to about 75 yards from the shooter. Officer Lenda located, positively identified, and engaged Page with his patrol rifle, killing him and ending the threat. The encounter was captured by Officer Lenda's dashboard camera.

The award is named for Jeff Chudwin, the police chief for the village of Olympia Fields, Ill. Chudwin has been a firearms, use-of-force and emergency response trainer for more than 25 years.

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The Tampa, Fla.,-based firearms manufacturer has dropped law enforcement customers from California, Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, the city of Chicago, and the District of Columbia.

"AdeQ Firearms Company and concerned citizens everywhere have been tracking the disturbing trend by government officials from various states in dismantling individual's Second Amendment rights," the company said in a statement. "We feel that these laws are unconstitutional and take away the basic freedoms guaranteed to every law abiding citizen of the United States."

In February, Olympic Arms announced it would no longer sell its rifles to law enforcement officers in New York, after that state passed an assault weapons ban.

AdeQ Firearms, which primarily produced AR-type rifles, introduced its Vigilum full-sized, 1911-style pistol in September of 2011.

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The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) announced its support for a U.S. Senate proposal that would expand background checks for gun purchases.

The "Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act"—a deal spearheaded by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.)—would expand background checks to gun shows and online purchases.

The legislation would "increase both the coverage and effectiveness of the current background check system and help deny criminals and other prohibited purchasers easy access to firearms," according to an IACP statement.

"Background checks work," said Craig Steckler, IACP's president. "Keeping firearms out of the hands of prohibited purchasers is a key factor in reducing gun violence in our communities and protecting our officers. For far too long, those who were denied the ability to buy a firearm from a commercial dealer were able to secure a weapon at either a gun show, over the internet, or some other form of 'private sale.' Under the provision of Manchin-Toomey, we have the opportunity to finally close many of these loopholes and, as a result, reduce the level of violence faced by our officers and our citizens on a daily basis."

In addition, to announcing its support for Manchin-Toomey, the IACP also reaffirmed its support for the "Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms" Act which will also be considered by the Senate in the near future. This legislation provides law enforcement officials with the tools to investigate and prosecute gun traffickers and straw purchasers, who buy guns for people who are prohibited from obtaining them on their own.

"Straw purchasing and firearms trafficking put guns into the hand of those that are prohibited from possessing them," Steckler added. "The ability to effectively target straw purchasers is critical to protecting our communities."

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The RUAG Swiss P line of products gets an addition. RUAG Ammotec launches a newly developed subsonic ammunition individually adapted to different weapon types, especially for snipers. Particular attention is paid to the barrel length and length of twist to achieve optimal ballistics and perfect precision. The RUAG Swiss P .338 Subsonic is the sniper's choice.

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U.S. Senators reached an agreement that would expand background checks for firearm purchases to limit access to weapons for criminals and the mentally ill.

Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.) spearheaded the deal, reports the New York Times. The deal that will receive a Senate vote on Thursday would expand background checks to gun shows and online purchases. The announcement came as victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting headed to Washington, D.C. to voice support for gun-violence measures.

The National Rifle Association released a statement denouncing the proposed amendment.

"The sad truth is that no background check would have prevented the tragedies in Newtown, Aurora or Tucson," according to the statement. "We need a serious and meaningful solution that addresses crime in cities like Chicago, addresses mental health deficiencies, while at the same time protecting the rights of those of us who are not a danger to anyone."

The New York Police Department has said that 90% of the guns recovered in crimes in the city originate out of state from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. On Wednesday, Commissioner Paul Browne told POLICE Magazine the department supports the measure, but added that it wouldn't address criminal straw purchasers who buy guns in those states.

"The straw purchaser from New York has a criminal record," Browne said. "He's producing the cash for the guns. The only thing he's not doing is filling out the paperwork."

However, Browne said the proposed legislation could prevent gang members or the mentally ill from purchasing pistols or rifles at gun shows if the background checks flag illegal buyers.

"Does that mean it's going to stop everyone from acquiring a gun illegally? Probably not. It would be a check and an opportunity to stop that person from acquiring a gun," Browne added.

