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Hand’s On Reviews
152 posts
AR-15 Lower Assembly [Hands-On Guide]
Building your own AR-15 lower is the most complex part of an AR-15, but it really isn’t too bad. With some basic tools, a couple of hours (for your first lower, maybe 30 minutes for your 3rd+), and this guide — you’ll quickly be able to assemble your AR-15 lower and get it ready for ... Read more
[Review] Stoeger STR-9: Excellent 9mm
Stoeger is a company that I am familiar with. They’ve been known for decades as an importer of really decent-quality shotguns. Stoeger got this handgunner’s attention around 1980 when they began importing this: This is a German-made Luger .22. Stoeger has owned the rights to the Luger name in the U.S. since 1924. So, they ... Read more
KelTec CP33: .22 Target Pistol Review
“Business in the front, party in the back.” It’s the mantra of this CP33 pistol. Well, I might say that when I first look at it – man, it’s rocking! Knowing that the gun will fire 33 .22 LR rounds before reloading is what makes me extremely excited. KelTec did explore new ideas with this ... Read more
Walther PPS M2 [Hands-on Review 2022]
If you want to shoot like James Bond does, the Walther PPS M2 is for you. This handgun is a groundbreaking yet practical piece of hardware combining a great concealed carry option with unrivaled accuracy and comfort. I’ve had plenty of time with it and, the more I shoot it, the more convinced I am ... Read more
Holosun 510C: Best Value Red Dot Sight? [Hands-On Review]
It might be the trigger finger that sends a bullet downrange, but the eyes ensure it’s right on target. And what better optical aid do we have than a red dot? It makes target acquisition a lot quicker, which can be a total game-changer. While red dots are a joy to use, the good ones ... Read more
SIG M400 Tread: Great AR Under $1,000
There are a lot of AR-15 options out there. For this article we’re going to look at a relative newcomer that is a great shot, and that will set you back less than $1,000. Namely, the Sig M400 Tread. This is a 5.56 NATO calibre rifle based on the venerable M4 and M16 designs. It ... Read more
Rock River Arms LAR-15 [Full 2021 Review]
The Modern Sporting Rifle seems to have a polarizing effect on shooters and non-shooters alike, at least in my experience. To an old-school rifle shooter, an AR-style rifle is anathema to his or her way of thinking…rifles are supposed to be wood and metal with no plastic. I am a fan of the MSR, or ... Read more
![Hi-Point C9 Review [Unboxed and Shot]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTMyNzoyNDg=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzgwIDI4MCIgd2lkdGg9IjM4MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyODAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
Hi-Point C9 Review [Unboxed and Shot]
Let’s take a look at the Hi-Point C9. So you want to get a pistol but you’re on a budget? You’ve narrowed your caliber choices down to the “big 3” pistol calibers: the 9mm, .45 ACP or the .40 S&W? You have exactly $200 to spend on a pistol and cannot find (or would rather ... Read more
Chiappa Rhino 50DS [Complete Hands-On Review]
I have always admired the simplicity of revolvers. You just need to reload them, aim, pull the trigger, and fire. Plus, there is freedom from problems such as wobbly magazines, safeties, and feeding problems common in semiautos. While the Chiappa Rhino 50DS breaks the conventional design of modern revolvers. From its bottom cylinder firing to ... Read more
Taurus G3c Review: The best budget 9mm?
I was minding my own business one day when I got a call from my media contact at Taurus back in June 2020. He said Taurus was coming out with something new, a new 9mm. It would ship with either three 10- or 12-round magazines and was based on the four-inch-barreled G3 full-size 9mm pistol ... Read more
Sig Sauer P365 SAS [Hands-on Review]
The SIG P365 series changed the world of concealed carry. These microcompact guns packed a double-stack capacity into a single stack-sized firearm. In 2019, SIG Sauer introduced the SIG Anti-Snag (SAS), a variation of the SIG P365 with antisnag treatment. It is touted to be the perfect snag-free concealed carry weapon. In this hands-on review, ... Read more
Chiappa Rhino 20DS [Revolver’s Review]
The Chiappa Rhino revolver is a one-of-a-kind take on the classic revolver — a gun with an unusual appearance. I love the unique design of the Rhino that sets itself apart from ordinary revolvers. What you will notice upfront is the barrel, which aligns with the lowermost chamber of the cylinder, and the gun’s six-chambered ... Read more
ZPAP92: 7.62×39 AK Pistol Review
Chances are that if you are reading this article, you either already have at least one Kalashnikov rifle of your own or are considering it strongly. It’s estimated that there’s one AK for every 70 people on Earth and that alone says a lot about it. The Serbs are one of those that took inspiration ... Read more
Ruger 10/22 Takedown Review: “One To Go, Please!”
