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Plan To Practice...
"Hey, um … uh … you’re talkin’ about a wood plane on a, um, you know, uh, like a gun website, you know?”
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New Zealand’s...
While New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her anti-gun Parliament colleagues may be wearing frowns and scratching their heads, us Yank gun owners...
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True North...
How you carry a pistol, and the holster in which you carry it, are paramount to your security and peace of mind.
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Full-Auto Fun...
American Hangunner editor Roy Huntington has his First Look at Umarex's Beretta Model 92A1 BB Pistol and takes a tin can down.
3
Off-Season Blues?
For most outdoor pursuits there’s generally a down-time, a time in the year when the activity you enjoy most is at a lull.
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3 Questions To...
Your first response to danger should be avoidance and escape. Not being involved in a confrontation is the easiest, safest path to victory.
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IWI US MASADA Pistol
Combining IWI’s legendary reliability with design input from military, LEO and civilians, the MASADA is a high-performance handgun that can stand strong...
19
A Busy Week in April
If gun enthusiasts were making a film, this past April had the makings of a horror movie for Everytown for Gun Safety and other gun prohibition groups as...
5
Basic...
When loaded heavy and fired in strong guns like the Ruger Blackhawk and Redhawk, the .45 Colt is one tough hombre.
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Nighthawk...
Hearing the name Nighthawk Custom will instantly have one thinking of top-tier custom guns built by one of the most respected manufacturers in the industry.
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Bonds Arms Rowdy...
Watch as American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington fires his first shots with the Bond Arms Rowdy Derringer and gives his review.
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On-Duty Law...
According to a new FBI report titled Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019, 89 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty last...
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stan chen customs
I know the man, Stan Chen, and am always impressed by his modest, self-effacing demeanor. Yet his guns and parts are without compromise. What he does is,...
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Grizzly...
Yahoo! Strap on your spurs, adjust your ten-gallon hat and grab your favorite thumb-buster, hog leg or horse pistol and head into town to give a sixgun...
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Demystified:...
Reamers are precision ground chamber cutters perfectly sized and contoured for a firearm’s cartridge. Reamers are critical to cutting the barrel for...
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Hidden Victory...
Three weeks ago, when the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a challenge by the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association to a now-defunct New York City ordinance...
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Lee Precision...
My shrewd farmer family roots are obviously displayed by appreciating a bargain for what it’s worth.
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Will’s...
I just had to drop you a line after reading many articles by Will Dabbs to say how much I enjoy his “turns of the phrase.”
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Wilson Combat WCP320
Known for their high-performance 1911 pistols, tactical long guns and accessories, Wilson Combat has something new to satisfy shooters yearning for a...
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Confession About...
An admitted iron sights guy, American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington takes a First Look at the Riton Optic red dot and magnifier and confesses to becoming...
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Gun Maintenance...
I picked up a Lyman Essential Gun Maintenance Mat. This arrived in my designated gun cleaning and maintenance room
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Norma MHP...
The folks at Norma have been busy in the secret ammo lab. I've always admired their rifle and rimfire offerings, but haven't followed developments in the...
7
New Data for...
Located just one click away — wait, don’t go just yet! — there’s a new website loaded with information on the defensive use of firearms by...
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FN 503 Slim Pistol
In 2017, the firearms industry was taken by storm by the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) program. One of the many handguns to come out of the...
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A ‘Bullet’...
When someone says, “Is it safe?” I assume they mean is the pistol safe against negligent discharge. The Shield is an excellent pistol,
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Alien Gear For...
Alien Gear, provider of innovative holster systems for mere earthlings, forged an intergalactic partnership with a few new companies, broadening their...
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S&W M&P SHIELD...
American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington reviews and compares the S&W M&P SHIELD EZ 380 Auto to the 9mm in this First Look.
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Dog Defense
How much danger is there of being attacked by a dog? It depends on how you interpret the statistics.
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Top 10 Revolver...
In 2018, a total of 664,835 revolvers were produced — 99.8% by 10 firearm manufacturers. We review the ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Report...
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An Amos Grundy...
Amos lifted his welding helmet after working on a gouged side plate on a S&W revolver. Scout was always interested when Amos was TIG welding and although he...
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Crime Surge May...
Give it to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who candidly worried —after announcing the county jail had released more than 4,200 inmates to...
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When Spring Has...
Whoever invented the coiled, tempered spring was devious indeed. When it comes to guns, springs cause more frustration than any gun part.
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CZ-USA Shadow 2 SA
Most gun owners argue — it’s what we do. Just ask a group of shooters what the most important characteristic of a handgun is and watch the opinions...
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One Of Roy...
The Dan Wesson Vigil CCO 1911 in 9mm is a favorite of American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington.
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Pack'n The Big Ones
One of the most frequent questions I receive revolves around carrying large-framed, scoped handguns.
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The Box O' Holsters
We all have one — or at least should have one. It’s that pesky box full of cast-off holsters.
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Springfield...
Built for defense use and delivering serious firepower, Springfield Armory expands it's SAINT Victor line to include a .308 pistol.
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Coronavirus...
Being on lockdown due to a pandemic can be as unpleasant as one cares to make it, but for the handgunner with several firearms in need of attention, this is...
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Gunnysack: SIG...
While you can use the new SIG SAUER Romeo1PRO pistol red dot sight for recreation and competition, it’s engineered for defensive and tactical use.
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Gunnysack: Lyman...
