GEAR

THE STUFF YOU NEED FOR "HANDGUNNING"

rw minis 1911

I’ve handled real 1911s worth $40,000 and readily admit this tiny pretend 1911 generated just about the same amount of interest when I showed it around.

Survival Kit Essentials

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 will be some variation of the following:

Galco FasTrax PAC Elite...

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.

fenix pd36r rechargable light

There are infinity-trillion tactical lights on the market — with good reason. A quality handheld light is one of the most useful tools around, whether you use it “tactically” or not.

Gun Care The Right Way

Whether it’s a lubricant, cleaning solvent or speciality finish, Tetra Gun does it all with optimum performance and the highest quality.

Lights And Lasers

Being sure of your target means seeing your target — and seeing your target has never been easier. From gun-mounted to handheld lighting solutions, you...

The Mighty 32's

When someone mentions .32 caliber handguns, we often think of small, low powered rounds. The .32 ACP comes to mind, and the .32 S&W Short and Long pop into...

Federal Solid Core Ammunition

When it comes to ammunition, make no bones about it: Deep penetration combined with large wound channels is a killing combination.

New Products May/June 2020...

The 92 Elite LTT has been described as the ultimate Beretta 92. Recently, Langdon Tactical released the carry friendly versions of the pistol —

Buck 108 Compadre Froe

If you spend anytime in the woods or doing chores around the farm or land you quickly realize the value of a good “chopper.”

SIG SAUER P320 XCompact RXP

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,...

desantis pocket holder

When it comes to purchasing brakes, tires or parachutes, cheap is much too expensive.

Versacarry Shoulder...

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...

Keep Your Fancy Customs!

I gotta be me.” That’s good. We all should do that. Don’t just say it — do it! But know your “do it” attitude might not be someone else’s cup...

Bipods, Tripods and Shot...

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...

Reasons To Reload

My first serious venture into reloading came out of necessity. It was the early years of the Obama administration and between the hoarders and the numbers...

hawk smart scope

This device answers a lot of needs. I have a couple of “target” camera systems I’ve accumulated and enjoy using them.

Lawman Leather

Here’s a holster quiz for ya, trivia fans: Back in 1978, the late great Elmer Keith described somebody’s leather as “… the most comfortable holster...

Purdy Gear

There’s a reason Karla Van Horne’s cowboy shooting alias is “Purdy Gear,” it’s because she makes, well … purdy gear.

All Things 1911

I know, I know … more 1911 stuff? You bet. The design doesn’t die because it works, and Browning’s genius allows incremental improvements, each one...

Rooted In Steel!

Some people just have it in their blood. Tiger McKee, owner and founder of Shootrite Firearms Academy — and our own Tactics & Training columnist! —...

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ

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...

Pistol Cartridge Semi-Auto...

In the late 1860s and early 1870s, Henrys and Winchester ’66’s (repeating rifles) became popular.

Off Duty Capability

Fueled by media hype, mass murders have led more of our guys and gals in blue to carry something more substantial than a vestigial micro-caliber while off-duty.

One Man's Trash...

Go ahead, finish it. You know the rest of the line: “… is another man’s treasure.” A friend at work asked me to look at a couple of guns he had in...

New Products March/April...

OTTO’s dual-mode NoizeBarrier Micro Earplugs heighten situational awareness while hunting in the field or on the range.

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...

CCW Tips: How, When and Why

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...

Hogue Knives A01-Microswitch

I’m betting you know the Hogue name because they make innovative grips for a huge cross-section of guns.

Making It Go Bang

If you reload you get to do two fun things at once — shoot more — and reload!

Every Day Carry (EDC)

Everyday carry (EDC) gear options have exploded in recent years, offering fantastic innovation to those who like to be prepared — having the actual tools...

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...

Loading The .357 SIG

The .357 SIG has been around now for about 25 years. It’s a bottleneck cartridge, basically a .40 S&W necked down to .357.

CRKT Model 5400 XOC

XOC is pronounced “Shock” just to sort of set the tone on this over-the-top, over-built beast of a blade.

Hornady Handgun Hunter...

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.

The Spark to Handload Can...

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.

walker silencer-bluetooth...

Sometimes, especially when hunting, muffs, even electronic muffs, can be awkward and inconvenient, especially if you have a brimmed hat.

Baby Oil And Easy Bake Ovens

So there I was rubbing baby oil into a set of ivory grips when I suddenly had a thought: “Gee, I wonder if all the people who have exotic grips on their...

Galco Fits For GLOCK 43X/48

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...

Krudo's Kutters!

Louis Krudo was inspired to make knives not because he grew up hunting and camping. Nor was he inspired by the knife his Papaw gave him as a kid.

Area 51 Invasion?

In deep thought, the knock on the door is startling. Not expecting any test guns, I’m perplexed to see the UPS driver through the window.

