I first heard the term “carbine” growing up in the 1960s, when westerns and WWII shows filled the TV airwaves. Carbines, firearms that are compact, fast-handling and distinct from a full-size rifle,…

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been keeping a close eye on the onslaught of new product releases that inevitably come this time of year. It certainly is a fun and exciting time of year…

I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not I should carry a gun. I can’t explain exactly why, but it has been weighing on my heart for some time. Something just kept pulling at me. I’ve been a…

With 2025 in the rearview mirror, many of us have entered the new year with the best of intentions for whichever New Year’s resolution we’ve committed to. It goes without saying that one of the most,…

As a gun owner, you understand the importance of safety and responsibility. As a responsible concealed carrier, you may be concerned with how to store your gun while traveling or commuting. Of…

I’ve been a fan of Bond Arms for many years, since the handling quality of the heavy-framed Texas Defender first impressed me at a writers’ conference in Florida. Company founder Gordon Bond was…

Can you legally carry a gun at a protest? The short answer is that there’s no single federal law, but lots of nuanced state and local laws you need to consider. While there’s no outright federal ban…

Florida’s long-standing ban on openly carrying firearms is suddenly on shaky ground after a dramatic court ruling that has sent ripples through the state’s legal and law enforcement communities. In a…

Few topics generate more debate among gun owners than identifying the best gun for self-defense. That’s because defensive situations vary widely, and what works well for one person may not be ideal…

Carrying concealed at work is one of the most complicated decisions an armed citizen can face. Balancing the need for personal protection with the logistics and legalities of the workplace can be…

When it comes to opinions on custom firearms, gun owners tend to fall into one of two camps: “Stock is best” or “Custom is life.” It’s true that grabbing a Glock or Walther straight out of the box…

Originally published June 2025 You’re armed, trained and maybe even confident, but that doesn’t mean you should walk into danger or provoke a crowd. Civil unrest can erupt with little warning,…

When I made my foray into the field of law enforcement in 1980, shoulder holsters were a common and practical way for officers to carry handguns while working plainclothes or off duty.  Back then,…

Key Takeaways Clean your firearm after each range session to prevent buildup and maintain accuracy. EDC guns should be inspected weekly for lint, dust, and corrosion. Field-strip and deep clean at least once a month for frequently carried guns. Over-oiling, ignoring magazines, and skipping inspections are common mistakes to avoid.

The Taurus Judge .45 Colt/.410 Shotshell Defender was originally reviewed in October 2015. I have always admired the versatility of revolvers. For example, a .357 Magnum revolver can be loaded hot…

Call me lucky: I get to shoot a lot of guns during the course of a year. Now, the powers that be would like me to distill that list to my top six favorite guns. It’s no small task. Still, I will give…

The Second Amendment remains a hot topic in 2025, with gun rights and regulations sparking debate across the nation. From court decisions challenging long-standing firearm restrictions to new…

Most well-known American gun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Remington and Colt were established around 150 years ago. Beretta surpasses them by three centuries. Its first recorded contract…

I’ve been evaluating and writing about firearms for civilian and law enforcement use since the early 1990s. In that time, I’ve handled and fired more handguns, rifles and shotguns than I can count.…

*Originally published in Concealed Carry Magazine, February 2018 It doesn’t happen often that a firearms company makes a genuine change to a proven gun. New models may get new finishes, new sights or…