[Exclusive Review] Heritage Barkeep .22 Revolver
Are you looking for an inexpensive .22 revolver to carry with you on your rambles into the hinterland? Does your tackle box need an inexpensive .22 in it? How about a gun to carry with you as you run your traplines? Do you need something to take with you when you check your fence rows ... Read more
Best AR-15s: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Designed in the 1960s, the AR-15 is simultaneously a classic American rifle and a piece of cutting-edge technology that stays at the forefront of innovation and development. That’s pretty impressive for a design that is over 50 years old. If you’re just getting into the AR-15 platform then you’re in luck because we are truly ... Read more
[Review] DPMS LR-308: The AR, Back To Basics
“What – yet another black rifle review?” I hear you say. To that, I answer: “yessiree!” I like black rifles (or, to use a slightly more descriptive tag, the MSR, Modern Sporting Rifle). The MSR nowadays is to be found not only in law enforcement or military environments (in its select-fire guise). There are also ... Read more
Viridian Laser Sight – AR and Pistol: Review
Today, I’m going to review two Viridian laser products: one for your pistol and one for your AR. These days, it’s easy to buy a cheap laser to mount onto your pistol or rifle. This is because of the huge availability of Chinese imports and knock-offs online. It is tough for a bone-fide American company ... Read more
![[Review] Bear Creek Arsenal AR 7.62x39](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTE5ODoyNDc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzgwIDI4MCIgd2lkdGg9IjM4MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyODAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
[Review] Bear Creek Arsenal AR 7.62×39
I own a few AR-pattern rifles in various calibers and enjoy shooting them. I have guns in 9mm, .223/5.56, and now 7.62×39. So, I wouldn’t exactly call myself an AR expert but, as the saying goes, this ain’t my first rodeo where they are concerned. I know what works for me and what I like. ... Read more
Review: Rock River Arms 1911-A1
Let’s start this Rock River Arms 1911 review off with this statement: I like 1911s. I don’t know how many I’ve owned over the years. I tend to live for a good while in the no-1911-zone, but it is always followed by an urgent desire to own another one. I’ve owned 1911s made by Colt, ... Read more
[Review] Savage Axis II XP (vs. Mossberg Predator)
Those of you who read my reviews and articles know that I am by and large a handgun guy. I cut my shooting teeth on that type of firearm. I guess growing up in a state that did not allow “regular” rifle calibers for deer hunting (only pistol calibers were legal) until fairly recently may ... Read more
Best Shooting Chronographs
One thing that will help you shoot more accurately is if you know your ammunition’s velocity and other related data. Luckily, there’s a tool for that — a shooting chronograph. Not only can it measure the velocity of your shots but its data can also help you assess your reloading skills. No longer are chronographs ... Read more
12 Best .357 Magnum Revolvers
The .357 Magnum cartridge is the most popular all-around revolver cartridge out there. The .357 seems to be the go-to round for wheel gunners. You can also use it whether you carry a snubby for protection or a larger gun for target shooting, hunting and hiking. In addition, the cartridge is viable for most uses ... Read more
Ruger EC9s review – is it worth it? Read this first.
The Ruger EC9S is a close cousin of Ruger’s popular LC9S 9mm pistol. They do have a couple of differences, which you should know about. You may want to read my Ruger LC9S review – I owned the gun for a good while. The LC9S is popular and its MSRP is $529. However, today’s street price ... Read more
Best Concealed Carry Revolvers [2021 Update]
In this day and age of polymer-framed striker-fired semiautos, does the old-fashioned revolver even have a place? Many of you reading this may think not but I beg to differ. There’s something to be said for a carry weapon that just needs to be drawn (or shot through the pocket, hidden) and fired just by ... Read more
8 Best Single-Stack Subcompact 9mm [Concealed Carry]
Concealed carry options abound for most of the United States. Every state now has some form of concealed carry law on its books. The concealed-carry permit gamut runs from very restrictive states to other states that don’t require a specific permit, figuring the Second Amendment is permit enough. The upshot is that more and more ... Read more
![Ruger LCP Max - Pocket-Sized 10-Round .380 [Review & Video]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTM2MzozMjg=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzgwIDI4MCIgd2lkdGg9IjM4MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyODAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
Ruger LCP Max – Pocket-Sized 10-Round .380 [Review & Video]
Let’s dive into the new Ruger LCP Max. First, pocket-sized pistols are all the rage these days. I have more than a few friends who don’t consider themselves well-armed unless they have a gun in their pocket. Some also need one on their belt. Heck, I’ll put myself in that category. There are several – ... Read more
Diamondback DB9 9mm Pistol, Gen 4 [Hands-on Review]
I wish I had a dollar for each 9mm carry gun I’ve owned. I could buy at least one grand steak dinner, for sure, with what I collected through the years. I’ve owned many “small 9s” and have some opinions based on my experiences. The hottest pistol sub-category in the business at this time is ... Read more
9mm Glock Models [Ultimate Guide]
For those of us who are into handguns and have not been living under a rock for the past 3 decades or so, the name Glock has come to be a household word in the shooting universe. People who may have never held a gun (let alone a Glock) recognize the name. It is estimated ... Read more