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most successful rimfire rifles ever made. Depending upon which source you trust, they have sold either five, seven, or eight million rifles since the model was introduced in 1964. (At any rate, that’s a bunch!). I have accounted for exactly two of those sold. My first 10/22 was ... Read more
[Review] DS Arms FAL SA58
The Fusil Automatic Léger (FAL) is a popular rifle both in Europe and the United States. Although its name translates to “light automatic rifle,” this is a semi-automatic. Nowadays, the company DS Arms makes all-American modern-day FALs under the SA58 series. I’ve had the chance to review one of them. With a hefty price tag ... Read more
[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
Vortex Strike Eagle: The Best Deal LPVO? [Review]
Your AR-15 becomes twice the weapon it is with a rifle scope in place. This makes it a terrific reason for serious gunners to consider a serious scope. However, having one shouldn’t hurt your budget as much — or that’s what the Vortex Strike Eagle claims. Is this low-power variable optic (LPVO) real value for ... Read more
Chiappa Rhino 60DS [Hands-On Review]
When it comes to power and accuracy, revolvers are my go-to weapon. Despite what haters say, these wheelguns have more than meets the eye. Besides its popularity in movies, revolvers make reliable weapons for self-defense. Plus, they also perform great at the ranch. Today we are taking a look at one of my personal favorites, ... Read more
[Review] Ruger AR 556
The Ruger brand is a trusted name in the gun industry. When Ruger introduced the SR-55 12 years ago, everybody loved it except for its hefty price tag. Thankfully, Ruger released the all-American-made and affordable entry-level version of the AR-15, the Ruger AR-556. As you may know, we have written many reviews and guides for ... Read more
SIG Sauer P238 [Complete Hands-On Guide]
Have you ever wanted a concealed carry pistol that contains the functions of the famous Colt 1911? Owning one is equal to having a reliable, compact, and powerful self-defense weapon. I own more than 100 firearms and, let me tell you, shooting the SIG Sauer P238 is fun because of its accuracy. It also operates ... 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
[Review] Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Shotguns are reliable weapons and our best home defense shotgun article explains why. With our country suffering from one burglary every 30 seconds, it’s a necessity to have one. But almost no one seems to tackle the topic of getting a red dot sight for this baddie. Red dot sights can help you target an ... 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=MTY2MToyNDc=-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
Gun Review: Taurus G2s [Complete Hands-on Guide]
I’m a fan of concealed carry weapons, and I have the Sig Sauer P365 for my everyday carry. The 9mm caliber is also a popular round for this purpose. Guns that shoot the 9mm are lightweight, compact, and easy to use. Additionally, the recoil is manageable, and its size is excellent for CCW. Now there ... 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
SIG MPX Copperhead [Hands-on Review]
This is the carbine for you if you like the aesthetics of the original MP5 but prefer the controls of an AR-15. Are you handy with an AR-15? Then you’ll have no issue converting your skills to the SIG Copperhead as I did. Just as its venomous namesake, this is a nimble yet dangerous beast. SIG ... Read more
Kimber K6s: Six-Shot .357 Mag for CCW [A Review]
It’s a time of uncertainty, and in circumstances like this, the most logical thing for people to do is equip themselves. This feeling of uneasiness is reflected greatly in the gun market as sales skyrocketed while the ammunition supply took a nosedive. With so much change all around, an everyday carry (EDC) gun gives people ... Read more
[Hands-on Review]: The Non-NFA Remington TAC-14
The National Firearms Act ensured that the days are gone when you can pick a shotgun off the shelf and proceed to the cashier. But that is not all this Act did, it also spurred a fair bit of innovation. One being the revolutionary Remington TAC-14. Why revolutionary? Well, it is a shotgun, but not ... Read more
