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SHOP NOWKaya returns to a live stream to talk through practical CCW pistol and caliber choices with viewers. He compares popular carry guns, recoil, shootability, and real-world tradeoffs.
Kaya opens the live stream by greeting viewers and noting it has been several weeks since his last session. He explains that he and Ryan traveled to Nuremberg, Germany, for the IWA and Enforce Tac shows and filmed multiple coverage videos, including an Enforce Tac video and at least a day-one IWA recap. After returning, he took additional time off and then had to go overseas again briefly, which delayed more live streams. He mentions streaming simultaneously on Twitch, Rumble, YouTube, and Twitter, and tries to post an Instagram story to let more people know the stream is live, but his phone and connection give him trouble. He emphasizes that he is glad to be back interacting with the audience in real time.
A viewer asks whether to shoot with one eye open or both. Kaya explains that with iron sights on a handgun, he usually closes one eye when he wants more precision, because it makes front sight and rear sight alignment easier for him. For faster, more defensive or “combat” style shooting, he keeps both eyes open to maintain awareness and speed. He notes that with a red dot sight, the standard approach is to shoot with both eyes open, and he follows that practice. He adds that he can shoot precisely with both eyes open on irons if he really concentrates, but he personally finds one eye closed more natural for fine accuracy work.
When a viewer considers a Glock 30 or 30S instead of a Glock 19 for carry, Kaya recommends the Glock 19, especially for someone newer who wants one handgun that can cover most roles on a budget. He describes the Glock 19 as a solid “do-all” pistol within the Glock lineup. He also mentions the Glock 45 as another good option, explaining that it combines a Glock 17-sized frame with a Glock 19-length slide, giving a shorter slide with a full-size grip. Even with that, he still leans toward the classic Glock 19 as his primary recommendation. He invites the audience to share which Glock they consider the best all-around model for everyday carry and general use.
Asked why people carry the Glock 43X instead of a Glock 19, Kaya points to size and comfort. He notes that the 43X is slimmer and lighter, making it easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry than the thicker Glock 19, even though the 19 offers more capacity and a larger frame. He calls the 43X a pretty awesome option for those prioritizing concealment. He then discusses Smith & Wesson pistols, saying the M&P series and updated Shield-style models are underrated and can be strong choices in 9mm. He recalls owning a first-generation M&P Shield in .40 S&W that felt so snappy he eventually sold it to a former sergeant. He acknowledges that compact M&P 2.0 models and similar small guns will feel snappier than full-size pistols but still considers them viable carry options, while noting that some alternatives, like certain SIG P365 variants, can feel softer than a Glock 43.
A viewer asks about the Browning Hi-Power, and Kaya pulls up a Classic Firearms video he filmed with Aaron. In that video they compared several Hi-Power variants: surplus original pistols, including examples from Belgian police stocks dating to the 1970s; the modern FN-produced Hi-Power finished in FDE; and clones such as the Springfield SA-35. Kaya describes the original surplus guns as serviceable but clearly old-school in feel and features. By contrast, he says he was very impressed with the new FN Hi-Power, finding it a strong modern take on the design. He encourages viewers to watch the full comparison on the Classic Firearms channel to see how the originals, FN reissue, and Springfield clone stack up in handling and overall impression.
Kaya addresses questions about the Canik TTI Combat and the TTI Elite Combat Executive by referencing Classic Firearms YouTube Shorts. In one short, he runs a mag dump with the Canik TTI Combat against the Canik SFX Rival to see which tracks better. He notes that the TTI Combat’s compensator keeps the front sight very flat, and he feels more on target with it during rapid fire. In another short, he compares the Canik TTI Combat to a Glock 34 Combat Master from the John Wick 4 line. The Glock 34 Combat Master does not have a compensator, while the TTI Combat does. Watching the footage, he feels the Glock 34 Combat Master may actually shoot as flat or even slightly flatter than the compensated TTI Combat, and both seem similarly accurate for him. His takeaway is that the TTI Combat is excellent, but the Glock 34 Combat Master slightly edges it in perceived flatness in his hands.
When comparing a SIG X-Compact to a Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS, Kaya says that, in his view, the SIG X-Compact offers better shootability and an overall better shooting experience out of the box, even though he personally identifies more as a Glock shooter. He acknowledges Glock’s reliability but points out that factory Glocks often benefit from upgrades. For a Glock 19 MOS, he would typically add suppressor-height Trijicon sights and a Timney Alpha trigger or Glock Performance Trigger to improve the sight picture and trigger feel. With those modifications, he would choose the upgraded Glock for himself. However, in stock form, he gives the edge to the SIG X-Compact. He clarifies that his preference depends on whether the user plans to run a red dot and how much they are willing to modify a Glock versus leaving a SIG closer to factory configuration.
Responding to a comment about possibly converting to SIG, Kaya explains how he and the Classic Firearms team approach on-camera personalities and brand preferences. He and Aaron often play up rivalries between platforms—such as Glock versus SIG—for entertainment value, joking about hating certain guns or wanting to throw them away. He emphasizes that this is part of putting on a show and having fun, especially when he feels comfortable with a co-host. Despite the banter, he stresses that their final conclusions and recommendations in videos are honest. They understand that many viewers base purchasing decisions on their content, so they avoid misrepresenting performance or reliability. The joking and exaggerated reactions are for humor, but the underlying evaluations of pistols, calibers, optics, and accessories are intended to remain straightforward and trustworthy.
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