You may be familiar with the older generation of sight adjusters, installers, and removers. Each one fits just one type of slide — GLOCK, S&W, Springfield...
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Gunnysack:...
Think of this as an “ultimate” dot sight — only better. It’s bigger than most pistol-sized sights, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on,...
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Gunnysack: Hi...
This isn’t so much a product review of a specific sight from Hi Viz as more of a reminder to take advantage of this great technology.
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Close Look:...
How do you become a better shooter? Practice, practice, practice! How do you track and measure results without boring yourself into oblivion?
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Close Look: New...
Are you a new shooter? If you’re already experienced, how about getting busy and recruiting a beginner?
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Living with a...
I live with a gun writer. Worse yet, I live with a gun writer who’s an engineer. It’s painful. Most people live in a house.
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Gathering of Gun...
An oral history of both sport and self-defense development over a period spanning nearly half a century.
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10 Great Defense...
What’s needed to make a handgun round particularly well-suited for defensive purposes? The answer to that question varies between law enforcement and...
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What’s 9 Major?
You might have heard of something called “9 Major.” It’s a wildcat load of the 9mm Luger intended only for competition pistols specially built to...
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A Turkish Delight
The 9mm FN/Browning Hi-Power, one of John Browning’s best designs, was released in 1935 – the same year as the S&W .357 Magnum.
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Speer Gold Dot...
CarryGun is optimized to perform in compact and subcompact pistols — those most popular for concealed carry. No easy task but here's why it works ...
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Don’t Fall...
Liberals lie. That’s just what they do, because nothing about their truth is appealing. But when people on our side use lies to sell products or services...
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Taurus Revolver...
Essentially a classic 856 small-frame model with some enhancements, the Defender stands out with the VZ grips and 3" barrel.
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First Look...
American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington gives a First Look at this unusual combination pistol.
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America’s Real...
Considering the current state of affairs with extended Coronavirus shutdowns and social distancing, it’s likely we won’t be celebrating the birth of our...
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New Gun Buyers...
When thousands of heretofore non-gun owners, including a fair number of liberal gun control supporters, found themselves facing an uncertain future due to...
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Holosun HE509T-RD
The act of establishing proper sight alignment is easier said than done, especially for "seasoned" eyes or those with vision imperfections. That's where red...
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First Look...
A First Look at the Les Baer custom 1911 made for American Handgunner.
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Of Crocodiles &...
“I’m not sticking my head in the sand, I take all the precautions — wash my hands, keep a distance from others — but I’ll be damned if I’m going...
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First Look:...
“Mooning” means an entirely different thing when you’re talking about revolvers — as opposed to intoxicated college students.
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First Look:...
A sneak peek at this 8-shot 9mm revolver as American Handgunner editor Roy Huntington takes a First Look at this ultimate target/competition/plinking handgun.
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Don’t Tread on Us
A couple of weeks ago, while several state governors shut down their jurisdictions in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a few even attempted to...
25
Rabbit! Field to Pot
Rabbits are the whole-earth game animal. They’re no. 1 in North America, leading the tree squirrel, and are found worldwide as well. Where not indigenous,...
33
Walther Q5 Match...
Firearm technology has advanced beyond John Moses Browning’s wildest dreams, but it’s human nature to long for the past and time when guns relied more...
33
Unorthodox CCW...
Everything in life involves tradeoffs, beginning with where you live. In two-season country you have six months of too hot and six months of just right
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Ker-Plunk Vs. Whoosh
For the custom pistolsmith it’s not always about cosmetics, the pistol has to function and be accurate.
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Guns, Ammo &...
It’s never been clear why so many people who panicked over the spread of COVID-19 — aka coronavirus — rushed to grocery stores to buy all the paper...
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Survival Kit...
If you ask Google for survival kit content lists, it’ll come up with well over 80 million hits. Most of the lists are nearly identical. Almost all of them...
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Galco FasTrax...
As much as we’d like, gunleather and gym shorts just don’t go together — for numerous reasons. Enter Galco and a reimagined fanny pack for everyday carry.
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Hind Armory...
In a stunning move, Hind Armory today announced the company is no longer accepting traditional currency or credit card payment methods for firearms and...
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Retro Revolver...
What better way to spend our time while quarantined than dusting off our magazine archive, flipping through the yellowed pages and reminiscing on classic...
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9 Reasons to...
A favorite of military, law enforcement and civilian gun owners since its introduction in 2014, Heckler & Koch has upgraded the popular VP9 with new...
34
A G-2-Three
AG-2-Three is not an artificially intelligent 24th century spaceship robot. Rather, it’s my Thompson/Center Contender G-2 pistol with three barrels:
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SCCY DVG-1
SCCY has been a trailblazer in the subcompact sidearm arena, giving us the .380 ACP and 9mm polymer-framed, hammer-fired CPX series. At the request of many...
29
Hydrate Or Die!
Water, H2O — the universal solvent — the elixir of life. It makes up about 3/4 of your body mass and roughly the same percentage of the planet is...
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Front Sight......
Lately I’ve been reading classic works on pistol use from the mid-1900s. McGivern, Askins, Jordan, Gaylord — these are just a few of the gunmen of that...
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Why We Shoot
Some of you entered this world, kicking and cursing, brandishing a custom 1911 in each hand — likely scaring the living hell out of the midwife.
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Good Eatin’ In...
The tactics and gear needed from one survival situation to another may vary greatly. After all, a long-term, widespread power outage in suburbia calls for...
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In Praise Of The...
