Welcome to the fourth annual edition of Ballistic’s Best Guns Of The Year Awards issue. Let us nutshell the mission for first-timers. We utilized 10 three- to five-man groups of firearms evaluators to testfire the newest and the best guns within 10 specific gun categories. Every gun in every category was awarded points based on nine criteria. All guns within a category get ranked based on the total points awarded. The maximum final score is 45. This year we had no ties. Ten categories, 10 total winners. This is Ballistic’s Best 2021.
Ballistic’s Best 2021 Winners
As you’ll note from our covers, the total number of guns reviewed in this 164-page special is a whopping 80. And since 2021 was another record-breaking year for new gun owners in the market, this awards magazine is a valuable resource for those looking to purchase new firearms—no matter what type.
We’ve got handguns, semi-auto rifles, bolt-actions for both competition and hunting, shotguns, plus reports on the ammo and optics you’ll need to run those guns to the fullest!
Full-Size Handgun: CZ-USA TS2
During testing, the CZ TS2 scored incredibly high across the board. It proved one of the best out-of-the-box pistols, in terms of performance, manufactured today. The pistol carries CZ’s tradition of excellence, making on wonder what will come next. (cz-usa.com)
Runner-Up: Canik METE SFx
The Canik METE SFx nearly stole the show, delivering superb accuracy and ergonomics. The legit street price of $530 constitutes a real value. The buyer walks away with a ton of included gear to match a pistol loaded with performance and features. (canikusa.com)
Compact Handgun: Wilson Combat SFX9
The Wilson Combat SFX9 brings top-tier components and exceptional craftsmanship. It also delivered on the subtle intangibles shooter look for, ones often hard to describe. But when you shoot the SFX9 they become apparent. The pistol comprises a wonderful blend of feature and performance befitting its best of class designation. (wilsoncombat.com)
Runner-Up: Kimber R7 Mako
The R7 Mako proved an incredibly good pistol, and the non-optic version comes it around $599, a great value. It checked all the boxes and remains a quality carry gun complete with extras. One evaluator went so far as to proclaim it his next purchase. (kimberamerica.com)
1911: Nighthawk Custom Delegate
Our tester found the Nighthawk Custom Delegate a “serious piece of machinery.” Wonderfully appointed, the Delegate, available in 9mm and .45 ACP, proved first-class. The Commander-size 1911 features a steel frame and cone-shaped, fully supported barrel. Topped with an optic, it delivered remarkable accuracy during testing. (nighthawkcustom.com)
Runner-Up: Guncrafter Industries FRAG Squared Blackout
The FRAG delivered the lightest trigger pull–2.25 pounds–of all 1911s tested. Built to order, the Guncrafter 1911 commands a high price tag. But it delivered a hair over 1-inch groups at 25 yards during testing. The pistol exhibited incredible fit and finish, sending 9mm rounds right in the X-ring. (guncrafterindustries.com)
Revolver: Colt Anaconda
The evaluators appreciated the ergonomics and trigger on the new Anaconda. It outscored all others in those categories. Slinging Hornady 220-grain FTX loads, the grips and overall weight helped tame the recoil. A solid sight combination accuracy during testing put the famed snake over the top. (colt.com)
Runner-Up: Nighthawk-Korth NXS
Last year, Nighthawk won best revolver for its Korth Mongoose. Now the Korth NXS shines for Nighthawk again this year. The large-frame revolver sported both .357 Magnum and 9mm cylinders that change with an easy push of a button. The 4-inch wheelgun exhibited superior fit and finish, topping the field in accuracy and more. (nighthawkcustom.com)
Large Format 9mm: Wilson Combat AR9
Evaluators found the Wilson Combat AR9 consistently strong during testing. The option to pick a variant utilizing Glock-pattern magazines only added to its appeal. The AR9 comes in both 8- and 11.3-inch models, built to run either Glock, Beretta or Wilson EDC X9 mags, offering tremendous versatility. (wilsoncombat.com)
Runner-Up: Rock River Arms RUK-9BT
