Originally published September 2018. Updated May 2026. The Mossberg Maverick 88 Security 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is an affordable example of a basic tactical pump-action shotgun — and it’s made…

I’ve been carrying a handgun on the trail since I entered law enforcement. In my earlier days of hiking and carrying concealed, that usual meant a compact .38 Special snubnose revolver or small .380…

This article was originally published in April 2023 and updated in May 2026. Before the 9mm became America’s default self-defense cartridge, the concealed carry market was an afterthought, consisting…

Low-light training is often a forgotten factor in a person’s overall skillset. Compared to defensive encounters in broad daylight, the veil of darkness presents a world of opportunity for things to…

The “Expert Witness” column from Concealed Carry Magazine brings real-world self-defense stories into focus through the lens of an experienced attorney. In each installment, actual defensive gun use…

A constant diet of bad news can wear anybody down (my wife regularly tells me to cut back on it) but paying attention to violent crime trends is important. Concealed carriers and ordinary citizens…

Handguns are primarily divided into two categories: revolvers and semi-automatics. Choosing between a revolver and a semi-auto is one of the biggest decisions new handgun owners face. Both platforms…

Virginia is once again at the center of the gun-control debate. With a new governor and full Democratic control of state government, lawmakers have pushed through one of the most sweeping packages of…

What Is Responsible Concealed Carry? Responsible concealed carry means more than carrying a firearm legally. It means choosing safe gear, training regularly, practicing with your carry setup and building daily habits that support confident, responsible self-defense. Responsible Concealed Carry Starts With Mindset Everyone has a unique story about concealed carry.

Originally published in November 2016. Updated May 2026. Back in 2009, I had the opportunity to test the then-new Ruger LCP: an ultra-compact, double-action, 6+1 capacity .380 ACP pistol designed for…

The most user-friendly pistols generally have good-to-excellent ergonomics, a smooth trigger and a rugged set of well-made iron sights that work with your eyes. Sights must be sturdy enough not to…

Hi-Point Firearms is an Ohio-based company that began manufacturing handguns and later carbines in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1990. The company built a reputation for producing affordable American-made…

Got questions about traveling with a gun in your vehicle, checked luggage or across state lines? You’re not alone. Whether you’re headed across the state or across the country, planning a road trip…

Key Takeaway: Concealed carry reciprocity determines whether another state recognizes your concealed carry permit. Reciprocity laws vary widely across the country, making it essential for responsibly…

Though every “barstool commando” might seem quick to make declarative statements, the reality of armed self-defense is a lot more complicated. And though discussions (and even sometimes arguments) about technique are fine while you’re relaxing over a few beverages, they’re not a substitute for acknowledging that sometimes it just depends.

Founded in 1939, Taurus has been offering affordable handguns for personal defense, target shooting and hunting for decades. After fulfilling a contract to supply Beretta-designed 9mm handguns to the…

If you became a gun owner after 1994, you may be unaware of how much the federal “assault weapons” ban changed the rifle market. The law restricted newly manufactured semi-automatic rifles and…

Concealed carry mistakes are more common than most people think. And they’re not just limited to beginners. From poor situational awareness to bad gear choices and flawed assumptions about…

When I was 10 years old, my Aunt Naomi gave me a lined book for Christmas. It had no words in it, and I asked her what it was. She told me it was my diary and that I could write down thoughts there…

Many handguns on the used gun market are still capable of providing reliable performance for today’s concealed carrier or home defender, often at a much lower price than newer models. And if you…