Editors’ Picks 2018: Heizer PKO 45 Pistol

by
posted on April 30, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
newgun13.jpg

Heizer’s PKO 45 is a compact, all-metal, internal-hammer-fired, semi-automatic .45 ACP pistol that measures only eight-tenths of an inch wide. Manufactured by aerospace fabricator Heizer Defense, makers of the similarly slim PAK1, PAR1 and PS1 single-shots, the PKO 45 is unconventional, with a fixed, ported, 2.75" barrel whose axis lies below that of the guide rod assembly and below much of the slide’s mass to enhance accuracy and reduce muzzle flip, respectively. Magazine capacity is five rounds in the flush-fit style or seven for the extended style. The PKO 45 features a manual, bilateral, frame-mounted safety and frontstrap-mounted grip safety along with slide-stop and magazine buttons. Both front and rear sights are dovetailed to the slide. The aluminum-frame PKO 45 weighs approximately 25 ozs. and is available in Ghost Grey, Copperhead and Tactical Black. A titanium-frame variant is in the works. heizerdefense.com

Latest

001 22Tuc Cover 01 Copy
001 22Tuc Cover 01 Copy

Review: Taurus 22TUC

Taurus USA's 22TUC is a little, polymer-framed .22 pocket pistol with a tip-up barrel design that, unlike many of the company's guns, is made entirely in the United States.

Korea Coast Guard Increases KelTec KSG Tactical Shotgun Inventory

KelTec recently announced that the Korea Coast Guard has ordered more KSG shotguns to join those already in service aboard the branch's patrol vessel fleet.

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.