Others say expanded background checks will only further push illegal buyers underground.

"Universal background checks won't drastically reduce crime in New York or elsewhere," said Adam Winkler, author and UCLA law professor. "For the hardened criminal, background checks will just push them further into the black market.

By Paul Clinton

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Introduced in February, the bill would amend state law to authorize campus police who complete a firearms training course at the state's municipal police academy to carry weapons on duty, WPRI reports.

A retired police officer, Almeida notes that the recent report of a gunman on the University of Rhode Island's (URI) Kingston campus is reason for the legislation to pass. That report ended up being a Nerf gun. URI President David Dooley and Chairwoman of the Board of Education Eva Marie Mancuso have voiced their support of Almeida's bill.

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Delegate Don Dwyer said the funds would be used to help defeat lawmakers who supported the the Firearm Safety Act of 2013, which would ban magazines that hold more than 10 bullets and ban 45 types of semiautomatic rifles classified as assault weapons. The bill, which still needs the governor's signature, is set to go into effect Oct. 1.

The NRA has vowed to file a legal challenge to the law.

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The NRA has already filed a legal challenge to New York's assault-weapon and high-capacity magazine ban, David Keene told WTOP.

"We are already in court in New York and we will be in court and aiding those in Maryland—and I'm myself a Maryland resident—who want to challenge the constitutionality of this and other provisions here in Maryland," Keene said.

In April, the state's legislature passed the Firearm Safety Act of 2013, which would ban magazines that hold more than 10 bullets and ban 45 types of semiautomatic rifles classified as assault weapons. It's set to go into effect Oct. 1.

Gov. Martin O'Malley does not plan to sign the law until May, reports the Baltimore Sun. The Maryland Attorney General's Office reviews every law for constitutionality before it is signed.

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The founder of Kahr Arms has donated $25,000 to three gun-rights groups to help the firearms industry combat gun-control measures rolling out in several states.

The donation from Justin Moon will be split among the NRA's Firearms Civil Rights Defense Fund, NRA's Freedom Action Foundation, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation's Political Action Committee.

"Educating society and voters regarding the history and background of the Second Amendment is crucial to the survival of our nation as a constitutional republic," said Frank Harris, Kahr's vice president of sales and marketing. "Current events, which brought on the onset of many restrictive new gun laws, do not provide a safer society, but rather they only infringe on the rights of responsible gun owners and violate the principles established by our Founding Fathers."

The NRA's Firearms Civil Rights Defense Fund is supporting the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association's pending lawsuit challenging New York's assault weapons ban.

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The Firearm Safety Act of 2013, which would go into effect Oct. 1, would ban magazines that hold more than 10 bullets and ban 45 types of semiautomatic rifles classified as assault weapons.

The act would also require buyers of guns other than hunting rifles or shotguns to obtain a license. The process would require submitting fingerprints to police, passing classroom and firing-range training, and undergoing more extensive background checks, reports the Washington Post.

Following Gov. O'Malley's signing of the act, Maryland will join California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York as states with the most strict gun laws.

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A Kansas bill legalizing switchblade and stiletto knives headed to Gov. Sam Brownbeck's desk, after the state's Legislature passed it over the objections of law enforcement groups.

The state House approved the bill Thursday, after the state Senate gave its OK on Wednesday. The bill takes switchblades and stilettos off the state’s list of banned weapons, reports the Wichita Eagle.

The knives, which pop a blade out with the push of a button, would still be banned from schools and correctional facilities. But cities and counties could no longer ban them, reports the Eagle.

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Reeling from the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, Connecticut today tightened its gun-control laws as Gov. Dannel Malloy signed into law a stricter assault weapons ban, limit on magazine size, the nation's first dangerous weapon offender registry, and eligibility rules for buying ammunition.

The laws were designed as a response to the killing of 20 children and six educators at the school on Dec. 14. Connecticut joins California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts as states with the strictest controls on weapons, reports the Associated Press.