It’s fine to like nice things. No one should feel guilty for sleeping on sheets with a high thread count, driving a sports car, or wearing a watch...
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mantis x10
A few years ago, the engineers at Mantis launched a training tech revolution with their MantisX sensor. When paired with a companion smartphone application,...
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Ammunition,...
Hearing about a new ammo introduction is something of an occupational hazard, so when something comes along that is intriguing, it’s good to take a closer...
15
Beretta 92X...
To the average non-shooting citizen — yes, they exist — a gun is a gun is a gun. Sheesh! How can anyone have such an opaque opinion towards one of the...
34
You've Stored...
You will not rise to the occasion — you will default to the highest level of training you have mastered. Skills are needed in a survival situation.
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Urban Survival
When the subject of survival comes up, people often spend their time discussing how to survive huge natural disasters or long periods alone in the wilderness.
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Prepping For...
Thanks to some of the sensationalistic “reality” shows aired in recent years, the word “prepper” often conjures up visions of eccentric...
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Real-World Home...
Because we live in the age of the internet and a 24-hour news cycle, local news can go national quickly. Police shootings, home invasion robberies and...
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Beating...
The past two-plus weeks we’ve been bombarded, befuddled and bamboozled with the latest “End of the World” scenario. The culprit? Mass hysteria caused...
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Top 10 Tips For...
While the streets may appear empty, danger can lurk at every corner.
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If It Ain’t...
A .41-caliber 210-grain Hornady XTP bullet launched by 19.8 grains of H110 propellant from a 10-inch barrel strokes along at 1,465 fps, according to...
18
Federal Solid...
When it comes to ammunition, make no bones about it: Deep penetration combined with large wound channels is a killing combination.
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THE U.S. BILL ...
If watching what’s happening on TV doesn’t infuriate you, you’re not watching with your eyes open. The way the leftist party of neo-democrat...
17
Wilson American...
Wilson introduces the American Combat Pistol (ACP) series in .45 ACP or 9mm. Hand built in Berryville, Arkansas, the ACP features all of the precision,...
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Buck 108 ...
If you spend anytime in the woods or doing chores around the farm or land you quickly realize the value of a good “chopper.”
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Can Competition...
The dichotomy between competition and tactics within the practical-shooting fraternity has existed since the inception of IPSC at the Columbia Conference.
14
SIG's Fastback...
I was helping open packages and check in guns at the gun store. As I picked up one box, I was admittedly a little giddy with anticipation.
21
Let’s Talk...
Not everybody is enamored with striker-fired half-polymer pistols, and to prove it one only needs to check social media for forums and groups, such as...
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Firearms Trusts
A chief concern of many is what happens to the gun collection when they pass or become unable to use them. There’s a solution that might work for you
13
Taurus 942 &...
Since their inception, and later introduction to the U.S. market in 1968, Taurus has led the way in affordable, reliable firearms.
14
America’s Got...
As a way of promoting non-Master engravers, Bobby Tyler had an idea. Why not hold a national contest for engravers of non-Master status, offering them a...
9
Woebegone No More!
As usual I got my latest issue (Jan/Feb 2020) and flipped to the Insider. I swear, Mr. Huntington had been reading my mind.
8
SIG SAUER P320...
There’s no doubt about it, military, law enforcement, concealed carriers and gun owners alike love red dots. I sure do! Providing a quick sight-picture,...
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desantis pocket...
When it comes to purchasing brakes, tires or parachutes, cheap is much too expensive.
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Leaning Left...
Got your attention I’ll bet, but we’re not talking about “that” left here. Left-handed people in many ways are better off today than in the past.
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Gun Rights...
There’s an interesting federal court case unfolding in Illinois in which two gun rights organizations — the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and...
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Versacarry...
While the majority of handguns nowadays are carried in inside- or outside-the-waistband holsters, there’s no denying shoulder rigs are still a viable...
19
Sights for Sore...
When you’ve got the fever like I do, the search for new gear is never-ending. You know what I’m talking about. We’re obsessed with updating...
13
Bipods, Tripods...
Experienced handgun hunters are often a creative bunch. Those with an abundance of experience under their belts can be most innovative when it comes to...
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MANSON REAMERS...
Every now and again, a tool comes along that will revolutionize a process, however obscure or seemingly unimportant.
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Laugo Arms Alien...
Every once in a while, a gun comes down the pike that makes us take pause. In the case of the Laugo Arms Alien, it has gun owners in awe as if it had, well,...
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Lots of Guns and...
When gun prohibition fanatics get cranked up about more guns translating to more crime and violence, all anybody has to do is point to the recent gun rights...
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New Mossberg MC2c
What’s the first thing to pop into your head when you hear mention of Mossberg?
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Toxic Tendencies
Working on firearms at any time has its risks. We in the craft typically think of an accidental discharge or damage from a faulty cartridge or action.
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Good Old Days?
Nostalgia pieces such as this are supposed to muse longingly about how inexpensive guns were back then.
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The Gateway...
According to dictionaries and what I remember from my days in school, a gateway drug is a substance that “while not itself addictive, may lead to the use...
27
Retro Time Machines
On the way home not too long ago I stopped by Scottsboro Gun & Pawn, which always has an interesting collection of used firearms.
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The First...
An exclusive look at the first engraved new-production Colt Python, beautifully hand scroll-engraved by Dale Bass of Tyler Gun Works.
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We’ve Got Your...
Perhaps just for the sake of grassroots gun rights activists out there who like to write letters to the editor of their local newspaper, or may have an...
17
Smith & Wesson...
The Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ was introduced in 2018 amid eye rolls and sighs of “yet another poly-framed, striker-fired pistol.” That is, until...
8
Pistol Cartridge...
In the late 1860s and early 1870s, Henrys and Winchester ’66’s (repeating rifles) became popular.
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one for the...
Handguns are purchased for a variety of reasons, with self-defense and general outdoor use right at the top.
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Glock 44 .22 LR...
When word of the GLOCK 44 trickled out, the keyboard commandos dropped their Cheetos bags and fired up their computers, yet again.
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Record-Setting...
Last year was very busy for the FBI’s National Instant Check System (NICS), setting a new record for the number of checks initiated at a whopping...
8
The Lazy Man’s...
“Show me a lazy man and I’ll show you the easy way of doing something” is how the saying goes. But is it really? Perhaps we sometimes confuse lazy for...
19
Remora
If you carry concealed, it’s likely you’ve got more than one gun and multiple holsters in order to have multiple carry options.
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Nighthawk Custom...
Try not to be too jealous, but I’ve had an early production model of Nighthawk Custom’s hot new honest-to-gosh drop-in trigger system for 1911s, and the...
33
Guns We're...
Just days away from the 2020 SHOT Show, we can't help but drool thinking about all the new guns we'll get to shoot, handle and see throughout the week.
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Five Seconds, 15...
By now, every self-styled self-defense expert on social media — and some genuine ones — have had a chance to weigh in on the incident at the West...
9
‘Tactical’...
Both my grandfathers were lawmen; my dad was a “Green Beret.” These guys were my heroes; even more so as I aged and realized all they had accomplished.
13
Ruger Custom...
Priced at workingman wages since their inception over 70 years ago, Ruger has provided us with a slew of rugged and reliable guns.
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The Dirty Little...
Last year, California enacted a requirement for background checks before purchasing ammunition. In the first four months of the program, the establishment...
28
80 Percent Arms...
The nation’s largest manufacturer of 80% lowers and frames, 80 Percent Arms, is proud of their innovative history of providing do-it-yourself frames and...
21
Loaded Fun With 231
I’ll admit, lately I find myself going back to the classics, powder wise. Namely, the Herculean powders: 2400, Unique and Bullseye — which were first...
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Consistency And...
Consistently applying the four firearm safety rules greatly reduces the chances you’ll make a mistake, or that your negligence will have tragic consequences.
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Ruger LCPII .22 LR
If you’re looking for a back-up gun, you’ve found it. If you just want a handy .22 for the trail, your pocket around the farm or to teach kids to shoot,...
15
Looking Like A...
Tooling down an Exhibit Hall aisle at the NRA Expo in Fort Worth, I did an abrupt turnaround when a tabletop of color caught my eye. Just another black gun...
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CCW Tips: How,...
When I lived on the high mountain with bears, wolves, cougars, along with an occasional rabid skunk, my Springfield Armory Range Officer was strapped on in...
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Walther Q5...
Walther makes the standard PPQ pistol series, and recently introduced the Q5 Match series, which rapidly rose to the top ranks among competitors. Now, with...
30
Hogue Knives...
I’m betting you know the Hogue name because they make innovative grips for a huge cross-section of guns.
21
"Old West”...
If you read my Insider about putting a classic “Old West” patina on new guns, here’s a bunch of extra photos I had from the process.
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Generating Some...
It’s funny, but to many people — including me — a “cowboy” gun just doesn’t look right unless it has a certain patina.
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Ed Brown Fueled...
Ed Brown Products is proud of their custom-built 1911s — and for good reason. For over 50 years, they’ve set the standard in design and advanced...
26
SIG’s P320 X5...
A short time ago, SIG SAUER introduced a pair of 9mms that could hardly be farther apart in size and application.
5
Milt Sparks Holsters
Skeeter Skelton summed it up when he stated, “My holster maker is more important to me than my doctor!”
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Streamlight TLR-7 A
From home security to target recognition, flashlights and guns go hand-in-hand. But while some prefer handheld flashlights, other prefer the convenience of...
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Cherished Gifts
Sometimes we receive gifts and don’t realize how special they are until time passes. It’s not that we don’t appreciate them, we just don’t recognize...
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Kimber Deploys...
Kimber has added a great new addition to their already stalwart lineup with the RAPIDE (Black Ice).
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Hornady Handgun...
I’m fond of repeating friend Dick Thompson’s statement, “You never master a handgun,” because it resonates the hard truth in such simple terms.
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The Spark to...
Both my grandmothers were married to farmers, so you were expected to pitch-in doing the daily chores. Everyone pulled their weight, no matter how young or old.
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Re-Visiting An...
It’s confession time. For many years I’ve neglected the .357 Magnum. When hunting big game with straight-walled pistol cartridges, I generally reach for...
22
Fighting Back:...
Hollywood couldn’t make this up: a David v. Goliath drama pitting grassroots gun owners against a billionaire-backed lobbying group, an unfriendly...
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Wilson Combat...
To refine is “to improve something by making small changes, in particular, make an idea, theory, or method more subtle and accurate.”
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They've Gone Too Far
If a political party with significant power abandons the rule of law, proceeding headlong down a path with no Constitution, no due process and brute force...
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You Asked For It...
It’s only natural the world’s best handgun magazine teamed up with Les Baer Custom to create an exclusive celebration of the classic John Browning 1911...
22
Gun Control by...
Money is the “life’s blood of politics,” a fact that Virginia gun owners — now looking into 2020 bleakly with an anti-gun governor and Democrat...
