Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
  • Guns
    • All
    • Class III & More
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    The New Original Henry Rifle.

    New Original Henry Rifle Kicks Off Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series

    The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

    Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

    The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

    Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    The Winchester 88, introduced in 1955, was handsomely embellished with a hand-checkered diamond pattern stock and forend. The first models were chambered in .308 Winchester, the caliber in which most Model 88s are found today.

    Winchester Model 88: Rare, Valuable & Still Used in the Deer Woods

    We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

    Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

    Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

  • Gear
    • All
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

    300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

    The Big Horn Armory AR500 Starter Kit includes 100 rounds of ammo.

    Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Starter Kit Brings Big-Bore Hunting Power

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    The author found the Walker Defense NERO extremely effective.

    VIDEO: The Walker Defense NERO Muzzle Brake Tames Beastly Recoil

    Trijicon REAP IR 60mm mini thermal riflescope, shooting bench, review

    Where Does the $9K Trijicon REAP IR 60mm Rank Amongst Riflescopes?

  • News
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • People
    • Podcasts
    • Rides
    • Survival
    • Tactics & Training
    A man open carries in a Walmart store.

    Mr. Manners: Let’s Have an Open Discussion on Open Carry

    Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

    How to Poop in the Woods

    FUBeAR goes long-range in the April-May 2022 issue of Ballistic Magazine.

    Ballistic Magazine Mascot FUBeAR Goes Long-Range in April-May Issue

    Federal Ammunition: The First Hundred Years celebrates the company anniversary.

    Federal Ammunition Celebrates 100 Years With Coffee Table Book

    Follow these tips to catch more fish.

    Fish On: Use These Simple Lessons to Catch More Fish!

    Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

    The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    Place rocks around your survival campfire.

    50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

  • Videos
    The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

    This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

    This turkey porn video should bring all the hunters to the yard.

    Extra, Extra … Get Your Hot, Wild Turkey Porn Here!?!

    The Walther PDP F-Series was designed for women.

    VIDEO: The Walther PDP F-Series Completely Redefines ‘Women’s Gun’

    New video evidence suggests Alec Baldwin lied about pulling the trigger in fatal Rust shooting.

    Video Shows Alec Baldwin Held Finger on Trigger Before Fatal Shooting

    The Wicked Ridge Raider 400 is perfect for spring turkey season.

    Get on Turkeys Quietly With the Wicked Ridge Raider 400 Crossbow

    The Riflespeed Gas Control System gives user-control in the field.

    Riflespeed Gas Control System: Is This the Ultimate Recoil Management?

    The Vaultek Lifepod features a biometric lock.

    Vaultek LifePod XT Series: Keep Your Gear Safe & Secure in Any Weather

    The new Garmin Tactix 7 Series comes loaded with features.

    Garmin Tactix 7 Series: is this the Ultimate Smart Watch for Outdoorsmen?

    YouTube channel The Collector features $1M gun collection.

    The Collector: New YouTube Channel Shows Off $1M Gun Collection

  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Ballistic Magazine
No Result
View All Result

Ballistic’s Best 2021 Winners Announced for Major Categories

Ballistic Staff by Ballistic Staff
March 25, 2022
in Guns, Handguns, Rifles
0
Ballistic's Best 2021 Winners
2
SHARES
2
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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 2020 awards magazine
RELATED STORY

Ballistic’s Best 2020 Is Here, Plus a Mossberg 500 ATI Tactical Giveaway

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)

CZ-USA TS2

Runner-Up: Canik METE SFx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palmetto State Armory PSA-18

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. (palmettostatearory.com)

Runner-Up: North Star Arms NS-15

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

ZEV 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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ballistic's Best 2021

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

Related Posts

The new Davidson's Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX brings upgrades.

Davidson’s Launches Dark Earth Cerakote Diamondback DBX

We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

Get in the game and shoot a 3-gun competition.

Competition 101: Preparing for Your First 3-Gun Competition

Shooting the Mossberg MC2sc.

Concealed Carry Powerhouse: The Mossberg MC2sc Delivers

Load More

CHECK OUT RELOADING ZONE SEASON 2

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

by Ballistic Staff
May 17, 2022
0

Long live the lever-gun! Marlin made a big announcement today, marking the return of the popular...

Read more

TRENDING

The compact 1895 Trapper should be a favorite with hunters.

Marlin 1895 Trapper: The Iconic Lever-Gun in .45-70 Returns!

Shit in the Woods, Wilderness pooping, toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods

We tested 12 compact and micro compact pistols to determine the best carry gun.

Best Concealed Carry Pistols 2022: Compacts & Micros Dominate

We rundown the best hunting rifles seen at SHOT Show 2022.

Here’s 15 of the Best Hunting Rifles Released at SHOT Show 2022

PICK A CATEGORY

SPOTLIGHT

The Terminator Rifle build pays homage to a classic.

This ’40w Plasma’ Terminator Rifle Build is Ready to Take on Skynet!

James Cameron’s Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) had a huge impact on me growing up. I credit...

SHOWCASE: TRAINING AND TACTICS

Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting, pistol

The Guide to Cross-Eye Dominant Shooting

Follow this guide to better shooting on the move.

SHOOTING 101: 3 Keys to Getting Hits While Shooting on the Move

Understanding eye dominance and both eyes open shooting will help you get on target.

VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

Molotov Cocktail defense, antifa

Molotov Cocktail 101: How They’re Made & How to Defend Against Them

How to Survive Waterboarding Torture

Waterboarding 101: What Is Waterboarding and How to Prepare Yourself

The Mantis Blackbeard.

VIDEO: The Mantis Blackbeard AR-15 Trigger Reset System for Dry Fire

What to do during a negligent discharge on the range.

Mister Manners: You’re Downrange Pasting Targets When Shots Are Fired

Riot Survival, Survival Tips, Riot Gear

Mister Manners: How to Avoid Trouble During a Violent Protest

site logo
The Premier Firearms & Survival Magazine
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms Of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • View All Guns
    • Handguns
    • Rifles
    • Class III & More
    • Sponsored
      • SIG Sauer
  • Gear
    • View All Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Knives
    • Suppressors
  • Videos
    • Free Gun Friday
  • More
    • Sweepstakes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • View All Lifestyle
  • People
  • Podcasts
  • Rides
  • Survival
  • Tactics & Training

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.