"We applaud the actions taken by leaders in states like Connecticut, Colorado and New York, and we hope that the Congress is watching," said Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "It is their turn to remember that what they are debating is about preventing the thousands of senseless deaths each year from guns which have fallen into the wrong hands."

Gov. Malloy signed the legislation in Manchester Thursday morning, ahead of a community forum on gun violence prevention, mental health and school safety.

Connecticut's legislation comes on the heels of strict gun control laws passed in Colorado and New York earlier this year. Colorado passed a magazine limit of 15 rounds, while New York's law limits magazines to seven rounds.

The move may cost the state Colt, one of its most historic businesses. In late March, Colt Manufacturing said it would consider relocating if the laws were passed.

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The American Federation of Teachers' Randi Weingarten released a statement Tuesday responding to the NRA's school safety initiative that calls for arming teachers, among other measures, to better secure campuses.

"Today's NRA proposal is a cruel hoax that will fail to keep our children and schools safe," Weingarten said. "It is simply designed to assist gun manufacturers flood the nation and our schools with more guns and large magazine clips, which will simply lead to more violence."

Weingarten pointed to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, saying armed teachers wouldn't have stopped Adam Lanza's rampage. She said the NRA's proposal is meant to "distract the American people from the real, serious gun problem we face in America."

Weingarten also called for "bipartisan, commonsense gun safety legislation, including comprehensive background checks, and a ban on large magazine clips and military assault weapons."

Read Weingarten's full statement here.

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The sheriffs, which include Larimer County's Justin Smith and Weld County's John Cooke, will meet at Fred N. Thomas Memorial Park about a mile from the Denver Police Academy campus where the president's meeting is scheduled. reports the Denver Post.

The sheriffs will also discuss the gun-control laws signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper in March.

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Traditions Tactical of Old Saybrook, Conn., has introduced the AR Marksman and AR Patrolman scopes in addition to screw rings for AR platforms, the company announced.

The AR Marksman scope in matte black is available in 3-12x44 and 4-16x44. The Marksman also includes a parallax adjustment from 10 yards and up. These scopes have an illuminated mil-dot reticle in green and red. Additionally, the Marksman scope has a 30mm tube for maximum light gathering. They retail for $199.99 each.

The AR Patrolman model in matte black is offered in 1-4x24. The scope has an illuminated mil-dot reticle in selectable red or green dot with crosshair, allowing you to shoot with both eyes open for quick target acquisition. Additionally, the Patrolman has an adjustable magnifying ring up to four power and a full 30mm tube for maximum light gathering. The Patrolman retails for $179.99.

Traditions Tactical has also offered four or six screw rings for flattop AR platforms. The oversized hex nut ring bases and hardware provide solid attachment, and the extra-wide ring design securely holds the scope in place. The rings are available in 1 inch or 30mm and heights of medium, high, or extra high. They retail from $19.99 to $25.99 for a pair.

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Shaun McClusky told the Tucson Weekly citizens will receive the shotgun, slugs, and a cleaning kit. They will undergo a background check and training class. McClusky said he has raised $12,000 for the program and plans to hand out three dozen break-action scatter guns.

McClusky is working with the Armed Citizen Project and said he will target the neighborhoods of Pueblo Gardens, Midvale Park, and Grant-Campbell. Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik, who lives in Campbell-Grant, called the plan "absolute lunacy," adding that "these people have lost their minds."

McClusky has questioned the city's funding level for the Tucson Police Department, calling for greater resources for officers.

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Eight Prince William County (Va.) Police officers were refused service Wednesday at the Manassas Buffalo Wild Wings location, because they had their service weapons displayed.

As the officers entered the restaurant, they were asked to secure their weapons before they were served. They were in plain clothes and their badges were displayed, reports Manassas Park Patch.

Scott Lupton, the general manager of the restaurant, later apologized and said the incident was a "huge misunderstanding." Lupton delivered an apology letter to the agency in person.

In January, Belleville (Ill.) Police detectives were asked to leave a Denny's restaurant after a patron complained about a plain-clothes female detective's gun.