48
Galco Fits For...
GLOCK released their single-stack, 10+1 9mm G43X and G48 models as the solution for a slimmer concealed carry pistol. While both pistols are built on the...
50
Watching...
Our natural resources are a constantly changing dynamic consisting of plants, animals and water. While hunting in Africa, I witnessed first-hand how vital a...
38
Dan Wesson DWX
A hybrid is defined as combining something from two different elements. When the best of both are combined, a super-hybrid is the result.
29
Have Tools —...
Most gunsmiths who hang a shingle tend to have very spacious workspaces, room to roam, maybe pace once in a while. Not so for the Military Gunsmith.
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The Importance...
The coming of dashcams and later, bodycams gave us a treasure trove of visually recorded gunfights for study.
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SIG SAUER ROMEO1PRO
If you’re like me (God help you) the first thing that crosses your mind upon seeing a reflex sight is durability. You ask yourself, “Is this thing going...
15
Motor City...
Heading up the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I set my sights on mi amigo, Doc Barranti’s adobe in Pittsburgh, 3.5 hours away. From there, we head north for 5...
42
A Tribute to the...
Call it nostalgia, but when my hand reaches around the checkered walnut grip of my Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver chambered for the potent .357 Magnum,
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Pronunciation Woez
If a gunwriter ever worries whether anyone actually reads his stuff, he should try writing a sentence such as this:
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Taurus Raging...
As my buddy Dick Thompson candidly says, “You never master a handgun.” Shooting is a diminishing skill unless you keep chasing it. To maintain upmost...
23
Chinook: Officer...
I’m a retired cop and from personal experience I can tell you the ability to stop critical bleeding fast saves lives.
3
Steinel 10mm Auto
The 10mm has exploded in popularity and for many good reasons. It’s a powerful, reliable cartridge suitable for both semi-autos and revolvers of all types.
21
The Extreme...
We all know squibs are bad. The most common result is a bullet stuck in the barrel. If the shooter is not aware of what’s happened
41
The .40 Story
One of the many quirks of history is the truth is often more complex and nuanced than the commonly-accepted version of events. If history is truly written...
38
Galco StukOn-U...
Great American Leather Company, better known as Galco, has been a leader and innovator in the industry for 45 years making classic leather and more modern...
35
Finding A Golden...
By golly, there’s nothing more I love than cast lead bullets! Their tradition, history and performance turn my insides all warm and gooey, just like the...
22
Are you packin’?
“Gun control” advocates are avoiding this like an ugly dog: The Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) recently released its 2019 update on concealed...
26
Black Collar...
As a cop, you quickly learn if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck! Conversely as a gun writer, if looks like a rifle and...
53
Being Un-Tactical
Handgun readers include law enforcement, security and military personnel, but the vast majority of us are armed citizens. Our responsibilities are limited...
56
Violent crime,...
Earlier this month, Insider Online got hold of the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2018, and among the revelations is the slight decline in firearm-related...
34
Viridian E...
Following the release of the new Springfield Armory Hellcat, Viridian Weapon Technologies is hot on its heels with an Essential (E Series) Red Laser Sight...
12
It Started with...
This past spring (March 12th, to be exact) I received a rather surprising email. It was from our own John Sheehan, field editor of our sister publication,...
23
Providing Value...
Providing American firearms owners with value since 1990, EAA Corp has searched the world to import quality firearms from respectable international...
33
Meet Robyn...
It’s not a “new” story; so many others have told similar stories before, had the same experiences and something of an epiphany about guns. But, in...
16
Dan Wesson 1911...
As suppressors are fast becoming a popular accessory, it’s no wonder manufacturers are turning out guns with threaded barrels to accommodate their use.
29
Remington's...
When I first heard Remington was introducing a bolt-action pistol, the discontinued XP-100 came to mind. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one. Could...
24
And the Survey...
Recent surveys show an overwhelming majority of Americans support background checks for all firearm transactions.
13
Mindset Matters Most
Our brain is our most vital asset in every endeavor we do. The decisions we make are carefully calculated as the positives and negatives of our actions, or...
23
Critical Defense...
Offering reliable expansion without the possibility of clogging, Hornady Critical Defense is the ultimate choice for concealed carry firearms and self...
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56 Years Young
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but you're never too old to learn something new—even reloading.
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Doing guns by...
An article published by the Washington Examiner should serve as a reminder for anybody campaigning to further restrict gun ownership in the United States:...
23
More Carry...
Our old friends from Alaska have come up with a bare minimalist holster fitting medium and large autos. Called the “Alaska EDC,”
36
Fussing With A Fitz
Sometimes you just have to get out of your comfort zone. I work on a lot of 1911’s every year. So when I got a call from Mark Mason of Downers Grove,...
65
More Than Equal
When my editor assigned me to an upcoming concealed carry class, I cringed. Not another “ladies-only concealed carry course,” I thought. Needless to...
55
shooting back...
Because some communities really really don’t want to get shot up, they are preparing — seriously preparing — to shoot back if some miscreant psycho...
38
One Eye — Or Two?
Should I shoot with one eye open — or two? The short answer is two. Most shooters, most of the time, are better off with both eyes open. Most of the top...
33
SCCY CPX-3 .380...
Owning a compact pistol means there’s no excuse for you to go unarmed anymore! Their ease and comfort of carrying means you can be armed at all times. The...
43
Streamlight...
