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Hand’s On Reviews
127 posts
.224 Valkyrie [Review] – Supersonic at 1,300 yards!
New rounds appear to be popping up everywhere, particularly in the AR platform. The .224 Valkyrie was introduced by the Federal Ammunition in 2017. At that time, it caught the attention of many long-range target rifle shooters. Despite the enthusiasm for the .223 Remington and 22 Nosler cartridges, there was a huge wave of support ... 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
Mossberg 930 Tactical SPX – Robust, Reliable, & Built to Perform
Whether or not you are new to shotguns, the Mossberg 930 Tactical SPX is a weapon that is worth keeping in your arsenal. Robust, modular, and reliable, this semi-automatic shotgun is also fairly affordable, bringing in some good news for shotgun aficionados. If you’re looking for a pump-action shotgun, check out this article we published ... Read more
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine Review [Hands On]
Our CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 carbine has a few battle scars now. But it has proven itself in hot, dusty, and sandy conditions. After owning one for several months, we thought it was time for a long-term review. Introduction The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 is the civilian version of the select fire CZ ... 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
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
Glock 40 MOS Review – A 10mm Hand Cannon
If you’re looking for reviews on Glock handguns chambered in the .40 S&W caliber, then this is not it. The Glock 40 is chambered in the much more powerful 10mm round. If .40 S&W is your thing, check out our Glock 23 review. Introduction to the Glock 40 The story of the 10mm handgun cartridge ... 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
The full Taurus G2C review
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
CMP M1911 review (Civilian Marksmanship Program)
Summary What is the Civilian Marksmanship Program? In 1903 the US Congress created the Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship to help improve marksmanship skills among America’s civilian populace. The program that evolved out of this is now known as the Civilian Marksmanship Program. It has been front and center in promoting safe and ... 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
Kel Tec Sub 2000 Full Review (2021)
Summary I’ve been shooting the Kel Tec Sub 2000 since 2017, so if you’re looking to buy one or want to make up your mind, you’ve come to the right place! Make sure you read the full review. Further down this review, I go through all the accessories that I advise purchasing to overcome the ... Read more
![Ruger MPR Review [AR 556 Expert Hands On]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTM3NjoyNTQ=-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
[Review] Smith and Wesson 617: The Perfect Revolver?
Smith and Wesson 617 summary Introduction A descendent of the 1899 K-frame Smith & Wesson’s Model 617 shares the company’s K frame heritage that stretches back to 1899. K frame guns were worn by American soldiers in both World Wars, served as duty weapons to virtually every police agency in the country, and provided millions ... Read more
Investment piece? The $3,695 Ed Brown 1911 [Review]
Ed Brown 1911 Classic Custom in summary Ed Brown 1911, the Classic Custom, is one maker’s interpretation of what a perfect 1911 should be. Blending John Moses Browning’s genius with modern technology and a healthy dose of hand craftsmanship, the Classic Custom leaves nothing to be desired. Fun and quality come at a price: the ... Read more
Ruger Precision Rifle 22LR [hands on review]
The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is something of a phenomenon! In the world of precision rifles, Ruger has a respectable presence. But usually, they are associated with calibers such as .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. We don’t typically put “.22 LR” and “precision rifle” in the same sentence. But, as Bob Hope said, I gotta tell ... Read more
Ruger GP100 Revolver – expert hands on review [2021]
Ruger and the revolver First, before we get to the Ruger GP100, let’s take a quick look at history. Ruger has had a long relationship with revolvers. Although the company was founded to produce a semi-automatic .22 pistol, Ruger’s second product was actually a single action revolver in .357 Magnum. This was to capitalize on ... Read more
PSA AR10 Review – Steak Features for Hamburger Prices
Summary Palmetto State Armory’s Gen3 PA10 platform (PSA AR10) is a solid and well-made performer in the AR-10 space, and at its price point (MSRP of $1349, but it can sometimes be found for $1179) it is tough to beat. PSA’s superb reputation for after-service support shouldn’t be necessary, but it’s comforting to know that ... Read more
Ruger Charger review (9mm)
First off, let me say that I really enjoyed the Ruger Charger. It was fun to shoot and easy to carry around, since there was no buttstock to get in the way. (Having said that, you could attach a brace – the mount is there). With dual-magazine capability (Ruger and Glock), you could have a ... Read more
New Ruger Max-9 pistol for Concealed Carry MSRP $499 [Hands on review]
It’s always interesting to watch new guns or similar products come out. As a reviewer and purveyor of firearms-related industry news, I am still amazed at times when I read of or am told about a new gun being launched. I have been in on my share of NDAs – non-disclosure agreements – from manufacturers ... Read more
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 Review [2021]
Small, pocketable pistols are all the rage right now. (Come to think of it, they’ve been popular ever since they were made small enough to fit in a pocket). At any rate, many manufacturers are building tiny guns that pack a punch, which can be pretty powerful behind the muzzle as well as in front ... Read more
Sig Sauer P220 .45 ACP review [2021]
The SIG Sauer P220 is one heck of a gun. Police agencies across the U.S. and around the world have used, and still use, Sig pistols extensively. Matter of fact, one very close-to-me state issues the 220 to its state troopers and also issues the P365 as a backup gun. I’ll get more into this ... Read more
Diamondback DB9R 9mm Rifle – One Fun Gun To Run
Diamondback Firearms has had a rather rocky history early on. You might hear, “Diamondback? come on – you’ve got to be kidding!”. That’s the reaction that some shooters had when the Diamondback .380 or 9mm pistol was brought up. This knee-jerk comment typically came from a shooter with an H&K, Springfield Armory, Sig Sauer, or ... Read more
Rossi R92 .357 magnum lever action rifle – hands on review
Look at this gun. What a thing of beauty, eh? How could you drag this thing through briars and brambles on your way to your deer stand? Polished stainless steel, close-grained hardwood stock… this rifle is built to not only harvest deer (or whatever you use it for) – it’s meant to look good while ... Read more