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Colt Manufacturing is considering leaving its Connecticut manufacturing plant, following the announcement of a slew of gun-control proposals that has put the company's employees "in the cross-hairs," CEO Dennis Veilleux told Fox News.

Colt, which has produced firearms in Hartford for 175 years, is considering the move because of the pro-gun-control climate created following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown in December.

Proposed laws being debated by the Legislature and pushed by Gov. Dannel Malloy include a new gun offender registry, an expanded assault weapons ban, ammunition restrictions and a ban on bulk purchases of handguns.

The firearms industry contributes $1.7 billion annually to Connecticut's economy.

Earlier this week, Magpul said it will consider leaving Colorado following the passage of three gun-control laws.

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Editor's note: View our "Beretta's 3032 Tomcat Pistol" photo gallery for detailed photos of the pistol.

Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta of Gardone Val Trompia, Brescia, Italy, is one of the world's oldest privately owned firearms manufacturers. Founded by master gunsmith Bartolomeo Beretta in 1526, Beretta's product line has over the centuries included every conceivable type of firearm from the earliest matchlocks to the most modern assault rifles. But since 1915 the company has probably been best known for its handguns.

During World War I Beretta produced a line of blowback-operated 7.65mm (.32 ACP) semi-auto pistols that were widely used by the Italian and various Allied armies. The years after the war saw Beretta develop a series of 6.35mm (.25 ACP), 7.65mm, and 9mm Corto (.380 ACP) pistols that gained worldwide acceptance by civilians, police, and the military. Improved models were introduced at the end of World War II, including subcompact pistols in .22 Short and .22 LR. Then in 1951, the company produced its first locked-breech design in 9mm Parabellum, which evolved into the present day Beretta Model 92.

Today the Model 92 gets all the attention, but Beretta has not forgotten its roots and still offers a number of blowback-operated, sub-compact pistols.

In 1984 the company introduced the Model 21A Bobcat chambered in .22 LR and .25 ACP. The Bobcat was unique among the breed of so-called "mouseguns" in that it had a DA/SA trigger mechanism, but its most revolutionary feature was a tip-up barrel. Of necessity, blowback-operated pistols have rather strong recoil springs and the tip-up barrel allowed the shooter to load and unload the pistol without having to rack the slide. This was not only convenient but a major bonus for those with small or weaker hands.

While the Bobcat proved popular with both armed civilians and as a backup gun with police, there were those who wanted a similarly sized pistol that fired a more powerful cartridge. To address these requests, Beretta introduced the 3032 Tomcat chambered for the .32 ACP.

Developed in the 1890s by John Moses Browning for Fabrique Nationale's Mle. 1900 pistol, the 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP) utilized a semi-rimmed case 17mm long with a 71-grain full-metal-jacketed (FMJ) bullet that is propelled to a muzzle velocity of approximately 900 feet per second.

The .32 ACP was well suited to blowback-operated pistols and was immediately embraced by European military and police forces. In the more turbulent 1990s most European police agencies switched to 9mm pistols, although .32 ACP handguns are still widely used by Continental undercover officers. Before WWII .32 caliber pistols produced in the U.S. by Colt, Harrington & Richardson, Savage, and Remington also saw limited use by American undercover officers.

Tip-Up Barrel

The .32 ACP Beretta Tomcat is an extremely small concealed carry pistol that some officers use for backup and off-duty carry. Features include an alloy frame and forged blue steel slide (stainless steel is optional), external hammer, tip-up barrel, and manual safety. The open top slide—a Beretta feature since 1915—reduces the likelihood of a spent case hanging up during ejection.

To load the Tomcat, you rotate a lever on the left side of the frame, releasing the barrel and allowing it to pivot up. The round is then inserted into the chamber and the barrel pushed down until it locks into the frame once again.

To unload you release the barrel and either pull the loaded cartridge out manually or tilt the muzzle up and let it fall out. The Tomcat lacks an extractor, relying upon expanding powder gases to force the spent case rearward and eject it from the pistol. This means that racking the slide will not remove either unspent or defective cartridges.