How many flashlights are too many? I can’t count that high. Living in the country like I do, I have lights stashed all over. Unless you’re a long step...
52
MTM Case-Gard
My first MTM products were the classic green cartridge cases I used when I first began reloading .38 specials about 50 years ago. Amazingly enough — or...
22
Team Tactics...
“A journey of discovery…teaching married couples a simple yet highly effec-tive communication technique…to grow in their marriage through open and...
41
Preferences,...
The advice you get when trying to choose a new gun may come from a father, brother, sister, uncle, cousin, co-worker, magazine article, online forum, or...
37
Must-Haves For...
Every craftsman has his “go-to” piece of equipment or tool. That bit of “necessary” on the bench or in the toolbox, never loaned to or touched by...
18
Majority of gun...
A recent Rasmussen survey confirmed what gun owners have known for a long time: A majority of armed citizens (58%) feel safer because they have a firearm in...
31
Streamlight...
It’s 3:00 a.m. and you hear the front door opening. Jumping out of bed, you grab your Remington 870 with the TL-Racker forearm from the closet and head...
31
.45 Colt...
While loving the simplicity of the strong and reliable single-action thumb-cocker, I’m savvy enough to appreciate its swinging sidekick — the...
76
American Rebel
American Rebel, designer and manufacturer of their own innovative “concealed and safe” lifestyle products for gun owners, introduced several new...
4
Survey: 64% of...
A recent Rasmussen survey revealed not only that a majority of “likely voters” believe that the United States is in need of “stricter gun control,”...
32
Ruger Flag Series
You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag and what better way to show your patriotic pride by having ol’ Glory ruggedly displayed on your favorite Ruger shooter?
74
Crossbreed...
In nature, being a survivor means being adaptable. Without changing mindset, tactics or whatever else life throws your way, you become stagnant and...
52
Pet Loads With...
As a handloader, nothing is more satisfying than taking game, or punching the bullseye with your own handloads. It provides a feeling of accomplishment,...
42
LWRCI SMG .45...
With the AR platform being the most popular sporting/self-defense/duty rifle, it only makes sense it’s becoming our favorite pistol platform also. Built...
49
A Collusion Of Chaos
Hunting has thoroughly enhanced my life. Some misinformed individuals view hunting as simply pulling the trigger and taking an animal’s life.
2
The 3rd...
In the fall of 1976 when reading an article by writer Skeeter Skelton, I got both good news and bad news. The bad news was Colt had quietly discontinued...
42
Pro-2A Police...
Actions speak louder than words, so when a rural Washington State police chief announced last fall he would not enforce a gun control initiative that voters...
26
C-More RTS2 Red...
There’s no doubt red dot sights make it easier to shoot your pistol more accurately. The single sight-plane, aim, and shoot operation is fast, natural and...
13
Buy or Build...
Deep River Customs offers a wide variety of custom gunsmith services for 1911- and 2011-style pistols, as well as pistolsmithing courses for shooters.
27
Republic Forge:...
Every time I hear the name, Republic Forge, thoughts of the United States of America, a Constitutional Republic, is reinforced, stating the type of...
33
Believe It or...
Inspired by recent remarks from Democrat Joe Biden that the firearms industry is “the enemy,” which we discussed in last week’s installment, Insider...
9
SIG Air P365...
If you’re like me, you’re constantly sneaking down to your gunroom or safe for a quick visit. You might even free a few of your friends to hold, fondle...
41
A Sixgunners 4th...
The celebration of this year’s Independence Day is but a memory of picnics, family reunions, shooting guns, and of course firework displays. All of it...
5
Handguns Of...
Some folks hold the Webley Mk VI .455 revolver in near reverence. I’m not one of them. To me it’s big, clunky, ugly, underpowered and worst of all I...
12
First Time...
It’s always fun to introduce people to shooting — and it’s especially enjoyable when they’re such nice people, honestly interested in learning.
33
GALCO KODIAK HUNTER
Okay, so let’s say you’ve invested $800 bucks or more in a fancy hunting revolver. Maybe put $500 worth of scope on it too. Then spent another $200 on...
25
1791...
1791 Gunleather’s mission statement can be summed up as follows: “Our love and appreciation of the Second Amendment goes hand-in-hand with our passion...
4
WE MIGHT SUPPORT...
Let’s summarize the background-check problems once and for all, as the Democrats now control the House of Representatives. Their effort to ban guns,...
1
Malfunctions
Everyone practices empty reloads — you just fire til empty and reload. Yet, during a confrontation, an empty reload probably won’t be the deciding...
11
Handguns Of...
Perhaps the British could claim at least a small amount of credit for the advent of Smith & Wesson’s Model 1917 .45 Auto revolver. Just into World War II...
14
Colt's Last...
We’re going to lump the last three Colt cap and ball revolvers together in one article because they were simply modifications and adaptations of...
13
First Favorites...
As always, I had to have one — you know the feeling! I needed the ultimate hunting handgun, one fitting my needs perfectly, and yet having the ability to...
26
The 1860 Army .44
For about a decade Samuel Colt was quiet as far as introducing new revolver models. Obviously they were using all their factory’s production capacity just...
32
Handguns Of...
Starting in grade school my primary passion was World War II history and the firearms used. Therefore it was an amazing day when around age 12 my father...
3
The Speedloader...
When the Colt Paterson revolver burst onto the scene in 1836, the game changed forever. With five chambers of .36 caliber ball at the shooter’s disposal,
10
I can see...
Missed the target — again! It might be time to have an eye exam. I know you’re really enthused, but knowing a little about optometry and eyewear can...
