SHOT Show 2024: Top 5 Pistols Hitting the Market This Year
SHOT Show 2024 was one for the books – and the Vedder Holsters team was boots on the ground at the event to check out all the latest and greatest products in the world of firearms.
There were a ton of awesome new handguns this year (as always) though some stood out more than others. So, here are our picks for the top five pistols at SHOT Show that you may want to get your hands on this year.
1. Daniel Defense H9
The Daniel Defense H9 has by far been one of the most talked about products at SHOT Show 2024 – and it doesn’t take a genius to understand why. The H9 is the very first handgun released by the company, which is known for its AR15-style rifles.
Taking everything we love about the 1911 and rolling it into a compact striker-fired design, the USA-made Daniel H9 does not disappoint. The H9 is chambered in 9mm and features a straight-pullback trigger, ambidextrous controls, an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, and a 15-round capacity. With a modular design allowing for easy customization, this pistol comes ready to go with a STANAG 4694 accessory rail and an optics-ready configuration.
Weighing 29.6 ounces and measuring 5.12 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 7.69 inches long with a barrel length of 4.28 inches, the Daniel Defense H9 will retail at $1,299 when it is officially released later this year.
2. Staccato C
It’s a pretty safe bet that anything coming from Staccato is going to be an instant hit. And this summer, the highly anticipated Staccato C is going to be released to the public starting at $2,599.
This all-purpose handgun is chambered in 9mm and comes with two 16-round magazines. It’s the perfect size for concealed carry while remaining large enough to reliably use as a duty or home-defense pistol. Measuring 5.6 inches tall, 1.45 inches wide, and 7.6 inches long with a 4-inch bull barrel, the Staccato C’s 7075 aluminum frame weighs only 26 ounces.
This latest Staccato handgun features a 4-inch toolless recoil system, a crisp action pull, an external extractor, and a wide range of customization options. It will be available to the public later this year, and if you want to get your hands on one, you’d better keep a close eye as these are bound to go fast!
3. Beretta 30X Tomcat Series
The Beretta Tomcat series has long been a popular choice as a micro-compact concealed carry and backup gun. And this year, Beretta unveiled a revamped version of the Tomcat featuring its signature “effortless loading” tip-up barrel system.
There are two versions of the new 30X Tomcat, including the “Just in Case” model and the “Get Home Bag,” both retailing at $599.99. The main difference between the two is that the Just in Case model is slightly smaller.
The new Tomcat is chambered in .32 ACP and weighs around 16 ounces. It has an impressive-for-its-size 8-round capacity and features a skeletonized trigger and hammer for a lighter pull, repositioned controls for better accessibility, and a push-button mechanism that eliminates the need to rack the slide. You can’t beat it for pocket carry or as a discreet backup weapon, especially if you’re looking for something easy to manipulate.
4. SDS Imports Inglis GP-35
In an exciting turn of events, Inglis is bringing back the Hi-Power in a revamped, budget-friendly pistol that military and history buffs have long been waiting for. The 9mm Inglis GP-35 is not only high-quality, but it’s a stunning piece of craftsmanship that we definitely want in our collection.
The P-35 is built using forged components and a 4140 forged carbon steel barrel for durability and accuracy. It has a hard chrome finish and a Turkish walnut G10 grip and features Browning dovetail cut sights, a ring hammer, and an extended ambidextrous safety, all for a shocking $649.99.
Plus, the new Hi-Power is fairly compact, with a 4.7-inch twist button-rifled barrel and a 15-round capacity. Whether you’re looking for a new pistol for your collection or to show off at the range, the Hi-Power Inglis GP-35 is a new release to be excited about.
5. Lipsey’s Exclusive Smith and Wesson Ultimate Carry J-Frame
We love all things Smith & Wesson. And we also love a quality J-Frame revolver. At this year’s SHOT Show, wholesale firearms distributor Lipsey’s announced they’re rolling out an exclusive Smith & Wesson Ultimate Carry J-Frame for all your lightweight revolver needs.
This model will be available in a few different calibers and sizes, including a 5-shot .38 Special or 6-shot .32 H&R Magnum both of which come with your choice of a black or black cherry VS G10 grip.
Coming standard with an XS Tritium front sight and a dovetailed u-notch rear sight, this revolver features a “high horn” grip for added comfort, an improved trigger for better accuracy, and a lightweight no-lock Airweight aluminum frame, resulting in a handgun that weighs only 16 ounces. And the best part is, this J-Frame is pretty affordable at only $759, which is part of why it stood out to so many people at SHOT Show this year.
Summary
Even though there were so many new products to browse at SHOT Show 2024, we did have a few favorites. If you like any of the above models, keep an eye on the manufacturer’s website or wait for them to hit the shelves of your local gun store later this year.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster for a pistol you already have, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.
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