{"id":83578,"date":"2026-09-09T19:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T19:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=83578"},"modified":"2026-08-26T19:56:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T19:56:39","slug":"iwi-handguns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/iwi-handguns\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Look at IWI’s Handgun Line-Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) ranks among my favorite firearm brands. There, I said it. I own six of their handguns and one AR-15. I\u2019ve tested and run a couple other IWI guns that I don\u2019t own. I may well have more trigger time on IWI firearms than any other single brand, especially considering that my Masada Tactical pistol and Zion-15 rifle are dedicated test guns that I use to evaluate various accessories.<\/p>\n

Why Choose IWI?<\/h3>\n

I chose them as test guns because I know that they run, and I won\u2019t waste time with malfunctions while testing optics or whatever. I\u2019ve also learned that they are tough and versatile and can take the workload, as well being knocked around a little, in stride. Those same characteristics mean that each IWI firearm I own is actually part of my system, instead of snoozing in the back of my safe. So, if I seem enthusiastic about IWI, that enthusiasm is built on experience, not something I heard from someone else.<\/p>\n

Now that I\u2019ve been up front about that, let\u2019s take a look at IWI\u2019s handgun lineup. It consists of three basic models: the Masada, the Masada Slim, and the Jericho. The Masada Slim\u2019s name was apparently chosen for marketing purposes, but it\u2019s an entirely different gun than the full-size Masada, as opposed to a scaled down version. That\u2019s why I list it as a separate basic model, even though IWI calls it a \u201ccontinuation\u201d of the Masada line.<\/p>\n

These are all quality guns that perform, and I trust them. They\u2019ve held up well when my team and I tested them against other brands, which I\u2019ve done on several occasions. They are also surprisingly affordable. In fact, I think IWI handguns are among the firearm industry\u2019s best values. Onward.<\/p>\n

IWI Masada<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Shooting<\/p>\n

The Masada is IWI\u2019s compact, striker-fired, polymer frame 9mm pistol designed for law enforcement and civilian use. I don\u2019t really get excited anymore when I hear about yet another pistol in that particular category. So, I get it if you feel that way. But some things are better than others, and, speaking from experience, the Masada deserves your attention.<\/p>\n

IWI introduced the Masada in 2017, so it\u2019s a proven platform. They designed the gun around the now common serialized fire control unit (FCU), and gave it fully ambidextrous controls, a 4.1-inch barrel, a good 6 lb. trigger, and solid ergonomics. The well-textured grip frame comes in black, OD green, and Flat Dark Earth. My son, who is also one of my co-testers, once opined that the Masada \u201cis just perfect.\u201d \u201cPerfection\u201d is obviously subjective, and that\u2019s his opinion, but the Masada is very good. Let\u2019s look at the gun\u2019s two variants. Both are available with Meprolight Hyper Bright Orange Ring Night Sights.<\/p>\n