You may have noticed that I was invited to Taran Tactical Innovations to review the new “John Wick 4” guns. While we were there, we got the opportunity to shoot not only the “John Wick 4” guns but all of TTI's “John Wick” movie guns. This inevitably leads to some comparison questions.

Today, we are going to try to answer the question: Which is better – the “John Wick 4” pistol or the “John Wick 2” Combat Master?
 

Table of Contents

Specific Models
Overview
Reliability
Accuracy
Weight
Grip
Trigger
Shoot-ability
Price
Conclusion

Specific Models

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
The Taran Tactical Innovations Copperhead Combat Master, left, and Sand Viper, right. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


To make the comparison fair, I’m not going to compare the screen-used models. I prefer using red dots on my pistols, so I’m going to compare the Sand Viper and the Copperhead Combat Master. 

The Sand Viper is essentially the same as the on-screen Pit Viper in “John Wick 4.” I actually have another article and video about this very topic. The only real difference between the Pit Viper and Sand Viper is the finish color and the fact that the Sand Viper has an optic cut.

Similarly, the Copperhead Combat Master is almost identical to the “John Wick 4” Combat Master, except for the finish color and optic cut.
 

Related: Gun Review – The ‘John Wick’ Combat Master Package (VIDEO)
 

Overview: Sand Viper vs. Copperhead Combat Master

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
The modified Glock on the left versus the 2011 on the right. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


In essence, we are doing a 2011 versus Glock comparison. It’s a bit more complicated than that, because these guns represent the pinnacles of their respective classes. 

Some may say that this is not a fair comparison, but I think there are some good arguments to be made on both sides.
 

Reliability

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
The Sand Viper 2011, left, versus the Copperhead, a high-performance custom Glock 34. I found both reliable at the range. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


Conventional wisdom says that Glocks are the most reliable pistols ever, and 2011s are finicky competition-only guns. I think this is outdated thinking. 

Stock Glocks are reliable, but they are not infallible. All mechanical things can break, and I’ve seen my share of Glock stoppages. Most of these malfunctions were because of some modification. 
 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
A generous slide cutout help reduce the Copperhead's weight, while the springs are tuned for a lighter recoil and trigger pull. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)
 


Because the Copperhead is a customized Glock optimized for performance, modifications can reduce the overall reliability of the platform. Personally, I had absolutely no problems with the Copperhead. However, the slide is lightened and the springs are tuned to deliver a softer recoil impulse and lighter trigger. I’ve heard it’s possible to shoot pistol loads that are too light and don’t cycle the action reliably.

On the flip side, custom 2011s have a reputation of being competition-only, unreliable guns. This was true at one time. But over the past decade, leaps in engineering and manufacturing technology have made it possible to produce very reliable 2011s.  

 

Accuracy

 

Targets shot by Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
The more precise group on the left came from the Sand Viper. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


This is a simple category – the 2011 is more accurate. The Sand Viper is a custom-made, hand-built pistol using the highest quality parts. The accuracy is excellent. 

The work on the Copperhead does not focus on accuracy. Essentially, it has the same accuracy as a stock Glock. This is good for a combat pistol but does not compare to a tuned 2011.
 

Weight

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
With its lightened slide, there's no question the Copperhead is the lighter gun. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


This is another easy category. The Copperhead is lighter. But is lighter what you want? 

A light pistol is easier to carry. If this is going to be a carry pistol for you, weight is a concern. Even a few ounces add up over many hours in a day. However, increased weight affords lower recoil, stability, and less muzzle flip for faster follow-up shots. So, it’s really more about its intended use.
 

Grip

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
The 2011 grip, rear, versus the Glock grip that's made even smaller on the Copperhead. I prefer the larger Sand Viper grip. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


This category is also user-specific. The 2011 grip is larger than a standard Glock grip. The Copperhead has reduced the Glock grip even further. 

Personally, I prefer the 2011 grip. I like the grip angle, and I find it very controllable. It is a bit large for my hands. On a normal 2011, I have a difficult time hitting the mag release and slide stop without adjusting the pistol in my hands. But I consider this a training issue that I have solved. The Sand Viper has the added benefit of having an extend mag release and slide stop. This helps my issue greatly, and it’s why I love the Sand Viper so much.

Also, I’ve never really liked the Glock grip. I find it boxy, and I don’t like the grip angle. I have no problems shooting Glocks, but they are not my favorite grips.

How large are your hands? Which grip works better for you? There isn’t a right answer, it just depends on anatomy and personal preference.
 

Trigger

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
Both guns have great triggers. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


The Sand Viper has a better trigger in every measurable way. It’s lighter, crisper, and has a better reset. But the Copperhead has an amazing trigger as well. We are really splitting hairs at this point. 
 

Shoot-ability

 

Taran Tactical Innovations Sand Viper and Copperhead Combat Master pistols
There's no real competition here: the Sand Viper is in a different class than the Glock when it comes to fast, accurate shooting. (Photo: Don Summers/Guns.com)


This round also goes to the Sand Viper. There is no way around the fact that the compensator and the sight block make the Sand Viper have less recoil and muzzle flip. Again, the Copperhead is probably as good as it can get for a Glock without a comp, but the Sand Viper is just in a different class. 

Anyone who picks up these two guns will shoot the Sand Viper faster and more accurately.
 

Price

Now this is where it gets interesting. The Sand Viper is $7,000 without an optic. The Copperhead Combat Master upgrade package costs $1,500, and a new Glock 34 Gen 3 costs around $600. That’s $2,100 total, without an optic.

That’s a big difference. Is the performance increase worth the $5,000 price difference? 

In my humble opinion, with pure performance-wise considerations, I say “No.” You could put a comp on the Copperhead and still be way under the price difference. 

But I still choose the Sand Viper for myself, because there are other considerations besides performance. The aesthetic, the exclusivity and just the pure shooting enjoyment make it work it for me.
 

Conclusion


These are both amazing guns, and I am honored to shoot them both. 

So, what do you think? Is one of these the gun for you? Tell us in the comments below. And while you are at it, remember to like and subscribe. 

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