36
People who carry...
Two essays, published ten years apart, offer an interesting perspective on what may be happening in America that separates the doers from the watchers;...
10
Blackhawk’s...
As a cop, I was trained to realize there would be a gun at every single call I responded to … my own. This sobering fact gave me a real respect for gun...
0
Belt Pistol
By the late 1840s America’s westward migration was in full swing, spurred along a great deal by the California gold rush of 1849. People by the thousands...
18
Handguns Of...
American fighting men anywhere in World War II could have been issued one of two basic .45 caliber pistols. The primary one was the Model 1911A1, and its...
12
Rocky Times On...
Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s plenty to go around as July looms on the horizon for Washington gun buyers, California gun owners
4
TRUGLO Fiber...
The “squints” at TRUGLO have been at it again. You know, the guys/gals who wear the white lab coats, constantly looking for better products to offer...
27
Handguns Of...
When Britain jumped into World War I and dragged Canada along, as usual their military outfits were woefully short of weapons. In those days the United...
9
Real Avid Makes...
Proper care and cleaning of our guns is paramount to their performance, reliability and functionality. Some are born to tinker, while others would just as...
8
Mossberg's New...
When you think of Mossberg, I’ll wager the words coming to mind are along the lines of “tough,” “rugged,” “affordable” and “reliable.”
7
THE COLT WALKER .44
The Colt Single Action Army revolver has to be the most famous, most recognizable handgun in the world. But it didn’t spring from the drawing boards in...
10
The Dragoons
As pointed out in Part One of this series, in U.S. Army parlance of the 1840s/1850s the word Dragoon referred to horse mounted troops. It’s also the term...
24
Handguns Of...
Next to the Luger, Germany’s most recognized World War II handgun was the Walther-designed P38. It’s credited as being the first military pistol with a...
8
S&W Performance...
When S&W released their M&P .380 Shield EZ, it caused a lot of head scratching. Why a mid’ish-sized .380? The question was answered after a host of gun...
13
WE MIGHT SUPPORT...
Children are convinced they know something the rest of us don’t. Take the new children’s marches for our lives — to them, it seems simple. They have...
0
Phone Apps
Smart phones have changed our lives — for good and bad. Ask a question and if nobody knows the answer, they’re either looking it up on their phone or...
0
Heizer's PK045
It may seem impossible, but here it is. A semi-auto in .45 ACP about the same size as a 9mm compact. The design is brilliant, and the materials and...
19
Sifting Through...
Social Media has, for better or worse, influenced society in ways our forefathers would never imagine. It’s boggling to think how an illuminated box full...
0
Handguns Of...
Without a doubt the U.S. Army’s adoption of Model 1917 .45 ACP revolvers was a “make-do” situation. And also without a doubt it “made-do” very...
1
Aimpoint Acro P-1
I’ll admit to liking the challenge of shooting with iron sights, but I’m hardheaded. Nothing’s more satisfying knowing you’ve lined up your front...
7
New, Old Colt...
You know the Colt Defender. It’s a classic 1911 for concealed carry, an old-timer showing how to pack .45 ACP into a small, rough and tumble platform....
26
A Betta' Beretta
In the world of defensive handguns, Beretta is a name to conjure with. And in the world of its popular Model 92, the same’s true of the name Ernest Langdon.
7
Handguns Of...
A statement I’ll make about the British Enfield No. 2 Mk I .38 revolver is one I’m not willing to make about any other British weapons of World War II....
1
Conversation...
Talking to Jeff Cooper about practical pistolcraft would be like talking to Abner Doubledav about baseball or James Naismith about basketball, except that...
3
From the pen of...
Somebody sent me images of a February 1960 article in GUNS Magazine by the late, legendary Elmer Keith, the little cowboy from Idaho and Montana with the...
5
Franklin Armory...
We all know SBRs (Short Barrel Rifle) are handy and convenient, along with being top-tier cool on the fun scale … but they have one drawback. Their...
0
You Never Forget...
No doubt about it, good, bad, or ugly — you never forget your first, well…anything. Be it first day of school, first kiss, first car or first car wreck
36
Handguns Of...
As with so many Americans during most of my life, I felt nothing but disdain for Japanese firearms. In fact in the pages of American Handgunner I’ve...
2
What? Huh? No...
If you’re enough of an enthusiast to be a Handgunner reader, you probably get asked for advice on selecting a first handgun. Or maybe an acquaintance has...
16
How To Avoid A...
After four decades of some pretty serious handgun hunting, I’ve become a distinguished master at missing. I’ve missed just about every possible way,...
1
More Ways To...
When his Editorship asked me to write a piece about guns that are fun to shoot, cost effective and light recoiling, but weren’t .22 caliber, I had to...
20
A Dozen Moronic...
Can a bullet “knock down” an elk? Did the old cowboy’s load their SAA’s with only five-rounds for safety? And more falsehoods undone here ...
19
Make Mine A...
As a wee lad, I lived often with my grandparents and three good-looking aunts, especially one, a tall Northern Italian beauty with long wavy reddish hair...
5
New, Old Colt...
You know the Colt Defender. It’s a classic 1911 for concealed carry, an old-timer showing how to pack .45 ACP into a small, rough and tumble platform....
26
Revolvers And...
In the “old” days almost everyone had a “wheel gun” sitting in the sock drawer at home, carried in a leather holster — or sometimes just shoved...
