The video opens with a look back at how crowded the 2023 handgun market was, with releases like the FN Reflex, Beretta 80X Cheetah, SIG AXG Combat, P365 Legion, Glock 47, DR920L, Prodigy, and M&P 5.7. The hosts joke about how fast the year went and briefly reference broader topics such as court cases and inflation before focusing on firearms. They explain that the Classic Firearms team narrowed the field to their top five new pistols of 2023. The countdown starts at number five with the SIG P226 X5 Legion, an all-metal, premium evolution of the classic P226. One host recalls carrying an original P226 in law enforcement and praises the Legion upgrades, including the gas pedal-style grip, enhanced magazine release, improved ergonomics, integrated compensator reminiscent of the X-Macro, Picatinny rail, and a light, roughly 3-pound trigger with a short, tactile reset and optics cut.
The discussion continues with a deeper critique of the SIG P226 X5 Legion’s ergonomics and controls. The hosts like the full-metal Legion frame and flared magwell, emphasizing how competition-focused the pistol feels. However, they criticize the lack of an ambidextrous slide release, especially because the manual safety crowds the existing control and makes dropping the slide after a reload more awkward. The move to a single-action-only system with a very light trigger raises debate about safety choices. The hosts express a preference for a decocker over a manual safety on this platform, arguing that a decocker would better suit the pistol’s intended role while still keeping it safe. Overall, they position the P226 X5 Legion as a highly refined, competition-oriented handgun with excellent shootability but some questionable control layout decisions that left-handed or high-thumb shooters may notice during reloads and manipulations.
Attention shifts to the Stealth Arms Platypus, a standout 2011-style pistol that breaks from tradition by using Glock magazines. The hosts explain that this striker-fired design combines the familiar 2011 ergonomics and shootability with the widespread availability and proven reliability of Glock mags, including standard 17-rounders, extended sticks, and even drum magazines. This compatibility is highlighted as a major advantage for shooters who already own Glock platforms or want easy access to affordable magazines. The Platypus is also praised for its extensive custom shop options, from colors and Cerakote variations to other aesthetic touches that let buyers personalize their pistols. Despite its custom nature, the price remains under roughly $1,500, which the hosts consider impressive for a semi-custom, double-stack 1911-style handgun. They close the segment by inviting Stealth Arms to send more pistols for review through official Classic Firearms or associated social media channels.
The number three pick is the CZ DWX, described as a hybrid that blends the ergonomics of a CZ 75 with the upper and trigger characteristics of a 9mm 1911. Developed through collaboration between CZ and Dan Wesson, the DWX features a straight-pull, skeletonized “K” style trigger, hammer-fired action, and aggressive slide serrations. It uses P-10 F or P-09 magazines, giving it modern double-stack capacity, and includes a full-length Picatinny rail and fiber optic sights, reinforcing its competition and showpiece orientation. The hosts note its premium positioning with an MSRP around $1,999 and mention a compact DWX variant aimed at concealed carry. They frame the DWX as a high-end, enthusiast-focused pistol that merges two beloved design lineages. The segment also touches on upcoming SHOT Show 2024 coverage, with confirmation that the team will attend and plans to get more hands-on time with the DWX and other new releases at the event.
The number two slot goes to the Springfield Armory Echelon, praised for its ergonomics, intuitive controls, and modular design. The hosts highlight its strong overall performance but point out a reliability concern with fully loaded extended magazines and plus-two baseplate extensions, noting that the baseplates can pop off under the force of a firm insertion. They then compare the Echelon’s notch-style sights to more traditional three-dot irons. While the factory notch setup uses a prominent U-shaped rear, they prefer a three-dot arrangement that still incorporates a subtle U but is less visually distracting. After covering the Echelon, they offer an honorable mention to the Tisas Raider, an affordable homage to the Colt M45 used by Marine Special Operations. The Raider is framed as a budget-friendly way to capture the look and feel of the M45, and the hosts reference hopes that the Marines’ retirement of the M45 will eventually benefit the surplus market and recall a previous Classic Firearms M45 CQB giveaway.
The segment moves to the Girsan 2311, a polymer-framed, double-stack 2011-style pistol that uses Springfield Armory Prodigy magazines. The hosts emphasize its sub-$800 price point, integrated red dot with rear-mounted fiber optic sights, and lightweight feel, positioning it as a strong value option for shooters wanting a 2011 experience without Staccato-level pricing. They note its visual and functional similarities to Staccato pistols, mentioning the Staccato CS as a popular 2023 carry gun, while pointing out that Staccato limits sales to brick-and-mortar FFLs. The countdown then reaches number one: the FN 510 and 545. These striker-fired pistols are praised for a significantly improved trigger over the FN 509, optics-ready slides, compatibility with an EOTECH red dot, Picatinny rails, threaded barrels, and suppressor-height sights. The FN 510 in 10mm stands out with a 15-round standard magazine and 22-round extended option, and is argued to be possibly the best 10mm pistol on the market, edging out the SIG P320 XTen.
The hosts double down on their claim that the FN 510 outperforms the SIG P320 XTen and tease a future head-to-head comparison video. They mention that many viewers from their Monday and Wednesday livestreams have been requesting a dedicated FN 510 review, and they promise to film it so it can release shortly after this top five list. The FN 510 is praised for shooting very comfortably for a 10mm, with recoil described as very manageable and the trigger lauded as excellent, leading to the comment that FN “knocked it out of the park.” The FN 545 in .45 ACP is also briefly highlighted as a cool, feature-rich option sharing the same platform benefits. The video closes by reaffirming the FN 510 and 545 as the top pick of 2023 and inviting viewers to comment with their own rankings, disagreements, or alternative choices they would have included or ordered differently on the list.
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