Best .45 ACP Ammo: Self-Defense & Target Practice
“The only reason I carry a .45 is because they don’t make a .46.” How many times have I heard that old chestnut? Technically, they now make a .46-plus – the .500 S&W Magnum (.500 bullet diameter) and the .480 Ruger (.475 bullet diameter), to name a couple – but they are heavy-duty revolver rounds ... Read more
Marlin 1895 .45/70 Hands-On Review ‘The Guide Gun’
The Marlin 1985 is an upscale, heavy-duty version of their excellent 336 lever rifle. The 336 and its cousins have probably accounted for enough deer over the years to fill a decent-sized football stadium. Reliable, accurate, and affordable, the 336 in caliber .30-30 is a staple in the deer woods each fall. Beef it up, ... Read more
New Ruger Bearcat .22 LR full hands-on review
The Ruger Bearcat was first released in 1958, let’s see how it stands up in 2021. I like .22 handguns. Pistols, revolvers, single-shots. They are all fun to shoot, and usually more accurate than they need to be. I either own or have owned, enough .22 handguns to fill a decent-sized duffel bag. I’ve taken ... Read more
Springfield Hellcat Review (Rapid Defense Package)
I have owned several small 9mm pistols. From Kel-Tecs, Kahrs, Springfield XDs, and many others, I feel like I’m familiar with the breed. Almost every major pistol manufacturer sells a 9mm small enough to fit into your pocket. Many of them allow you to carry 10, 11, or more rounds. We have the Sig Sauer ... Read more
Best 380 Ammo: Self-Defense & Target Practice
You may be wondering “why do a best-of article on ammo for a marginal carry gun” … it’s because of popularity. The .380 is here, stronger than ever, with many folks carrying them – myself included. Its popularity has surged over the last few years to the point where many claim it to be a ... Read more
Taurus 692 Review: two guns in one?
What do I mean by two guns in one? The idea that a gun can shoot more than one type of ammo is not new. Any of you familiar with a .357 or .44 Magnum revolver will know what I mean. Well, as far as the .38/.357 and the .44 Special / Magnum calibers go. ... Read more
Taurus GX4 review: 11+1 capacity 9mm under $400
Looking for a full in-depth review of the brand new Taurus GX4? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I have owned and shot Taurus guns for more than a couple decades. If you have read any of my other reviews (for example the Taurus G3C review) you will be aware that I have not ... Read more
Taurus Judge review
The Taurus Judge is the Brazilian manufacturer’s best selling gun, according to the last sales stats I saw. That says a lot, but why? Welcome to my in-depth review of the Judge, focusing on its use cases and how it shoots. Introduction Why call it the Judge? Well, the gun started out with the model ... Read more
Taurus G2C Review 2021 | A Complete Guide For Taurus G2C 9mm Pistol
Even though the newer G3 and G3c pistols are out, the Taurus G2C is still an excellent choice for concealed carry. With its affordable price tag, you get serious bang for your buck – an accurate, reliable handgun that is serviced by a range of aftermarket accessories. It is easy to use and easy to ... Read more
Ruger Wrangler review – an affordable .22LR
Summary The Ruger Wrangler is an excellent .22 revolver for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Whether for plinking or self-protection, it’s an effective, easy to use revolver that is backed by the customer service of Ruger should anything go wrong. The price point (and chambering) makes it one of the more affordable guns for sure. ... Read more
![Ruger MPR Review [AR 556 Expert Hands On]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTYzNDoyNTQ=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzgwIDI4MCIgd2lkdGg9IjM4MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyODAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
Ruger MPR Review [AR 556 Expert Hands On]
Summary Ruger and rifles. It doesn’t sound right, at least to those of us who cut their shooting teeth on Ruger revolvers and semi-auto pistols. After all, Ruger’s first products were handguns, right? It started in 1949 with the MK I Standard .22 pistol and then went to the .357 Magnum Blackhawk. From there, it ... Read more
Crimson Trace Laser Grips Review [Hands on]
So what’s the deal with Crimson Trace laser grips? Well, let’s start with the revolver itself. I like to shoot revolvers. I like to carry revolvers. I like them a lot. OK… so much for the first-grade-style sentences… I guess you can safely assume that I am a wheelgun type of guy. Do I own, ... Read more
Ruger Scout Rifle Review [Hands on with photos]
The Ruger Scout rifle started with Jeff Cooper. In case you don’t know who Jeff Cooper was, allow me to point you to a website that will help you understand what this former Marine Lt. Colonel contributed to the shooting sports. Part shooter, part statesman and part philosopher, Jeff helped found what became Gunsite Academy ... Read more
Henry Big Boy Review [Hands on]
Introduction Henry. The name sort of says it all, eh? From the brand’s beginnings in 1860 to today, Henry has earned a reputation for building reliable, stout guns that exhibit excellent workmanship, material, fit and finish. I mean… just look at the Henry Big Boy rifle above. Top-grain American walnut stock, highly-polished brass receiver, deep-blued ... Read more
Canik TP9SFX Review – The Competition-Ready 9mm
When I was in South Carolina last month at a gunwriter’s event, I got to shoot a Canik TP9, much like the one the Canik TP9SFX we have here. I was at a line at the Century Arms shooting bay, but I wanted to try this 9mm out so I waited for my turn. My ... Read more
