Tactical is an interesting word, especially when used in reference to firearms. For the military, the term has to do with practical considerations for their job. For anti-2A folks, the term just scares them, probably because they think of it as somehow related to “assault rifles” (though they couldn’t tell you how they’re related or even what either term means).
For pro-gun civilians, though, the term usually has to do with adding extras to the firearm, often having to do with “scary” (to the ignorant) things like suppressors. With that in mind, one manufacturer decided to release an upgraded version of their micro Compact pistol. Robert Jordan writes,
A quick glance at the Mako R7 Tactical reveals a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol designed to fit in the micro-compact 9mm world of guns (that comes in the choice of optics ready or optics installed), joining a category filled after a decade of market explosion. Here is what makes it unique. It is 100% ambidextrous with ambi mag catch and ambi slide release. No need to reverse the mag catch for you wrong-handed, I mean left-handed people.
It has a flat-faced trigger that you really need to try.
Jordan also notes that this pistol comes with a Picatinny rail. which Kimber confirms that “the Surefire XSC-Hellcat weapon light and the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub will both fit” and that (as I implied earlier) this pistol comes with a threaded barrel.
Jordan summarizes his thoughts on this pistol as follows:
This is an advanced everyday carry pistol. It is for the man or woman who takes their training and preparation seriously. This is a gun for the gunfighter who already has a combat mindset and the skills to back it up, or the person who will commit to that training and will grow into it. This firearm is built for concealment, but with a fantastic trigger and every bell and whistle you could possibly need for virtually any circumstance.
There are not a lot of handguns that impress me this much right out of the box.
You can watch the R7 Mako Tactical in action in the video below.
Is the R7 Mako Tactical right for you?
Obviously, the answer to that question is up to you, your preferences, and what you need (purpose and budget). As an upgrade to the original R7 Mako (you can find out more about that here), if you like the features of that pistol but want the upgrades for the Tactical model, then, this may be a pistol for you to consider.