The Rock River Arms RUK-9BT features a 4.5-inch barrel. A two-stage Rock River trigger and flip-up polymer battle sights pair with an SB Tactical SBA3 arm brace. It comes with two 17-round Glock-style magazines. At $1,395, in terms of balance versus cost, the RUK-9BT excelled in this category. (rockriverarms.com)
Non-Traditional Shotgun: IWI Tavor TS12
Arguably the blockiest, least stylized, the IWI Tavor TS12 comes packed with features. The shotgun utilizes three rotating magazine tubes, bringing the bullpup capacity to 15+1. M-LOK slots cover both side, while a full-length Picatinny rail atop enables mounting loads of accessories. A non-reciprocating charging handle scored well. Better still, it ran everything and produced stellar accuracy with slugs at 15-yard testing. (iwi.us)
Runner-Up: SDS Imports Lynx 12
The Lynx 12 flat out performed during testing. Grouping tore one ragged hole with slugs at 15 yards. Evaluators found the shotgun handled well, running Saiga-pattern magazines withing the four-piston gas system design. Box-fed magazines remain on the rise, and this AK-inspired 12-gauge delivered. (sdsimports.com)
Budget AR: Palmetto State Armory 18-Inch
The value here simply couldn’t be matched. But don’t think because its affordable that the PSA 18-inch didn’t perform. A kit-gun offered by PSA, the 18-inch variant PSA-18 shined during testing, with a price of $899. It features Magpul furniture and a enhanced, polished trigger. Better still, it delivered 1-inch accuracy at 100 yards. (palmettostatearmory.com)
Runner-Up: North Star Arms NS-15
The NS-15, priced at $1,099, delivered solid performance. It produced 1-inch groups with ease at 100 yards. It comes with Hogue furniture and a QPQ-coated HBAR barrel from Ballistic Advantage. A new offering to the AR world, North Star made a splash here with its first offering. (northstararms.com)
High-End AR: ZEV Technologies Core Elite
The ZEV Core Elite comprises a legit rifle system, one extremely well-suited for duty, defense or elite competition. Forged upper and lower receivers mate with a Zev custom 416R 16-inch fluted match barrel. The eye-popping bronze PVD coating only gets out-paced by its performance. A 1:7 twist and mid-length gas system contribute to the most accurate shooter in the bunch. (zevtechnologies.com)
Runner-Up: Wilson Combat Ranger
The Ranger also delivered incredible accuracy during testing. Fully loaded, the rifle comprises a fast-handling package, truly capable of any pursuit. Chambered in 300 HAM’R, it doubles for defense and hunting, bringing power to the platform. An improved trigger, mid-length gas system and nickel boron bolt carrier highlight the Ranger. (wilsoncombat.com)
Hunting Rifle: Tikka T3x Super Varmint
Chambered in 6.5 PRC, the T3x Super Varmint delivers on both form and function. It delivers modularity with interchangeable pistol grips and fore end adjustment. The 23 5/8-inch heavy varmint contour barrel helps deliver tremendous accuracy. We held under 0.75-MOA at 100 yards, while our smallest test group measured a mere 0.669 inches. (tikka.fi)
Runner-Up: Bergara B-14 Wilderness
Known for quality barrels, Bergara’s bolt-action rifles continue to grow in popularity. The B-14 Wilderness comes chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. A smooth bolt throw, adjustable comb and molded mini-chassis caught our evaluators’ eyes. Then it delivered 1.17-MOA accuracy at 100 yards, and we knew it was legit. (bergarausa.com)
Precision Rifle: Accuracy International AT-X
The AT-X comprises a “proper, competition-ready rifle” from Accuracy International. And our evaluators found this one has it all. It features a robust, six-lug, 60-degree throw action. A two-stage competition trigger and fully adjustable stock enable shooters to really dial in. It comes with all the bells and whistle, for serious shooters. (accuracyinternational.com)
Runner-Up: Falkor ROC
The ROC, or Recoil Optimized Chassis, delivered the goods as well. A slick action, modularity, effective muzzle brake and Dracos barrel all stood out. Overall, it proved an out-of-the-box ready platform ready to do serious work, only narrowly eclipsed in scoring by the AI. (falkordefense.com)
To see the entire testing protocol, complete with accuracy results and data, check out the Ballistic’s Best 2021 issue of Ballistic Magazine. Get your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
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