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...

New Products Jan/Feb 2020...

Axeon Optics’ Absolute Zero makes sighting in your rifle easy. Using two precision lasers, it guarantees your hold on the rifle will be in the same place...

Taurus Raging Hunter .454...

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...

Chinook: Officer Response...

I’m a retired cop and from personal experience I can tell you the ability to stop critical bleeding fast saves lives.

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.

Handgunner Gift Guide

I know, I know … if you need it, you likely just buy it. But we need to keep in mind those who care for us constantly struggle to buy for us.

Galco StukOn-U Pocket Holster

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...

A Retro-Mod 1911

Pistolsmith Jarret Wehunt has created what looks like a battle-worn WWII era Colt — but there’s actually a race car lurking underneath those familiar...

Deer Hollow Grips

The term “reproduction” can mean many things, but in the case of grip maker and gunsmith Olof Fornehed his grips (for Colt “snake” guns and some...

Viridian E Series Laser...

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...

Critical Defense for When...

Offering reliable expansion without the possibility of clogging, Hornady Critical Defense is the ultimate choice for concealed carry firearms and self...

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.

TRUGLO Fiber-Optic Pro

There’s a lot more to accurate shooting than simply having an accurate gun. You might have the most mechanically accurate gun in the world, but if you...

More Carry Options — Options

Our old friends from Alaska have come up with a bare minimalist holster fitting medium and large autos. Called the “Alaska EDC,”

Are Your Bullets PC?

When it comes to cast bullets, we can find ourselves in a Catch-22. Many sixgun hunters prefer hollowpoint bullets for thin-skinned game, and therein lies...

Streamlight Protac 90

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...

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...

Team Tactics class at...

“A journey of discovery…teaching married couples a simple yet highly effec-tive communication technique…to grow in their marriage through open and...

Preferences, Opinions and...

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...

Revolver Trappings

Arevolver’s strength lies in its simplicity, but these must-have accessories will profoundly improve performance. From grip, to reloading, to cleaning, to...

Lights And Lasers

Being sure of your target means seeing your target — and seeing your target has never been easier. From gun-mounted to handheld lighting solutions, you...

The Hardened Edge

We’ve covered many custom knifemakers in Handgunner over the years and, without question, most were inspired by the first pocketknife gifted to them by...

STUKEY’S SHOOTING BENCH

I’ve got a couple of portable shooting benches I use. Name brands, and frankly, they work pretty good. But they’re a bit spindly and while you can do...

WHEELER DIGITAL TRIGGER GAUGE

This is sorta’ like a chronograph. You don’t really “need” one, but if you’re a serious shooter, a chrono can really open your eyes to some...

Majority of gun owners...

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...

REAL AVID Smart Drive 90

I know, I know, you’re sick and tired of us reminding you to use dedicated screwdrivers when cranking screws on your guns.

Streamlight TL-Racker

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...

Largest Expanding 9mm in...

Norma's new all-copper 9mm MHP delivers consistent penetration, repeatable expansion and great stopping power for concealed carry, home defense or personal...

Crossbreed P365XL Holsters

In nature, being a survivor means being adaptable. Without changing mindset, tactics or whatever else life throws your way, you become stagnant and...

Pet Loads With Cast Bullets

As a handloader, nothing is more satisfying than taking game, or punching the bullseye with your own handloads. It provides a feeling of accomplishment,...

Leather Mysteries

If you are moderately long of tooth, you might remember the classic Laugh-In line uttered by Artie Johnson: “Veerrry intieresstingk…!” I’ll admit...

C-More RTS2 Red Dot Sight

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...

In The Red: Handloading...

Want some cutting-edge bullets for your next reloading project? Federal is now offering Syntech Component bullets.

The Ultimate Powder for...

An extruded propellant part of the company’s “Extreme Series” of powders, Hodgdon’s H4350 is designed to work in just about any condition.

Let There Be Light — and...

Keeping up with the latest technology is a lesson I learned long ago. Back in the Nixon era, I hung out with a pretty good group of buds at college.

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...

1791 Gunleather’s...

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...

Requiem To A Titan

Simply stated, A.G. Russell was a giant in the cutlery industry whose impact will live forever. On October 12, 2018, Arkansas native A.G. passed away at the...

New Products Sept/Oct 2019...

The Raging Hunter from Taurus received the American Hunter Handgun of the Year Golden Bullseye Award in 2018 for its reliability, innovative design and value.

Pistol Accessories

Today we’re deluged with tempting new gun designs sure to stretch anyone’s fertile imagination. But this doesn’t mean the need to gussie things up...

Sights & Optics See It —...

Sights and optics are better than ever, constantly benefitting from the firearm industry’s ongoing technological innovations.

The Speedloader Comes of Age

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,

I can see clearly now!

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...

Blackhawk’s New T-Series...

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...

