The National Shooting Sports Federation’s (NSSF) annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show showcased a countless number of firearms, gear and more. Located in Las Vegas, Nev., roughly 60,000 Second Amendment-supporting, freedom-loving attendees gathered to see the latest and greatest tools of freedom.
Firearms are our tools for defending freedom and liberty against those with ill intentions who would do harm unto others. By this token, gun rights have also become women’s rights. These tools that we choose to carry are the great equalizer in any situation.
Among these tools of freedom at SHOT Show were a number of firearms that are excellent for concealed-carry and self-defense purposes. Though far from an exhaustive list, some of the highlights from the 2020 SHOT Show include the firearms below:
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a micro-compact pistol that is a great option for an everyday-carry gun. Loaded with features, this pistol doesn’t sacrifice functionality or capacity despite its size. The sights are excellent, especially when transitioning between bright and dark conditions. Standing at just four inches, this micro-compact is an all-around winner. It will create hell for anyone on the receiving end without inflicting hell on the user.
Look for a detailed review of the Springfield Armory Hellcat in the next issue of America’s 1st Freedom.
This .380 ACP compact-carry pistol from Walther Arms follows in the steps of its previous 9 mm incarnation. Much like the previous version, this soft-shooting pistol has a tame recoil while maintaining the dimensions and features of the past iteration. This new option reduces the recoil felt by the shooter and allows for longer practice sessions, which improve both the shooter’s accuracy and confidence. When using a firearm under pressure in a self-defense situation, these changes can make all the difference.
Having found success with their earlier pistol, the MC1sc, Mossberg’s MC2c was an eagerly awaited follow-up. Whereas the MC1sc was a single-stack subcompact pistol, the MC2c is a double-stack compact, as the name suggests. Everything that was good about the predecessor was carried over to the MC2c, with welcome additions. This compact pistol features a 13-round flush-fit magazine or a larger, 15-round alternative. Smaller and slimmer than many other similar compact-size pistols, it’s easy to see why this one is a great choice for your everyday-carry gun.
This offering from Kel-Tec is an ideal size for a concealed-carry firearm. What sets it apart is that it boasts quite the capacity for a .22 LR handgun with a 16-round magazine, plus one in the chamber for a 17-round total (hence the name), and it comes with three of them. Its lightweight frame – under ¾ a pound unloaded – also makes it a clear winner for concealed carry. The P17 is accessory-ready straight out of the box with a standard Picatinny-style rail and threaded barrel. To boot, it’s incredibly affordable and a standout for concealed-carry purposes.
The M&P 380 Shield EZ from Smith & Wesson was a large success in years past. Accordingly, the company expanded its Shield EZ lineup and added a 9 mm model. Enter the M&P9 Shield EZ. It features everything that made the .380 version popular, has an 8+1 capacity and is only a few ounces heavier. This self-defense firearm is able to be easily handled by those sensitive to recoil and, as such, speaks for itself as a viable carry option.
