SHOT Show in review: Top 5 new handguns for 2017

Though SHOT Show is jam-packed with pistols of every variety, there are always a few in particular that generate the biggest buzz and offer consumers the most bang for their buck. Guns.com walked the seemingly endless row of booths last week and whittled through the handgun hype to bring you our list of the top five pistols out of SHOT Show 2017.

1. Hudson Manufacturing H9 

Hudson Mfg makes a splash with their new H9 hybrid pistol (PHOTOS+ VIDEO)

The H9’s ability to mesh a 1911 and a striker fire pistol into one package won it major points at SHOT Show. (Photo: Chris Eger)

Hudson Manufacturing’s H9 grabs the top spot as it was the most talked about pistol on the SHOT Show floor. The 9mm melds striker fire reliability with 1911 style. With a barrel length of 4.28-inches and clean trigger break between 4.5 and 5 pounds, it’s no wonder the 15-round capacity, double stack pistol was the talk of the town. Though it retails on the high end of our list, coming in at $1,147, the H9’s innovative design makes it well worth the hefty price tag.

2. Avidity Arms PD10 

The PD10's ability to mold into just about any hand earns it a place at number two on our list. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

The PD10’s ability to mold into just about any hand earns it a place at number two on our list. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Avidity Arms’ PD10 takes the number two spot on our list due to its adaptability. The 9mm, single stack design is engineered to fit a variety of hands. As patron after patron waltzed into Avidity’s booth and took the PD10 for a test run, each one remarked at how comfortable the pistol felt to hold. Featuring a 4-inch barrel and 10+1 capacity, the PD10 may give Glock and Springfield a run for the money. The PD10 will be out later this year with a price tag of $499.

3. CZ P-10C

CZ's P10-C may look like a standard striker fired, but it had one of the best triggers we felt at SHOT Show. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

CZ’s P10-C may look like a standard striker-fired, but it had one of the best triggers we felt at SHOT Show. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

CZ quietly entered the striker-fire market with the P-10C, announced earlier this month, but the gun proved why it deserved a little more attention. Offered in both 9mm and .40, the P-10C has one of the best fresh-from-the-factory, striker-fired triggers we’ve tested. With a smooth, crisp break of 4 to 4.5 pounds, the P-10C put us under its spell. Offering a 15+1 capacity with the standard magazine and 17+1 with the extended mag, the $499 pistol is priced just right to do well against its striker-fire competition.

4. Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0

The S&W M&P 2.0 is front-and-center in all the company's displays at SHOT 2017. (Photo: Kristin Alberts)

The M&P 2.0 in flat dark earth caught our attention with its crisp, light trigger pull and audible reset as well as a comfortable grip. (Photo: Kristin Alberts)

Smith & Wesson earns marks for the reinvigorated M&P pistol line. The M&P 2.0 is offered in 9mm, 40 S&W and .45 ACP. The aggressively textured striker fire pistol features an upgraded, crisper trigger and audible reset — features we loved on the range. In addition, Smith & Wesson is targeting shooters of all sizes by providing interchangeable palm swell inserts. The M&P 2.0 lands at $599.

5. Taurus Spectrum

The Taurus makes our list for its bright, funky style and slim, compact design. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

The Taurus makes our list for its bright, funky style and slim, compact design. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Taurus’ Spectrum, chambered in .380, earns its spot on the list for its extra concealable attributes and colorful style. Taurus’ foray into brightly colored micro-pistols made a splash last week with attendees, with the overrun by patrons vying for a look at the “fun” pistols.  The 6-round capacity, single stack pistol features a 7 to 9-poundd trigger pull and 5.40-inch overall length. Retailing for a cool $305, the Spectrums look like to be just what Taurus needs to recapture consumers.

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