The video opens at the NRA Show 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, where Kai from Classic Firearms is joined by Taran Butler of Taran Tactical Innovations. Taran is holding a new carry pistol that has not yet been released, the Combat Master X. He explains that this model evolved as a smaller version of the pistol built for the “Ballerina” movie gun, adapted into a slim concealed carry format. The Combat Master X is based on the Glock 43X platform and is presented as a thin, high-capacity carry gun with custom work throughout. Kai notes his existing appreciation for the Glock 43X and sets up the conversation for a detailed walkthrough of the modifications and design choices on this new TTI build.
Taran describes how the Combat Master X slide is reworked with double windows and deeper serrations across the top, with newer versions having even more aggressive serrations. The pistol runs Trijicon night sights, with an orange rear and green front, chosen so the shooter’s eye is drawn to the green front sight while the orange rear remains less intrusive at speed. The gun features a Timney-style defensive trigger that remains relatively heavy for carry use but feels smoother and more refined. A stippled grip job is applied, and Taran explains that instead of adding a separate magwell that can crowd the firing hand, the frame is hand-flared to create a built-in magwell effect that blends into the grip and aids reloads without compromising ergonomics.
The Combat Master X is shown with a 15-round magazine and a 20-round base pad setup to increase capacity while keeping the pistol slim. Taran notes that Taran Tactical is working with Check-Mate to develop a dedicated magazine for this model, which is still in progress, so current builds use existing magazines in the meantime. The slide is topped with a Romeo X optic paired with Trijicon night sights. Taran emphasizes that he dislikes tall co-witness sights that sit high and clutter the optic window. On this build, the sights are kept low so they remain just out of the main optic frame, yet still usable if the dot fails or the battery dies, providing a backup aiming solution without obstructing the Romeo X reticle.
Kai highlights the aggressive but comfortable stippling on the Combat Master X, noting that it provides strong traction without being abrasive like some other brands. The pistol incorporates a compensator and styling cues reminiscent of Taran Tactical’s Sand Viper and the Ballerina movie gun, especially around the front of the slide and comp area. Taran explains that the distinctive color used on these guns was originally a mistake when a company attempted to produce a flat dark earth finish. The unexpected shade turned out to be very popular, leading TTI to adopt it on multiple models, including the Combat Master X. He mentions that the finish is more difficult and time-consuming to produce, but it has become a recognizable look that other companies have started to imitate.
Taran points out cosmetic and functional cuts made on the barrel, explaining that they are performed on the factory Glock barrel rather than replacing it by default. He notes that many shooters appreciate Glock factory barrels for their tight fit and reliability, and while TTI also offers match-grade barrels, the Combat Master X can retain the original barrel with added machining and fluting for visual appeal. When asked about availability, Taran estimates that the pistol should be released in less than two months, with the main holdup being the arrival of Trijicon night sights. Filmed in April 2025, the conversation suggests a target release around June 2025, assuming remaining components arrive on schedule.
The discussion turns to cosmetic details, with Taran explaining that earlier TTI logos were simply laser-etched on the slide. On the Combat Master X, the logo is now cut into the slide and polished internally, giving it a more three-dimensional and refined appearance. Kai and Taran then compare the Combat Master X to the full-size Ballerina gun, which is based on a Glock 34-style platform and was built years earlier for a movie production that experienced delays. The Ballerina gun is shown with an SRO optic and a compensated setup that shoots softer while retaining the longer-slide look. Taran frames the Combat Master X as a compact, carry-oriented homage to that original Ballerina build, translating its aesthetic and functional ideas into a slim Glock 43X format.
Kai remarks that, in his view, the Combat Master X is one of the best-looking slim concealed carry pistols he has handled, praising its feel, trigger, sights, comp, and overall execution. He references his personal experience with other Taran Tactical builds, including a Combat Carry model he shoots frequently and a Glock 34 Combat Master he received as a 40th birthday gift, associated with the John Wick films. He notes that every TTI gun he has used has run reliably and tends to make the shooter perform better. The segment closes with encouragement to check out Taran Tactical Innovations and the new Combat Master X as it comes to market, positioning it alongside TTI’s established Sand Viper and Ballerina-inspired platforms.
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