Unlike most DA/SA pistols, the Tomcat does not have a hammer drop mechanism, which means that the hammer must be lowered manually (carefully!) on a loaded chamber. An external thumb safety allows the option of cocked-and-locked carry, but Beretta does not recommend it. Note: The safety can be applied with the hammer forward, which prevents hammer and slide movement.

The single column, seven-round magazine is retained by a catch countersunk in the right-hand grip panel and is fitted with an extended base plate for positive extraction.

Really? .32 ACP?

Is a .32 ACP pistol a viable choice for a backup/off duty weapon? That's a question that is not so easy to answer. On the plus side, contemporary self-defense ammunition manufacturers such as Winchester, Speer, Federal, Cor-Bon, and Hornady offer a variety of jacketed hollow point (JHP) .32 ACP rounds that include expanding bullets at higher velocities.

But this leads us to an ammunition controversy. It is held by some that when using the .32 ACP an FMJ projectile is preferred over an expanding JHP bullet. These shooters argue that an FMJ is more likely to penetrate clothing and soft tissue with enough energy remaining to penetrate into vital organs. It has been suggested that with expanding bullets a majority of the projectile's energy will be expended as it travels through clothing and tissues, lessening its chances of damaging vital organs.

On paper the performance of the various JHP loads are similar to that of the FMJ, so it's going to be up to individual officers to decide what best serves their purposes.

Test Firing

The Tomcat I received for this evaluation was a chunky little pistol with a reassuring heft. Ergonomics were excellent, and I really liked that the thumb safety could be manipulated without moving the pistol around in your hand.

The DA trigger stroke was fairly stiff, but considering the ranges the Tomcat is likely to be used at, I do not see that as a downside. According to my RCBS trigger pull scale, the SA trigger broke crisply, after a bit of take up, at six pounds.

My pistol was fitted with the optional Trijicon front sight with a tritium insert for use in low light. The rear sight is a shallow V "express sight" with a white bar. This combination provides very fast sight acquisition and alignment for close range shooting.

Considering the pistol's size, likely use, and the style of the sights, I felt that trying to shoot tight little groups from a rest would be an exercise in futility. Accordingly, test firing consisted of running a series of drills on a combat target at a practical distance of five yards.

I fired the Tomcat in both DA and SA modes, with supported and unsupported (one-handed) grips, and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Every single round I fired found its way into the higher scoring areas of the target. And yes, that's where I was aiming.

Despite my preconceptions, recoil was very controllable and fast, and accurate follow-up shots could be performed effortlessly. Early in the test firing I experienced two failures to chamber with the Winchester ammo, both times the last round in the magazine. After that everything else fed, fired, and ejected smoothly.

I only have two major criticisms about the Tomcat. First, the edges of the trigger are sharp, and I would suggest that Beretta bevel these to correct this problem. Second, I would like to see a finger rest magazine base plate offered as an option. It would not compromise concealability to any degree but would allow a full three-finger grip for enhanced recoil control.

All in all I found the Tomcat to be reliable, compact, easy to conceal, easy to use, and adequately accurate. It fits the bill as a backup or off-duty pistol very well, as long as you understand and accept the limitations of the .32 ACP cartridge.

Paul Scarlata has served as an auxiliary police officer and is a frequent contributor to POLICE.

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Colorado's Gov. John Hickenlooper signed three new gun proposals into law Wednesday, drawing ire from Republicans and warnings from pro-business advocates.

Gov. Hickenlooper signed off on bills that would limit ammunition magazines to 15 rounds, require universal background checks for gun sales and transfers, and require customers to pay for the cost of background checks.

The gun-control laws laws created static with at least two sheriffs. Weld County Sheriff John Cooke and El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said they wouldn't enforce the laws.

Magpul Industries has been preparing to leave its Erie facility, CEO Doug Smith told the Denver Post. The company produces a variety of AR furniture, including its widely popular 30-round PMAGs.

"Large magazines have the potential to turn killers into killing machines," Hickenlooper spokesman Eric Brown told the Post.

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