Winchester WinClean 244

Are you a serious handloader who wants to get the most performance out of your handgun reloads?

TRUGLO Fiber Optic Pro

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...

Real Avid Makes It Real...

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...

1911 Tool

It gives me great personal delight to talk about this very cool tool. Dear friend and long-time industry peer Gary Smith (recently retired from Caspian)...

Bullseye Camera System

Life isn’t just about ammo, guns and reloading. Hey wait, it’s not? Nope. It’s also about expanding your horizons when it comes to our favorite...

scope setter

To state the obvious, this tool does just what it says. I always seem to wrestle getting the reticles straight when I mount a scope. Doesn’t matter if...

Weekender Kit

Birchwood Casey’s “Weekender Professional Gunsmith Kit” also works for we mere mortal-amateurs. If you tend to wrench on your pistolas or wrangle your...

Power Clean Electric Kit

I’m a “keep it simple” guy as much as possible so, while gadgets and widgets can and are often simply fun to mess with, I usually find myself going...

Pachmayr Guardian Grips

If you’ve been around for a bit, you’ll likely recall those iconic Pachmayr rubber grips from the 1970s. They pretty much revolutionized grip ideas for...

Alumagrips

I’ve used Alumagrips for years and they ride on a couple of my “heavy use” guns. In a nutshell, they are essentially indestructible and about as...

Arredondo Squib Pro

If you haven’t had the delight of experiencing a squib round (where the bullet gets stuck in the bore), you just haven’t been shooting long enough yet....

Close Look: 1911 Goodies

So, you’ve finally gotten your dream-1911 and have cleaned it to within an inch of it’s 100+-year-old life. Your significant other is giving you “the...

The .40 S&W: Too Strong or...

While the price of Maseratis has not risen as fast as the cost of health insurance under the oddly named Affordable Care Act, I’m resigned to live without...

Make Mine A 'Trial' Nine

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...

amtac blades northman

Old friend Jeff Hoffman of Black Hills ammo and I had a good visit at the last SHOT Show. While we chatted, Jeff said, “Oh, let me show you this cool...

Non-Essential Essentials

All of my straight-walled sixgun cartridges are sized with carbide sizing dies. Those that are not are first sprayed with Hornady One Shot Case Lube. This...

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...

FATHER’S DAY TOP 10 DIY...

Looking to get just the right gift for the father in your life? Is he a handy guy who likes to tinker on projects and gets a huge kick out of building or...

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...

VersaCarry Compound IWB...

The camp you subscribe to is telling of your character, or lack thereof. Obviously, the “other” camp is just plain ignorant about the subject matter,...

ZEV Technologies:...

It would make no sense and strike as arrogant to assume refinements to GLOCK striker-fired handguns would not benefit the user after nearly 40 years of...

Safely Practice With Your Gun

You can train with a blue gun or a red gun but it won’t be your gun. But when you do non-shooting training drills with your gun — a real gun —

Tops' Chef!

The outdoor and culinary cutlery markets are growing by leaps and bounds with many companies trying to expand their horizons. One, however, has made an...

Help For Hurting Hands

Sooner or later age catches up with all of us. For some of us, ailments such as arthritis, bursitis or neuropathy affect our ability to shoot any kind of...

Norma Now Offers...

An all-around performer for concealed carry and home defense, Norma's MHP in 9mm Luger delivers reliable expansion, weight retention and accuracy.

My Backup Backup Knife

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...

Clenzoil

I know, I know … another gun cleaner/lube/preserver. But this time, I can attest to something I can’t always say about others I’ve tested and written...

Bleeding Control Kit

When I first saw this pitched to me in an email from a marketing firm, I thought it was silly. I mean, who needs a first aid kit that talks to you?

Target Vision

I’ve toyed with a few of the camera systems out there and will be the first to admit early on I didn’t understand the need. A good spotting scope does...

HiViZ H3 Tritium/Fiber...

Front sights provide direction, while rear sights allow us to fine-tune our aim. In combat or other shooting scenarios, the mantra is, “Front sight,...

Other Tools at the Ready

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...

Living Archive: The 9mm Myth

If you prefer a flat handgun that is easier to conceal and carries more rounds than a revolver, you have only to take your pick from the large array of 9mm...

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...

What I Carry: Kershaw...

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...

Comp-Tac “Warrior With...

Tactics aside, a pistol-mounted light is one of the most functional accessories you can add to your shooter. What’s better than having a light source to...

The Virtually Unsnubbable...

Smith & Wesson’s J-frame -- what many consider the quintessential snub-nose revolver -- is virtually unsnubbable. That is, you can’t fault it for...

Speedloading Handguns...

Thumbing (electronically) through the July/August 1982 issue of American Handgunner, the editor's note at the end of the "Speedloading Handguns Takes Skill"...

