Called the "Evolution" internally by Beretta during its development, the new Vertec pistol is basically just that, a model 92/96 updated with the latest features, like an accessory mounting rail on the dustcover, removable front sight, , flush-fitting 4.7" stainless barrel ala the "Elite" series, beveled magazine well, and dual-textured thin polymer grips. The standard version of the Vertec will …

LDA stands for “Light Double Action”. Before I tried one of Para-Ordnance’s LDA’s for myself, I have to say that I wasn’t very interested in the concept of a double-action-only .45. The truth is, I felt that it was a solution to a non-existent problem, since I happen to be a single-action proponent. However, now that I’ve sampled it, I …

Ned Christiansen of Michiguns Ltd. seems to be doing some interesting work on Springfield Operators. When you follow the link below to the photos, pay particular attention to the modifications to the front of the gun(specifically, the dustcover). The shaping/machining work looks to be excellent, and the gun just looks great overall. It should be known that Christiansen does all …

For those of you who don’t know the name Paul Liebenberg, now you do. Paul was the brains and driving force behind the formation of the Performance Center at Smith & Wesson. Now, he has his own shop, called Pistol Dynamics. As Paul’s profile on his website states, "he has built guns for members of the South African Special Forces, …

The mad(or should I say "Mad Dog"?) scientists over at MD Labs have just come out with their custom "Operator" single-stack 1911. The "Operator" is one of their "Hard Use" custom offerings. Basically, the goal behind this gun is to provide the end user with a single-stack 1911 that’s as close to indestructable as possible. To do this, Kevin McClung …

FN has a bunch of new pistols on the table. Perhaps most importantly, they’ve just re-introduced the classic Hi-Power Pistol in Mk III configuration. This, of course, used to be known as the Browning Hi-Power Mk III, but Browning’s name will no longer be on the gun. Now, it’s called the FN HP-SA. FN is apparently working with members of …

For all those Beretta fans out there, Beretta will be releasing their Billenium limited edition very soon. Limited to no more than 2,000 units worldwide, the pistol will be a single action 9mm(w/sweep-down frame-mounted safety) and of all steel construction, with a skeletonized hammer and checkered front and back strap. It will also feature a nickel alloy surface, carbon fiber …

Insight Technology Incorporated has just come out with their M6 under-barrel mounted light/laser unit for handguns. The unit integrates a white light illuminator with a visible red laser, all in a compact package. DefRev will be looking to acquire one of these units for testing (probably on a Glock), as soon as possible. You can visit the tacical illuminator page …

Dave Dawson is primarily known for the competition guns he builds for Todd Jarrett. Well, Dave has now come out with what he calls the "Tactical Advantage" pistol. The "Tactical Advantage" is a custom 1911 single-stack defense gun that can also incorporate Dawson’s new "light speed" rail system for mounting a light/laser unit underneath the dust cover. We’ve heard that …

The Optima 2000 sight, currently being marketed by Tasco, appears to be the first red dot sight truly small enough for use on a carry pistol. Right now, it’s the smallest red dot sight on the market, and it’s making a big impact , probably because of it’s carry gun applicability. In the future, DefRev will definitely be putting an …