41
How I Carry
I don’t always carry a Glock 26 in a shoulder holster, but when I do, it’s usually in a Diamond D Custom Leather rig. This good-looking, functional...
13
Defensive...
There are lots of factors to consider here, and a variety of firearm types to select from. Which is best — handgun or shotgun? What about the .223/5.56 AR...
15
Ladies Guns
Gunwriters and gun store clerks have tossed around the idea of “ladies guns” for a long time. It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about...
21
My Backup Backup...
My primary knife is a folder clipped to my strong side pocket. My backup knife is a fixed blade; its location varies depending on the day/situation. And my...
4
Micro-Carry
First of all, this isn’t my fault. Editorial Director and fellow conspirator here, Mike Humphries, sent me a photo of a tiny NAA revolver in a pocket...
21
EDC Gear
There’s a category called “super handy gear you oughta’ always have with you” but we usually abbreviate it as Every Day Carry (EDC) gear. Carrying a...
6
Return Of The...
In 1975, Richard Davis invited three dozen friends for an impromptu shoot. A few gun writers, including our own now-retired J.D. Jones, wrote it up and the...
3
Behind the...
I’ve become quite enamored with the new MC1sc pistol from Mossberg and have made it my primary pocket carry gun since I picked one up earlier this...
2
Off Duty Carry
When they first pinned a badge on me in 1972, carrying a gun off duty was pretty much part of the law enforcement culture. Some departments mandated it,...
0
The Virtually...
Smith & Wesson’s J-frame -- what many consider the quintessential snub-nose revolver -- is virtually unsnubbable. That is, you can’t fault it for...
17
Young Guns
When I was growing up cartoons only came on TV on Saturday morning. There were no video games and fun was mostly found playing football, Cowboys & Indians...
15
What I Carry:...
Here's a favorite lightweight for light duty. The popular Kershaw Leek in orange looks great, opens with a snap, stands out in a bag or backpack or clipped...
15
What I Carry: A...
I’ve almost always been the guy who carries a full-size handgun for CCW. I was willing to forego comfort for capability, wanting to make sure I had a gun...
30
Other Tools at...
I'm a big fan of the tactical pen. A last-ditch strike weapon, it can go virtually anywhere with you, riding innocuously in a shirt pocket. Because — it's...
20
Youth Shooting...
As many political leaders seek to overturn the Second Amendment, the closest many young people get to learning about firearms is from a video game...
8
Learning To...
For 15 years my handguns and I have had an uneasy marriage. Dating back to my first firearms purchase — a Glock 17 — they and I have been embroiled in...
26
5.11 Small Kit...
While you’re creating an all-around survival kit list, I'll bet it numbers more than 10 items. Probably at least 20. So think of what you’ll put all...
11
Budget-Friendly...
Over the last 10 years, firearms manufacturing has not only improved in terms of quality and efficiency, it’s resulted in more and better handguns.
24
Coach & Shooter:
Learning how to use a firearm safely and efficiently requires training and practice. Training teaches what you need to know; practice is when you learn it.
2
Howdah Pistols
A howdah was a platform placed on an elephant’s back where a hunter would ride. Way back in the day, tigers were hunted in India while the hunter rode...
0
Gunsite Shows...
Training is paramount — to survival! As a retired copper, I know good training is more important than which gun, ammo or holster you have.
1
Simply Rugged
Rob Leahy was corrupted early in life and the responsible reprobates were Elmer Keith, Skeeter Skelton and Jeff Cooper.
24
A Beginner's...
“Hey, bud,” began the email from a good friend. “My wife and I have to manage some sketchy places for our jobs, and we are both thinking about getting...
26
Common Sense...
This Voltaire quote is such a cliché: “Common sense is not so common.” I can’t count how many times I’ve heard the phrase used.
25
Fundamentals...
The process of teaching someone to shoot can get tangled up in egos and past experience, good or bad. Excellent instructional technique, coupled with...
0
Working With...
With regard to personal protection, we all live somewhere between a box of ammo and a bodyguard.
0
Three For The...
What happens when a Ruger American, Ruger 9E, and Ruger LC9s all land in our home at the same time? A gentlemanly family feud,
of course.
0
"AIR DEFENSE...
The mere mention of “BB gun” inevitably conjures up the Daisy Red Rider. But let me tell you, BB guns have evolved well past this stage. Thanks to my...
0
3-Gun Part 1
Competitive shooters are mostly purists. They shoot one discipline and work to excel in that one game. To become a dominant force in any game, it’s...
4
Here's Where To...
There’s a lot of books written specifically for women on the “how-to” of shooting. Most are on self-defense. The importance of protecting yourself,...
1
The 3...
There are a lot of obstacles to competing: The travel, the equipment, the guns, the ammunition, learning and mastering the game. But, I find, the obstacles...
1
Shotgun To Handgun
For a lifelong competitive shotgunner, I own a lot of handguns. I like them and I like to shoot them. We all know the basic difference between pistol and...
20
Training For The...
My introduction to shooting was through the shotgun sports — trap and skeet specifically. It was through my own initiative. My dad didn’t shoot...
9
Shockingly Carryable
Guns can be expensive, difficult to master and uncomfortable to sit on during a long car trip. The point of all this inconvenience is the capacity to...
11
Tips For Your...
You’ve decided to attend a firearms class for defensive training and are paid-up. Now it’s time to start putting together the gear you’ll need for the...
20
Keeping Your...
They’re just tools, keep this in mind. Tools to keep your family safe, just the same as the fire extinguishers you have placed around (right?),...
3