InvictaSafe Secure Display

Hey, we all love our guns, right? And most of us have at least one or two “special” guns we consider working pieces of art.

Tauris Holsters

You want custom? I can do custom!” laughed Mike Taurisano. “As a matter of fact, it’s most of what I do, and what I love best!” Mike’s been making...

Range Bags

Have I ever driven to the range, started setting up on a shooting bench, and found I’d forgotten an important item of shooting gear? Are you kidding?...

Cultery Showcase

Pocket power means more than a 9mm! Shooters almost always have a cutter stashed away in a handy spot — and likely more than one. Check out this sterling...

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...

New Products July/August...

Manikomio is a field knife from Krudo Knives. Manikomio means “insane asylum” and the blade is named as such because it is “insanely sleek.” The...

There's No Bad Weather

The title originated while looking at a two cycle, straight-pipe mountain wilderness pollution machine. I commented to the owner I was no longer up to the...

5.11 Small Kit Tool Bag

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...

New Products May/June 2019

The lightweight, wraparound frame design of Howard Leight UVEX Hypershock shooting glasses offers high-impact, scratch-resistant protection with streamlined...

Holster Fun

The great new reference book on 20th century holster development entitled Holstory by R.E.D. Nichols and John Witty introduces us to the NYC school of...

Phone Skope

What’s your phone have to do with a scope? Lots, actually. When I saw this at an NSSF event introducing new companies to the SHOT Show, I knew I had to...

New Products March/April...

The Project Stealth gun holster series by 1791 Gunleather combines American native steerhide with state-of-the-art carbon fiber. In a Project Stealth...

N.C. ORDNANCE PYTHON GRIPS

The Colt Python is more than a gun, it’s an icon. From its graceful serpentine lines to its enviable capabilities, to its utter rarity these days — and...

Pistol Slicker

Alpine products is well known for their “Spudz” micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth riding in its own little bag with a clip. I’ve used them for years and...

WILDERNESS MICRO DUFFLE

Like pictures of fawns and baby otters, some things just nudge the “cute” meter. And since wife Suzi is all about “all-things purple” as many ladies...

EDC Meets Bug Out Bag

We’re not talking end of the world stuff here, just those mostly annoying pitfalls we stumble into going to work, taking the trash out or when the...

Holster Fun: The Pig Hunter

Hollywood holster maker Andy Anderson was an early handgun hunter. Naturally he used gun belts and holsters of his own design and manufacture. For handgun...

Adjusting Fixed Sights

We recently heard from a gentleman who was having trouble regulating the sights on his revolver. In short, things did not go well, and he was looking for...

Handgunner's Gift Guide

Here is our annual compendium of conscientious consensus of what’s cool for you and your shooting buds. Take the cap off your highlighter and get to work...

Making Better — Even Better

Until I wrote this, I didn’t realize how much of a Smith & Wesson fan I am. I knew I had a lot of their guns and liked them, but it really struck home...

The Leading Edge

As Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) celebrates its 25th anniversary in the cutlery business, it still seems like they’re a relatively new business....

New Products Jan/Feb 2019...

Work Sharp’s Pocket Knife Sharpener offers complete field sharpening for all knife types and blade steels. It is lightweight, compact and easily stows in...

Fenix TK15 Ultimate...

Not too long ago, a thousand-lumen flashlight that fits in your pocket and costs less than $100 would’ve been a laughable suggestion. Throw in LED...

Throat-Choke Is No Joke

I love Ruger revolvers, especially those chambered in .45 Colt. Built tough and able to withstand pressures most other guns can’t, doesn’t mean...

Viridian Weapon-Mounted...

Viridian Weapon Technologies has announced the availability of two new weapon-mounted accessories for the Sig Sauer® P365. TheREACTOR® R5 Gen 2 Green...

Streak Ammo

Ammo Inc. — which has been around making more conventional but very high quality ammo for some time — has announced their new non-incendiary tracer...

Dualie Wayport Light

How many flashlights are enough? Um … uh … about 150. At least at a minimum. But if you don’t have the “flashlight gene” like so many of us do,...

Revolver Extras

Whenever I hear someone say, “Oh, revolvers? They’re dead …” I always think of the hundreds of letters I get from you wanting more about them.

The Tradition Continues

Acutlery company doesn’t get to be over 125 years old by sitting on its laurels unless they make a great product, and even then they must change with the...

Behind the Scenes: A...

I’ve written about my young friend, Dusty here, who has gotten his custom gunsmithing business off the ground and is doing well. He has a back-log of...

MGM Steel Challenge Rack

We just loved shooting runs on this rack when family was visiting not too long ago. MGM also calls it a “A plate rack in a bucket” for good reasons —...

Carry Options: Tote It Tips

Without further fuss or fiasco, let’s focus on a hand-full of our favorite go-to carry concepts. While this isn’t everything, we like to think it helps...