“Ruger is like the Ford of guns,” proposes Frank Jardim in the July/August issue of American Handgunner. “The brand provides everything you need and nothing you don’t and stands for affordable quality and reliability for hardworking Americans.”

The company celebrates 75 years in 2024 and is making special diamond anniversary issues of four of its most popular guns. The most extraordinary is a limited edition engraved SR1911 in .45 ACP — of which only 750 will be made. Jardim describes its exquisite looks and high-end features, but notes, “It begs the question: Do you shoot this gun or stash it in the safe for investment purposes? … Personally, I’d shoot it … by shooting it, you’re participating in the celebration.”

CZ’s Compact version of its popular iconic CZ75B — advertised as the most widely issued pistol in the world — packs its proven performance into a smaller, easier-to-conceal variant. Jeremy D. Clough details its standout attributes in “A Little Off The Top.”

An RM1C from up-and-coming manufacturer Rost Martin tops the July/August Handgun of the Month giveaway package. Features of the 9mm include a 4"-barrel, aggressive front and rear slide serrations and smooth 5-lb. trigger pull with clean break. The winner will also receive a Manix 2 Lightweight from Spyderco and TK11R tactical flashlight from Fenix. Valued at $757, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at AmericanHandgunner.com/giveaways.

Elsewhere in the issue, Will Dabbs, MD examines the stopping power of the Iver Johnson .32-caliber Safety Automatic that anarchist Leon Czolgosz used to assassinate President William McKinley in 1901. Dave Anderson pays his respects to “The Mighty J-Frame” in its many forms in the Better Shooting column. And enumerating several factors, James Queisner’s Gear column emphasizes the importance of bringing the right gun to a training class.

Exclusive online articles can be found at AmericanHandgunner.com. Purchase the July/August issue or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.