Open-Source Guns

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 6/23/14

UPDATE: 1/6/24

The battle of the open-source guns. Which is better? Which is the leader? Which is more storied? Which is for you?

What are we talking about? The Colt 1911 and the Česká zbrojovka 75.

Two great guns. Does there need to be winner?

Oh, wait a second. Since I originally published this, one thing has happened that has supposedly shaken the open-source gun market. Glock clones have entered the fray. And I have no idea when that started. 

Credit: Palmetto State Armory

NEXT: History

Replacement Carry Gun (Part 1)

The Premise

I've always wanted to get a subcompact like a Glock G26 or - later - a microcompact like the SIG P365. Well, I've never been too quick obtaining a sight picture with really short-barrel handguns. And by fiddling around with my Ruger P95, I realized that I don't have much of a problem with concealing a "full height," "full length" pistol. I canted the pistol just so and viola it disappeared. But it was the width that was giving me grief. The Ruger P95 just dug into me. The thing is just so damn thick with levers and stuff sticking out all over the place.

So I'm now looking for a pistol that is a just about as big but thinner. And of course, there will be other criteria. Let me see ...

Decent capacity. Let's say 10+.

Fits my hand.

Reliable.

Decent sights.

Weight.

Easy on the wallet.

Easy on the eyes.

The (Possible) Choices

Avidity Arms PD10

1911

SIG P365 XL

Ruger Security 9

Glock G43X

Kahr C9

NEXT POST : Replacement Carry Gun: The One To Be Replaced (Part 2)